expertise
Baldwin
Fall 2018
Knowledge from our local experts
Table of Contents M E E T
Y O U R
L O C A L
P R O F E S S I O N A L S
City of Robertsdale........................................................3 Infirmary Health: Dr. Sims, General Surgery.................4 Hollis Interiors................................................................5 Edward Jones.................................................................6 Premier Medical.............................................................7
PUBLISHER Parks Rogers DESIGN Paige Marmolejo ADVERTISING Frank Kustura LouAnn Love Bethany Randall
Freeman Collision Center, LLC.......................................8 Ascent Audiology..........................................................9 Infirmary Health: Dr. Bicksler, Family Practice & Obstetrics..................................................................10 Town Square Consulting.............................................11 Infirmary Health: Dr. Minto.........................................12 Ashurst & Niemeyer.....................................................13 Robertsdale Feed, Seed & Supply................................14 Elberta Farmers Cooperative.......................................16 Affordable Conex........................................................17 Riviera Utilities.............................................................19 Infirmary Health: Coastal Medical Group.....Back Cover
GULF COAST MEDIA 901 N. McKenzie St. Foley,Alabama 36535 251-943-2151
The profiles included in Baldwin Expertise are paid advertisements. 2 • Baldwin Expertise
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Robertsdale Come Grow With Us! MAYOR: Charles Murphy CITY COUNCIL: Sue Cooper, Joe M. Kitchens, Paul Hollingsworth, Ruthie Campbell, Brent Kendrick City Clerk: Shannon Burkett City Attorney: Ken Raines Chief Financial Officer: Ann Simpson Chief Of Police: Brad Kendrick Public Works Director: Scott Gilbert City Engineer: Greg Smith City Judge: Julian Brackin
4 • Baldwin Expertise
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Home Interiors
“We take pride in what our grandfather and father started and in keeping with their legacy, we will continue to offer beautiful, quality products at fair prices.” — Tootsie Hollis-Allen
For over six decades, the Hollis family of Foley have been experts in dealing with the interiors of your homes. Hollis Interiors, formerly known as Hollis Furniture, is a local family owned and operated business. Established in 1952, it was an idea, plan, and creation of John Hollis and his son Wayne Hollis. After visiting the Gulf Coast in 1951, they decided to move to Foley and open the furniture store. They offered quality furniture at affordable prices to those in the area. Their humble beginning was serving a primarily farming community even financing in-house to display trust, hard work, and dedication in our community. In 2003, following in their grandfather’s and father’s footsteps, Tootsie Hollis-Allen and Kelly Hollis, who were raised inside the store, took over the family business and added their specialty of interior design during a dramatic shift in the economy forcing Tootsie and Kelly to work harder than ever, taught by their father to always put the customer first and to go the extra mile doing whatever it takes to get the job completed to perfection. Hollis Interiors offers complete design services for homes and vacation homes. Working on any budget, they provide access to products that enhance the design and attention to detail and personalized service including furnishings, both new and antique, designer fabrics and home accessories. This venture offers a sense of self that our target market desires and can afford, in a way that is unique from start to finish. They offer services for clients that seek personalized attention with their design choices and furnishings for their primary residence, vacation home, resort or rental property. With over 100 years’ experience, their
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goal is to offer knowledge through personalized attention during the design process and to make it fun for our clients. They also provide design resources and products to better help their clients through special purchases of furniture, fabric, and accessories. The total experience is provided in a way to inform, inspire, and help meet their clients’ needs. The process of transforming their home, vacation property or business to become a unique and personalized expression of themselves and add to their enjoyment of that interior space. Designers in house include Tootsie Hollis-Allen, Kelly Hollis, Traci Cantrell and Lisa Perry. “We take pride in what our grandfather and father started and in keeping with their legacy, we will continue to offer beautiful, quality products at fair prices,” Hollis-Allen said. “We will always put our clients’ satisfaction first.”
The Hollis Family
HOLLIS INTERIORS 200 South McKenzie St Foley, AL 36535 (251) 943-2941 www.hollisinterior.com
Baldwin Expertise • 5
Investing
How We Work Together: Our Guidance Personalized for You When it comes to investing, what do you value? A strategy designed for your situation? A financial advisor who truly understands you and what you’re trying to achieve, and will partner with you over the long term to help keep you on track? What about disciplined, objective guidance? I will work with you to create a personalized financial strategy with the advice, tools, and resources to help you reach your goals. I do this in 3 important ways: 1. Understanding What’s Important to You Your Goals. By fully understanding what you are trying to achieve (like being able to live the retirement you’ve envisioned and making sure your money lasts), I can develop a strategy to help get you there. Comfort with Risk. We’ll discuss your desired level of risk and incorporate that in a strategy that’s realistic and appropriate to reach your goals. Your choice for how you’d like to work together. Do you want to be more hands-on with investment decisions or prefer some things to happen automatically? We have several options that allow you to select the approach that best aligns with what you value most. 2. Using an Established Process Strategies Personalized to You. My branch team and I are supported by a group of specialist in our home office who work in partnership with you, your tax professional and your attorney, as needed, to help you achieve success. In-depth Research and Analysis. Our experienced team of analysts and strategists continuously assesses shifting conditions and conduct rigorous analysis to help me identify appropriate investments for you. Sound Portfolio Construction Framework. You and I can use portfolio objectives to personalize your portfolio with quality investments in the appropriate proportions that align with your goals. 3. Partnering to Help Keep You on Track Identifying Timely Risks and Opportunities. While Edward
6 • Baldwin Expertise
Jones takes a long-term approach to investing, we also evaluate shifting conditions and compare them with our broader outlook to identify when adjustments are appropriate. Prepare for the Unexpected. Achieving your financial goals involves more than your investment portfolio. Together, we’ll look at your big picture, which means also preparing for unexpected events or expenses. I’ll help you design a comprehensive strategy and protect it, to help keep you and your family on track even when life throws you a curve. Regular Reviews and Updates. Together, we regularly review the foundation of your strategy, including your goals, your family or personal situations, and your view toward risk to consistently measure and update you on your progress. Partnership and Process My goal is to help you achieve your goals. That means focusing on delivering value where you need it most; using our established process to build your personalized strategies, and helping you stay on track by partnering together over the long term.
Jason M. Kozon, CFP®, AAMS®, CRPC® Financial Advisor
EDWARD JONES
22394 Miflin Rd., Ste. 202 Foley, AL 36535 251-943-3399 Toll free 1-800-668-1841 Fax 1-888-860-6265 http://www.edwardjones.com/ Member SIPC www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com
Ophthalmology
“To have that almost immediate impact on someone’s vision and life is very rewarding.” — Dr. J Ryan Turner Dr. J Ryan Turner of Premier Medical Group isn’t one to rush patients out the door. In fact, you’re more likely to run out of time for him than he is for you. Turner is a native Alabamian who was the valedictorian of his high school class and attended the University of Alabama. He received his B.S. in Chemistry where he graduated summa cum laude and was the first person in his family to graduate college. He then attended the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham where he was class president (2003-2004) and graduated in the top 25 percent. Turner said he chose to pursue medicine for extremely personal reasons. “When I was in middle school, my mom actually got cancer,” Turner said. “It was tough, and she survived through that. It was kind of a difficult time for our family, and soon after that she got laid off after working for 25 years at the same place. It really kind of frustrated me that someone could work that hard and that long and there wasn’t any job security. What I really wanted to focus on when I decided on a career was to be in something that was very secure and stable. Medicine is one of the most secure fields. It takes a long time to get into it, but you don’t ever have to worry about being let go.” He chose to stay at UAB for his ophthalmology residency for the unsurpassed clinical and surgical volume. While there, the Callahan Eye Foundation Emergency Room was given the title as the country’s only Level 1 Eye Trauma Center. He said he was led to ophthalmology by the idea of being able to help people quickly. “Most of the surgeries that we do, people come in the next day and they’re noticing a difference,” Turner said. “Their vision has improved. A lot of other surgeries, like knee replacements or things like that, they might not really be thanking you for a few months down the road. To have that almost immediate impact on someone’s vision and life is very rewarding.” Turner then pursued a cornea, external disease and LASIK fellowship
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at the prestigious Dean McGee Eye Institute at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City. His surgical volume was in the top five percent for fellows in the country for the above-listed procedures. He also taught, lectured, and mentored residents and medical students throughout his fellowship. While Turner says you can do LASIK without fellowship training, he felt it was immensely helpful. “Doing that extra year of fellowship allowed me to gain not just book knowledge, but also the surgical experience to jump right in to what I’m doing now,” Turner said. “I think that really does set me apart with what we’re doing.” His approach to patients is simple — to find the option which works best for each individual case, regardless of benefit to himself. “My reputation is very important to me, and my integrity is very important to me,” Turner said. “I’m going to make a decision based on what’s best for the patient. In fact, I tell more people no to LASIK than I do yes because I don’t think it’s the right thing for them.” Turner said he feels lucky to be at Premier Medical and to work with a staff who understands how he operates. “It’s not just another surgery,” Turner said. “It’s a patient that’s going to live here and going to see you at the grocery store. You want them to be able to come up to you and give you a hug and tell you 10 years later ‘thank you for what you did for me.’”
Dr. J Ryan Turner
PREMIER MEDICAL Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5p.m. 1302 Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 410-9000
Baldwin Expertise • 7
Car Repair
“We want to make sure that repair holds up like the manufacturer recommends. ” – Chason Franks
Freeman Collision Center in Foley is the place most people consider when their car has been damaged in auto or weather-related accidents, and Chason Franks wants to remind Baldwin County residents that you get to choose where you take your car to be fixed — not your insurance company. “The insurance companies spend a lot of money training customer service to try to influence you on where to take your car,” Franks said. “You have the right to take your car wherever you want to take it and you should remember that.” The process can be intimidating, especially for those who have never had automobile issues. “People who have never been in an accident before, they’re feeling that persuasion of what the insurance company has said and instantly they take it,” Franks said. “The insurance company isn’t paying for your car. They didn’t buy your car. They’re only taking your money and insuring the vehicle. It’s your right to take it to where you feel most comfortable, not where your insurance company does.” Freeman Collision has been working with insurance companies for decades, so they know the process and how to help their customers through that process. “Every insurance company has a little different policy on which parts they use on the repair process,” Franks said. “We always tell customers we work for them, not the insurance company. It’s the relationship we have with our customers that has kept us in business for over 40 years, not the insurance companies telling customers to come see us.” When customers come in to Freeman Collision for help with their vehicles, they get treated like family. “I want you to have the same exact process that I would do on
8 • Baldwin Expertise
my family’s vehicle,” Franks said. “Safety is the Number One thing. We want to make sure that repair holds up like the manufacturer recommends. You can’t deviate from that or you could cause another unsafe car.” The Freeman Collision staff has hundreds of years of experience and can help guide customers through the insurance process. “Having to go through the process of filing a claim and getting your insurance company to come through sounds like a nightmare to some people, but we are there with you every step of the way and try to make it as easy and stress-free as possible,” Franks said.
FREEMAN COLLISION CENTER, LLC 225 East Laurel Ave. Foley, AL Phone: (251) 943-4011
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10 • Baldwin Expertise
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“Financial Planning – It’s Not That Complicated”
“We set ourselves apart from others with our commitment to our qualifications, education and experience,” — Rob Fields Clint Martin, AAMS®, CFP® and Rob Fields, ChFC®, CLU® at Town Square Consulting in Fairhope want you to know that financial planning is for everyone — regardless if you have $100,000 or over $1,000,000. “Two of the biggest misconceptions that we run into is that folks think they have to be millionaires to have a financial plan,” Martin said. “On the other hand, we run into a lot of millionaires who think they don’t need a financial plan because of their wealth. Almost everyone needs a financial plan.” Town Square Consulting utilizes a highly personalized wealth management approach for both individuals and institutions. By making financial plans easier and more accessible, people become more engaged in the financial planning process. “Financial planning is no longer complicated or boring,” Fields said. “The days of sitting in offices for hours on end feeding stacks of financial statements to a planner are over. The difficult process of creating a financial plan has now been replaced with technology to assist with the creation of the plan.” At Town Square Consulting, they will not bore you with charts, statistics, graphs, and financial terminology (unless you want them to). What they will do is ask you the questions that will help them build your financial plan. “Much like a medical doctor wants to know your current medical situation and history, we must know the same with regards to your financial health,” Martin said. “Upon gathering that data and getting to know you, we can develop your financial plan.” Martin and Fields are not stock brokers. They are an independent and locally owned financial planning firm in Fairhope and their
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independence as fiduciaries ensures your financial planning is unbiased. They believe in clarity, insight, partnership and low-cost strategies. “We set ourselves apart from others with our commitment to our qualifications, education and experience,” Fields said. “We don’t wear expensive suits with silk ties and slick our hair back. You won’t hear us on the radio or see us on TV making absurd claims or guarantees. We are just two guys from the Gulf Coast with a slight fishing and hunting addiction who became financial planners because we really care about helping people with their financial lives.”
Clint Martin, AAMS®, CFP® Founder & Managing Principal Rob Fields, ChFC®, CLU® Director of Business Development TOWN SQUARE CONSULTING 7 S. Bayview St., Fairhope, AL 36532 251-338-1184 www.townsquareconsulting.com
Baldwin Expertise • 11
12 • Baldwin Expertise
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Ashurst & Niemeyer
Tradition, Heritage and Legacy Lucy Lety and Judy Niemeyer are the real deal in real estate on the Eastern Shore. This duo has a combined 43 years of experience making their clients’ property dreams come true. They both also happened into the industry through the suggestion of a friend. “I was attending church one Sunday and wondering what I was going to do with my life,” Niemeyer said. “I was divorced with two children who were very young, and I knew I needed a career. When my friend asked me, I said yes. At that point you had to be actually sponsored by a company to take the course and get licensed.” Lety was referred to the profession by Niemeyer herself. She called Judy one day, about four and a half years ago, looking for a change of career. After that meeting, Lucy Lety enrolled in real estate school immediately. Niemeyer is a name well known and respected in Real Estate. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education. Judy has set the record in receiving many real estate awards. Lety earned her B.S. from The University of Alabama in the field of Economics and Merchandising. She enjoyed a long career in the fashion industry as a corporate executive and as an independent consultant before helping people buy and sell their dream homes. Both say they feel privileged to work on the Eastern Shore and serve its residents. Niemeyer said the people, the natural beauty of the area and the love of the community that people bestow has made working here unlike anywhere else. Lety said the area is beautiful and provides an incredible
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lifestyle. Both women are Certified Real Estate Specialists. The Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the highest Designation awarded to sales associates in the residential sales field. The CRS Designation recognizes professional accomplishments in both experience and education. Since 1977 the Council of Residential Specialists has been conferring the CRS Designation on agents who meet its stringent requirements. Currently, there are more than 34,000 active CRS designees. Lety said people who come through the doors at Ashusrt and Niemeyer can expect professionalism, integrity and a human face. “This is a relationship business,” Lety and Niemeyer say. “It’s meaningful work and meaningful relationships. We’re a small boutique company, and we have old-school standards. We strive to exceed our clients’ expectations.”
Judy Niemeyer 251-583-5923 Judy@ashurstandniemeyer.com
Lucy Lety 251-367-0363
Lucy@ashurstandniemeyer.com
Baldwin Expertise • 13
Tips on preparing chickens for winter
“The cold of winter adds enough stress on the chickens so if you want your chickens to produce, it’s important not to add any more stress than they already have.” — Kay Wilson
More and more, residents are utilizing their own resources for basic staples, such as raising their own chickens for eggs. While South Alabama does not have the harsh winters like they have up north, it is still important to be prepared when sheltering chickens for winter. “That’s especially true if you want your chickens to keep producing through the winter months,” said Kay Wilson with Robertsdale Feed, Seed and Supply. It’s important not to confuse your comfort zone to that of chickens. “We don’t recommend that you use heat lamps,” Wilson said, “because chickens won’t acclimate to the cold should you lose power.” It’s a good idea to block the north wind but be careful that you don’t block all the chickens’ ventilation, which can lead to a buildup of humidity, coupled with the cold weather which can lead to frostbite. “Frostbite can lead to the waddles turning black and falling off,” Wilson said. “While chickens can live without their waddles, it can be an indication of more serious problems.” Loss of ventilation can also lead to a buildup of ammonia from the chickens’ feces, which can lead to serious respiratory problems, Wilson said. Bedding should be cleaned once a month and should be at least 6 to 8 inches deep. “Hay is not recommended because it breeds mold,” she said. “We also don’t recommend the use of diatomaceous earth which kills good bacteria that breaks down feces.” Wilson recommends using wood chips or shredded paper as a base for bedding. If you still want eggs through the winter, chickens require at least
14 • Baldwin Expertise
14 to 16 hours of light. “A 100-watt bulb will be sufficient, but make sure you keep it away from the bedding and keep your wiring checked to avoid fire,” she said. One of the most important tips, Wilson said, is to not do anything that will disrupt the chickens’ normal routine, like increasing feed. “The cold of winter adds enough stress on the chickens,” she said, “so if you want your chickens to produce, it’s important not to add any more stress than they already have.”
ROBERTSDALE FEED, SEED, & SUPPLY 21353 Hwy. 59 Robertsdale, AL Phone: (251) 947-5252
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Baldwin Expertise • 15
Agriculture
“One of the things we like to say is ‘we buy local, and none of the money leaves Baldwin County.”’ – William Carlew
The Elberta Farmer’s Co-Op has been operating in Baldwin County since 1949, and six years ago it welcomed General Manager William Carlew into its ranks. Carlew began working in agriculture during his college years, when he spent two summers walking rice fields and making recommendations. “I’ve been in this business in some form, shape, or fashion my entire life,” said Carlew. “I’ve been a crop consultant, worked in management and sales, just a little bit of everything.” One of the most important things to the Co-Op and its employees is its customers, from giving back to providing them with knowledge and answering any questions. The employees at the Co-Op do not accept saying “no” to a customer, and will try their best to provide them with unmatched customer service. “Things have changed so much in agriculture,” Carlew said. “Now we’re competing with the internet and big-box stores, and it’s a challenge. But here we’ve got the expertise. We’ve got Deena in the garden department with her degrees, we’ve got two young salesmen, Mark and Clay, in the chemical and seed warehouse, and both of them have degrees in agronomy and agriculture, we’ve got Lacy who’s a world-champion barrel racer working in the feed warehouse, and I’ve got a degree in ag business and economics. So it’s still a service business, but you can talk to somebody here … It’s a service to the members rather than just having stock. We provide answers.” Currently farmers are getting their crops out, harvesting peanuts and cotton and planting ryegrass, as well as fall vegetables. Wheat will be planted in November, and then potatoes during December and January, beginning the crop-cycle once more. According to Carlew, one thing about working a Co-Op in Alabama is there’s always something going on due to the diverse crops grown in the area. The Co-Op strives to promote local businesses, buying local themselves,
16 • Baldwin Expertise
and giving back to their customers. “We return dividends back to our members at the end of the year,” Carlew said. “One of the things we like to say is ‘we buy local, and none of the money leaves Baldwin County.’ We are owned by our members, and we are members of Alabama Farmers Co-op. It behooves us to buy from AFC because they’re the same way, returning dividends to their members. So all the money stays right here in Alabama and Baldwin County.” Throughout the year, the Co-Op makes donations to multiple organizations, such as the Sheriff ’s Ranch and the Foley FFA club, “keeping things local,” says Carlew. Whether you have a question about crops, animals, hunting, or a widearray of topics including agriculture, livestock, and the outdoors, the employees at the Elberta Farmer’s Co-Op are ready to share their expertise and knowledge with all who step through their doors. As their website says, ‘you don’t have to be a member to be treated like one.’
Elberta Farmers Cooperative William Carlew
ELBERTA FARMER’S CO-OP 13320 Main St. Elberta, AL 36530 Tel: (251) 986-8103 Fax: (251) 986-8233 www.elbertacoop.com
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your place for storage solutions
“The sky’s the limit as far as the uses for Conex.” — Danny Dyer If you have storage problems, AffordableConex.com is the solution. What is conex? Simply put, conex is a used shipping container. “One-way Conex comes from China and have been used just one time,” said Danny Dyer, owner of Affordable Conex with locations in Tuscaloosa and at 24285 Alabama 59 in Robertsdale. According to their website, Conex containers are large, durable, tractor-trailer sized boxes used to ship items, generally from overseas originating points to this country. An after-market for these 20-foot and 40-foot Conex containers has evolved over the years for these very useful, durable steel containers. “The sky’s the limit as far as the uses for Conex,” Dyer said. “You can use it for whatever you can think of, storage, storm shelters, restaurants even use the refrigerated units for food storage.” Conex can also be converted with framing build-out, air conditioning, refrigeration, electrical wiring, or whatever is required to provide the desired solution, plus they are wind and water-tight. The Robertsdale location serves Baldwin and Mobile counties in Alabama, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Florida Panhandle, Louisiana and Georgia. Local businesses that use Aff ordable Conex containers include Lambert’s Restaurant in Foley, Coastal Industrial Supply in Robertsdale, B&D Automotive in Robertsdale and Floyd’s Exhaust in Robertsdale. For pricing information contact Phillip at Aff ordable Conex, 251947-1944 or 251-424-7579. Mention this ad for $100 off.
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Danny Dyer
AFFORDABLE CONEX
24285 Hwy. 59 Robertsdale, AL Phone: (251) 947-1944 • (251) 424-7579 www.AffordableConex.com Baldwin Expertise • 17
COMMUNITY CALENDAR: Ongoing and Upcoming Events, PAGE 4
INSIDE
MARCH 28, 2018 | GulfCoastNewsToday.com |
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Team Focus honors Coach Nick Saban PAGE 14
75¢
By CRYSTAL COLE crystal@gulfcoastmedia.com
Loggerhead turtles return to lay eggs
The Orange Beach City Council heard public input to a change in the definition and allowance of vacation rentals at its most recent meeting. The Planning Commission held a public hearing and considered this application to amend the zoning ordinance to define and regulate hosted accommodations, non-hosted accommodations and vacation rentals at its regular meeting in February 2018. The Planning Commission gave the amendment a positive recommendation with a vote of
8-0. The amendment to Section 2.02 will add the definition of vacation rental to the Zoning Ordinance. The definition will mirror the definition proposed for the License Ordinance. The definition will include single-family dwellings and two-family dwellings/duplexes constructed for occupancy where the owner or authorized lessee offers hosted and non-hosted accommodations for a duration of 14 consecutive days or less and does not include accessory structures (garage, storage sheds) It would permit vacation rentals in the following zon-
SEE VACATION, PAGE
MARCH 28, 2018 | GulfCoastNewsToday.com |
SEE TOURISM, PAGE
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Fairhope canine officer retires Fairhope Canine Officer Segan retired last week after eight years of service to the city. To see photos from Officer Segan’s last day, turn to Page 2.
SFHS Band returns from Chicago The Spanish Fort High Marching Band recently returned from the Windy City. Find out why on Page 3.
By CRYSTAL COLE crystal@gulfcoastmedia.com
An arrest has been made in connection with the homicide investigation in Orange Beach. Sunday morning the OBPD interviewed Micheal Burns, a Gulf Shores resident, and arrested him in connection with the homicide. He is being charged with murder. Police chief Joe Fierro said due to the ongoing nature of the investigation and the potential
LEGALS, 24 OUT & ABOUT, 6-7 PUZZLES, 12 SPORTS, 13 TV LISTINGS, 15
for prosecution, he was unable to provide many details. “What I can tell you is Mr. Burns was acquainted with the victim, Mr. Dudley, for a period of time and I can also tell you the Orange Beach Police Department in conjunction with Foley Police Department and Gulf Shores, have been diligent in this and pursuing all leads which led to this arrest this morning,” Fierro said in a press conference Sunday afternoon. On March 22, at approxi-
mately 11 a.m., Orange Beach Police and Fire responded in reference to an unresponsive person on the ground at the North end of Cypress Street on Wolf Bay. The person was identified as a white male in his 50’s who was the victim of an apparent gunshot wound. The case was quickly classified a homicide. After notifying next of kin, the police department released the name of the deceased as Raymond Curtis Dudley, 53 years of age, and homeless. Dudley was
Gulf Coast Media
1 SECTION • 36 PAGES
BALDWIN LIVING, 8 CLASSIFIED, 31
SEE HOMICIDE, PAGE
Alabama FORcoast SALE 251-947-7373 featured in series PAGE 8 DONNA SKIPPER 22193 Hwy 59 Ste. D Robertsdale, AL 251-747-7373 Savage will speak at Tiger for Life REALTY, L.L.C.
SKIPPERREALTYLLC.COM PAGE 13
By JOHN UNDERWOOD john@gulfcoastmedia.com
MARCH 28, 2018 | GulfCoastNewsToday.com |
75¢
Lightning Aviation gives Airbus Foundation Flying Challenge students a new perspective
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DEATHS
FOLEY — Lightning Aviation, a local flight school located at the Foley Municipal Airport, joined forces with the Airbus Foundation Flying Challenge, based out of Mobile, to give students from Palmer Pillans Middle School the ride of their lives. “The commitment of everyone involved in making the Airbus Foundation Flying Challenge a meaningful expe-
BALDWIN LIVING, 8 HEALTH, 21 LEGALS, 24 OPINION, 9 OUT & ABOUT, 6-7 PUZZLES, 12 SPORTS, 13 TV LISTINGS, 15
SPORTS, 13 TV LISTINGS, 15
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Original Oyster House will award two Chelsea Garvin Spirit Scholarships The Original Oyster House will award two $1,000 Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarships to high school seniors in Baldwin County. In 2006, the Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarship was created in loving memory of Chelsea Garvin who was
JESSICA VAUGHN / STAFF PHOTO
Scholarships you must be a high school senior of Baldwin County in the 2017-2018 school year with a minimum 2.5 GPA, have participated in recent school or community art event and submit artwork that reflects the Original Oyster House in some way. Artwork medi-
a 2004 graduate of Fairhope High School, a Fish River Fire Department Rescue Diver, an Original Oyster House employee and a talented artist. Tragically, Chelsea’s life was cut short in a boating accident in 2005. To qualify for the 13th Annual Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award
Students and mentors in the Airbus Foundation Flying Challenge prepare to take a ride in an airplane thanks to the pilots at Lightning Aviation.
SEE ARTISTS, PAGE
35
ALLISON MARLOW / STAFF PHOTOS
Schools from across Baldwin County competed in the annual Special Olympics, held in Fairhope last Friday. The day kicked off with the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. Officers carried the torch for three miles from Fairhope High School to Fairhope Municipal Stadium where the games were held. See Out & About on pages 6 - 7 for more photos.
BCBE holds groundbreakings for Elberta High, Magnolia School
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SKIPPERREALTYLLC.COM
75¢
meal spending is actually funded at a deficit from the state. “Meals cost $1.13 each or $3.38 per day,” Mack said. “The state gives us $1.75 per day to feed an inmate, so we’re losing $1.63 per day.” With an average of 500 to 510 inmates per day in the Baldwin County jail facility, that amounts to an almost $815 per day loss that has to be made up. Mack said he uses a housing agreement with the federal gov-
ernment and the city of Bay Minette to help bridge the funding gap on inmate meal plans. Mack said all of the county jail’s meals are prepared by Aramark Industries — a food vendor who also provides services to several universities and hospitals across the state. Mack said the meals follow a full dietary plan approved by a dietitian, and that 21 different meal plans are currently available for inmates.
“A lot of those are governed by medical conditions and other health issues inmates might have,” Mack said. “Any deviation from our dietitian approved plan has to be signed off on by a physician.” Mack said he has never taken any money from the food account as personal income and he also makes sure he samples some of the meals himself sev-
ALLISON MARLOW / STAFF PHOTO
The State Champion Bald Cypress tree near Bayou Jessamine measures 27 feet around.
Former councilman’s lawsuit against Elberta continues
In search of the ancient
By CLIFF MCCOLLUM
By ALLISON MARLOW
cliff@gulfcoastmedia.com
allisonm@gulfcoastmedia.com
Former Elberta Councilman John Conti and Elberta town officials found themselves in Baldwin County District Court last week for a hearing involving Conti’s lawsuit against the town for reimbursement funds the former councilman said are owed to him, but no resolution came from the hearing. Conti filed a lawsuit against the town of Elberta Jan. 18 following a continued issue involving travel reimbursement for a conference Conti attended in 2015. According to the lawsuit, Conti sought the full $2,761.64 reimbursement as well as $176 in court costs and $587.41 in interest. “The defendant has wrongfully and in bad faith repeatedly failed to pay the plaintiff upon numerous requests for payment for the plaintiff’s travel expenses on official town business as a representative to the National League of Cities Conference in Washing-
We looked out over the forest floor, covered ankle deep in water and muck. The three men looked at me. We were so close. Or at least we hoped. One GPS directed our trek left. The other pointed to the right. They needed to find it before they ever attempted to bring a crowded boat of tourists out. But with the water well above a level that was comfortable for even seasoned hikers, my Nikes and I were no match for their wading boots. We would carry on only if I was comfortable with the risk. By God, I was seeing that tree. We were on a pilgrimage to the State Champion Bald Cypress tree near Bayou Jessamine. Words like big and huge are far too trivial to describe its
SEE JAIL, PAGE
2
CLIFF MCCOLLUM / STAFF PHOTO
District Judge Bill Scully hears the case involving a lawsuit brought against the town of Elberta by former Councilman John Conti (right) regarding travel reimbursements from 2015. ton D.C. in March of 2015,” the lawsuit said. “In August 2017, the State Deputy Attorney General recommended the town pay the travel expenses.” The reimbursement has continued to be an issue between Conti and the town since 2015, when Conti was still a member
of the town council. Numerous votes were taken to reimburse the money to Conti during his tenure on the council, which ended in Nov. 2016, with all of them tying 3-3 and failing. In the hearing in District Court March 23, Judge Bill Scully entertained a motion from the town
of Elberta’s attorney, Lawrence Wettermark, for a possible summary judgement of the case. Wettermark presented Scully with an exhibit that said the town council had adopted a resolution requiring council approval SEE LAWSUIT, PAGE
3
SEE ANCIENT, PAGE
More information surfaces on illegal immigrant accused of manslaughter By CLIFF MCCOLLUM cliff@gulfcoastmedia.com
addition is a 35 classroom expansion that will help accommodate movement of students to Magnolia from the overcrowded Swift School in Bon Secour.
Gulf Coast Media VOLUME 110 • ISSUE 11 1 SECTION • 36 PAGES
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LISTING & SELLING
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FOR SALE
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More information has come out regarding Jose Luis AlonsoDe Leon, a Silverhill resident and illegal immigrant accused of killing Daphne woman Amy Hawkins on the morning of March 25. Alonso-De Leon allegedly
33
Elberta FORSausage SALE 251-947-7373 Festival Saturday DONNA SKIPPER PAGE 11 22193 Hwy 59 Ste. D Robertsdale, AL 251-747-7373 Easter Events
By CLIFF MCCOLLUM
During this week’s Baldwin County Commission meeting, Sheriff Hoss Mack gave a presentation on his department’s spending for jail inmate meals, in light of recent reporting around the state of other sheriffs using inmate meal funds to supplement their own salaries. Mack said that wasn’t the case in Baldwin County, as inmate
SEE OYSTER, PAGE
GARY SKIPPER 251-947-7373
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The Baldwin Times 1 SECTION • 36 PAGES
ums can include oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, pastel, charcoal, pen and ink, colored pencil, mixed media, ceramics or Sculptural media types. The winning artwork must be ready for display, completely dry and
LISTING & SELLING
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Covering all of Baldwin County, AL every Friday. VOLUME 124 • ISSUE 35
Sheriff Mack gives presentation on jail inmate meal plan
Foley is accepting applications for vendors to participate in the Heritage Park Marketplace. Our first market days will be Friday, April 20 and April 27. The marketplace will be closed for the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival on May 5 and for Art in the Park on May 12 (for their set up in the park). Heritage Park Marketplace will resume on May 18 and 25, June 1 and
Baldwin County Special Olympics
Last week, Baldwin County Schools officials broke ground on nearly $14.5 million in school expansions. School system staff, Baldwin County Board of Education members and other elected officials were on hand at Elberta High School and Magnolia School for the groundbreaking ceremonies. Elberta High’s groundbreaking was for Phase II of construction that will help finish the project of creating a high school for Elberta. Magnolia School’s
CLASSIFIED, 31
OUT & ABOUT, 6-7 PUZZLES, 12
Call for artists and vendors
33
IN DE X
LEGALS, 24 OPINION, 9
Submitted
PAGE 19
James E. Comstock Jonathan Walker Fuller Cheris Grinnell Dewey Leon Littleton Earl J. Maddalena Sr. Delores Marie Malec David N. McVay Joan J. Olszewski Daniel Glynn Shade Alice Elaine Woodall
2
HEALTH, 21
cliff@gulfcoastmedia.com
jessica@gulfcoastmedia.com
SEE LIGHTNING, PAGE
ALLISON MARLOW / STAFF PHOTOS
MARCH 30, 2018 | GulfCoastNewsToday.com |
By JESSICA VAUGHN SILVERHILL — After a somewhat heated discussion at its March 19 meeting, the Silverhill Town Council agreed to reimburse the Silverhill Library Board for roof repairs at the historic Oscar Johnson Memorial Library. Repairs on the more than 100-year-old structure were first brought up at the council’s Feb. 5 meeting when they were tabled to decide on the cashing of a certificate of deposit owned by the library, then were tabled again at the Feb. 19 meeting after Director Shirley Stephens questioned the use of library funds for the repairs, which will cost approximately $9,300. At the Feb. 19 meeting, Stephens stated that the funds were raised through the annual Memorial Weekend car show, which started as a fundraiser for the library, along with bake sale and other fundraisers and were designated for future
2
Schools from across Baldwin County competed in the annual Special Olympics, held in Fairhope last Friday. The day kicked off with the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. Officers carried the torch for three miles from Fairhope High School to Fairhope Municipal Stadium where the games were held. See Out & About on pages 6 - 7 for more photos.
GARY SKIPPER 251-947-7373
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The Onlooker
Silverhill to reimburse library for repairs
SEE CYCLIST, PAGE
CLIFF MCCOLLUM / STAFF PHOTO
INDE X Dudley
Burns
originally from the State of Massachusetts and a registered sex offender. Fierro said he and the department were confident the crime occurred where the body was found. He also said Dudley and Burns were acquaintances who
LISTING & SELLING
Serving the greater NORTH, CENTRAL AND SOUTH BALDWIN communities VOLUME 42 • ISSUE 14
PAGE 19
James E. Comstock Jonathan Walker Fuller Cheris Grinnell Dewey Leon Littleton Earl J. Maddalena Sr. Delores Marie Malec David N. McVay Joan J. Olszewski Daniel Glynn Shade Alice Elaine Woodall
OBPD makes arrest in homicide case
OPINION, 9
2
The Eastern Shore Arts Center recently announced the winners of its annual Outdoor Art Show. Check out the winners on Pages 34-35.
DEATHS Schools from across Baldwin County competed in the annual Special Olympics, held in Fairhope last Friday. The day kicked off with the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. Officers carried the torch for three miles from Fairhope High School to Fairhope Municipal Stadium where the games were held. See Out & About on pages 6 - 7 for more photos.
CLASSIFIED, 31
SEE ROUTTEN, PAGE
At approximately 12:25 p.m. on Sunday, March 25, Alonso-De Leon Alabama State Troopers responded to the scene of a fatal crash involving a bicycle on County 13 north of AL 104. Jose Luis Alonso-De Leon, 36, of Silverhill, was traveling south on County 13 in a 2003 Dodge Ram pick-up
Baldwin County Special Olympics
ALLISON MARLOW / STAFF PHOTOS
HEALTH, 21
The Rotary Club of Fairhope recently presented the Blake Bauer Memorial Service Award to Fairhope Police Department Communications Officer Jennifer Routten. Routten works in the FPD’s dispatch center, where she proudly serves the citizens of Fairhope and helps advocate for officer safety. Her enormous sense of duty, tremendous work ethic and personality to affect positive change has earned her this year’s high honor within our department.
Eastern Shore Arts Center announces Outdoor Art Show winners
PAGE 19
BALDWIN LIVING, 8
Cyclist dies in hit and run Submitted
Herb Malone told the Gulf Shores City Council that current spring break tourism numbers are on pace to beat 2017 and a peak is expected in the next two weeks. Malone, President and CEO of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism, gave his update at the end of a recent council work session. Mayor Robert Craft also gave a report on the progress of the
The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber honored its “Best of the Best” at its Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration on Tuesday, March 13 at the Orange Beach Event Center. For winners and more info, see page 2.
INDEX
PAGE 14
By THE COURIER STAFF
By JOHN MULLEN
Best of the Best
James E. Comstock Jonathan Walker Fuller Cheris Grinnell Dewey Leon Littleton Earl J. Maddalena Sr. Delores Marie Malec David N. McVay Joan J. Olszewski Daniel Glynn Shade Alice Elaine Woodall
Team Focus honors Coach Nick Saban
GCM contributor
Baldwin County Special Olympics
DEATHS
PAGE 8
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Jennifer Routten wins Blake Bauer Memorial Service Award
Gulf Shores Council talks tourism, theater
ing districts: RM-1, RM-2, BR, MHP, NB, MR, GB, RVP, AG and prohibit vacation rentals in the following zoning districts: RS, MHS, RO, I-1, GOV Section 5.2704 will allow the legal nonconformity to stand unless: (1) Ownership of the property changes (2) Structure is substantially damaged (3) Expansion in the number of sleeping rooms or increase in the floor area of the existing sleeping rooms
Alabama coast featured in series
The Courier
INSIDE
Orange Beach discusses vacation rental change
Every year as the days get longer and the soft sand heats up along the Gulf Coast, female loggerhead sea turtles, some weighing as much as 400 pounds, pull themselves from their watery habitat onto our sandy beaches to lay their nests. For information on how you can help these creatures, jump to page 34.
HEALTH: 40th Annual Spring Fever Chase, PAGE 21
Alabama coast featured in series
The Islander
case say when Alonsohit and killed Hawkins De Leon was taken into while she was riding custody he was in posher bike along County session of a stolen pisRoad 13 in Fairhope. He tol and was drunk. fled the scene and was Baldwin County later arrested by the District Attorney Bob Fairhope Police Department on Greeno Road at Alonso-De Leon Wilters said they have found seven different the Baldwin Shopping aliases for Alonso-De Leon durCenter. ing this investigation and that Investigators assigned to the
he has been deported twice. Wilters said Alonso-De Leon is currently charged with manslaughter, leaving the scene of the accident with injury/death and felony third degree receiving stolen property, as well as an immigration hold. Bond has been set for $500,000. SEE IMMIGRANT, PAGE
BALDWIN FAST FACTS
11.7 percent of Baldwin County residents live in poverty. Source: US Census Bureau
3
Deaths Page 25 Arthur Allen Jr. Charles Luther Ewing Joan V. Hartsell William Christopher Sanders Mary Jo Palmer Schwaiger
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