International Paper Courtland Mill Introduces Speakers Bureau Program

Program geared to educate civic and community organizations

The International Paper Courtland Mill today announced the introduction of a Speakers Bureau Program. The program, which provides speakers free of charge, is aimed at educating groups and individuals throughout Lawrence County and surrounding areas about the International Paper Courtland Mill – what it is and how it contributes to the economic impact of our region.

According to Laura Gipson, Mill Communications Manager, “The Speakers Bureau

Program will provide an ideal opportunity for the mill to reach groups throughout the area and ensure that they are aware not only of the mill’s operations but also of the mill’s longstanding history of supporting the community and the giving programs that are available for qualified applicants, such as schools and non-profits. We look forward to providing this service for the community.”

For more information about the International Paper Courtland Mill Speakers Bureau

Program, or to schedule a speaker, call 256-637-7374.

Blind Boys of Alabama

Decatur’s historic Princess Theatre presents the five time Grammy winners the Blind Boys of Alabama on Thursday, September 19 at 7:30pm.  The living legends of gospel music began in 1939 at Talladega and today their live show is a roof- raising musical event. The Blind Boys of Alabama have profoundly influenced an entire generation of gospel, soul, R&B and rock musicians and are still blazing trails after all these years. Tickets now available at 256.340.1778 or princesstheatre.org

Alabama Restaurant Week Takes Center Stage at Downtown Decatur's 3rd Friday

Alabama Restaurant Week kicks off today, August 16 taking center stage at Downtown Decatur’s 3^rd Friday monthly celebration. Along with special offerings at local restaurants and diners, festival goers can take part in a variety of family-friendly activities including a ducky derby, free tours at the Old State Bank, dancing, and more.

For the second year, the Alabama Tourism Department is coordinating a statewide Restaurant Week, a marketing event designed to increase traffic by offering prix fixe lunch and dinner offering which typically include appetizer, entrée, and dessert at a set price. Twelve of Decatur and Hartselle’s best restaurants will offer special fixed price lunches and dinners during the 10-day promotion set for August 16-25, 2013. Participating restaurants include Albany Bistro, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q (both locations), C.F. Penn Hamburgers, Fite’s Waterfront Dining, Simp McGhee’s, Vittone’s, Back Alley Bistro, Timbuck2, and Wintzell’s Oyster House in Decatur, and Elizabeth G’s and Sedona Steakhouse in Hartselle.

Slated to kick-off in conjunction with Alabama Restaurant Week is a new local campaign to additionally help promote restaurants located in Decatur. The “EAT Local, EAT Well, EAT Together, EAT Decatur” campaign is a collection of local, independently owned restaurants and food-related businesses providing an innovative concept to discover new dining options in the city of Decatur. To date, 15 businesses are participating and include Back Alley Bistro, Casual Gourmet, Downtown Dawgs, Food-Fite, Mellow Mushroom, Albany Bistro, C.F. Penn Hamburgers, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Que, The Magnolia Room, Bank Street Green, Petals for the Princess Market, Java Jaay Café, City Café, Morgan-Price Candy Company, and Daniel’s Seafood Market. For more information visit its Facebook page at EatDecatur.  

Beginning at 5 p.m., blocks of both Bank Street and Second Avenue will be closed for the 3^rd Friday monthly celebration and festival goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy a relaxing evening. At 6:30 p.m., Farris, Work and Sledge Jazz Trio is slated for the Bank Street Main Stage located in the 800 block, with The Ben Parker Project on the Second Avenue Main Stage in the block of Second Avenue between Gordon Drive and Grant Street. Additional performers scheduled to perform include Gray Cauthen at Simp McGhee’s, Kim Stone at Downtown Dawgs, the Army Materiel Command Jazz Band at Bank Street Green, 80s and 90s DJ Night with Huntsville’s Freak Daddy and Danny C at The Magnolia Room, and AB Boys at Jones Park (sponsored by Goody 2 Shoes).

The Volunteer Center will kick off its Ducky Derby and the Amazing Duck Race at this month’s 3^rd Friday at 6 p.m. on the Main Stage. Teams will be participating in the Amazing Duck Race, a footrace completing mental and light physical challenges at different locations throughout the downtown area. Volunteers from the Volunteer Center will be on hand selling duck adoptions until 7:15 p.m. Prizes include a chance to win $100,000, a new Camaro or one of 20 other prizes.  For more information, visit www.vcomc.org/DuckyDerby or call Jen McCoy at 256.566.3023.

All along Bank Street, classic cars and vintage beauties will be on display. The Old State Bank will offer free tours until 7 p.m. and free herbs (in limited quantities) from its Herb Gardens until 9 p.m.

On Second Avenue in Casa Grande Park, festival goers can find the Vendor Marketplace featuring handmade items and Wimberly’s on Second will host chair caning demonstrations. There will be a Kids Zone featuring demonstrations by Webster’s Karate Studio, a hula hoop performance by Circle Motion Hoops, and sidewalk chalk on Second Avenue between Moulton Street and Johnston Street, and the Carnegie Visual Arts Center is bringing its Art in the Street program to Second Avenue.  

Bank Street Green will be serving specialty Angus burgers, beef hot dogs, soft drinks, beer and liquor. The Arts and Entertainment District is now effect allowing visitors to walk around outdoors with open containers of beer, wine or alcoholic beverages from Gordon Drive to 4^th Avenue. Store specials, giveaways, and discounts will be offered at selected retailers and restaurants and the Amberley Suite Hotel will offer its Catfish Friday Buffet. Bank Street Art and Antiques will celebrate its grand opening with an open house and complimentary refreshments, and there will be a St. Jude Children’s Hospital fundraiser at Goody 2 Shoes.

The Downtown Merchants Association wishes to thank the City of Decatur Parks and Recreation Department for the tremendous support they provide to the event as an in-kind sponsor. Platinum Sponsors are Decatur Downtown Redevelopment Authority and United Launch Alliance. Gold Sponsors include Decatur/Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Decatur Morgan Hospital, Lamar, Morgan County Commission, and Supreme Beverage Company/Yuengling/Yuengling Light. Silver Sponsors are Bank Independent and Old Black Bear Brewing Company. Bronze Sponsors are Renasant Bank, Stovall-Marks Insurance, and Temple Inc.

Participating streets in 3^rd Fridays include Second Avenue, Bank, Market, Moulton, Grant, and Johnston Streets. Admission is free. For more information, call Ashley Ashwander at 256.355.8993 or visit 3^rd Friday’s Facebook page for the latest information.

Annual Event Commemorates Decatur's Role in the Civil War

Battle for Decatur Civil War Reenactment returns to Point Mallard Park August 31-September 1.

More than 200 Civil War reenactors will take over Point Mallard Park Labor Day weekend, transforming the 500-acre municipal park into a weekend encampment complete with mock battles. Hosted by the 1^st Alabama Cavalry Company G “Wheelers Escort”, the Battle for Decatur Civil War Reenactment commemorates the four day battle which took place in October 1864, telling the story of Decatur’s small, but significant role in the War Between the States. Set for August 31-September 1, the annual event is sponsored by the City of Decatur, Decatur/Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Morgan County Commission and Camp 580 Sons of Confederate Veterans Alabama Division.  

The weekend event includes Civil War relic displays and a Civil War camp with displays of authentic equipment, dress, and drills. Camps open to the public beginning at 10 a.m. with maneuvers and battles taking place at 2 p.m. The Union troops will win the day during one battle reenactment while the Confederates will capture the contested ground during the next day’s skirmish.  

Other activities include drill and firing of mid-19^th century muskets mounted cavalry patrols and a living history of daily camp life where spectators are encouraged to visit with soldiers and can purchase Civil War related items. The public is invited to a Ladies’ Tea at 10 a.m. and the Military Ball at 7 p.m. on Saturday and a Church Service at 10 a.m. on Sunday. All events are held at The Chapel in Point Mallard Park.

The historical reenactment is held in honor of General Joe Wheeler and Confederate Gen. John Hunt Morgan, who both resided in North Alabama at some point during their military careers. The City of Decatur was an important transportation site for the Confederate States of America during the Civil War due to the Memphis and Charleston’s railroad bridge crossing the Tennessee River. During the 1864 battle at Decatur, Confederate General Hood attempted to break Union supply lines at the crucial railroad crossing at Decatur. He was not successful and had to cross the river at Florence. Decatur’s involvement in this campaign and the fierce four day battle caused General Hood to refer to the city as “a hard nut to crack.”  

The two-day event is held at Point Mallard Park and admission is free. For more information on the Battle for Decatur reenactment, call Larry Thomson, SCV Camp 580 Adjutant, at 256.520.2906.

Two Wheel Racing Action Coming to Downtown Decatur September 7th

A USA Cycling sanctioned bike race will hit the streets in downtown Decatur the first Saturday in September. Presented by Toray, the Race for Grace will bring approximately 300 cyclists to Decatur, and with attacks, counter attacks, high-speed corners and an occasional crash, the action will be breathtaking and non-stop. There will be a total of 12 competitive races with prizes and a kid’s fun race.

Set for September 7, 2013, the racing action begins at 9 a.m. and will take place in the Arts and Entertainment district all day. Race time for the pro women category is set for 3:15 p.m. with the pro men category at 4:25 p.m. Local riders who have never raced before can also take part in the competition. Adults and seniors can participate in various divisions. Youth ages 10 to 18 can take part in the Junior’s division beginning at 11:05 a.m. with medals awarded for the top three finishers in each category. Children ages 3 to 9 years old are invited to take part in a kid’s race at 4 p.m.

Race for Grace is part of the USA Cycling Road Development Race Series. As a part of this series, junior racers will have the opportunity to qualify for USA Cycling development camps and become part of the USA Cycling National Team.

All races will begin and end at the intersection of  2^nd Avenue and Holly Street. From the starting line, riders will follow a course going south on 2^nd Avenue, right turn on Moulton Street, right turn on 1^st Avenue to Line Street, right turn on Cain Street NE, and right turn on Ferry Street NE.

According to event organizer Stuart Lamp of USA Cycling, approximately 300 cyclists from across Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Mississippi are expected to take part in the race. “Ideal spots to watch the racing action will be on 2^nd Avenue between Lee Street all the way to the second turn from Moulton Street to 1^st Avenue. Spectators are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and set up along this area for a prime viewing spot of the race,” said Lamp.

Downtown merchants and restaurants will also be open throughout the day allowing spectators to shop and dine during the race. “There are great restaurants along the course. Spectators can dine on the sidewalk at Vittones or on the patio at Mellow Mushroom and not miss any of the racing action,” said Lamp. 

Additional activities lined up include a kids’ zone, group fitness classes, and a bike rodeo for kids to learn about bike safety. The kids’ zone will bet set up in the parking lot of the Alabama Center for the Arts. Plenty of parking will be available along the streets around the perimeter of the race or in any of the parking lots in the downtown area including areas across from The Brick Deli and Tavern and around People’s Bank off of Lee Street. “While spectactors may have to walk a block to get to the race, it will not impact the ability to park during the race for those who want to shop or visit any other business in the downtown area,” added Lamp.

There is no charge for admission to watch race activities or to watch the competition. However, there is a registration charge for the competitive races. Registration fees vary per category. Riders can pre-register at www.usacycling.org/register/2013-1560. Registration is also available the day of the event starting at 8 a.m.

Proceeds from the Race for Grace will benefit Refuge of Grace, a Decatur based Christian rehabilitative home for women in crisis and their children. For more information, visit www.therefugeofgrace.org.

For more information, call Lamp at 719-209-8211. Photos are available upon request.  

11th annual juried regional artist Exhibit at the Carnegie

The Carnegie Visual Arts Center presents the exhibit Embracing Art - A Coming Together of

Area Amateur and Professional Artists on exhibit August 13 - September 21, 2013.

Embracing Art is an annual juried exhibit featuring works by North Alabama connected artists. This is the eleventh annual presentation of this exhibit. Embracing Art was the inaugural exhibit for the Carnegie Visual Arts Center in April of 2003. The exhibit includes works in multiple media including pencil, charcoal, pastel, watercolor, oil, acrylic, clay, and mixed media. The Art Selection Committee chose artists to be included in the exhibit from their submitted applications including photographs of up to three piece of their art. From the 70 piece exhibit the Exhibit Judge will award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners and a number of Honorable Mention awards, and Executive Director Kim Mitchell will select the Director’s Choice award.

 

Embracing Art XI artists include:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kathryn Silvestri, Exhibits & Marketing

Phone: 256-341-0562
Fax: 256-341-0713www.carnegiearts.org

Carrie Alderfer

McKenzie Armstrong
Beth Bachuss
Sherman Barnes
Amita Bhakta
Mary Nelle Black
Carolyn Burks
Julia Lee Carter
Lily Champion
Michael Clark
Tammie Clark
Cheri Crawford
Connie Edwards
David Edwards/ Alan Davis
Patricia Eldridge
Susan Estes
Gayle Franklin
Mik Goben
Michelle Gray
Lynne Hartmann
Mark David Hembree
Rick Henry
Baily Higgins
Rickie Higgins
Donald Housler
Wally Inscho
Karen Kern
James Lambert
Spencer Laws
Linda Sanders Lee
Charles Leverett
Doris Leverett
Janet Lindsay
Johanna Littleton
Linda Livingston
Robyn Locke
Michael Lott
Joyce Lowery
K.M. McWhorter
Lee Nabors
Mary H. Reed
Liz Scott
Hollen Seay
Judy Seymour
Alan Silvestri
Shannon Silvestri
Mavis Stephens
Ann Steverson
Richard Thompson
Kathryn Lansing Vaughn
Maureen Wallace
Beth Walldorf
Jere Weaver
Joanne Wheat
Rick White

 

Artist interviews are available upon request.

Regular museum hours are Tuesday – Friday 10 AM – 5 PM And Saturday 10 AM - 2 PM.

The Carnegie is located at 207 Church St. NE Decatur, Alabama. The mailing address is P. O. Box 1591 Decatur, Alabama 35602

Celebrate General Joe Wheeler's Birthday, September 7

On Saturday, September 7, the Alabama Historical Commission is honoring Wheeler's birthday at his home in North Alabama. Visitors to Pond Spring, the General Joe Wheeler Home, will be able to sample cake made from a Wheeler family recipe said to be the General’s favorite.

Wheeler was a legendary Confederate general, a U.S. congressman, and a Spanish American War general. Following the Civil War, Wheeler became a national symbol for reunification and reconciliation. His 1870s home is the center point of the 50-acre historic site owned by the commission. The collection contains around 10,000 objects, furnishings, clothing, and papers associated with the family.

The annual celebration will begin with a welcoming ceremony at 10am with local Boy Scouts presenting the flags. The public can explore the grounds from 10am to 2pm and enjoy cake (while it lasts) with drinks donated by Pepsi Bottling Co. Come see re-enactors firing a working Civil War cannon and various folk artists demonstrating their skills. The LifeSouth Community Blood Centers Bloodmobile will be on-site for a blood drive and the Olde Towne Brass Band will play on the front porch of the Wheeler House from noon to 1pm.

Entrance to the grounds, the welcoming ceremony, and refreshments are free. Admission to the Wheeler House, for guided tours, is $8 adults, $5 seniors/college students/military, and $3 children 6-18, free for children under 6. Tours will be offered from 9am to 3pm, with tours beginning on the hour. Pond Spring is located in Lawrence County in Hillsboro, three miles east of Courtland, on Alabama Highway 20 (US Alt. 72).

For more information contact Kara Long at wheelerinfo@hiwaay.net, 256-637-8513.

The Alabama Historical Commission protects, preserves, and interprets Alabama's historic places and is the State Historic Preservation Office. For more information about AHC, visit www.preserveala.org.

Free Slices of Watermelon at the Decatur/Morgan County Farmer’s Market August 17th

Free slices of America’s favorite summertime fruit will be available August 17^th when the annual Watermelon Day returns to the Decatur/Morgan County Farmer’s Market. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until supplies last), visitors will have the opportunity to sample many different varieties of locally grown watermelon including seedless, yellow, and red.  

In addition, Pepsi-Cola will be on hand providing free soft drinks and there will be an assortment of home-baked goods, flowering plants, and other locally grown fruit and vegetables available for purchase throughout the day.

The Decatur/Morgan County Farmer’s Market, located at 211 First Avenue SE in Decatur, is open Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. now through November 9, 2013.

For more information, call the Farmer’s Market Manager Burl Slaton at 256.476.5595.

 

Crimson Tide Women’s Soccer Team to Host Game against Austin Peay State University at

The Jack Allen Recreation Complex will serve as playing grounds for a scrimmage game Sunday, August 11 between the University of Alabama and the Austin Peay State University  women’s soccer teams. Set for 6 p.m., the game is open to the public with free admission and free parking.

The two teams will meet up in Decatur for the first time for some pre-season action. The match will take place on the Championship Field 1 located in the Jack Allen Recreation Complex.

“Each time we play or recruit at the Jack Allen Recreation Complex, we always leave thoroughly impressed. The facility and hospitality of the staff is first class. We are excited for the opportunity to play there again,” said Todd Bramble, head coach of the University of Alabama women’s soccer team.

The Crimson Tide soccer team will open the 2013 regular season against ACC opponent Wake Forest on August 25 in Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Austin Peay State University is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, and is the state’s fastest growing university.

For more information on the scrimmage game, contact David Wisdom with Decatur Parks and Recreation at 256.341.4934.

Decatur Restaurants Join Together to Promote New Eat Local Initiative

Decatur prides itself on a variety of locally-owned restaurants and eateries. From the oldest operating restaurant to the newest eclectic bistros, locals and visitors have a variety of options to choose from when it comes to dining options. Slated to kick-off August 16, 2013, in conjunction with Alabama Restaurant Week, is a new local campaign to help promote restaurants and food-related businesses located in Decatur. The “EAT Local, EAT Well, EAT Together, EAT Decatur” campaign is a collection of local, independently owned restaurants and food-related businesses providing an innovative concept to discover new dining options in the city of Decatur.

According to Rick Brown, spokesman for EAT Decatur, the purpose of EAT Decatur is to highlight local or independently-owned restaurants and businesses with a focus on food in Decatur through a grassroots effort. Through social media, the group will introduce followers to these businesses and their menus, specials, and activities. To date, 15 businesses are participating and include Back Alley Bistro, Casual Gourmet, Downtown Dawgs, Food-Fite, Mellow Mushroom, Albany Bistro, C.F. Penn Hamburgers, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Que, The Magnolia Room, Bank Street Green, Petals for the Princess Market, Java Jaay Café, City Café, Morgan-Price Candy Company, and Daniel’s Seafood Market. 

“The EAT Local, EAT Well, EAT Together, EAT Decatur campaign is a long-term campaign formulated through volunteer efforts to help improve the visibility of what is available in the city of Decatur,” said Brown. While Brown acknowledges chain restaurants serve an important role, especially when people want a familiar menu, he also believes there are many individuals and families who welcome recommendations for good local fare. “Businesses participating in the program can join forces with one another to create new products and to cross-promote one another,” added Brown. Typical information that will be announced on the EAT Decatur Facebook page include pet friendly restaurants, special deals, and restaurants offering gluten-free menus or that have vegetarian options.

For more information, visit its Facebook page at EatDecatur.  Any food-related business interested in participating can send an email to Brown at eatdecatur@outlook.com.

Coordinated by the Alabama Tourism Department, Restaurant Week is a marketing event from August 16-25 designed to increase traffic by offering prix fixe lunch and dinner offering which typically include appetizer, entrée, and dessert at a set price. Twelve of Decatur and Hartselle’s best restaurants will offer special fixed price lunches and dinners during the 10-day promotion giving diners the opportunity to enjoy select dishes at a reasonable price point. There are no coupons or discount books to buy or bring. The Alabama Restaurant Week pricing is fixed at $10, $20, and $30 for dinner and $5, $10, and $15 for lunch. In most cases, the price is per person and does not include tax, tip and drink. For more information, visit www.alabamarestaurantweek.com.  

MAYOR DON KYLE and CITY COUNCIL CONGRATULATE DHCA STUDENT ANGLERS

Mayor Don Kyle, on behalf of the City of Decatur, Alabama,

Presents Brianna Tucker, Mitchell Gowen, and Blake Gowen – coach

Of the Decatur Heritage Christian Academy Fishing Eagles Student Angler Chapter Club

With Certificates of Recognition for their accomplishments in promoting the sport of high school bass fishing and for the team composed of Brianna, Mitchell and Boat Captain Norman Brown (not pictured) winning the inaugural Bass Anglers Sportsman Society High School Invitational Tournament staged out of Ingalls Harbor on Wheeler Lake on Saturday, July 20, 2013.

Decatur, Alabama is blessed by being located on the Tennessee River with renowned Wheeler Lake being on its doorstep, and the city having the leadership and vision to construct the now famous Ingalls Harbor which has led to multiple major bass fishing tournaments year around. The city is also honored to have a farsighted Mayor in Don Kyle and a City Council that understands the value of being a top venue for the sport of bass fishing. As such the city is also supported by the Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau which maintains contact and relationships with major tournament organizations like TBF-FLW and the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.).

Mayor Kyle always attends the pre-tournament meetings and welcomes the organizations, anglers, and families to Decatur and is known to be standing on the dock every morning at 4:00 am for the tournament blast offs. A number of times he has served at MC or weighmaster on the tournament stage because he likes the sport and is well aware of the economic impact such events brings to the Decatur and Morgan County area. He and the City Council take special pride in what the Decatur area has to offer its visitors.

When Melinda Dunn, President of CVB, got wind of B.A.S.S. going to stage the first ever B.A.S.S. High School Invitational Tournament, she dialed in up front with Jon Stewart, Director of BASS NATION to be the sponsor city location. She is always looking out for a return on the city’s investment and B.A.S.S. always provides an excellent return. But this one was SPECIAL – it was to be a high school student angler event by a major national fishing organization. Jon Stewart, Hank Weldon – Tournament MC and B.A.S.S. brought it to town on Saturday, July 20, 2013. B.A.S.S. owner Don Logan is a native of the Hartselle area.

Decatur and Morgan County are not new to competitive student angler bass fishing. It was here that Blake Gowen, Norman Brown, and other interested individuals from all over the state kicked off the Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association (recognized by the Alabama State Legislature as the OFFICAL student angler organization in Alabama) which has grown by leaps and bounds since 2010 with almost 2000 student anglers participating in (4) Regional

and the Alabama Student Angler State Championship in 2013. Blake, Norman, and other coaches/boat captains formed the Decatur Heritage Christian Academy Fishing Eagles and set out to make history by becoming the 2010 Alabama Student Angler State Champions with a trip to Montgomery to receive a Proclamation from the Governor.

Earlier this year, B.A.S.S. announced the organization’s development of the BASS Nation High School Bass Fishing Program and the DHCA Fishing Eagles also became a Chapter Club of this organization in order to expand their competitive tournament options.

On Saturday July 20 2013, the Decatur Heritage Christian Academy (DHCA) Fishing Eagles scored another first by student anglers Mitchell Gowen and Brianna Tucker, assisted by boat captain Norman Brown, taking 1st place team honors in the inaugural B.A.S.S. High School Invitational Tournament. Mitchell and Brianna out-fished 65 other high school teams to win the Invitational by bringing in 16 pounds, 15 ounces of largemouth bass. Three student angler teams from DHCA were entered in the event. The tournament weigh-in was streamed live on www.bassmaster.com .

In recognition of this achievement, Mayor Kyle and the Decatur City Council Presented Brianna, Mitchell, and Norman with Certificates of Recognition.

The Resolution read as follows:

 

WHEREAS, on July 20, 2013, Mitchell Gowen and Brianna Tucker, along with boat captain Norman Brown, with the Decatur Heritage Christian Academy (DHCA) Fishing Eagles, participated in the inaugural B.A.S.S. High School Invitational Tournament sponsored by the Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau held on Wheeler Lake out of the Ingalls Harbor; and

WHEREAS, Mitchell and Brianna, assisted by boat captain Norman Brown, out-fished 65 other high school teams to take 1st place team honors in the Invitational by bringing in 16 pounds, 15 ounces of largemouth bass; and

WHEREAS, Mitchell and Brianna will go down in history as the first high school anglers to win a sanctioned B.A.S.S. high school bass fishing event; and

WHEREAS, Mitchell and Brianna have earned the right to compete at the 2014 B.A.S.S. High School Classic Exposition Tournament to be held in conjunction with the Bassmaster Classic out of Birmingham on February 21-23, 2014 and will have exclusive backstage privileges for the entire 2014 Bassmaster Classic;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Don Kyle, as Mayor of the City of Decatur, Alabama, do hereby congratulate Mitchell Gowen, Brianna Tucker, and Norman Brown for their achievements and express our appreciation for the way they have represented this city and wish them success at the tournament in Birmingham in February 2014.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ANGLER BASS FISHING IS TURNING INTO A MAJOR YOUTH SPORT!

Decatur to Host AHSAA State Football Officials' Camp August 15-18

The 2013 State Football Officials’ Camp will be held in Decatur August 15-18 with the Northwest District Football Officials of AHSAA and the Decatur/Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau as co-hosts. Some 126 officials along with 32 instructors from across the state of Alabama are expected to participate in the camp, which includes classroom sessions, applied mechanics, and on-field training.

The AHSAA conducts one statewide training camp annually for football officials. Decatur is hosting the camp for the second time.

The training also provides an opportunity for high school football teams to participate in intra-squad practice scrimmages. Along with the officials, 16 teams from the Northwest District will take part in the camp that provides intense on-field training for officials.

Educational sessions will be conducted at Turner-Surles Community Resource Center located at 702 Sycamore Street NW in Decatur on Friday and Saturday with intra-squad practice scrimmages held both nights at local high school football stadiums.

For more information on the camp, contact Leonard Morris, special events and sports marketing director for the Decatur/Morgan County CVB, at 256.350.2028.

Who’s Hungry? Decatur/Morgan County Gears Up for Restaurant Week August 16-25

For the second year, the Alabama Tourism Department is coordinating a statewide Restaurant Week, a marketing event designed to increase traffic by offering prix fixe lunch and dinner offering which typically include appetizer, entrée, and dessert at a set price. Twelve of Decatur and Hartselle’s best restaurants will offer special fixed price lunches and dinners during the 10-day promotion giving diners the opportunity to enjoy select dishes at a reasonable price point.

There are no coupons or discount books to buy or bring. The Alabama Restaurant Week pricing is fixed at $10, $20, and $30 for dinner and $5, $10, and $15 for lunch. In most cases, the price is per person and does not include tax, tip and drink.

Participating restaurants include Albany Bistro, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q (both locations), C.F. Penn Hamburgers, Fite’s Waterfront Dining, Simp McGhee’s, Vittone’s, Back Alley Bistro, Timbuck2, and Wintzell’s Oyster House in Decatur, and Elizabeth G’s and Sedona Steakhouse in Hartselle.

To view a list of this year’s participants with menu options and price, visit www.alabamarestaurantweek.com. Martie Duncan of Food Network Star and Martie Knows Parties will be in Decatur on Saturday, August 17 in promotion of Alabama Restaurant Week.

Slated to kick-off in conjunction with Alabama Restaurant Week is a new local campaign to additionally help promote restaurants located in Decatur. The “EAT Local, EAT Well, EAT Together, EAT Decatur” campaign is a collection of local, independently owned restaurants and food-related businesses providing an innovative concept to discover new dining options in the city of Decatur. For more information, visit its Facebook page at EatDecatur.

Melinda Dunn, President/CEO of the Decatur/Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau stated that “Some of life’s best memories are those that revolve around a shared dish, a shared table and a meal with people that you treasure. It is exciting to see leaders in the Decatur dining scene working together to focus attention on our local restaurants during Alabama Restaurant Week and continue this effort throughout the year in a new campaign that invites local residents and visitors to EAT Local, EAT Well, EAT Together, EAT Decatur. This is a great opportunity for people to get out and experience a restaurant they may have never tried before and enjoy the diverse offerings in Decatur and Morgan County.”

For more information on Alabama Restaurant Week in Decatur and Morgan County, call Dunn at 256.350.2028.

Point Mallard will be Packed with Pickers Labor Day weekend

Creative hands and picky pickers now have another outlet to buy, show or sell unique items at an all new event at Point Mallard Park.  Point Mallard Pickers, an upscale marketplace, will be held at the Point Mallard Expo (formerly the Point Mallard Ice Rink) August 31 - September 1, 2013 from 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. each day and will display arts, crafts, antiques, and other unique and collectible items. 

Event organizers wanted another draw to the park on Labor Day Weekend as the waterpark season comes to a close and to help boost attendance for the Battle for Decatur Civil War reenactment, also taking place the same weekend at Point Mallard Park.

Booths will be displaying items such as art, crafts, jewelry, crocheted and knitted items, hand-made clothing, quilts, collectibles, antique furniture, refurbished and repurposed items. 

“Repurposed items, shabby-chic furniture and anything with chalkboards are hot”, says event organizer, Julianne Lowman, marketing director for Decatur Parks & Recreation.  “I’m just so amazed at some people’s creativity!  What one person may see as an old window, someone else turns into a coffee table.  I love it!”   She says antiques and rusty items are also very popular as well.  Booth spaces inside the Expo are sold out, but booth spaces outside the venue are still available, but going fast.  The cost for a 15 x 15 outdoor space is $50, and 15 x 30 space is $75.

The event is free to spectators. As a bonus, visitors and vendors will receive a ticket upon entering entitling each to a free hot dog from Merchants Foods, a complimentary Pepsi and to register for a door prize.  Wintzell’s will be sponsoring a professional oyster shucking contest and an amateur oyster eating contest. 

Entertainment by Bluegrass band Dixie Flavor and other local musicians.  Miss Point Mallard Katie Malone, will also perform daily as well as encourage support for her platform: Ronald McDonald Houses.  She is collecting pop-tops from aluminum cans and is encouraging visitors to bring whatever extra pop-tops they have from home to donate when they visit her booth.   

What:  Point Mallard Pickers Market

Where:  Point Mallard Expo (old ice rink)

Time:  7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Date:  Aug 31 – Sept 1 – Rain or Shine.

Items for sale: Arts, crafts, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, gently used furniture and other wonderful "finds".

Admission:  Free

Other attractions:

Battle for Decatur Reenactment:  Battles Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. – Free Admission

Point Mallard Waterpark Final Weekend: Saturday, August 31 - Monday, September 2^nd:  Hours: 10:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.  Admission: ages 5-11, Seniors 62+, Military ID- $15:  Ages 12-61- $20:  Ages 4 and under Free.  Free Kids’ Sunday, Sept. 1 – Kids ages 11 and under are free with a paid adult.

www.pointmallardpark.com

QUESTIONS: 256-341-4903

JRLowman@decatur-al.gov

www.PointMallardPark.com

Decatur Parks and Recreation to Host NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition August 7

The Decatur Parks and Recreation Department will host an NFL Punt, Pass, and Kick competition on Wednesday, August 7 at Wilson Morgan. Park. The competition is free and open to boys and girls ages 6-15 years old.

The NFL Punt, Pass and Kick football competition allows youth to showcase their talents in punting, passing and kicking with scores based on distance and accuracy. The competition begins at 9a.m. and will be held on the soccer fields located in Wilson Morgan Park. Youth will compete in age categories:  6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-15.

Participants are allowed one opportunity to punt, pass, and to place kick as part of the competition. Scores are based on both distance and accuracy and the final score will be the cumulative total for the three events. For each age division, the top scorer from each of the girls’ and boys’ divisions at each local competition advances to the sectional competition (date and location to be announced). The top four first-place scorers in each age group for boys’ and girls’ divisions from the pool of sectional competition champions advance to the Team Championships which will be held during a Tennessee Titans game at the end of the year. The top four scorers from all Team Championships first-place finalists in each age division advance to the National Finals which will be held during a NFL playoff game in January.

All participants must complete a waiver form which is available online at www.nflppk.com and must show a valid birth certificate for age verification. Age classification is as of Dec. 31 of the current year. The event is free. Participants should wear sneakers (no cleats).

For more information, call Fred Pelle, Wilson Morgan Complex Supervisor, at 256.341.4817.

 

Donny Beck and Colby Beck win the 2013 Legacy Series National Championship

By Chad Hooker

Congratulations to Donny Beck and Colby Beck, 2013 Legacy Series National Champions!

As day 2 of the Legacy Series National Championship got underway at Ingalls Harbor in the beautiful city of Decatur, AL. Overcast skies did not get in the way of the excitement of the teams arriving with hopes of landing the weight needed to advance their placement on the leaderboard.

Teams reported catching fish various ways all throughout the day, from throwing 3/4oz swimbait to buzz baits and even flipping. A few bites came early that morning on a top water bite and others stated that holding off the main channel was the key factor of catching the limit. All teams had a three fish limit to promote fish health during the hot summer months.

1 o’clock weigh-in came quick as teams watched the scoreboard to see where today’s weigh would place them. The team to watch was defending 2012 Legacy Series National Champions Donny and Colby Beck who had locked in and took the lead on day 1 with 12.54lb. Donny and Colby came to the scales today with another amazing catch of 11.64lb, with combined total weight of 24.18lb awarded them 1st place and crowned the 2013 Legacy Series National Champions. Donny Beck stated, throwing a Texas rig in 15ft of water and a jig was the key baits thrown that lead to their success.

2nd place went to the team of Ken Callahan and Dallas McAbee with two day total of 21.63lb. Rick LaLance and Adam LaLance locked in 3rd with 20.84lb. With 20.64lb, Gary Riles and Garrett Riles took 4th place. 5th place was awarded to Jack Jr Napier and Ross Napier with 20.60lb.
6th place was awarded to Shane Cox and Ty Cox with 19.97lb. 7th place went to the team of George Elliott and Jordan Elliott with 19.68lb. William Parish and Charles Nottingham clinched 8th place with 18.98lb. 9th went to Donald Sentell and Katheryn Matoy who had 18.75 and 10th place was presented to Brent Jones and Bronson Jones who had 18.48lb. Congratulations to all the teams on your fantastic finish!

Big Fish for day number 2 was awarded to the Jr angler, Ty Cox locking in today with a 6.05lb. The adult big fish went to Jason Rice with 5.24lb. Day 1 Big Fish and day 2 Big Fish winners received a Duckett Micro Magic fishing rod!

Now with over 400 people present with fingers crossed in hopes of their lucky boat number being drawn to win the 2013 Skeeter TZX 190 with a 150 Yamaha. A quick little drawing was done first awarding the teams of Richard & Cameron McEarchern, Evan & Herb Owrey, Ken Callahen & Dallas McAbee with American Rodsmith fishing rod!

Now with all the boat numbers back in, it’s time to Win a Skeeter! The lucky team was Hubble Sowards and Conner Sowards who had fish both days but just were not able to have much luck catching any keepers, who had come across the scales both days with zero fish sure were lucky at the end of the day! When interviewed, we found Hubble and Conner Sowards to be in shock and truly at a loss for words in excitement of just winning a brand new Skeeter TZX 190!!

Fishers of Men would like to thank all of our fine sponsors; Skeeter Boats, Yamaha, Stren, Pflueger, Strike King Lure Company, Nester Hosiery, Marshall’s Marine, Kings Home, Nu Tech Global, Power-Pole, Lowrance, Duckett Fishing, Buckeye Lures, Keelshield, Solar Bat, Kistler Rods, Jacobs Glass, HydroWave, Rejuvenade, Berkley, and Rayjus Sportswear