From Bucket Trucks to Baseball Diamonds!

Tyrone TJ Morris and Andy Gore, Alabama Power colleagues from Montgomery, have taken their teamwork from the job site to the local baseball field!

Coaching the Hot Rods

This year, these two dynamos are assistant coaching a youth league baseball team – the Hot Rods – in Clanton. And Morris is already planning for many more seasons to come! Their coaching gig? It's all about helping out and recognizing that mentoring young people is way bigger than ego. They give props to Coach Trent Gray for leading the charge!

More Than Just Keeping the Lights On

These guys are an awesome example of why line workers deserve our appreciation way beyond just keeping the power on. Morris and Gore have a natural connection that shines both at work and on the field.

Guiding the Next Generation

As Gore puts it, he's living by Proverbs 22:6 – "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." He believes deeply in volunteering in the community.

Morris agrees, emphasizing how mixing work life, humor, and shared passion helps create smoother practices and games. Their coordination was on full display as their Hot Rods prepped for a game with stretches, sprints, prayer, and a team cheer!

The Dynamic Duo in Action

On offense, Gore coaches third base while Morris keeps the batting order straight. On defense, Gore works with the fielders, while Morris coaches the catcher. They’re all about staying actively involved to keep the kids focused and learning.

The Heart of a Lineman

Morris, an Alabama Power lineman for seven years, loves knowing he's helping people, especially during outages. Gore, who currently works on the substation side, is thankful for a job that supports his family and allows him to be home every night. He's also deeply committed to safety on the job.

Challenges and Rewards

The toughest part? Long hours and time away from family. But these guys wouldn't trade the rewards of watching their players grow in confidence and love the game. They're laying the foundation for a lifelong love of sports!

Beyond the Game

Both Gore and Morris emphasize that their faith is the foundation of everything they do – at home, at work, and in the community. Gore believes in pouring back into the community and instilling values in these young athletes.

Family and Community

Gore and his wife, Hannah, have two sons, River and Evin, and a furry friend named Maizy. Morris and his wife, Delilah, have a whopping seven children! Both men are grateful for the chance to coach and make a positive impact. They both aspire to be remembered as good men who show up for others.

Get Ready for Freshness! Madison County Farmer's Market Returns!

Mark your calendars, ChumCity folks! The Madison County Farmer's Market is BACK for the 2026 season, kicking off Saturday, April 18th! Get ready to load up on deliciousness every Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM. Find it at 1022 Cook Avenue in Huntsville – and opening day will be rocking with live music!

Local Goodness Galore!

This ain't your average grocery run! The market is bursting with locally grown produce and homemade goodies. Think fresh fruits, veggies, honey, and drool-worthy baked goods. Seasonal stars like corn, tomatoes, peppers, and okra will be shining!

More Than Just Shopping

It's a chance to connect! Chat with the local farmers and discover the story behind your food. As Madison County District Four Commissioner Phil Vandiver says, "It's a place where people can buy fresh produce and connect with those who grow it."

A Piece of History

Did you know the market has been around since 1814? Talk about a local legend! Originally in the Madison County Courthouse basement, it's one of the oldest institutions still going strong in the region!

Easy Access & Community Vibes

The current spot has a great enclosed building and easy parking. Plus, it's a "2025 Nextdoor Neighborhood Faves" winner, so you KNOW it's good! Expect a great turnout again this season! It's THE place to be each week for fresh food, local vendors, and that amazing community spirit! Don't miss out!

Forest Service Gears Up for Big Changes in Alabama!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! The U.S. Forest Service is shaking things up in Alabama, and here’s the lowdown. The USDA is restructuring things, meaning some shifts are coming to our neck of the woods.

Huntsville Research Facility Closing

Unfortunately, the Forest Service research and development facility in Huntsville is closing its doors. But don't fret entirely! The agency isn't abandoning Alabama completely.

New State Office in Auburn!

The Forest Service is setting up a new state office in Auburn. This office will be the new home base for agency operations in Alabama.

Why the Change?

This move is part of a bigger plan by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to streamline operations. They're aiming to get decision-makers closer to the action – closer to the forests themselves! Basically, less desk time in D.C., more boots on the ground. The national headquarters is moving to Salt Lake City, and research is being consolidated in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Huntsville's Role Remembered

While Huntsville is losing the research center, let's not forget its contributions! It was a key player in federal research and development, bringing engineering, modeling, and data analysis expertise to the table.

Streamlining for Efficiency

Federal officials say this restructuring will cut down on administrative overlap and boost efficiency. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the goal is to manage forests better while saving taxpayer dollars. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz added that real management happens "on the ground."

What it Means for Huntsville

Huntsville is losing a piece of its federal research presence, but the city is still a major hub for defense, aerospace, and tech! The transition will happen over the next year.

Frontline Operations Continue

Don't worry, folks! The Forest Service will keep up its important work, like fighting wildfires and managing our forests, during this transition.

Courtesy of 256 Today.

"I Am the Resurrection and the Life" - What Does It Mean?

It hit me differently this Easter, revisiting Jesus' powerful "I Am" statement from John's gospel. John really wanted everyone to grasp the true nature of Christ.

A Graveyard Declaration

Standing by Lazarus' tomb, Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who lives and believes in me will never die." Sounds a bit odd, right? Especially with a dead body right there! But the crowd in Bethany was about to witness an incredible miracle: Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.

"Lord, Where Were You?"

Before the miracle, Martha greeted Jesus with disappointment, saying, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." I bet Mary felt similarly, maybe even thinking, "Lord, where have you been? We called for you ages ago!"

Facing Death's Sting

Having officiated hundreds of funerals, I've seen death in many forms. Sometimes it's a release, a welcome end to suffering. But often, it's an unwelcome thief. In those moments, we might echo Martha's sentiment: "Lord, where have you been?"

Tragedy Strikes

I remember a funeral for a church member, tragically murdered. And the funerals for children... especially little Lisa, just 8, taken by a car on a Sunday afternoon. Those moments bring out our raw humanity, that "Lord, where have you been?" feeling. "If you'd been here, this wouldn't have happened!"

Honest Prayers

I honestly don't think it's wrong to feel that way. The Psalms teach us the full spectrum of human emotion, even cries like, "Lord, wake up and come help me!" (Psalm 44:23). Pouring our hearts out to God in prayer is healing. He's certainly big enough to handle our honesty!

A Shepherd's Comfort

Even when life throws its worst at us, remember that our Shepherd walks with us through the darkest valleys. And the risen Christ, who faced death himself, welcomes us on the other side.

About the Author

Michael J. Brooks is pastor of Siluria Baptist Church, Alabaster, Alabama.

Wake Up! You've Been in a Coma Since '81!

Picture this: you're waking up from a 40+ year nap. Last thing you remember? Iran just released those hostages, and NASA's about to launch something called the Space Shuttle. What a world you've woken up to!

Back to the Moon!

In just the last few days, astronauts journeyed a whopping 252,756 miles to revisit the moon! And get this - the mission's commander, a widower, was encouraged by his kids to go for it after his wife passed. Talk about dedication!

They hopped aboard the most powerful rocket EVER built, venturing further into space than any human before them. We're talking epic proportions! If you lined up dachshunds nose-to-tail, you'd need almost 728 million of those little guys to cover the distance! As a dachshund owner myself, I can only imagine the cacophony.

The Dark Side!

We hit the dark side of the moon, people! A real, live manned mission. It's the Mt. Everest of space travel. And no other country's managed it. They can barely make crispy bacon, let alone a moon mission! The craziest part? The rocket wasn't even aimed at the moon itself, but at where it would be in six days. It was like a football quarterback throwing a bomb to a wide receiver.

The crew zipped around the back of the moon and slingshotted back to Earth flawlessly. And get this - only five American flags are planted up there. It's progress, plain and simple, turning small improvements into something absolutely miraculous.

Space Billionaires & Old Enemies

There's some Texas billionaire launching rockets like they're going out of style. And we're still dealing with Iran? Seriously?!

Military Might

Apparently, we're in a month-long skirmish over there, but more Americans are getting shot in Chicago than in Iran. Thankfully, the Iranian regime seems to be on its last legs. Phew!

An F-15E Strike Eagle jet was shot down, and an injured colonel scaled the Zagros mountains, hiding for two days. We launched a massive rescue mission, SEAL Team 6 and the CIA included, and pulled him out of Iran on Easter Sunday! Talk about "leave no man behind!"

Amazing or Mundane?

It's a crazy, amazing time to be alive, right? Yet, nobody seems all that impressed. No ticker-tape parades, no celebrating our military heroes. Why?

Have impossible missions become routine? Is saving "Private Ryan" now just a one-day headline? Maybe we've gotten too good. We built a country where incredible things happen all the time...and we forgot to appreciate them.

Hit us up in the comments - what incredible things are you noticing, fellow ChumCitizens?

Camp Sumatanga: A New Chapter in Faith and Fellowship!

Nestled in the beautiful foothills of Chandler Mountain, Camp Sumatanga has been a haven for North Alabama families for ages! More than just a summer getaway, it's a place where faith blooms, friendships flourish, and young folks escape the everyday to discover something deeper.

Partnered with the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church, Sumatanga's all about creating a "sacred space" for spiritual growth, reflection, and good old-fashioned community. Summer camps, retreats, year-round fun—it's a spot where lifelong connections are forged and personal faith journeys take flight!

Exciting News from the Mountain!

Guess what, ChumCity pals? Sumatanga's stepping into a brand new chapter! They've just announced they've PAID OFF THEIR DEBT for the first time in years! Woohoo! This major milestone comes after some fresh leadership and a wave of support from donors and visitors. Leaders are totally committed to keeping things sustainable and making sure everyone has an amazing experience, all year round.

Honoring a Legend: The Nina H. Reeves Permanent Endowment

And that's not all! To reinforce this commitment, they're creating the Nina H. Reeves Permanent Endowment! This will support the camp's future and long-term sustainability.

This endowment is a tribute to the amazing Nina Reeves, who rocked the youth director role for the North Alabama Conference for 49 years! She shaped generations of campers through her work at Sumatanga and throughout the state. Though she recently passed at 100, her impact is timeless.

A Legacy of Love and Influence

Former campers are sharing heartfelt memories of Nina. Debra Kay Talley wrote that she believed Nina Reeves was "sent to earth specifically to influence people like me.” Warren Hamby remembered Nina's storytelling and constant presence throughout his life. So many wonderful memories!

Nina's more than just a leader, she's a mentor and a spiritual guide whose influence stretches far beyond the campgrounds!

The new endowment will ensure that her awesome impact continues for generations, supporting both the space and the experiences that make Sumatanga so special.

A Mission Endures

Sumatanga's mission remains the same: to provide a place set apart from the daily grind, where individuals can grow in faith, build community, and carry those experiences with them.

It's just like Nina once said: "Do good wherever you are and just love everybody."

With its debt gone and a renewed focus, Camp Sumatanga is ready to continue shaping lives for years to come!

Senate Hopefuls Woo Madison Voters!

The race for U.S. Senate is heating up, and Madison got a front-row seat Tuesday night! Several GOP candidates rolled into town, hoping to charm local voters at a forum backed by a coalition of Republican groups.

Who Showed Up?

We're talking big names like businessman Rodney Walker, Dr. Dale Deas, ex-Navy Seal Jared Hudson, Seth Burton, and even Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall! They all tackled tough questions about their campaigns and the burning issues on the minds of Alabamians.

Moore Makes a Virtual Appearance

Congressman Barry Moore couldn't be there in person, but he wasn't about to miss out. He sent in pre-recorded videos, ensuring his voice was heard on every topic.

A Powerhouse of Sponsors

This shindig was brought to you by the awesome folks at Republican Women of Madison, Republican Women of Huntsville, Athens-Limestone Republican Women, the Huntsville Log Cabin Republicans, Madison County Republican Men’s Club, and the Rocket City Young Republicans. Talk about a team effort!

Yaffee Steers the Ship

The one and only Yaffee from Yellowhammer News (and host of "The Yaffee Program" on WVNN weekdays 9-11 a.m.) was in the driver's seat, keeping the forum lively and engaging!

North Carolina's Bold Move: The Halifax Resolves

Back in April 1776, things were heating up with Great Britain, and North Carolina decided to shake things up! They made a seriously bold move toward independence.

The First Shout for Independence

The Halifax Resolves, adopted 250 years ago in the town of Halifax, were the first time an American colony officially said, "Yeah, we're cool with voting for independence." This was a big deal!

What Did They Actually Say?

The key part of the Resolves gave their delegates the green light "to concur with the delegates of the other Colonies in declaring Independency, and forming foreign alliances…" In simpler terms: go ahead and vote for independence, and let's make some friends overseas!

Not Just a Protest Anymore

Before this, most colonies were just trying to defend their rights as British citizens. The Halifax Resolves were different. It was a clear sign that North Carolina was done with just protesting – they wanted out.

We Need Backup!

These folks weren't naive. They knew going to war with a global superpower meant needing help. By talking about "forming foreign alliances," they wanted the Continental Congress to find military, economic, and even diplomatic deals with other countries. They knew they needed support to win and keep their independence through international trade.

Why North Carolina?

Several things led to this big decision:

• British Blunders: Policies like taxation without representation and the quartering of troops had worn everyone down.
• Bye-Bye Governor: The royal governor of North Carolina, Josiah Martin, bailed!
• Home Rule: Without British rule, the colony was already running itself. Independence just made sense.
• Loyalist Smackdown: Colonial forces had just thumped some Loyalists at the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge, boosting confidence and weakening British influence.

Setting the Stage

The Halifax Resolves were a game-changer. No other colony had officially authorized its delegates to support independence yet.

A Domino Effect

North Carolina's move helped nudge other colonies, like Pennsylvania, New York, and South Carolina, who were still on the fence. Someone had to go first, and North Carolina stepped up.

The Path to the Declaration

Soon after, other colonies started issuing similar instructions. Virginia eventually proposed independence, which led to Richard Henry Lee's call for separation from Britain.

Unity is Strength

The Resolves also stressed working together with other colonies, showing a unified front against the British. This was crucial, since a divided approach would have made things much tougher.

Support at Home

Patriot leaders in North Carolina were pumped about the Resolves. While not everyone agreed, more and more folks were leaning towards independence. It felt both desirable and inevitable.

A Mixed Bag in Congress

Some delegates who already wanted independence loved the Resolves, but others were still hesitant.

Normalizing Independence

Over the next couple of months, things changed quickly. More colonies started backing independence, shifting the balance in Congress. North Carolina's move helped make the idea of independence more normal.

Leading the Way

By June 1776, the Resolves and similar actions from other colonies paved the way for Congress to move forward. The groundwork was set for the Declaration of Independence.

More Than Just a Local Thing

The Halifax Resolves weren't just a regional decision. They sparked change across the colonies. Born from conflict, necessity, and revolutionary ideas, they were the first official step towards a new nation.

Oak Mountain State Park Gets Glam!

Get ready to experience the great outdoors in style, ChumCity! Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham just unveiled its brand new glamping tents, adding a touch of luxury to Alabama’s already awesome state park system.

Ribbon-Cutting Fun!

Pelham city officials, park reps, and the folks from Timberline Glamping (the brains behind these comfy digs) all gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of these awesome new sites. And guess what? They're open for reservations right now!

Outdoor Adventure...With a Twist!

These tents aren't your grandpa's canvas lean-tos. They offer a seriously comfy outdoor experience while still letting you dive into all the classic park activities like hiking and camping. It's the best of both worlds!

Glamping Craze is Real!

According to Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship, this glamping expansion is all about meeting the growing demand for, well, glamping! He mentioned it's popularity and visitor embracement in the past few years.

Glamping Statewide!

Oak Mountain is just the latest park to get the glamping treatment. You can now find these upgraded accommodations at several Alabama State Parks across the state.

Your Adventure Awaits!

Alabama State Parks boasts a whopping 21 parks spanning over 50,000 acres, with lodging options for every taste, from bare-bones campsites to cozy cabins and now, glamorous tents! Time to book your adventure, ChumCity!

Alabama Senate Race Heats Up!

Things are getting spicy in Alabama's U.S. Senate primary! A brand-new poll is dropping some serious hints about the power of a certain former President's endorsement.

Moore's Momentum

According to a Peak Insights survey, U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) is pulling ahead of the pack, snagging a whopping 34% of the support.

The Challengers

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is trailing behind in second place with 16%, followed by former U.S. Navy Seal Jared Hudson at 12%. Businessman Rodney Walker clocks in at 2%.

Trump Card?

Erik Iverson from Peak Insights points out that Moore is leading across the board – men, women, young, old, you name it! And among the "Trump/MAGA" crowd (a hefty 67% of primary voters), Moore dominates Marshall by a landslide (42-14%).

Runoff Rumble

The poll, which surveyed 500 likely Republican voters from April 11-13, also suggests Moore would crush Marshall in a runoff election (47-27%).

Endorsement Effect

Iverson believes the Trump endorsement is a game-changer. A massive 56% of voters know Moore's got Trump's backing, and among them, Moore trounces Marshall (53-18%). The more folks hear about that endorsement, the wider Moore's lead could become!

Cash King

To top it off, the Moore campaign just announced they raked in a cool $1 million in the first quarter of 2026.

Mark Your Calendars!

The Republican Primary election is happening on May 19th. Get ready to rumble!