January 2026 Southern Pine EC

STORIES | RECIPES | EVENTS | PEOPLE | PLACES | THINGS | LOCAL NEWS January 2026

Southern Pine

Electric Cooperative

CONGRESSMAN

MIKE ROGERS A Visit With The District 3 Representative

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SESSION PREVIEW

What’s Ahead For The Alabama Legislature

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CONTENTS

Vol. 79 No. 1 | January 2026

Manager Vince Johnson Co-op Editor Leslie Jackson

ALABAMA LIVING is delivered to some 450,000 Alabama families and businesses, which are members of 22 not-for-profit, consumer-owned, locally directed and taxpaying electric cooperatives. Subscriptions are $15 a year for individuals not subscribing through participating Alabama electric cooperatives. Alabama Living (USPS 029-920) is published monthly by the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and at additional mailing office.

16

ALABAMA RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

AREA President Karl Rayborn Editor Lenore Vickrey Managing Editor Allison Law Senior Graphic Designer Sean Burnley Art Director Danny Weston Advertising Director Jacob Johnson Graphic Designer/ Production Coordinator Brooke Echols

ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL OFFICES:

340 TechnaCenter Drive Montgomery, Alabama 36117-6031 1-800-410-2737 For advertising, email: advertising@areapower.com For editorial inquiries, email: contact@alabamaliving.coop

NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE:

American MainStreet Publications 1-800-626-1181 www.AMP.coop www.alabamaliving.coop

34 F E AT U R E S

9 Wildlife Snapshots

Alabama is home to a variety of wildlife and our readers have shared some striking photos.

14 A Voice for the Co-ops

Printed in America from American materials

10 Spotlight

A colorful but tiny fish found only in Alabama has its own protected wildlife refuge.

40 Outdoors

34 Freezer-Friendly Fare

When you’re stumped for what to serve for dinner, it’s easy to pull a casserole from the freezer. Check out our reader recipes for dishes that freeze well and cook up deliciously.

For co-op members, contact your local electric cooperative. Non-members, send your address change to contact@alabamaliving.coop.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! ONLINE: EMAIL: MAIL:

DEPARTMENTS

Why is it important that the concerns of our electric cooperatives be heard at the Alabama State House? We’ll tell you.

16 No Big Fish Tale

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:

USPS 029-920 • ISSN 1047-0311

14

www.alabamaliving.coop letters@alabamaliving.coop Alabama Living 340 Technacenter Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 Get our FREE monthly email newsletter!

Sign up at alabamaliving.coop

29 Around Alabama 34 Cook of the Month 41 Fish & Game Forecast 46 Cup o’ Joe

ON THE COVER

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama’s third congressional district talks about building consensus among his colleagues on both sides of the political aisle. See story, Page 12.

PHOTO: Courtesy Office of Rep. Mike Rogers

JANUARY 2026 3

Brewton Headquarters:

2134 South Blvd.

P.O. Box 528 Brewton, AL 36427 251-867-5415

District Offices:

Atmore 39 West Sunset Drive Atmore, AL 36502 251-368-4842 Evergreen 205 Wild Avenue Evergreen, AL 36401 251-578-3460 Frisco City 3979 Bowden St. Frisco City, AL 36445 251-267-3196

Toll-Free Outage Reporting

1-866-867-5415

Board of Trustees Allen Lang Chairman

Dwight Maloy Vice Chairman Scotty White Secretary-Treasurer David Cook, Jr. Rod Higdon Lynn Powell Kenny Bledsoe Jason Dean

The Work Continues Vince E. Johnson, General Manager

The new year is here and we are dealing with our brief time of winter weather. Hopefully we will not get the blizzard like we had in 2025. I hope that continues to be a once-in-a-lifetime event.

As we closed out 2025, we were fortunate to be able to come together with several of our retirees, trustees and employees to celebrate Christmas. It is always nice to be able to get together with everyone and have a meal and reflect on the past year. One thing we are reminded of is how blessed we are to have dedicated, hard-working employees.

Every year during our Christmas party we recognize our employees who are celebrating service anniversaries. We honor our employees’ dedication to the members in 5-year increments. This year we had 15 employees who were awarded service awards for their years of service. We recognized employees with 5 years

of service all the way to 40 years of service. It is indeed a blessing for our employees to stay here at your co-op and have a long career. They all enjoy working for the members which is very common in the electric cooperative industry.

Please take some time to review the following pages and check out all of the employees who were recognized this year. I appreciate every one of them.

I hope you enjoyed the Christmas holiday and are ready to start the new year. We will continue to work to provide excellent service to you – the member owners. We realize that is the only reason we are here and we take it very seriously.

I pray that you and your family have a good year and if you need us for anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your continued support.

All Southern Pine EC offices will be closed on

Monday, January 19

in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We will open with regular hours on

Tuesday, January 20.

4 JANUARY 2026

www.alabamaliving.coop

Winter weather can cause your home heating system to work overtime. Check for air leaks and drafts around doors and windows, then seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. Close fireplace dampers when not in use, and consider installing insulating curtains to help keep warm air inside. You can also save energy by lowering your thermostat a few degrees. Even small adjustments like these can reduce heating costs and improve comfort during the coldest months.

Office Hours:

Brewton Office 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Atmore, Evergreen, & Frisco City Offices 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Payment Options: During normal office hours at our Atmore, Brewton, Evergreen or Frisco City offices.

After hours at any of our offices by leaving your payment in our convenient night deposit box.

VISA, Mastercard, Discover or American Express credit or debit card payments may be made anytime by calling 1-844-867-8989 or on our Web site at: www.southernpine.org Mail your payment to: Southern Pine E C P. O. Box 528 Brewton, AL 36427

Convenient payment points:

Pay bill from the 1st-10th of each month at: James Brothers Furniture in East Brewton.

Ask about:

Levelized Billing, Pre-Pay, Credit Card and Bank Draft payment options. larship from the le to apply for a scho gib eli are u yo , so If more details, or to e Foundation. For ol Electric Cooperativ act your high scho ip application cont on ks Jac e sli obtain a scholarsh Le or d call: Jeff Kirklan or lor se un co . e 15 nc guida 251-867-54 ices department at in the Member Serv attachments must be ns with all required Don’t wait; applicatio uary 20, 2026.

Fe ed, no later than br ark stm po t no , ed receiv

2025 Employee Service Awards

Candace Ball 5 Years

Rebecca Diercks 5 Years

Becky Lambeth 5 Years

Adam York 5 Years

Trey Salter 10 Years

Beth Cooper 15 Years

6 JANUARY 2026

www.alabamaliving.coop

| Southern Pine |

Leslie Jackson 15 Years

Josh Lowery 15 Years

David Saucer 15 Years

Heath Nelson 25 Years

Phillip Norsworthy 25 Years

Ricky Quates 25 Years

Adam Adams 35 Years

Tracy Emmons 35 Years

Steve Blackman 40 Years

HEATING SAFETY TIPS FOR WINTER

HEATING SAFETY TIPS FOR WINTER

Simple precautions can help you avoid fire hazards and electrical dangers

There is nothing like curling up by the fire on a cold winter day. But heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. With a few simple steps, you can prevent most heating fires from happening.

STAY COZY AND SAFE THIS WINTER: •

• • • • • • • •

•

Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment like furnaces, radiators, fireplaces, electric or wood stoves and space heaters.

Maintain a 3-foot kid- and pet-free zone around heating equipment.

Plug heaters and electric fireplaces directly into wall outlets.

Never use extension cords or power strips.

Plug only one heat-producing appliance into an electrical outlet at a time.

Turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.

Unplug heaters when not in use.

Never use your oven to heat your home.

Test smoke alarms every month.

Hire a qualified professional to install or service stationary heating equipment and water heaters according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Have your heating system, vents and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

8 JANUARY 2026

SMART TIPS:

• Install and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to alert you before it’s too late.

• Have a home fire escape plan and practice it with your family.

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Snapshots

Alabama Wildlife

Coyote in east central Alabama. SUBMITTED by Regina Sanders, Lanett.

Barred owl in a Mulberry tree. Taken in Forestdale.

SUBMITTED by Leslie Parris, Grady.

Photo taken in southwestern Autauga County. SUBMITTED by Chris and Samantha Hill, Prattville.

Alligator by trail at Gulf State Park. SUBMITTED

by Janell Duxbury, Foley.

Asher (with the help of his dad) caught a rat snake at his grandparent’s pool.

SUBMITTED by Jill Cross, Woodland.

This gopher tortoise is doing well after surviving a cracked shell.

SUBMITTED by Jill Dunn, Elba.

March theme: “My Lego Creation” | Deadline: January 31 Submit photos at alabamaliving.coop/submit-photo or by scanning the QR code. Photos submitted for publication may also be used on our website and on our social media pages.

Alabama Living

JANUARY 2026 9

Spotlight E-mail us at: letters@alabamaliving.coop

Letters to the Editor

or write us at: Letters to the editor 340 TechnaCenter Dr. Montgomery, AL 36117

Fan From Georgia I am a Hattiesburg, Mississippi, girl who has lived in Metro Atlanta for 30 years. When we go back to see family, we stop at the Alabama welcome centers both coming and going. As my husband does most of the driving I get the pleasure of reading your magazine, (Alabama Living is available at all 8 welcome centers) doing the crossword puzzle, looking for the dingbat, and learning new things about Alabama. Before I know it we are much closer to home and the time has flown by. Don’t worry, my husband almost always gets to hear me read the “Cup o ‘Joe” story in the back.

I am impressed with the variety of articles and how well the publication is put together.

Thank you again for being such a good travel companion!

Barbara Johnson

Cup o’ Joe Column Brought Tears I just read this story you wrote for the December 2025 issue (“A Glimpse of the True Light,” Dec. 2025). I just wanted to say I am sorry about the loss of your precious mom. I was so touched by the kindness of Carla and you and your family. I cried while reading this precious story. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and heartfelt story. I always read your stories but I don’t remember one ever touching me so much with tears.

Judy Timmons Russellville

Find the Hidden Dingbat!

From what we’ve heard, our readers really enjoyed finding December’s hidden dingbat, a nutcracker, standing at attention in front of a vase of tulips in the top photo on Page 20. Sharon Tucker writes that she found it “very quickly,” when it usually takes two or three attempts. “I started collecting these handsome guys in 1993 when my son was born, as his Christmas ornament. He has 32 now at his house!” Jeffrey Rosser II reports that his boys, Declan, age 5, and Townes, 3, found it, and it was “a really cool hiding spot as it took us several attempts before finding it.” Congratulations to our winner of $25 from Alabama One Credit Union, James Rhinehart of Somerville.

Did you know National Hot Chocolate Day is Jan. 31? To celebrate, we’ve hidden this cup of hot chocolate somewhere in these pages but remember, it won’t be in an ad or on pages 1-8. Good luck!

By email: Sponsored by dingbat@alabamaliving.coop By mail: Find the Dingbat Alabama Living 340 TechnaCenter Dr. Montgomery, AL 36117 10 JANUARY 2026

THIS MONTH IN

ALABAMA HISTORY The “Mighty A” Gets a New Home COPYRIGHT ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY. DONATED BY ALABAMA MEDIA GROUP. PHOTO BY ED JONES, BIRMINGHAM NEWS.

A crowd gathered for the January 9, 1965, dedication ceremony for the USS Alabama in Mobile Bay.

When the USS Alabama was completed in 1942, it was the largest ship ever built at the Norfolk Navy Yard. For 30 months, 3,000 men and women labored around the clock to finish the $80 million ship ahead of schedule. The “Mighty A” was designed for speed, capable of reaching 28 knots (about 32 miles per hour for landlubbers). With 129 guns, it was built for war, earning nine Battle Stars for significant contributions to the war at sea in both the Atlantic and Pacific fronts.

The Alabama was decommissioned in Bremerton, Washington, in 1947. When the Navy announced plans to scrap the vessel in the early 1960s, citizens of the Yellowhammer State leapt at a chance to give the Alabama a second act as a veteran’s memorial.

A “Save the Battleship” campaign raised $800,000 to bring the Alabama to Mobile Bay. From their piggybanks, lunch money and allowances, Alabama schoolchildren sacrificed dimes and nickels for the effort, contributing about $100,000 to the cause.

The 5,600-mile voyage from Washington to Mobile took three months. When it passed through the Panama Canal there was less than a foot of clearance on either side. The Alabama arrived in Mobile Bay in mid-September 1964. A few months later, on January 9, 1965, some 2,000 people attended the opening ceremony.

Today, the ship anchors the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, a 155-acre facility that includes the World War II-era submarine USS Drum and dozens of aircraft and other vehicles. Each year, among the thousands who visit the park, are a handful who redeem the free pass they received in 1965, when their small investment helped save the “Mighty A” and bring the historic ship to a new, permanent home. ­ — Scotty Kirkland Ed. note: During 2026, as we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America, our “This Month in Alabama History” column will focus on Alabama’s role in American history.

www.alabamaliving.coop

Spotlight

Whereville, AL

Take Us Along!

See more travelers on page 28!

We’ve enjoyed seeing photos from our readers on their travels with Alabama Living! Please send us a photo of you with a copy of the magazine on your travels to: mytravels@ alabamaliving.coop. Be sure to include your name, hometown and electric cooperative, and the location of your photo. We’ll draw a winner for the $25 prize each month.  Wade Hancock, a member of Cullman EC, went ice fishing in Abisko, Sweden, with his magazine.

Identify and place this Alabama landmark and you could win $25!

Winner is chosen at random from all correct entries. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. Send your answer with your name, address and the name of your rural electric cooperative, if applicable. The winner and answer will be announced in the February issue.

Submit by email: whereville@alabamaliving.coop, or by mail: Whereville, 340 Technacenter Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117.

Do you like finding interesting or unusual landmarks? Contribute a photo you took for an upcoming issue! Remember, all readers whose photos are chosen also win $25!

December’s answer: The Ketchum fountain was installed in the center of Bienville Square in 1889-90 thanks to funds raised by a group of Mobilians who wanted to honor local physician George Augustus Ketchum. Three years earlier, Ketchum had founded the Bienville Water Supply Co. to provide a clean source of drinking water. The physician was the driving force since he was convinced that having a reliable source of pure water would reduce sickness by at least 25 percent.

(Information from Mobile Bay Magazine; photo

by Alabama Cooperative Extension System.) The randomly drawn correct-guess winner is Mattie Jackson of Clarke-Washington EMC.

Alabama to Celebrate Semiquincentennial in 2026 On July 4, 2026, the U.S. will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the birth of our nation.

Along with a national initiative, the state of Alabama will have several educational programs and community activities to celebrate America’s heritage and history and foster community involvement and unity.

Two organizations are leading the semiquincentennial efforts.

America250 is is coordinated by the America250 Foundation, a nonprofit working with federal, state and local government entities, private sector partners, historical organizations and community groups.

America250AL is a nine-member commission composed of leaders from throughout Alabama.

You can get involved with either or both groups by participating in local events and activities, volunteering with America250-related projects in your community, attending educational programs and exhibitions, following updates on social media and official websites and sharing your own stories about “what it means to be an American.”

Visit america250.org and america250al.org to find information about events, resources and ways you can get involved.

Alabama Living

 Chris Pringle, Speaker Pro Tem of the Alabama House, shows us his favorite magazine in the House Chamber. He is a member of ClarkeWashington EMC.  Estyn Wyatt and Bennett Bolding say “Go Chiefs” while visiting Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

They are from Boaz and are members of MarshallDeKalb EC.

 Tallapoosa River Electric member Greg Nichols, along with his daughter Rice, son Campbell (2024 Youth Tour Delegate), and son-in-law Joshua Carroll, took their magazine to the Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C.

 Kevan Hutto of Courtland, a member of Joe Wheeler EMC, traveled to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

JANUARY 2026 11

CONGRESSMAN MIKE

ROGERS

Chairman of the House Armed Services committee gives Alabama a powerful platform

BY ALLISON LAW

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers speaks in the Oval Office, where President Trump announced the moving of Space Command headquarters from Colorado to Alabama. On hand for the announcement on Sept. 2, 2025 were members of the Alabama delegation.

12 JANUARY 2026

PHOTO BY ALEX WONG/GETTY IMAGES

www.alabamaliving.coop

A new kind of space race

Rogers could have run for the Senate several years ago but felt he had a “very real chance” to be the chairman of the House Armed Services committee. That may have been a prescient move; Rogers says, “we would not have been able to keep Space Command if we had not had the chairmanship.”

Space Command’s headquarters is currently in Colorado Springs, Colo., but this fall President Trump named Huntsville as the HQ’s permanent home. USSPACECOM or SPACECOM, as it’s often referred to, is one of 11 unified combatant commands within the Department of Defense and is responsible for U.S. military operations in space. It receives personnel and equipment from each of the military services.

Rogers’ interest in space militarization followed a circuitous route. He served on the Homeland Security committee, which he gravitated toward, before moving to Armed Services; that committee’s chairman asked him to take over the Strategic Forces subcommittee. Strat Forces, as it’s known, has jurisdiction over the nuclear arsenal, missile defense systems and the national security space. “While I was in that position, space was probably the one that least interested me, just because of the importance of nuclear systems and missile defense systems.”

As he became more familiar with those areas, it became apparent to him that “we had a real problem in space – it was becoming a warfighting domain.” China and Russia were building up their space capabilities, and Rogers felt “awakened” to how much space is integrated into our national security and our future. He and the top Democrat on the committee, Jim Cooper, developed legislation to create Space Force as a separate service, organized under the Department of the Air Force, in 2019.

“The evolution of warfighting (had) moved past the Air Force being the proper service for this mission,” he says. “It’s very popular.”

Working across the aisle

Rogers, a Calhoun County native who grew up watching national political conventions on TV, knew early on he’d go into politics. A lawyer and small business owner, he served on the Calhoun County Commission and was elected to Alabama House of Representatives in 1994, serving until 2002 when he was elected to Congress. In those Alabama Living

PHOTO COURTESY MIKE ROGERS’ OFFICE

M

any Alabamians don’t realize that one of our House members, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, holds a committee chairmanship with tremendous influence. Rogers, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee since 2023, says it is, in his view, the most powerful committee in Congress.

“We authorize half of all discretionary spending,” Rogers says.

Most people don’t realize that 80 percent of the (government) spending is on entitlement programs – Social Security, Social Security Disability, Medicare, Medicaid. Roughly 20 percent that Congress decides how to spend is called discretionary spending, and Defense makes up about 52 percent of that.

“My committee not only decides what we’re going to authorize with that 52 percent, but we actually pass a bill every year – the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). No other committee in Congress can point to five years, or even three years, of passing an authorization bill.”

Indeed, as of press time, the House had passed the final, negotiated NDAA fiscal year 2026, which was headed to the Senate.

The White House issued a statement in December that the Trump administration “strongly supports” its passage.

His chairmanship of the committee is beneficial to the state, he says. “I’m just thrilled that I was able to stay here long enough to be elected chairman of it, since we’ve never had one from Alabama.”

Rogers speaks with a constituent earlier this year. Rogers announced he’s running for re-election for his third congressional district seat in 2026 and has been endorsed by President Trump. Rogers was first elected in 2002 to represent the east Alabama district.

many years, he’s learned a thing or two about what bipartisanship really means, and how to develop it.

“If you want to get something done, you have to work with the majority. In D.C., I’ve continued that. The lesson I’ve learned moving that process is, if you ever do anything meaningful – big legislation that matters – it has to be bipartisan,” he says. “I don’t care if you’ve got a majority and you’re in the majority, if it’s big, you can’t get it through with a straight line party vote. There are very few exceptions in my nearly 40 years of doing this.”

Having a good rapport extends to the Alabama delegation, he says, which is unique in that regard. “We’ve always worked closely as a delegation, and that is unusual up here. You’d be amazed at the delegations that don’t even talk to each other, much less get along.”

Building consensus, he says, is more than just Republicans vs.

Democrats. “It’s not just the stuff across the aisle – this was true when I was in the Legislature too. It’s not a homogenous group. There are strata of Republicans, especially when you get to Washington. Our Republican conference could be divided into about five or six subgroups.

“You’ve really got to learn how to build consensus among those strata of subgroups within your conference, as well as reach across the aisle and get people you can work with.”

The meaning of compromise

For Rogers, compromising with people is not the same as compromising one’s values, though some voters may not see it that way.

“Up here, you’ve got to figure out how to get people to agree with you and get the herd to move with you.” Sometimes, that calls for a trade-off.

It’s also important to talk to the folks “back home,” he says, to make sure they understand the trade-offs. “Ronald Reagan had no problem cutting deals with the other side. His view was, if I can get 80 percent of what I want, and all I’ve got to do is get the other 20 percent, I’ll take that deal every time. When you go back home and talk to folks and explain that, they get it. They’re not stupid.”

There are some “knuckleheads” in his district who have a much more rigid philosophy, he says, where it’s their way or no way. “I don’t share that approach.

“I’m pretty hard core on social issues, like pro-life … Beyond that, I’m a pragmatic conservative. It’s not hard to make that work.”  JANUARY 2026 13

14 JANUARY 2026

PHOTO BY LENORE VICKREY

Sean Strickler, chief operating officer for Alabama Rural Electric Association, encourages members of our electric cooperatives to stay informed about issues important to them.

www.alabamaliving.coop

Representing You at the

ALABAMA STATE HOUSE

A

s the Alabama Legislature prepares to begin its 2026 session, Alabama Living asked Alabama Rural Electric Association Chief Operating Officer Sean Strickler, who has worked in governmental relations for more than 30 years, to talk about why it’s vital that our cooperatives have a voice at the State House.

The best approach depends on the person, but in general: • Phone calls are highly effective because they create a personal connection and show the issue matters enough to reach out directly.

• Emails are good for clarity and details, especially when members want to provide background or share how an issue affects them.

• In-person visits — whether at the State House or back home in the district — are the most impactful because lawmakers remember faces and conversations.

Most importantly: Knowing your subject matter and civility matter more than the method of contact.

Why is it important for our electric cooperatives to be represented by AREA at the Alabama State House?

How can our members stay informed on the issues important to them?

Electric cooperatives need a strong, unified voice at the Alabama State House because the decisions made there directly impact how co-ops operate and how we serve our members. Legislators deal with issues involving energy policy, taxes, infrastructure, broadband, workforce development, and regulations that affect every co-op in the state.

When it comes to energy policy, we are in unprecedented times, especially with exploding capacity demands because of growth and the proliferation of data centers throughout our region. Because of these real and potential demands on the grid, we are seeing legislation around the country with both positive and negative effects on electric cooperatives. We are tasked to make sure our members continue to have reliable and affordable electricity.

Simply put, without active representation, policy decisions could be made about us instead of with us. As Tom Stackhouse, the CEO of Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, so eloquently states: “If you are not at the table, you are usually on the menu.”

Members can keep up with legislative developments impacting rural electric cooperatives by: • Following AREA on social media for timely updates.

• Watching or listening to AREA’s “Legislative Update” for weekly summaries during session.

• Reading co-op newsletters and statewide publications.

• Staying engaged with their local cooperative’s communications.

The more informed our members are, the stronger our collective voice becomes.

What are your top tips for contacting legislators? (Dos and Don’ts)

What’s a typical day like when you’re at the State House?

DO: • Be respectful and concise. Lawmakers hear from many people every day.

• Explain why the issue matters to you personally — local stories resonate.

• Mention your cooperative and that you are a constituent.

• Ask for a specific action, such as supporting or opposing a bill.

• Follow up with a thank-you, even if they disagree with you.

What’s the best way for co-op members to voice their concerns to their legislators?

DON’T: • Don’t assume they already understand how an issue affects rural communities — explain it.

• Don’t overwhelm them with overly technical details.

• Don’t contact them only when you’re upset — build a relationship before there’s a crisis.

• Don’t attack or criticize personally — respectful engagement is far more effective. 

The saying I love to use while explaining what a typical day at the State House for me is 45 minutes of boredom surrounded by 15 minutes of sheer panic. Being at the State House is a mix of policy work, relationship-building, problem-solving, rapid response, and making sure rural Alabama has a seat at the table.

Alabama Living

JANUARY 2026 15

Rare Little Fish

The

that Caught the attention of a Community The Endangered Watercress Darter’s Story is No Big Fish Tale STORY & PHOTOS NICK THOMAS

16 JANUARY 2026

Biologist Mike Howell holds the dip net he used to catch aquatic samples.

A

s a 24-year-old graduate student studying biology at the University of Alabama during the 1960s, Mike Howell made a discovery that most animal and plant researchers only dream of — he identified a new species.

Howell’s find, a small darter fish, might have been destined for notoriety only in the pages of scientific journals. But the brilliantly colored fish he named the watercress darter was found to only inhabit a handful of springs in Jefferson County — and nowhere else on the planet.

Like some scientific breakthroughs, luck played a role in the discovery of the new fish — one of more than 100 known darter species in the U.S. and sometimes referred to as the hummingbirds of the fish world due to their small size, colorful markings, and rapid darting movements. But serendipity, combined with Howell’s scientific training and curiosity, not only advanced his career (he went on to make groundbreaking discoveries in fish genetics while working at Samford University before retiring) but stimulated the community’s interest in the newly discovered tiny aquatic dweller.

“I had a professor, Ron Brandon, who was studying salamanders, and one day he returned to the lab from Glenn Springs in Bessemer after collecting samples with a dip net,” recalled Howell, referring to a large net that’s dragged through the water to collect random aquatic animal and plant samples. After pouring the collected water into a large container and removing the salamanders, Howell — who was actually studying darter fish for his Ph.D. thesis — noticed a lone fish remained, flapping around in the residual water.

“I asked Dr. Brandon if I could have the fish to study and it turned out to be an unknown darter species,” Howell says. Experts confirmed the finding, and said that Howell should classify the fish, name it and publish the results. www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living Alabama Living

JANUARY 2026 17 NOVEMBER 2023 17

Since the fish were collected from a spring where watercress grew, the name seemed a suitable link to the fish’s habitat. Howell also discovered the darter in other springs around Birmingham including Thomas, Roebuck, and Seven Springs. As Howell wrote in his 2023 book, The History of Birmingham’s Endangered Watercress Darter, the fish is currently listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as “endangered.”

Just 1 to 2 inches long, the males are specially colored with distinctive patches of bright red, orange and blue.

Because the minnow-like fish is small, agile, and elusive — rapidly retreating to the safely of watercress “forests” if disturbed — it can be difficult to observe directly in the water. This didn’t prevent a Birmingham church from “adopting” the almost invisible little fish.

Protecting God’s creatures

Seven Springs traverses property on Birmingham’s southwest side owned by Faith Apostolic Church. The church leaders, including the late Bishop Heron Johnson, established a community ecoscape — a term combining “ecology” and “landscape” — as a meditation garden to recognize and protect the small creature they had unknowingly shared their land with for decades.

“The church leadership embraced an idea put forward by famed biologist E.O. Wilson, a University of Alabama graduate, that science and religion could work together to protect the environment,” Howell says. “His argument was if you believe in God and that God created all the animals and plants, including the darters, shouldn’t you protect them if they are in danger? The bishop said if God put the darters in the springs He must have had a reason and resolved the church would protect them. And they still are today.”

On the other side of the city, in the East Lake neighborhood, a massive 15-by-30-foot colorful mural was painted on the side of a bookstore at 7769 2nd Ave. South in 2015 by Oregon artist Roger Peet, in conjunction with

The entrance to Seven Springs meditation garden, created to recognize and protect the watercress darter.

local artists, further raising awareness for the watercress darter. The painting was one of several that Peet’s Center for Biological Diversity Endangered Species Mural Project created to highlight endangered species around the U.S. The colorful darter has also been honored by a spring city festival, beginning in 2011 and continuing today. Darter Fest promotes environmental awareness with its watercress darter mascot and provides funds for Birmingham City Schools education programs. A local beer company, Avondale Brewing, even produces a seasonal darter beer available at the festival.

But perhaps the best recognition of the darter’s significance was the creation of the Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge at Thomas Springs. The 25-acre area is one of the smallest of the country’s 570 National Wildlife Refuges managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the smallest being the 0.57-acre Mille Lacs NWR in Minnesota).

When Howell visited the Refuge with this writer this past spring, the area was clearly in need of maintenance but was nevertheless a reminder that nature is worth preserving for future generations.

“The watercress darter population is only found in five springs around Birmingham, an area that is highly populated and industrial, so any environmental contamination could significantly reduce the population,” Howell says. “Every living creature is unique and worth protecting if we can.” 

A pond at Thomas Springs, part of the Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge.

18 JANUARY 2026

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ALABAMA’S BEACHES RULE #51:

SUNSETS AREN’T WATCHED HERE.

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They’re celebrated.

Raise a Bushwacker, sit back, and toast to another day in paradise right here at home on Alabama’s Beaches.

Alabama Living

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S T S O C G N I rs S RI cing Legislato Fa As They Open 2026 Session CY

BY TODD STA

I

t’s that time of year again! The Alabama Legislature is back in session (the 2026 session opens Jan. 13).

In election years, the session starts earlier than normal in January. That way it can end earlier and lawmakers can get back home in time to campaign.

But that’s not the only way election year sessions are different.

Traditionally, lawmakers tend not to tackle big, controversial issues in election years. You won’t see major pushes on a gambling bill or reforms to the online sales tax, for example. You will see lawmakers focusing on the nuts and bolts of state government: the budgets. And that could get interesting.

The state has seen record-setting budgets year after year recently and that will likely remain the case this time around. But there are warning signs that the future outlook isn’t so rosy.

Warning signs

Todd Stacy, publisher of Alabama Daily News and host of “Capitol Journal” on APT.

20 JANUARY 2026

In the General Fund, which pays for noneducation state agencies and programs, the state has enjoyed a massive infusion of revenue from interest earned off various state accounts. That’s largely due to those accounts holding billions of dollars in federal relief money, most of which has to be spent by the end of 2026. So that infusion is going away while costs are going up for state prisons, Medicaid and mental health.

In the Education Trust Fund, which pays for the range of public schools from pre-K through college, the budget remains quite healthy but expenses are adding up. The last several years have seen a series of tax cuts, which are obviously popular with voters but do result in less money for lawmakers to work with. And few could have predicted the massive demand created by the CHOOSE Act, which allows parents to use tax credits to send their children to private schools or homeschool. In the last-passed budget, lawmakers had to allocate $180 million to make sure those credits were funded. But the Legislature has budgeted conservatively in recent years so most of those issues are manageable.

The real budget problem looming is rising health care costs. Officials estimate that the Public

Education Employee Health Insurance Program, which provides health care plans for teachers and other education workers, will need an additional $380 million from the Legislature to meet obligations. Even for a $10 billion budget, that’s real money. It may not mean cuts are necessary, but it will mean there is less funding for other programs and projects requesting increases. And lawmakers will be crossing their fingers that an economic recession doesn’t set in. Though they have no way to control such an event, a recession would drastically impact state budgets by the resulting ebb in sales and income tax revenue.

It doesn’t get talked about enough, but Alabama has made some significant progress in improving education lately, especially in the younger grades.

For example, the latest national report card showed Alabama’s 4th graders rising from 40th to 32nd in Reading, and that’s up from ranking dead last in 2019. Much of this is directly attributable to smart policies enacted by the Legislature along with funding to back it all up. I hear from lawmakers all the time that maintaining that progress is an ongoing top priority.

Regulatory and ethics reform

Two related issues you might also hear about this session are regulatory reform and ethics reform.

The last few years have seen multiple scandals involving appointed boards and commissions that regulate various institutions and occupations, the latest resulting in the governor cleaning house at the Motorsports Hall of Fame Board.

Many lawmakers see the need to overhaul that regulatory system and update the state’s ethics laws to bring greater accountability and punish bad actors. The issues are complicated so it may be too heavy of a lift in an election year, but most significant legislation takes multiple years to pass.

You can follow the ins and outs of the Alabama Legislature each day by subscribing to the Alabama Daily News at aldailynews.com and each night by tuning into “Capitol Journal” on Alabama Public Television.

Todd Stacy is the publisher of the Alabama Daily News and host of “Capitol Journal” on Alabama Public Television.  www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

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Alabama’s 2026 State Senate and House of Representatives and their respective legislative district numbers are shown on the following three pages. A listing of all senators and representatives by electric cooperative is on Page 30.

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STATE SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES BY COOPERATIVE Arab EC

Covington EC

Senator

District

Arthur Orr

3

Garlan Gudger

4

Wes Kitchens

Pioneer EC

District

Senator

District

9

Will Barfoot

25

Donnie Chesteen

29

Josh Carnley

District

Senator

District

31

Rob Stewart

23

Will Barfoot

25

Chris Sells

90

Wes Kitchens

9

Ginny Shaver

39

Josh Carnley

31

Representative

Representative

Representative Scott Stadthagen

9

Randall Shedd

11

Jeana Ross

27

Prince Chestnut

67

Jeff Sorrells

87

Rhett Marques

91

Kelvin J. Lawrence

69

Chris Sells

90

Matthew Hammett

92

Sand Mountain EC

Baldwin EMC

Cullman EC

Senator

Senator

Greg Albritton

22

Chris Elliott

32

Arthur Orr

Rob Stewart

23

Vivian Davis Figures

33

Representative

Representative

Senator 8

Andrew Jones

10

Garlan Gudger

4

Ernie Yarbrough

7

Corey Harbison

12

Nathaniel Ledbetter

24

Tim Wadsworth

14

Jeana Ross

27

Representative

64

Jennifer Fidler

94

Scott Stadthagen

9

Brett Easterbrook

65

Frances Holk-Jones

95

Randall Shedd

11

Alan Baker

66

Matt Simpson

96

Dixie EC

Thomas Jackson

68

Shane Stringer

102

Senator

Senator

Steve Livingston 3

Donna Givens

Black Warrior EMC

District

South Alabama EC Senator Will Barfoot

25

Will Barfoot

25

Jay Hovey

27

Billy Beasley

28

Kirk Hatcher

26

Billy Beasley

28

Representative

Gerald Allen

21

Rob Stewart

23

Representative

Kelvin J. Lawrence

69

Chris Sells

90

Greg Albritton

22

Bobby Singleton

24

Reed Ingram

75

Pebblin Warren

82

Berry Forte

84

Rhett Marques

91

Patrice McClammy

76

Jeremy Gray

83

Marcus Paramore

89

Berry Forte

84

Southern Pine EC Josh Carnley

31

Representative Ron Bolton

61

Thomas Jackson

68

Joe Lovvorn

79

Bill Lamb

62

Kelvin J. Lawrence

69

Ed Oliver

81

Brett Easterbrook

65

A J McCampbell

71

Franklin EC

Prince Chestnut

67

Curtis Travis

72

Senator

Central Alabama EC

Larry Stutts

Senator 14

Will Barfoot

25

Jamie Kiel

Rob Stewart

23

Clyde Chambliss

30

Joe Wheeler EMC

Troy Stubbs

31

Kelvin J. Lawrence

69

Ben Robbins

33

Reed Ingram

75

Van Smith

42

Ed Oliver

81

Russell Bedsole

49

Jerry Starnes

88

Prince Chestnut

67

Representative

Cherokee EC Senator 10

Keith Kelley

12

Representative Mack Butler

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Ginny Shaver

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Clarke-Washington EMC Senator Greg Albritton

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22

Rob Stewart

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Representative Brett Easterbrook

65

Thomas Jackson

68

Kelvin J. Lawrence

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Senator Lance Bell

11

Keith Kelley

12

18

Randy Price

13

Arthur Orr

3

Garlan Gudger

4

Larry Stutts

6

Representative

Mark Gidley

29

Randy Wood

36

Craig Lipscomb

30

Corley Ellis

41

Barbara Boyd

32

Susan DuBose

45

Ben Robbins

33

Jim Hill

50

Steve Hurst

35

23

Brett Easterbrook

65

Chris Sells

90

Alan Baker

66

Matthew Hammett

92

Thomas Jackson

68

Billy Beasley

28

Senator Randy Price

13

Jay Hovey

27

Parker Moore

4

Scott Stadthagen

9

Representative

Ernie Yarbrough

7

Randall Shedd

11

Steve Hurst

35

Chris Blackshear

80

Terri Collins

8

Bob Fincher

37

Ed Oliver

81

Vacant

38

Jeremy Gray

83

Joe Lovvorn

79

Berry Forte

84

4

Matt Woods

5

Tim Wadsworth

14

Tracy Estes

17

Bryan Brinyark

16

Josh Carnley

31

Marshall-DeKalb EC Senator Wes Kitchens

Tombigbee EC

9

Andrew Jones

10

Brock Colvin

26

Mark Gidley

29

Garlan Gudger

Jeana Ross

27

Ginny Shaver

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Representative

Senator

Representative

North Alabama EC Senator Steve Livingston

8

Wes Kitchens

9

Ritchie Whorton

22

Jeana Ross

27

Mike Kirkland

23

Wiregrass EC Senator Billy Beasley

28

Donnie Chesteen

29

Representative

Pea River EC Senator

Representative

22

Rob Stewart

Tallapoosa River EC

Senator

Representative

Coosa Valley EC

Greg Albritton

Representative

Representative

April Weaver

Andrew Jones

Senator

Billy Beasley

28

Donnie Chesteen

29

Josh Carnley

31

Rick Rehm

85

Rhett Marques

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Paul Lee

86

Steve Clouse

93

Jeff Sorrells

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Representative Berry Forte

84

Marcus Paramore

89

Rick Rehm

85

Steve Clouse

93

TO CONTACT LEGISLATORS Email via www.legislature.state.al.us | House: (334) 261-0500 | Senate: (334) 261-0800 26 JANUARY 2026

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JANUARY 2026 27

 Ronnie and Beth Hintze of Magnolia Springs and Baldwin EMC, enjoyed a visit to their family farm in Gainesville, Ga.

Take Us Along!

Continued from page 11

 The Eiffel Tower in Paris provided a scenic backdrop for this photo of Lilianna Thompson of Clanton, who traveled to Paris with her mom, Anna Thompson.

They are members of Central Alabama EC.  Bill and Mary Camp of Montgomery, members of Dixie EC, traveled to Alaska with their magazine.  Lisa Casian of Russellville, a member of Franklin EC, took her copy on vacation to Athens, Greece, to visit her son, Brian, earlier this year.

 Roger and Melanie Maddox from Woodland, members of Tallapoosa River EC, traveled with their grandchildren to visit family in Oregon. Granddaughter Jaycee Jones is photographed at the Heceta Head Lighthouse.

 Ronald and Rhonda Jackson of Salem, members of Tallapoosa River EC, were cruising the Caribbean and stopped at St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

CROSSWORD

BY MYLES MELLOR Across 1 Annual New Year’s Eve celebration in Mobile 5 ____ Noon Year’s Eve celebration at Gulf Shores 8 They turn brown in Alabama in winter 10 Polar jacket 11 Produce containers 14 Yellowfin tuna 16 Winter wear 20 Alabamians say the best seafood comes from these waters.

22 Olive or sunflower seed liquid 23 Meadow 25 South Korean car maker 26 Riding downhill on a sled 29 Alabama city on Mobile Bay ringing the New Year with a big ball drop and fireworks 32 Sport played on horseback 34 Brazilian city famous for carnival 35 Naval rank, abbr.

37 Increase, with “up” 38 Elaborately decorated 39 Location for The Wharf’s “Reelin’ in the New Year” celebrations, ____ Beach

28 JANUARY 2026

Down 1 City north of Montgomery which is celebrating the New Year at Epicure and Jack’s Tavern 2 Iridescent gemstones 3 Before 4 NY railway 5 Auld ____ Syne 6 Coniferous tree that sheds its needles 7 Japanese rice wine 9 Collection of matching items 12 Carve into a surface 13 Seafood dish often served on New Year’s 15 “___ say!”

17 Roman numeral for seven 18 Intense joy 19 Golfer’s peg 21 The appearance of this mythical horse with a single horn is sometimes seen as a wish for a magical and lucky new year 24 Fruit drink suffix 27 Hand warmer at New Year’s Eve 28 Stimulate the appetite, e.g.

29 Moving to and ___ 30 Atmosphere we breathe 31 Single unit 33 Chicken piece 36 Medical professional’s title, abbr.

Answers on Page 45. www.alabamaliving.coop

Around Alabama

EVENTS JANUARY 12 Montgomery, Land and Military Workshop, 9 a.m., Department of Archives and History, 624 Washington Ave. Focus on where to find and how to use land and military records to enhance family history research. Step-by-step instructions led by expert staff for participants of all levels of research experience. Search for the ADAH Facebook page for more information.

JANUARY 24 Robertsdale, Order of Misfits Mardi Gras Parade, starting at the Baldwin County Coliseum at 6 p.m. and ending at Honeybee Park. The Monde Ball will immediately follow the parade. Email tk.orderofmisfits@gmail.com JANUARY 25-25 24-25, Greenville, The Greenville Camellia Society’s third annual camellia show at LBW Community College, 750 Greenville Bypass. 1 to 4 p.m. both days.

Free. For information about submitting blooms in competition for ribbons and cash prizes, email thegreenvillecamelliasociety@gmail.com JANUARY23-25 & FEB. 1 Lake Guntersville, Eagle Awareness Weekends at Lake Guntersville State Park. Enjoy live bird demonstrations and programs provided by notable speakers, guided safaris for viewing eagles in their natural habitat, and the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. Guests will experience and learn about the natural history of majestic eagles, wild creatures and other birds of prey. Alapark. com/EagleAwarenessWeekends JANUARY 30-31 Brundidge, Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival, featuring Donald Davis, Josh Goforth and Paul Strickland. Friday night performance is $30 at the We Piddle Around Theater and includes dinner; three performances are on Saturday at the Trojan Center Theater on the Troy University campus.

Weekend ticket packages are $55 and include Friday night supper and stories and all three performances on Saturday.

Call or text 334-685-5524 or text 256-997-6357.

JANUARY30 & FEB. 1 Birmingham, World of Wheels Custom Auto Show, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Hot rods, race cars, antique cars, classic cars, custom imports and motorcycles presented in creative displays. 3 to 9 p.m.

Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday. Worldofwheels.net FEBRUARY 7 Fort Morgan, 2026 Fort Morgan Tour of Homes, a fundraiser to benefit the area volunteer fire department.

Five of Fort Morgan’s most distinctive architectural homes, each offering its own take on coastal living and design, will be featured. All are short-term rentals and showcase the relaxed, family-friendly lifestyle of the area. Hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Alabama Living

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

FEBRUARY 7 Wetumpka, Galentine’s on Main, 116 Company St. All “girls” welcome to come downtown for a day of fun and shopping. Merchants will offer deals and discounts.

Search for the event’s page on Facebook.

FEBRUARY 7 Millbrook, Millbrook Revelers Mardi Gras Festival and Parade. Festival grounds open at 9 a.m. with more than 60 vendors and The Greenville Camellia Society will present its annual camellia show on Jan. 24-25. activities for children. Parade begins at noon after the MARCH 5-8 staging at Mill Creek Park, Selma, Bridge Crossing Jubilee, commemorating the 61st behind Smokehouse Bar-B-Q restaurant on Main Street. anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the Selma-to-Montgomery Millbrookrevelers.org March and the signing of the Voting Rights Act. Featuring educational events for young people, the 50-mile Peace FEBRUARY 21 Rally and Walk, public conversations, mass meetings, battle Anniston, 46th annual Heritage Festival, 920 Museum of the bands, cultural village, church services, Super Soul Drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event celebrates Black History Month Sunday benefit concert and more. Selmajubilee.com with live music, local vendors and museum tours. Young people are encouraged to enter the oration competition to MARCH 7 develop public speaking skills and practice creative writing.

Montgomery, 2026 Monster Truck Nitro Tour, 1:30 Search for the event’s page on Facebook. p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Garrett Coliseum, 1555 Federal Drive.

334-356-6866 or stop by the Coliseum.

FEBRUARY 21-22 Decatur, Home and Garden Show, Ingalls Harbor MARCH 7-8 Pavilion, hosted by the Greater Morgan County Builders Gulf Shores, 12th annual Ballyhoo Festival, Gulf State Association. Latest trends in custom home building and Park. A juried fine art festival featuring 100 artists and remodeling ideas for every room of the home. Gmcba.org $6,000 in awards. Additional focus is on cultural exchange, including presentations by the Poarch Creek Indians and FEBRUARY 26-28 live music, fiddle and banjo competitions and food vendors.

Monroeville, Monroeville Literary Festival, a project Ballyhoofestival.com of the Monroe County Museum. Among the festival’s highlights are the presentations of awards, which this year MARCH 20-26 will honor Ace Atkins and Patricia Foster; other authors Montgomery, SLE Rodeo, Garrett Coliseum. The scheduled to speak include John Archibald, Anne Byrn, Southeastern Livestock Exposition supports youth who are Emily Carpenter, Carolyn Haines, Honoree Fanonne Jeffers, involved in livestock in Alabama; proceeds benefit such Lesa Carnes Shaul, Tom Spencer and Joe Kittinger. Visit programs as livestock shows, Alabama 4-H, youth rodeo monroevilleliteraryfestival.com for a full schedule associations and others. Visit slerodeo.com for information of events. on the rodeo activities and schedule.

MARCH 5-7 Florence, 29th George Lindsey UNA Film Festival, on the campus of the University of North Alabama.

Festival celebrates independent filmmaking and features To place an event, e-mail events@alabamaliving.coop. various categories for professionals, students and young or visit www.alabamaliving.coop. You can also mail to filmmakers. It also honors its namesake, actor George Events Calendar, 340 TechnaCenter Dr., Montgomery, Lindsey, and is Alabama’s longest-running film festival.

AL 36117; Each submission must include a contact name and phone number. Deadline is two months Details will be noted on the website and social media prior to issue date. We regret that we cannot publish channels. Lindseyfilmfest.com every event due to space limitations.

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JANUARY 2026 29

Alabama People

Uniting Utilities to Promote Alabama’s Energy Industry Tell us about the Energy Institute of Alabama.

It is a non-profit organization of industry leaders from the energy sector who work together to promote the energy industry in Alabama. Our mission is to promote reliable, affordable, and abundant energy to help grow Alabama’s economy, createhigh paying jobs, and build public support and appreciation for Alabama’s energy industry and its employees. Our members include the Alabama Rural Electric Association, Alabama Power, PowerSouth Energy, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Energy Southeast, and Electric Cities of Alabama.

PHOTO BY LENORE VICKREY

Why is having an organization like EIA important?

Clay Scofield Position: President & CEO, Energy Institute of Alabama About Clay: He grew up on a farm in Joppa outside Arab, where his family are members of Arab Electric Cooperative. His family was in the car business, but in 1989 when he was 9, his grandfather bought a 1,550-acre cattle farm in Brown’s Valley, south of Guntersville. In 1994, Clay’s father built eight broiler chicken houses, where he worked during summer breaks for a few years. He helped his grandfather and uncle with the commercial cattle operation until he left to study international business at Auburn University. His first career goal was to work overseas in international sales or the foreign service, but the pull of home was strong, and he switched his major to agricultural business and economics and came home after graduation. He is the third generation in his family to graduate from Auburn University’s College of Agriculture. He was awarded a contract with Pilgrim’s Pride to build four broiler houses in 2004 and began operations in March 2005, adding four more houses bought from his uncle later that year.

Political Career: In 2010, at just 30 years old, he was elected to the Alabama Senate where he worked to improve Alabama’s economy, infrastructure and workforce development. Some of his proudest accomplishments included helping create Alabama’s rural broadband expansion program, helping provide more secure funding for our state parks, and securing funding to build a new, state-of-the-art workforce training center in Marshall County run by Snead State Community College. In 2020, his colleagues elected him Senate Majority Leader where he served until 2023, when he joined the Business Council of Alabama as executive vice president. He was named President and CEO of the Energy Institute of Alabama in September 2025.

30 30 JANUARY JANUARY2026 2026

Having all of Alabama’s electric utilities united behind the common goal of strengthening Alabama’s economy is both unique and powerful. One thing that became evident during my service in the Senate is that Alabama is growing because our leadership is doing everything right to help our economy thrive. Historic investments are being made to improve our infrastructure, education system, and industrial sites, all while keeping taxes and regulations low. But to keep that momentum going, Alabama has to have reliable and abundant energy. Everything runs on power, from our homes to our churches to our places of work, yet we way too often take it for granted. When the opportunity came to run the Energy Institute of Alabama, I jumped at it. There probably hasn’t been a more important or exciting time for the energy sector since rural electrification. President Trump wants our country not only to be energy independent, but energy dominant. If Alabama has the right policies in place that are focused on helping improve our energy infrastructure, we could position our state to be a leader in attracting high-paying jobs well into the future.

What are the major challenges facing Alabama in terms of energy generation and demands?

There are a few challenges that the energy sector in Alabama faces but probably the biggest is the growing demand for electricity.

Because of A.I., advanced manufacturing, and a growing population, we will need more power generation. Burdensome regulations, long-lead times on equipment, and high costs slows down construction on any new generation plants. The Energy Institute of Alabama is committed to working with our utilities and elected officials to identify and remove those barriers.

When you’re not representing Alabama’s energy sector, what do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, there’s nothing I value more than spending time with my wife, Jade, and our son Will, who is 7. We enjoy cheering him on at his flag-football and basketball games and having family movie nights on the weekend. Jade and I have very busy schedules, so we cherish the time we have together as a family. I also enjoy quail hunting with good friends whenever I get the chance. — Lenore Vickrey 

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Alabama Living

JANUARY 2026 31

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Gardens

Healthy Soil, Healthy Garden: Why Soil Testing Matters in Alabama Landscapes

I

f you’ve ever planted a garden or landscaped your yard and wondered why some plants thrive while others struggle, the answer often lies beneath the surface—in the soil.

In Alabama, where soils range from sandy coastal plains to heavy clay in the Black Belt, understanding your soil is the first step toward success. Healthy soil is the foundation for strong roots, vibrant blooms and productive vegetable gardens.

Why Soil Testing is Essential

Soil testing is like a health check-up for your garden. It tells you what nutrients are present, what’s missing, and whether your soil’s pH is in the right range for plant growth.

Without this information, applying fertilizer is guesswork.

Many home gardeners overapply nitrogen or phosphorus, wasting money and potentially harming the environment through runoff into streams and lakes. A soil test takes the guesswork out and helps you apply the right nutrients at the right time.

Alabama soils are naturally low in pH, or acidic, which can limit nutrient availability. Lime is commonly needed to raise pH, but the amount varies widely by soil type.

However, not all soils in Alabama are acidic—areas in the Black Belt region often have naturally high pH levels due to their calcareous clay soils. High pH can cause its own set of problems, such as making certain micronutrients like iron and zinc less available to plants. A soil test provides precise recommendations for both low and high pH situations, ensuring you apply the right materials without guessing.

Bethany O’Rear, a horticulturist for more than 20 years, is a regional agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, specializing in commercial and home horticulture.

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How to Collect a Good Sample

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System recommends testing every two to three years or before planting new beds. Kits are available at county Extension offices, and samples are analyzed at Auburn University’s Soil Testing Laboratory.

Here’s how to do it right: • Depth matters: For lawns, take cores 2–3 inches deep; for vegetable gardens and flower beds, go 6–8 inches.

• Take multiple samples: Collect 15–20 cores from random spots in the area you want to test. Mix them in a clean bucket.

• Send about a pint: From that mixture, fill the sample box or bag provided in your kit.

• Label your sample: Indicate what you plan to grow— recommendations differ for tomatoes, azaleas, or zoysia grass.

Understanding Your Report

Your soil test report will include: • pH level: Most garden plants prefer a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. If your soil is too acidic, lime will be recommended.

• Nutrient levels: The report shows phosphorus, potassium, and other essential nutrients.

• Fertilizer and lime recommendations: These are tailored to your crop and Alabama’s soil conditions.

If you’re unsure how to interpret the report, your local Extension office can help. They can explain the numbers and guide you on timing and application methods.

Benefits Beyond Your Garden

Soil testing isn’t just good for your plants—it’s good for the environment. Applying only what your soil needs reduces nutrient runoff, protecting Alabama’s waterways. It also saves you money by preventing unnecessary fertilizer purchases. Healthy soil leads to healthier plants, less waste, and a more sustainable landscape.  www.alabamaliving.coop

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JANUARY 2026 33

Alabama Recipes

Freezer Friendly Food prepared and photographed by Brooke Echols

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WEBSITE: alabamaliving.coop or scan here: EMAIL: recipes@alabamaliving.coop MAIL: Alabama Living Recipes, 340 Technacenter Dr., Montgomery AL 36117 Please include the name of your electric cooperative 34 34 JANUARY JANUARY2026 2026

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F

reezer meals are some of my favorite to do in the winter time. We have a ton of soups, stews and crock pot meals that can be done ahead of time and frozen for later use over at thebutteredhome.com. This Upside Down Frito Pie is one of our new favorites to have and we make it a bit healthier by using ground turkey. Get all of that warm comfort food feeling without the added winter pounds! We hope you try it and love it as much as we do!

Brooke Burks

Crock Pot Upside Down Turkey Frito Pie 2 1/2 1 1/4 1/4 1/2 1 1 1 1 2

pounds ground turkey cup onions, chopped tablespoon chili powder teaspoon cayenne pepper teaspoon garlic powder teaspoon onion powder can diced tomatoes, undrained cup tomato sauce can white beans, drained and rinsed cup pepper jack cheese, grated cups Fritos

PHOTO BY THE BUTTERED HOME

Brown the ground turkey with the chopped onions. Drain and return to the pan. Add chili powder, cayenne, garlic powder and onion powder. Mix well to coat the meat. Cook for one to two minutes. Pour into the liner of a large crock pot.

Pour in the canned tomatoes and tomato sauce. Mix, cover and cook for 2 hours on low.

When the cook time is up, add in the white beans and mix well. Top with grated cheese, cover and cook for 10 to 15 minutes more.

To freeze for later: Cool completely and store in a freezersafe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a casserole dish or on low in the crock pot. Serve as is with Fritos on the side or cover the entire crock pot contents with a layer of Fritos. Serve and enjoy!

Easy 5-Ingredient College Student Rotisserie Chicken PotPie 1 1 2 1 2

rotisserie chicken package double pie crusts pre-made bottom pie crust pans large can + 1 small can mixed veggies, drained cans cream of chicken soup

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. De-bone the rotisserie chicken into bite-size pieces. Set out 2 premade pie crust tins. Combine drained veggies, cream of chicken soup and rotisserie chicken pieces in a large bowl until well mixed. Pour into the premade pie crust tins. Cover pie crust with remaining crust. Crimp the crust edges together; cut slits in top of crust (or decorate as you want). Bake in the preheated oven until crust is golden brown, about 45 minutes. You can eat one and freeze the other to eat at a later time.

Cook’s note: We came up with this really easy recipe for my college-aged daughter to fix while she's at school and missing home. This chicken pot pie serves as a comfort food for her and offers her emotional solace when she's missing home.

Kassie Luster Central AL EC

Alabama Living

JANUARY 2026 35

Cook of the Month

Renee Bykowski, Baldwin EMC

R

enee Bykowski moved to Alabama from Wisconsin, where potatoes are a staple and widely grown. Her winning recipe for Ham and Cheese Bake relies on four cups of hash brown potatoes, which blend with ham, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion and other ingredients into a tasty dish perfect for the freezer. “The original recipe probably came from Renee Bykowski Taste of Home,” she says, “but I smushed it around to meet my needs.”

The trick is not to let the frozen hash browns thaw out while you’re making it, she cautions. Using a gallon zipper bag makes it easy to “squish it around” before popping it into the freezer. Renee writes the simple cooking instructions on the bag with a Sharpie before gifting it to others, which she often did during the Covid pandemic. A math teacher at Spanish Fort High School, she likes to cook when she’s not teaching geometry and algebra I to 9th and 10th graders.

Ham and Cheese Bake 4 cups southern-style hash brown cubes, frozen 1½ cups ham, cubed 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese ½ cup onion, finely diced ¼ cup bell pepper, finely diced (optional) 1 can cream of chicken or cream of celery soup ½ cup sour cream Seasoning salt, black pepper and garlic powder, to taste To Prep: Put everything in a gallon Ziplock bag and squish it around. Place in freezer until you are ready to use.

To Bake: Thaw contents in bag overnight. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place ingredients in a greased baking dish, cover with foil. Bake, covered, for 20 minutes and uncovered for 30 minutes.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole 11/2 cups dry brown rice, cooked according to package instructions 21/2 cups shredded chicken (poached, baked or rotisserie) 2 15-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed 1 15-ounce can green enchilada sauce (mild or medium) 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes 1/2 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon cumin, optional 1/2 teaspoon salt Dash of pepper, to taste 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish or 2 8x8-inch baking dishes or disposable pan(s) with cooking spray. Cook rice and shred chicken. Drain black beans. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, tomatoes, black beans, sour cream, and seasonings. Put rice at the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spoon chicken mixture on top of rice. Sprinkle the cheese on top. Freeze or bake.

For baking from frozen, remove from freezer and bake at 350 degrees for 11/2 hours or until cheese is melted and center of the dish is warm.

For baking right after prepared, bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes, until cheese is melted and starting to turn golden brown on top.

Amy Forehand Wiregrass EC

HAM AND CHEESE BAKE

36 36 JANUARY JANUARY2026 2026

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Alabama Living

JANUARY 2026 37

Consumer Wise

Does Your Wood or Pellet Stove Need Replacing?

PHOTO BY MIRANDA BOUTELLE, PIONEER UTILITY RESOURCES

New wood stoves release more heat from the same amount of wood while reducing indoor air pollution.

T

here is something special about the heat of a fire. It’s cozy, comforting and a heat source for households across the country. Whether it provides primary or supplemental heat, a wood or pellet stove must operate safely and efficiently.

Here are some signs your stove may need to be replaced, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): • You often smell smoke in the house with all the windows closed. Smoke can harm heart and lung health, especially among children and older adults.

• Smoke comes out of the chimney more than 15 minutes after a cold start or reload.

• Watery eyes and stuffy noses are common in your household when operating the wood stove.

• You must continually feed the stove with wood.

The EPA recommends replacing wood stoves manufactured before 1990 with cleaner, more efficient models. This can save you money and

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company. She has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy at home, and she writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing nearly 900 electric co-ops.

38 JANUARY 2026

make your home safer by reducing fire risk and improving indoor air quality. It also reduces outdoor air pollution. If the back of your stove doesn’t have an EPA label, it’s likely more than 30 years old.

Next, start comparing equipment to find the best fit using the EPA Certified Wood Stove Database. It provides a list of wood and pellet stoves with efficiency ratings, sizes, heat outputs and other details. Local retailers can help you, too.

Work with a reputable dealer who can explain the features most important to you. Don’t forget to ask about the highest efficiency models.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a new wood or pellet stove.

Modern wood stoves require less wood, produce less ash and emit almost no smoke. They come in catalytic and noncatalytic options. In catalytic models, smoke gases and particles are burned in a coated ceramic honeycomb, thereby increasing burn time and reducing air pollution.

The operation of noncatalytic models is more standard. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, new catalytic wood stoves have efficiencies of up to 83% higher heating value—or amount of heat released—while noncatalytic models are typically in the 65% to 75% range.

A pellet stove is another option to consider. It burns compressed pellets made of wood or other biomass materials. Like a wood stove, there are free-standing units or inserts. It can burn cleaner and doesn’t require hauling wood. Pellets are loaded into the hopper, which feeds them into the combustion chamber for burning. Most pellet stoves use electricity for the hopper and a fan to push warm air into the room. Plan to power them during an outage, if needed. Some models come with battery backup. An EPA-certified pellet stove has a 70% to 83% higher heating value.

Make sure the wood or pellet stove you select is properly sized for your home and heating needs.

Consider the cost of the fuel source—whether you have to buy wood, harvest it yourself or stock up on a specific type of pellet. Reduce fuel consumption and smoke by burning wood that is dry and seasoned, meaning it is split, covered and aged for at least six months. Do not burn trash or treated lumber indoors. It can create indoor air pollution and damage your wood stove. Burning softwood can lead to creosote buildup, which can cause chimney fires.

Installation by a certified technician ensures the job is done right, preventing chimney fires and indoor smoke. Have the stove cleaned and inspected by a professional annually. Also, install carbon monoxide detectors. Follow the manufacturer’s specifications for burning materials and operation.

If your stove is acting up or not supplying enough heat for your home, consider upgrading to a new model to increase efficiency and keep your home comfortable this winter.  www.alabamaliving.coop

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Alabama Living

JANUARY 2026 39

Outdoors

DUCK BLIND OPTIONS

Periodic moving keeps waterfowl guessing in late season

PHOTO BY JOHN N. FELSHER

A boat with a pop-up blind gives waterfowlers great mobility so they can hunt practically anywhere.

B

y the time migrating waterfowl reach Alabama, they know how to spot anything out of the ordinary. To fool ducks later in the season, sportsmen need to keep mobile.

Growing up hunting on public land, we set up in a different place each time. We tried to find spots with natural cover that ducks see all the time where we could hide.

Unfortunately, good hunting spots don’t always come with excellent blind material.

As a kid, I experimented with various portable blind ideas.

First, I split open several burlap sacks and nailed them to wooden sticks. They absorbed tons of water until they collapsed around me.

Next, I created a portable blind by stapling several camouflaged raincoats to sticks and placed the sticks around me for total concealment. Although, I thought the concept rather ingenious, the woodland green camouflage did not blend well with brown marsh grass where I hunted.

Moreover, it certainly didn’t hide me when my father discovered what happened to his raincoats!

Many waterfowlers hunt from roomy permanent blinds.

These big spacious blinds make hunting more comfortable, but birds in an area long enough quickly learn to recognize and avoid these permanent structures, especially later in the season.

On most public lands like wildlife management areas, sportsmen can’t built permanent structures. Fortunately, sportsmen today can buy a variety of quick duck blinds or materials to make them so they can more easily keep up with the birds.

John N. Felsher is a professional freelance writer who lives in Semmes, Ala. He also hosts an outdoors tips show for WAVH FM Talk 106.5 radio station in Mobile, Ala. Contact him at j.felsher@ hotmail.com or through Facebook.

40 JANUARY 2026

For decades, soldiers used camouflaged netting to hide their artillery and other vital assets from the enemy. When they moved to another position, they rolled up the nets. At the new location, they rapidly erected the nets to hide again.

Sportsmen can buy the same netting material in various camouflage patterns to make excellent blind material. Using a similar concept, although with much better materials than my earlier burlap sack or raincoat blinds and considerably less yelling, waterfowlers today can staple camouflaged netting to wooden stakes to make portable blinds.

Drive the stakes into the mud, wrap the netting around the spot and begin hunting in minutes at the chosen location.

When sportsmen finish the hunt or wish to relocate, simply pull up stakes and leave, perhaps to re-erect the blind in another spot to take advantage of shifting winds and duck movements.

Navigable waterways belong to the public, so people can hunt waterfowl from boats in practically any lake or river in Alabama unless otherwise prohibited. Adjacent lands might remain private, so don’t trespass.

In a state so filled with rivers and lakes, many waterfowlers hunt from small boats. With a small boat, sportsmen can scout for ducks, pick a spot, toss out a few decoys and begin hunting. If that spot doesn’t produce, they could motor to another location and try again. Some people might hunt two or three duck holes in a day.

Some people simply run a small camouflaged boat into thick vegetation or hide it under overhanging branches for concealment. In some locations, Alabama sportsmen can add palmetto fronds, Spanish moss, tall reeds or other natural materials for additional camouflage.

Many people attach pop-up blinds to their boats. These come in varied camouflage patterns and materials. Most pop-up blinds come with two panels that resemble a pyramid when raised. As ducks come into range, drop a panel and begin shooting.

Some companies make various other portable blind options.

Some look like gnarled old tree stumps, an excellent choice for hunting wooded shorelines along lakes or rivers. Others resemble haystacks, outstanding subterfuge for hunting in agricultural fields. The key, make any blind blend in with the natural surroundings so it looks like it belongs there.

Some better lakes for duck hunting include Aliceville, Demopolis, Eufaula, Guntersville, Pickwick and Wheeler.

For rivers, the Black Warrior, Tennessee, Chattahoochee and Tombigbee-Alabama systems can also hold ducks. The MobileTensaw Delta offers nearly 100,000 acres for public hunting.

The marshy southern end attracts various duck species.

Other good WMAs include Barbour near Clayton, Coosa near Rockford, David K. Nelson near Demopolis, the Jackson County WMAs, Lauderdale near Waterloo, Lowndes near White Hall and Seven Mile Island near Florence.

The late Alabama duck season lasts from Dec. 5 through Jan. 31. Youths, active-duty military and military veterans get a bonus day to hunt ducks on Feb. 7. All other laws and bag limits apply.

Regulations could differ on some public properties.

For season dates and more information, see www. outdooralabama.com/seasons-and-bag-limits/waterfowlseason.  www.alabamaliving.coop

2026

EXCELLENT TIMES

JANUARY

A.M.

We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

FEBRUARY

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

7:30 - 9:30 8:18 - 10:18 9:06 - 11:06 10:18 - 12:18 10:42 - 12:42 11:30 - 1:30 NA 1:06 - 3:06 1:54 - 3:54 2:42 - 4:42 3:30 - 5:30 4:18 - 6:18 5:06 - 7:06 5:54 - 7:54 6:42 - 8:42 7:30 - 9:30 8:18 - 10:18 9:06 - 11:06 A.M.

10:42 - 12:42 11:30 - 1:30 NA 1:06 - 3:06 1:54 - 3:54 2:42 - 4:42 3:30 - 5:30 4:18 - 6:18 5:06 - 7:06 5:54 - 7:54 6:42 - 8:42 7:30 - 9:30 8:18 - 10:18 9:06 - 11:06 9:54 - 11:54 10:18 - 12:18 10:42 - 12:42 11:30 - 1:30 NA 1:06 - 3:06 1:54 - 3:54 2:42 - 4:42 3:30 - 5:30 4:18 - 6:18 5:06 - 7:06 5:54 - 7:54 6:42 - 8:42 7:30 - 9:30

MOON STAGE

PM

7:54 - 9:54 8:42 - 10:42 9:30 - 11:30 10:42 - 12:42 11:06 - 1:06 NEW MOON 11:54 - 1:54 12:42 - 2:42 1:30 - 3:30 2:18 - 4:18 3:06 - 5:06 3:54 - 5:54 4:42 - 6:42 5:30 - 7:30 6:18 - 8:18 7:06 - 9:06 7:54 - 9:54 8:42 - 10:42 9:30 - 11:30 PM

11:06 - 1:06 FULL MOON 11:54 - 1:54 12:42 - 2:42 1:30 - 3:30 2:18 - 4:18 3:06 - 5:06 3:54 - 5:54 4:42 - 6:42 5:30 - 7:30 6:18 - 8:18 7:06 - 9:06 7:54 - 9:54 8:42 - 10:42 9:30 - 11:30 10:18 - 12:18 10:42 - 12:42 11:06 - 1:06 NEW MOON 11:54 - 1:54 12:42 - 2:42 1:30 - 3:30 2:18 - 4:18 3:06 - 5:06 3:54 - 5:54 4:42 - 6:42 5:30 - 7:30 6:18 - 8:18 7:06 - 9:06 7:54 - 9:54

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1:57 - 3:27 2:45 - 4:15 3:33 - 5:03 4:48 - 6:28 5:09 - 6:39 5:57 - 7:27 6:45 - 8:15 7:33 - 9:03 8:21 - 9:51 9:09 - 10:39 9:57 - 11:27 10:45 - 12:15 11:33 - 1:03 NA 1:09 - 2:39 1:57 - 3:27 2:45 - 4:15 3:33 - 5:03

2:21 - 3:51 3:09 - 4:39 3:57 - 5:27 5:11 - 6:41 5:33 - 7:03 6:21 - 7:51 7:09 - 8:39 7:57 - 9:27 8:45 - 10:15 9:33 - 11:03 10:21 - 11:51 11:09 - 12:39 11:57 - 1:27 12:45 - 2:15 1:33 - 3:03 2:21 - 3:51 3:09 - 4:39 3:57 - 5:27

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5:09 - 6:39 5:57 - 7:27 6:45 - 8:15 7:33 - 9:03 8:21 - 9:51 9:09 - 10:39 9:57 - 11:27 10:45 - 12:15 11:33 - 1:03 NA 1:09 - 2:39 1:57 - 3:27 2:45 - 4:15 3:33 - 5:03 4:21 - 5:51 4:48 - 6:28 5:09 - 6:39 5:57 - 7:27 6:45 - 8:15 7:33 - 9:03 8:21 - 9:51 9:09 - 10:39 9:57 - 11:27 10:45 - 12:15 11:33 - 1:03 NA 1:09 - 2:39 1:57 - 3:27

5:33 - 7:03 6:21 - 7:51 7:09 - 8:39 7:57 - 9:27 8:45 - 10:15 9:33 - 11:03 10:21 - 11:51 11:09 - 12:39 11:57 - 1:27 12:45 - 2:15 1:33 - 3:03 2:21 - 3:51 3:09 - 4:39 3:57 - 5:27 4:45 - 6 ;15 5:11 - 6:41 5:33 - 7:03 6:21 - 7:51 7:09 - 8:39 7:57 - 9:27 8:45 - 10:15 9:33 - 11:03 10:21 - 11:51 11:09 - 12:39 11:57 - 1:27 12:45 - 2:15 1:33 - 3:03 2:21 - 3:51

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*Alabama Living is delivered to homes and businesses in all 67 counties in Alabama.

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Alabama Living

JANUARY 2026 43

Our Sources Say

A Pivot to Reality

T

hrough the years, I have written articles centered on climate change and different people’s beliefs and demands around climate change.

Many readers say they appreciate my articles, because I address the extreme beliefs of climate change advocates.

However, my articles infuriate some readers. I receive negative responses that most often call me names, criticize my ignorance of science, and demand that Alabama Living stop printing my articles. Just last month, one cowardly, anonymous reader sent me a copy of my November article with handwritten notes reading: “This is bull----” and “Your opinions have no place here.” In short, some of my readers advocate a “cancel culture” that prohibits people who don’t share their values or beliefs from expressing their own opinions.

A social media-influenced society like the one we live in today is susceptible to continuously repeated beliefs when they are expressed strongly. Multiple times a week The New York Times Climate Desk publishes articles stating that climate change is causing flooding, droughts, more and stronger storms, heat-related deaths, and other catastrophes without citing any studies or data supporting the causation. They have successfully established a public acceptance that climate change is the cause of almost all natural disasters experienced in the world since the start of the industrial revolution.

I realize there is no chance of convincing those readers they might be wrong. There is no chance those readers will recognize the climate change movement is based on theories and not the cause-and-effect rigorous testing required by real science. There is no chance their beliefs will be influenced by geological facts that the Earth’s climate has constantly changed for billions of years. And there is also no chance they will accept that trillions of dollars could be better used to offset real and current crises, like child health and starvation, than to subsidize programs that might reduce carbon emissions and might reduce global temperatures — by a few hundredths of a degree.

I write about climate change to offset the media deluge of articles published daily in The New York Times, Nature, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and other newspapers and magazines. I’m not so naïve as to believe my articles will have the reach of The New York Times. My objective is much simpler and more local. Regardless of what any of us may believe about climate change, the solutions offered on

Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.

44 JANUARY 2026

renewable energy and other climate change remediations will increase the cost of energy and the cost of living. My articles merely document that climate change remediation attempts cause power bills to rise, and that your money can be used for better purposes.

Recently, one of the strongest climate change advocates, Bill Gates, changed his position on climate change mitigation in an article titled “Three tough truths about climate.” Gates admits that he has invested billions of dollars in innovation to reduce climate change over 20 years. He continues to stress that climate change is a serious issue; however, he says, climate change “will not lead to civilization’s demise.” While there will be consequences associated with climate change, “people will be able to live and thrive in most places on Earth,” Gates says.

Gates states climate change advocates’ “doomsday outlook is causing much of the climate community to focus too much on near-term emission goals” and “diverting resources” from more effective things that should be pursued to “improve life in a warming world.”

He suggests that policy should be directed to maximize human welfare and improving people’s lives rather than focusing strictly on temperature or emissions. Current climate investments are not producing the greatest possible impact for the most vulnerable people. Instead of spending on energy subsidies, better defenses against climate impacts would come about as the result of investments in global health initiatives, such as vaccines for malaria and other diseases, funding to reduce malnutrition, and investments in global economic development. Healthier, wealthier populations are better equipped to adapt to a warming world.

Gates expresses optimism that technological innovation is already driving down the cost of clean energy and will continue to do so, avoiding the worst-case warming scenarios.

He recognizes that prosperity will increase emissions in the short run, but prosperous people will live cleaner lives in a cleaner world.

He notes that excessively hot weather causes around 500,000 deaths a year, but “despite the impression you’d get from the news, that number has been decreasing for some time,” mainly because more prosperous civilizations can afford air conditioning. Also, excessively cold weather is far more deadly, killing ten times more people a year than heat.

Deaths from natural disasters have also declined by as much as 90% as the world has become more prosperous.

I don’t expect Bill Gates’ pivot to have a significant impact on the beliefs of climate advocates. However, reality is that the current path, spending trillions of dollars for insignificant carbon reductions, is wasteful. Those funds could make living conditions better for millions of people, helping them be more productive and more efficient. It is a much better path forward than the unending subsidies for anything renewable regardless of costs. Reality matters.

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Cup o’ Joe

ILLUSTRATION BY DENNIS AUTH

It’s Black and White to Me

J

ust in time for New Year’s Day 1966: a color TV in a wooden cabinet! The bowl games were going to be in color. Let Mom watch the Rose Parade. That was just a prerequisite to the main event: football.

Finally, we were going to see the Ponderosa in color.

“Disney’s Wonderful World of Color” was going to be… in color! Even “Flipper!” Life was good.

On New Year’s Eve, the delivery truck pulled in our driveway. I thought I heard angels sing the “Hallelujah Chorus.” The whole family assembled on our front porch and watched two men begin ascending our stairs. They might as well have been carrying the Ark of the Covenant.

My old man watched them like a shift boss as they weaved through the kitchen into our pine-paneled den.

It fit perfectly. Dad had measured the space umpteen times. The delivery team plugged it in, hooked up the rabbit ears antenna, and we officially owned a color television.

It resembled a piece of fine furniture. Flanking the oval picture tube was a simple channel dial because there were only three stations. And it had a channel changer: me. When Dad shouted, “Hey Joe, get up and turn it on 13,” I did.

Below the on-off and contrast knobs were two wheels: one for hue and one for tint. They made the magic happen.

One of the men turned the set on, and we watched as “Search for Tomorrow” appeared in tones of… black and white! What gives? After a short pause, I asked what I thought was an intelligent question.

“Uh, what’s wrong with it?”

The delivery guy said, “Nothing.”

Dad chimed in. “So it’s got to warm up or something?”

“Naw.” Clearly, he’d heard this before.

“Where’s the color?”

“The technician needs to come in and adjust the wheels.

Joe Hobby is a standup comedian, a syndicated columnist, and a long-time writer for Jay Leno. He’s a member of Cullman Electric Cooperative and is very happy now that he can use Sprout from his little place on Smith Lake. Contact him at jhobby2000@aol.com.

46 JANUARY 2026

Won’t take but a few minutes.”

“Is he coming later today?” I asked, practically begging.

“Nope. He’s booked solid. I ‘spec he’ll be here right after the first.”

I felt faint. This was child abuse. How could you put a color TV in front of me and not let me watch it in color?

That’s like meeting Dolly Parton when she’s wearing a buttoned-up topcoat.

My father did not share my outrage. “I guess that’s OK,” he said. “What’s a couple more days when we’ve waited this long?” How dare he show logic and patience?

Before the men left, they gave a stern warning. “Don’t touch those wheels. Wait for the technician. If you fool with them, you could mess the TV up. Might even void the warranty. I know you want to, but don’t.”

There went my plan. From the moment he said there would be no color football games, I had decided to fiddle with those wheels. But now, if I so much as touched them, I knew I could be struck dead.

So the next day, we watched the bowl games in black and white. Color me sick.

Not surprisingly, the technician showed up Jan. 2 and went straight to the hue and tint wheels. A turn to the left, a half turn to the right, and instantly, “Let’s Make a Deal” was perfectly pigmented.

“That’s it,” he said. “Done.”

I was furious. This guy was nothing but a wheel-turner, and barely one at that. The one time I followed the rules, it cost me. All I had to do was make a couple of secret swipes and we’d have been set for New Year’s Day; but no! I followed orders. I was told just touching those little wheels could cause the TV to explode. And I’m still peeved about it.

Even more surprising was my dad’s reaction. Normally, he had a shorter fuse than the Hulk during rush hour. But he was calm. All he did was walk into the den, look at the television, and say, “Hey Joe, it’s time for ‘Bonanza.’ Turn the channel to NBC.” And I did.  www.alabamaliving.coop

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