Alabama Farmers Gather for 104th Annual Meeting!

Alabama farmers recently wrapped up their 104th annual meeting in Montgomery, and let me tell you, it was a real barn burner! Under the banner of "Fighting for Farmers," over 1,300 folks from all corners of the state came together to celebrate their hard work and resilience.

Tomi Lahren Lights a Fire

Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren fired up the crowd, urging everyone to get involved in the upcoming elections. She reminded the "forgotten Americans" in attendance that every voice matters in shaping the future of the country. As she put it, "Every day is a battle for the hearts and mind of this country!"

Conversations and Connections

Beyond the fiery speeches, the meeting was a hub of activity. Farmers mingled with candidates, swapped stories, and discussed the issues that matter most. Leaders were elected to various committees, and awards were handed out to those making a real difference in their communities.

Honoring the Best

Several folks were recognized for their outstanding contributions, including Jake Harper, who received the Service to Agriculture Award. Other leaders were honored for their long-time service and impact at the county level. These folks are the backbone of our agricultural community, and it was great to see them get the recognition they deserve!

Celebrating Successes

The meeting also highlighted some major wins for the Federation and Alfa Insurance, including securing federal assistance for farmers and the successful launch of Alfa Health Plans. Senator Arthur Orr and Rep. David Faulkner were also commended for their support.

Looking to the Future

The Alabama Farmers Federation meeting was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and resilience of Alabama farmers. With passionate speakers, critical discussions, and a focus on the future, it's clear that these folks are ready to continue "Fighting for Farmers" in the years to come!

Crimson Tide Crushed in Pasadena

Ouch! Alabama's season ended with a thud in Pasadena on New Year's Day, suffering a brutal 38-3 beatdown at the hands of the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers. This wasn't just a loss; it was a historic shellacking, marking the program's worst bowl defeat ever.

A Game to Forget

Not only was it the Crimson Tide's most lopsided postseason loss in over a century, it was also the most embarrassing overall defeat since 1998.

Early Hope Fades Fast

The game didn't immediately devolve into a disaster. Early on, it seemed like the underdog Crimson Tide might actually compete with the Hoosiers. But Indiana simply executed better, dominating all four quarters.

A Turning Point

Indiana's first drive stalled, ending in a sack. Alabama moved the ball, hinting at promise. However, after pinning Indiana deep, the Hoosiers embarked on a momentum-shifting 16-play, 84-yard drive, answering every challenge from the Alabama defense.

A Gamble Gone Wrong

A controversial fourth-down trick play call backfired, handing Indiana the ball in prime territory. From there, the floodgates opened.

Fumbles and Missed Opportunities

Alabama punted, forced a three-and-out, and started moving the ball again. However, a costly fumble gifted Indiana possession near midfield, which they capitalized on to take a 17-0 lead into halftime.

Quarterback Change Doesn't Spark Revival

After a quick three-and-out to begin the second half, an injured Ty Simpson was replaced by Austin Mack. While Mack offered a glimmer of hope, it was too late, as Indiana marched down the field for another touchdown, extending their lead to 24-0.

Hoosiers Dominate

Indiana continued to pile on the points with touchdown drives on their next two possessions, turning the game into a complete rout.

Looking Ahead

Kalen DeBoer and his staff have some serious reflecting to do this offseason. With significant roster and staff changes expected, a quarterback battle brewing, and hopefully some key personnel upgrades on the horizon, it's going to be a long winter and spring until this team hits the field again next August.

Skip the Usual Resolutions This Year!

Tired of New Year's resolutions that fizzle out by February? You're not alone! Gym memberships gather dust, diets crumble, and budgets bust. Sound familiar?

A Resolution You Can Actually Keep!

What if there was a New Year's resolution that was actually doable, beneficial, and finished by January 31st? Intrigued?

The Power of Proverbs

January has 31 days. The Book of Proverbs has 31 chapters. Coincidence? We think not! Proverbs is packed with timeless wisdom, practical advice, and guidance for everyday life.

Your One-Month Challenge: Read Proverbs!

Here's the resolution: "Read one chapter of Proverbs each day in January." Simple, right? No fancy equipment, no strict rules, just pure wisdom.

Why This Resolution Rocks

• It's Easy: One chapter a day. That's it!
• It's Free: Your Bible is all you need.
• It's Beneficial: Proverbs offers guidance on everything from relationships to work ethic.
• It Sticks: The wisdom you gain will last far beyond January.

Store Up Some Wisdom

Psalm 119:11 says, "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Imagine filling your heart with the wisdom of Proverbs!

How to Make it Happen

• Schedule It: Choose a time and place for your daily reading. Morning, evening, during your lunch break – whatever works!
• Tell a Friend: Find an accountability partner to share the journey with.
• Mark Your Calendar: Treat it like an important appointment.

What if You Miss a Day?

No worries! Just double up the next day or extend your reading into February. The important thing is to keep going.

Ready to Start?

Say it out loud: "I will read one chapter of the Book of Proverbs each day in January!" Get ready for a wise and wonderful new year!

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.