COOSA C OOSA O Currents Currents
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Playground opens at Higgins Ferry Park By JOYANNA LOVE Managing Editor
The new playground at Higgins Ferry Park is the culmination of months of work and numerous donations organized by a committee of Chilton County residents who wanted the park to have an updated, safer place for children to play. “This is such a great moment,” committee member Durwood Brown said during the ceremony. “We are
so proud for our community and for our county and even for Central Alabama.” The play area has been named Kathy’s Playground, after Park Ranger Donald Giles’s wife Kathy for her work on the project. Brown said the name was chosen at a meeting the Giles couple was unable to attend. Seeing the completed project “was more gratifying than I can explain” for Brown.
He said the project was a good opportunity for the committee members to be “a part of something bigger than ourselves.” “I think that was just a bright spot of 2020,” Brown said, The project received tremendous community support. Companies, utility companies, government boards and community families all gave toward the project. The donation account set up for the project received about $50,000, according to Brown.
JOYANNA LOVE/ ADVERTISER
Kathy Giles cuts the ribbon during the opening ceremony for Kathy’s playground at Higgins Ferry Park.
Many of the major contributors to the playground are recognized with a plaque near the gate. The Chilton County Road Department also did the dirt and rock work needed for the project. During the ceremony, Commission chair Joseph Parnell highlighted that the playground will benefit children all over the county, not just those who live on the lake. Commissioner Jimmie Hardee spoke about the passion of the committee and commended the Giles couple on their work in making the park better for everyone. Kathy Giles said they want to “see the park continue to grow” and thanked the Commission for its support. Commissioner Randall Kelley also thanked the committee and complimented the finished project. Donald Giles estimates 30-40 children will use the playground on an average weekend. The playground committee had its first meeting in August 2020. “A few months before that two ladies go together, Kathy Giles … and Nancy Piccolo,” Brown said. “Nancy Piccolo being a long-time Lake Mitchell resident, and Kathy Giles being a newcomer being the park ranger’s wife.” Piccolo wanted to see improvements to the park, and Kathy Giles recommended replacing the playground as something that needed to be done. The playground was wood and metal, built in the ’90s and was, as Brown described it “unimaginative.” The project was given the green light to proceed by the Chilton County Commission with some funds to get started at an October meeting.
A personal look at kayak fishing
Get to know the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
A Special Publication of
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Ways to prevent drowning ........................................................ Page 2 We would rather be kayak fishing ............................................ Page 3 Serving local lakes in the Coast Guard Auxiliary .................... Page 5
Ways to prevent drowning
Storms damage red-cockaded woodpecker habitat .................... Page 7 New playground opens at Higgins Ferry Park............................ Page 8
STAFF LISTING CUSTOMER SERVICE Kelsey Hubbard
PUBLISHER Tim Prince EDITORIAL Joyanna Love – Managing Editor Zachary Seifter – Staff Writer Deanna Lawlis – Freelance Writer MARKETING Zack Bates
PRESSROOM and MAILROOM Chris Love – Production Manager Michael Turner – Press Operator Malinda Nance – Mailroom Manager
ON THE COVER A boater enjoys time on Lake Mitchell near the Higgins Ferry pier.
Spending time in and around water is a favorite pastime for adults and children. Swimming, boating, running through sprinklers, and soaking in a nice warm tub can be great ways to relax and have fun. Even though water play can be exciting, it also can be dangerous. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of one and four and the fifth leading cause of accidental death overall in the United States, offers UCI Health. Calm rivers can hide swift currents, rocks and tree branches. Ocean rip tides and rough waves can confound even excellent swimmers. Lake waters can be extremely cold, even in summer, making it challenging for a person to stay afloat and avoid hypothermia. It is essential for everyone to play it safe when in and around water. Here are nine ways to do just that. 1. Avoid swimming or boating in high running water, making sure to always check conditions before starting. 2. Never dive or jump into unfamiliar or shallow water, advises Seattle ChildrenХs Hospital. 3. Obey barriers, such as markings for deeper ends in pools, fencing around pools and ropes in open waters. Barriers help reduce the risk of drowning considerably.
4. Life jackets should be worn by swimmers of all ages, especially during water sports like boating and jet skiing. 5. The Red Cross says strong swimming skills can significantly reduce the risk of drowning. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most children age four and older can learn to swim. Enroll in a family swim class to brush up on skills. 6. Have eyes on children at all times when they are in or around the water С both inside the home and outdoors. Employ Тtouch supervision,У which means always remaining in armХs reach of the child. 7. Swim only in public swimming areas that are protected by lifeguards. 8. Do not mix alcohol and water recreation. Remain sober when boating, swimming or supervising children who are swimming. 9. Drains in pools and spas can be deadly. The Mayo Clinic says to keep children away from drains, as body parts and hair can become trapped by the strong suction. Water safety is a priority all year long, but gets even more attention every summer. A few simple safety measures can prevent many drownings.
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Storms damage red-cockaded woodpecker habitat By MICHAEL SZNAJDERMAN Alabama Power
The storms that tore through Alabama last month took a toll on a rare longleaf pine forest near Lake Mitchell, but Alabama Power biologists have moved in to make repairs ahead of the nesting season for a protected woodpecker. Chad Fitch, a biologist with Alabama Power, said the storm took down numerous trees in the 1,600-acre, oldgrowth longleaf pine forest that the company has helped nurture over more than 30 years. Longleaf pine forests are critical habitat for a wide variety of animals and plants, including the federally protected red-cockaded woodpecker. Fitch said the company’s biology team surveyed the damage and discovered that the storm had toppled nine longleaf pines that contained nesting cavities used by the woodpeckers to breed. With nesting season just a few weeks away, the company’s stewardship team this week began replacing the destroyed cavities with new, artificial ones that are being inserted in standing pines. “We want to get ahead of the nesting season and do what we can to keep our ongoing breeding efforts on track, despite the recent damage,” Fitch said. Over the past 25 years, experts have refined a process of inserting artificial nesting cavities – essentially small birdhouses – into mature longleaf pines, which red-cockaded woodpeckers will inhabit, just like they would natural cavities. Because it can take years for woodpeckers to create new cavities on their own, the artificial cavities have been critical in helping increase the population of the rare birds. Artificial nesting cavities have helped to expand the breeding population of
red-cockaded woodpeckers at the Lake Mitchell site and at many others across the South. Last year, for example, there were 11 breeding pairs of woodpeckers thriving in the Lake Mitchell forest, up from eight breeding pairs identified in the forest in the 1990s. Prior to western colonization, an estimated 1 million-plus red-cockaded woodpeckers lived in the United States. But over the past three centuries, that number has shrunk dramatically because of habitat destruction. In 1970, the woodpecker was placed on the federal endangered species list after its estimated population dropped below 10,000. The clearing of longleaf pine forests, the preferred habitat for red-cockaded woodpeckers, is directly tied to the historic decline of the bird. Once believed to cover more than 90 million acres across the Southeast, longleaf pines now thrive on about 3% of the trees’ historic range, although in recent years multiple public agencies, nonprofits and private landowners have worked together to expand longleaf forests across the South. Alabama Power and its parent company, Southern Company, are among those actively supporting efforts to restore longleaf pine habitat and expand the red-cockaded woodpecker population. Last fall, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed “downlisting” the red-cockaded woodpecker from endangered status to threatened, because of ongoing, successful efforts to protect and expand the bird’s population. The agency said the downlisting is warranted because the species is no longer in danger of extinction, although a listing of threatened would still provide the bird government protections. Fitch said real progress has been made across the South to add to the
woodpecker population, thanks to a number of initiatives, including habitat protection and expansion, and “translocation” during which experts carefully capture and move birds to new sites to expand the number of breeding groups in the wild. He said the repair and replacement work taking place in the longleaf forest
at Lake Mitchell will hopefully ensure the population there continues to grow. To learn more about Alabama Power’s efforts to protect important natural habitats and species, visit https://www.alabamapower.com/company/community-projects-and-programs/environmental-stewardship/habitat-species.html
DYLAN SHAW / ALABAMA NEWSCENTER
The storms that raked across the state in March did significant damage to the longleaf pine forest on Lake Mitchell that is home to nesting sites for the red-cockaded woodpecker.
DYLAN SHAW / ALABAMA NEWSCENTER
Mark Bailey creates nesting cavities for red-cockaded woodpeckers on Lake Mitchell.
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COAST GUARD AUXILIARY “I have had a wonderful experience with the Auxiliary,” Welborn said. “… It’s not as military as you think.” He said good friendships form in the group. Flotilla 8-8 started in 1976, but was inactive for a time before being reformed around 2001. This is when member Bradley Thaxton joined the group. The group grew to 21 members in 18 months. “I love the water and to get out here to learn how to make people safe,” Thaxton said, commenting that he had grown up enjoying water sports on the lake. “It’s good fellowship.” He said being a part of the group gives him the opportunity to learn about safety and teach others how to be safe on the water. “It is fun to interact with boat
owners and help them,” Thaxton said. “It does save lives.” Adam McCleod, who has been a part of the group for three years, said he joined because he wanted to “improve my seamanship and navigation skills” and because he wanted to serve his community. “We serve as we have time, essentially, and so it is really easy to fit Auxiliary service into your schedule,” McCleod said. “… I enjoy serving alongside others that want to serve.” OPERATIONS Preventing drowning through safety education for boaters and patrolling waterways is the main goal for the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Welborn said the group emphasizes the importance of wearing a life jacket.
U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY/ CONTRIBUTED
Membership in the Coast Guard Auxiliary is open to those 17 years old and older.
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Sometimes while patrolling on the lake, the Auxiliary will offer vessel safety checks on boats at a ramp or marina. “We are just looking at the equipment making sure that everything is safe,” Welborn said. This could also include reviewing boating laws with the boat owner. Welborn said the Auxiliary can also be called on to respond to emergencies. This can include responding to a hurricane, a helicopter crash in the river or assisting the active duty U.S. Coast Guard. The group works with the Home Owners and Boat Owners association for Lay Lake, such as assisting with water quality testing. Training is provided by the U.S. Coast Guard. Certification in specific areas are required before serving in that role. Many of these training opportunities have been available online during the pandemic. McCleod said this has helped members complete qualifications quicker than the traditional classes. Members can also find ways to volunteer that tie in with their profession. “Whatever you want to do, there is a program for it,” Welborn said. Some Flotilla members help support recruitment efforts for the U.S. Coast Guard. The Flotilla also offers boating classes that qualify individuals for the boating certification indication on their driver’s license. REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP Individuals must be 17 years old or older to join the Coast Guard Auxiliary. “There are no real requirements
for membership other than you can’t have … been convicted of a felony,” Welborn said. The opportunity is open to men and women. Flotilla 8-8 has a few female members. In Flotilla 8-8, “the youngest one (member) is was probably in his mid- to late- 30s, and the oldest one is probably pushing 65,” Welborn said. He said members have various professional backgrounds. “We have work to do for pretty much anyone,” McCleod said. Administration, direct response in emergencies, answering phone calls, medical volunteer and legal liaison are just a few of the ways Flotilla members have helped others. Some of these opportunities go beyond the local area to helping the district. Each area and position requires specific training. “We are a pretty good bunch about helping people earn the qualifications that they want to earn,” McCleod said. Recent monthly meetings of the Flotilla have been held virtually due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements. Thaxton is a recruiter for the Flotilla and has been working with three new members this year. “Once a new member comes in they have to be Basically Qualified, which means they have to take the boating safety class … and core training — just like the regular Coast Guard,” Thaxton said. “We are volunteer, but we are trained volunteer.” For more information on joining the Coast Guard Auxillary, visit https://join.cgaux.org or email the Flotilla at registrations@coosariver88.us.
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We would rather be kayak fishing By DEANNA L. LAWLIS Freelance Writer
Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you a kayak for fishing, and that’s pretty much the same thing. After choosing a minimalist lifestyle, my husband Russell and I made the decision to sell our boat, thus eliminating the yearly engine maintenance and weekly gas expenses, and because “to fish or not to fish” is a ridiculous question, we purchased three kayaks to continue our love for fishing. I wouldn’t say we are addicted to fishing, but we are in a very committed relationship with it. With a milk crate full of fishing gear bungee corded to
the back of one kayak, a cooler bungee corded to the back of another, and our fishing rods set in an upright position in a pre-formed kayak hole, we began paddling our way toward fishing adventures that were otherwise unachievable in a boat. For instance, kayak fishing gives the fisherman more freedom to fit into locations on the water where, due to low water depths or narrow entryways, most boats can’t go, and that is exactly where the fish are hiding. Also, as kayak fishers, we do not have to give in to the “pier” pressure of an extended wait at the boat ramp, because we can release and reload from the shoreline. See KAYAK FISHING, Page 4 Deanna Lawlis and family enjoy a day kayak fishing
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KAYAK FISHING Remember that old saying that goes something like, “Give a man a fish and he has food for a day; teach him how to fish, and you can get rid of him for the entire weekend.” I honestly did not teach Russell how to fish, but both of our fathers raised us fishing the lakes, rivers, and creeks in Alabama, so I enjoy fishing as much as Russell does. We have O.F.D. (Obsessive Fishing Disorder), and it’s quite serious! From the first warm weather day in spring to the last warm weather day in fall, we can be found kayak fishing any lake, river, or creek within a 50-mile radius from our home in Chilton County. Although good fishers do not typically share their secret spots, I can say that Russell and I have kayak fished Lake Jordan at Blackwell’s and at Weoka Creek, Lake Mitchell at Barrett’s and at Walnut Creek, Coosa River at Gold Star Park, Shoal Creek at Orr Park and Paul M. Grist State Park.
It is our intention to fish a few more “new to us” spots this year. In our experience, shallow diving crank bait, specifically the crawfish lure, have brought us success in catching Bass, Catfish, and Bluegill while kayak fishing these fresh water, warm water fisheries, but “whatever floats your boat.” There were a few initial issues in need of tweaking when we first began kayak fishing. In particular, drifting away from our fishing spots while our lines were still in the water was quite annoying. However, Russell is a so“fish”ticated man. He simply tied a 5-pound weight to a line attached to the kayak, for easy release and upward pull, as to not flip the kayak while maintaining our fishing spot without drifting. Also, maneuvering a 6-foot rod in a kayak, once a fish is on the line, is quite difficult. Therefore, Russell began researching handlining, and after purchasing and using a hand-reel
from page 3
he was “hooked line and sinker.” I soon followed his lead after casting my rod’s reel to the bottom of Paul M.Grist State Park. Needless to say, we both prefer kayak handline fishing to this date, as it takes kayak fishing to an entirely new level of freedom. Whether you are a minimalist who loves to fish or a fisherman in search of the best fishing spots, kayak fishing is certain to inspire those creative fishing stories about the one who did not get away over a fried fish dinner.
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Serving in the Coast Guard Auxiliary By JOYANNA LOVE Managing Editor
“We augment active duty in a lot of roles, like we can go down to the port of Mobile and do security controls down there,” Welborn said. “We are not law enforcement, basically we observe and report.” Welborn said in March that the Flotilla has not been on patrol since the COVID-19 pandemic social distancing regulations had been put in place and there has been an increase in boating related deaths as a result. “We don’t write tickets,” Welborn said. “We are there mostly for safety.” While the Auxiliary does not write tickets, they can stop boaters and talk to them about safety concerns. Sometimes those who are authorized to write tickets will ride with the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Welborn joined Flotilla 8-8 about three years ago. He became interested because he had been a watercraft operator while serving in the U.S. Army. “I love being on the boats. I love being on the water — that’s what drew me to the Coast Guard Auxiliary,” Welborn said. He said he enjoys being able to be back in uniform serving his community.
Safety is crucial to have a fun day on the water. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 8-8, which often holds meetings near Lay Lake, works to ensure everyone is following proper boating safety. Flotilla 8-8 covers the Coosa River from Lay Lake, Lake Mitchell to Lake Jordan and the Alabama River to Maxwell Air Force Base. “Here on the lakes, we do maritime operations and marine patrols,” Welborn said. “We are trying to get people to think about what they’re doing on the water slow down a little bit, cut down on the fatalities.” The Coosa River is under the U.S. Coast Guard jurisdiction because it is considered a federally navigable waterway. “Auxiliary is the civilian side,” member Mike Welborn said. “We don’t get paid for anything. It is all volunteer.” Members wear Coast Guard uniforms and are eligible to receive ribbons for service. When the auxiliary is mobilized, it is by federal orders that will cover some of the cost for the mission. See COAST GUARD AUXILIARY, Page 6
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U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY/ CONTRIBUTED
Preventing drowning through safety education for boaters and patrolling waterways is the main goal for the Coast Guard Auxiliary.