SELMA SUN | July 4, 2019

SHINING THE LIGHT ON SELMA AND DALLAS COUNTY, ALABAMA July 4, 2019 | Volume 4, Issue 23

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'Xtreme' fishing tournament coming to Dallas County in 2020, boosting tourism Huge $10K payouts expected to take outdoor tourism to next level

BY TODD PRATER Selma Sun Staff

Dallas County has a new boost of tourism coming, and it’s not related to the Civil War or Civil Rights.

A new fishing tournament trail called the Xtremebass Challenge has announced it is coming through Dallas County in 2020, and it is no ordinary fishing competition. Each tournament will have a $10,000 first prize and a payout for the first 20 places, which is so high it is expected to attract anglers from around the country to compete.

The announcement was made last weekend at the first Miller’s Ferry Classic bass fishing tournament at Roland Cooper State Park that followed the method of higher-dollar awards to attract participants.

More than $25,000 in awards was given away.

The financial enticement worked for the inaugural Miller’s Ferry Classic. More than 100 boats registered, which is over twice the number that registered for the Iron Man Classic a few weeks earlier at Roland Cooper State Park. Anglers came from Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and from all over Alabama.

For comparison, first place at the Iron Man Classic was $2,300 compared to $10,000 at the new Miller’s Ferry Classic.

This tournament and the Xtremebass Challenge trail are the brainchild of John McAlpine of Demopolis. An experienced angler and tournament veteran, McAlpine said, “I wanted to offer something to the fishermen in this area beyond what their normal tournaments are, and money is the attractor.”

“We’re going to have four tournaments next year,”

The first Miller’s Ferry Classic bass fishing tournament last weekend at Roland Cooper State Park came with a big payout total of $25,000.

McAlpine said. He said the trail will start with the Lake Jordan Challenge from Bonner’s Landing Feb. 15, Miller’s Ferry Challenge at Roland Cooper State Park March 21, Lay Lake Challenge at Beeswax Landing April 18 and the Alabama River Challenge from Swift Creek Landing May 23.

To make it even more attractive, each tournament will be limited to 100 boats. Points will be accumulated for all four events for an “angler of the year” prize of another $10,000.

Teams that register for all four events will get take-off preference. Registration is now open.

McAlpine said he is looking for sponsors. He said this is an opportunity for any business in the fishing or outdoor industry.

Fishing is a $750 million a year industry in Alabama, based on expenditures, which is a healthy chunk of the state’s overall $2.7 billion in annual spending for wildlife-associated recreations, according to the Alabama Wildlife Federation.

Selma and Dallas County can benefit from more tournaments considering each boat usually has a team of two people and friends and family members often accompany the fishermen.

With a tournament of 100 boats, that means at least 200 people buying food, gasoline and renting rooms at local hotels and motels.

And it’s common for anglers to come into town Thursday before

a Saturday tournament to get in a little practice fishing.

Selma Dallas Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheryl Smedley said she is excited about what this tournament trail could mean to Selma. The Alabama River Challenge at Swift Creek is near Autaugaville on Highway 80, which means fishermen who need a hotel room could find one in Selma.

The Miller’s Ferry Challenge at Roland Cooper State Park is another opportunity for Selma to benefit from these tourism dollars. Smedley also said it would be great if a tournament like this would launch from the Selma Marina.

The team that took home the Miller’s Ferry Classic $10,000 purse was the team of Bo Spence of Collinsville, Miss., and Tyler Temple of Meridian, Miss., with a bag weighing 17.19 pounds.

Spence said it was just luck rather than skill, but no matter which, Spence and Temple said they were very happy with their earnings. Both said they fish in this area often and fish tournaments here as often as possible. There may be some luck and skill mixed with experience, because it just so happens this is the same team that took the $2,300 first price in the Iron Man tournament at Roland Cooper a few weeks earlier.

For information and to register go to the Xtremebass Facebook page.

Tournament winner Tyler Temple and Tournament Director and weigh master John McAlpine weigh in the winning catch. 17.19 pounds

The winning team Tyler Temple on the left and Bo Spence on the right receive their $10,000 first prize.

Temple Mishkan Israel launches $9M capital campaign to renovate 120-year-old church

BY TODD PRATER Selma Sun Staff

After 20 years of talking about renovating Temple Mishkan Israel, efforts are now underway to raise $7 to $9 million needed to update the 120-year-old building to museum quality and preserve the Jewish history in Selma.

Organizers plan to create a Jewish Legacy Museum in a house next to and owned by the

temple. Ronnie Leet, longtime member of the temple, says the museum will include an interactive display telling the story of the Jewish people in Selma, and a display telling the story of Jewish involvement in the Civil Rights era.

The immediate goal on Go Fund Me is $800,000, but the total project will reach $7 to $9 million.

Leet said the restoration project is in its infancy, but it is offi-

cially underway. They are also applying for grants and to appeal across the country for donations.

For Leet, the story of Temple Mishkan Israel is not just the story of a building. It’s the story of his family, his people and his home town.

Leet got to tell the story of his temple through a four-minute film about Temple Mishkan Israel for the Selma 200: Stories of Revitalization project with Blue Magnolia Films. He teamed up with Dr. Amy Milligan, assistant professor of Jewish Studies at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., for the project.

Leet said there were three waves of Jewish immigrants to the Selma area. The first wave immigrated across the Atlantic and up the Alabama River from North Africa and the West Indies in 1839. The second wave was

Temple Mishkan Israel has been in Selma for 120 years.

The sanctuary of Temple Mishkan Israel.

Ronnie Leet with some of the historic memorabilia on display in the back room of the temple.

from Germany, and the third wave came from Poland and Lithuania in the late 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Leet said that is when his family immigrated.

The congregation of Temple Mishkan Israel officially formed in 1870 and would meet in the Episcopal church then for a while in the Methodist church. Construction began on the Temple in June 1899. By December construction was completed and Temple Mishkan Israel’s congregation had their own home.

Leet said the Jewish community has been an integral part of Selma from the beginning. By the 1920s and up to the 1950s, 50 to 60 percent of the businesses in Selma were Jewish owned.

“Saturday mornings the Jewish merchants would sit out on the sidewalks waiting for customers to come into the stores,” Leet said. His parents were prominent business owners in Selma for decades. He came back home and carried on the family tradition until he sold his business in 2000. Leet said there was even a Jewish men’s social club in its own building called the Harmony Club. The Harmony Club building still stands on Water Avenue.

Leet said the Jewish population of Selma was heavily involved in the community. There were Exchange Club presidents who were Jewish and City Council members who were Jewish. There were even three Jewish mayors – Simon Maas from 1887 to 1889, Marcus Mayer from 1895 to 1899 and Louis Benish from 1915 to 1920.

By the early 1950s many of the young Jewish people from Selma went away to college and decided not to come back home to the family business. From a congregation that numbered more than 150 families at its peak, there are now only four members at Temple Mishkan Israel.

But their dwindling numbers have not deterred them from telling their story, and from now embarking on a restoration project of the historic temple building.

There has been talk of restoration for more than 20 years.

The idea of restoration started during a reunion held in 1997, Leet said. That get-together attracted people from all over the country who may not have lived in Selma but had relatives and ancestors that did and called Temple Mishkan Israel home.

Leet said work must be done immediately on the roof and on the wiring, much of which dates back to the original construction of the building. If anyone wants to donate, the Go Fund Me page is the best way. The link is below. A web site is being built. Meanwhile, if anyone wants to contact Leet directly, call him at 334-875-2672.

Temple Mishkan Israel Facebook page; https://www.facebook. com/TempleMishkanIsrael/ Temple Mishkan Israel Go Fund Me page; https://www.gofundme. com/f/temple-mishkan-israel?fbclid=IwAR0ASNlRs4GaaIQi00lAkluW0gRmFrExPgGuLqlNnlEC_WtoQATHm8Qq3M

Where To Watch Fireworks On July 4 In Dallas County Town of Orrville 4th of July Program & Fireworks Show at the Orrville Community Center. Program begins at 7 p.m. and fireworks begin at dark.

City of Valley Grande 4th of July Fireworks Show at the Valley Grande City Park. The program begins at 7 p.m. and Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

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July 4, 2019

SELMA SUN

COMMUNITY Notre Dame students learn from and make an impact on Selma in summer service program

BY FRED GUARINO Selma Sun Staff

Evansville, Ind., and Rosemount, Minn., are a long way from Selma. But the University of Notre Dame’s Summer Service Learning Program led two of its students to spend eight weeks in Selma this summer working as interns at the Edmundite Missions New Possibilities Youth Center.

Anastasia Reisinger, 20, of Evansville, a junior, and Colette Edgar, 18, of Rosemount, a sophomore, both students at the University of Notre Dame, chose Selma from a possible 150 sites in which to serve.

Monday through Thursday, the girls work with 30 youth in grades six, seven and eight on academics, as well as finding ways to provide them with experiences through field trips, speakers and fun things to do to keep their minds stimulated in the Edmundite Missions New Possibilities Youth Program.

The Notre Dame students also serve meals to clients at Edmundite Missions’ Bosco Center.

On Fridays, the girls said they get to do things that appeal to their own interests.

Colette, who is studying pre-

med, works with Edmundite medical services, and Anastasia is working in pre-law education.

Colette said she hopes to go into family medicine or public health one day, while Anastasia said she wants to spend a couple years in service in The Peace Corps or Teach for America before attending law school.

Both interns said they were impressed with the friendliness of the people of Selma, while Anastasia said, “The heat is a little much for us.” And one of them, who did not want to be identified, said people in Alabama “talk funny.”

Anastasia said she was “blown away by the beauty of the state itself.” She said on the drive down from Indiana, she noticed the trees and hills that make Alabama “a beautiful place geographically.”

She also marveled, “There is so much history here.

Everywhere we go, we see a historical marker.”

The girls said they have visited museums, crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge and been to the Interpretive Centers in both Selma and in Lowndes County at White Hall.

Colette was impressed to see places where Martin Luther King Jr. preached and other historical events occurred.

Notre Dame students Anastasia Reisinger, left, and Colette Edgar stand with Notre Dame alumnus Connie O’Brien at Edmundite Missions’ old St. Elizabeth Church location in Selma. Reisinger and Edgar are interns in the University of Norte Dame’s Summer Service Learning Program for which O’Brien suggested Edmundite Missions New Possibilities Youth Program apply to be a site. Photo by Fred Guarino

Anastasia said she and Colette are working to drive home three main themes to the children: “healthy living, healthy environment and healthy eating.”

She said the kids went to the Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook, experienced fishing and archery and heard pro athletes speak to “expose them to possibilities and things they haven’t experienced.”

Colette said one day the kids even played Lacrosse, a sport they did not know, but one for which there are lots of scholarship opportunities. And she said academically, the children are helped with math and reading both individually and as a class.

Devon Gray, communications manager for Edmundite Missions in Selma, said last year students in the New Possibilities Youth Program “improved one whole grade” in math.

Graduation day for the children in the program is July 11, but Colette and Anastasia will stay an additional week after that.

Susan Raymond, vice president of programs for Edmundite Missions in Selma, said the Summer Service Learning Program came about when Notre Dame alumnus Connie O’Brien in Birmingham suggested that Edmundite Missions apply to become a site.

Raymond said after that, “We were lucky enough to be chosen to be part of what was offered Notre Dame students.” She said the Notre Dame students choose where they want to go. “We were extremely fortunate to have Anastasia and Colette chose us,” she said.

“We have tried to give them an experience here that is very broad about Selma to understand not just the social economic problems, but to also have exposure to the government institutions and culture,” Raymond said.

She said every Edmundite manager said of the interns, “They work hard. They’re always ready to do anything.

They’re always smiling.

They’re always happy.”

Raymond said Anastasia and Colette became almost like brothers and sisters to children in the program.

Edmundite Missions New Possibilities Youth Center in Selma is the site where Notre Dame students Colette Edgar, left, and Anastasia Reisinger, right, are participants in the University of Notre Dame’s Summer Service Learning Program and Edmundite Missions New Possibilities Youth Program. Photo by Fred Guarino

Notre Dame student Anastasia Reisinger (standing at back) works with children at the Edmundite Missions New Possibilities Youth Center in Selma as an intern in the University of Notre Dame’s Summer Service Learning Program. Photo submitted “It’s been great because I think that they have learned a lot, and I know that the young people have learned a lot having people come here from a different background, a different kind of school and a different experience,” Raymond said.

O’Brien thought Selma would be a good place for one student to work and learn, but Susan Raymond put together such an incredible program that Notre Dame has two students here.

As a Catholic organization, Edmundite Missions provides

food, clothing and shelter to poor and marginalized children and families, young adults and seniors of all faith traditions to meet their immediate needs and helps them address the long term issues of systemic poverty in the Deep South.

Cooking up a fundraiser for American Legion Post 20

BY CINDY FISHER Selma Sun Staff

Volunteers constantly stir giant silver pots of Brunswick stew for four days during the American Legion’s three-timesa-year fundraiser at Post 20’s building on Highway 80.

They sold stew at $9 a quart and made an estimated 620 quarts over four days.

John Coon, title, said they raise money for organizations they support but their facility also needs work and improved housekeeping.

“We have several projects in planning stages that will help with this,” he said.

One challenge is having a good location that supports their membership base, which is an average age of 80-plus. The Legion would like to recruit younger veterans and could do that through a property closer to town, but they haven’t found one they can afford.

“Many American Legion posts do not own facilities and therefore conduct their meetings in restaurants or other public facilities,” Coon said. “Nationwide, American Legion membership is declining as young veterans are not joining. Sadly, we certainly have this problem in Selma.”

Despite that, Coon said they have a core group working to keep their post viable and visible in Selma.

Organizations the American Legion Post 20 support include Boys and Girls State

Scholarships, American Legion Baseball team, two girls soft-

ball teams, assistance to veterans, annual Veterans Day

Ceremony and they donate US Flags to schools and churches.

James Cobb, a Navy veteran who served in Vietnam, stirs one of the 100-quart batches of Brunswick stew David Cox is a second stirrer of the stew, that has to be constantly made on Thursday. stirred to keep it from sticking to the pot.

SELMA SUN

July 4, 2019

NEWS Survey endorses local branding for Alabama specialty crops

BY PAUL HOLLIS Auburn University

AUBURN – Would you be more willing to buy a bag of sweet potatoes, basket of peaches or a jar of honey if you knew from the label that it was grown in Alabama?

A recent survey conducted by researchers at Auburn

University shows that the state’s specialty crop farmers and leaders of Alabama’s major agricultural organizations believe that establishing and promoting regional and farm-specific brands for specialty crops would benefit their production. Sweet potatoes, honey and watermelons were among the top candidates for state.

“The idea behind the initial proposal for the project was to seek ways and define barriers for establishing and promoting original branding for Alabama products,” said Ruiqing Miao, assistant professor in the College of Agriculture’s Department of Agricultural

See LOCAL BRANDING, Page 5

WHEN YOU NEED TO COOL THINGS OFF AT HOME Publisher:

Contributors:

Cindy Fisher

Todd Prater Chico Cleveland Nathan Prewett

Specializing in Residential and Commercial Installation

Fred Guarino Copyright 2019. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or part other than for personal use is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher Kingfisher Media LLC The Selma Sun is a news source for the community of Selma and Dallas County, Alabama. Information gathered for coverage of Selma-Dallas County is from sources that are considered reliable, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Issues with accuracy or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at publisher@selmasun.com.

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July 4, 2019

SELMA SUN

VOICES Selma native says there’s not enough recreational activities in community

BY DREW HOLLOMAN Selma was once a booming, doing good for itself city. It used to thrive and provide quality things for the youth to do. When I was growing up, there was a game room in the Selma Mall.

At some point that game room went away. Nevertheless, there was still a skating rink as well as a bowling alley. Let’s not forget there was an actual movie theater, granted it paled in comparison to the movie theaters in the nearby cities, but it provided two screens and was another option for youth and families on the weekend to enjoy.

That was the childhood I enjoyed while growing up in Selma. As I got older, things began to change in Selma. Over the years, while I lived in Selma, I attended the Bridge Crossing Jubilee only a handful of times.

My family lived in the neighborhood of East Selma on Mechanic Street. During my middle school days, my classmates and friends would be surprised to know that I lived in that neighborhood because I was one of the good students that kept quiet and just did his work. Although East Selma

had a bad reputation, I didn’t view my neighborhood as such a bad place because I enjoyed living there.

During my high school years, 2000-2004, Selma seemed to still be prospering. The Selma Mall was still a vibrant place to shop and with stores like JC Penney and Belk as the anchors, we had places to go and the other stores inside the mall were just as vital.

Granted, it would have benefitted had there been a food court, but with surrounding fast food options we made do.

As I moved on to college, where I attended in Montgomery, things began even more so to take a turn. Given my age, I cannot comment on how things were during the 70s, 80s but speaking in terms of my existence and what my worldview was shaping into. At this time, we had lost our movie theater due to a shooting.

It appeared that no other business nor investor decided it was profitable enough to come in and rebuild a movie theater for the area. We also lost the bowling alley and the skating rink was a shell of itself. Of course crime happens everywhere, but it felt as though crime began to pick up

in such a once thriving city. As I watched the demise of Selma, I would wonder why more wasn’t being done by the city officials and powers that be.

Once I graduated college and moved to Montgomery fulltime, I would still come back to Selma to visit, but I found those visits becoming less frequent. Fast forward, I got married and those trips became more wide spread in between. My wife and I both had and still have family in Selma to this day. Over these 6 years of being married and having kids, my trips to Selma became less and less. In all honesty, I get somewhat in a depressed state when we visit. I’ll even stay home time to time and my wife and kids would go to Selma. Overall, when I do come back to Selma and see how it looks, it feels depressive and I’m in this cloud of sadness.

Granted, I’m only early 30s, but for my generation, I can remember what Selma had to offer. What I’m seeing now is a far cry from those glory days.

I admit if Selma had more to offer I’d probably be open to visit more. I think it’s sad when these elected officials and celebrities come to Selma for just the Bridge Crossing Jubilee, for the day or just some hours and make these half empty promises that they’ll never fulfill. It’s all for photo ops and building up more credibility within a certain segment.

If these people cared about those promises, they’d actually do more other than telling people what they wanted to hear.

I believe the people of Selma should look to one another and not those from the outside for a handout. The people of Selma and elected officials need to take accountability, make small changes and build up from there.

Selma could potentially get back to being a thriving place to live and visit once that happens.

Also, why not remove those people that are only in it for their ego and the power they may hold being elected officials? I’ve

REPRESENTING

Symbol of Freedom

The Fourth of July celebration represents so many things to so many people. It is a time for celebration and happiness and a day that serves as a symbol of freedom. Of course, it was not always this way for many until sometime after the

respective passage of both the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act. This is why freedom is so important; it is something that has to be fought for in order to gain and maintain.

Nearly two hundred and fifty years ago, immigrants who inhabited this land forged a new republic by fighting their proverbial mother country and big brothers. Crispus Attucks helped to spark a revolution in Boston that started it all. Later, George Washington helped to make independence for a new nation possible. A lot of developmental and yet terrible times were sandwiched between then and now. A lot of the rights and privileges we enjoy today were not available for most people. I

did not learn of Juneteenth until I was a full-grown adult, but I have always known what the 4th of July represents. We have a lot to be thankful for but we also have a lot to keep building upon.

We romanticize many of the occurrences of the days of yore, but there is no time like the present. Every era has its challenges, but as Americans we have always had some men and women ready and able to confront and deal with the challenges of the day.

Together, we will celebrate the spirit of independence and we will pledge to continue to harness freedom.

Prince Chestnut is a State Representative for House District 67.

read too many articles and saw news clips about certain people in Selma that try to make this about them. As opposed to doing what they can to help the citizens bring Selma back to the forefront.

Let’s not keep making this about political parties and what’s to gain or not. At some point, everyone will need to work together for the greater cause and get to work. When I do visit Selma, it feels empty and people are usually traveling to Montgomery or Prattville or another surrounding city. That’s money leaving Selma that should be staying and being reinvested.

On top of that, the Selma Mall that was a popular shopping venue has sold for $800,000 through an online auction. Given the fact that my wife and I are homeowners, and having some type of understanding of this, the fact that a property of this value sold online and through an auction is surprising. The mall was built in 1970 and is listed as 316,412-square-feet on eight acres. There’s no way this property should have sold for that amount. If Selma was in a better situation than it is, along with the foot traffic for such a shopping venue in that area, the property values would have created a bidding war that would be valued at a much higher price than what was reported. I can only pray and hope that the new owners of this property will have a plan in place that will make it a quality shopping option once again.

While I do not know who’s making the ultimate decisions that will help Selma bring in more businesses and aid in increasing their population, I can play backseat driver and offer suggestions or options that sound like they would help at least. I’d suggest or offer the following: • For the new owners of the Selma Mall, please remodel the property to help in bringing more popular stores with a wider and better selection and shopping experience. I’d even

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say bring back a game room for the kids as their parent’s shop. Maybe possibly a food court or a few eating options with great selections.

Something desperately needs to be in the location where Winn Dixie and Dollar General once were located. Maybe seek to bring a Piggly Wiggly to the area or some other grocery shopping business. Better yet, maybe a store that sells organic fruits and vegetables and a deli with premium cuts of meat.

Find a vendor that would like to bring back a bowling alley with event themed nights and a bowling league.

Selma needs a movie theater with multiple screens for the latest releases.

More needs to be offered than just trying to live off the prestige of the historical value that is offered. Selma needs its young people to stick around and be the next generation to build up the area.

Something has to be done with public school education to keep parents from enrolling their kids in a private school or moving altogether to a different district.

Roads need repairing and old houses need to be torn down.

Old buildings need to be revitalized and put to better use.

Better selection of restaurants need to be within Selma and not as many fast food locations.

People will still frequent their fast food locations, but at least being able to sit in and enjoy an outing with family or a loved one. Given the fact that people will still seek fast food, why not work on enticing a Checkers and Rally’s to come back to Selma.

Certain neighborhoods need major revitalizing and makeovers to increase the property value and get people to buy houses in certain areas/neighborhoods.

Some type of kid-friendly establishment that parents can

enjoy with their kids. Maybe a yearround water park, or a seasonal water park.

• Finding something that will generate use out of the old empty Big Lots building behind the Selma Mall, or get in contact with the proper powers and bring a Big Lots back to the city.

• Establish some type of programs for the colleges that are still operating and maintaining. Some type of incentive that would benefit both the student and institution would be beneficial.

• Vote out certain elected officials that are half doing the job but wanting the recognition and the benefits that come with it.

I understand that this will not fix everything that is currently wrong in Selma, but it’s at least a talking point to aid in getting things figured out to turn around the future that could be. This isn’t to say that Selma is not devoid of any good, but it does not outweigh the once prominence of what some of us have seen and what could be. I also understand that things do not happen overnight and it takes certain amounts of capital to get ventures off the ground. I believe that if some of these things were in progress or were put into action, it would create many more jobs and another source of streaming income. That income from purchases and tax revenue could then help in reinvesting in other ventures and just the refreshing that Selma needs.

I’m not saying I wholeheartedly know what Selma needs, but being someone born and raised in the area, I can only give my take on what I perceive and would love to Selma go back to.

Drew Holloman is a native of Selma.

Do you have an opinion about Selma? Send your column to the Selma Sun at news@selmasun.com.

State ethics law not tough enough for ole’ rankin fite

BY STEVE FLOWERS

Specail to the Selma Sun State Sen. Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia) has been in the Alabama House and Alabama Senate for over 40 years. That is a record in Alabama history and definitely a record of longevity for any Jefferson County legislator in history.

Jabo Waggoner has had a significant impact on behalf of the folks in Jefferson County over his stellar career.

He has been instrumental in the growth of UAB. In the 1970s Waggoner sponsored legislation which spearheaded the purchase of 45 blocks in downtown Birmingham for UAB’s expansion. UAB purchased this property for $8.5 million. That would equate to $40 million in today’s dollars and has been invaluable toward the growth of UAB. Jabo currently chairs the State Senate Rules Committee, a very powerful post. He also likes to honor history, protocol and precedent. Jabo essentially has his own Civitan Club.

It is the Vestavia Civitan Club that meets every third Friday at the Vestavia Country Club.

It has about 40-50 members and attendees. It is a pretty select group of civic leaders, legislators, lobbyists and Jefferson County power brokers. They attend and belong at Jabo’s request and invitation.

He brings only the most elite speakers to his Civitan Club.

Jabo has been on the Board of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame for decades and has unparalleled Alabama sports connections. In recent years he has had Eli Gold, Bobby Humphrey, Charles Barkley and Gene Hallman to name a few. He also has the top governmental leaders from Washington and Montgomery to the club. They are reluctant to say no to the Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee.

A good many Cabinet members and Department Heads come to speak. Recently Tom Albritton, the Executive Director of the State Ethics Commission, spoke to the Club. Albritton’s appearance reminded me of the origins of our first Alabama Ethics Law. Campaign finance laws and ethics disclosure forms for political campaigns and officeholders were enacted throughout the country in the 1970’s; mostly in reaction to public outcry for ethics reform after the Watergate corruption.

Practically every state passed an ethics law.

In the 1970s, Alabama had a lot of veteran crafty and crusty legislators. The craftiest of all was the legendary Legislator and Speaker of the House, Rankin Fite. Rankin had done pretty well financially as a lawyer and legislator without any ethics laws. Rankin and his colleagues were not about to succumb to the national trend of passing any Ethic Laws.

That did not help the Alabama media from consistently harping on the need for such legislation.

George Wallace was governor and he had pretty much dismissed ethics reform as an issue. He did not want to put his friends in the legislature on the spot. He had a very harmonious working relationship with the legislature and did not want to step on toes and create a hornet’s nest.

However, one day late in the legislative session, Wallace decided to get a little good press. He called his legislative buddies in and said there were only a few more legislative days left in the session and it’s too late for anything to pass, much less an ethics bill, so let’s throw the press a bone by introducing one.

The plan was that the House would pass a House Ethics Bill and all of the Representatives would get credit for voting for an Ethics Bill knowing full well that the Senate would kill it.

The Senators would then do the same so they could get credit knowing the House would kill their bill.

They gleefully went ahead with their plan and they and Wallace enjoyed their day in the sun.

Well, the press put a spotlight on the measures like never before and focused on the need for final passage. Things got out of hand and the House succumbed to public opinion. It got to the floor and once it got to a vote, the representatives were hard pressed to vote against an Ethics law.

Only a handful of House members had the nerve to vote against the Ethics Law. One of the few who did was Rankin Fite. A horde of House members and reporters gathered around the legendary crusty ole Speaker and asked why he voted against it. He looked them squarely in the eye and said, “It wasn’t tough enough for me.”

Steve Flowers has analyzed Alabama politics for national television audiences on CBS, PBS, ABC and the British Broadcasting Network. Steve has been an up-close participant and observer of the Alabama political scene for more than 50 years and is generally considered the ultimate authority on Alabama politics and Alabama political history.

SELMA SUN

July 4, 2019

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Notice to the Creditors of ESTATE OF ADOLPHUS SMITH, SR., DECEASED, Letters of Testamentary upon the Estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 6th day of June, 2019, by the Probate Judge of Dallas County, Alabama, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present the same, duly sworn, to the Probate Court of said County within the time allowed by law or same will be forever barred.

BRENDA McCANTS, EXECUTRIX Alston Keith, Jr. Keith & Keith 711 Alabama Avenue P.O. Box9 Selma, Al. 36702 (334)874-6617 June 20, 27, July 4

tain mortgage executed by Wilma Perry, an unmarried woman, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Alliance Financial Resources, LLC, on the 18th day of February, 2011, said mortgage recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Dallas County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 1451 Page 253; the undersigned Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Mortgagee/ Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Selma, Dallas County, Alabama, on August 21, 2019, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Dallas County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot I and J, of Block 2, according to the Redivision of Osburn Property in the S 1/2 of Block 1 and Block 2, Harris Addition, Selma, Alabama,

which said map is recorded in Map Book 3, at Page 77, in the Probate Office of Dallas County, Alabama.

Property street address for informational purposes: 507 6th Ave, Selma, AL 36701 THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS� BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/ OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.

This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mort-

gage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure.

The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) in certified funds made payable to Sirote & Permutt, P.C. at the time and place of the sale.

The balance of the purchase price must be paid in certified funds by noon the next business day at the Law Office of Sirote & Permutt, P.C. at the address indicated below. Sirote & Permutt, P.C. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due.

The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate.

This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation.

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Mortgagee/Transferee Ginny Rutledge

SIROTE & PERMUTT, P.C. P. O. Box 55727 Birmingham, AL 35255-5727 Attorney for Mortgagee/ Transferee www.sirote.com/foreclosures 451105 June 20, 27, July 4

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that cer-

West Dallas Water Authority: Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment AGENCY: Rural Utility Service, USDA ACTION: Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utility Service (RUS), as required by the National Environmental Policy Act, is issuing an Environmental Assessment (EA) in connection with possible impacts related to a project proposed by West Dallas Water Authority (WDWA), of Sardis, Alabama. The proposal is for construction of water mains along county roads to improve flow, serve new customers and to replace filter media. WDWA has submitted an application to RUS for funding of the proposal.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nivory

Gordon, Jr., Area Director at USDA, RD, 321 Depot Street, Camden, AL 36726, 334-6824116 Ext. 110 or via email at Nivory.gordon@al.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: WDWA proposes to construct new 3-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch water mains along County Roads: 3, 29, 152, 182, 186, 189, 350, 351, 352, 357, 358, 359, 375, 814, 834, 894, and 989. The project also includes replacement of the filter media at the AL Highway 22 treatment facility.

Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc., an environmental consultant, prepared an environmental assessment for RUS that describes the project, assesses the proposed project’s environmental impacts, and summarizes as applicable any mitigation measures used to minimize environmental effects. RUS has conducted an independent evaluation of

the environmental assessment and believes that it accurately assesses the impacts of the proposed project. No significant impacts are expected as a result of the construction of the project.

Questions and comments should be sent to RUS at the address provided. RUS will accept questions and comments on the environmental assessment for 14 days from the date of publication of this notice.

Any final action by RUS related to the proposed project will be subject to, and contingent upon, compliance with all relevant Federal environmental laws and regulations and completion of environmental review procedures as prescribed by 7 CFR Part 1970, Environmental Policies and Procedures.

A general location map of the proposal is shown below

Notice to the Creditors of Estate of: CLARENCE ARTHUR SMITH, deceased.

Letters of Administration upon the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 17th day of June, 2019, by the Probate Judge Jimmy L. Nunn of Dallas County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same, duly sworn to, in the Probate Court of said County within the time allowed by law, or else same will be forever barred.

CHELSEA SMITH Personal Representative CHARLES H. SIMS, III Attorney for Petitioner P.O. Box 1432

Local Branding Economics and Rural Sociology. “Unlike some of our neighboring states, Alabama doesn’t have many original brands for specialty crops, even though we have very good products like sweet potatoes and Chilton County peaches.�

There is a lot of potential, he said, for Alabama to strengthen its specialty crop branding. The state consistently ranks high nationally in the production of such crops as pecans, sweet potatoes, blueberries, watermelons and peaches. “Significant variations in climatic and geographical conditions across Alabama enable the state to produce abundant varieties of specialty crops,�

Miao said. “Foreign and domestic competition, though, is growing for the state’s specialty crop growers in traditional commodity markets.�

New markets increasingly cater to quality, diversity, locality and even social and cultural heritage associated with agricultural products, he said. “Alabama specialty crop growers are at a critical juncture to diversify their marketing options,� Miao said. “These challenges require specialty crop growers in Alabama to adjust their usual practices of producing and marketing products. Establishing regional or farm-specific brands for specialty crops is considered a crucial step to address these challenges.�

The research team began the project by interviewing eight group leaders in Alabama agribusiness. These interviews were intended to solicit the leaders’ opinions about the importance of branding and to identify the top specialty crops

that would have the largest potential for branding. “The eight group leaders unanimously believed that establishing and promotion regional and farm-specific brands for specialty crops in Alabama would benefit specialty crop producers,� Miao said. “As for the top candidate specialty crops for branding, the leaders all believed that sweet potatoes should be one of the top candidates. Honey and watermelons were mentioned by four out of eight group leaders, and peaches and strawberries were mentioned by three.�

Next, researchers interviewed farmers who produce the top two crops named by the group leaders—10 sweet potato producers and 10 beekeepers. “We asked the farmers a different set of questions, including their opinion of branding, their barriers to branding and what types of resources or support they needed to implement branding,� Miao said.

Although the majority of interviewed farmers believed that branding would help specialty crop growers in Alabama, some expressed concerns that successful branding needs financial support from the state government, information support from branding experts and coordination support from farmer or agribusiness organizations, he said. “There’s obviously an economic drive for branding— previous research has shown that branding can bring farmers a price premium,� Miao said. “But farmers need various resources and support to carry out branding. “They need financial support because it costs money to estab-

Legal Notices Selma, AL 36702-1432 June 27, July 4, 11 Notice to Creditors of the Estate of JAMES CHARLES UTSEY, Deceased, Letters of Administration upon the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 27th day of June, 2019, by Honorable Jimmy L. Nunn, Probate Judge of Dallas County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same, duly sworn to, in the Probate Court of said county within the time allowed by law, or else same will be forever barred.

SIDNA DANIELLE UTSEY, Personal Representative VIRGINIA L. BLACKWELL BOZEMAN & BLACKWELL, LLC Attorneys at Law P. O. Box 592 Selma, Alabama 36702-0592 Attorney for Personal Representative July 4, 11, 18 Rural Development

continued from page 3 lish branding. Also, they need support from experts in how to establish and launch branding. In addition, they need coordinated support from agribusiness organizations. Branding can bring farmers price premiums and higher profits, but there is also a cost.�

These needs of specialty crop farmers will require further research and cooperation with ag-related groups, he said. “There is also a risk to fail, so we need to look at how to spread the risks or distribute the benefits,� Miao said. “This is not an easy task, and these surveys represent the very beginning steps.�

There is much more work to do, both from a research level and from producers and agricultural organizations, before specialty crop branding is commonplace in Alabama, he said.

This research is partially supported by an Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Specialty Crop Block Grant and by the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station.

Miao worked on the survey with Loka Ashwood, assistant professor, and Ali Dawood, graduate student, both in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology; Taylor Johnson, associate bank examiner with the Farm Credit Administration and former graduate student; Deacue Fields, former chair of the department and currently dean of the Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas; and Joe Kemble, Alabama Extension specialist and professor in the Department of Horticulture.

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AlabamaPublicNotices.com public notice affects you

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Local farmers say promoting regional and farm-specific brands for specialty crops would benefit their production.

July 4, 2019

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SELMA SUN

LIFESTYLE

Chef Andrew Armstrong introduces soups to give a try this summer Even though it is summer, sometimes you still want a comforting meal. The recipes for this week can do that. If you're having a pool party and eating on the patio, then try out this recipe for "Cold Watergate Soup" and for dessert have a slice of "Hungarian Spice Cake." If you're going to dinner party, try the recipe here for "Virginia Bean Soup." This soup is very easy to prepare, and it spends most the day slow cooking on a low heat. Some of the best meals are the ones you can prepare with ease!

If you have an exciting recipe to share in 2019, then please send it to me at P.O. Box 693 Leeds, Alabama 35094 -Andrew M. Armstrong

VIRGINIA BEAN SOUP 5 onions, chopped 2 ribs of celery, chopped 3 quarts of water 1 carrot, chopped 1 very meaty ham hock 1 1/2 Pounds of Lima beans, soaked in water and rinsed well 2 bay leaves Black pepper & salt to taste 1/2 teaspoon of thyme 1/4 teaspoon of oregano 1/4 teaspoon of basil 1 teaspoon of butter Salami, cut into pieces Pumpernickel bread for serving, toasted Sauté the butter, seasonings, and vegetables together in the bottom of a pot.

Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low heat for 5 hours, until the beans are cooked and the soup is thick.

COLD WATERGATE SOUP 1 can of green pea soup 1 Cup of milk 1 Cup of chicken stock 1 teaspoon of curry powder Paprika sprinkled on top for serving Blend the ingredients together and pulse in a blender. This is not a cooked soup. Instead pour into a container and chill for at least 2 hours, before serving.

HUNGARIAN SPICE CAKE 2 Cups of flour, sifted 2 teaspoons of cinnamon

2 teaspoons of all spice 1 teaspoon of cloves 1 teaspoon of baking soda 1 Cup of buttermilk 1/2 Cup of shortening 1 1/2 Cups of brown sugar 2 eggs Preheat the oven at 350 degrees. Spray 2 layer pans with cooking spray. Cream together the shortening, sugar and eggs. Add in the dry ingredients and mix, until it is combined. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or remove from the oven when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let the cakes cool and frost as desired.

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The Dallas County Commission, in conjunction with the Dallas County School System, will be sponsoring a summer food program to provide free meals until July 3 for children up to 18 years old.

Serving meals at the following locations; House of Prayer, Keith High School, Sardis Unity Fellowship, Bruce K. Craig Elementary School, Southside Primary School, Salem Elementary School, TiptonDurant School, Pine Glen Community Association and New Vernon Church. Lunches served between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the various locations.

Contact Liz Smiley at 334-3270171 for more information.

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ACROSS 1 Louisville Slugger 4 When doubled, it means quickly 8 Lower in the meadow 11 Campout fallout 12 Flying solo 13 Reverent feeling 14 Inventive account 15 Lead off 16 Word with cent or herring 17 Symbols of gentleness 19 Made use of a divan 21 Raise the roof 24 Green activity 27 Every dog has ___ day 30 Like some resorts 32 Unvarying 34 Watch from the bushes 35 Slangy "Really?"

36 Fodder 38 __ green 40 Stud earring parts 44 Cartography sample 46 China problem 49 Leader's position 50 Copper source 51 Dash or marathon 52 Paleozoic ___ 53 Word with rock or roll 54 Saw 55 Parker or Waterman

DOWN 1 Cinderella's delight 2 Great Wall continent 3 Joyce Carol Oates novel 4 Least distant 5 Bounce like a rabbit 6 ___ Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest 7 Farm features 8 Egg holders 9 Be a little shy?

10 Bring together 18 The x in '2x4' 20 Prior to this moment 22 Emblem on Canada's flag 23 Word with "express" and "shipping" 25 Pass again in a race 26 Take wing 27 Like unfriendly stares 28 Dactyl, e.g.

29 Broke suddenly 31 Like Mayan pyramids 33 "Tonight ___ Comes" (hit by the Cars) 37 Accomplish 39 It's quite a lot 41 Baby-book first 42 Flew 43 Year, e.g.

44 Al Capone's gang 45 ''Chances ___'' 47 It's pitched on a field 48 Swelling aid

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Farmers Market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through Nov. 15 from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. or until the last vendor sells out. The market is located at Bloch Park on Dallas Avenue in Selma. For more information, contact the market manager at 334-518-0346.

Register for the Grist-Brown Memorial YMCA Summer Camp at 1 YMCA Drive, Selma happening June 3 - August 2.

Cost $85 per week for members and $95 per week for non-members. Summer Day Camp will operate Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.6 p.m. Official start time is 8 a.m. and pick up time is 5 p.m.For more information call 334375-8301.

Dallas County Family Resource Center The Whole Parent Classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning June 5 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Dallas County Family Resource Center, 10096 AL Highway 14 W, Selma. Lunch is provided. A GRACO Pack N’ Play given to all qualifying participants. Call the Dallas County Family Resource Center to reserve a spot in the class 334-874-7785.

Dallas County Family Resource Center offers Money Smart Classes Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the Dallas County Family Resource Center, 10096 AL Highway 14 W, Selma. To reserve your seat in these classes, call 334-8747785. Water and light snacks provided.

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Register for the 2nd Annual AIM for Excellence 5K 1-Mile Fun Run & Walk scheduled for Aug. 3 at 7:30 a.m. at Bloch Park, Selma, AL-All ages welcome-Registration $10 and up-Virtual Run available-For more information and to register at https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Selma/ AIMFOREXCELLENCE5K or call 334-874-1600.

American Red Cross is seeking volunteers for Disaster Action Team, Office Support, Volunteer Services Recruitment

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Solutions

Lead, Service to Armed Forces, Biomed/Blood Services, Disaster Services-For more information contact Sandy Zuiderheok at 334-201 1620 or sandy.zuiderhoek@redcross. org. To apply, visit www.redcross.org/alabama/volunteer.

Black Belt Community Foundation now accepting applications for a free Preschool program for children ages 3-5-Enrolling at the following locations: Easterseals 2906B Citizens Parkway, Selma; Keith, 1166 County Road 115, Orrville; Southside, 3104 Old Montgomery Highway, Selma; Choctaw, 201 Tom Orr, Butler, AL; GP Austin, 550 Martin Luther King Dr., Linden, AL; JE Hobbs, 30 Claiborne, Camden, AL-Bring Proof of residency, verification of birth, parent/guardian ID, proof of family income, and current shot record to complete an application-To schedule an appointment please call 334-4313706 For more information, visit www.blackbeltfound.org.

Pre-K Registration 20192020 Byrd Pre-K Program.

Selma City Schools will continue to offer our premiere First Class Early Learning Program.

Online registration available at https://alprek.asapconnected. com. Open to all children four years of age by Oct. 1. Copy of birth certificate and two proofs of residence required. Visit www.children.alabama.gov and see Pre-Registration Info under First Class Pre-K. Please call 334 874-1620 for any questions or www.selmacityschools.org.

The Dallas County School District is offering Free Introductory Computer Classes to all parents and guardians with children in the county school system. Participants will learn the basics of how to use a computer in a fun-filled atmosphere, introduction to Microsoft Word 2016, Internet and more. Classes will meet every Tuesday, beginning Sept.

5 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Dallas County Learning Resource Center, located at 5570 Water Avenue and from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. at Keith High School. For more information, or to enroll, call Dorothy Irvin or Ivery Williams at 334-872-6251.

Through the McKinneyVento Assistance Act, the Dallas County School District is actively seeking to identify and enroll all students who are living in a homeless situation that reside with Dallas County School’s jurisdiction. To be eligible for local services, students must meet the criteria of homeless and attend school. For questions or assistance, of knowing of a school-age child who needs assistance in enrolling and attending school, contact Dorothy Irvin at 334-872-6251 or a local school.

July 4 - July 6

July 9

Empower Music Festival 2019 in Downtown Selma. Musical Guests include Silk, Sean Mac Trio, Dani, and Taylor Hunnicut.

For more information visit www.EmpowerMusicFest.net.

Selma City School hosts “Chat and Chew” at 11:30 a.m. in the Command Center at R.B. Hudson Middle School. For more information, call 334-8741600.

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Summer Movie Blast at the Walton Theater showing “Peter Rabbit” at 10 am at the Walton Theater Selma on 1000 Selma Avenue. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.-$5 (includes small popcorn & small drink). Movie subject to change due to availability. For more information, visit www.waltontheaterselma. org or Walton Theater Selma on Facebook. Movies every Thursday for the months of June and July.

Summer Movie Blast at the Walton Theater showing “Ralph Breaks the Internet” at 10 a.m. at the Walton Theater Selma on 1000 Selma Avenue.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m.-$5 (includes small popcorn & small drink). Movie subject to change due to availability.

For more information, visit w w w. wa l t o n t h e at e r s e l m a . org or Walton Theater Selma on Facebook. Movies every Thursday for the months of June and July.

Town of Orrville 4th of July Program & Fireworks Show at the Orrville Community Center.

Program begins at 7 p.m. and fireworks begin at dark.

City of Valley Grande 4th of July Fireworks Show at the Valley Grande City Park- The program begins at 7 p.m. and Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

July 6 1st Saturday Selma -1st Saturday Selma happens the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in beautiful downtown Selma. Join art galleries, food trucks, shops, restaurants, and music venues all day Saturday, and some will be open the night before. Check out the Facebook page for updates and specials: https://www.facebook. com/1stSaturdaySelma/.

July 8 - July 12 Art Camp 2019 - Camp Two is Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.-12 p.m. with Charlie “Tinman” Lucas at 9 Lauderdale Street or Dallas Academy. For ages 8 -16. Lunch and snacks included. Fee is $125.

Enrollment is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Payment of the camp fee secures your space.

For more information call 334412-8550.

Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation Train the Trainer Institute Level II with Dr. Bernard Lafayette & Team at Healing Water Retreat Center, 8 Mulberry Rd, Selma is $450 and includes breakfast and lunch daily. Full scholarships are available for Selma residents and reduced rates for others based upon need. Must have completed Level I to qualify for Level II training and includes learning on the go with visits to historical sites in the region.

Register at https://tinyurl. com/KingianNVre g-online, BOConner@SelmaCNTR. org or 334-526-4539 Ext. 3. For more information, visit www.

SelmaCNTR.org.

Selma City School “Chat and Chew” at 9:30 a.m. in the Command Center at R.B. Hudson Middle School. For more information, call 334874-1600.

August 3 The 2nd Annual AIM for Excellence 5K 1-Mile Fun Run & Walk is at 7:30 a.m. at Bloch Park, Selma. All ages welcome.

Registration $10 and up. Virtual Run available. For more information, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Selma/ AIMFOREXCELLENCE5K or call 334-874-1600.

June 17-28 The King Center is accepting Nominations and Applications for our Summer Youth Leadership Academy.

The Leadership Academy is designed to develop leaders who have the skills to positively influence and impact themselves, their peers and their communities using the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The intense two week on campus experience prepares youth, ages 13 – 18, to be influential leaders and change agents for their schools, communities and the world. The Leadership Academy fee is $350. For more information, visit thekingcenter.org.

June 27 Summer Movie Blast at the Walton Theater showing “Dog Days” at 10 a.m. at the Walton Theater Selma, 1000 Selma Avenue - Doors open at 9:30 a.m.-$5 (includes small popcorn & small drink).

Movie subject to change due to availability. www.waltontheaterselma.org. Facebook: Walton Theater Selma-Movies every Thursday for the months of June and July.

Stem Science Fun from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. at the SelmaDallas County Public LibraryWork your brain as we build machines. Ages nine and up.

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June 28—June 29 Book Signing "A Little About Life and A Lot of Wisdom from God" by Mary Cole from 11:00 am-4:00 pm at the Selma-Dallas County Public Library, 1103 Selma Avenue.

June 29 Farmapalooza at Orrville Farmers Market. For more information call 334-996-8301.

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SELMA SUN

July 4, 2019

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EDUCATION

McRae Learning Center wraps-up Summer Adventures in Learning program SPECIAL TO THE SELMA SUN Thanks to the support of many, McRae-Gaines Learning Center closed a successful Summer Adventures in Learning program, or SAIL, last Friday with a graduation ceremony that included art, music, and dance.

SAIL is a partnership that focuses support of Alabama foundations on summer programs in which students can explore new interests and skills while also gaining the support they need to prevent summer learning loss. In Alabama the program is administered by The Birmingham Education Foundation.

Through this important partnership, funders commit to using a joint application process for nonprofit organizations seeking grant support to add or enhance consistent academic components to summer youth programs.

MGLC is very grateful to the funders that have supported the McRae programs over the past four years: Alabama Power Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Daniels Foundation.

In addition, the local program benefited from an Arts Grant from the Black Belt Community Foundation; a grant from Rep. Terri Sewell in the name of her distinguished parents, Coach and Mrs. Nancy Sewell for the arts and science curriculum; and a gift from Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr., President of Alabama State University for the reading and math curriculum.

At the beginning of the program in May, 45 students ages six- through eight-years-old from local schools, as well as McRae, went through a test conducted at Wallace Community College Selma. They attended accelerated classes in reading, math and science in the morning and enjoyed art, music and field trips in the afternoons.

Teachers Barbara Harris, Octavia McBride and Phyllis Jones delivered the rigorous review of reading, math and science skills. King Roper and assistant taught piano, Sister Yomi Goodall taught the art and music program and guest teachers like Brother Vernon Spicer shared his Pasta Art medium.

Spicer is the only pasta artist that produces framed piece of pasta art, several examples of

which are on display in prominent places in Selma like First Cahawba Bank.

In addition, the administration and faculty organized field trips to many different enrichment programs available at the Selma Public Library, including puppet shows, a juggler, a magic show and STEM Science Fun. They also enjoyed participating in the Edmundite’s Annual Community Festival.

Last week the students completed their testing at Wallace to measure progress achieved during the five-week SAIL program; they enjoyed a Fun Day with a bounce house, water balloons, grilled hot dogs and watermelon, and on Friday they performed in Tanzanian costumes for their parents and families at their “Graduation Ceremony.”

MGLC is grateful to all the contributors that made the 2019 SAIL program successful, including donors and sponsors; administrators, teachers and guest artists; and our parents and students who brought so much enthusiasm for improving their reading, math and science skills during the days of summer vacation.

Guest teachers included Brother Vernon Spicer, who shared his Pasta Art medium with the students.

The program served 45 students ages six- through eight-years-old from local schools, as well as McRae, at Wallace Community College Selma.

After students completed their testing at Wallace to measure progress achieved during the five-week SAIL program, they enjoyed a Fun Day with a bounce house and more.

Dallas County Students Earn $1,000 Alfa Foundation Scholarship SPECIAL TO THE SELMA SUN Two local college students will get a little relief when tuition bills come due for the 2019-2020 school year thanks to a $1,000 scholarship awarded through the competitive Alfa Foundation Scholarship Program.

Dallas County recipients are: • Elizabeth Adams of Selma is a John T. Morgan Academy

graduate and a freshman at the University of Alabama studying pre-dental.

• James Utsey of Selma is a John T. Morgan Academy graduate and a sophomore at George C. Wallace State Community College at Selma studying business.

The program is administered through Scholarship America, which selects 100 recipients based on academics, participa-

James Utsey of Selma received a scholarship from Alfa Foundation.

tion in school and community activities, honors, work experience and future goals.

“This year’s scholarship recipients prove the future is bright for Alabama,” said Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “I’m excited that we can help these students reach their goals by covering a portion of the cost of their education.”

The 100 students hail from 45 Alabama counties and are seeking degrees at 20 institutions of higher learning in the state.

Scholarships may be used for tuition, fees, books or supplies.

Over six years, the Alfa Foundation has awarded $550,000 in scholarships to students from 64 counties studying at 35 different Alabama universities, colleges and technical schools.

Elizabeth Adams of Selma received a scholarship from Alfa Foundation.

Selma students make dean’s list at Auburn, UAB and UWA Scholars from Selma were recently honored for their academic performance at Auburn University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of West Alabama for the spring 2019 term.

The Dean’s List recognizes students with an academic record of 3.5 or above. The President’s List recognizes students with an academic record of 4.0 (all As).

At Auburn University, Ezekiel Deandre Craig, Richard A. Davis, Greyson C. Harvill, Elliott M. Oslund, Edgar D. Reeves, John F. Stewart, Ann Elizabeth Yocum and Annie Zhang.

At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Diyan Naran Patel and Kenneth B. Davis, Presidential Honors.

At the University of West Alabama, Tiffany West, Dean’s List.

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July 4, 2019

SELMA SUN

SPORTS

Morgan Academy golfer wins Future Masters Tournament

BY FRED GUARINO Selma Sun Staff

Jones Free, 16, of Selma and a member of the Morgan Academy Golf Team, won the Press Thornton Future Masters Golf Tournament in Dothan.

Free won the 15 to 18 age group in the tournament played June 22-29 at Dothan Country Club with a gross total score of 200. He is the son of William and Callen Free of Marion Junction.

The list of golfing greats who have competed in the tournament

includes past U.S. Open champions Hubert Green and Jerry Pate, Masters winner Larry Mize, PGA champions Bob Tway, Mark Brooks and Shawn Micheel, and British Open winner Ben Curtis.

The Future Masters has become a proving ground for golf's brightest junior stars.

Jones Free of Selma won the 70th Annual Press Thornton Future Masters Championship with scores of 69-62-69 and total of 200.

Jones Free, 16, of Selma is a member of the Morgan Academy Golf Team.

Jeremiah Wright, a Selma High School standout and defensive tackle, made the NFL All-Combine Team.

New Selma High head coach scores sponsorship to take team to Cam Newton’s football camp

BY CHICO CLEVELAND Selma Sun Staff

Selma Saints’ new football Head Coach Will Gandy held the first organized camp for his new team last week.

The camp included high-level competition from Keith High Bears, Sindney Lanier Poets of Montgomery and Wenonah High Dragons from Birmingham.

Players competed in a passing style 7-on-7 team competi-

tion along with the offensive and defensive lineman competing in 1-on-1 and team lineman drills.

Coach Gandy expressed how important it is for his team to try to bond while getting some “good work” in versus real competition.

“We were all winners today.

Just by coming out in the sun, working hard, seeing other players from different areas kind of gives us a measuring stick to where we might be so far this summer," Gandy said. “It’s early, but this is very necessary to build a solid foundation for us moving forward.”

Also out on the Saints practice field was familiar face to Selma, Coach Daniel Flowers who spent more than nine seasons at rival Southside and will be head coach at Wenonah High School in Birmingham in the fall.

“It was great to be back in the area, although with a new group of guys. It’s great to be able to come back here to Selma, to bring my new guys to experience this historic city, but mainly to compete against high level schools in their own backyard,” Flowers said. “Selma has a lot of good athletes. If we can get them all to compete on the field, then any school in this area can be a powerhouse. I’ve seen the talent first-hand.”

Selma High is boasting a number of up-and-coming seniors who are expect to go on to the next

level to play Division 1 football.

One of those standouts is lineman Jeremiah Wright who’s being recruited by of a dozen schools including Auburn, Tennessee and Georgia Tech. He’s been attending multiple camps where he’s received full scholarship offers by the end of each camp.

The Saints also continued their development by competing at former Auburn and current Carolina Panthers Quarterback Cam Newton’s 7on7 camp. Cam’s camp was two days where the Saints did great with a 4-2 Friday record versus a good number of schools from all over the state.

“We came into Saturday as one of the favorites but ran into a few more experienced schools who were able to go on and win the camp,” Gandy said. “Overall, it was still a great experience for us. We learned a lot, but we must get in better shape this summer heading into the season.”

After being invited to bring his team to the camp, Coach Gandy, with the help of a former coaching colleague, were able to secure a sponsorship to allow his team to travel to the Birmingham sportsplex, meet

the popular NFL QB, and to once again compete against some of the state’s most talented teams.

“We were blessed to be able to have our guys travel and stay in a nice hotel. It was a great experience and we’re very appreciative," Coach Gandy said. “We ask for the city and community to support our kids especially this year, as we’re looking to turn the culture back to football and have everyone supporting Saints Nation.”