SILVER HILL AL
JULY 15 2007
Silverhill Police Chief Al Coggins has resigned, leaving the town with only one police officer. Coggins, a four-year veteran with the department, says he's resigned for medical reasons. The chief's departure has some people in Silverhill wondering if one cop is enough.
"I'm concerned with the news out there that we don't have a police chief and only one officer, we could be a target for crime," says Dalton Head. Head owns an antique shop on Highway 104. "We have a lot of speeders in town, especially in the morning. And with no officers on duty in the mornings, we could have some problems."
The responsibility of protecting and patrolling Silverhill now falls in the hands of Baldwin County Sheriff Hoss Mack. As chief law enforcement officer of Baldwin County, Mack says he will provide law enforcement protection and services to Silverhill residents.
"Our department is stretched thin," says Mack. "Now that we're providing services in Foley and Summerdale's police jurisdictions, this is just one more challenge. But we're going to approach the county commission and ask for additional resources."
Coggins says his last day on-duty will be July 26th.
ALABAMA GULF COAST NEWS
HOT BREAKING NEWS HERE..........
Sunday, July 15, 2007
JUDGE REVERSES HIS OWN RULING by:Rick McCann www.privateofficer.com
GULF SHORES ALA.
JULY 15 2007
A Baldwin County judge Tuesday reversed his earlier decision to try the Fort Morgan annexation battle between Gulf Shores and residents of the unincorporated part of the peninsula before a jury and will instead decide the case himself.
In a separate order Tuesday, Circuit Judge J. Langford Floyd rescheduled the trial, pushing it back from September to Oct. 23 after Andy Rutens, a lawyer for Gulf Shores, said he had scheduling conflicts with the earlier date.
The trial will be held at the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse, according to Floyd's order.
In a short hearing early Tuesday, attended only by Rutens and the Fort Morgan Civic Association's lawyer, Stephen Clements, Floyd granted the city's motion to reconsider the March directive, which called for the 4-year-old case to be decided by a jury.
Floyd said that aside from matters of procedure raised by Rutens, he preferred to hear the case himself so that he could freely discuss the complex dispute with lawyers as evidence was presented.
"I don't want to inadvertently influence (jurors)," the judge said.
In April 2003, the Gulf Shores City Council voted to annex the 19.3-mile-long Alabama 180 right of way that bisects the Fort Morgan peninsula.
Shortly afterward, the Fort Morgan Civic Association sued the city, seeking to reverse the move, which the city used to establish a border with and thus gain the ability to annex private property along the peninsula.
The civic association and three co-plaintiffs -- residents Ralph Gilges, Sarah DeMellier and former County Commissioner Charles Browdy -- argued in the suit that the city's move was an illegal form of annexation and would lead to over development of the ecologically fragile
In a separate order Tuesday, Circuit Judge J. Langford Floyd rescheduled the trial, pushing it back from September to Oct. 23 after Andy Rutens, a lawyer for Gulf Shores, said he had scheduling conflicts with the earlier date.
The trial will be held at the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse, according to Floyd's order.
In a short hearing early Tuesday, attended only by Rutens and the Fort Morgan Civic Association's lawyer, Stephen Clements, Floyd granted the city's motion to reconsider the March directive, which called for the 4-year-old case to be decided by a jury.
Floyd said that aside from matters of procedure raised by Rutens, he preferred to hear the case himself so that he could freely discuss the complex dispute with lawyers as evidence was presented.
"I don't want to inadvertently influence (jurors)," the judge said.
In April 2003, the Gulf Shores City Council voted to annex the 19.3-mile-long Alabama 180 right of way that bisects the Fort Morgan peninsula.
Shortly afterward, the Fort Morgan Civic Association sued the city, seeking to reverse the move, which the city used to establish a border with and thus gain the ability to annex private property along the peninsula.
The civic association and three co-plaintiffs -- residents Ralph Gilges, Sarah DeMellier and former County Commissioner Charles Browdy -- argued in the suit that the city's move was an illegal form of annexation and would lead to over development of the ecologically fragile
Since then, Gulf Shores has annexed more than 80 parcels along the peninsula and introduced new zoning rules there that limit resort developments to about half the height and density allowed elsewhere in the city.
In court, Floyd has twice rejected the civic association's requests for him to overturn the right-of-way annexation and the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals has declined to take up issues in the case.
Efforts to mediate the dispute have also failed so far, though both sides said in March that they were optimistic the case could be settled before reaching trial.
Floyd appointed a new mediator -- Mobile attorney Bill Wasden -- last month to replace Edward McDermott, who was unable to continue his role because he started serving as a Mobile County Circuit Court judge, according to court filings.
Clements said after Tuesday's hearing that he hoped depositions he has scheduled for Friday would provide his side the information it needed to revive mediation talks.
According to court records, Clements has subpoenaed developer David Head Sr., whose company built the Beach Club, a large Fort Morgan resort, and Ed Hand Sr. with the engineering firm Volkert & Associates for questioning Friday morning.
Though it's unclear what Clements intends to ask, the subpoenas request that both men bring all records and correspondence regarding the annexation as well as evidence of campaign contributions made to or business relationships with elected city officials in the current and former administrations.
In a February court filing, the city, though noting that the idea of annexing the state property "was raised multiple times over the past several years," described a meeting between then-
Mayor David Bodenhamer, Hand, Head and Head's lawyer, Sam Irby.
"Mr. Head brought up the issue of the city annexing the state property and the possibility he may want to have property he owned annexed at some future date," the city wrote, adding that "some time after this meeting" Bodenhamer approached state officials about bringing the property into the city.
Gulf Shores also wrote in the filing that a trio of others in the real estate business contacted City Hall before the annexation about bringing their Fort Morgan property into the city: Realtor Larry Powell, Kiva Dunes developer Jimmy Edgeman and Ron Owen, developer of the proposed Gulf Highlands condo project.
Hand acknowledged Tuesday that he had been subpoenaed and had prepared documents to bring to the Friday questioning, but said he didn't see what he could provide to help settle the case: "I don't have any idea what the questions are."
Head could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.
In court, Floyd has twice rejected the civic association's requests for him to overturn the right-of-way annexation and the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals has declined to take up issues in the case.
Efforts to mediate the dispute have also failed so far, though both sides said in March that they were optimistic the case could be settled before reaching trial.
Floyd appointed a new mediator -- Mobile attorney Bill Wasden -- last month to replace Edward McDermott, who was unable to continue his role because he started serving as a Mobile County Circuit Court judge, according to court filings.
Clements said after Tuesday's hearing that he hoped depositions he has scheduled for Friday would provide his side the information it needed to revive mediation talks.
According to court records, Clements has subpoenaed developer David Head Sr., whose company built the Beach Club, a large Fort Morgan resort, and Ed Hand Sr. with the engineering firm Volkert & Associates for questioning Friday morning.
Though it's unclear what Clements intends to ask, the subpoenas request that both men bring all records and correspondence regarding the annexation as well as evidence of campaign contributions made to or business relationships with elected city officials in the current and former administrations.
In a February court filing, the city, though noting that the idea of annexing the state property "was raised multiple times over the past several years," described a meeting between then-
Mayor David Bodenhamer, Hand, Head and Head's lawyer, Sam Irby.
"Mr. Head brought up the issue of the city annexing the state property and the possibility he may want to have property he owned annexed at some future date," the city wrote, adding that "some time after this meeting" Bodenhamer approached state officials about bringing the property into the city.
Gulf Shores also wrote in the filing that a trio of others in the real estate business contacted City Hall before the annexation about bringing their Fort Morgan property into the city: Realtor Larry Powell, Kiva Dunes developer Jimmy Edgeman and Ron Owen, developer of the proposed Gulf Highlands condo project.
Hand acknowledged Tuesday that he had been subpoenaed and had prepared documents to bring to the Friday questioning, but said he didn't see what he could provide to help settle the case: "I don't have any idea what the questions are."
Head could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.
GOVERNOR TELLS EASTERN SHORES TO UNIFY www.privateofficer.com
SPANISH FORT -- Gov. Bob Riley said the Eastern Shore faces a problem unlike those faced by any other area in Alabama.
Riley told an audience of about 150 business and city leaders that their cities will grow in spite of what they do. Economic development will occur, he said.
The problem, Riley said, is not attracting new business, but maintaining the quality of life that makes the Eastern Shore attractive.
Be highly selective in who your new neighbors are," Riley said. "Don't ever give up in what makes you so unique."
Riley was the keynote speaker at the first luncheon for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce's Economic Development Council. Joe Bullock, a former vice chairman of the council, said plans are to have the event twice a year, to inform businesses and the public on the progress of the Chamber of Commerce.
At the center of the chamber's plans for growth is its "Blueprint for Tomorrow," a strategic plan for the Eastern Shore developed in 2005. Some of the goals are to create a technology and research park, as well as a business academy, in the area. Traffic flow and tourism promotion are also priorities of the blueprint.
David Clark, chairman for the chamber, who also serves as general manager at the Grand Hotel, said the Blueprint for Tomorrow is the group's way to plan for the future.
Riley said the chamber must go beyond that. He urged local business and city leaders to unify in their efforts to handle booming growth. The development of the Eastern Shore, he said, is key in promoting the economic growth for the rest of the state.
"Alabama is on the cusp of magnificence," Riley said. "That magnificence starts on the Eastern Shore."
Riley said that officials in each city along the Eastern Shore -- Daphne, Fairhope and Spanish Fort -- must work to integrate their services.
"Especially on infrastructure," Riley said, "we don't have enough money to spend on redundant systems."
Furthermore, Riley hopes leaders can go beyond the Eastern Shore and think of themselves as part of a Gulf Coast region.
Challenges faced south of Interstate 10, such as condominium development and an unstable insurance market, are not happening in the rest of the state the governor said.
Riley told an audience of about 150 business and city leaders that their cities will grow in spite of what they do. Economic development will occur, he said.
The problem, Riley said, is not attracting new business, but maintaining the quality of life that makes the Eastern Shore attractive.
Be highly selective in who your new neighbors are," Riley said. "Don't ever give up in what makes you so unique."
Riley was the keynote speaker at the first luncheon for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce's Economic Development Council. Joe Bullock, a former vice chairman of the council, said plans are to have the event twice a year, to inform businesses and the public on the progress of the Chamber of Commerce.
At the center of the chamber's plans for growth is its "Blueprint for Tomorrow," a strategic plan for the Eastern Shore developed in 2005. Some of the goals are to create a technology and research park, as well as a business academy, in the area. Traffic flow and tourism promotion are also priorities of the blueprint.
David Clark, chairman for the chamber, who also serves as general manager at the Grand Hotel, said the Blueprint for Tomorrow is the group's way to plan for the future.
Riley said the chamber must go beyond that. He urged local business and city leaders to unify in their efforts to handle booming growth. The development of the Eastern Shore, he said, is key in promoting the economic growth for the rest of the state.
"Alabama is on the cusp of magnificence," Riley said. "That magnificence starts on the Eastern Shore."
Riley said that officials in each city along the Eastern Shore -- Daphne, Fairhope and Spanish Fort -- must work to integrate their services.
"Especially on infrastructure," Riley said, "we don't have enough money to spend on redundant systems."
Furthermore, Riley hopes leaders can go beyond the Eastern Shore and think of themselves as part of a Gulf Coast region.
Challenges faced south of Interstate 10, such as condominium development and an unstable insurance market, are not happening in the rest of the state the governor said.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
81 YR OLD TIED UP AND ROBBED
CHICKASAW AL....JULY 8 2007 Chickasaw police today arrested a 37-year-old man in connection with a robbery in which an 81-year-old man was tied up at his home.
William Terrell Entrekin of Chickasaw was being held tonight in Mobile County Metro Jail on $13,300 bond. Police charged him with first-degree robbery and second-degree burglary, according to Sgt. Brad Penton. Entrekin, who was convicted in 1999 for receiving stolen property, has been doing odd jobs such as mowing people's lawns to make some money, Penton said.
On Thursday, Entrekin was on 10th Avenue and knocked on the door of an 81-year-old man who had paid Entrekin to do some yard work at his house, Penton said. Entrekin asked if he could borrow a shovel, and the man invited Entrekin inside while he went to retrieve it, Penton said.
Once inside, Entrekin pulled out an electrical cord he had brought and tied the man's arms behind his back, Penton said. Entrekin took the man's wallet, threatened violence and told the man he planned to steal his car, Penton said.
William Terrell Entrekin of Chickasaw was being held tonight in Mobile County Metro Jail on $13,300 bond. Police charged him with first-degree robbery and second-degree burglary, according to Sgt. Brad Penton. Entrekin, who was convicted in 1999 for receiving stolen property, has been doing odd jobs such as mowing people's lawns to make some money, Penton said.
On Thursday, Entrekin was on 10th Avenue and knocked on the door of an 81-year-old man who had paid Entrekin to do some yard work at his house, Penton said. Entrekin asked if he could borrow a shovel, and the man invited Entrekin inside while he went to retrieve it, Penton said.
Once inside, Entrekin pulled out an electrical cord he had brought and tied the man's arms behind his back, Penton said. Entrekin took the man's wallet, threatened violence and told the man he planned to steal his car, Penton said.
THE AFTERMATH OF STORMS by; Rick McCann
MOBILE, AL—–JULY 8 2007 A Walmart on the service road of I-65 was hit by what emergency workers say was a microburst during a severe thunderstorm. The high winds tore off much of the roof, water poured inside a large area of the store damaging goods and causing flooding. A gaspipe also broke and there was damage to the front area of the store. Yet, less than a week later store officials say that they will be open within a week. A crane is being used to help repair the roof and both store employees and contractors have been working on the damage night and day in an effort to get this busy store back in tip top shape and reopened.
A passer- by who caught the twister on his cellphone said that it was definitely a tornado that was spinning on the west side of interstate 65 and he watched it as it came across and hit the Walmart store.
Other businesses and police officials say that there was no other report of damage in the area along the service road but there had been a sighting of another funnel cloud near the Daulphin Island Road area.
A passer- by who caught the twister on his cellphone said that it was definitely a tornado that was spinning on the west side of interstate 65 and he watched it as it came across and hit the Walmart store.
Other businesses and police officials say that there was no other report of damage in the area along the service road but there had been a sighting of another funnel cloud near the Daulphin Island Road area.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
TWO FISHING TOURNEMENTS COMING TO THE AREA! by; Rick McCann
GULF SHORES, ALA.----JULY 4 2007 The world's top saltwater anglers return to Gulf Shores this weekend for the only Alabama stop on the Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup circuit.
The most visible and lucrative saltwater fishing series in the world, organizers said, will be at Lucy Buffett's Lulu's at Homeport Marina Friday through Sunday. Daily weigh-ins will take place at 3 p.m. on the custom-designed Redfish Cup stage in the midst of a festival atmosphere featuring live music and local vendors.
The event will feature the top 30 teams of the past three years based on cumulative points, battling it out for the $60,000 top prize.
The fishing action kicks off Friday when the anglers set out from Lulu's Homeport Marina into the Gulf of Mexico. After two days, the field will be trimmed to just the top five teams for a final-day showdown on Sunday. Full tournament coverage can be seen each Sunday at 7 a.m. EST on ESPN2, organizers said.
"This is a pivotal moment in the season for our anglers," said David Healy, vice president of sales and sponsorship for the cup. "We're a little over halfway through the season, so there's going to be some new faces that have only recently qualified for the All-Stars, as well as the saltwater stars our fans have come to expect."
The Gulf Shores All-Star Midseason Bash will also feature a charity silent auction with all proceeds going to Care House, a local center for physically, mentally and sexually abused children. The auction will be held Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at Lulu's.
Fishing fans will have the chance to bid on many different items, including autographed selections from the Guy Harvey "Artist Series" wine collection. The famed artist, scientist, diver, underwater videographer and angler has created a different marine wildlife-themed label for each custom-blended varietal using his signature compelling action and fine detail. Guy Harvey Enterprises also has donated several framed and matted limited edition prints for the auction.
The Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup is in its fifth year. The 2007 Cup, which features 10 events from Texas to North Carolina, offers its largest purse ever at more than $2 million.
"Working with the Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Nation staff and anglers last year for another All-Star event and the Redfish Championship was great for Alabama's Gulf Coast," said Beth Gendler, director of sales at the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We are very excited to welcome the group back and know it will be a fantastic event. This event just adds to the excitement of summer vacation along the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, not to mention the fun atmosphere at Lulu's restaurant. We hope to see this event happen in Gulf Shores for many years to come."
Sponsors of the 2007 Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup includes Oh Boy! Oberto Beef Jerky, Tabasco, Mercury Marine, Triton Boats, Lake and Bay Boats, Lowrance Electronics, Falcon Rods, Academy Sports and Outdoors, Lucky Craft, Motorguide, Berkley, Texas Tackle Factory, Finatic Fishing Apparel, McAleer Marine, Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission, Lulu's at Homeport Marina and the Cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.
To learn more about the Alabama Gulf Coast, visit www.gulfshores.com or call 1-800-745-SAND (7263).
DAULPHIN ISLAND------July 20,21 and 22 the annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing 75th tournament will kick off sponsored by the Mobile Jaycee's. This year the event is expecting some 3,000 fishermen to enter and as always it will be a great week-end! There is a entry fee for participants but no charge for all of the spectators.
The most visible and lucrative saltwater fishing series in the world, organizers said, will be at Lucy Buffett's Lulu's at Homeport Marina Friday through Sunday. Daily weigh-ins will take place at 3 p.m. on the custom-designed Redfish Cup stage in the midst of a festival atmosphere featuring live music and local vendors.
The event will feature the top 30 teams of the past three years based on cumulative points, battling it out for the $60,000 top prize.
The fishing action kicks off Friday when the anglers set out from Lulu's Homeport Marina into the Gulf of Mexico. After two days, the field will be trimmed to just the top five teams for a final-day showdown on Sunday. Full tournament coverage can be seen each Sunday at 7 a.m. EST on ESPN2, organizers said.
"This is a pivotal moment in the season for our anglers," said David Healy, vice president of sales and sponsorship for the cup. "We're a little over halfway through the season, so there's going to be some new faces that have only recently qualified for the All-Stars, as well as the saltwater stars our fans have come to expect."
The Gulf Shores All-Star Midseason Bash will also feature a charity silent auction with all proceeds going to Care House, a local center for physically, mentally and sexually abused children. The auction will be held Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at Lulu's.
Fishing fans will have the chance to bid on many different items, including autographed selections from the Guy Harvey "Artist Series" wine collection. The famed artist, scientist, diver, underwater videographer and angler has created a different marine wildlife-themed label for each custom-blended varietal using his signature compelling action and fine detail. Guy Harvey Enterprises also has donated several framed and matted limited edition prints for the auction.
The Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup is in its fifth year. The 2007 Cup, which features 10 events from Texas to North Carolina, offers its largest purse ever at more than $2 million.
"Working with the Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Nation staff and anglers last year for another All-Star event and the Redfish Championship was great for Alabama's Gulf Coast," said Beth Gendler, director of sales at the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We are very excited to welcome the group back and know it will be a fantastic event. This event just adds to the excitement of summer vacation along the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, not to mention the fun atmosphere at Lulu's restaurant. We hope to see this event happen in Gulf Shores for many years to come."
Sponsors of the 2007 Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup includes Oh Boy! Oberto Beef Jerky, Tabasco, Mercury Marine, Triton Boats, Lake and Bay Boats, Lowrance Electronics, Falcon Rods, Academy Sports and Outdoors, Lucky Craft, Motorguide, Berkley, Texas Tackle Factory, Finatic Fishing Apparel, McAleer Marine, Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission, Lulu's at Homeport Marina and the Cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.
To learn more about the Alabama Gulf Coast, visit www.gulfshores.com or call 1-800-745-SAND (7263).
DAULPHIN ISLAND------July 20,21 and 22 the annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing 75th tournament will kick off sponsored by the Mobile Jaycee's. This year the event is expecting some 3,000 fishermen to enter and as always it will be a great week-end! There is a entry fee for participants but no charge for all of the spectators.
G.S. CHASE ENDS IN CRASH by; Rick McCann
GULF SHORES, Ala. July 4 2007 -- A woman was rushed to the hospital late Tuesday night after being involved in an accident.
Witnesses say the woman was being chased by authorities. The alleged chase reportedly began in Orange Beach and ended in Gulf Shores.
Witnesses say the woman driving the car, hit a patch of grass during the chase, went airborne, hit several palm trees and a fire hydrant. The vehicle came to rest in a sand dune.
The woman was taken to South Baldwin Medical Center, where her condition is not known at this time.
Witnesses say the woman was being chased by authorities. The alleged chase reportedly began in Orange Beach and ended in Gulf Shores.
Witnesses say the woman driving the car, hit a patch of grass during the chase, went airborne, hit several palm trees and a fire hydrant. The vehicle came to rest in a sand dune.
The woman was taken to South Baldwin Medical Center, where her condition is not known at this time.
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