A ChumCity Legend Bids Farewell!

After an incredible 37 years lighting up the world of public power, and 19 dedicated years with Energy Southeast, Lisa Miller, manager of external affairs, is hanging up her hat!

A Stellar Career

Lisa joined the Energy Southeast family back in 2007 as director of communications. She wore many hats over the years – manager of communications and marketing, manager of communications and economic development – before taking on the role of manager of external affairs just this year!

Champion of Communities

In her role, Lisa spearheaded everything from strategic communications and marketing to rocking economic and community development programs and navigating governmental affairs. She was a true advocate for public power, forging awesome relationships with organizations like the Alabama Department of Commerce and the Business Council of Alabama.

Building a Brighter Future

Lisa has been a powerhouse in helping our members build thriving communities through initiatives like the Energy Southeast Economic Development Grant Program and the Energy Southeast Capital Fund Program.

Accolades Galore!

Her amazing leadership has been recognized with a ton of awards, including the Alabama Communities of Excellence Star Outstanding Leadership Award and Main Street Alabama’s Alice Bowsher Leadership Award. Talk about a rockstar!

Leaving a Legacy

Lisa's dedication, leadership, and passion for community development have left an unforgettable mark on Energy Southeast and the communities we serve.

From Alex City to Prattville

A proud daughter of Alexander City, Alabama, and an Auburn University grad, Lisa and her husband, Mike, call Prattville home. She's always been actively involved in community life. Thanks for everything, Lisa! We'll miss you!

New Year, New Hope: Making a Difference in Alabama

As the new year dawns, many Alabamians are pondering ways to positively impact lives. For some families, this leads to the incredible journey of foster care and adoption, offering stability, love, and hope to children who need it most. Kids to Love, an amazing non-profit, empowers this transformation across Alabama.

A Personal Calling

Jared and Rachel Pittman's story is a testament to this. Their desire to adopt began years ago. After facing hurdles in the initial adoption process, they discovered foster care through Kids to Love's supportive training programs. What began as a willingness to help soon blossomed into a defining chapter for their family.

A Family's Journey

Over two years, the Pittmans opened their hearts and home to five foster children. In February 2023, they welcomed a precious infant boy, Jaylen, whose biological mother needed support. Like many foster families, they were committed to reunification, if possible. When that wasn't an option, the child, who had become family, needed a permanent home. In July 2025, the Pittmans finalized Jaylen's adoption, expanding their family, which already included their older biological child.

Supported Every Step of the Way

Throughout this journey, the Pittmans were supported by their church and Kids to Love, which provided guidance, resources, and encouragement whenever needed.

Kids to Love: A Mission Born From Experience

Founded by Lee Marshall, who herself was born into foster care and adopted, Kids to Love understands the needs of children in foster care intimately. Since 2004, they've served hundreds of thousands of children across Alabama, providing clothing, school supplies, and Christmas gifts, while also operating a licensed child placing agency.

More Than Just Placement

Kids to Love also runs Davidson Farms, a foster home for girls, and the Whitaker Cottage Community, which supports young women aging out of foster care. Their KTECH workforce training program offers hands-on education in manufacturing, robotics, and technical skills, empowering young adults to build stable futures. The Madison campus also offers trauma-informed counseling, educational facilities, and community support.

The Urgent Need Continues

As 2026 begins, the need for foster families, adoptive parents, volunteers, and supporters remains urgent. Thousands of Alabama children are still waiting for safe, stable homes and adults who will walk alongside them.

How You Can Help

If you feel that pull to make a difference, Kids to Love offers a way to step in – whether by opening your home, volunteering your time, or supporting their mission. For a child in foster care, one decision can change everything.

Hudson's Fight Against Waste: Alabama First!

Jared Hudson isn't looking for a quiet gig in D.C. He's running for U.S. Senate because Alabama taxpayers are getting ripped off by a government that's lost its way.

Billions Missing!

It's a disgrace when a citizen and a young journalist uncover BILLIONS in fraud that the feds ignored. The issue? Not a lack of rules, but a lack of guts!

Where's the Money Going?

Washington throws cash at programs with zero accountability. It vanishes through layers of bureaucracy while Alabamians are left footing the bill.

The Scam is Simple

Fraud thrives where oversight is weak. Fake dependents, duplicate claims, and services that never happen are draining our resources. Healthcare, housing, and aid money is lining pockets instead.

Alabama's Paying the Price

Our families face higher taxes, rural hospitals struggle, and we're told there's "no money" while billions vanish!

Why Isn't It Stopped?

Because Washington rewards spending, not saving! Agencies get bigger budgets for speed, not results. Challenging fraud brings headaches, so they look the other way.

Buzzwords Over Substance

Years of empty slogans replaced real enforcement. Asking questions became "offensive," auditing became "optional," and oversight was seen as "cruel."

Alabama Feels the Pain

When federal money is wasted, it hurts OUR hospitals, schools, law enforcement, and communities. It hurts legal immigrants and hardworking taxpayers.

Hudson: The Fixer

As a former cop, Hudson knows you fix problems by facing them head-on. As Senator, he'll fight for Alabama.

Real Audits, Real Accountability

Hudson will demand real audits, not political theater. If programs can't show results, funding stops! Every dollar must be tracked. No more blank checks.

Backing the Truth-Tellers

Hudson will support whistleblowers and citizens who speak out! He'll fight to share fraud data, stopping scammers from simply moving on.

Compassion Means Responsibility

A government that won't enforce the law isn't compassionate, it's careless!

Ready to Roll Up His Sleeves

Jared Hudson is ready to work. No backroom deals. Just straight talk and hard questions to protect the people who pay the bills.

Alabama's Had Enough!

Washington may be comfortable, but Alabama isn't. And with Jared Hudson in the Senate, they won't be for long.

The South's Allure: Northern Students Flocking to SEC Schools

It's not just an SEC thing anymore! That "It just means more" vibe? It's spreading North! A tidal wave of students from the Northeast are ditching snow boots for Southern charm, and SEC schools are loving it.

Migration Mania

Fox News reports that, according to The Sunday Times, SEC universities have seen a whopping 91% surge in undergrads from the Northeast between 2014 and 2023. South Carolina? They're up over 90%!

A Northern Invasion?

"All my friends are from Jersey, Philly, New York, Maryland," says Sean Carroll, a South Carolina senior from the Big Apple. "People ask if it's a culture shock, but there are so many Northerners that you forget you're in South Carolina. It's just the place to be."

Beyond the Palmetto State

The Southern school craze isn't limited to South Carolina. Applications to Southern colleges have skyrocketed by over 50% since 2019, leaving their Northern counterparts in the dust with a measly 30% increase.

What's Next?

The article suggests that if this keeps up, Southern schools might need to seriously tighten their acceptance rates just to keep up with demand.

Sunshine, Southern Hospitality...and Football?

Is it the epic football, the sweet tea weather, the legendary hospitality, or a perfect mix of all three? Whatever the reason, one thing's clear: everyone wants a piece of that Southern college life!

Former Judge Self Gets 12 Years

Well, folks, remember Judge Gil Self? He's been sentenced to a cool 12 years behind bars. Last month, that Lauderdale County jury found him guilty on 17 out of 18 charges. Three weeks of trial in November led to that verdict!

From Bench to Defendant's Chair

Talk about a role reversal! Self sat in the hot seat, in the very same courtroom where he used to preside as judge. Ouch!

The Sentence and Appeal

Retired Marshall County Judge Tim Jolley, brought in to oversee this case, delivered the sentence on December 17th. He also set an appeal bond at $20,000, which Self promptly posted, so he's out pending the appeal outcome.

The Charges

So, what landed him in this mess? Two counts of perjury, 14 counts of using his office for personal gain (intentionally), and one count of using it unintentionally. Quite a list!

The Defense's Argument

The defense team argued poor old Gil didn’t get proper training in handling public funds. They claimed everything was processed correctly, and any mistakes were just accidents. Plus, they pointed out Self paid back all the questioned funds from that state audit and that other judges doing the same didn't face criminal charges.

What Else?

The sentence also bars Self from ever holding public office in Alabama again. And he's got a $5,000 fine to cough up. The prosecution wanted a 20-year sentence with five years locked up. The defense? They asked for no jail time, citing Self’s clean record.

Alabama Republicans Cheer Trump's Action in Venezuela!

Whoa! Alabama's Republican representatives in Congress are totally on board with President Trump's move against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Looks like things just got spicy down south!

Maduro Out, U.S. In?

According to Trump on Truth Social, the U.S. military conducted a "large scale strike" resulting in Maduro and his wife being captured. The operation, Trump claims, was done with U.S. Law Enforcement. Big claims!

Praise from the Heart of Dixie

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks), chair of the House Armed Services Committee, gave Trump props for taking "decisive action" against what he called an "illegitimate regime."

Trump also stated that Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in but the US will be "running it with a group, and we're going to make sure it's run properly." Okay then!

"Narco-Terrorist Network" Claimed

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) said Maduro was "running a narco-terrorist network" flooding the US with deadly drugs. Strong words!

Warnings and Justice

Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) called the strike "a warning to ANYONE who threatens our country." Boom! Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) described Maduro as a "kingpin of a vast criminal network" who needed justice.

Long Overdue?

Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) declared the strike "long overdue." And Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) thanked our "brave men and women in our Armed Forces."

Facing the Music

Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) believes Maduro should now "face those charges head-on in a U.S. courtroom."

What do YOU think about all this? Let us know in the comments!

Sheep Stealing and Sunday Morning Surprises

So, there I was, minding my own business at the Monday morning pastors' meeting. Then BAM! A colleague cornered me, all riled up about Bob and Kay joining our church the day before. Turns out, he'd invested a ton of time in their marriage counseling. He seemed convinced I'd somehow "courted" them away from his congregation!

Before the Social Media Frenzy

Honestly, I was just as surprised as he was! We hadn't even discussed them joining. It felt natural, though, since Kay's parents were already part of our flock. Back then, most churches voted in new members right away, a practice that's thankfully evolved to include more conversation and new member classes.

The "Sheep Stealing" Dilemma

My fellow pastor and I chatted later, and I assured him we had no intention of "sheep stealing"—you know, that old term for snatching members by criticizing their home church or pastor. Pastoral ethicists have long frowned upon this. It's like Gaylord Noyce wrote: unethical to actively lure members away without good reason, and definitely not cool to badmouth other congregations.

When Sheep Wander: Understanding the Reasons

No pastor enjoys seeing members leave, but sometimes it's understandable. Life changes like divorce can lead folks to seek new spiritual homes. Others feel called to ministries their church doesn't offer, or even leave intentionally to help start new churches. The key is, there should never be overt criticism of other congregations to poach members.

A More Graceful Approach

Some pastors have learned to soften the perceived rivalry by introducing new members with something like, "John Doe joins us from a sister church, eager to work alongside us."

Reconciliation and Connection

Ministers and lay leaders can play a vital role in reconciliation. If you hear of needs or struggles in another church, a simple phone call to the pastor can offer support and a chance to reach out with compassion.

Ultimately, we should strive for the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17. Building connections with fellow ministers and congregations, treating them as teammates, not competitors, is a step in the right direction.

Remembering Alabama's Political Giants: A Fond Farewell

As has been my tradition for over two decades, let's take a moment to honor some remarkable Alabama political figures we lost this past year. They left an undeniable mark on our state.

George McMillan: A True Gentleman

Former State Senator and Lt. Governor George McMillan of Birmingham passed away at 81. George was the kind of guy who lit up a room – a true people person. It seemed like everyone who met George instantly liked him. He blazed onto the political scene, winning a State Senate seat in '74 and becoming Lt. Governor in '78. Remember that nail-biter of a race against George Wallace for Governor in '82? Many thought McMillan would usher in a "New South" era for Alabama.

Mac Gipson: Tire King and Public Servant

Former State Representative and ABC Administrator Mac Gipson passed in July at 89. Mac represented Autauga and Elmore Counties for 16 years. Governor Robert Bentley tapped him to lead the Alabama Beverage Control Board, where he stayed until retirement in 2022 under Governors Bentley and Ivey. Before his public service, Mac founded Gipson’s Tire stores – a true entrepreneur. He was a good man and a reliable friend in the legislature.

Ralph Burke: Educator and Advocate

Another legislative friend, Ralph Burke, passed away in July way too soon at only 65. Ralph represented DeKalb County in the House from '83 to '98. An educator by trade, he was a proud Jacksonville State alum and lifelong supporter.

Bill Drinkard: A Versatile Leader

William “Bill” Drinkard passed away in July at 79. Bill served Etowah and St. Clair Counties in both the House and Senate from '78 to '90. He was a jack-of-all-trades, with experience as a store owner, hospital administrator, and real estate developer. A truly diligent legislator.

Julian McPhillips: Champion of Justice

Julian McPhillips, a renowned lawyer and Democratic leader for over four decades, passed in Montgomery at 78. Born into a family with deep Alabama roots, he graduated from Princeton and Columbia Law School before returning to Alabama to work for Attorney General Bill Baxley. A progressive voice in Montgomery, always fighting for justice.

Tom Walker: The Visionary Behind American Village

Tom Walker, Founder and President Emeritus of the American Village in Montevallo, passed away in September. Tom had a vision to preserve American History, and was a good man! The American Village stands as his remarkable legacy.

Bill Cabaniss: Republican Pioneer

Former Jefferson County State Senator Bill Cabaniss passed away at 86. A Republican long before it was trendy, Bill was a pioneer of the modern Republican Party in Alabama. President George H.W. Bush appointed him ambassador to the Czech Republic.

Dr. Annette Shelby: Educator and Partner

Dr. Annette Shelby, wife of retired Senator Richard Shelby, passed away in July at 86. A distinguished educator and tenured professor, she was also an integral part of Senator Shelby’s career.

Ann Bedsole: Trailblazing Legislator

Ann Bedsole passed on December 1 at 95 in Mobile. Bedsole was the first Republican woman elected to both the Alabama House and Senate. A true trailblazer and a woman of her word.

We lost some truly great Alabamians this year. They will be missed.

Tide Rolls Over Wildcats in SEC Opener!

Saturday's SEC kickoff was sweet for Alabama, leaving Kentucky licking their wounds! The Wildcats roared to a 5-0 start, giving Bama fans flashbacks to that Rose Bowl scare against Indiana.

Bama Bites Back!

But unlike that New Year's Day nightmare, Alabama wasn't having it! The Tide unleashed a 9-0 run, snatching the lead and never looking back.

Dominance Displayed

Alabama stretched their lead to a whopping 21 points! Kentucky tried to claw their way back, but the Tide's dominance was undeniable. Halftime? 50-34 Bama! Final score? A resounding 89-74 victory!

History Made!

This win wasn't just another W – it was historic! For the FIRST TIME EVER, Alabama has conquered Kentucky four times in a row! Kentucky's last triumph over the Crimson Tide was way back in February 2024.

Looking Ahead

No. 14 Alabama boasts an impressive 11-3 record (1-0 in the SEC). Next up, they face #11 Vanderbilt in Nashville on Wednesday, January 7 at 7 p.m. CST. Watch out, Vandy, the Tide is rolling!

About the Author

Jim Zig Zeigler is a Yellowhammer News contributing writer. He focuses on the bright side of Alabama: its people, happenings, and notable passings. A former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner, you can connect with him at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.

Palm Beach Summit: A United Front Emerges!

Guess what happened just before 2026 kicked off? Big names from America's evangelical Christian world and Jewish leaders jetted off to sunny Palm Beach, Florida! Their mission? To strategize how to defend America, Israel, and, well, the entire planet from radical Islamists.

Netanyahu Joins the Fray

Adding some serious star power, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself joined the discussions! Pastor Travis Johnson of Pathway Church in Mobile was also there, and he spilled the beans on what went down.

Straight From the Source

Forget pundit opinions – this is straight from Pastor Johnson himself:

"Yesterday in Palm Beach, as pastors and Christian leaders sat with Prime Minister Netanyahu, we made it unmistakably clear: We stand with the Prime Minister and Israel. Period. No equivocation."

And Netanyahu's response? Powerful! He affirmed his support for America and persecuted Christians worldwide.

A True Alliance Takes Shape

Pastor Johnson highlighted this as a "profound moment" and a "vital alliance." It's about time the fog lifted from those influencers who downplay the Islamist threat.

Facing the Threat Head-On

Let's be real: radical Islam and anti-Jewish voices have numbers and funding on their side. But some American influencers who used to back the grassroots movement are revealing their true colors. Their shift against evangelical Christians? It's an attack on freedom!

Standing Strong Together

Despite rising anti-Jewish sentiment and attacks on conservatism, Christians, and freedom globally, Israel and evangelical Christians stand together, supporting each other wherever terror strikes.

Netanyahu's Powerful Words

But don't just take his word for it. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated:

"Israel is joining an emerging alliance of countries that support Christian communities around the world, beleaguered communities who deserve our help… In Africa, with intel, in the Middle East, with a lot of means that I won’t itemize each one. But this is what our agenda is, it’s a main part of our agenda, and it’s going to continue with greater force and greater might in this coming year.”

Prayers Needed

Will you join in praying for persecuted Christians and Jews worldwide? And will you pray against the schemes that target Christians and Jews in Africa, the Middle East, the US, and Israel?

Mission to Israel

Johnson also joined over a thousand Christian leaders on a mission to Israel back in December, including U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. It was the largest group of American Christian leaders ever to visit "the Holy Land" on such a mission, a "Friends of Zion" project.

Ambassadors for Israel

The trip, organized with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed to prep participants to be unofficial ambassadors for Israel.

United Against Antisemitism

The ultimate goal of the Palm Beach meeting? To unify and demonstrate unity between evangelical Christian leaders in America, Israel, and the Jewish people, and to squash any perception of division. They're taking a stand against the antisemitism lurking in certain university corners and parts of the Democrat party, standing firm against the lies and committed to the truth.