Sara Beth Wilcox: Building Alabama's Future, One Project at a Time

"Showing up is half the battle." It's more than just a saying for Sara Beth Wilcox – it's her driving force. As VP and Division Manager at Brasfield & Gorrie, she's reshaping skylines and inspiring future leaders. This isn't just about concrete and steel; it's about resilience and the power of showing up, even when it's intimidating.

Overcoming the Odds

"I've felt out of place countless times," admits Wilcox. But she shows up anyway, understanding that's where connections and opportunities blossom. This ethos has propelled her to the top, helping her lead Brasfield & Gorrie's Huntsville division.

From Florence to the Forefront

Wilcox's passion for building started young, gravitating towards floorplans and designs. This led her to Auburn University, where she initially studied architecture before switching to building science, a decision she calls "the best of my career.” Active in student competitions, she honed her leadership skills, experiencing the thrill of construction firsthand.

Building a City

After time in Florida and Nashville, Wilcox joined Brasfield & Gorrie in 2012. It was a step back in title, but a leap forward in opportunity. From Auburn to Huntsville, she's left her mark on numerous projects. In 2021, she was tapped to lead Brasfield & Gorrie’s Huntsville operations. Under her leadership, the division’s annual revenue has skyrocketed, fueled by projects shaping Alabama's future. "We’re not just building buildings," she says. "We’re building the infrastructure for the future of Alabama."

Lessons in Leadership and Mentorship

Wilcox candidly speaks about challenges, admitting even accomplished leaders face self-doubt. "I think imposter syndrome is part of me," she says. But she pushes through, proving she belongs. This authenticity is key to her leadership, deeply committed to mentoring young women in construction. She helped found Brasfield & Gorrie’s Operational Women’s Network and the National Association of Women in Construction’s North Alabama Chapter.

Inspiration and Beyond

Inspired by both icons and local peers, Wilcox sees potential in others and helps them step into their futures. Her impact extends beyond job sites, serving on multiple boards and actively volunteering. Despite accolades, she's most proud of navigating the move to Huntsville, leading a new team, and earning trust.

Elevating the Game

Wilcox firmly believes Alabama is on the verge of something extraordinary. "We’re elevating the game," she states, being part of a story that's changing perceptions of Alabama. For her leadership, dedication to mentorship, and unwavering commitment, Sara Beth Wilcox is building impact, one project at a time.

ChumCity News Roundup!

Honoring Charlie Kirk

Fraternities at the University of Alabama showed their respects for Charlie Kirk with campus-wide vigils. Candles flickered as members shared stories of his conservative work. The NFL also paused during the Packers-ex-Redskins game with a moment of silence.

Education Funding Shift

The Department of Education is shaking things up! Funding for Minority-Serving Institution grants based on racial quotas? Gone! The money is now heading towards "under-resourced" students, regardless of race. Could this mean the end of those long-standing desegregation orders?

Inflation Creep

Gas prices are hitting our wallets again! The Consumer Price Index jumped 0.2% in August, pushing the annual rate a bit too high at 2.5%. Is Trump's tariffs to blame? The Fed might cut rates, but that record-high stock market could throw a wrench in the plans.

Immigration Sweep

Authorities in Franklin County snagged 21 suspected illegal immigrants (out of 28 total) heading to a poultry plant. Sheriff Shannon Oliver confirmed they used checkpoints to tackle the problem head-on.

Redstone Arsenal Security Boost

Rep. Dale Strong got a win for Redstone Arsenal! The Arsenal can now hire contract security to ease those crazy long gate lines for its 50,000 employees. It’s all about protecting our military stuff and getting ready for Space Command's big move.

Doxing Drama!

Wired magazine's crying foul, claiming "Right-Wing Activists Are Targeting People for Allegedly Celebrating Charlie Kirk’s Death." Turns out, an anonymous website posted the personal info of these folks, and now they're losing their jobs. Yikes!

Tributes to Kirk

Sen. Katie Britt called Charlie Kirk's assassination a political act, while Senator Tommy Tuberville honored him as a major American voice silenced by political violence. Big words from Alabama's leaders.

Lambda Legal Attorney Hit with Felony Charge

Hold up, ChumCityzens! A legal battle is brewing down in Alabama, and it's got everyone talking. Carl Charles, a lawyer for the LGBTQ+ civil rights group Lambda Legal, has been slapped with a felony charge. Allegedly, he made a false statement while under oath. Talk about a twist!

The Alleged "Judge-Shopping" Scheme

So, what's this all about? Well, it seems there was a judicial inquiry into whether Charles and other attorneys were "judge-shopping" in a case challenging Alabama's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. In case you missed it, Alabama made it a felony in 2022 for doctors to offer certain medical treatments to anyone under 19.

After the initial suits challenging the ban were filed, the lawyers withdrew them when the cases were assigned to U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke. They then refiled with new plaintiffs. Now, a judicial panel found that 11 of these lawyers may have tried to "circumvent" the case assignment system because they saw Judge Burke as a "bad draw." Yikes!

Sanctions and Recusals

Earlier this year, Judge Burke sanctioned Charles, along with attorneys Melody Eagan and Jeffrey Doss, for allegedly "gaming the system." Charles got a $5,000 fine, and Eagan and Doss were recused from the case. Drama!

Burke claims Charles denied making a call to the chambers of U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson during the investigation. Later, Charles amended his answers, saying he called Thompson's clerk and that it was a "lapse in memory." But Burke isn't buying it, accusing Charles of "repeated, intentional, bad-faith misrepresentations."

Lambda Legal's Defense

Lambda Legal is standing firmly behind Charles. They released a statement calling the indictment an "outrageous act of governmental overreach" and defending their attorney's First Amendment rights. They argue that Charles has been subjected to "unprecedented and abusive judicial proceedings" and that the phone call in question was "entirely legal and proper."

So, what do you think, ChumCity? Is this a case of justice being served, or is it an attack on LGBTQ+ rights advocacy? Sound off in the comments!

College Football Week 3: Games You Can't Miss!

The weekend's almost here, and that means another slate of glorious college football action! Forget last week's cupcake games, because Week 3 is bringing some seriously intriguing matchups.

While Alabama and Auburn handle their business, keep your eyes peeled for these four games that are absolutely worth your attention.

#6 Georgia @ #15 Tennessee (2:30 p.m. CST)

This is the SEC showdown of the week! Georgia hasn't lost to the Vols in almost a decade, so Tennessee is hungry. The Bulldogs are only favored by a little bit, and with Georgia looking a bit shaky and Tennessee's new QB Joey Aguilar tearing it up, an upset might be brewing! Coach Josh Heupel could snag a huge win, complete with a Neyland Stadium field storm!

#18 South Florida @ #5 Miami (3:30 p.m. CST)

South Florida is quickly becoming a Group of 5 powerhouse thanks to head coach Alex Golesh (formerly of Tennessee). They've been a thorn in Alabama's side, and just pulled off a massive win against Florida. But Miami, fresh off a dominant win against Notre Dame led by former Georgia QB Carson Beck, is a whole different beast. Miami should win, but don't count out the Bulls!

Florida @ #3 LSU (6:30 p.m. CST)

On paper, this one seems lopsided. But Florida and LSU games always have some kind of weirdness. Florida's coming off a terrible loss, and Billy Napier's seat is hotter than ever. A win in Baton Rouge would be a huge turnaround. LSU, meanwhile, wants to solidify their contender status. This game will show just how real those title aspirations are.

#16 Texas A&M @ #8 Notre Dame (6:30 p.m. CST)

A rematch from last year's defensive battle! Notre Dame needs this win after losing to Miami. A second loss would be devastating. For the Aggies, this is the first real test of the season under Mike Elko, and a great way to see where they're at before SEC play kicks off. You might need two TVs for this one!

From Slapout to Cyber Superstar: Alabama's Innovation in Education

Remember Buddy Watson? This Slapout, Alabama native was just an eighth grader when a chance conversation about his passion for engineering led him to an opportunity of a lifetime: the brand-new Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE) in Huntsville!

Nation's First!

ASCTE is a groundbreaking institution, the ONLY public high school in the US dedicated entirely to cyber technology and engineering. For Buddy, joining its inaugural freshman class was a big decision. Should he take a leap of faith, or stick to what he knew?

Risk = Reward

Fast forward three years, and it's clear Buddy's gamble paid off! Now a sophomore at Mississippi State, studying mechanical engineering (with a minor in Russian, no less!), he's already landing internships in his field. Talk about a head start! And he's not alone – many of his ASCTE classmates are on similar paths.

More Than Just Textbooks

ASCTE isn't your typical high school. They're reimagining education, integrating cyber and engineering into everything. History classes explore the evolution of technology, and students dive into hands-on projects like robotics and coding. Forget rote memorization – this is learning by doing!

History Redefined

"It wasn't just dates," Buddy says about his history classes. "It was the history of engineering… how machines were made, their impact." Even U.S. history explored the history of code, highlighting both its benefits and its potential downsides.

Real-World Ready

The school's faculty includes industry pros, sharing their expertise in everything from technical writing to drone racing. This keeps things relevant and prepares students for the challenges (and excitement!) of the real world.

Statewide Impact

ASCTE's influence stretches far beyond Huntsville. Through its ACCEL program, they're bringing specialized STEM curriculum to schools across Alabama and spearheading the development of a statewide AI curriculum.

A Holistic Approach

ASCTE emphasizes a "whole child approach," addressing students' academic, social, and emotional needs. Their counselor even leads training sessions for other educators across the state!

Cultivating Collaboration

"When you fail, you collaborate," Buddy explains. "Everyone here is here for a reason, and we want to help each other achieve what we came here for.”

Investing in Alabama's Future

ASCTE is fueling Alabama's workforce. Students are already contributing through internships in engineering, cybersecurity, and related fields. One grad even chose to stay in Alabama after landing a plum position with a federal agency.

A Model for Others?

With Alabama attracting major tech and manufacturing investments, ASCTE is playing a crucial role in producing skilled workers. This unique approach to education could be a model for other states facing similar workforce challenges.

For Buddy, the decision to take that leap of faith changed his life. As he puts it, "The environment at ASCTE allows you to explore, fail, and try again, and that freedom to experiment is what inspired me to fully commit to engineering."

Moore Supports Statue for Charlie Kirk

Following the tragic death of Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, U.S. Rep. Barry Moore has joined colleagues in advocating for a lasting tribute. A letter, initiated by U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Florida), calls for a statue of Kirk to be placed in the U.S. Capitol building.

Honoring Kirk's Legacy

The letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson argues that such a statue would be "a permanent testament to his life's work, his courage, and his sacrifice." It would also serve as "a reminder that political disagreement must never be answered with violence."

Moore's Condolences

Moore (R-Enterprise) was one of 16 members of Congress who signed the request. He expressed his deep sorrow, calling Kirk "a tireless voice for freedom" who dedicated his life to building the next generation of conservatives. He stated that a statue in the Capitol would be a "fitting way to honor his legacy."

Other Tributes

The outpouring of respect also includes Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance flying to Utah to escort Kirk's remains back to Arizona on Air Force Two. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina) plans to introduce a resolution to allow Kirk's body to lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.

Alabama Family Reels in Prehistoric Treasure!

Hold on to your fishing rods, ChumCity readers! A South Alabama family struck fossil gold while angling on a local riverbank: a 32-million-year-old fossilized leatherback sea turtle shell!

A Discovery Millions of Years in the Making

The incredible specimen, clocking in at nearly four feet long and three feet wide, is not just old; it's a brand-new genus and species! Experts are calling it one of the most complete fossils of its kind ever unearthed.

Fishing Trip Turns Fossil Find

Adam and Adrienne Coleman, along with their kiddos Talah and Corey, are avid fossil hunters, a hobby passed down from Adam's dad. During a 2021 outing, the family spotted a massive dome-shaped object embedded in limestone. "I’d never seen anything like it," Adrienne exclaimed. They kept the find a secret, frequently visiting the mysterious fossil.

Paleontologist's Jaw Drops

Over a year later, Adam contacted paleontologist Dr. Andrew Gentry, who was floored by the find. "When I saw the fossil for the first time, it was hard to believe what I was seeing," Gentry said. "It was absolutely breathtaking.”

Rare Find Sheds Light on Turtle History

Leatherback turtle shells are made of tiny bones that fall apart after death, making intact fossil shells incredibly rare. Gentry knew this was something special, and assembled a team of scientists to excavate and study the massive fossil.

Honoring Heritage

The fossil, now identified as a new genus and species, was named Ueloca colemanorum. "Ueloca" combines Muscogee words for “water” and “turtle,” chosen with guidance from the Poarch Creek Indians. The species name honors the Coleman family for their discovery.

Alabama: Fossil Hotspot!

"This is truly a one-in-a-million fossil," said scientist Jun Ebersole. "Specimens like this are why Alabama is quickly becoming a globally recognized hot-spot for fossil diversity.”

On Display

Want to see this prehistoric beauty for yourself? The Ueloca colemanorum is now on display at the McWane Science Center in Birmingham. This amazing find provides critical insights into the origins of modern leatherbacks, proving that even a simple fishing trip can unearth a piece of history!

Longshore & McKnight: Gridiron Gabfest!

John and Barry kicked off today's "Longshore & McKnight" with some hilarious stadium stories and press box shenanigans, setting a light, fun vibe before tackling the weekend's games.

Wake Forest vs. NC State: Helmets and BBQ Blazes!

Their recap of Wake Forest–NC State was pure gold, folks. Think questionable helmet designs and a BBQ truck going up in flames on the sideline! Talk about college football craziness!

QB Carousel: Chasing Dreams or Dollar Signs?

The guys also dove into the wild world of quarterback transfers, pondering if guys like Robbie Ashford are hunting playing time or cashing in on those sweet NIL deals. Then, they switched gears to the NFL...

Amazon Prime Gripes & Packers Pride

...where the debate raged about Amazon Prime's streaming woes and the Packers' fresh all-white uniforms. The hot topic of kickoff times also got a good roasting, naturally.

Lee Sterling's Sharp Insights

Betting guru Lee Sterling spiced things up, breaking down Vanderbilt's underdog potential, Tennessee's showdown with Georgia, the heat on Florida at LSU, and why Troy could surprise Memphis, with Bama steadying against Wisconsin. Another action-packed show!

Kennedy Weighs In on Nicotine Alternatives

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! Some surprising news has hit the airwaves about smoke-free nicotine alternatives. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a top health official, recently shared his thoughts, and they might just change how you think about nicotine.

Pouches: The Safest Bet?

Kennedy dropped a bombshell, suggesting that nicotine pouches, those discreet little flavor bombs, are "the safest way to consume nicotine." This pronouncement comes as pouches are exploding in popularity.

Seen on Fox News

Kennedy's comments were featured on "Fox & Friends," bringing this important discussion to a wide audience. He clarified, "Nicotine itself does not cause cancer. There is no evidence that it's carcinogenic... the thing that we really want to get away from is cigarettes.”

A Push for Smoke-Free Savings

Fox News correspondent Griff Jenkins highlighted Kennedy's mission: saving Americans from the staggering health costs associated with smoking.

ZYN Gets the Nod

Dr. Matthew Holman from Philip Morris International U.S. (the folks behind ZYN) added that ZYN is currently the only FDA-authorized nicotine pouch in the U.S.. He emphasized that the FDA gave ZYN the green light because they believed its risks were "substantially lower" than other tobacco products.

FDA's Stance

The FDA authorized ZYN back in January. Matthew Farrelly, Ph.D., from the FDA, explained that authorization requires "sufficient evidence that the new products offer greater benefits to population health than risks," which ZYN apparently met by helping smokers switch to a less harmful alternative.

Big Endorsement for Marshall's Senate Run!

Alabama's Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), a major force in the state's economy, just threw their weight behind Attorney General Steve Marshall in his bid for U.S. Senate!

Why ABC is Backing Marshall

ABC Chairman Tim Harrison didn't mince words, praising Marshall for standing up for Alabama's construction industry during tough times. "He kept our crews working and our economy moving by recognizing our workforce as essential!" Harrison stated.

Fighting Federal Overreach

ABC also highlighted Marshall's efforts to block Biden's vaccine mandate for federal contractors, calling him a champion for workers and employers against unlawful government intrusion. "He stood with Alabama's working families, and we’re proud to back him," Harrison emphasized.

Marshall's Promise

Marshall himself expressed gratitude for the endorsement, saying, "These are the men and women who wake up early, work with their hands, and build this country!" He promised to fight for hard work and less government interference in Washington.

A Record of Results

ABC pointed to Marshall's track record of delivering for Alabama, including victories against federal overreach on land and water regulations, and his opposition to ESG policies. He recently challenged the EPA's "environmental justice" initiatives, arguing they harm the state.

Standing Up for Alabama Values

Marshall reiterated his commitment, saying, "In the Senate, I’ll stand with the folks who punch a clock and build this country—not the ones sitting in conference rooms making rules they’ll never have to follow.”

The Stakes

Marshall seeks the GOP nomination to fill Alabama's open U.S. Senate seat in 2026 as U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is running for governor. He's currently facing competition from U.S. Rep. Barry Moore and former U.S. Navy Seal Jared Hudson.