Kayak Eufaula Sets Sail at Lakepoint State Park!

Get ready to paddle! A brand-new outdoor adventure program, "Kayak Eufaula," is making a splash this summer at Lakepoint State Park, thanks to an awesome team-up between the City of Eufaula Parks and Recreation Department, Alabama Power, and Innovate Alabama.

Lake Eufaula: Your Kayaking Playground

Imagine gliding across the beautiful Lake Eufaula! "Kayak Eufaula" will offer guided tours, rentals, and cool educational stuff for everyone, no matter your skill level. Lakepoint State Park, with its gorgeous lakeside setting, is the perfect home base for all the fun.

A Park Director's Perspective

"Lakepoint State Park is thrilled to welcome 'Kayak Eufaula'," says Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps. "Kayak Eufaula at Lakepoint State Park opens up an exciting new way for people to enjoy Eufaula and the great outdoors."

Fueling the Adventure

Innovate Alabama is backing the project with a grant to purchase kayaks, safety gear, and provide top-notch guide training.

Alabama Power: A Key Partner

Alabama Power is also playing a vital role, showing their commitment to protecting the environment and creating awesome recreational spots for communities.

Local Coordinator Sounds Off

Rick Thorne, with the City of Eufaula Parks and Recreation Department, is stoked about the launch. "We’re thrilled to introduce this program... We truly appreciate the support and collaboration of Innovate Alabama, Lakepoint State Park, and Alabama Power.”

Mark Your Calendars!

The official launch event is June 2nd, featuring a ribbon-cutting and fun community activities with demonstrations for all ages. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

Alabama's Backbone: Families, Farms, and Small Businesses

Across our great state, from the Black Belt to the Tennessee Valley, Alabamians are working hard to build a better life. Our families, veterans, small business owners, and farmers are the heart and soul of our economy, creating opportunities and strengthening communities every day.

Washington's Debates: Let's Not Forget What Matters

As Washington politicians hash out the details of this big reconciliation package, it's vital to remember where our prosperity truly comes from. We need smart, targeted investments that help Alabamians succeed, not hinder them.

Congress: A Chance for Real Reform

Congress has a real opportunity to enact lasting reforms. Let's ease the tax burden on families, spend responsibly, and build a stronger economy for everyone. But let's also be careful not to hurt the essential programs that help Alabama communities, especially our rural areas, compete and thrive.

Investing in Rural Alabama: It's Not a Handout

Federal programs supporting agriculture, forestry, and rural development aren't handouts; they're smart investments that strengthen local economies. Whether it's expanding water systems, broadband networks, or transportation links through USDA Rural Development, these programs are making a real difference.

Helping Farmers and Protecting Our Forests

Programs like EQIP and the Conservation Stewardship Program are helping farmers conserve resources and boost productivity. And as the second-largest timber-producing state, Alabama relies on strong forest management programs to protect jobs, property, and ensure responsible growth.

Real-World Results: From Walker County to Jefferson County

Investments in rural Alabama, from broadband expansion in Walker and Fayette counties to road improvements across Jefferson County, lay the foundation for long-term economic growth. They're critical for keeping small towns viable, ensuring family farms endure, and helping rural businesses grow.

Fiscal Responsibility: It's About Smart Investments

While cutting waste and making government more efficient is important, true fiscal responsibility means investing taxpayer dollars where they make the most difference. Protecting key programs that support farmers, working families, and rural businesses is part of that responsibility.

Senator Britt: A Strong Voice for Alabama

Senator Katie Britt is a champion for Alabama’s rural communities and understands the importance of these investments to our state's future. Her voice and leadership are crucial in making sure Alabama's needs aren't forgotten in these important discussions.

Let's Protect What Works

If we want communities across Alabama to stay strong, we must protect the programs that allow them to grow, compete, and contribute to our economy. The decisions made in the coming weeks will have a lasting impact. Let's urge Congress to keep our rural communities at the forefront of these reconciliation efforts.

Longshore Holds Down the Fort!

Barry McKnight's out on Troy baseball duty, but fear not, ChumCity citizens! John Longshore's steering the ship, joined by the insightful Mike Griffith of Dog Nation and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

College Sports in Crisis?

Griffith and Longshore dive headfirst into the wild world of college athletics. They tackle the House v. NCAA case and the leadership vacuum, pondering the future of NIL, transfer rules, and even playoff expansion. "It's unsightly... it's exactly what college fans don't like," Griffith noted, perfectly capturing the current state of disarray.

SEC Shenanigans and Saban's Next Act

The dynamic duo also unpacks the SEC spring meetings, speculating on a potential nine-game football schedule. Will some teams thrive while others struggle to find Ws? They also discuss those eye-watering ticket prices (like $215 for Alabama-Georgia!) and imagine Nick Saban's future as a national college football pundit.

Baseball, QBs, and Pickleball?!

They're not done yet! The SEC baseball tournament timing and playoff format implications get some love, plus a quick peek at the quarterback situations at Tennessee and Auburn. Finally, Gurn Senior drops by with hilarious takes on flag football's Olympic aspirations and pickleball's addictive nature. He warns, "a sport you don't want to start if you're not ready to get addicted.”

Walker County Native Mike Elliott Announces Run for Alabama House District 13

Lifelong Walker County resident, Mike Elliott, has officially thrown his hat in the ring for Alabama House District 13! The announcement came Tuesday, setting the stage for the May 19, 2026, primary election. Elliott, a conservative Republican, brings a diverse background as an educator, small business owner, and dedicated community member to the race.

Filling Big Shoes

Elliott is vying for the seat currently held by State Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper) – soon to be Senator Woods! District 13 covers a significant portion of north and east Walker County, including the City of Jasper, making it a key district to watch.

Elliott's Vision for Walker County

Elliott emphasizes his understanding of the challenges posed by excessive taxes and government regulations. He pledges to serve the people of Walker County with transparency and without any hidden agendas.

A Voice for the Community

"In Montgomery, I’ll serve the people of Walker County faithfully, transparently, and honestly," Elliott declared. "I’m a man of integrity, and I have no agendas. My only objective is to ensure Walker County has a seat at the table and a formidable voice." He aims to build on the successes of local leaders like Greg Reed, Matt Woods, and Connie Rowe.

Jobs, Education, and Family Values

Elliott highlights key priorities for Walker County: "We need jobs, lower taxes, and the best possible educational outcomes for our children and grandchildren. Most importantly, we need to maintain traditional family values.”

Focus on Workforce Development

Elliott is committed to expanding workforce development initiatives in Jasper and Walker County, creating opportunities for high-paying jobs and fostering a thriving community where families can flourish.

A Dedicated Public Servant

"My entire life, I’ve been a public servant and want to carry that public service to Montgomery," Elliott stated. "We need true public servants in Montgomery who always represent the best interests of their district, and that’s exactly what I’m committed to doing.”

Supporting Families and Education

Elliott champions traditional family values both at home and in the classroom. He believes parents should have a voice in their children's education, while also advocating for increased funding and support for public schools and teachers.

Roots Deep in Walker County

Mike Elliott has been married to his wife, Brenda, for 41 years. They have a son and two grandsons who share their love for the outdoors and farming. A devoted member of his church, Elliott has served as Sunday school director at Saragossa First Baptist Church since 1974.

A Passion for Education

Driven by a lifelong dream, Elliott pursued a Bachelor of Science in Social Science, Secondary Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He has taught at various schools in the region, including Walker High School, Lynn High School, and Curry High School.

Coaching and Community Involvement

Beyond the classroom, Elliott has coached numerous sports teams, showcasing his dedication to students both academically and athletically. He currently owns a lawn care service that works with Alabama Power Company.

Alabama AG Joins Border Rally, Praises Trump's Immigration Policies

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall recently teamed up with ten other Republican AGs down at the Southern Border, giving props to what they see as major wins in President Trump's second-term immigration strategy. They're stoked about the renewed emphasis on border control!

Standing Strong at the Border

Right near Mile Marker 12 7/8 in Yuma, Arizona (yep, that's the end of the Trump border wall), Marshall and his crew from the Republican Attorney Generals Association (RAGA) were all about celebrating the reversal of Biden's immigration policies and the return of Trump-style enforcement.

Marshall's Take: Shackles Off!

Marshall himself gave a shout-out to the feds working border enforcement, saying, "The shackles are off!" He believes they're finally empowered to secure the borders.

Alabama's Not-So-Hidden Connection

Even though Alabama isn't a border state, Marshall argues they're feeling the impact of a less secure border. He points to fentanyl deaths and increased crime as examples of the real-world consequences. He gives Trump credit for stepping up and delivering on his promise to protect communities.

Leadership, Not Laws, Makes the Difference

According to Marshall, the dip in illegal border crossings and "got-aways" is all thanks to Trump's leadership. He says it's not about new laws, but about having the right person in charge. "We changed the leader," he stated, "and we’ve enabled immigration enforcement to do their jobs and to be able to do it effectively.”

Who Else Was There?

This border pow-wow also included AGs from Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Utah. Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen and Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes also joined in.

Fighting the Good Fight

Marshall has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration's immigration policies, fighting to preserve Trump-era asylum standards. He sees himself and his colleagues as the last line of defense against what they consider a weak border policy.

Tuberville Gets Early Nod for '26 Gov Run!

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity! Senator Tommy Tuberville is gearing up for a run at Alabama's Governor's mansion in 2026, and he's already snagged a major endorsement!

Club for Growth Jumps on the Tuberville Train

The Club for Growth PAC has thrown its weight behind Tuberville (who boasts a killer 93% lifetime rating with them). They previously backed him in his successful 2020 Senate bid, where he trounced incumbent Doug Jones.

From Sessions to the Coach

Interesting tidbit: The Club initially supported Jeff Sessions but flipped to Tuberville after Trump gave him the thumbs-up back in 2020. Smart move, maybe?

What They're Saying

"Coach Tuberville is a champion for good ol' common sense and fiscal responsibility," says Club for Growth PAC President David McIntosh. He thinks Tuberville will cut taxes, promote school freedom, and generally be awesome for Alabama.

Ainsworth Bows Out

Looks like the path to the Governor's office just got a lot clearer. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, once considered a major contender, announced he won't be running in 2026. That effectively opens the field for Tuberville.

Senate Seat Up for Grabs Too!

Tuberville's gubernatorial ambitions mean Alabama's U.S. Senate seat will also be up for grabs in 2026! Expect a heated primary election showdown on May 19, 2026.

The Big Announcement

Tuberville is expected to officially announce his gubernatorial run next Tuesday in Auburn. Get ready for the campaign kickoff!

Trump Unveils "Golden Dome" Missile Defense Plan!

President Trump just dropped a bombshell: the projected cost and timeline for his "Golden Dome" missile defense system are here!

The Price Tag and Timeline

Word on the street (via Politico) is that Trump's earmarking a whopping $175 billion for this ambitious project, with $25 billion already stashed away in his new "big, beautiful bill." He's aiming to have the whole shebang up and running within three years. Ambitious, right?

What the President Says

"Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world," Trump declared. He also emphasized that it'll mesh seamlessly with our current defense systems, with a target completion date before he leaves office.

What’s the Goal?

The President formalized the Golden Dome initiative via executive order back in January. The EO mentions going beyond what Reagan tried to do, strengthening against next-gen weapons from adversaries.

The Defense Secretary's Take

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth chimed in, saying the U.S. will keep boosting existing defenses. "Golden Dome is being designed in close coordination with NORAD, USNORTHCOM, USSPACECOM, and other DoD stakeholders to ensure full interoperability and real-time integration with our existing defense architecture," he added.

Who's Leading the Charge?

General Michael Guetlein from the Space Force is the man in charge, according to Trump.

Local Expertise Involved?

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, a big advocate for the Golden Dome, highlighted North Alabama's expertise (especially Huntsville/Redstone Arsenal) in making air defense systems happen. He told WVNN that a lot of the Iron Dome technology comes from that area. "It’s an intercontinental ballistic system, and the big thing is it’s a bullet hitting a bullet," Strong said. "I think that we will be a part of the process of creating the Golden Dome."

Senator Jones Kicks Off Re-Election Bid!

State Senator Andrew Jones (R-Centre) is hitting the campaign trail! He's launching his re-election bid with events in Etowah and Cherokee Counties next week, folks.

A Record of Conservative Action

Jones, who's been in office since 2018, says he's got a solid record built on conservative principles and representing the good people of District 10. He's not just talking either. He's the Chair of the Veterans Affairs, Military, and Public Safety Committee, Vice-Chair of the Tourism Committee, and a member of the Senate Rules Committee. Busy guy!

Fighting for District 10

"I ran to make a difference for hardworking Alabamians," Jones said, emphasizing his commitment to his original platform. He’s proud of the achievements made during his time in office, highlighting investments in roads, bridges, high-speed internet, schools, and economic development across District 10.

Strong Support

Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) is firmly in Jones' corner. "Senator Jones is a fighter for his district," Gudger stated, praising Jones' ability to navigate the often-tricky legislative process and stand up for what he believes in.

Champion for Veterans

Jones has been a vocal advocate for veterans and military families. His efforts include supporting a statewide veterans resource center, expanding mental health services, and establishing accountability courts. He even sponsored bills to eliminate state income taxes for deployed service members and protect high school athletes whose families are in the military. Jones points to Alabama's improved ranking for military spouse license reciprocity and veteran retirement as proof of progress.

Mark your calendars, the 2026 Alabama Republican Party primary election is set for Tuesday, May 19, 2026!

Shelton State Athletics ROARS!

What a week for Shelton State athletics! The Buccaneers are bringing home some serious hardware and making waves across the nation.

Lady Bucs Dominate Golf!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! The Lady Buccaneers absolutely crushed it at the NJCAA Division II Women's Golf National Championship in Boone, Iowa. They snagged the program's FIRST EVER national title in stunning fashion! Never trailing, they finished a whopping 34 strokes ahead of the competition. Ashlee Allen, Peyton Maraman, Katie Hallmark, Jordan Ransdell, and Sawyer Hobbs, you are LEGENDS!

Coach Sanford's Pride

"There’s a lot of joy and excitement," said Coach Chris Sanford. "Shelton State athletics prides itself on winning championships, and we’re trying to blend in and do our part. We hope this is the beginning of something special.”

Baseball Heads Back to the World Series!

But wait, there's MORE! The Buccaneers baseball team is headed to the NJCAA College World Series for the THIRD consecutive time! They battled back to defeat LSU-Eunice 8-6 in a thrilling South District Championship series. Jackson Henderson, Mason Steele, Eli Driskell, and John Michael Pickens are just a few of the names leading the charge to Grand Junction, Colorado! Let's go, Bucs!

Governor Ivey Shakes Up Alabama Courts!

Hold on to your hats, folks! Governor Kay Ivey just dropped a bombshell, appointing Judge Benjamin M. Bowden to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals! He's stepping into the role previously held by Judge Bill Lewis, who, as you might remember, snagged Justice Jay Mitchell's spot on the Supreme Court after Mitchell bailed to run for Attorney General in '26. Whew, that's a lot!

Ivey's Got Confidence

“Judge Bowden’s got it all: brains, courtroom swagger, and a dedication to doing what's right,” Ivey declared. “I’m betting he’ll serve with top-notch integrity!”

Bowden's Been Around the Block

Bowden's been rocking the Circuit Judge gig in Covington County since 2016, and before that, he was the county's Probate Judge. Talk about experience!

Bowden's Pumped!

"I'm beyond honored by Governor Ivey's faith in me," Bowden said with a grin. "Angie and I are stoked about this opportunity. I'm a public servant at heart, and I can’t wait to get started serving the awesome people of Alabama!"

More Than Just a Judge

This guy's got a killer resume. Degrees from UA, Air Force ROTC, and a stint with the Judge Advocate General's Corps. He even prosecuted two capital murder cases, including a trial that set records in Covington County! Oh, and he just retired from the Air Force Reserve as a Colonel!

Election Alert!

Bowden's term goes until January 2027, BUT...because of some legal mumbo jumbo (thanks, Hooper v. Siegelman!), he'll have to run for a full six-year term in the November 2026 election. So, mark your calendars!