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Friday, May 21, 2021 decaturdaily.com decaturdaily @decaturdaily
FORECAST PUBLIC SWIMMING TODAY SAT SUN Pools face lifeguard shortage 86°/63° 88°/62° 91°/63° By Bayne Hughes He said “there’s a lot of energy” Complete forecast, A2 Staff Writer among the employees because they’re excited to return after Hours will likely be trimmed at missing last summer. RELIGION Point Mallard Aquatic Center and “We’ve got a lot of new 16- and the Hartselle pool due to a short- 17-year-olds coming in and it’s age of lifeguards, and another going to be really cool to show Decatur pool may not open at all, them how we work,” said Van- officials said. dine, a 2020 Austin High grad. With opening day eight days Nicole Belcher, Decatur Parks from now, it’s a problem that is and Recreation marketing and complicating plans as Point Mal- events coordinator, said Thurs- lard prepares to celebrate a belated day that season ticket sales started 50th birthday after the Aquatic slowly in the early spring but, as Center was closed last year due the pandemic waned, they’ve Hip-hop and soul to the coronavirus pandemic really taken off. Season tickets and anticipates many customers purchased last year could be rolled used for ministry returning to the pool. over to this summer or the pur- Twenty-one years after Ricky Parker Vandine, a 19-year-old chaser could get a refund. Miller stood in front of the congre- University of Alabama in Hunts- “We’ve had huge feedback,” gation while his pastor told him ville student, is starting his fourth Point Mallard lifeguards Brooke Hobbs, foreground, Madison Cartee, left, and Riley he’d be a music director one day, summer as a Decatur lifeguard. SEE SWIMMING, A3 Hobbs clean the lazy river attraction on Thursday. [JERONIMO NISA/DECATUR DAILY] the Decatur man leads a 22-person group and plans on releasing his debut album this fall. The sounds of Miller’s ministry range from SPIRIT OF AMERICA hip-hop to soul to high praise music. D1 RIVERFRONT A spring f lush Festival New ALDI location back for to open in 2 weeks The new Aldi grocery store on the west side of Beltline Road 54th year Southwest is scheduled to open By Tim Nail June 3, a company official said this Staff Writer week. B1 Decatur’s Spirit of America SPORTS Festival will return July 3-4 after being canceled a year ago for the pandemic, and it’ll have a robust lineup of vendors and children’s activities for the first time in five years. “Everybody’s ready for a Fourth of July celebration,” said Shannon Wright, who is manag- ing vendors and some activities for the weekend event. “This year will be monumental.” Athens softball Wright said she hopes to have by the numbers as many as 100 Numbers tell the story of the vendors register, Athens softball program’s quest to and she’s prepar- win its first state championship in ing to handle up Decatur Utilities’ Kevin Turner flushes a hydrant Thursday on Eighth Avenue Southeast. Maintenance of fire 12 years. The team begins play in to 24,000 guests hydrants requires flushing them at least once a year, most often in the spring, to verify proper operation of the Wright the state tournament today. C1 during the two hydrant and ensure adequate water flow. [JERONIMO NISA/DECATUR DAILY] days of the event at Point Mal- lard Park. BUSINESS The 54th Spirit of America Fes- SOCIAL MEDIA tival’s awards program is planned China space missions: for July 3. Activities on July 4 will include entertainment culminat- one delay, one plaudit ing with the fireworks show at China postponed a supply mis- US to ramp up online tracking 8:30 p.m. Arts, business and food sion to its new space station on vendors will be set up both days. Thursday for unspecified technical By Nomaan Merchant to weaknesses exposed by intelligence gathering. Closely Visitors with children can reasons, while photos sent back The Associated Press the U.S. Capitol insurrection, watching are advocates for anticipate a petting zoo, inflata- from Mars by its newly arrived rover it’s raising concerns about communities of color and bles and pony rides among other earned plaudits from NASA despite WASHINGTON — The undermining Americans’ civil groups that have previously attractions, according to Wright. only sporadic contacts between Department of Homeland liberties. been the focus of intensi- The Spirit of America Festi- the Chinese and American space Security plans to ramp up President Joe Biden’s top fied surveillance, sometimes val has been typically managed programs. D4 social media tracking as part appointees have called white unlawfully. by festival chairperson Donna of an enhanced focus on supremacists the greatest DHS in recent weeks has Whitten. This year, however, domestic violent extremism. security threat to the country AREA DEATHS While the move is a response and are pushing for bolstered SEE MEDIA, A3 SEE FESTIVAL, A3 Branton Bryan, Decatur Dan Dennis Jr., Decatur Dannielle Harris, Decatur UNEMPLOYMENT James Hawkins Jr., Moulton Dannie Helms, Decatur Randy Hyche, Falkville Death notices, obits, A5 Jobless claims fall as states end aid Abby...... B3 Lotteries...... C1 Business...... D4 Obituaries...... A5 By Christopher Rugaber moves by nearly all the nation’s are also withdrawing from pro- governors and state legislatures. Classified...... C4 Religion...... D1 AP Economics Writer Republican governors to cut off grams that provide jobless aid to About 3.5 million people will Comics...... B2 Riverfront...... B1 Crossword...... B3 Sports...... C1 a $300-a-week federal unem- self-employed or gig workers and have their benefits reduced in Editorials...... A4 Weather...... A2 WASHINGTON — The number ployment benefit that they and to people who have been unem- the coming months, according to Horoscope...... B3 of Americans seeking unemploy- many business executives blame ployed for more than six months. Oxford Economics. ment aid fell last week to 444,000, for discouraging the unemployed Twenty-two states, from Texas In Oklahoma, Republican Gov. Decatur, Alabama a new pandemic low and a sign that from seeking jobs. Those cutoffs and Georgia to Ohio and Iowa, will Kevin Stitt said this week that the 110th year, No. 61 the job market keeps strengthen- will begin in June. Jobless people end the $300 federal payment, state will end the federal benefit 20 pages, 4 sections ing as consumers spend freely have been able to receive the $300 starting in June, according to an on June 26. That was unhappy again, viral infections drop and weekly benefit on top of their reg- Associated Press analysis. Two news for Gilbert Cruz and his business restrictions ease. ular state unemployment aid. more states, Florida and Kansas, wife, Marrissa Enloe-Cruz, whose Thursday’s report from the In addition to ending the federal are considering doing so. Those Labor Department coincides with benefit, most of the same states 24 states all have Republican SEE JOBLESS, A3
-Classifieds on thecover- -Classifieds on thecover- -Classifieds on thecover- -Classifieds on thecover- -Classifieds on thecover- BIGBOB GIBSON BLK Blue Canine SeeMore BAR-B-Q BrooksLock&Key Cricket Stillserving youour Ribbon Design by the in Today’s DELICIOUSSMOKED 24-HOURUNLOCK Shoes MEATS!!!! SERVICE! Monday -Saturday PetSpa Creek Classified 10AM -6PM 830McGlatheryLaneSE 1517 Sixth Avenue SE 256-350-6969 256-353-2596 256-353-1416 Decatur 256-306-4777 256-350-9963 412888-1 Section A2 Friday, May 21, 2021 | The Decatur Daily
THOUGHT FOR TODAY “Our present addiction to pollsters and forecasters is a symptom of our chronic uncer- tainty about the future. ... We watch our experts read the entrails of statistical tables and graphs the way the ancients watched their soothsayers read the entrails of a chicken.” YOUR NEWS — Eric Hoffer, American philosopher (1902-1983).
CELEBRITY NEWS PHOTO OF THE DAY
This image released by The Smithsonian Channel shows Cher feeding elephant Kaavan in a scene from “Cher & The Loneliest Elephant.” [ZOOBS ANSARI/SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL VIA AP] she said, the government made it Cher’s star power a condition of Kaavan’s transfer helps rescue the to a sanctuary in Cambodia after ‘loneliest elephant’ the zoo’s court-ordered closure. LOS ANGELES — Cher’s ‘I am proud.’ Demi rescue of an elephant long Lovato comes out held in dismal conditions is a one-of-a-kind story, as would be as nonbinary expected from the singular star. Singer Demi Lovato revealed Even she was surprised by on Wednesday they identify as what her efforts — in concert nonbinary and are changing with a team of animal aid their pronouns, telling fans the groups, wildlife veterinarians decision came after “self-reflec- and Pakistan’s legal system — tive work.” Lt. Will Waters, top, swims towards Lt. Elliott Hadavi, who plays the victim, during Decatur Fire and Rescue’s water rescue training at achieved for Kaavan, she said “Today is a day I’m so happy Point Mallard on Thursday. [JERONIMO NISA/DECATUR DAILY] during a panel discussion taping. to share more of my life with “‘I don’t know anything about you all — I am proud to let you this. I’m just an entertainer. I know that I identify as non- can’t save this elephant,’” Cher binary,” Lovato announced on recalled thinking when the ani- Twitter and in an accompanying mal’s plight was brought to her video, adding they will “offi- attention by what she calls “the cially be changing my pronouns Founded February 26, 1912 kids” on her Twitter feed. to they/them moving forward.” They demanded Kaavan’s Lovato said they picked GENERAL INFORMATION: release from a ramshackle, gender-neutral pronouns as TODAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY 256-353-4612 now-closed zoo in Islamabad, “this best represents the fluidity To report news: 256-340-2433, [email protected] Pakistan, which launched the I feel in my gender expression.” To place an ad: quest detailed in “Cher & the They added, “I’m doing this for Classified: 256-353-6000 Loneliest Elephant,” which those out there that haven’t Display: 256-340-2382 premiered Wednesday on the been able to share who they Smithsonian Channel. truly are with their loved ones.” Hot with partial Publisher: Clint Shelton Mostly sunny Partly sunny and warm sunshine Record-tying heat Hot Wind SE 6-12 Wind ESE 4-8 Wind NW 4-8 Wind W 4-8 256-340-2465, Cher accepted the chal- Wind NW 4-8 [email protected] lenge after seeing a photo of Ariana Grande and the 4-ton animal chained in a 86° 63° 88° 62° 91° 63° 93° 65° 93° 68° Executive Editor: Bruce McLellan solitary, cramped enclosure Dalton Gomez wed Chance of Chance of Chance of Chance of Chance of 256-340-2431 [email protected] and in apparent ill health, both NEW YORK — Ariana Grande precipitation: 0% precipitation: 5% precipitation: 5% precipitation: 10% precipitation: 15% physical and emotional. is a newlywed. Metro Editor: Eric Fleischauer Recalling a brief meeting with A representative for the NATIONAL FORECAST ALMANAC 256-340-2435 businessman Mark Cowne and singer confirmed that she [email protected] Friday, May 21, 2021 Statistics are for Decatur his interest in wildlife, she sought recently married real estate through 7 p.m. Thursday. NEWS TIPS his help. The result was Free The agent Dalton Gomez. Seattle Email information to 68/48 Temperature: Wild, an organization co-founded Grande’s rep told People that High 84° [email protected] Low 65° by Cher, Cowne, Gine Nelthorpe they tied the knot in a small Billings 41/34 Normal high 81° Cowne and Jennifer Ruiz to advo- and intimate wedding, where Normal low 60° SUBSCRIPTIONS Minneapolis Detroit Record high 95° in 1962 For a missed paper or delivery issues cate for Kaavan, which turned less than 20 people attended. It 81/69 88/66 Record low 44° in 2007 or to subscribe, suspend or restart into a four-year effort. wasn’t clear when the wedding San Francisco Denver New York 64/50 Chicago 80/65 Precipitation: delivery, call 256-340-2410. The 81/55 87/70 24 hrs. ending 7 p.m. 0.00” Cher recorded a song, “Walls,” took place. Washington Decatur Daily strives to deliver your Kansas City Month to date 3.80” 77/68 85/64 paper by 6 a.m. Tuesday through to amplify the growing social- “The room was so happy and Los Angeles Normal m-t-d 2.92” media clamor for Kaavan’s full of love. The couple and both 72/57 Year to date 21.44” Friday and by 7 a.m. Sunday. The Normal y-t-d 21.74” call center is open from 8 a.m. to release, and her involvement families couldn’t be happier,” El Paso Record 2.05” in 1935 90/71 Atlanta 5 p.m. on Monday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. went far beyond her comfort the rep told People. 85/62 Houston Tuesday through Friday and from 7 zone: She flew to Pakistan amid 78/71 SUN AND MOON a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. the COVID-19 pandemic when, — The Associated Press Sunrise/Sunset Miami Today 5:41 a.m./7:48 p.m. GETTING IT RIGHT Cold Front 83/73 Sat. 5:40 a.m./7:49 p.m. For questions of accuracy, fairness and Warm Front Sun. 5:40 a.m./7:50 p.m. Thursday’s extremes (for the 48 contiguous states): High: 99° in balance, call the numbers listed above Stationary Front Mon. 5:39 a.m./7:50 p.m. Blythe, CA Low: 21° in Crater Lake, OR Tue. 5:39 a.m./7:51 p.m. or email [email protected]. TODAY IN HISTORY Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are Wed. 5:38 a.m./7:52 p.m. highs for the day. Forecast high/low temperatures are given for selected cities. HOME DELIVERY RATES Moonrise/Moonset Home delivery rates for daily and Cairo 95/67/s 85/64/s Today 2:28 p.m./2:45 a.m. Today is Friday, May 21, damaged by a hammer-wielding Sat. 3:36 p.m./3:17 a.m. Sunday, $69.55 per 13 weeks. Rate TRAVELER’S CITIES Copenhagen 58/50/c 55/48/c Sun. 4:46 p.m./3:48 a.m. the 141st day of 2021. There man who shouted he was Jesus Geneva 65/46/t 64/45/t includes sales tax. Call for other U.S. Cities Today Sat. Mobile 82/66/pc 83/61/pc Mon. 5:59 p.m./4:22 a.m. are 224 days left in the year. Christ. Anchorage 53/44/c 54/44/r Montgomery 89/63/s 89/62/pc Helsinki 56/43/sh 59/40/sh Tue. 7:15 p.m./5:00 a.m. frequency of delivery rates. Your In 1979, former San Francisco Asheville 81/53/pc 83/59/pc New Orleans 81/72/pc 83/68/s Hong Kong 92/84/t 92/83/t Wed. 8:31 p.m./5:43 a.m. newspaper carrier is an indepen- Today’s highlight: Atlanta 85/62/s 86/64/pc New York City 80/65/s 87/70/pc Istanbul 63/57/sh 69/56/s dent contractor and The Decatur City Supervisor Dan White was Jerusalem 76/66/s 69/63/s Birmingham 86/64/s 88/61/pc Oklahoma City 80/66/t 70/64/t Daily does not control payments by On May 21, 1932, Amelia convicted of voluntary man- Boston 79/62/pc 82/68/t Philadelphia 84/63/s 90/69/pc Kiev 66/44/pc 71/54/pc MOON PHASES Charleston, SC 83/61/s 86/63/pc Pittsburgh 86/60/pc 83/64/pc Kuwait City 115/85/pc 116/89/pc subscribers to carriers. Earhart became the first woman slaughter in the slayings of Mayor Charleston, WV 87/58/pc 86/60/pc Portland, OR 69/47/c 72/53/pc Lisbon 73/54/pc 64/53/pc to fly solo across the Atlantic George Moscone and openly gay Chicago 87/70/pc 88/70/pc St. Louis 86/68/pc 88/68/pc London 55/47/t 57/43/sh MAIL SUBSCRIPTION RATES Columbus, OH 87/60/pc 85/66/pc Salt Lake City 65/45/sh 69/46/s Madrid 86/54/pc 74/52/pc Daily and Sunday, $364.00 per year, Ocean as she landed in North- Supervisor Harvey Milk; outrage Montreal 85/68/pc 81/65/pc Dallas 82/69/t 75/68/t San Francisco 64/50/s 66/51/pc including sales tax. Advance pay- ern Ireland, about 15 hours over the verdict sparked rioting. Denver 81/55/c 73/55/t Seattle 68/48/pc 72/53/pc Moscow 60/48/r 68/54/pc Des Moines 78/67/t 80/65/t Tampa 90/69/s 89/68/pc Paris 63/48/sh 63/46/sh Full May 26 Last June 2 ment is required. after leaving Newfoundland. (White was sentenced to seven Detroit 88/66/pc 84/66/t Wash., DC 85/64/s 91/72/pc Rome 70/56/pc 71/62/s Single copy rates: 75 cents daily; years and eight months in prison; Fairbanks 62/47/c 56/40/r Seoul 69/55/sh 73/56/pc $1.50 Sunday. On this date: Indianapolis 84/60/pc 84/65/pc World Cities Today Sat. Tokyo 76/66/t 73/62/pc he ended up serving five years Kansas City 77/68/t 79/66/pc Zurich 57/45/t 62/45/t Athens 77/59/sh 77/61/s Published Tuesday through Friday In 1471, King Henry VI of and took his own life in 1985.) Las Vegas 70/53/s 72/56/s Baghdad 112/79/s 114/76/pc Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly Los Angeles 72/57/s 70/55/pc Bangkok 95/79/t 92/80/t cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, mornings and Sunday morning by England died in the Tower of In 1982, during the Falklands Miami 83/73/pc 84/72/pc Beirut 80/74/s 77/72/pc t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow New June 10 First June 17 the Tennessee Valley Media Inc. at London at age 49. War, British amphibious forces flurries,sn- snow, i-ice. SOLUNAR TABLE 201 First Ave. S.E., Decatur, Ala. In 1542, Spanish explorer landed on the beach at San LAKE LEVELS HISTORY TRIVIA The solunar period schedule Hernando de Soto died while Carlos Bay. allows planning days so you POSTMASTER On May 21, 1894, Salton, Q: What are 1/100 to 1/4 of will be fishing in good terri- Send address changes to The Deca- River/Lake Full 7a.m. Calif., roasted in 124-degree tory during those times. searching for gold along the In 1991, former Indian Prime Pool Thu. an inch in diameter? tur Daily, P.O. Box 2213 Decatur, AL heat. This is the hottest Wheeler Lake Mississippi River. Minister Rajiv Gandhi was temperature ever recorded 35609-2213. Black Warrior River Today Major/Minor In 1868, Ulysses S. Grant was assassinated during national Smith 510 509.94 in the United States in May Periodical postage paid at Decatur, AL. and only 10 degrees lower 7:28a/1:16a 7:52p/1:40p nominated for president by the elections by a suicide bomber. Tennessee River than the nation’s all-time high Saturday of 134 degrees recorded at 8:12a/1:59a 8:36p/2:24p This newspaper uses recycled news-
Republican national convention Guntersville 595 594.74 Sunday A: A: Death Valley. Raindrops Today’s Birthdays: Wheeler 556 555.90 8:55a/2:43a 9:21p/3:08p print and can be recycled: Low-rub in Chicago. Wilson 507 507.72 ink is used, and color ink is made In 1881, Clara Barton founded Actor Mr. Pickwick 414 413.90 Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2021 from soybean oil. the American Red Cross. T is 69. R&B In 1910, a year-old Jewish singer Ron settlement near the port city of Isley (The Jaffa adopted the name Tel Aviv Isley Broth- WEATHER APP (Hebrew for “Hill of Spring”). ers) is 80. In 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh Musician Bill Mr. T + BREAKING NEWS landed his Spirit of St. Louis Champlin is •Integrated Weather Alerts monoplane near Paris, complet- 74. Singer Leo Sayer is 73. •7-Day Forecasts Carol Potter ing the first solo airplane flight Actor is 73. Former •Forecast Conditions Based across the Atlantic Ocean in 33 Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., is 70. on City,Zip Code Or Your 1/2 hours. Music producer Stan Lynch is Current Location In 1941, a German U-boat 66. Actor Judge Reinhold is 64. •Interactive Weather Map sank the American merchant Actor-director Nick Cassavetes •National Weather Service steamship SS Robin Moor in the is 62. Actor Lisa Edelstein is 55. Storm Warnings South Atlantic after the ship’s Actor Fairuza Balk is 47. Rock •Breaking News Alerts passengers and crew were singer-musician Mikel Jollett allowed to board lifeboats. (Airborne Toxic Event) is 47. In 1955, Chuck Berry recorded Rapper Havoc (Mobb Deep) is FREETODOWNLOAD his first single, “Maybellene,” 47. Rock musician Tony LoGerfo TN VALLEY MEDIAALERTSAPP for Chess Records in Chicago. (Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Once downloaded enable your alerts by accessing the drop down menu on the top left of the App, tap “Safety Net Alerts” then tap In 1972, Michelangelo’s Pieta, Real) is 38. Actor Sunkrish Bala “Preferences” to enable your alerts. on display at the Vatican, was is 37. Actor David Ajala is 35. 359863-1 The Decatur Daily | Friday, May 21, 2021 A3
for the end of the evening,” Lake said. private after-hour parties as SWIMMING said Belcher, who added that Belcher said she believes in the past. From Page A1 the birthday party will be the they could see an increase “We had to change it so first of four special events in applications for the jobs we’re only running one Belcher said of season celebrating the anniversary. with school getting out (regular) shift,” Lake said. ticket sales. “I think people However, officials for and spring sports seasons Lacy Johnson, aquatics are ready to get out and Decatur and Hartselle parks ending. director at Hartselle Aquatic enjoy the summer. We and recreation departments Belcher said they would Center, said they had to can’t answer the phone fast said they had to reduce like to open the Carrie Mat- reduce operation hours and enough.” planned operating hours thews pool but they don’t cut back to six days a week, Belcher said they’re plan- at Point Mallard Aquatic plan to change the sched- closing on Monday, because ning a 50th birthday party Center, the Aquadome uled hours at Point Mallard they are short on lifeguards for next Friday, the day pool and Hartselle Aquatic or the Aquadome even if too. before the park officially Center because of the life- they get enough lifeguards. They reduced the daily opens for the summer, from guard shortage. Point Mallard lifeguards, from left, Brooke Hobbs, Riley Hobbs, They want to have a buffer hours by an hour so the pool 2 until 9 p.m. Last year was Some of Decatur’s life- Madison Cartee and Linda Powell clean the lazy river attraction on in numbers against any pos- won’t open until 11 a.m., supposed to be the anniver- guards work at all three Thursday. The park has hired only 60 lifeguards so far, when it usu- sible COVID-19 exposure, except for Sundays when sary but it was delayed by pools, but Parks and Rec- ally has 80 to 110 by opening day. [JERONIMO NISA/DECATUR DAILY] she said. it opens at 1 p.m. The pool the pandemic. reation Director Jason Lake Lake said they reduced will be open until 7 p.m. on This is a limited, special said Thursday they don’t raised starting pay to $9 an as they work toward the Point Mallard’s hours, cut- Tuesdays and Thursdays event in which people will have enough right now hour, Lake said they have Memorial Day weekend ting out the traditional two and until 5 p.m. other days. have access to all of the park, to open Carrie Matthews about 60 lifeguards hired so opening. extra hours on Tuesdays she said. swimming pool in North- far when they usually start “We’ve got a lifeguard and Thursdays, so the daily — bayne.hughes@ “We’ve got a great laser west Decatur unless they’re the season with between training planned for this hours will be from 10 a.m. decaturdaily.com or show, one like you would see able to hire more lifeguards. 80 and 110. However, the weekend and more training until 6 p.m., seven days a 256-340-2432. Twitter @ at Disney World, planned While a $1.50 increase number hired could change scheduled for next week,” week. The park will still host DD_BayneHughes.
Though July 4 will include Wright’s even if vaccinated. FESTIVAL the regis- children, Malia and Finley, “People should weigh From Page A1 tration is playing piano, guitar and their risks, they should outsourced drums from 3-4 p.m.; north weigh their vaccination Decatur Parks and Recre- this year, Alabama musician Zoe status and they should ation enlisted the help of Whitten Welch Burdett performing weigh the amount of Wright, owner of Cleve- Whitten said Spirit from 4-5 p.m.; the perfor- crowd they’re going to be land, Tennessee-based of America mance duo Austin and Led in,” Smith said. “If at all company Touch the Sky remains a nonprofit orga- singing from 5:30-6 p.m.; in doubt, they should take Events and Promotions, nization and that the city the Christian band Extreme every precaution. Wear to seek out vendors and does not charge the festival Faith playing from 6-7:30 your mask if you’re in attractions. operating costs. p.m.; and Austin and Led doubt and use the public Whitten said work- “(Wright) is not be returning for a comedy health standards we have ing her full-time position paid by anyone,” Whit- show from 7:30-8:30 p.m. encouraged all along.” as director of operations ten said. “She collects her before the fireworks. Those interested in reg- of the Decatur-Morgan vendor fees and that’s how Wright said she’s opti- istering as a vendor for Entrepreneurial Center she makes money.” Fireworks decorate the sky above Point Mallard Park during the mistic about a large turnout the festival may sign up at as well as health concerns Wright said the festival 2019 Spirit of America Festival. The event will return this year. to the festival after the touchtheskyevents.com or would have presented a is seeking vendors sell- [DECATUR DAILY FILE] recent end of COVID-19 call 423-650-1388. Regis- challenge for her in man- ing handmade crafts, local mask mandates and the tration is open until June 17 aging vendor registration businesses, direct sales Craft and commercial Whitten hopes for a Centers for Disease Control or until the festival runs out for this summer, so when vendors, and wellness ven- vendors will be allowed a larger crowd than in recent and Prevention’s easing of of physical space for ven- Wright contacted her about dors and is also looking to 15-by-15-foot booth either years given the increase in pandemic guidelines. dors, which Wright said she taking over, it was a “win- host food trucks. on grass or covered and on vendors and additions to Judy Smith, area 2 did not anticipate because win situation.” “I’ve never had a show of concrete. Those selling the festival schedule this administrator for the Ala- of the space available for “She had a plan that she less than 100 vendors, but food will be required to summer. bama Department of Public the event. would bring 50-60 vendors of course, this is a new city obtain a business license, “We’re hoping for the Health, said people should to Decatur,” Whitten said. and a new event for me,” and those offering food or biggest and the best,” nonetheless remain cau- — tim.nail@decaturdaily. “We’re always wanting to she said. “I have maybe 50 an attraction are required Whitten said. tious participating in events com or 256-340-2437. make it bigger and better.” (right now).” to provide insurance. The entertainment on with a large attendance, Twitter @timmnail.
is to better monitor and viewed as constitutionally missions while the CIA is long as (they) do not breach weaknesses across law MEDIA respond to story lines per- incorrect.” largely prohibited from the wall between using enforcement. Police on From Page A1 colating on social media Civil rights advocates care spying on U.S. citizens. But intelligence assets that are scene were left unequipped that could incite violence. closely following the plan. all intelligence agencies, supposed to be focused on to stop the rioters, many of announced a new office in its With a more focused effort, Abed Ayoub, legal direc- including Homeland Securi- foreign threats.” whom were carrying bear intelligence branch focusing the department could better tor at the American-Arab ty’s intelligence arm, report He added: “You can’t spray, metal pipes, and even on domestic extremism and assess domestic threats and Anti-Discrimination Com- to Director of National Intel- backdoor that by saying, guns. a new center to facilitate move to protect potential mittee, said he had spoken ligence Avril Haines, whose ‘We won’t, but we’ll pay It emerged quickly that “local prevention frame- targets of attacks, the offi- to Biden administration office compiled a threat Google to do that for us.’” the FBI had issued a prior works” that, according to a cials said. officials before and since assessment published ear- Cohen, who previously warning that some extrem- statement, can better iden- “It’s really important they’ve taken office about lier this year highlighting the worked for DHS under ists were speculating about tify people “who may be that people understand their efforts to combat white threat of white extremism. Presidents George W. Bush “war” at the Capitol. And radicalizing, or have radi- that in this administration, extremism. U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart, and Barack Obama, said public posts on social media calized, to violence.” we do not view the mis- “These programs almost R-Utah, said he’s concerned the department would not showed people expressing The overall effort is in its sion of Homeland Security always end up targeting about information gath- tap private companies to support for trying to stop early stages. The department to police thought,” said Black and brown communi- ered by the CIA being used collect intelligence that it the Electoral College certi- is exploring partnerships John Cohen, the depart- ties,” Ayoub said. He added: indirectly by agencies like would otherwise be barred fication, including by using with tech companies, uni- ment’s assistant secretary “It does seem that the DHS and the FBI. Stewart from collecting. “We cannot force. versities and nonprofit for counterterrorism and focus ... will be on white also questioned the depart- hire them to do things that DHS officials say Jan. 6 groups to access publicly threat prevention. “It’s supremacy.” ment’s plans to contract we can’t do under our own underscored that the gov- available data. DHS will about protecting against Republicans have also with private companies for authorities,” he said. ernment needed to better also train analysts on track- acts of violence.” raised concerns about social media data. The Jan. 6 riot, in which evaluate and act on infor- ing social media and how to Cohen noted that the cracks in the traditional fire- “I understand there are a mob seeking to stop the mation that may be readily distinguish a threat from the agency understands its suc- wall between domestic and concerns regarding domes- certification of Biden’s available on public sites, but exercise of free speech. cess could be undermined foreign intelligence. DHS tic terrorism,” Stewart said. victory ransacked the Cap- different from traditional DHS officials say the goal “if what we are doing is and the FBI have domestic “I support those efforts so itol, exposed intelligence forms of intelligence.
from 16.9 million in the pre- weekly $300 federal supple- that was enacted in March entire $8,000 payment they but she struggles with JOBLESS vious week, and it suggests ment, than their former jobs last year. They will also drop need for their new home in asthma and high blood From Page A1 that some Americans who paid them. An analysis by out of a federal program for Celina, near Dayton. They pressure. She said she is had been receiving aid have Bank of America found that people who have been out are required to pay a year’s willing to work even mini- graphic design company in found jobs. people who earned under of work for more than six rent because of their credit mum wage jobs. But first Tulsa has suffered a col- As the job market steadily $32,000 at their old jobs are months. problems. she needs to get back on her lapse in business since the recovers from the pandemic likely now receiving more Those moves will end all But the two have little else feet. pandemic struck. recession, consumers are in unemployment aid than benefits for approximately saved and were counting on “We finally were almost Both received jobless aid showing more confidence they did from working. 3.6 million of the nearly 16 the continued federal pay- able to crawl out of this under the program for self- and spending at a healthy Yet some point to the million people receiving aid ments through September hole,” she said. “Without employed. But even with rate. Most economists steady decline in the number — about one in four of cur- to pay bills. Terri Ashman, (the $300), we’re going to the $600 a week in extra think the economy could of Americans receiving job- rent recipients — according 54, just received her second be living on the edge of the federal aid between the two expand 7% this year, which less benefits as evidence that to the Century Foundation. coronavirus vaccine shot, cliff.” of them, they had earned would amount to the fastest most of the unemployed In addition, 35 states have more from their business annual growth in more than are still willing to take jobs reinstated a requirement before the pandemic. Now, 35 years. when they’re available. that jobless aid recipients they’re unsure what they’ll Yet the rapid reopening “Today’s data indicates search for work in order do, especially because from the pandemic has cre- that unemployment aid is to keep receiving benefits. they’re uneasy about send- ated a wide range of supply not keeping workers on the That requirement had been ing their 7-year-old son shortages that have dis- sidelines,” said Andrew suspended at the start of back to school before being rupted what economists had Stettner, a senior fellow at the pandemic, when many vaccinated. hoped would be a smooth The Century Foundation. businesses were closed and 1 - 0
“It’s going to mean pick- rebound. Home building fell “Emergency unemploy- Americans were encouraged 1 7 4 1 ing and choosing what bills sharply in April, for exam- ment aid is doing what it to stay at home. 4 to pay, or getting behind on ple, as builders struggled is meant to do: Serving as In Dayton, Ohio, work things,” Enloe-Cruz said. with shortages of lumber a temporary lifeline while evaporated for Terri “It will mean whether or not and labor. workers search for and Ashman, a house painter, Going Somewhere? we’re able to put food on the Eliminating the $300- return to work.” and her husband, Steve, a All of our boarding facilities are indoor and climate controlled. table.” a-week payment is one In July last year, four remodeler, after the pan- Dogs areable to enjoy the outdoors several times Thursday’s data release of several measures that months after the pandemic demic hit in March of last aday with one of ourassistants showed that applications states have taken to restrict tore through the economy, year. They struggled to in one of our secured yards. for unemployment benefits or eliminate jobless aid roughly twice as many obtain unemployment Cats get their own special declined 34,000 from a and press more recipients people as now — 32 million benefits because of delays quiet area and plentyof revised 478,000 a week ear- to seek work. That trend — were receiving some form that resulted from a flood room to play in their Cat Condos. We are happy to accommodaate lier. The number of weekly gained momentum after the of unemployment benefit, of applicants that over- any needs your pet mayhave jobless claims — a rough April jobs report, released though that figure was likely whelmed many state from administering medicatioons measure of the pace of lay- earlier this month, showed somewhat inflated by fraud. workforce agencies. to having aspecial toy or treaat. We try to make sure your pett offs — has declined steadily that employers added far As recently as late February Eventually, they did enjoys theirstay with us. since the year began. fewer jobs than expected, in this year, about 20 million receive aid and began to About 16 million people part because many couldn’t people were receiving aid. save money, in part because were receiving unemploy- find enough workers. Even so, 21 states say they of the $300-a-week fed- ment benefits during the Research suggests that will also cut off all benefits eral payment. By then, they week ending May 1, the roughly half the unem- for the self-employed and had moved in with Terri’s latest period for which data ployed are receiving more gig workers, who became mother after a period of is available, the government income from jobless ben- newly eligible for jobless homelessness. 3623 Indian Hills Road • (256) 341-0200 • www.familypethealthcare.com said Thursday. That is down efits, when you include the aid under a relief package They now have nearly the Dawn R. True, DVM •HHellen M.BBerschhneiider,DDVM 412345-1 The Decatur Daily | Friday, May 21, 2021 A5 OBITUARIES&NEWS
NOTICES brothers, Alfred Bryan death by his mother, Funerals today Notices and obituaries (Linda), Billy Bryan Jane Dennis; grandpar- Shirley Brinkley Dannielle Lanear Harris (Patricia), Keith Bryan ents, Jeanette Dennis and , 3 p.m., John- The Daily publishes free death notices that include time and place of son Chapel Cemetery the funeral services, place of burial, visitation hours and date of death. DECATUR (Becky); sister-in-law, John Beecher Dennis, Tennis Oliver Dannielle Lanear Sandra Bryan; brother- Janie Mullinax and Lewis , 2 p.m., Park- Obituaries are available for purchase by funeral directors, fami- Harris, 39, died May 19, in-law, Ron Jones and Mullinax. way Funeral Home, Trinity lies and individuals. You may include poetry, verses, survivors and 2021. Reynolds Funeral special friend Geraldine In lieu of flowers, dona- personal information. Home will announce McKenzie. tions may be made to the A copy will be emailed to the person or funeral home placing the arrangements. Pallbearers will be his Wounded Warrior Project. obituary for proofreading prior to publication in the newspaper. nephews. Obituaries placed by families and individuals require verification of death and prepayment. The funeral home will be contacted to OBITUARIES Roselawn Funeral Home Rev. James H. is honored to serve the Hawkins, Jr. verify arrangements. Pricing information for photographs, artwork and icons is avail- Branton Lavonis Bryan family. MOULTON able from Marsha Gargis at 256-260-2524 or 888-353-4612 from 9 DECATUR Reverend James H. Funeral service for Bran- Hawkins, Jr., passed away a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Email is ton Lavonis Bryan, 91, peacefully during the addressed to [email protected]. of Decatur, AL will be at morning hours of May 19, Obituary photos should be jpg files. Please label the photo “obit- Roselawn Funeral Home 2021 in Decatur. A pri- photo” with the person’s name. on Sunday May 23rd at vate graveside service is 3 p.m. Visitation will begin planned with Reverend Ashley (Marshall) Kidd. was born April 16, 1954 in at 1 p.m. and continue until Marcus Lipscomb and He was preceded in death Morgan County to Richard service time. Burial will be Reverend Shane Williams by his parents, Trenon and Jennings Hyche and Mary in Roselawn Cemetery. officiating. Jeanette Helms, and sister, Beatrice Brown Hyche. Mr. Kasey Harbin is officiating. James was born on Evelyn Akin. Hyche worked in the car Mr. Bryan died Sunday August 2, 1933 in Moulton He was born in Warren, business for Eddie Preuitt May 16, 2021 at Huntsville to James H. Hawkins, Sr. Dannie Helms MI in 1951, graduated from Ford. He was preceded in Hospital. He was born and Etta Shelton Hawkins. DECATUR Holly Pond, and went on to death by his parents. April 25, 1930 in Morgan He was a lifelong resi- Dannie Helms, 69, of earn his Degree in Nurs- Survivors include his County to J.L. Bryan and dent of Lawrence County Decatur, passed away on ing from Wallace State. wife, Donna Hyche; one Hassie Bryan. Mr. Bryan and retired from General May 19, 2021. His visita- Dannie was an RN for 45 son, Bart Hyche (Leah); two worked at McClary Tire Motors.He was preceded tion will be on Saturday, years, including working daughters, Misty Hyche for the past 66 years sell- Dan Allison Dennis Jr. in death by his parents; May 22, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Decatur General, where Roberts (Bryan) and Mandy ing and servicing tires. He DECATUR one son, Jeffrey Wayne at Roselawn Funeral Home. he met his wife. He spent Hyche Harris (Matt); one was always considered by Dan Allison Dennis, Jr., Hawkins; wife of 60 years, His Celebration of Life 26 years with DaVita and brother, Richard Hyche his customers’ to be their 66, of Decatur, passed Mable Vaughan Hawkins; will begin at 11 a.m. in the was awarded in 1995 for his Jr. (Bobbie); one sister, best friend and always away on Saturday, May and five siblings. chapel of the funeral home. efforts in organ donation. Janet Hobbs (David); seven treated them that way. He 15, 2021. His visitation will Survivors include his Burial will follow in Midway Pallbearers will be family. grandchildren, McKenzie also loved to garden and be on Friday, May 28, 2021, wife, Ruth Hawkins; sister, Memorial Gardens. Jay Roselawn Funeral Home Hyche, Millie Grace Hyche, attended services at his from 12:00 to 1:00 P.M. at Carrie Hawkins Terry; Rhodes is officiating. has the honor of serving the Marianna Hyche, Fisher church, Southside Baptist, Roselawn Funeral Home. A one son, Tony Hawkins Dannie is survived by family. Roberts, Maggie Roberts, Decatur. Celebration of Life service (Margaret) of Trinity; his wife of 30 years, Mary Vivian Browning and Eli He was preceded in will follow at 1:00 P.M. in one daughter, Patricia Helms; his children, Dee Randy James Hyche Harris; stepson, Patrick death by his wife, Peggy the chapel of the funeral Hill (C.E) of Decatur; five Ann and James McCor- FALKVILLE Thomason; two stepdaugh- C. Bryan; his parents; home with Brother Duaine grandchildren; and five mick, and Dedra Christen A memorial service for ters, Ashley Allman (Jeff) brothers, Orville Bryan, Griggs officiating. great-grandchildren. and Geoff Bevel; his grand- Randy James Hyche, 67, of and Melinda Grigsby (Joey); Wendell Bryan, Marshall Dan is survived by his The family extends spe- children, Kathryn (Alex) Falkville, will be Saturday, and five stepgrandchil- Bryan; a sister, Loy Jones wife, Angela; sons, Mat- cial thanks to his nurses at Hargrove, Patrick, Moira, May 22, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. dren, Addison and Lauren and sister-in-law, Sherry thew and Josh; daughter, Decatur Morgan Hospital. Duncan, Bella, Jacob, and at Peck Funeral Home with Allman, Audrey Allman, Bryan. Brandy; grandchildren, In lieu of flowers, Thomas McCormick; Phillip Hines officiating. Lane and Luke Grigsby. Mr. Bryan is survived by Elizabeth, Sydney, and memorials may be made Kaylee, Tehya, and Arella Visitation will be held from In lieu of flowers, the his only child, Blake Bryan; Cash; sister, Janet; to a favorite charity. Bevel; his siblings, Margie 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. Saturday family requests memorial sisters, Dean Nelson, brother, Milton and father, Visit www.bradford- (Fred) Spitalsky, Joe Akin, at the funeral home. donations be made to St. Peggy Nelson (Brownie), Dan Dennis, Sr. lawrencefh.com to leave Wayne (Suzanne) Helms, Mr. Hyche died May 20, Jude Children’s Research Reba Pevahouse (Arthur); He was preceded in online condolences. Diane(Michael) Hoops, and 2021 at his residence. He Hospital.
Senate panel advances Biden pick as WH science adviser By Matthew Daly a position working aggressively on the contributions of two Sen. Ed Markey, a MacArthur “genius” The Associated Press that Biden that.” Nobel Prize-winning D-Mass., called Lander fellowship and a Break- has elevated Lander’s nomination female scientists. “a visionary scientist and through Prize, and is one WASHINGTON — to Cabinet was approved on a voice Lander apologized for thinker” and “a pioneer of Pope Francis’ scientific The Senate Commerce rank. vote. Six Republicans an essay he wrote that who sees unanswered advisors. Committee on Thursday Sen. opposed Lander, including downplayed the work of questions as not barri- The panel’s approval approved President Joe Maria Sen. Marsha Blackburn of the female scientists and ers, but as an expanse of clears the nomination for Lander Biden’s nomination of Eric Cantwell, Tennessee, who said at his called Epstein “an abhor- possibility.” an eventual Senate con- Lander to be chief science D-Wash., the Commerce confirmation hearing that rent individual.’’ Lander’s “breadth of firmation vote. adviser, one of the last panel chair, said she Lander’s meetings with He never requested knowledge, unparalleled If approved, Lander unfilled Cabinet posts in wished Biden had named the late Jeffrey Epstein, a or received funds from experience and innovative would nearly complete the Biden administration. a woman for the job, but disgraced financier who Epstein or his foundation, spirit make him uniquely Biden’s Cabinet. The only Lander, a geneticist and said Lander has pledged was charged with sex traf- Lander said. “The sum suited to lead,” Markey remaining unfilled Cabi- founding director of the to work to elevate women ficking before his apparent total of my interactions said. net post is that of Office of Broad Institute of MIT and minorities in science. suicide, were “of tremen- (with Epstein) was that Lander, also a math- Management and Budget and Harvard, was the lead “Dr. Lander and I have dous concern.” I met him briefly at two ematician, is a professor director. Shalanda Young author of the first paper come to a focus and Sen. Tammy Duck- events within the span of of biology at both Harvard has been serving as acting announcing the details of understanding that the worth, D-Ill., who led the three weeks in the spring and MIT and his work OMB director after her the human genome, the very first task (he) should confirmation hearing in of 2012,’’ Lander said at has been cited nearly half confirmation as deputy so-called “book of life.” focus on is helping all of Cantwell’s absence, told the April 29 hearing. a million times in sci- director. Neera Tanden He has been nominated us add diversity of women Lander she was “trou- No senator mentioned entific literature, one of withdrew her nomination as director of the White and minorities in the sci- bled” by his meetings with Epstein or any allegation most among scientists. for OMB head after several House Office of Science ence field,’’ Cantwell Epstein, as well as by alle- against Lander at Thurs- He has won numerous senators said they would and Technology Policy, said. “So he and I will be gations that he downplayed day’s committee meeting. science prizes, including not vote for her. Experts predict busy Atlantic storm season but not like 2020 By Seth Borenstein Rosencrans said. Emergency Management AP Science Writer Several universities and Agency urged Americans private weather companies in hurricane-prone areas The Atlantic hurri- also make hurricane season to prepare now, not later. cane season will be busier forecasts, with all of them Deanne Criswell said that than normal, but it’s echoing NOAA’s predic- includes people who live unlikely to be as crazy as tions. They predicted 16 to inland because storms are 2020’s record-shattering 20 named storms, seven to dropping more rain and year, meteorologists said 10 hurricanes and three to causing more flooding due Thursday. five major hurricanes. to climate change. The National Oceanic “The latest data and Climate change has and Atmospheric Admin- forecasts suggest a slightly increased storm’s rainfall istration forecast that the more aggressive fore- about 3%, and in the future hurricane season, which cast for 2021 is in order, it could be as much as 10%, runs from June through although still nothing Rosencrans said. November, will see 13 to close to what happened in Warmer water from cli- 20 named storms. Six to 10 2020,” said Todd Craw- mate change increases the of those storms will become ford, chief meteorologist number of the strongest hurricanes and three to five at The Weather Com- hurricanes, but research will be major hurricanes pany, which is forecasting doesn’t show a change with winds of more than 110 19 named storms and four in the overall number of mph, the agency predicted. major hurricanes. named storms from global Since 1990, a typi- The Colorado State Uni- warming, Rosencrans said. cal season sees 14 named This combination of satellite images shows 30 hurricanes which occurred during the 2020 Atlantic hur- versity forecast, which is University of Arizona storms, seven hurricanes ricane season. [NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER VIA AP, FILE] the longest-running sea- forecast chief Xubin Zeng and three major hurricanes sonal forecast, cited the said the last decade has — a climate normal that has off the coast of Africa. that meteorologists ran As if on cue, stormy same reasons as NOAA been unusually active in increased in recent decades. There is also no El Nino out of names and dipped weather popped up north- in predicting 17 named the Atlantic. There’s a 60% chance that weather event, the natu- into the Greek alphabet to east of Bermuda this week, storms, eight hurricanes “We need to ask our- this hurricane season will ral temporary warming identify them. There were with the National Hur- and four major hurricanes. selves if this is part of the be busier than normal and of the central Pacific that 14 hurricanes last year, ricane Center giving the It says there is a 69% that natural variability of the only a 10% chance it will be squelches Atlantic hurri- seven of them major. system a 90% chance of a major hurricane will hit system of if we are already below normal, NOAA said. cane activity, he said. Earlier this year, meteo- becoming a named storm somewhere in the U.S. seeing impacts of global Lead agency forecaster Atlantic waters are nearly rologists decided to ditch in the next five days. It coastline this season, which warming,” Zeng said in a Matthew Rosencrans said 0.68 degrees warmer than the Greek alphabet after would be called Ana and is higher than the average of press release. “If this is part the season looks to be busy normal, which is not as hot the normal list of names is likely to be short-lived 52% for the last century. It of the natural variability, because of warmer water, as 2020 when they were 1 runs out, instead creat- and keep away from land. gives Florida and the Gulf then after some overactive which fuels storms; reduced degree above normal, Ros- ing a special overflow list. About half the years in the coast a nearly 50-50 chance seasons, we’d expect activ- cross winds that decapitate encrans said. Seven of last year’s storms last decade have had named of being hit by a major ity to quiet down, but every storms; and more seeds of Last year, there were 30 caused more than $1 billion storms before the June 1 hurricane. year is kind of crazy in the stormy weather coming named storms — so many in damage. start of hurricane season, The head of the Federal past few years.” The Decatur Daily | Friday, May 21, 2021 B1 RIVERFRONT QUESTIONS: Contact Metro Editor Eric Fleischauer at 256-340-2435 or [email protected]
IN BRIEF LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF:
Athens man guilty of manslaughter, DUI ATHENS — A Limestone County Man doused woman in gas jury Thursday found an Athens man guilty of manslaughter, first-degree By Eric Fleischauer up to 10 years (the victim) and in the floor of According to the affidavit assault and DUI in a crash that killed Metro Editor in prison, and the bathroom, and told her that filed by the lieutenant, Blasin- another Athens man and injured that third-degree he would burn her house down game placed the victim “in fear man’s stepdaughter, prosecutors A Moulton man doused a domestic vio- with her in it,” according to the for her life by chasing her with a said. woman in gasoline and threat- lence-menacing, complaint. black Chevy Tahoe and pointing Scotty Dale ened to burn her house down, a misdemeanor. Deputies smelled gas when a gun at her on several occasions Moss, 40, was according to charges filed in According they arrived and and recovered a throughout the day.” Blasingame charged with reck- court Wednesday by the Law- to the criminal shirt soaked in gas, Smith wrote. Blasingame was being held less murder, the rence County Sheriff’s Office. complaint signed by Lt. William The misdemeanor menac- in the Lawrence County Jail on alternate count of Dennis Tyler Blasingame, 27, of Smith of the Sheriff’s Office, ing charge involved the same Thursday with no bond set. manslaughter, first- Lawrence County 121, is charged Blasingame on Tuesday threat- woman and arose a day later, on A different woman accused degree assault and with making a terrorist threat, ened to burn the victim alive. Wednesday, according to a sepa- Moss DUI in the Oct. 2, a Class C felony punishable by “Blasingame poured gas on rate complaint filed by Smith. SEE BLASINGAME, B4 2018, collision that killed 37-year-old Lloyd Jason Reed and injured Reed’s stepdaughter, Mercedes “Sadie” Norman, who was 16 at the time. BUSINESS ALABAMA LEGISLATURE Norman was a passenger in Reed’s Chevrolet El Camino, and Moss was driving a GMC Envoy with one Lawmakers passenger. The crash occurred on Zehner Road near Quinn Road. New grocery store expect special The jury of nine men and three women deliberated for 3 1/2 hours sessions before returning a verdict. Sentencing by Circuit Judge Robert Baker is set By Caroline Beck and Mary Sell for June 10. to open in June Alabama Daily News Man accused of robbing, MONTGOMERY — Alabama lawmakers could be called back to hitting victim with gun the Statehouse this year for mul- Decatur police said they have tiple special sessions on various charged a local man for robbing and issues, but the likely first topic striking a victim with a handgun. will be the distribution of billions Police said officers responded May of dollars in federal COVID-19 12 to the 1800 block of Ororke Lane relief funds. Southwest for a physical disturbance That American Rescue Plan and met with a victim suffering from Act money will start flowing to a non-life-threatening injury. the state as soon as this month, Police said but the state’s share can’t be dis- officers learned tributed to agencies or dedicated that Johnny Darryl to specific causes until it goes Strong Jr., 29, of through an allocation process Decatur struck similar to the annual General the victim with a Fund budgets. The state, includ- handgun and tried ing local governments, will Strong to take property. receive more than $4 billion in Police said they located Strong on Construction of the exterior of the new Aldi grocery store at the corner of Beltline Road and Glenn Street South- this round of relief approved in Wednesday, charged him with first- west has been completed and the store is set to open June 3. [PHOTOS BY JERONIMO NISA/DECATUR DAILY] March. degree robbery and second-degree Gov. Kay Ivey’s office this assault, and booked him into the By Bayne Hughes week referred questions about Morgan County Jail in lieu of $100,000 Staff Writer a possible federal funds-related bail. special session to the Alabama The new Aldi grocery store Department of Finance. Finance Burst water pipe causes on the west side of Beltline confirmed the need for lawmakers Road Southwest is scheduled to act, but said the timing is still damage at Austin High to open June 3, a company not known. A water heater pipe burst at Austin official said this week. Finance Deputy Director High School overnight Wednesday, Amy Peters, Mount Juliet Susan Wilhelm recently said the but there was no impact for the division vice president for department is going through a school except that phone systems Aldi, said the store at 1413 voluminous amount of mate- were down temporarily, Decatur Beltline Road will open at the rial and guidance from the U.S. City Schools Deputy Superintendent same time the old store in the Treasury on how the money can Dwight Satterfield said Thursday. Plum Tree Center will close. The “quarter in, quarter back” method of encouraging customers to return be spent and more information is Damages were estimated at $8,000 Aldi’s new store will employ carts to the store, in use at the current Aldi grocery store, will also be still pending. to $10,000, he said. 15 to 20 people. It will have implemented at the new location shown here. “We are closely reading them about 12,000 square feet of now and look forward to the Athens COVID-19 clinic retail space with four or five Cafe building for sale and changed the name to City additional information promised aisles. In other business news, Café. He leased the building by the Treasury to help us make accepting 12-up walk-ins “The consistent size of Aldi the former City Café restau- from the Letson family. recommendations on how to best ATHENS — Athens-Limestone stores across the country is a rant building at the corner of Owner Brenda Suggs and utilize these funds to respond to Hospital is operating an off-site part of our formula for suc- First Avenue Southeast and her siblings inherited the the COVID-19 pandemic and for COVID-19 vaccine clinic that will cess,” Peters said in an email. Moulton Street went up for building after the death of the betterment of the state of Ala- accept walk-ins for the Pfizer vaccine The new Decatur store will sale Tuesday. Jeff Parker, of their mother, Edith Letson, bama,” Wilhelm said. on a first-come, first-serve basis for feature open ceilings, natu- Parker Real Estate, said the last year. Senate General Fund budget ages 12 or older. ral lighting, environmentally property is listed at $249,000. Alred closed the restaurant committee chairman Sen. Greg The clinic will operate Monday friendly building materials The restaurant opened in last summer for major repairs Albritton said special session through Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at and additional storage for 1933 as Farmers Café. Travis and announced in October dates haven’t been discussed. He Emmanuel Baptist Church at 1917 more fresh produce, meat and and Edith Letson bought that he didn’t plan to reopen said theoretically the distribution U.S. 72 W. in Athens. dairy, Peters said. the restaurant in 1969 and it. Suggs said at the time she could wait until the 2022 regular Lee Barran, co-owner of renamed it Letson’s Ranch planned to sell the building. session in January. — Marian Accardi Plum Tree Center, said he House. They demolished the “But money laying in the bank has not begun seeking a new building and rebuilt it in 1970. — bayne.hughes@decatur- with state agencies after every Cause of death tenant to replace the grocery Steve Alred bought the daily.com or 256-340-2432. unclear for 2 who store. restaurant operation in 1996 Twitter @DD_BayneHughes. SEE ALABAMA, B4 died at business IRONDALE — Authorities said they COVID-19 were unsure what killed two men who were found dead in a room at a car dealership in suburban Birmingham. The bodies of Eric Michael Simon- Gaps in vaccine rates worry health experts son, 47, of Birmingham and David Rennix McHugh, 34, of Hoover, were By Collin Binkley, Jay Reeves and to get the vaccine as he stopped found in an upstairs office area at John Seewer for cigarettes at a convenience EchoPark Automotive early Wednes- The Associated Press store in Clanton, Alabama. “They day afternoon, authorities told news don’t know what the long-term outlets. A steady crowd of people flowed effect is. That’s what makes me Sgt. Michael Mangina, a spokes- into the New England Patriots’ skeptical.” man for the Irondale Police stadium for their second dose of A month after every adult in the Department, said the men, who were the COVID-19 vaccine this week U.S. became eligible for the vac- working on computers at the dealer- in Massachusetts, which is near- cine, a distinct geographic pattern ship, appeared to have been dead a ing its goal of vaccinating more has emerged: The highest vacci- couple of hours when their bodies than 4 million and plans to close nation rates are concentrated in were found. its biggest clinics in little more the Northeast, while the lowest The Jefferson County coroner’s than a month. ones are mostly in the South. office said there were no signs of foul In the Deep South, meanwhile, Experts say the gap reflects play or injuries. Investigators tested one of the largest clinics in Ala- a multitude of factors, includ- for the presence of carbon monoxide bama shut down Wednesday and ing political leanings, religious gas but the results were negative, he others will follow in the coming beliefs, and education and income said. weeks because demand for the levels. An autopsy will be conducted to James Martin discusses his hesitancy to get a COVID-19 vaccine while stopping shot has plunged. Close to 160 million determine the cause of the deaths. at a store in Clanton on Wednesday. Martin said he doesn’t trust the vaccines “They didn’t have long enough Americans — 48% of the because of the speed with which they were developed and a lack of knowledge to test it,” said James Martin, 68, — The Associated Press about long-term effects. [AP PHOTO/JAY REEVES] explaining why he has no plans SEE COVID-19, B4 B4 Friday, May 21, 2021 | The Decatur Daily
EXPLAINER What does new criminal inquiry mean for Trump? By Michael R. Sisak businesses for more than States.” finance chief, Allen Weis- The Associated Press two years. “There is nothing more selberg. His former Vance’s office has been corrupt than an investi- daughter-in-law, Jen NEW YORK — Donald investigating whether the gation that is in desperate Weisselberg, is cooperating Trump is facing a one-two Republican ex-president, search of a crime,” Trump with both inquiries. She’s punch of criminal investi- his company or people con- said. “But, make no mis- given investigators reams gations in New York, with nected to them committed take, that is exactly what of tax records and other the state attorney general’s crimes relating to matters is happening here.” documents as they look office saying its ongo- including hush-money into whether some Trump ing civil inquiry into the payments for women who What else are they employees were given former president and his say they slept with Trump, investigating? off-the-books compensa- businesses is now a crimi- property valuations and Vance’s office has not tion, such as apartments or nal matter. employee compensation. publicly said what it is school tuition. The attorney general’s James’ probe began as a looking at, citing grand Weisselberg was sub- office is conducting the civil matter, looking at pos- jury secrecy rules, but some poenaed in James’ civil probe, confirmed late sible violations of state laws details came out during the investigation and testified Tuesday, in tandem with punishable with penalties The New York attorney general’s office said Tuesday that it is legal battle to get access to twice last year. the Manhattan district such as fines, and centered conducting a criminal investigation into former President Donald Trump’s tax records. Trump’s son, Eric, was attorney’s office, which on some of the same issues. Trump’s business empire, expanding what had previously been a Vance’s investiga- also subpoenaed as part has been scrutinizing Her investigation now also civil probe. [AP PHOTO/ALEX BRANDON, FILE] tion includes scrutiny of of that probe and testified Trump and his company, pertains to possible crimi- Trump’s relationship with before the November 2020 the Trump Organization, nal conduct. approach to the investi- like this have meaning. his lenders; a land donation election. for about two years. gation or why it chose to They don’t come out of he made to qualify for an The DA’s office has Why is the AG’s probe announce it publicly. nowhere.” income tax deduction; and Does this mean Trump been scouring Trump’s now criminal? Andrew G. Celli Jr., a tax write-offs his company will be charged? tax records, hired a former James’ office said it high-ranking official in the How did Trump claimed on millions of dol- James’ disclosure of a mafia prosecutor to help recently informed the attorney general’s office take the news? lars in consulting fees it widening investigation is run its investigation and Trump Organization that from 1999 to 2003, said you Trump issued a paid. not necessarily an indica- has been interviewing wit- its investigation into the don’t typically see a public 900-word statement Some of that money tion that she is planning to nesses including Trump’s company had expanded announcement when an Wednesday filled with went to Trump’s daughter, bring criminal charges. former personal lawyer, into a criminal matter. The investigation changes from familiar complaints about Ivanka, who has denied any If that were to happen, Michael Cohen. attorney general’s office civil to criminal. the investigations and digs wrongdoing. In a tweet last under state law, she’d So far, there’s no indi- publicly disclosed the He said the statement at Vance and James. November, she called the need authorization from a cation that charges are change Tuesday night. could be an indication Trump complained investigation “harassment county district attorney, looming. Trump has con- “We have informed the “something else public is that he’s being “unfairly pure and simple” and said like Vance, or the governor tinued to decry the whole Trump Organization that coming soon,” or could be a attacked and abused by a it was “100% motivated or a state agency. thing as a “witch hunt.” our investigation into way of “sending a message corrupt political system” by politics, publicity and Celli says it’s not unheard Here’s a look at where the company is no longer to witnesses and targets.” and contends the crimi- rage.” of that a civil investigation things stand: purely civil in nature,” Another possibility, not nal probes are part of a James’ office has also conducted by the attorney James’ office said in a as dramatic, is someone Democratic plot to silence been looking at the land general’s office will turn Who is investigating statement. else tipped off media out- his voters and block him donation and scrutinizing up evidence of criminal Trump? “We are now actively lets about the change and from running for president records relating to a Trump wrongdoing. New York Attorney investigating the Trump James’ office was com- again. office building in New York In such cases, he said, General Letitia James and Organization in a criminal pelled to respond publicly Trump also repeated City, a hotel in Chicago attorney general’s office Manhattan District Attor- capacity, along with the when asked about it. his oft-uttered claim that and a golf course near Los lawyers will sometimes ney Cyrus Vance Jr., both Manhattan DA.” “No doubt, there is some the investigations are “a Angeles. be specially designated to Democrats, have been James’ office offered strategic or tactical reason continuation of the great- Vance’s investigation has work as criminal prosecu- running parallel investi- no explanation for what for this announcement,” est political Witch Hunt in appeared to focus in recent tors with a local district gations into Trump and his prompted the shift in its Celli said. “Statements the history of the United weeks on Trump’s longtime attorney’s office.
POLICE REPORTS “Then he punched me abuse against the woman BLASINGAME in the face and said, ‘Well the same day, alleging she From Page B1 ARRESTS criminal mischief; in Morgan • Cody Austin Dowdy, 28, I won’t be the only one stabbed him in the chest. • Byron Samuel Nesmith, County Jail with bail amount 37161 State Line Road, Ard- going to jail today,’ and The court issued a tem- 32, Morgan County; discharg- not available. (Decatur police) more, Tennessee; first-degree Blasingame of domestic went and got a kitchen porary order prohibiting ing a firearm into an occupied • Kryshna Lashae Valdez, theft; in Limestone County violence in Morgan County knife and cut himself in the the two from having con- dwelling/vehicle and posses- 25, Mulberry, Florida; second- Jail with bail set at $5,000. in November and was chest,” the woman wrote tact with each other. In sion of methamphetamine; degree theft; in Morgan (Limestone sheriff) granted a temporary pro- in the complaint filed in December, Circuit Judge in Morgan County Jail with County Jail with bail set at • Jayson Clinton Roberts, 51, tection-from-abuse order Morgan County Circuit Charles Elliott dismissed bail set at $75,000. (Morgan $5,000. (Decatur police) 1508 W. Market St., Athens; that later was dismissed at Court. “When he went to the petitions at the wom- sheriff) • Dusty Lynn Cook, 34, possession of a controlled her request. the bathroom to make it an’s request. • Daniel Carey Gladden, Morgan County; first-degree substance and two counts of In that case, the woman deeper I sprinted out and 32, Morgan County; second- theft; in Morgan County Jail third-degree burglary; in Lime- claimed Blasingame forced got help.” — [email protected] degree burglary, third-degree with bail set at $5,000. (Deca- stone County Jail with no bail her to have sex at her Deca- He filed his own peti- or 256-340-2435. Twitter burglary and first-degree tur police) set. (Limestone sheriff) tur apartment. tion for protection from @DD_Fleischauer.
Ivey, the new prison 30-year lease is the route a leadership role in this and R-Ozark, said if a special ALABAMA only person are still they would prefer. she stepped out with this session is to happen on From Page B1 who can ongoing. Senate Majority leader lease program and so the redistricting and prisons call a spe- House Clay Scofield, R-Gun- Senate and the House are then it is doubtful there penny, I just don’t think cial session, Speaker Mac tersville, said he believes both supporting her and we would be one on gambling that’s politically feasible,” has not McCutch- Senate Republicans would will be with her all the way as well. he said. committed Albritton eon, Orr support doing their own through June 1, and then “I don’t think we’ll have The spending param- to calling R-Monro- bond issue. let’s just see what comes time to deal with it in a eters passed by Congress lawmakers back on either via, said if the governor’s “If we know that that out,” McCutcheon said. special session,” Clouse on the new relief money prisons or gambling. plan isn’t resolved by June 1 (the governor’s plan) goes Senate President Pro said. “I think we’ll be deal- are less strict than last Albritton said Ivey has then the Legislature will be down, then yes, I do think Tem Greg Reed, R-Jasper, ing with prisons and then year’s CARES Act pack- been asked about a prison looking at another chance that we have the votes to said the Senate was willing redistricting for the Leg- age. States will have until special session. at a bond for state-owned support a bond issue to and eager to tackle a prison islature which is always December 2024 to spend “We have not received prisons. fix our present situation,” bond issue. controversial and then for the money, while the last a response as to if or when “If something is not Scofield said. “These are topics we congressional districts and package required states to that will happen,” he said. worked out through the Prison construction bills cannot ignore. We’re going the state school board, so spend it by the end of 2020. Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Deca- governor’s office, then the have failed in years past in to have to deal with them those will take up plenty of Albritton said he thinks tur, said Tuesday he doesn’t governor will work with the the Alabama Legislature in an effective way,” Reed time and then we go in the two special sessions this think the allocation of funds Legislature to try to come with political infighting said. “The governor has second Tuesday of January year would be appropriate should happen during the up with a new plan and if over which districts would worked on trying to do that, next year.” with each featuring two reapportionment special. that’s the case then I think lose prisons and which ones if the need for the Legisla- Orr said the Senate would of four topics: the federal “I think it could work in that there’s a possibility would gain new facilities ture to weigh in in different like to see any special ses- funds allocations, a poten- a prison special session,” that could be a special ses- and the jobs that come with ways associated with what sions wait a few months, tial prison bond issue, Orr, the Senate education sion on that,” McCutcheon them. the plans might be in the allowing staff and others gambling and the required budget chairman, said. said on the final legislative McCutcheon acknowl- future. I think the Senate’s a chance to take long- redrawing of legislative and Ivey has until June 1 to day. edged those past failures going to be standing ready awaited family vacations in congressional districts with make final decisions on the State lawmakers have and said that is why the to do what’s required to be June and July. Lawmakers the new census data. two prison leases she has maintained that doing Legislature will be work- able to meet the demands could come back to Mont- While the reapportion- already signed to build two their own bond issue that ing hand in hand with the on this prison topic.” gomery in August when ment session has to happen new mega men’s prisons. would result in the state governor on the issue. House General Fund children return to school, and is expected in the fall, Negotiations on a third owning the prisons after the “The governor has taken Chairman Steve Clouse, he said.
of which are under 40%. the disease under control, have rolled up their sleeves to political influences, par- through with it after her COVID-19 Mississippi was dead last at especially when we get back for a shot. Carroll blames ticularly what he called employer said she could be From Page B1 32%, followed by Louisiana, to the fall and winter.” conservative politicians for “anti-science” attitudes held liable if she refused the Alabama, Wyoming, Idaho, The divides aren’t just sowing doubts that have among Republican leaders, vaccine and got patients population — have received Tennessee, Arkansas, Geor- limited to states — there are made people reluctant. who were skeptical about sick. at least one dose of a gia, West Virginia and South marked differences between “They’re more will- the value of masks, too. Her husband, Tom, didn’t COVID-19 vaccine, and 125 Carolina. urban and rural places, ing to listen to conspiracy Getting more people vac- share her concern. million are fully vaccinated Closing the gaps is vital from county to county and theorists than doctors who cinated will take continued “Everybody I know just against the virus. to controlling the virus that from one neighborhood to know how vaccines work,” education, incentives and wants to get it over with. New England and North- has killed 588,000 people another. he said. “You’re talking “head-on” confrontation of If this is the path to get it eastern states account for in the U.S., health experts The disparities are even about people you’ve known misinformation, Topol said. over with, then this is what eight of the top 10 in vacci- say. The vaccination drive more glaring when looking all their life. But you hear He expects U.S. regula- we’re willing to do,” he said. nation rates, with Vermont has helped drive U.S. cases at individual places around them say those things, and tors to grant full approval “I just want this to be over. No. 1 as of last Friday, down to their lowest level the U.S.: Vermont has four you think, `How well did I to the vaccines soon, which It’s how we stop wearing according to the Centers since last June, at around counties where 75% of the know them?’” will give employers, the masks and how people stop for Disease Control and 30,000 a day on average, residents have had at least Those anti-vaccine military and health sys- getting sick.” Prevention. Nearly 64% of and reduced deaths to about one dose, while there are 11 beliefs have led to some tems the green light to In Massachusetts, where its population has received 570 a day, a level not seen Mississippi counties with uncomfortable conver- require vaccination. “That 62% have had at least one as least one dose. since last July. under 25% vaccinated. sations with his family, will make the biggest dif- dose, there has been little Following right behind “Low vaccination rates Roddy Carroll has seen Carroll said. “I don’t know ference,” Topol said. resistance to public health are Massachusetts, Hawaii, will leave room for the virus both sides from where he anybody who hasn’t had Gail Borel, of Plymouth, orders during the pan- New Hampshire, Maine, to circulate, re-emerge and works in technology sales tense moments like that,” Massachusetts, a nurse demic, and state leaders Connecticut, Rhode Island, possibly form new vari- in Atlanta and where he he said. who arrived with her hus- have kept tight restrictions New Jersey, Pennsylvania ants,” said Tara Kirk Sell, a grew up in northern Geor- Dr. Eric Topol, head of the band at Gillette Stadium on gatherings and busi- and New Mexico, all of them senior scholar at the Johns gia. “There’s a pretty stark Scripps Research Transla- on Wednesday to get their nesses, drawing praise from at 54% or higher. Hopkins Center for Health difference,” he said. tional Institute, said the second doses, said she officials such Dr. Anthony Eight Southern states Security. “High vaccination Back home in rural Murray gaps in COVID-19 vacci- was initially reluctant. But Fauci, the nation’s top are in the bottom 10, all rates are critical to keeping County, only 1 in 4 residents nation can be traced directly she said she decided to go infectious disease expert. The Decatur Daily | Friday, May 21, 2021 C1 SPORTS QUESTIONS: Contact Staff Writer David Elwell at 256-340-2395 or [email protected]
IN BRIEF PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
TRASH PANDAS Wahoos rally in 9th, Conners keeps it stress-free stop Trash Pandas By Doug Ferguson “I’d say it’s impossible to PENSACOLA, Fla. — The Pensacola The Associated Press be stress-free around this Blue Wahoos scored three runs in the golf course,” Conners said. ninth inning to down the Rocket City KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. — “You can’t fall asleep out Trash Pandas 4-3 on Thursday. Amid the wind and the havoc there on any holes. It’s very The Trash Pandas gave up five at Kiawah Island, there was a challenging. I was fortunate hits in the first eight innings before semblance of simplicity to the to have a good day. Made it as calling on reliever Oliver Ortega, who way Corey Conners navigated least stressful as possible on issued a leadoff walk and gave up a his way around the Ocean myself.” single to start his outing. Course for a 5-under 67 and a With a stiff wind into his Connor Justus followed with a two- two-shot lead Thursday in the face for his last five holes, the run double to tie it. He scored on Nick PGA Championship. 29-year-old Canadian played Lovullo’s one-out double to win it. He birdied all the par 5s. He the tough closing stretch in 2 The series continues at 6:35 p.m. made a couple of long putts under, one of those birdies a today. for birdie. He dropped only 55-foot putt from just short one shot. The scorecard alone of the green. — Staff report made it look like a walk on the He led by two shots over a MLB beach. Corey Conners has a two-shot lead after Thursday’s first round of the PGA Cubs place OF It just didn’t feel that way. SEE PGA, C2 Championship. [CHRIS CARLSON/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS] Heyward on IL CHICAGO — The Cubs placed PREP SOFTBALL outfielder Jason Heyward on the 10-day injured list Thursday with a left hamstring strain. Heyward, 31, left Wednesday night’s 4-3 loss to Washington in the fourth inning. He is batting .183 with four homers and 13 RBIs in 39 games. “Hamstrings are always iffy, but Golden Eagles seems to be on the milder side,” manager David Ross said. Chicago also recalled outfielder Nick Martini from Triple-A Iowa before its 5-2 victory over Wash- ington. The 30-year-old Martini is vie for state title beginning his second stint with the team this season. Martini started in right field against the Nationals. He hit a sac- rifice fly in the second inning for his big league RBI since Sept. 14, 2019, for San Diego at Colorado. BASKETBALL McMillan fined $25K for saying NBA favors Knicks ATLANTA — Atlanta Hawks interim coach Nate McMillan was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Thursday after saying the league is rooting for the success of the New York Knicks and implying his team may struggle to get calls in the opening round of the playoffs. The Hawks face the Knicks in a best-of-seven series that begins Sunday at Madison Square Garden. McMillan called the Knicks one of the league’s glamour franchises, even though this is New York’s first appearance in the playoffs since 2013. “I’ve talked about that to the team a lot,” McMillan told reporters during a Zoom call Wednesday. “I’ve gone as far as saying, the league wants this, they need this. New York, this is a big market. It’s a big market for the league. New York has been out of the playoffs for a number of years. This is a team that our league, they want to see, they want to see New York in the playoffs.” McMillan said he put his team Pitcher Katie Simon will be a pivotal player for Athens in the state softball tournament that begins today. [JERONIMO NISA/DECATUR DAILY] through a grueling practice where most of the officials’ calls were going their last state championship. Chilton County. The winner of that against them, insinuating it will be A look at Athens They’ll try to end that drought when game takes on the winner of Springville that way in the opening round. He they start play today at Choccolocco and Saraland at 12:30, with the losers said he wanted the players to work park in Oxford, home of this year’s dropping to the loser’s bracket to play on not being frustrated if the referees by the numbers AHSAA state softball tournament. each other, also at 12:30. seemed to be favoring the Knicks. By Caleb Suggs Athens will compete alongside Helena, The tournament is double elimination “It’s real. We’re going to have to Sports Writer Hazel Green, Spanish Fort, Spring- and to advance to Day 2, Athens will play through that,” McMillan said. ville, Mortimer Jordan, Chilton County need to win at least two games. “It’s going to be physical. Probably a The first number to know about the and Saraland for the Class 6A Before they begin play though, here are lot of calls are not going our way. We Athens softball team is 12. It’s been a championship. have to get back to calm and get on dozen years since the Golden Eagles won Athens’ first game is at 9 a.m. against SEE SOFTBALL, C2 to the next play.” Byron Spruell, the league’s head of league operations, said McMillan was fined for “detrimental public NCAA SOFTBALL comments asserting bias by the NBA” in the playoffs. McMillan also told his team that most media are picking the Knicks Crimson Tide looks to rekindle 2012 title magic to knock off the Hawks in the series. By Brett Greenberg NCAA tournament. New York won all three games during The Tuscaloosa News Alabama (45-7) opens play the regular season, though Atlanta at the Tuscaloosa Regional at has been one of the hottest teams in Alabama softball carries 5 p.m. today against Alabama the league since McMillan took over the No. 3 overall seed into the State. Auburn (27-22) is in the as coach shortly before the All-Star NCAA tournament, fresh off Tallahassee Regional against break after Lloyd Pierce was fired. the program’s sixth SEC tour- Central Florida at 2 p.m. today nament championship, and on ESPN2. — The Associated Press will host the regional round “It’s been special to be at beginning this afternoon. the Rhoads House to end our Last weekend, the Crimson season and to be able to host Tide became just the second a regional,” Alabama coach LOTTERIES team in SEC tournament his- Patrick Murphy said. “The Florida 5 Midday: tory to win the event at its fans behind the dugout and in 3 Midday: 2-2-7 8-2-8-8-2 home stadium. The other the Brickyard created a dis- 3 Evening: 3-7-8 5 Evening: team to accomplish this was tinct home-field advantage 4 Midday: 7-5-4-8 3-1-4-4-6 the 2012 Alabama team that during the SEC tournament, 4 Evening: Tennessee went on to win the program’s and I hope it’s the same (when 0-1-3-7 3 Midday: 9-5-7 first national championship. regional play begins).” Georgia 3 Evening: 2-7-8 Alabama beat the Florida Here’s how the 2021 Crim- 3 Midday: 4-1-8 4 Midday: 4-0-5-6 Gators in the SEC champion- son Tide resembles the 2012 3 Evening: 1-8-9 4 Evening: Maddie Morgan and the Alabama softball team are 33-4 at home this year and ship both years and carried the 4 Midday: 2-6-3-6 8-9-4-7 host an NCAA regional beginning today. [EVAN PILAT/ALABAMA ATHLETICS] No. 2 overall seed into the 2012 SEE NCAA, C2 C2 Friday, May 21, 2021 | The Decatur Daily
COLLEGE BASKETBALL COLUMN Louisville’s latest mess would make good movie By John Clay feds, however. How did Lexington Herald-Leader that happen? And what is the motivation behind it? LEXINGTON, Ky. — By Makes you wonder if there now, they’re just making is more to the story. this stuff up, right? No. 2: What about that Louisville. Again? dirty laundry? Gaudio Extortion. Again? How claimed that Louisville many times can a bas- had made videos for ketball program be linked recruits against NCAA to an extortion attempt? rules. He also alleged that First it was the Rick while in need of players Pitino/Karen Sypher during COVID-19 short- personal sex scandal. ages, Mack used graduate Now we have a repeat assistant coaches to fill performance, thanks to out practices in a manner Tuesday’s bombshell outside NCAA guidelines. that now former Cardi- Are those allegations true? nals assistant hoops coach And if so, how severe are Dino Gaudio allegedly the violations? attempted to extort the They appear to be program after being let penny-ante stuff, until go from his position. you remember that U of In case you missed it, L is operating under an here’s a quick summary, NCAA Notice of Alle- courtesy of the U.S. gations served almost Attorney for the West- exactly one year ago ern District of Kentucky. stemming from the FBI Louisville head coach probe. After having its Chris Mack fired Gaudio, 2013 national title vacated the former Wake Forest and banner removed, the head coach and longtime school is fighting the Mack friend who had latest charges, arguing it served as a U of L assistant should not be held respon- the past three seasons. In sible for the actions of an retaliation, Gaudio said he Adidas representative. would do a show-and-tell Louisville coach Chris Mack, front, and assistant Dino Gaudio have long been friends, but Mack fired Gaudio after the Cardinals’ disap- All of this might make about alleged NCAA vio- pointing 2020-21 season. [LEE LUTHER JR./THE ASSOCIATED PRESS] for a good movie, except lations the program had no one would believe it. committed if the school through the stripper scan- is the out-of-nowhere invitation. years. The story line is too sen- did not pay him for the 17 dal for recruits at U of L’s capper on what was a Soon after, assistants Aside from the absur- sational. The plot too months remaining on his Minardi Hall (2010-14), disappointing 2020- Luke Murray and Gaudio dity of it all, there are at fantastical. The repetition contract. Mack recorded through the FBI college 21 season under Mack. found themselves with- least a couple of curious of events too unrealistic. the conversation. Gaudio basketball corruption Hindered by COVID-19 out jobs. Murray had been details about this latest Actually, the whole later texted the threat, scandal that netted a pair outbreaks throughout the with Mack for six seasons. Louisville chapter. thing is kind of sad. Lou- which traveled across of Louisville assistants year, the Cards suffered He’s landed at UConn No. 1: The guess here is isville basketball owns a state lines. for alleged violations and an embarrassing 37-point with Danny Hurley. that this is not the first wonderful tradition. What a mess. The prob- ultimately cost Pitino loss at Wisconsin and an Gaudio had been friends time a fired assistant Now it has become a lem here is that Louisville his job (2017). Enough is embarrassing 45-point with Mack since their coach has threatened to persistent punchline, with basketball has been basi- enough, said the ‘Ville. loss at North Carolina. days as assistants under air a program’s dirty laun- one embarrassing head- cally one big public mess Oops. Enough is appar- After finishing 13-7, they Skip Prosser at Xavier. dry. This might be the first line after another, more since the Pitino/Sypher ently never enough. found themselves with- Now Gaudio could land time that the program has comedy than crime. And scandal (mid-2000s), The jarring Gaudio news out an NCAA tournament in prison for a couple of taken the threat to the barely believable.
34-4 at Rhoads Stadium, Names like Savan- Led by SEC pitcher AHSAA SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS NCAA 8-3 against ranked oppo- nah Woodard, Maddie of the year From Page C1 (At Oxford’s Choccolocco Park) (29-19) eliminated nents and 26-1 against Morgan and Kaylee Tow Montana Fouts (22-3, CLASS 7A Etowah 14, Cleburne Co. 4, Cleburne Co. unranked opponents. don’t get the headlines, 1.55 ERA) was named Thursday (29-12) eliminated Hoover 6, Sparkman 5 Alabama Chr. 2, LAMP 1, LAMP (30-16) national championship but Murphy understands SEC co-pitcher of the Hewitt-Trussville 5, Baker 4 eliminated Senior leaders Fairhope 9, Vestavia Hills 0 Rogers 4, North Jackson 3 team: what they bring. year, SEC tournament Bob Jones 5, Thompson 0 Thursday and role players “Those two (Clark and MVP and broke an SEC Hewitt-Trussville 11, Hoover 1 Etowah 7, Alabama Chr. 0, Alabama Chr. Dominant at the Bob Jones 3, Fairhope 2 (26-21) eliminated The 2021 team has Woodard) work as hard tournament record for Sparkman 11, Baker 4, Baker (19-23) North Jackson 10, Etowah 3, Etowah (36- Rhoads House seven seniors: Kyrstal as anyone on the team,” strikeouts this season. eliminated 11) eliminated Thompson 11, Vestavia Hills 6, Vestavia North Jackson 2, Rogers 0 Both teams finished the Goodman, Sarah Cor- Murphy said. “They did The junior has 16 Hills (26-22) eliminated North Jackson 6, Rogers 1, Rogers (44-13) regular season with just nell, Alexis Mack, Elissa not pout when they did appearances with 10-plus Fairhope 10, Sparkman 6, Sparkman (35- eliminated, North Jackson (41-16-1) wins 14) eliminated title seven losses and the top Brown, Claire Jenkins, not play. For Clark to get strikeouts and 11 against Hoover 7, Thompson 1, Thompson (41-9-1) CLASS 3A eliminated Friday RPI rank. Bailey Hemphill and on all the (SEC) all-tour- SEC opponents. She Hewitt-Trussville 8, Bob Jones 2 Prattville Chr. (32-8) vs. Fyffe (27-13-2), The Crimson Tide fin- Taylor Clark. nament team is a feather threw in all three wins Friday 10:45 a.m. Fairhope (40-5) vs. Hoover (33-15), elimina- Beulah (24-15) vs. Houston Aca. (42-6-1), ished the season 33-4 Mack, Hemphill and in her cap. Savannah last week. tion game, 9 a.m. 10:45 a.m. overall at home, 13-3 Brown are ranked in the has led the team in RBIs The 2012 team featured Bob Jones (37-5) vs. Fairhope/Hoover, Mobile Chr. (26-8) vs. Piedmont (22-18-1), losers’ bracket final, 10:45 a.m. 10:45 a.m. against ranked oppo- top 10 in the SEC batting in the last 14 games. The All-American Jackie Hewitt-Trussville (48-2-1) vs. losers’ bracket Plainview (38-7-1) vs. Oakman (22-8), nents and 18-1 against average, and can be found whole team is proud of Traina, who won SEC final winner, championship, 3 p.m. (if 10:45 a.m. necessary follows) Winners’ bracket game, 2:15 p.m. unranked opponents this among league leaders them.” pitcher of the year and CLASS 6A Winners’ bracket game, 2:15 p.m. Friday Elimination game, 2:15 p.m. season. in various other The 2012 team had six SEC tournament MVP Chilton Co. (29-17) vs. Athens (45-12), Elimination game, 2:15 p.m. The 2012 team went categories. seniors. during the 2012 season. 9 a.m. Elimination game, 5 p.m. Springville (36-10) vs. Saraland (29-16-1), Elimination game, 5 p.m. 9 a.m. Winners’ bracket final, 5 p.m. Spanish Fort (36-10) vs. Mortimer Jordan Saturday (21-20-1), 9 a.m. Elimination game, 10 a.m. Hazel Green (33-15) vs. Helena (46-12), Losers’ bracket final, 12:30 p.m. added another in 2009, 20 — Athens picked up four, while Emily Simon 9 a.m. Championship, 5 p.m. (if necessary follows) SOFTBALL Winners’ bracket game, 12:30 p.m. Wednesday which was their last 20 wins over teams that had three. Jordyn Johnson Winners’ bracket game, 12:30 p.m. Sumiton Chr. 9, Pisgah 8 From Page C1 championship. finished inside the top 10 and Haley Waggoner each Elimination game, 12:30 p.m. Orange Beach 3, Spring Garden 1 Elimination game, 12:30 p.m. G.W. Long 5, Sand Rock 1 1 — Athens comes into of their respective clas- had two. Elimination game, 4 p.m. Lamar Co. 5, Mars Hill Bible 4 Elimination game, 4 p.m. Orange Beach 6, Sumiton Chr. 4 other important numbers the tournament as the sifications in the final 13 — The number worn Winners’ bracket final, 4 p.m. G.W. Long 11, Lamar Co. 1 to know about Athens: top-ranked team in Class ASWA softball poll. They by pitcher Emily Simon. Saturday Pisgah 1, Spring Garden 0, Spring Garden Elimination game, 9 a.m. (28-11) eliminated 7 — It’s been seven 6A. They’ve been the only also won 11 games against While the Golden Eagles’ Losers’ bracket final, 10:45 a.m. Mars Hill Bible 6, Sand Rock 2, Sand Rock years since Athens team ranked No. 1 in Class teams that advanced offense is potent, Simon Championship, 1:30 p.m. (if necessary (33-21) eliminated follows) Pisgah 10, Lamar Co. 5, Lamar Co. (29-27- advanced to the state 6A all season. to the state tourna- holds the key to success CLASS 5A 1) eliminated tournament, with the 5 — Of the eight 6A ment. Most importantly, in the circle. Tuesday Mars Hill Bible 1, Sumiton Chr. 0, Sumiton Ardmore 6, Tallassee 5 Chr. (42-16) eliminated Golden Eagles’ last run teams competing in the however, Athens went During the north Faith-Mobile 3, Alexandria 1 Orange Beach 7, G.W. Long 1 Satsuma 4, Sardis 2 Thursday coming in 2014. That was state tournament, five are a perfect 7-0 against regional tournament, Elmore Co. 2, Hayden 1 Pisgah 5, Mars Hill Bible 1, Mars Hill Bible the final year before the ranked inside the top six. teams in the 6A state Simon gave up 12 hits Faith-Mobile 2, Ardmore 0 (40-15) eliminated Satsuma 4, Elmore Co. 3 Pisgah 6, G.W. Long 5, G.W. Long (31-7-1) AHSAA moved to seven 45 — Athens has 45 wins tournament, winning and seven runs in Athens’ Alexandria 3, Tallassee 2, Tallassee (34-13) eliminated classifications, meaning coming into the tourna- five against Hazel Green only loss, to Hartselle. eliminated Orange Beach 3, Pisgah 2, 9 innings, Pisgah Hayden 12, Sardis 4, Sardis (31-11) (37-12) eliminated, Orange Beach (35-9) this will be the Golden ment, which ranks second and one each against However, in wins, Simon eliminated wins title Eagles’ first state tour- among 6A teams. They Helena and Mortimer allowed just nine hits Alexandria 9, Elmore Co. 5, Elmore Co. CLASS 1A (43-15) eliminated Tuesday nament in Class 6A. have a 79% winning per- Jordan. and one run with 23 Ardmore 2, Hayden 1, Hayden (36-13) Holy Spirit 3, Belgreen 0 eliminated Appalachian 7, Pleasant Home 5 4 — Athens will be centage. No. 2-ranked 11 — The Golden Eagles strikeouts in 17 innings. Satsuma 8, Faith-Mobile 0 Brantley 10, Cedar Bluff 0 going for its fourth Helena is first in wins hit 11 home runs in five That includes a four-hit, Wednesday Skyline 1, South Lamar 0 Ardmore 4, Alexandria 1, Alexandria (41- Appalachian 4, Holy Spirit 2 state championship with 46. The Huskies also games during the 6A one-run, four-strike- 12) eliminated Brantley 4, Skyline 2 in school history. The boast a 79% winning per- north regional tourna- out outing in Athens’ Ardmore 2, Faith-Mobile 1, Faith-Mobile Pleasant Home 9, Belgreen 2, Belgreen (30-6-3) eliminated (25-20) eliminated school brought home centage. The two teams ment in Florence last rematch with Hartselle, Ardmore 5, Satsuma 3 South Lamar 8, Cedar Bluff 4, Cedar Bluff two titles in the 1990s, met once this season, week, including at least which propelled the Satsuma 6, Ardmore 1, Ardmore (36-18) (14-26-1) eliminated eliminated, Satsuma (35-10) wins title Skyline 9, Pleasant Home 4, Pleasant Home winning in 1990 and with Athens coming out one in each game. Morgan Golden Eagles to the state CLASS 4A (22-20) eliminated 1999. The Golden Eagles on top 5-2. Stiles led the team with tournament. Wednesday South Lamar 9, Holy Spirit 1, Holy Spirit Rogers 3, Hamilton 0 (15-19) eliminated LAMP 4, Cleburne Co. 0 Brantley 7, Appalachian 2 Etowah 3, Alabama Chr. 0 Wednesday North Jackson 8, Haleyville 0 Skyline 9, South Lamar 6, South Lamar Rogers 7, LAMP 0 (29-18) eliminated North Jackson 8, Etowah 3 Skyline 13, Appalachian 8, Appalachian five at Hazeltine in 2002. Island was struck poorly who has played only twice Cleburne Co. 7, Hamilton 0, Hamilton (31- (24-9) eliminated PGA “I definitely knew in and didn’t quite clear a in the last three months 22-1) eliminated Brantley 11, Skyline 3, Skyline (32-15-1) From Page C1 my preparation that it waste area. Koepka tried because of surgery to Alabama Chr. 17, Haleyville 7, Haleyville eliminated, Brantley (32-12) wins title was possible to have a to do too much from a repair ligaments in his half-dozen players. That decent round out here soft lie in the sand and knee. “I don’t know if group included Brooks and shoot a 5-, 6-under- barely got it out. It led that’s a lack of not play- AHSAA BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS Koepka, who started his par round,” Conners said. to a double bogey, and ing or what. It was just day with a double bogey “So kind of started the the toughest part of the stupid. I was able to (Best-of-3 series, Montgomery) Game 1: Mobile Chr. 7, Oneonta 2 CLASS 7A Game 2: Mobile Chr. 5, Oneonta 3, Mobile and stayed largely out day thinking, ‘Why not Ocean Course was still to recover, I guess.” Hoover vs. Auburn Chr. (36-4) wins title of trouble the rest of the me?’ There’s birdies to come. So did 50-year-old Game 1: Auburn 9, Hoover 1 CLASS 3A way; and Cameron Davis, be had.” But this is a major, and Phil Mickelson, who had Game 2: Hoover 8, Auburn 2 Phil Campbell vs. Bayside Aca. Game 3: Auburn 7, Hoover 6, Auburn (36-7) Game 1: Phil Campbell 5, Bayside Aca. 0 who overcame a triple No one needed them this is Koepka, and that’s four bogeys through six wins title Game 2: Phil Campbell (39-5) vs. Bayside CLASS 6A Aca. (27-8), 10 a.m. Friday at Riverwalk bogey on the sixth hole. like Koepka, a major pres- when he’s at his best. holes and nothing but (Game 3 follows, if necessary) Faith-Mobile vs. Hartselle CLASS 2A Keegan Bradley, Viktor ence when conditions are He knuckled down from birdies and pars the rest Game 1: Faith-Mobile 10, Hartselle 1 G.W. Long vs. Westbrook Chr. Game 2: Hartselle 8, Faith-Mobile 3 Hovland, Aaron Wise and severe. One hole into this that mess by running off of the way to join the Game 1: Westbrook Chr. 5, G.W. Long 0 Game 3: Faith-Mobile 14, Hartselle 7, 8 Sam Horsfield also were major, he had reason to six birdies the rest of the large group at 70 that Game 2: G.W. Long 8, Westbrook Chr. 2 innings, Faith-Mobile (34-6) wins title Game 3: Westbrook Chr. 11, G.W. Long 1, at 69. The seven play- be more worried about way. included defending CLASS 5A Westbrook Chr. (29-9) wins title ers to break 70 were the his brain than his ailing “You can’t do that champion Collin Mori- Pike Road vs. Russellville CLASS 1A Game 1: Russellville 3, Pike Road 1 Donoho vs. Bayshore Chr. fewest for the opening right knee. stuff if you want to win. kawa and former U.S. Game 2: Russellville 3, Pike Road 2, Game 1: Donoho 6, Bayshore Chr. 3 Russellville (42-8) wins title Game 2: Bayshore Chr. 10, Donoho 0 round of the PGA Cham- His opening tee shot on You’ve just got to be more Open champion Gary CLASS 4A Game 3: Bayshore Chr. 18, Donoho 0, pionship since there were the 10th hole at Kiawah focused,” said Koepka, Woodland. Mobile Chr. vs. Oneonta Bayshore Chr. (29-10) wins title The Decatur Daily | Friday, May 21, 2021 C3
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS SPORTS ON TV, RADIO
Memphis at Golden State, Play-In Round, • NCAA tournament, 3:30 p.m., ESPNU Today on TV 8:10 p.m., ESPN • NCAA tournament, 5 p.m., ESPN2 AUTO RACING NHL • NCAA tournament, 7 p.m., ESPN2 • NASCAR Camping World Truck • Stanley Cup East Division Playoff, • NCAA tournament, 9 p.m., ESPN2 Series: Practice, Circuit of the Americas, Washington at Boston, First Round, Game • NCAA tournament, 9 p.m., ESPNU Austin, Texas, 2 p.m., FS1 4, 5:30 p.m., NBCSN FISHING • NASCAR Xfinity Series: Practice, • Stanley Cup Central Division Playoff, • Bassmaster Elite Series, The 2021 Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, 3 Carolina at Nashville, First Round, Game Berkley Bassmaster Elite at Lake Gun- p.m., FS1 3, 6 p.m., USA tersville, Lake Guntersville, Scottsboro, 7 COLLEGE BASEBALL • Stanley Cup North Division Playoff, p.m., FS1 • Florida at Arkansas, 7 p.m., SEC Winnipeg at Edmonton, First Round, GOLF COLLEGE SOFTBALL Game 2, 8 p.m., NBCSN • LEPGA Tour, The Investec South • NCAA tournament, UNC-Greensboro • Stanley Cup West Division Playoff, African Women’s Open, Third Round, vs. Duke, Athens Region, Game 1, Athens Colorado at St. Louis, First Round, Game Westlake Golf Club, Cape Town, South Ga., 11 a.m., ACCN 3, 8:30 p.m., USA Africa, 6 a.m., GOLF • NCAA tournament, Northwestern at WNBA • PGA Tour, The PGA Championship, Former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, after five years in the New York Kentucky, Lexington Regional, Game 1, 11 • Los Angeles at Las Vegas, 9:30 p.m., Third Round, Kiawah Island Golf Resort Mets’ organization, retired from baseball and is now back in football. [VERA a.m., ESPN2 CBSSN Ocean Course, Kiawah Island, S.C., 9 NIEUWENHUIS/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS] • NCAA tournament, Liberty vs. James a.m., ESPN Madison, Knoxville Regional, Game 1, Today on radio • LEPGA Tour, The Investec South Knoxville, 11 a.m., ESPNU MLB African Women’s Open, Third Round, Tebow ready for • NCAA tournament, Manhattan at • Pittsburgh at Atlanta, 6:20 p.m., Westlake Golf Club, Cape Town, South Arkansas, Fayetteville Regional, Game 1, FM-93.9 Africa, 9 a.m., GOLF ‘challenge’ of new position noon, SECN MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL • PGA Tour, The PGA Championship, • NCAA tournament, Central Florida vs. • Rocket City at Pensacola, 6:35 p.m., Third Round, Kiawah Island Golf Resort By Mark Long Minshew has No. 15 for now — Auburn, Tallahassee Regional, Game 1, AM-730, FM-103.9 Ocean Course, Kiawah Island, S.C., noon, The Associated Press and took part in a voluntary, Tallahassee, Fla., 1 p.m., ESPN2 CBS closed workout. • NCAA tournament, South Florida at Saturday on TV • LPGA Tour, The Pure Silk Champi- JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Tebow is not expected to Florida, Gainesville Regional, Game 1, 1 AUTO RACING onship, Third Round, River Course at Jacksonville Jaguars are, at the have any media availability p.m., ESPNU • Formula One, Practice 3, Circuit de Kingsmill, Williamsburg, Va., 2 p.m., very least, no longer the NFL’s until training camp, at the ear- • NCAA tournament, McNeese St. at Monaco, Monaco, 4:55 a.m., ESPN2 GOLF most irrelevant franchise. liest, in hopes of minimizing LSU, Baton Rouge Regional, Game 1, 3 • Formula One, Qualifying, Circuit de GYMNASTICS Urban Meyer. Trevor Law- the media circus that follows p.m., ESPNU Monaco, Monaco, 7:55 a.m., ESPN2 • The U.S. Classic, 6 p.m., NBCSN rence. Tim Tebow. the devout Christian who has • NCAA tournament, Wichita St. vs. • NASCAR Xfinity Series, Qualifying, MLB The rebuilding Jaguars now received rock star treatment at Texas A&M, Norman Regional, Game 1, Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, 10 • Boston at Philadelphia, 6 p.m., FOX have three of college football’s every NFL stop. Norman, Okla., 5 p.m., ESPN2 a.m., FS1 • Pittsburgh at Atlanta, 6:20 p.m., BSSE biggest stars — and two of its His comeback is unprec- • NCAA tournament, Mississippi vs. Vil- • NASCAR Camping World Truck NBA most polarizing figures — from edented because of his age, his lanova, Tucson Regional, Game 1, Tucson, Series, Qualifying, Circuit of the Ameri- • NBA Playoff, Miami at Milwaukee, the past 15 years, after Tebow new position and the fact that Ariz., 5 p.m., ESPNU cas, Austin, Texas, 11 a.m., FS1 First Round, 1 p.m., ESPN signed a one-year contract he last played in a regular-sea- • NCAA tournament, Alabama St. at • NASCAR Camping World Truck • NBA Playoff, Dallas at L.A. Clippers, Thursday. son game in 2012, with the New Alabama, Tuscaloosa Regional, Game 2, 5 Series, The Toyota Tundra 225, Circuit of First Round, 3:30 p.m., ESPN The former Florida standout York Jets. He’s sure to create p.m., SECN the Americas, Austin, Texas, noon, FS1 • NBA Playoff, Boston at Brooklyn, and 2007 Heisman Trophy- another ballyhooed storyline • NCAA tournament, Seattle vs. Michi- • IndyCar, Qualifying, Indianapolis First Round, 7 p.m., ABC winning quarterback will for a team coming off a 1-15 gan, Seattle Regional, Game 1, Seattle, 7 Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, 1 p.m., • NBA Playoff, Portland at Denver, First attempt to revive his pro career season that led to a coaching p.m., ESPN2 NBC Round, 9:30 p.m., ESPN as a tight end. change and the No. 1 pick in the • NCAA tournament, Fresno St. vs. • NASCAR Xfinity Series, The Pit Boss NHL The 33-year-old Tebow is NFL draft (Lawrence). Minnesota, Los Angeles Regional, Game 250, Circuit of the Americas, Austin, • Stanley Cup Playoff, Florida at Tampa returning to the NFL after five Several teams sug- 1, 7 p.m., ESPNU Texas, 3 p.m., FS1 Bay, First Round, 11:30 a.m., CNBC years (2016-20) in the New gested Tebow make the • NCAA tournament, Long Beach St. BOXING • Stanley Cup Playoff, Pittsburgh at York Mets’ organization and position change years ago, but at UCLA, Regional, Los Angeles Regional, • Top Rank, José Ramírez vs. Josh N.Y. Islanders, First Round, 2 p.m., NBC he’s reuniting with Meyer, his he declined. Game 2, 9:30 p.m., ESPN2 Taylor (Super Lightweights), Las Vegas, • Stanley Cup Playoff, Montreal at college coach, for the first time Just getting a chance after GOLF 7:30 p.m., ESPN Toronto, First Round, 6 p.m., CNBC since his senior year in 2009. such a lengthy layoff has • PGA Tour, The PGA Championship, COLLEGE BASEBALL • Stanley Cup Playoff, Vegas at Min- “I know it will be a challenge, stirred debate about pref- Second Round, Kiawah Island Golf Resort • Tennessee at South Carolina, 11 a.m., nesota, First Round, 7 p.m., NBC but it is a challenge I embrace,” erential treatment. Others Ocean Course, Kiawah Island, S.C., noon, SECN MEN’S SOCCER Tebow said in a statement. “I insist it’s merely the result of a ESPN • Nebraska at Indiana, 5:30 p.m., • MLS, LA Galaxy at Portland, 2:30 am dedicated to taking the decades-long relationship that • LPGA Tour, The Pure Silk Champion- ESPNU p.m., ABC direction of our coaching staff now includes Meyer and Tebow ship, Second Round, River Course at MEN’S COLLEGE LACROSSE and learning from my team- being neighbors in Jacksonville. Kingsmill, Williamsburg, Va., 2 p.m., GOLF • NCAA tournament, Georgetown vs. Saturday on radio mates. I appreciate everyone’s “This Tebow deal just shows MLB Virginia, Quarterfinal, 11 a.m., ESPNU MLB support as I embark on this new that personal relationships go • Milwaukee at Cincinnati, 6 p.m., FS1 • NCAA tournament, Rutgers vs. North • Pittsburgh at Atlanta, 6:20 p.m., journey.” further at this level than actual • Pittsburgh at Atlanta, 6:20 p.m., BSSE Carolina, Quarterfinal, 1:30 p.m., ESPNU FM-93.9 Tebow joined his new team ability,” Carolina Panthers • Seattle at San Diego, 9 p.m., MLBN COLLEGE SOFTBALL MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL on the field Thursday wearing defensive tackle DaQuan Jones NBA • NCAA tournament, 1 p.m., ESPN2 • Rocket City at Pensacola, 6:05 p.m., No. 85 — quarterback Gardner posted on Twitter last week. • Western Conference Playoff, • NCAA tournament, 3 p.m., ESPN2 AM-730, FM-103.9 The Decatur Daily | Friday, May 21, 2021 D1 RELIGION QUESTIONS: Contact Staff Writer Catherine Godbey at 256-340-2441 or [email protected]
HEED THE CALL Decatur’s Ricky Miller uses hip-hop, soul sounds in music ministry Heed the Call is an occa- Friends, Blake Earl and sional series profiling local Reveal, Shawn Moore and pastors and ministers. To New Fellowship, and music nominate a pastor, email ministries from Progres- cgodbey@decaturdaily. sive Christian Outreach, com. Solomon Temple Church and Canaan Community By Catherine Godbey Church. Staff Writer Expect to hear hip-hop, soul, worship, praise and At 12 years old, Ricky gospel music during the Miller stood in front of the free outdoor event. congregation as his pastor For Miller, this marks his spoke about the future. first performance in over a “He called me in front year due to the pandemic. of the whole church and “My prayer is that the told me I was going to be a people are touched before music director one day. It they are entertained. I pray was weird because I didn’t that their hearts are ready think too much of myself to receive the words, not at the time. I hadn’t even just the melody or the tune. taken a real music lesson at I really want the words to that time and wasn’t sing- penetrate their hearts,” ing publicly. But he was Miller said. “Music is pow- Ricky Miller, front, formed Ricky Miller & The Shift in 2007 as a way to explore his creativity for church music. The group will perform right,” Miller said. erful like that.” Sunday at Decatur’s Progressive Christian Outreach Ministry. [COURTESY PHOTOS] Now, 21 years later, the Miller began learning Decatur man leads the about the power of music at At 14, he became the would talk about how the 22-person group Ricky 9 years old. That Christmas keyboardist at St. Paul whole service shifted their Miller & The Shift and his parents surprised him Missionary Baptist Church ministry. I had to finally plans on releasing his debut with a keyboard. in Athens. yield to the name ‘Shift,’ album this fall. “It was unexpected “I only knew how to which had already been in “It’s totally humbling. because no one in my play three songs and I only my spirit.” I don’t feel worthy of the immediate family was knew how to read bass clef Look for the group’s gift God has given me. To musical,” Miller said. from playing trombone at debut album this fall. be that vessel is totally Unable to read music, he school. When I looked at “I’ve written over 200 humbling. I give God all played by ear and slowly the hymn book, I would songs, so deciding which the glory,” the 33-year-old taught himself the instru- use what I saw in the bass ones to put on the album is Miller said. ment. While attending clef to create chords for difficult. I pray about the To hear Ricky Miller & what was then Gordon- the treble clef. It’s like songs, what direction God The Shift, stop by Progres- Bibb Magnet School in how parents throw their wants the album to go and sive Christian Outreach Decatur, Miller would kids in the pool to teach what the main message is,” Ministry’s The Collabora- sneak down to the piano them how to swim. That’s said Miller, who attends tion on Sunday at 4 p.m. lab in the basement. how I learned to play,” said True Faith Ministries in Along with Miller, the “It was like I had to play. Miller, who studied music Ricky Miller, of Decatur, started teaching himself the keyboard at Decatur. “The main goal event at 635 Memorial I was itching for it. I would education at Middle Ten- 9 years old. Today, he leads a 22-member vocal group and plans on of my music is to minister Drive S.W., Decatur, will hear songs and need to nessee State University. releasing a debut album in the fall. to people.” feature staple gospel acts figure them out,” Miller In 2007, driven by a For Sunday’s event, the of Morgan and Lawrence said. desire to explore his cre- go from hip-hop to intense voices today. group plans on perform- counties, including The As a freshman at Austin ativity and perform his worship to high praise to “I wrestled with the ing a hip-hop song, a slow Gray Sisters, The Orr Sis- High School, Miller picked own songs, Miller formed chill testimonial music,” name, ‘The Shift,’ for a worship song and a cel- ters, Arthur Lee Warrior up the trombone, which the group Ricky Miller & Miller said. while because I didn’t want ebratory song. and Unanimous. Other per- the band director assigned Company. Now called Ricky Miller it to seem like I was trying formers include Encounter, to him because of his long “My style isn’t as tradi- & The Shift, the group, to make myself seem pow- — cgodbey@decaturdaily. Spiritual Harmoneers, arms, and learned to play tional as the church was. which started with nine erful,” Miller said. “But, com or 256-340-2441. Chelsey Townsend and other brass instruments. My style is very diverse. I people, has grown to 22 when we sang, people Twitter @DecaturLiving.
‘We were blown away to see the success’ Jail drug treatment “We were blown away But 14 of the 72 men and a fast-paced, occasionally program slashes to see the success rate,” he women in the program do salty discussion about the said. receive the meds, taking negative emotions that can post-incarceration Medication-assisted a daily pill that has been drive drug use. overdoses treatment in jail is still crushed to minimize the After one man celebrated unusual despite ample chances of diversion. his transfer to drug court, By John Keilman evidence that inmates who Mason, whose last name a move that would prompt Chicago Tribune (TNS) come in with an opioid is being withheld at the a quicker release from cus- addiction are at height- request of program officials tody, he expressed concern Mason is only 30, but ened risk when they leave. to protect his future job about staying on the right for nearly half his life he The typical jail regimen prospects, never received path. A fellow inmate has been using hard drugs, calls for detox, which puts drug treatment before jumped in. including heroin. The petty inmates through a pain- getting locked up in Kane “You’re not letting any- crimes that came with his ful withdrawal and lowers County. He said buprenor- body down because you’re Nate Lanthrum, clinical director of St. Charles-based Lighthouse habit landed him in jail a their tolerance to the drugs, phine has been a help, and in (the treatment pro- Recovery, left, congratulates Fernando, right, after learning he had few times, where he’d be on leaving them more likely not just because it fends off gram),” he said. “We’ve a positive outcome in his court case during a group session for his own to deal with with- to overdose if they resume dope sickness. seen the growth. Don’t let recovering addicts living in the recovery pod at the Kane County Jail drawal and everything that their use upon release. “I can think clearly, the person in the mirror on April 20. [PHOTOS BY STACEY WESCOTT/CHICAGO TRIBUNE/TNS] followed. Hain said he came into remember things,” he “For the first two weeks office determined to change said. “When I was out there I’d be sick,” he said. “After that paradigm: He had seen (using heroin) I couldn’t that I would just be cringing inmates go into withdrawal remember jack crap.” at the teeth to get out and with nothing but Tylenol to Medication aside, Hain do what I had to do.” ease their discomfort, and said he thinks the counsel- Mason’s latest return knew the risks they would ing is the program’s most to incarceration came in face on the outside. critical piece. Led by Nate March when he landed in “Given zero treatment Lanthrum, clinical director the Kane County Jail, out- while in custody, they of the Lighthouse Recov- side Chicago, on an assault are 74 times more likely ery treatment center in St. charge, but this time would to overdose and die upon Charles, the sessions are be different. release,” he said. “That based in cognitive behav- The jail has a voluntary to me is the No. 1 statistic ioral therapy, not the in-house drug treatment that points to every single traditional 12 steps, and program that includes a jail absolutely having to aim to explore the roots still-rare feature: Inmates have some sort of (medi- behind the inmates’ sub- who are addicted to cation-assisted treatment) stance use. heroin, OxyContin and program in place.” “Incarcerating people other opioids can receive He set up a pod within doesn’t fix anything,” Lan- Nate Lanthrum, clinical director of Lighthouse Recovery, leads a group session for recovering addicts buprenorphine, a medi- the jail where inmates who thrum said in an interview. living in the recovery pod at the Kane County Jail on April 20. Looking on is Kane County Sheriff Ron cation that is itself an wanted to participate in the “The state of Illinois does Hain, right. opioid and can stave off program could live and have a fantastic job of ware- withdrawal, lessen drug counseling sessions. Not housing people and not be your biggest adversary. said the man, who used jail, or even from prison: cravings and protect all are addicted to opioids, providing services. That You got this, bro.” cocaine, alcohol, marijuana One man, he said, imme- against overdose. and not all who came in doesn’t help anybody. It But not all the program’s and other drugs before his diately asked for help once Sheriff Ron Hain said that opioid-dependent choose doesn’t keep the commu- participants are looking incarceration. “I’m still he got out of a state facility. since he began the program to receive buprenorphine. nity safe or help the person forward to the outside. growing, I’m still learning, “This is historic and in 2019, a few months “I don’t want to get too suffering the disorder.” One 31-year-old man who and I want to continue to groundbreaking,” Hain after he was elected, (dependent on) the meds During one recent coun- awaits trial on an armed teach myself to keep going said. “It’s recognizing that post-incarceration over- because that might trigger seling session, held in a robbery charge said he forward. That’s why I wake people can reform them- dose deaths have plunged me,” said a man who used small room off the cell faces decades in prison if up each day with a smile. … selves and that a proper from 15 in 2018 to just one OxyContin and codeine block, a dozen men in he is convicted, but added I’m ready for all the positive rehabilitative structure last year, even as opioid- before being jailed. “I don’t orange jumpsuits sat in that he still gets value out things ahead of me.” inside of a jail can com- related deaths overall have want them. I’ll just keep a circle as Lanthrum and of the sessions. Hain said Lighthouse pletely turn people’s lives skyrocketed during the doing meditation and other trauma specialist Rehna “I feel like being in this keeps working with inmates around and even save pandemic. things that I do.” Becker led them through program helps me elevate,” after they’re released from lives.” D2 Friday, May 21, 2021 | The Decatur Daily
RELIGION BRIEFS LIMESTONE COUNTY RESTAURANT RATINGS to 11 a.m. Individuals in need Free food can receive food beneath the Limestone County res- • Cassie’s Café, 26462 First distribution in church’s covered entrance. taurant ratings from St., Ardmore: 92 Athens and Decatur May 3-7. These rat- • Captain D’s/Trident Hold- Vacation Bible ings are provided to The ings, 102 U.S. Highway 31 S., Limestone County Churches Decatur Daily by the Athens: 93 Involved will distribute food schools planned Limestone County Health • Las Morelenses, 30697 U.S. and provide general financial Area churches are beginning Department. Highway 72, Madison: 93 assistance for individuals in to announce plans for summer • Jiffy Food Store, 716 E. • Bethel Grocery, 27972 need during the Day of Caring vacation Bible school events. Hobbs St., Athens: 73 Bethel Road, Elkmont: 94 on Saturday. The event at 201 Scheduled programs in June • Athens Mini Mart (Mara- • L & S Food Market, 29970 N. Jefferson St. in Athens will include “Treasured” at Shoal thon Gas), 1100 U.S. Highway 72 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore: 94 last from 9 a.m. to noon. Creek Church in Priceville, June E., Athens: 79 • Mildred’s of Ardmore, 27926 Qualifying individuals can 6-10, 6-8 p.m., shoalcreekbap- Area churches prepare to host vacation Bible schools this • China Dragon 98 Inc., 100 Main St., Ardmore: 95 receive food or assistance to tist.org; VBS at Central Baptist summer. [DECATUR DAILY FILE] U.S. Highway 31 # B, Athens: 79 • Starbucks Coffee Company help pay rent or utilities. To in Decatur, June 7-10, 8:30-11 • Ninja Japanese Sushi & #10248, 1286 U.S. Highway 72, qualify, applicants must live a.m., cbcdecatur.org; “Des- Watts, of Huntsville, Steakhouse, 935 U.S. Highway Athens: 95 in Limestone County, pro- tination Dig” at First Baptist New associate graduated from the Virginia 72 E. Suite R, Athens: 83 • TAB’S Market, 15690 East vide a photo ID and proof of in Decatur, June 7-11, 8:30 rector at St. Theological Seminary on • Jack’s # 220, 307 U.S. High- Limestone Road, Athens: 95 income. For information, call a.m.-noon, fbcdecatur.org/vbs; May 13. She was ordained as way 31 N., Athens: 86 • One Group LLC dba 256-262-0671. “Lost!” at Hartselle Church of John’s in Decatur a transitional diaconate at • Dunkin Donuts, 1690 US Domino’s #5881, 14945 East St. John’s Episcopal in Deca- Christ, June 14-17, 5:30-7:30 Decatur’s St. John’s Episco- the Church of the Nativity in Highway 72 E., Athens: 87 Limestone Road, Harvest: 96 tur, 202 Gordon Dr. S.E., will p.m., hartsellecoc.org. pal Church will welcome Sarah Huntsville on Tuesday. • Athens Nutrition 621 U.S. • 2 Kool 4 Skool Learning hold a Beans & Rice distribu- To submit a VBC, email Watts as an associate rector on Highway 72, Athens: 89 Academy, 22175 Alabama High- tion on Thursday from 9:30 [email protected]. June 15. — Catherine Godbey • Subway # 29408, 100 U.S. way 99, Elkmont: 97 Highway 31 S. Suite N., Athens: • 360 Fitness, 22454 U.S. 90 Highway 72, Athens: 98 • Gin House Bar-B-Que, • AFC Sushi at Publix #1203, On Memorial Day,wehonor the men and women of the Armed Forces who 18060 Upper Ft. Hampton Road, 22031 U.S. Highway 72, Athens: have given their lives for their country. We invite you to honor your friends, Elkmont: 91 100 family and neighbors in the militarybysending anote of remembrance to afallen soldier.All submissions will be featured in our Memorial Day edition on Sunday,May 30. Cost is $40 per submission. We will donate aportion of the proceeds to the local Veterans foundation/organization of your choice.
Please limit message to theformat below. Submission Deadline: May18th Save Time: Your Send your completed submission to Submit To Decatur DailyClassifieds, PO Box2213, Message Decatur,AL35602-2213oryou can stop Classifieds@ by or call us at 256-353-6000.Payments Lindsay Beattie works on her computer as her new dog, Moose, .com hangs by her side at home in Fort Lauderdale. There’s been a rush decaturdaily by checkorcall in or stop by our office for on new pets during the pandemic with pet owners having more cash or credit cardpayment. time to take care of an animal, but now that many have to return to the office, there’s lots of anxiety about leaving the pets home alone. [SUSAN STOCKER/SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL/TNS] Separation anxiety People fell in love to the office recently, and with pandemic can’t stop thinking about her kitten, Missy, adopted pets, now don’t on Jan. 25. want to leave them “I put off going back to As we celebrate Memorial Day,readers remember friends and family work as long as possible,” By Lois K. Solomon said Laufman, a commercial members who bravely sacrificed their livesfor our country and our freedom. South Florida Sun Sentinel (TNS) insurance manager. “When I knew I had to go back, I With pride and gratitude, we will salute the memory of those heroic soldiers. FORT LAUDERDALE, would leave the house for Fla. — If you’ve been home a few hours at a time to get with your pet during the her ready. Now I go home at pandemic, you know what’s lunchtime to check on her. coming. I don’t even want to go out Separation anxiety. at night because I want to be We can’t stay home with her.” forever. Soon we’ll start Some pet owners may heading back to the office have gotten overly attached and taking vacations. Our during quarantine. But pets will wonder where these human-animal con- we went. And we will get nections are healthy, that pit in our stomach, pandemic or no pandemic, like when we left our kids said Karyn Hoffman, a Boca at school for the first time, Raton social worker and Frank Dayton Bob Jones Beau Knight Chris Green (Date) -(Date) (Date) -(Date) (Date) -(Date) (Date) -(Date) because we have become therapist. Rank Rank Rank Rank so attached to our faithful “As a dog lover, I under- Branch Branch Branch Branch animals. stand this,” Hoffman said. Calls from uneasy dog “Research shows animals owners are starting to come have a calming effect on us. in to Dogstown University If your animal is your com- in Deerfield Beach, Florida, panion, you are going to which has a dog day care miss them when you leave center and offers overnight the house.” boarding. Owner Adam The pandemic stimu- Feingold tries to cheer them lated a surge of dog and cat up. adoptions at some shel- “We are getting lots of ters, especially in the early calls from people going months when South Florida back to work,” Feingold residents realized they were said. “People want to be home for the long haul. In reassured that their dogs April 2020, pandemic pet- Paul Johnson Katherine Lee Joseph Brown Cal Franklin will not be alone. They have seekers adopted every dog (Date) -(Date) (Date) -(Date) (Date) -(Date) (Date) -(Date) been attached at the hip for in Palm Beach County’s Rank Rank Rank Rank Branch Branch Branch Branch a year. We work it through main public kennel, which with them.” is typically teeming with Lindsay Beattie of Fort unwanted dogs, emptying Lauderdale is among those it for the first time in its getting ready to enter the history. post-COVID work world, But not every site expe- but now she has two pets rienced an adoption surge to consider. When the pan- during COVID, as appoint- Fill out the order form, attach photo(s) and payment, and drop off at demic hit last year, she took ments were limited and in a foster puppy to keep her fewer owners were sur- The Decatur Daily classified department, Monday -Friday 8-5. and her 12-year-old shih tzu rendering their pets, said Mail to: Honor ASoldier,Decatur Daily Classifieds, PO Box 2213, Decatur,AL35602-2213. mix, Doc, company. Cherie Wachter, spokes- Email all information and photo(s) to: classifi[email protected]. Visa and MasterCard accepted. She fell in love with woman for the Humane Moose, a purebred shih Society of Broward County. Questions? Call 256-353-6000. DEADLINE: TUESDAY,MAY 18th AT 3PM tzu who is now 18 months “While we adopted out Will be published May 30th in The Decatur Daily and on decaturdaily.com old, and decided to keep many animals last year, him. Now comes the hard the number was less than part. She’s a sales manager previous years for several for a multinational com- reasons,” she said. “We Name ______pany who is about to start were open by appointment traveling again. To ease only, so the hundreds of Dates Served ______the transition, she’s been people we might normally making arrangements with see each week were limited Rank ______dog-sitters who will stay at daily. The number of ani- her house while she’s gone. mals surrendered decreased Branch ______“The older one is happy tremendously, so there were when I leave,” Beattie said. fewer animals for people to Daytime Phone ______“The younger one is like, adopt. I also think people ‘How dare you?’ That cre- were not moving, which is ates anxiety for me. He is so a very common reason pets Email Address______$40 enclosed?______spoiled.” are relinquished, and as Lisa Laufman of Deer- such pets and their owners
409341-1 field Beach also went back stayed in their homes.”