Delta & Bay Conservation Center Reopens with a Bang!

After a year of awesome upgrades, the Alabama Wildlife Federation's (AWF) Delta & Bay Conservation Center at 5 Rivers is officially back in action! Last week's grand reopening was packed with local bigwigs and state officials, all stoked about the center's fresh new direction.

AWF Executive Director Tim Gothard welcomed the massive crowd, ready to cut the ribbon on the 70-acre paradise located on the Battleship Parkway (Causeway).

A Vision Realized

Gothard reminisced about the 20-year journey, from dreaming up the AWF Nature Center at Lanark to the amazing reality of the Delta & Bay Center. He emphasized the importance of connecting kids with nature. "We realized there is a lot more competition for their time. We felt like we were losing that fundamental connection to the outdoors," he said.

Expansion Down South

Inspired by the success of the AWF Nature Center, the AWF board looked to expand their outreach, especially to south Alabama. "I’m excited to see this many people here to help us celebrate the beginning of the second part of our journey with the AWF Delta & Bay Conservation Center at 5 Rivers," Gothard shared.

A Family Legacy

Former Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson spoke about the Stimpson family's crucial role in the AWF's creation. His grandfather, Fred T. Stimpson, was a founding member! He spoke of the "obligation to perpetuate the culture" of conservation. "There’s got to be a voice for wildlife conservation to balance the conversation.”

Giving Back to Nature

Angus Cooper III, representing the Cooper family, another prominent name in AWF's growth, echoed the sentiment. "Most conservation groups want to give back, and we saw a trend of young people not getting to experience all the things that we loved." He added, "There are not many times in life when you get to be part of something special, and the AWF is special."

Looking Ahead

Current AWF President Tim Wood thanked the community for embracing the vision for the Delta & Bay Center. "When we cut the ribbon, we’re opening a lot of doors to a lot of people. These young people are going to experience what we did growing up in the country in everyday living. We’re looking forward to a lot of great things here.”

A Jewel of the Delta

ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship praised the partnership with AWF. "By partnering with AWF and them being able to expand the recreational and educational offerings... it’s really going to be even more of a jewel than it was before."

What's New at the Center?

Former ADCNR Marine Resources Director Scott Bannon, now Delta & Bay Center Director, is pumped to make the center a top-notch educational experience. The former gift shop is now a conference center! Hiking trails have been revamped, making them accessible to all.

The Exhibit Hall and Discovery Hall are getting a makeover. The Delta Hall is now a science-based zone with a theater and classrooms, while the Blakeley Hall will host summer camps! "We also cleared some of the property to provide better views of the Delta, and we are hosting school field trips daily. We will have about 600 kids from the area here this week alone," Bannon said. Get out there and explore!

Thorsby Rallies Around Family After Heartbreaking Loss

The small town of Thorsby is showing some serious heart! After the tragic loss of 8-year-old Eli Barnes, a young baseball player cherished for his infectious energy and love of the game, the community has come together in a big way.

Remembering Eli "No. 14"

Eli, known on the field as No. 14, was a bright light. Friends remember him as a kind-hearted kid whose enthusiasm lifted everyone around him. That spirit is now being honored across Thorsby.

Baseball Community Unites

Local teams are dedicating games to Eli, with players of all ages proudly wearing his No. 14 jersey as a sign of unity and remembrance. One particularly touching moment saw Eli's younger brother, Parker, take the field wearing No. 14, surrounded by the love and support of the community. According to Piper Peach Radio, the games turned into a symbol of standing beside a grieving family.

Town-Wide Support

The impact extends way beyond the ballfield. The entire town of Thorsby, and even wider across Chilton County, is rallying around the Barnes family. Classrooms, churches, and neighborhoods are sharing messages of support during this incredibly difficult time.

Fundraising and Continued Tributes

Vigils, prayer gatherings, and tributes continue, with players wearing Eli's number and moments of silence observed at local parks. A fundraising effort has also been launched to help the Barnes family and create future tributes to honor Eli's memory.

In Thorsby, No. 14 is more than just a jersey; it's a symbol of a young life that left a powerful mark. This is a town where neighbors truly show up for each other, and Eli's memory is being carried forward by a community determined to keep his light shining bright.

Saban's Halftime "Ass-Chewing" at Morgan Wallen Concert?!

Bryant-Denny rocked this spring with its first concert in ages, featuring country superstar Morgan Wallen! A sea of fans went wild, but one highlight stole the show.

Saban's Surprise Appearance

Wallen, known for inviting local legends on stage, chose none other than Nick Saban as his walkout buddy. The legendary coach looked like he was having a blast.

Locker Room Lessons

But here's the kicker: speaking at the Regions Tradition, Saban revealed his favorite part might have been halftime. Yes, you read that right.

The "Ass-Chewing" Heard 'Round Tuscaloosa

Talking to Paul Finebaum, Saban confessed he gave Wallen and his band one of his signature "ass-chewings" during the set break! He said the band, many of whom are former athletes, huddled up in the locker room (his old stomping grounds!). "I told them they needed to get in gear," Saban chuckled. He added it was the first time walking down that tunnel without the pressure of winning or losing.

Saban's been everywhere in T-Town since retiring, and his appearance at the Wallen concert proves he's definitely enjoying the retired life!

Alabama Teen's Cancer Journey: Gratitude in the Face of Adversity

An Alabama mom is teaching her son, who's battling osteosarcoma, some seriously important life lessons as he heads out of state for an experimental cancer treatment. It's not just about the medicine, she says; it's about gratitude.

A Lesson in Appreciation

Brittney Roberts, whose son Will has been fighting osteosarcoma for over a year, shared how her family is using this tough time to highlight the importance of thankfulness, even when things are uncertain. Will's been forced to grow up fast, she noted in a heartfelt social media post.

The Power of a Voice and the Importance of Gratitude

After Will's viral video grabbed national attention and opened doors for a potential treatment, the family intentionally took time to help him process everything. "This week wasn’t just about realizing how powerful his voice is… it was about something bigger because once you ask and receive, gratitude isn’t optional. It’s everything," she wrote.

Responding with Thanks

Roberts emphasized that it's not just about what others do for you, but how you react. "We told him that what people did for you matters, but how you respond to it matters more," she explained. The family encouraged Will to show his appreciation in the same way he asked for help—by using his voice.

Will's Message of Thanks

This lesson took shape in a new video where Will thanked former President Donald Trump for his attention and help in accessing the experimental treatment. He even asked if the treatment could one day be available closer to home in Alabama.

More Than Just Medicine

As the family heads to California for treatment with DeltaRex-G, an experimental gene therapy, Roberts is clear: "Cancer doesn’t stop the teaching of life lessons." Gratitude, respect, and character are still top priorities.

The Roberts family's story is resonating with folks following Will's journey, not only for its urgency but for the inspiring message behind it.

Survey Says...Maybe?

Ever been part of a church survey? Results can be...interesting. I heard from some Baptist folks that congregations often want a "just right" pastor – 35, seminary-trained, basically Goldilocks' preacher.

Then there's the retired minister griping about the young'un who wouldn't wear a suit or use the pulpit! (Spiked hair, tennis shoes...my imagination's running wild.)

The Pulpit Humor Debate

We ran a survey once and got some head-scratching feedback. One person thought pulpit jokes were disrespectful. Another loved 'em! What's a pastor to do?

The Noon Deadline

Then there was the obsession with ending service right at noon. Turns out, our music minister busted out a stopwatch (old school cool!) and proved the sermon wasn't the only time hog.

Time Management Tricks

Speaking of time, my wise pastor friend made guest speakers present after the sermon. Genius! It prioritized God's word and put the pressure on them. Wish I'd thought of that!

Schedule Shenanigans

We even temporarily changed our service time during renovations. Folks liked it so much, we bumped the usual 11 a.m. service to 10:45! Bye-bye, "past noon" complaints.

The 11 a.m. thing probably comes from farming days when it was milking time. Now that most of us aren't milking cows on Sunday, we're more open to change.

Open Communication is Key

Forget the survey! Just talk to your pastor! Most of us are happy to chat about how we can serve better. Let's work together to do the Lord's work!

"Reflections" is a weekly faith column.

The Fed: How Independent Should It Be?

So, President Trump's pick for Federal Reserve chair, Kevin Warsh, is facing confirmation hearings. This comes after some rumblings about firing current Chair Jerome Powell and a Board Member shakeup. Makes you wonder: just how important is the Federal Reserve being independent?

Turns out, money wasn't invented by the government! It popped up naturally, like some super-efficient marketplace phenomenon. Economists call it "spontaneous order." It's all about people acting, not some grand plan.

Money's Humble Beginnings

Money is just a tool for trading stuff. Back in the day, before cash, folks bartered. Imagine trying to find someone who wants your eggs AND has the corn you need. Total headache! Using something like stones as money makes everything way easier. Specialization and teamwork go through the roof!

The Counterfeit Problem

Good money needs to be tough to fake. Real money means someone gave up something valuable to get it. Counterfeiting? That's getting goods without contributing anything.

Government's Money Grab

Governments eventually jumped on the money train to make some cash. They started stamping coins and charging for it. That charge is called "seigniorage," which today is the inflation tax we all know and... tolerate.

Today, our government money isn't tied to gold – it's fiat currency. Central banks, like our very own Federal Reserve (est. 1913), sprung up to manage all this government money.

Liberalism and Money

Taxation predates political liberalism, which emphasizes the government serving the people and implies that even a king is not superior to us commoners. Government's only legit if it serves its citizens.

Some libertarians call taxation theft. It's a good point. You don't pay, armed men show up. Consent is the only thing separating taxation from plain ol' theft. Hence the American Revolution's cry: "Taxation without representation is tyranny!"

When the government prints money, it kinda feels like counterfeiting, right? It's not counterfeiting only if we, the people, consent, meaning the Fed better deliver on economic performance!

The Independence Factor

But how do you get popular consent with a central bank? Every nation's central bank has different rules. Some are heavily shielded from politicians, others? Not so much.

The Fed is relatively independent, according to the experts. It's governed by a mix of folks: Board of Governors, regional bank presidents (elected by member banks), and Governors with long, staggered terms.

Economists love to study how this independence affects things. The verdict? Independence cuts inflation WITHOUT hurting growth or jobs!

Why Independence Matters

Politicians often prioritize getting reelected over serving their constituents. They want the economy to boom to boost their chances, sometimes leading to pumping up the money supply, which leads to inflation. Research even suggests a political monetary cycle exists, even with the Fed's independence!

Independence doesn't give the Fed absolute power, it limits elected officials' ability to mess things up. How to ensure the Fed truly serves "We the People?" That's a question for another day. But handing our elected officials more control over our money? Recipe for inflation!

(Daniel Sutter is the Charles G. Koch Professor of Economics with the Manuel H. Johnson Center for Political Economy at Troy University. The opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of Troy University.)

Auburn's New Era Under Golesh: Get Ready for Fun!

Auburn fans, a fresh chapter is unfolding! After a few tough seasons under Bryan Harsin and Hugh Freeze, the Tigers are revving up under new head coach Alex Golesh.

Offense Overhaul: Speed and Excitement

Let's be honest, the offense has been a pain point. But Golesh is here to inject some serious juice! He's bringing a modern, high-octane offense that should have quarterbacks lighting up the scoreboard.

Golesh Promises Aggressive, Fun Football

So, what can we expect this season? Golesh says get ready for some FUN! "It’s going to be a fun brand of football," he promised. "I think it’ll be complimentary in the sense that what you saw hopefully was an aggressive approach on both sides… We’re so aggressive and multiple defensively; we’re so aggressive and multiple offensively."

Spring Game Hints, More to Come

He also hinted that the spring game wasn't the whole story, not wanting to reveal too much. But it's clear: Golesh is confident that Auburn fans are going to LOVE watching this team.

Can Golesh Bring Back the Wins?

If Golesh delivers on his promise, he's got a real shot at restoring that winning feeling to The Plains. War Eagle!

Tuscaloosa Pastor's Heartfelt Wisdom After Loss

A Tuscaloosa pastor is offering a powerful message of faith and resilience after the passing of his wife. Pastor Billy Joy of Valley View Baptist Church is sharing "7 Rules for Life as You Get Older" following the death of his wife, Mary Jacque Joy, earlier this year.

A Time of Reflection

Pastor Joy described the loss as a moment of profound clarity, leading him to reflect on life, aging, and faith. "With the death of my wife... God has been speaking loud and clear to my heart, 'So… this is the beginning of the final stretch,'" he shared.

7 Guiding Principles

This experience led him to outline seven principles for navigating life's later years:

• Rule 1: Be wise with money, but trust in God, not wealth. Love and bless your children, but don't make them your retirement plan.
• Rule 2: Your health is part of your calling. Strengthen yourself to remain independent. Move, walk, stretch, sleep, and eat cleaner. Honor your body.
• Rule 3: Create joy rooted in gratitude. Notice the gifts around you. When your joy comes from the Lord, loneliness loses its power.
• Rule 4: Aging isn't permission to give up. Strength and resilience are inspiring. Stay engaged and useful.
• Rule 5: Release the past. The good old days were beautiful, but they're gone. God is still creating moments worth living.
• Rule 6: Guard your peace fiercely. Not every argument needs your voice. Protect your heart from drama and chaos.
• Rule 7: Keep learning, growing, and serving. The day you stop learning is the day you start shrinking. Growth honors God.

A Renewed Sense of Purpose

These lessons, shaped by grief and a renewed sense of purpose, encourage us to lean on the Lord, steward our lives well, and continue serving with what we have. Even after loss, a future anchored in faith and gratitude can still be fulfilling and bright.

Smart Says Bama Would Roll Today's Teams!

Since ditching Tuscaloosa, Kirby Smart's basically become the coaching guru, turning Georgia into a gridiron goliath. With a couple of national championship rings, he knows a killer team when he sees one. But that doesn't mean he's forgotten how beastly his Alabama defenses were back in the day!

The Good Ol' Days?

Smart recently hopped on "The Next Round" and dropped a bombshell: those stacked Tide squads from the early 2010s would absolutely dominate today's college football scene. He claims the way you can build insane depth has changed the game.

"Clubber Lange Somebody"

"Our best Alabama teams, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, would be the dog out of all these teams right now," Smart declared. "They could practice different and they were deeper...those teams would Clubber Lange somebody. They would physically beat you."

Depth Issues Today

Smart confessed that even his current Georgia teams sometimes lack the depth of those Alabama powerhouses. He pointed to NIL and the transfer portal for spreading talent around. "I'm playing younger players...because you don't have enough."

The Saban Era: Unmatched?

Smart makes a solid point. That level of dominance seen in the Saban era? We might never see it again!

Jimmy Rane: From Timber Woes to Business Titan!

Local legend James W. "Jimmy" Rane, the brains behind the world's biggest treated lumber company, just snagged an honorary Doctor of Commerce from Samford University! Word is, the Brock School of Business was super impressed with his "extraordinary character, merit, and impact."

From Law to Lumber?

Before Rane became a business whiz, he actually got his law degree from Samford back in '71. He called those days "challenging" but loved the tough classes and the friendships he made. "It’s a joy to be back on this campus," Rane shared. He noted how life rarely goes as planned and how Samford helped him learn to rewrite his plans.

The Accidental Lumber Baron

Fresh out of law school, Rane planned on a fancy Birmingham law firm. But fate had other plans! After a family tragedy, he ended up managing a small, failing wood-treatment plant. He couldn't find a buyer, so he juggled a law office with the plant. Today? He's running a whole empire of companies!

YellaWood and Beyond

Rane is the big cheese at Great Southern Wood Holdings, known for YellaWood pressure-treated pine. His company has locations all over the US and even internationally. "Life will not always follow your plan," Rane wisely stated. "Some of your greatest opportunities may come from the paths you never intended to take."

Abbeville's Champion

Born in '46, Rane's always kept his HQ in Abbeville, Alabama. He's been working hard for 30 years to restore the city's historic buildings and turn them into company facilities. He even turned a Peppermill facility into a huge sawmill, marking the largest economic development investment in Henry County history! "Mr. Rane's company has become an economic powerhouse for the city," Samford trustees pointed out.

Lifelong Learning and Giving Back

Rane credits his success to his education at Marion Military Institute, Auburn University, Cumberland School of Law, and Harvard Business School. "The key thing I’ve taken away...is that learning should never stop," Rane said. He's also a big philanthropist, founding the Jimmy Rane Foundation in 2000, which has helped 830 students get to college! Rane left the graduates with a charge, to live a life that serves others and to always “pursue it with excellence.”