Lagniappe: January 31 - February 6, 2018 by Lagniappe

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WEEKLY

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LAGNIAPPE

JANUARY 31, 2018 - FEBR UARY 6, 2018 | www.lagniappemobile.com ASHLEY TRICE Co-publisher/Editor atrice@lagniappemobile.com

ROB HOLBERT Co-publisher/Managing Editor rholbert@lagniappemobile.com GABRIEL TYNES Assistant Managing Editor gabe@lagniappemobile.com DALE LIESCH Reporter dale@lagniappemobile.com JASON JOHNSON Reporter jason@lagniappemobile.com KEVIN LEE Associate Editor/Arts Editor klee@lagniappemobile.com

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BAY BRIEFS

Baldwin County Schools’ “seclusion room” leads to lawsuit.

COMMENTARY

Talking economic development with a rare white rodent in Spanish Plaza.

BUSINESS

The Baldwin County Monthly Housing Report for the end of 2017 indicates the residential market is experiencing a shortage of existing homes and condos.

CUISINE

Andy visits the Barefoot Ball and offers a recipe for shrimp and grits.

ANDY MACDONALD Cuisine Editor fatmansqueeze@comcast.net STEPHEN CENTANNI Music Editor scentanni@lagniappemobile.com

STEPHANIE POE Copy Editor copy@lagniappemobile.com DANIEL ANDERSON Chief Photographer dan@danandersonphoto.com LAURA RASMUSSEN Art Director www.laurarasmussen.com BROOKE O’DONNELL Advertising Sales Executive brooke@lagniappemobile.com BETH WILLIAMS Advertising Sales Executive bwilliams@lagniappemobile.com

COVER

The Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council is moving closer to allocating millions of dollars in BP fines in a mostly closed-door process.

ALEEN MOMBERGER Advertising Sales Executive aleen@lagniappemobile.com DAVID GRAYSON Advertising Sales Executive david@lagniappemobile.com MELISSA EDGE Editorial Assistant events@lagniappemobile.com ROSS PRITCHARD Distribution Manager delivery@lagniappemobile.com

GARDENING

Having a lawn that is well maintained and weed free requires advance planning.

MUSIC

JACKIE CRUTHIRDS Office Manager jackie@lagniappemobile.com CONTRIBUTORS: J. Mark Bryant, Asia Frey, Brian Holbert, Randy Kennedy, John Mullen, Jeff Poor, Ron Sivak, Tom Ward, Evan Ware ON THE COVER: PETIT BOIS AND DAUPHIN ISLANDS BY SAM ST. JOHN, WWW.FLYTHECOAST. COM POSTMASTER: Send address changes to P.O. Box 3003 Mobile, AL 36652. Editorial, advertising and production offices are located at 704 Government St., Mobile, AL 36604. Mailing address is P.O. Box 3003 Mobile, AL 36652. Phone: 251.450.4466 Fax 251.450.4498. Email: ashleytoland@lagniappemobile.com or rholbert@lagniappemobile.com LAGNIAPPE is printed at Walton Press. All letters sent to Lagniappe are considered to be intended for publication. Member: Association of Alternative Newsweeklies and Alternative Weeklies Network All rights reserved. Something Extra Publishing, Inc. Nothing may be reprinted, photocopied or in any way reproduced without the expressed permission of the publishers. Individuals may take one copy of the paper free of charge from area businesses, racks or boxes. After that, papers are $3 per issue. Removal of more than one copy from these points constitutes theft. Violators are subject to prosecution.

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Drummer John Milham invited a roster of guest artists to accompany him on his debut album, “Arden’s Garden.” They’ll perform at an album release party at the Cedar Street Social Club Feb. 2.

FILM

The locally filmed smash hit “Get Out” is more than worth checking out as it returns to the big screen this week, and is also available to rent.

MEDIA

Did al.com reporter Ben Raines actually find the wreckage of the infamous Clotilda?

SPORTS

In 2017 the Mobile Sports Authority attracted, supported or hosted a total of 30 sports events, generating an estimated $17.5 million.

STYLE

NFL heavyweights descended on OGD during the Reese’s Senior Bowl weekend.

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BAYBRIEF | EDUCATION

Solitary confinement

ATTORNEY SAYS SCHOOL LOCKED STUDENT IN ‘ISOLATION CELL’ BY JASON JOHNSON

While seclusion isn’t allowed, schools are permitted to put students in timeout. The state defines an appropriate timeout as one in a “non-locking setting” that’s “free of objects that unreasonably expose a student or others to harm.” It should last no more than 45 minutes and students should be monitored “in reasonable physical proximity” the entire time. Cassady said school officials previously told him students are placed voluntarily into those rooms when they want “quiet time,” and while the door isn’t locked permanently, the staff does hold down the green locking button in situations where is a child is a danger to themselves or others. “They say [K.W.] went into this room voluntarily, and our response to that is, whatever is happening in the classroom that causes kids to want to go into an isolation cell voluntarily should not be happening,” he said. James D. Sears, an attorney focusing on special education issues who practiced in Daphne for several years, said the use of seclusion rooms is supposed to be based on the individual needs of each student. He added that some kids may do alright in that type of room for a short period of time, but it could be “the worst thing you can do” for another student. Shown photos of the room in Robertsdale Elementary, Sears expressed a number of concerns. “I do criminal work, and I’ve seen jails that are in better shape than that place. I can’t imagine, to a child, what that type of environment feels like,” he said. “It’s supposed to be comfortable for the child. There needs to be a table in there or alternative activities for them to engage in so that they can settle down from whatever it is that’s bothering them.” In response to questions about K.W.’s case, BCPS Director of Communications Terry Wilhite sent the following written statement: “As is always the case, we cannot speak to a specific case. We love and care for all students and when one is misbehaving uncontrollably due to some type of special need or challenge in his or her life, the circumstances could potentially be much worse if a system employee was left to restrain the child as opposed to putting him or her in a protective room until he or she can calm down or until the student is able to work through whatever episode he or she might be dealing with. “The question of what we can or cannot do is currently being reviewed and we welcome the review from the state and other parties. It is not our intention to unduly restrain, cause any harm — emotional, physical or otherwise — to any child in our care. These are very, very difficult circumstances and, quite frankly, this is not a new challenge but

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Photo |Courtesy Max Cassady

mother is taking legal action against the Baldwin County Public School System after her special-needs son was placed in a “timeout room” for hours that some legal experts say is in worse shape than many prison cells. Nadine Whatley claims her son, K.W., was locked in a roughly 8-foot-by-12-foot concrete room with no bathroom and no place to sit for “more than two hours” last fall after a teacher at Robertsdale Elementary separated him from his class. The room in question, which BCPS refers to as a “timeout room,” was specially designed into school construction. While placing a child in a separate room is legal in Alabama, it’s only supposed to be used in extreme situations. It’s also guided by strict policies set by the state board of education, which Whatley believes the school failed to follow. Whatley is currently seeking a due process hearing through the Alabama State Department of Education to ensure her son receives the education he’s entitled to under federal and state law and that he is never placed in that room or another like it again. “He came home and told me they put him in a room for over two hours, and that they did indeed shut the door and lock it so that he couldn’t get back out,” she said. “I asked his teacher about it, and he said it’s common and that sometimes children get so upset they have to be separated from the rest of the class and that’s an easy place for them to go, where they can’t hurt themselves or anybody else.” Whatley acknowledged her son suffers from a learning disability and behavioral issues and has problems expressing himself with words, which are some of the reasons BCPS recommended he leave his home school in Fairhope to temporarily attend the alternative school. While K.W. has had trouble in the past, Whatley said she was very angry when she heard about the room where he was placed, allegedly for hours. Attorney Max Cassady, who is representing Whatley in her matter before ALSDE, provided Lagniappe with several photos of the room K.W. was held in last fall, which show the room isn’t equipped with a chair for students to sit in or a restroom, though there is one just outside. Visible pencil markings are also visible on the walls, floor and the door of the room. There is also damage to the inside of the door that Cassady says he believes are “teeth” and “scratch” markings. A green button that reads “push to lock” can be seen just outside of the room as well. When state BOE voted to prohibit the use of seclusion in public schools in 2011, some key components of the new rule have to do with whether a child is monitored by a teacher and whether the room he or she is placed in is locked.

An unfurnished, 8-foot-by-12-foot “seclusion room” at Robertsdale Elementary School is used for students in “timeout.” rather one that school systems for decades have dealt with, for as long as there have been inclusion policies.” Whatley said she wasn’t aware of the practice, never authorized that K.W. be placed in that type of room and was “angry” when she found out he had been. She said her son has not been placed in the room again since she confronted BCPS, but said others have. However, regardless of the outcome of Whatley’s due process hearing, the independent officer assigned to conduct the hearing can’t rule in any way that would affect the school or the system as a whole, only how K.W.’s Individual Education Program is handled. Because damages are not recoverable in special education cases, it’s also not a process that could result in a monetary payout. Cassady described it as more of an administrative hearing with the goal of ensuring Whatley’s son gets the best education possible — preferably at his original school in Fairhope, which is much closer to their home. “This is simply an education case about appropriate treatment of this child, and we want the public to know that these prison cells — without a bathroom or without anywhere to sit — are being professionally designed into these schools,” Cassidy said. “There’s not a parent breathing today that we believe would think it’s appropriate for their child to be in that room.”

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BAYBRIEF | GULF SHORES

School daze

SHARP DIFFERENCES EMERGE IN GULF SHORES, BALDWIN TALKS BY JOHN MULLEN

ulf Shores School Board President Kevin Corcoran realizes it will take time to finalize a split between his board and the Baldwin County Board of Education. But he firmly believes it can be accomplished in time for Gulf Shores to open for the first time for the 2018-19 school year. “Satsuma hired a superintendent as their first employee and 43 days later opened school,” Corcoran said. The county’s desire to delay the split until the 201920 session is one of two emerging contentious issues as the sides met for the first time on Jan. 25 in Robertsdale. Another is the county’s stance they will not negotiate until Gulf Shores has hired a superintendent. Corcoran said he asked Superintendent Eddie Tyler what he saw as obstacles to opening this fall rather than in fall of 2019. “I asked Mr. Tyler to share his concerns as to why he thinks opening in 2018 was not doable or practical and maybe we can address them,” Corcoran said. “He said he was not prepared to share any of that, he was just there to listen.” A county press release issued Jan. 24 quoted state law as saying the “Superintendent must approve in writing all contracts of whatever kind entered into by the city board of education.” The press release itself led to a surprise, Corcoran said: The media showed up, something the Gulf Shores team was not expecting. “It certainly wasn’t our intention, but it was Eddie’s intention, obviously,” Corcoran said. “We did not anticipate it to be open and we expect negotiations to be candid. But

their attorney afterward said ‘boy, I don’t know how all the press got here.’ Maybe it’s because the superintendent released a press release to the press announcing the date and time and location of the meeting.” On the superintendent issue, the county’s press release cited the school separations of Satsuma and Pike Road, both of which the release contends later hired superintendents who had been involved as consultants in the negotiations. Not so, Corcoran said. “It turns out that our team lawyer, Bob Campbell, wrote the Satsuma negotiation agreement,” Corcoran said. “He said, ‘here it is. There was no superintendent in place and no superintendent signed.’ It was signed by Paul Sousa, educational consultant. Their lawyer said, ‘who went on to be superintendent of Satsuma,’ meaning Sousa. No, he did not. He was never a candidate. Dr. Joe Walters became superintendent of Satsuma.” Pike Road’s first superintendent, Dr. Suzanne Freeman, who has since retired, is serving as a consultant for Gulf Shores during the negotiation process. “Pike Road schools’ agreement was negotiated without a superintendent,” Freeman said. “Dr. Ed Richardson, who was the state superintendent at the time also, served as an education consultant for the Town of Pike Road. He and Pike Road legal counsel Doyle Fuller were the primary negotiators with Montgomery Public Schools. I was also a consultant to the Town of Pike Road, but my primary focus was on board training.” She said after an interview process involving two other candidates she was hired as superintendent in February 2014, three months after the Pike Road separation agree-

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ment was signed. Tyler was quoted in the press release as saying his team believes it would be illegal to sign an agreement without a Gulf Shores superintendent in place. “We’ve said since the beginning that we would start negotiations when they had a board and a superintendent in place,” Tyler said. “Recent news articles have suggested that they intend to move forward without a superintendent and we have told them that we have a problem with this. Our lawyers and our consultants have told us that state law says only a superintendent can execute agreements, and without one we are not comfortable moving forward.” Tyler also made a strong point in the release about not opening Gulf Shores City Schools until the 2019-20 season. The county plans to open the new Orange Beach grade 7-12 school to start that same term. “We’ve got to get our construction done and they’ve got to identify improve-

WE’VE SAID SINCE THE BEGINNING THAT WE WOULD START NEGOTIATIONS WHEN THEY HAD A BOARD AND A SUPERINTENDENT IN PLACE. RECENT NEWS ARTICLES HAVE SUGGESTED THAT THEY INTEND TO MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT A SUPERINTENDENT AND WE HAVE TOLD THEM THAT WE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS” ments they want to make before school starts in 2019,” Tyler said. “We just need to get started talking because there is so much work to be done in just a year, from interviewing and hiring personnel to dealing with financial transfers and budgets.” On Monday, Baldwin County Schools sent out an email about pre-K registration for the 2018-19 school year and included Gulf Shores Elementary as one of the zones where students are eligible for the program. Corcoran was asked if he considered the county’s stance on having a superintendent hired before negotiations could start was a delaying tactic to push the opening of Gulf Shores schools back a year. “I can’t figure out what other purpose it would serve,” Corcoran said. “It just made no sense. I’ve gotten calls from superintendents around the state today and they said ‘well that’s crazy. We did ours without a superintendent.’”

BAYBRIEF | EDUCATION

Not making the grade NINE MCPSS SCHOOLS DEEMED ‘FAILING’ BY JASON JOHNSON

he Alabama State Department of Education has identified nine “failing” schools in Mobile County based on results of a single test that was axed last year because it failed to properly align with statewide standards. Those schools joined 64 others across the state on a list released annually in conjunction with the Alabama Accountability Act, which designates any school in the bottom 6 percent of statewide reading and math scores as “failing.” It also allows students attending those schools to transfer to another, nonfailing public or private school. For the last four years, statewide scores have come from the ACT Aspire, which is administered to students in grades 3-8 and high school sophomores. However, Alabama quit using that test last year after federal education officials determined it did not properly align with what is taught in classrooms. So far, the state board of education has not selected a permanent replacement. In the interim, elementary and middle school students will take a series of assessments created by Scantron and high school students will take the ACT, a standardized test used for college admissions. Those assessments will determine next year’s “failing” schools. The Mobile County Public School System has had at least five “failing” schools on the annual list every year it’s been released. In 2016, 12 local schools were deemed to be failing. That fell to eight in 2017. This year, Theodore High School was removed from the list but ChastangFournier K-8 and Mobile County Training Middle School were added. Other MCPSS schools on the list include: B.C. Rain High School, Williamson High School and Middle Grades, Booker T. Washington Middle School, Blount High School, Scarborough Middle School, LeFlore High School and Vigor High School — all of which have been on the list at least once before and some as many as five times. Mobile County had the third-highest number of “failing” schools in the state this year, behind only Montgomery County Schools and Birmingham City Schools, which had 11 and 14, respectively. As she has before, MCPSS Superintendent Martha Peek expressed frustration with the limited definition of “failing” established in the AAA — something she’s previously called “a political designation” and an incomplete measurement of student performance. “We’re not discounting the test, and the scores were the scores that came out of that, but what we’re saying is there’s so much more that needs to be done to show a total picture of what our students are actually doing,” she said. Peek made those comments at Blount High School a day after it was named a failing school to highlight things she says state tests fail to measure. Blount has a 90 percent graduation rate and 83 percent of its students have earned a College and Career Readiness credential. To do that, Peek said students must have either benchmarked on at least one portion of the ACT, made a qualifying score on an Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exam, earned a workforce credential, been accepted into the

military or earned a dual-enrollment credit. Joining Peek at last week’s press conference was Blount Principal Jerome Woods and some of the school’s standout students. One of those was Daisy Ferrell, a 9th grader at the top of her class who secured a 25 on the ACT on her first attempt. Ferrell is in a finite group of students who’ve taken the Aspire as well as the ACT college entrance exam. While they’re created by the same company, she said, “the ACT Aspire didn’t prepare [students] for the ACT.” Instead, she credited her success on the exam to Blount and the prep classes she was able to take there. She also rejected the idea of labeling a school as “failing” based on a single test. “One of the biggest problems that kids around Mobile County have is mentality, and being told we’re a failing school because of one test report puts that upon us. It puts us down,” Ferrell said. “When I hear that my school — the school I love and that has made me into the person I am — is failing, that hurts. Because I’m not a failure, and I don’t want to be classified as one.” While Ferrell has found success, Peek acknowledged she’s been an exceptional student, adding that, like all schools, there is a “diverse” range of student performance at Blount. She said schools try to work individually with struggling students to help them catch up to their peers. Peek said the school system also makes a push to work with parents by holding regular meetings for parents and establishing an online portal where they can monitor students’ grades and current classroom lessons. MCPSS even provides classes for parents so that they can learn how to support their students in particular subject areas. “Not every parent can be at school everyday because some may have two or three jobs, but parental involvement can be as simple as making sure your child is in school every day, making sure you set the standards from home that your child is going to behave and that you share with your child the importance of education,” Peek said. “Also, make sure your child understands that when there is a measure of progress, it’s important to really focus in and do their best.” While Peek said she wouldn’t make excuses about the nine schools deemed failing this year, she said there are number of reasons “why some schools have a little bit more difficult time on tests than others.” As was pointed out in an MCPSS release, in all nine schools on this year’s failing list, 100 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Peek, who is retiring in June, expressed confidence that next year’s test scores would improve, though she noted there’s been a “concern” about using high school juniors’ scores on the ACT as the yardstick for student progress in 2018. While the test has been given to all high school juniors since 2014, average scores have been fairly low across Alabama. Even Ferrell, who did well in her first attempt, said the ACT was much more difficult than the Aspire, which determined this year’s “failing” high schools. Following a statewide trend, high schools made up the majority of this year’s list locally, which is why Peek said there has been and will be a focus on ACT prep until the exam is administered in March.

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BAYBRIEF | MOBILE

Last laugh

CONCERNED CITIZENS ASK FOR CITY TO STEP IN ON COMIC COWBOYS

BY DALE LIESCH

group of concerned citizens is hoping to hear more from the Mobile City Council on a proposal that would limit what controversial parading society The Comic Cowboys could write on signs displayed during their parade on Mardi Gras day. The Cowboys took some heat last year when their signs — akin to political cartoons — were deemed racist and offensive by many parade attendees. The controversy caused Mayor Sandy Stimpson and Councilman Joel Daves to resign from the group. Resident David Smith spoke for a number of citizens at Tuesday’s meeting. He said the citizens wanted the city to ensure the Comic Cowboys stood by its written promise to “take everyone’s feelings into consideration” during the 2018 parade. “For the 2018 Mardi Gras season, concerned citizens seek further action from the mayor, the City Council and the Mobile Carnival Association to ensure that the members of The Comic Cowboys organization adhere to their written promises made in last year’s letter,” Smith said. “The citizens of Mobile welcome satirical, even biting commentary, but should not be subjected to intentionally misogynistic or racially charged images and messages. The Mobile City Council is not powerless in this matter and can take steps to ensure a balanced compromise that upholds the First Amendment yet preserves the spirit of decency and grace that this city is known for.” Smith referenced an anti-discrimination ordinance passed by New Orleans. The ordinance has a section on private clubs, but as council

attorney Wanda Cochran pointed out, the law applies only to “public accommodations” and does not apply to private clubs. “I’m not going to tell you how important the First Amendment is,” she said. “I think you know that.” Smith told Cochran the intent was not to mimic the New Orleans law, but to use it as a guide. After the meeting, Smith told a gaggle of reporters the New Orleans ordinance helps to assuage concerns of residents over racially charged incidents. Smith said the group was looking for a little bit more sensitivity. Councilman Levon Manzie tasked Cochran with getting together with Smith and the others to possibly come up with a compromise. Smith said he was “cautiously optimistic” about the process. “I see that there’s a chance for dialogue,” Smith said. “Further dialogue would be appreciated.” In other business, the council delayed a vote on extending the one-cent sales tax increase for five years, per council rules. A council committee has already recommended the council vote to extend it through Sept. 30, 2023. The council also denied a waiver of the noise ordinance for a group asking to protest Strickland Youth Center. Councilman Fred Richardson made the motion to deny the request, stating that an amplified protest could be a disruption to juvenile court proceedings taking place over 12 days. Richardson said the group is free to protest, but would not be given a green light to use amplified sound.

BAYBRIEF | LEGISLATURE

Cities fight back

LEGISLATORS TO SEEK COMPROMISE ON NEW ONLINE TAX BILL

BY DALE LIESCH

upporters of a bill aimed at keeping big online retailers such as Amazon enrolled in a program that pays the state sales tax admit it has an unintended consequence. Sen. Trip Pittman (R-Montrose) said SB 130 was never meant to allow stores that have brick-and-mortar locations, such as Wal-Mart or Target, to enroll in the Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) program if they have online platforms. Instead, Pittman said, the bill is supposed to allow Amazon to remain enrolled in the program even if it is determined the retailer has a nexus in the state. The bill would amend a 2015 law allowing Amazon and other online-only retailers to voluntarily pay sales tax throughout the state through the SSUT. The state would receive half of the 8 percent tax, while the rest would be split among cities and counties based upon population. If a store pays sales tax in Mobile, for instance, the state would receive 4 percent of the 10 percent sales tax, the city would receive 5 percent and the county would get 1 percent. As written, city officials are concerned the SSUT amendment could allow stores with brick-and-mortar locations to opt into SSUT for website sales. If that were to happen, Executive Director of Finance Paul Wesch said the city could lose as much as $13 million to $15 million in revenue. In addition, the SSUT would give major retailers with an online presence an advantage

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over brick-and-mortar locations, Wesch said. “The people who really get hurt here are our retailers,” Wesch said, “the people out there having to bear the burden of a having a brickand-mortar presence.” At issue for the state is the potential loss of revenue from Amazon if the largest cities in Alabama can successfully argue the retailer — through its acquisition of Whole Foods — has nexus in the state. Wesch said there is a two-part test to determine whether Amazon has a nexus in the state. Whole Foods would first have to be considered an affiliate of Amazon. Wesch said the Alabama Department of Revenue considers the two companies related. Second, the two companies would have to share marketing efforts. Wesch said based upon this test he believes Amazon would be ineligible for the SSUT. SB 130 would make Amazon eligible for SSUT regardless of nexus, Pittman said. He acknowledged the bill would have an impact on the state’s largest cities, but argued that the majority of Amazon purchases in the state come from customers who live outside the limits of those cities. The Mobile City Council has discussed moving away from sales tax as the main source of revenue for the city. A council committee recommended a one-cent sales tax increase be extended for five years, but also discussed the possibility of lowering the city’s reliance on sales tax revenue.

BAYBRIEF | CONGRESS

Unnecessary ambiguity

HOUSE PASSES BILL CLARIFYING POARCH CREEK LAND BY JASON JOHNSON

fter nearly a decade of lobbying in Washington, D.C., the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI) has cleared the first legislative hurdle in an attempt to clarify the status of its federally held trust lands. As Lagniappe has previously reported, the Alabama tribe has spent millions supporting similar legislative efforts since 2009, when a decision by the United States Supreme Court thrust Indian tribes across the country, including PCI, in a legal gray area. This year, however, PCI found success with U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne’s HR 1532, which passed the House with a unanimous voice vote on Jan. 16. “HR 1532, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians Land Reaffirmation Act, is a common-sense, bipartisan bill that would provide much-needed certainty to an Indian tribe in my district,” Byrne said on the House floor. “This legislation is necessary due to the legal uncertainty caused by the Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar. This decision has unnecessarily created legal ambiguity about whether the Poarch Creek land is actually in trust or not.” The court case Byrne referenced stemmed from a legal challenge to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s authority to take land into trust for recognized Indian tribes, which was long thought to have been established in the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. Since the act passed, more than 8 million acres of land have been taken into the trust by the federal government for a number of Native American tribes, including roughly 460 acres owned by PCI, which became a feder-

ally recognized Indian tribe in 1984. However, Carcieri held that the secretary of the interior was only authorized to take lands into trust for tribes that were under federal jurisdiction by 1934. The ambiguity has been a concern for PCI because, if its lands aren’t properly held in trust, they wouldn’t be subject to the exemptions from state law that have allowed its gambling operations in Atmore, Wetumpka and Montgomery to flourish. Though PCI has historically focused on state politics, there’s been a substantial increase in its donations to candidates in federal elections in recent years. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, PCI spent just $20,000 lobbying at the federal level in 2007, but in 2008 — the year SCOTUS agreed to hear the Carcieri case — that jumped to $305,000. In the years since, PCI has continued to lobby bills that would “reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian tribes,” and Byrne, whose district includes Escambia County, has consistently supported or sponsored bills that would accomplish that. Byrne has also reported some $13,000 in direct contributions from PCI since 2015. In his remarks on the passage of HR 1532, Byrne clarified the bill would not change anything about the way PCI or the land the tribe owns are currently treated in Alabama. Instead, he said, the goal of the bill was to provide “legal certainty” and “help prevent future challenges regarding the status of the tribe’s land.” Byrne was referring to a number of lawsuits that have

been filed against PCI, mostly unsuccessfully, since the status of its trust lands was called into question by the Carcieri ruling in 2009. Two of those involved the State of Alabama, which saw its assertion that PCI’s lands are not properly held in trust thrown out by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals on two occasions. More recently, the Alabama Supreme Court considered the issue in a lawsuit filed by a man who claimed he was denied a $1.4 million jackpot while playing electronic bingo at a PCI facility in Montgomery. When the man filed suit, PCI claimed it had sovereign immunity from state law because of its status as a federally recognized indian tribe, but based on

THIS LEGISLATION IS NECESSARY DUE TO THE LEGAL UNCERTAINTY CAUSED BY THE SUPREME COURT DECISION IN CARCIERI V. SALAZAR. THIS DECISION HAS UNNECESSARILY CREATED LEGAL AMBIGUITY ABOUT WHETHER THE POARCH CREEK LAND IS ACTUALLY IN TRUST OR NOT.” the issues raised in the Carcieri ruling, the plaintiff argued the tribe did not. Two lower court ruled in favor of PCI, and while a majority of the Supreme Court upheld held those decisions, they did so because if they were to rule in the plaintiff’s favor based on the assertion that the casio land was not properly held in trust, they would be unable to help him recover the winnings because they would effectively be deeming them illegal gambling proceeds. While Byrne’s bill has cleared the House, it still needs a companion bill in the Senate and to be signed into law by President Donald Trump. Representatives from PCI met with Sen. Doug Jones (D-Alabama) about the matter last week, but Jones has yet to announce a formal position. Lagniappe has reached out to PCI on numerous occasions seeking comment on the recent challenges to the status of its federal tribal lands and its lobbying efforts in Washington but has yet to receive a response.

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BAYBRIEF | MOBILE

Flying high PROSECUTORS CELEBRATE LATE U.S. ATTORNEY BILLY KIMBROUGH BY JASON JOHNSON

Photo | Gulf State Park

Kay Kimbrough, wife of former U.S. Attorney Billy Kimbrough (inset), receives a flag flown over the U.S. Department of Justice in Kimbrough’s memory from current U.S. Attorney Richard Moore last week.

olded and framed, a United States flag flown over the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building in Washington, D.C., was presented to the family of former U.S. Attorney William “Billy” Kimbrough last month. Kimbrough passed away in March 2017 after a long illness, but was celebrated during an event Jan. 19 in Mobile organized by current U.S. Attorney Richard Moore’s office. It was attended be a number of former and current federal prosecutors and judges who worked with or for Kimbrough during his time at the Southern District of Alabama.

Outside of a long career in the private sector, Kimbrough — a Selma native and longtime resident of Mobile — served as an assistant U.S. Attorney in John F. Kennedy’s administration before being appointed to lead the Mobile office by President Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981. According to Mobile Bar Association president David Michael Huggins, Kimbrough was an “inclusive individual” who was “always looking out for the underdog” as a federal prosecutor and private attorney with the Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough, Howell, Huggins and

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Bradley firm. As a member the Alabama Democratic Executive Committee in 1966, Kimbrough cast the deciding vote allowing African-Americans to become members of the party. He also hired the Mobile office’s first black and female assistant U.S. Attorneys when he made Thomas Figures and Ginny Granade part of his staff during his four-year tenure. Granade went on to become a federal judge in the Southern District — a position she still holds today. At the ceremony, Granade recalled working under Kimbrough — a man she said could go from being “mad as a hornet” to being “sweet as pie” in an instant. She also expressed gratitude for Kimbrough giving her her start in a time when women weren’t as welcome in Southern law firms. “I must have knocked on the door of every law firm in Mobile, and was told, point blank by one lawyer in a bluestocking firm, ‘you will not find a job in a law firm in Mobile because you’re a woman,’” Granade said. “I thoroughly enjoyed working for Billy. He was just wonderful to me and I do thank him for sending my career in the right direction.” Others, including former assistant U.S. Attorney E.T. Rolison, remembered Kimbrough for the changes he made at the local office during his brief time at the helm. Rolison, who worked in the office for decades, said Kimbrough changed a practice of reconstituting the staff after a new appointment. He and Granade said Kimbrough pushed the office to take on more complicated cases, such as those involving political corruption, banking fraud and large drug operations. He also said Kimbrough was willing to do what was right no matter who it involved. “This is what I take from my time with him: He had to prosecute his friends, and he did it,” Rolison said. “He didn’t always like it, by he did it because that was his job, and he did it with honor.” While the ceremony was partially a celebration of Kimbrough’s life and career, it was highlighted by the presentation of the U.S. flag to his wife of 58 years, Kay Kimbrough. She attended the ceremony with their children and a few other family members. On occasion, the Department of Justice will fly a flag over its headquarters in Washington, D.C., for late officials and prosecutors. The flag presented to Kimbrough’s family was flown above the facility on Nov. 28, 2017, at the request of Moore’s office. Speaking with Lagniappe, Moore — appointed by a Republican president — said doing so was an honor and way to look beyond the partisanship of current politics while honoring a man who was well respected in the Mobile area for many years.

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COMMENTARY | DAMN THE TORPEDOES

Big decisions ahead for BP money ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR/RHOLBERT@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

THE DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL SEEMS LIKE A LIFETIME AGO. MOST OF US WERE NOT SO CLOSELY TIED TO THE GULF THAT IT LEFT SCARS ON OUR WAY OF LIFE OR FINANCIAL WELL-BEING.

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waterways each year, while also restoring the Three Mile Creek Watershed, improving access to Baldwin’s beaches and helping improve the local economy with a new port facility? I’d imagine they can all sleep at night with that kind of mix. We’re not all going to agree on every project, but the money needs to be spent wisely on things that will have meaning for years. There is a tremendous amount of cash to spend, and even more has come and is coming from other parts of the settlement. At the end of the day my guess is that roads, port facilities and sewage treatment facilities won’t be looked at by the public in the same way as making improvements to Three Mile Creek or finding a way to get the USA Foundation to sell the city their old golf course at Brookley so it can be turned into an amazing bayside park. I would encourage the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council, as it makes final decisions, to err on the side of funding projects that would never find money otherwise. Roads, bridges, port improvements and even sewage treatment facilities are all part of regular government function, even if in Alabama that means they’re starved for money. Yes, I get that such projects were all baked into the final agreements with BP, but many of those will happen eventually regardless of whether they’re paid for with oil money. Hopefully the council will look more toward those truly meaningful projects that would never see the light of day without this money that washed up on our beaches. Look more to securing a healthy, accessible environment for our future even if those spinner rims sure would look nice on the family jalopy.

THEGADFLY

Texas tea. Free money, baby! Suddenly every wild idea had a funding solution — BP money! Even as councils were put together to start trying to sort through the requests and figure out if and when the cash would get here, they were barraged by big ideas in need of dollars. We needed soccer complexes, new highways, sewer systems, spinner rims, sweaters for turtles and 3-carat diamond pinky rings. But now there’s light at the end of the tunnel. The money is here and the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council has made public “bucket” lists one and three of what we might buy with this blood money. These projects run the gamut from hardcore infrastructure and economic development to total environmental protection. Now the council has to finalize what projects are worth pulling out of the buckets and making reality. That’s right where the real arguing can begin, because it’s doubtful the majority of us are going to be completely happy with every item deemed worthy of this blood money. To say the system devised for the distribution of BP dollars is dense and confusing would be an understatement, along the lines of saying the rules for determining a catch in the NFL can sometimes seem arbitrary. Knowing a few things going in is important when you look at the list of projects being considered. I’m sure a lot of people feel this was an environmental disaster and that, therefore, approved projects should primarily focus on protecting our coastal resources and helping us experience them in ways our children’s children will still be able to enjoy (as long as their robot overlords allow it). Still, we all have to recognize the spill was also an economic event that hurt people financially and de-

stroyed livelihoods, so projects that enhance tourism or help restore our seafood industry are part of the equation. And those types of projects fill these buckets as well. But a quick perusal will also reveal a number of projects — very expensive projects — one could argue have little to do with either the environment or mitigating the economic damages directly caused by the spill. There are massive road projects in Baldwin County estimated to take more than 140 million BP bucks, including expansion of the Foley Beach Express all the way north to Interstate 65. A roll-on/roll-off facility at the Port of Mobile carries a $28 million price tag and would no doubt be helpful in any efforts to bring auto manufacturing to our neck of the woods, but some might give it the ol’ gimlet eye for being an improvement to the state-owned port facility that rightly should be paid for as part of the regular operation of the docks. In each of those latter two cases, though, proponents can point to the spending outlines set up for this process and make reasonable arguments that they indeed fit neatly into their bucket. The only conclusion I’ve reached about these projects right now is we’re going to get a mixed bag, and the legislation that got the settlement in the first place pretty much ensured that. Gov. Kay Ivey has appointed former Congressman Jo Bonner to chair the committee, and I do have faith he and the other nine members want to be proud of what they accomplish. Will they be able to look back and say they did the right thing if they funded projects that severely reduced the millions of gallons of sewage flowing into our

Cartoon/Laura Rasmussen

he Deepwater Horizon oil spill seems like a lifetime ago. Most of us were not so closely tied to the Gulf that it left scars on our way of life or financial well-being. Yes, lives were changed by the disaster, but for 90plus percent of us the most lingering stress caused by the spill has been in waiting for all that sweet, sweet BP money to roll in. The oil giant agreed to pay billions in fines and reparations to not only make us whole, but to make us even better than we were before that tragic day when the world’s most infamous oil rig exploded, killing 11 and dumping 210 million gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico. That was just about eight years ago. Since then some money has rolled in, but the biggest chunks are just now making it into the bank, which means crucial decisions on how that money will be spent must move from the wish list to reality. Once the monstrous settlement figures became public, it was only natural that political leaders across the five Gulf states would completely lose their minds. While no one would ever admit it, I’m certain more than a few political leaders look at that spill like Jed Clampett did that day he went out shootin’ at some food and up through the ground come a bubblin’ crude. Oil that is. Black gold.

SQUIRRELS GONE WILD AT SPANISH PLAZA FOR MARDI GRAS.

COMMENTARY | THE HIDDEN AGENDA

Laissez les bon temps Goulet! ASHLEY TRICE/EDITOR/ASHLEYTOLAND@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

ventured around the streets of downtown Mobile shortly after the Conde Cavaliers paraded down route A last Friday night. It was a bit cloudy as rain was approaching the area, but the moonlight peeked through just long enough to shine a light on the park dedicated to our sister city in Malaga, Spain. I wondered if I would see him, as few had. I just wanted one glimpse. He had managed to outwit cats and cars and hungry hawks to become the park’s most famous resident — the rare, solid white squirrel of Spanish Plaza. As I gazed up into the trees, I heard a high squeaky voice call out to me from the bottom of a heritage oak. The voice sounded sort of Spanish, sort of Southern, like Antonio Banderas had eaten a redneck dolphin. Or vice versa. “Is it me you’re looking for, señora?” the white squirrel asked me. I jumped, not expecting a squirrel to speak to me. Because, well, squirrels don’t talk. But this a very, very rare squirrel so it probably makes sense that he does. “Yes,” I said. “Once I heard about you, I just had to see you with my own two eyes.” “Well, what do you think?” his Spanish accent fading in and out. “Do you think I look ‘loco” or, how do they say ‘handsome’ in español?” “Guapo?” I asked. “Yes, guapo. So you think I’m really muy guapo, huh?” He seemed a little on the pervy side. But I guess it is to be expected, as he does hang out in parks all the time. “Um, I would say more cool than guapo, but sort of terrifying too. No offense,” I said. “Gracias. None taken at all. Terrifying is actually one of the looks I’m going for. Keeps me from being that cat’s breakfast,” he said, as he snarled at the stray cat sitting by the Mobile Chamber of Commerce, just across the street. “Say, are you actually Spanish? Your accent kind of sounds Southern at times too?” “Oh yeah, I’m a 100 percent redneck Alabama squirrel. But since I am living in Spanish Plaza now and people think I’m ‘so mysterious,’ I thought I’d give you my best Pepe Le Pew. You know what they say, when in Rome …” “Yeah, I’m pretty sure Pepe was French but I hear ya. How many Euro-sounding talking rodents can there be?“ I asked rhetorically. “See, you get me. Although I don’t think skunks are actually rodents. But anyway, it doesn’t matter. Why did you feel the need to find me? And what can I do for you?” I had only wanted to see the creature. I certainly never dreamed he could communicate with me. But now that I knew he could, I was intrigued. I am sure he has viewed our city from an interesting vantage point — from a point, in fact, that no Mobilian could have possibly experienced. Well, except for perhaps an arborist. But in any case, he would have a very unique perspective. “Well, what do you think of Mobile?” I asked. “Oh girl, Mobile is heaven for a squirrel. Two words: OAK TREES. They are kind of our thing, you know. Mobile’s got plenty of them. I mean, it’s no Savannah or Charleston but Mobile’s not bad. ” “Savannah and Charleston are lovely,” I said as I threw up a little in my mouth. “They really are,” he said. “I really need to go for a visit and see my cousins.” “Well, enough about them,” I said. “You live close to Government Plaza. What do you think

of our current mayor — you think he’s doing a good job?” “Whoa, whoa, whoa, honey. Don’t put words in my little, nut-guzzling mouth. I assume you are talking about Sandy STUMPson?” he said snarkily. “Yes, Mayor Stimpson,” I said. “Ol’ Stumpson is not popular among the squirrel community. I mean, how many trees has he cut down since he’s been in office?” he snapped. “Well, I mean I’m sure he would say there were economic development or other legitimate reasons for taking those trees….” “SILENCE!” he interrupted me, suddenly sounding more shark than dolphin. “There is NEVER a ‘legitimate’ reason to remove a tree,” he said making air quotes with his tiny claws. “Not for hotels, not for presidents, not for grocery stores, not even airline assembly plants!” “I can see where you would feel that way,” I said. “But speaking of airline assembly lines, did you see where Bombardier got a favorable ruling from the ITC last week?” “Of course I did. I follow all of the work of the International Trade Commission,” the squirrel said. “They ruled Boeing was not injured by Bombardier importing their C Series jets from Canada. Which really didn’t affect Bombardier’s partnership with Airbus and us, but now they are ready to move full speed ahead on it and that could lead to a second assembly line right here in Mobtown! Woot! Woot!” he said. “You seem awfully excited about this economic development news?” I asked. “What? I can’t be excited for my city because I’m a squirrel? Seems like a clear case of rodentism to me,” he said, eyeing me warily, “I am no rodentist!” I said. “I had a pet squirrel growing up, for heaven’s sake.” “Yeah, yeah, yeah, that’s what they all say,” the squirrel said. “Anyway, it doesn’t matter. We have it much better than the rats. Everyone hates them. Kind of like everyone in Mobile hates Boeing. Are they the world’s biggest manufacturers of butt hurt or what?” he said. “I know, right? Did you see their statement on this? ‘We are disappointed that the International Trade Commission did not recognize the harm that Boeing has suffered.’ Has suffered? Are you kidding me? Poor wittle bitty baby Boeing. I guess they’ll only make a hundred billion instead of a million billion this year. My heart just aches for them.” “Yeah, they’re the devil,” the very, pro-freetrade squirrel said. We both took a moment in Spanish Plaza to imagine lovely French and Canadian jets being made in our fair burg. I smiled. And he ate an acorn. “Hey Ashley, do you think if I were a squirrel in a tree in a park in Seattle and you were a columnist at a paper in Seattle we would hate Airbus as much as we hate Boeing?” “Yeah, probably,” I said. “But we’re not! So screw Boeing and bring on our beautiful French jets.” “Oui, oui,” he said. “Wow, you speak French too?” I asked. “Un peu,” he said. “Well forget Boeing. It’s Mardi Gras! Laissez les bon temps rouler, little friend,” I said. He looked at me strangely. His French was a bit more limited, I guess. After a moment, he said, “I love Robert Goulet too. God rest his soul.” “Wait, that’s not what ... oh never mind… God rest his soul indeed.”

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COMMENTARY | THE BELTWAY BEAT

No to a blind-faith gas tax increase BY JEFF POOR/COLUMNIST/JEFFREYPOOR@GMAIL.COM

emember this? “When I see the crumbling roads and bridges, or the dilapidated airports or the factories moving overseas to Mexico, or to other countries for that matter, I know these problems can all be fixed, but not by Hillary Clinton — only by me.” That was one of the pledges Donald Trump made during the 2016 presidential campaign, promising to fix the nation’s infrastructure. In his first 100 days, Trump planned to somehow achieve this with bipartisan support. As has been the case for most of his agenda, Trump likely did not foresee this level of congressional resistance, not just from the loyal Democratic Party opposition but fellow Republicans as well. The result is that the country heard little about this infrastructure fix for the entire first year of Trump’s presidency … that is, until this month. Last week, a memo leaked to Axios’ Jonathan Swan showing “funding principles” for this infrastructure plan. According to that memo, $200 billion in federal funding will be used as an “incentive” to encourage the other $800 billion in financing from state and local governments and private sources. While that is indeed a $1 trillion plan, it is not quite the federal boondoggle conservatives

ALABAMA VOTERS ARE NOT AS WOOED BY THE TRUMP CULT OF PERSONALITY AS WE IN THE MEDIA CLAIM THEY ARE. feared — a blank check given as a handout and steered to nefarious pork-barrel projects all around the fruited plain. Although this Trump plan is in the preliminary “leaked” stage, there is already a push underway for the state Legislature to raise the gas tax to pay for it, in part. Over the weekend, Alabama Daily News publisher Todd Stacy laid out why such an increase could be a problem for Alabama. In his column, published in the Montgomery Advertiser, Stacy noted that the state Legislature has been reluctant to raise the gas tax. He offered State Rep. Bill Poole’s (R-Tuscaloosa) failed 2017 effort as evidence. With no chance of it being taken up in this election-year session and the high number of retirements in both chambers of the state Legislature, the future of a gas tax increase becomes even more problematic. In the 2019 legislative session, freshman members will be reluctant for one of their votes to be for a tax increase. Stacy’s solution: rely on Trump. “That means whether they get to it this year or next, Republican legislators in places like Alabama will have the mother of all covers to explain voting to increase the gas tax: President Trump told me to,” he wrote. Here is the problem: We have overplayed

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the Trump card (no pun intended). Sure, voters in Alabama went hard for Trump in the 2016 GOP presidential primary and presidential election, but since then he has gone 0 for 2 in 2017 — with Luther Strange and Roy Moore. Alabama voters are not as wooed by the Trump cult of personality as we in the media claim they are. Certainly they like him, but they are not going to support a gas tax because Donald J. Trump told them to. So how can this gas tax work? Start offering specifics. Where is the status quo insufficient? One that comes up in every candidate forum or town hall meeting is a new Interstate 10 Mobile Bay crossing. Every 50 years or so, the area outgrows the most recently built crossing, and that prompts a discussion about another new and improved one. It started with the first Cochrane Bridge to replace the high-priced ferries. Then came the Bankhead Tunnel, the Wallace Tunnel and finally the new Cochrane-Africatown USA Bridge. How long will this latest solution last, and does that mean high gasoline taxes in addition to a toll? A satisfactory response to that will satisfy southwest Alabama voters. That being said, gas tax/infrastructure proponents still have to make the case to the rest the state. Some of the other projects would likely include Montgomery’s Outer Loop, Birmingham’s Northern Beltline, I-20/59 crossings in Tuscaloosa and improvements to I-565 coming into Huntsville from the west where a $1.6 billion Toyota-Mazda facility will be built. The rural areas of Alabama will present the most opposition to these proposals — places where the dollars are not as readily available as they are in the bigger cities. Nine cents on the gallon is still nine cents on the gallon, be it Fairhope or Chatom. Former Alabama Gov. “Big” Jim Folsom changed the culture of the state with his farmto-market road program. Before that, most of inland Alabama was cut off from the world. Obviously, things have changed since then. However, to make a case for a gas tax to those hard-to-reach rural voters, offer the vision for a new version of the farm-to-market road system. Huntsville and Mobile have been making strides in the realms of economic development. With each of these announcements, other areas in the state have asked, what about us? The reason Huntsville and Mobile have succeeded is that they are accessible, be it by road, rail or sea. These impoverished areas in west Alabama — one of the things they have in common is they are cut off from the interstate highway system. There might be a four-lane road in a part of the county, but they are an hour away from the interstate and it makes their location cost prohibitive for economic growth. In places where 9 cents on the gallon would hit the consumers the hardest, the question might be, “What’s wrong with the Mobile Bayway we got? I mean the Bayway we got drives pretty good, don’t it?” When the time comes to make a case for the gas tax, or any other taxation means to match funding from the federal government, go beyond just saying “Trump is for it” and have a plan to show what people are getting in return.

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BUSINESS | THE REAL DEAL

Baldwin report indicates existing home shortage BY RON SIVAK/COLUMNIST/BUSINESS@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

he Baldwin County Monthly Housing Report for the end of 2017, recently released by the Baldwin County Realtors Association (BCAR), gives the most recent update on residential real estate trends in the area. According to the report, that residential market is experiencing a shortage of existing homes and condos, an increase in selling prices and a decrease in the average number of days a home is on the market. Although the number of existing properties decreased last year by 50 homes from the year prior (2016) and condos have decreased by about 15, new home sales have increased by 70 from last year, according to BCAR’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS) report. Additionally, the number of total properties sold in December 2017 decreased by 8 percent, to 521 from the previous year’s high of 567. Average selling price was $288,761, an increase of 32 percent from the 2016 price of $218,520. Average days a property was on the market decreased by 39 percent to 98, from 2016’s average of 161. The number of new construction units on the market in December 2017 increased to 649 from the previous December’s 189. Active inventory in December 2017 was 3,067 total residential units, and a total sales volume of $150,444,959. Finally, in each category, the average days on the market from 2016 to 2017 decreased — from 150 to 90 for existing residential properties, from 166 to 87 for condos and from 181 to 128 for new construction. BCAR is a professional trade group with a membership of 1,900 in the Baldwin County region. BCAR supports members through professional education, peer networking and MLS services.

Commercial real estate moves

• According to White-Spunner Realty, the Brewer Center, a planned mixed-use development with outparcels available for retail and restaurant use, is currently under development near the corner of Schillinger Road and Hitt Road in West Mobile. Currently the site has six outparcels, covering roughly one acre each, available for development ranging in cost from around $77,000 to $88,000 per year to lease. Another section encompasses around 7 acres, available for an annual lease price of $130,000. Altogether the seven outparcels cover 557,568 square feet of building area available for use. The site, including housing, measures around 37 acres according to plans. Area retailers near the site include Kohl’s, Super Target, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, AMC Theatres, Lowe’s, Academy Sports and Outdoors, Hobby Lobby and Rouses Market. The development is also located within one mile of Mobile Regional Airport. • According to Vallas Realty Inc., Delaney Property Group LLC recently closed on two acres at Rangeline Crossing in Tillmans Corner. Delaney plans to develop more than 12,000 square feet of retail space for lease. Current leases have been executed with Spark Wireless, a TMobile dealer and a Sherwin-Williams Home Décor Center. Coumanis Allen will be the general contractor for the project, set to be delivered in June. Rangeline Crossing is an 80-acre mixed-use development that will be home to the new 60,000-square-foot Veterans Administration facility currently undergoing construction at the development. • The current location of Penelope’s Closet, located at 63 N. Florida St., has been purchased by a local investor for $185,000, according to Adam Metcalfe of Metcalfe and Co. Inc., which handled the transaction.

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Penelope’s Closet will be relocating to a recently purchased 9,000-square-foot building at 2907 Old Shell Road. Metcalfe represented Penelope’s Closet and Mike McAleer with The McAleer Tunstall Co. worked for the seller. • Tellus Partners and Varden Capital Properties recently acquired the 147-unit, 6,000-square-foot residential site Tower on Ryan Park for $7.5 million, located at 758 St. Michael St. in Mobile. Jim Adams and Craig Hey with Chicago-based Cushman & Wakefield Advisory Group worked for the seller, Tower on Ryan Park LLC. • Julie Martin of Port City Realty and Gallery 450 in downtown Mobile recently reported that their office will be moving to the corner of Jackson and St. Michael streets after Mardi Gras. “We have been looking at what we have done over the past 3.5 years and we have been discussing how we can do better,” Martin said. “We will moving to this location after Mardi Gras. For the first time, ArtWalk will have galleries open on Conti, Dauphin, St. Michael and St. Louis streets. We will also still coordinate popup markets, fundraisers and community events.” Grand opening at the new location is scheduled to coincide with the March 9 Artwalk. • As initially reported in Lagniappe’s cuisine column, Lit Cigar Lounge is expected to inhabit roughly 2,600 square feet of space formerly occupied by Dahlia’s Electric Piano Bar, located at 258 Dauphin St. in downtown Mobile’s entertainment district. Plans were solidified after approval by the Mobile City Planning Commission.

United Way of SW Alabama to offer charitable tax services

The United Way of Southwest Alabama has announced the rollout again this year of its South Alabama Free E-File (SAFE) Coalition to for eligible taxpayers to receive free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, according to a news release. The sites are staffed by volunteers, trained and certified by the IRS, who will work with individuals to determine if they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other refundable tax credits. Volunteers at VITA sites prepare and electronically file tax returns at no cost for those with a 2017 household income of $54,000 or less. Taxpayers age 60 and over are also eligible for free tax preparation through the TCE program. This tax season, it is estimated that approximately 26 million working families and individuals will claim the EITC. The refund can make up as much as 30 percent of annual income. “We want to get the word out to those who are eligible to file a tax return even if they don’t owe any taxes to claim the EITC and other tax credits,” VITA Program Director Brad Martin said. Those with 2017 household income of $66,000 or less are eligible to file their own federal and state tax returns for free using UWSWSA’s software, which is accessible through the program. For more information, visit their website.

CUISINE THE DISH

Barefoot Ball is OGD’s purple, green and solid gold BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | FATMANSQUEEZE@COMCAST.NET

Photos | Wikipedia Commons/Stockphoto

Shrimp can be mixed with grits, as was the case at the OGD Barefoot Ball, or the shrimp can be cooked with a lot of vegetables in a thin “gravy” as a topping for the grits.

he kettle was whistling like a theremin in the opening parade hits the streets. I was consulted prior to the party as to sequence of some science fiction show, ready for my where the cake should be purchased and was given the choice morning pour-over that would hopefully shake off between two places west of here. My suggestion was to walk the the haze of last night’s Barefoot Ball at a house on 50 yards to Cream & Sugar and pick up the one they carry from Washington Square. There are enough clues in that Sucre out of New Orleans. This example was fine as frog’s hair. long-winded sentence that any Mobilian reading it There was another version from Atlanta Bread Co. that should could determine this story is about Mardi Gras. not be excluded. Prepared or not, our claim to Carnival For me, King Cakes are all about the fame is here and I’ve already caught two cream cheese with strawberry filling or the shoulders’ worth of beads, one football, amaretto, my longtime favorite being from oatmeal cream pies and a small case of the the Lighthouse Bakery on Dauphin Island. sniffles. But the one parade I have attended The other day my son Lucas coerced me couldn’t come close to the house party I into purchasing a praline version from WE LOVE ANY EXCUSE was invited to last weekend known as the Greer’s. This was shipped in from CartozBarefoot Ball. Leaving shoes at the door, zo’s Bakery out of Kenner, Louisiana, and TO EAT KING CAKE (FOR revelers entered the abode in tails, gowns, is 32 ounces of joy. It’s a departure from costumes, suits and cocktail dresses all for the King Cake norm but a great suggestion THOSE WHO DON’T the sake of drinking, dancing and eating when you wish to break the monotony of KNOW, IT’S REALLY MORE the usual choices. our way through a few hours. This was definitely a Port City gatherIn a chafing dish on the kitchen island BREAD THAN CAKE) AFing. I was ecstatic to get the invitation, and a fair amount of shrimp and grits had my can say although I knew at least a dozen name on them. This is the dish that duped TER THE FIRST PARADE people there, I spent most of my time with this generation. Born in the kitchens of the HITS THE STREETS. new faces either on the porch, where the poor, shrimp and grits were the cheapest fresh air met the rain, or in, you guessed it, way to feed any family with a net and a the kitchen where the food was. Of course nickel’s worth of hominy. Now shrimp and the dining room was turned into a makegrits are usually one of the most expensive shift dance floor complete with lights and a DJ. The kitchen was dishes in the fanciest of Southern restaurants. definitely my place. Of the many ways to do shrimp and grits, I break it down into King Cake, you ask? Of course there was King Cake, two two categories. There can be shrimp mixed in with the grits, as kinds, actually. We love any excuse to eat King Cake (for those was the case at the Barefoot Ball, or the shrimp can be cooked who don’t know, it’s really more bread than cake) after the first with a lot of vegetables in a thin “gravy” as a topping for the

grits. Both have their place. Either way, you can fetch $20-$30 per plate for a half dozen shrimp and some trinity. At this party I loved the pig in a poke tray. Cocktail wieners were wrapped in phyllo dough with an egg wash inside and out and baked to fluffiness but the kicker was the sauce. A side of some sort of reduction that had a tinge of barbecue flavor (maybe from mustard and brown sugar) elevated the pigs from their lowly spot on the social scale to a much classier status. One of the highlights of the Barefoot Ball was the tray of sliced apple canapés. Slivers of Granny Smith apples were topped with Gouda and a perfect slice of bacon for an easy treat that combines the healthy with the unhealthy. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. A piece of bacon a day keeps you wanting to see another tomorrow. The cheese gives you calcium.

Grits for any occasion Here’s a surefire grits recipe complete with cheese. It’s made with finer-ground quick grits as opposed to the speckled stone ground and can be done in about five minutes. This recipe will use havarti cheese but smoked Gouda works well, too. I love the cheese grits under shrimp, but some of you may want the grits plain in that scenario. Grits for shrimp need to be creamy, though. 1 cup of quick grits 4 cups of water 1 cup of whole milk 4 tablespoons butter 8 ounces of sliced havarti cheese salt ground pepper In a heavy pot with a decent lid, bring the salted water to a boil. Add the quick grits and stir with a whisk. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Stir often, about every 45 seconds or so. This releases the starch and the grits become very sticky. At the five-minute mark, whisk in the milk (I sometimes use heavy cream depending on my mood) and continue to stir. This loosens the grits considerably but adds that creamy factor and makes room for the cheese. Add butter and stir until melted. Follow this with the havarti slices and fresh ground black pepper to taste. These are my breakfast grits and always welcome peppers, onions, garlic and sausage. Throw a few shrimp in that mix and you’re in business. With or without shrimp, grits will be a part of any Oakleigh Garden District party. For any of you in town for Mardi Gras, do your best to weasel your way into an OGD celebration and hang out near the kitchen. Always expect King Cake, grits, some kind of pork, charcuterie, Jell-O shots and a signature cocktail. If you can handle that, then you are welcome to party with us Mobile style! J a n u a r y 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 - Fe b r u a r y 6 , 2 0 1 8 | L AG N I A P P E | 17

DUNKIN DONUTS ($)

DONUTS, COFFEE & SANDWICHES 1976 Michigan Ave. • 442-4846 3876 Airport Blvd. • 219-7369 505 Schillinger Rd. S. • 442-4845 29160 US Hwy 98 • 621-2228 $10/PERSON • $$ 10-25/PERSON • $$$ OVER 25/PERSON

COMPLETELY COMFORTABLE ALL SPORTS BAR & GRILL ($) 3408 Pleasant Valley Rd. • 345-9338

AL’S HOTDOGS ($)

MIKO’S ITALIAN ICE ($)

HOTDOGS SANDWICHES & COOL TREATS 3371 Dauphin Island Pkwy • 300–4015

MOMMA GOLDBERG’S DELI ($)

E WING HOUSE ($)

195 S University Blvd. Suite H • 662-1829

SANDWICHES & MOMMA’S LOVE 3696 Airport Blvd. • 344-9500 5602 Old Shell Rd. • 287-6556

EUGENE’S MONKEY BAR ($)

MONTEGO’S ($-$$)

15 N Conception St. • 433-2299

FATHOMS LOUNGE

SMALL PLATES AND CREATIVE COCKTAILS 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000

FRESH CARIBBEAN-STYLE FOOD & CRAFT BEER 6601 Airport Blvd. • 634-3445 225 Dauphin St. • 375-1576

MOON PIE GENERAL STORE ($)

CLASSIC HOTDOGS, GYROS & MILKSHAKES 4701 Airport Blvd. • 342-3243

FLOUR GIRLS BAKERY ($)

107 St Francis St #115 • RSA Bank Trust Building

ATLANTA BREAD COMPANY ($-$$)

FIREHOUSE SUBS ($)

MUFFINS, COFFEE & WRAPS 105 Dauphin St. • 433-9855

SANDWICHES, SALADS & MORE. 3680 Dauphin St. • 380-0444

BAKE MY DAY ($)

OLD-FASHIONED SOUTHERN BAKE SHOP 156 N. McGregor Ave. • 219-7261

BOB’S DINER ($)

GOOD OLD AMERICAN COOKING 263 St. Francis St. • 405-1497

BRICK & SPOON ($)

3662 Airport Blvd. Suite A • 525-9177

BUCK’S DINER ($)

CLASSIC AMERICAN DINER 58 N. Secion St. Fairhope • 928-8521

CAFE 219 ($)

SALADS, SANDWICHES & POTATO SALAD 219 Conti St. • 438-5234

CAMELLIA CAFÉ ($-$$$)

CONTEMPORARY SOUTHERN FARE 61 Section St. • Fairhope • 928-4321

809 Hillcrest Rd. • 634-2285

HOT SUBS, COLD SALADS & CATERING 6300 Grelot Rd. • 631-3730

FIVE GUYS BURGERS & FRIES ($) BURGERS, MILKSHAKES & FRIES 4401 Old Shell Rd. • 447-2394 4663 Airport Blvd. • 300-8425 5319 Hwy 90 • 661-0071 1225 Satchel Page Dr.• 378-8768

FOOSACKLY’S ($)

FAMOUS CHICKEN FINGERS 29181 US Hwy 98 • Daphne • 375-1104 7843 Moffett Rd. • 607-6196 1109 Shelton Beach Rd. • 287-1423 310 S. University Blvd. • 343-0047 2250 Airport Blvd. • 479-2922 7641 Airport Blvd. • 607-7667 2558 Schillinger Rd. • 219-7761 3249 Dauphin St. • 479-2000

FOY SUPERFOODS ($) 119 Dauphin St.• 307-8997

GULF COAST EXPLOREUM CAFE ($)

CAMMIE’S OLD DUTCH ($)

HOMEMADE SOUPS & SANDWICHES 65 Government St. • 208-6815

CARPE DIEM ($)

SEAFOOD & SANDWICHES 212 ½ Fairhope Ave •Fairhope • 928-4100

CLARK’S KITCHEN ($-$$)

3869 Airport Blvd. • 345-9544 5470 Inn Rd. • 661-9117 28975 US 98 • Daphne • 625-3910

MOBILE’S CLASSIC ICE CREAM SPOT 2511 Old Shell Rd. • 471-1710

DELI FOODS, PASTRIES & SPECIALTY DRINKS 4072 Old Shell Rd. • 304-0448 CATERING 5817 Old Shell Rd. • 622-0869

CHAT-A-WAY CAFE ($)

QUICHES & SANDWICHES 4366 Old Shell Rd. • 343-9889

CHICK-FIL-A ($)

107 St. Francis St. • 415-1700 3244 Dauphin St. • 476-0320 3215 Bel Air Mall • 476-8361 4707 Airport Blvd. • 461-9933 435 Schillinger Rd. • 639-1163 1682 US HWY 98 • Daphne • 621-3215 30500 AL 181 • Spanish Fort • 621-3020

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK ($)

GUMBO SHACK ($-$$) HOOTERS ($)

JAMAICAN VIBE ($)

MIND-BLOWING ISLAND FOOD 3700 Gov’t Blvd. Ste A • 602-1973

JERSEY MIKE’S ($)

AUTHENTIC SUB SANDWICHES 29660 AL-181 • DAPHNE • 626-3161 3151 Daupin St• 525-9917 7449 Airport Blvd. • 375-1820

JIMMY JOHN’S ($)

SANDWICHES, CATERING & DELIVERY TOO 6920 Airport Blvd. • 414-5444 9 Du Rhu Dr. • 340-8694 62 B Royal St. • 432-0360

CHICKEN SALAD, SALAD & SOUP 2370 S. Hillcrest Rd. Unit R • 660-0501 5753 Old Shell Rd. • 408-3236 1802 US Hwy 98 Suite F• 625-1092

JOE CAIN CAFÉ ($)

CHI-TOWN DAWGZ ($)

1252 Govenment St.• 301-7556

CHICAGO STYLE EATERY 1222 Hillcrest Rd. • 461-6599

CONNECTION FROZEN YOGURT ($) 1880 Industrial Pkwy. • 675-2999

CREAM AND SUGAR ($)

COFFEE, BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DESSERT 351 George St #B • 405-0003

DAUPHIN ST. CAFE ($)

HOT LUNCH, DAILY MENU (INSIDE VIA) 1717 Dauphin St. • 470-5231

D’ MICHAEL’S ($)

PHILLY CHEESE STEAKS, GYROS & MORE 7101-A Theodore Dawes Rd. • 653-2979

D NU SPOT ($)

22159 Halls Mill Rd. . • 648-6522

DELISH BAKERY AND EATERY ($) GREAT DESSERTS & HOT LUNCH 23 Upham St. • 473-6115

DEW DROP INN ($)

CLASSIC BURGERS, HOTDOGS & SETTING 1808 Old Shell Rd. • 473-7872

PIZZAS, SANDWICHES, COCKTAILS 26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000

JONELLI’S ($)

JUDY’S PLACE ($-$$)

HOME COOKING 4054 Government St. • 665-4557

LICKIN’ GOOD DONUTS ($)

MOSTLY MUFFINS ($) NEWK’S EXPRESS CAFE ($)

OVEN-BAKED SANDWICHES & MORE 1335 Satchel Page Dr. Suite C. • 287-7356 7440 Airport Blvd. • 633-0096 Eastern Shore Center • Spanish Fort • 625-6544

NOURISH CAFE ($)

HEALTHY WHOLE FOODS & MORE 101 N Water St. (Moorer YMCA)• 458-8572

O’DALYS HOLE IN THE WALL ($) 562 Dauphin St.• 725-6429

OLD SHELL GROWLERS ($) GROWLER STATION AND BITES 1801 Old Shell Rd. • 345-4767

PANINI PETE’S ($)

ORIGINAL SANDWICH AND BAKE SHOP 42 ½ Section St. • Fairhope • 929-0122 102 Dauphin St. • 405-0031

THE BLIND MULE ($)

DAILY SPECIALS MADE FROM SCRATCH 57 N. Claiborne St. • 694-6853

334 Fairhope Ave • Fairhope • 928-2399

REGINA’S KITCHEN ($-$$) SANDWICHES, SUBS & SOUPS 2056 Gov’t St. • 476-2777

ROLY POLY ($)

DROP DEAD GOURMET

RED OR WHITE

THE SUNFLOWER CAFE ($)

A PREMIER CATERER & COOKING CLASSES 1880-A Airport Blvd. • 450-9051

ROYAL STREET TAVERN

SOUTHERN COOKING & THEN SOME 1716 Main St. Daphne • 222-4120 INSIDE VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOOD 3055 A Dauphin St • 479-3200

THYME BY THE BAY ($-$$)

33 N Section St. • Fairhope • 990-5635

TIME TO EAT CAFE ($)

DOWN-HOME COUNTRY COOKIN 7351 Theodore Dawes Rd. • 654-0228 13665 N. Wintzell Ave. • 824-1119

TIN ROOF ($-$$)

SOUTHERN CASUAL FAMILY DINING 10800 US HWY 31 • Spanish Fort• 621-4995

TP CROCKMIERS ($)

AMERICAN RESTAURANT & BAR 250 Dauphin St. • 476-1890 LIGHT LUNCH WITH SOUTHERN FLAIR. 226 Dauphin St. • 433-6725

GREAT SMOOTHIES, WRAPS & SANDWICHES. Du Rhu Dr. • 378-5648 570 Schillinger Road • 634-3454

ROYAL KNIGHT ($)

LUNCH & DINNER 3004 Gov’t Blvd. • 287-1220

ROYAL STREET CAFE ($)

BAKERY 5638 Three Notch Rd.• 219-6379

SATORI COFFEEHOUSE ($)

MARY’S SOUTHERN COOKING ($)

COFFEE, LUNCHES, LIVE MUSIC & GELATO 3 Royal St. S. • 415-3000

BRIQUETTES STEAKHOUSE ($-$$) GRILLED STEAKS, CHICKEN & SEAFOOD 312 Schillinger Rd • 607-7200 901 Montlimar Dr • 408-3133

CHUCK’S FISH ($$)

SEAFOOD AND SUSHI 551 Dauphin St.• 219-7051

CORNER 251 ($-$$)

SERDA’S COFFEEHOUSE ($)

BISTRO PLATES, CRAFT BEERS & PANTRY 2304 Main St. • 375-2800

FALAFEL? TRY SOME HUMMUS 7 SPICE ($-$$)

HIGH QUALITY FOOD & DRINKS 251 Government St • 460-3157

HEALTHY, DELICIOUS MEDITERRANEAN FOOD. 3762 Airport Blvd. • 725-1177

DAUPHIN’S ($$-$$$)

4861 Bit & Spur Rd. • 340-6464

HIGH QUALITY FOOD WITH A VIEW 107 St. Francis St • 444-0200

DUMBWAITER ($$-$$$) FIVE ($$)

KITCHEN ON GEORGE ($-$$)

CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN FOOD 351A George & Savannah St. • 436-8890

LAUNCH ($-$$)

ABBA’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFE ($-$$) ISTANBUL GRILL ($)

AUTHENTIC TURKISH & MEDITERRANEAN 3702 Airport Blvd. • 461-6901

JERUSALEM CAFE ($-$$)

MOBILE’S OLDEST MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE 5773 Airport Blvd. • 304-1155

MEDITERRANEAN SANDWICH COMPANY ($)

GREAT & QUICK. 3702 Airport Blvd. • 308-2131 274 Dauphin St. • 545-3161 2502 Schillinger Rd. Ste. 2 • 725-0126 6890 US-90 • DAPHNE • 621-2271

NOBLE SOUTH ($$)

OLLIE’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL ($-$$)

NOJA ($$-$$$)

TAZIKI’S ($-$$)

OSMAN’S RESTAURANT ($$)

FAR EASTERN FARE

1500 Gov’t St. • 287-1526

85 N. Bancroft St. Fairhope • 990.8883

AUTHENTIC FOODS FROM HIMALAYAN REGION 3210 Dauphin St. • 287-0115 400 Eastern Shore Center • 459-2862

GREAT LUNCH & DINNER 3607 Old Shell Rd. • 445-8700 LOCAL INGREDIENTS 203 Dauphin St. • 690-6824

INVENTIVE & VERY FRESH CUISINE 6 N. Jackson St. • 433-0377 SUPREME EUROPEAN CUISINE 2579 Halls Mill Rd. • 479-0006

MINT HOOKAH BISTRO ($) GREAT MEDITERRANEAN FOOD. 5951 Old Shell Rd. • 450-9191

MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT & HOOKAH 1248 Hillcrest St • 634-9820 MEDITERRANEAN CAFE 1539 US HWY 98•Daphne • 273-3337

ANG BAHAY KUBO ($$)

‘CUE

ROYAL SCAM ($$)

HOME COOKIN’ LIKE MOMMA MADE. 2804 Springhill Ave. • 473-4739

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE ($$$)

SUSHI BAR 650 Cody Rd. S • 300-8383

SAGE RESTAURANT ($$)

DELICIOUS, TRADITIONAL THAI CUISINE 28600 US 98 • Daphne • 626-5286 3821 Airport Blvd. • 344-9995

BACKYARD CAFE & BBQ ($) BAR-B-QUING WITH MY HONEY ($$) BBQ, BURGERS, WINGS & SEAFOOD 19170 Hwy 43 Mt. Vernon. • 829-9227

BRICK PIT ($)

GUMBO, ANGUS BEEF & BAR 72. S. Royal St. • 432-SCAM (7226) EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE & TASTE 271 Glenwood St. • 476-0516

INSIDE THE MOBILE MARRIOTT 3101 Airport Blvd. • 476-6400

4513 Old Shell Rd.• 473-0007

BAMBOO STEAKHOUSE ($$) BANGKOK THAI ($-$$)

BANZAI JAPANESE RESTAURANT ($$) TRADITIONAL SUSHI & LUNCH. 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-9077

A FAVORITE BARBECUE SPOT 5456 Old Shell Rd. • 343-0001

SOUTHERN NATIONAL ($$-$$$)

COTTON STATE BBQ ($)

VON’S BISTRO ($-$$)

BENJAS ($)

TAMARA’S DOWNTOWN ($$)

CHARM ($-$$)

THE TRELLIS ROOM ($$$)

CHINA DOLL ($)

DOWNTOWN LUNCH 101 N. Conception St. • 545-4682

DICKEY’S BARBECUE PIT ($-$$)

MCSHARRY’S ($-$$)

STEVIE’S KITCHEN ($)

DREAMLAND BBQ ($)

18 | L AG N I A P P E | J a n u a r y 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 - Fe b r u a r y 6 , 2 0 1 8

SOUTHERN NAPA

WILD WING STATION ($)

COFFEE AND DONUTS 759 Nichols Avenue, Fairhope • 928-7223

CUPCAKE BOUTIQUE 6207 Cottage Hill Rd. Suite B • 665-3003 SANDWICHES, SOUPS, SALADS & MORE 41 West I-65 Service Rd. N Suite 150. • 287-2793

LIVE MUSIC, MARTINIS & DINNER MENU. 26 N. Royal St. • 338-2000

MAGHEE’S GRILL ON THE HILL ($-$$)

6358 Cottage Hill Rd. • 725-6917

SIMPLY SWEET ($)

323A De La Mare Ave, Fairhope • 990-0003 1104 Dauphin St.. • 478-9494

WAREHOUSE BAKERY & DONUTS ($)

BBQ AND MORE Jubilee Sq.Ctr. Hwy 90, Daphne • 210-2151 McGowin Park Ctr. Satchel Paige Dr. • 471-1050 7721 Airport Blvd. • 380-8957

AUTHENTIC IRISH PUB 101 N. Bancroft St.• 990-5100

BAY GOURMET ($$)

216 St Francis St. • 421-2022

HIGH QUALITY FOOD & DRINKS 251 Government St. • 432-8000

YAK THE KATHMANDU KITCHEN ($-$$)

COFFEE, SMOOTHIES, LUNCH & BEERS. 5460 Old Shell Rd. • 344-4575

MICHELI’S CAFE ($)

3758 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 473-1401

WINE BAR, CRAFT BEERS & BISTRO 6808 Airport Blvd. • 343-3555

2550 Dauphin Island Pkwy S. • 307-5328

ROSHELL’S CAFE ($)

SANDWICHES, SOUTHWEST FARE, 7 DAYS 1203 Hwy 98 Ste. 3D • Daphne • 626-2440

FOOD, WINE & MORE 5150 Old Shell Rd. • 341-1497

THE PIGEON HOLE ($)

113 Dauphin St.• 436-0989

THE WINDMILL MARKET ($)

ROSIE’S GRILL ($-$$)

FOOD PAK

FIREHOUSE WINE BAR & SHOP

THE HARBERDASHER ($)

WRAPS & SALADS 3220 Dauphin St. • 479-2480 2906 Springhill Ave. • 479-4614

WINE, BEER, GOURMET FOODS, & MORE. 720 Schillinger Rd. S. Unit 8 • 287-1851

SMOKEY DEMBO SMOKE HOUSE ($)

OPEN FOR LUNCH, INSIDE GULFQUEST 155 S. Water St • 436-8901

UNCLE JIMMY’S DELICIOUS HOTDOGS ($)

R BISTRO ($-$$)

DOMKE MARKET

POUR BABY

AWARD-WINNING BARBQUE 1111 Gov’t Blvd. • 433-7427

PUNTA CLARA KITCHEN ($)

FUDGE, PRALINES & MORE 17111 Scenic Hwy 98 • Fairhope • 928-8477

A LITTLE VINO

SAUCY Q BARBQUE ($)

THE GALLEY ($)

GREAT FOOD AND COCKTAILS 609 Dauphin St. • 308-3105

MARS HILL CAFE ($)

3011 Springhill Ave. • 476-2232

BARBEQUE & MUSIC Bayfront Park Dr. • Daphne • 625-RIBS 701 Springhill Ave. • 410-7427 4672 Airport Blvd. • 300-8516

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE ($)

SALLY’S PIECE-A-CAKE ($)

GREAT SANDWICHES, COFFEE & MORE 1087 Downtowner Blvd. • 643-1611

MOE’S ORIGINAL BAR B QUE ($)

AT FLU CREEK 831 N Section St. • Fairhope • 990-7766

BAKERY, SANDWICHES & MORE 750 S. Broad St. • 438-1511 4464 Old Shell Rd. • 342-8546 107 St. Francis St. Suite 102 • 438-2261

POLLMAN’S BAKERY ($)

PUB FOOD AND DRAFT BEERS 251 Dauphin St. • 287-6871

SLAP YOUR MAMA GOOD HOME COOKING 220 Dauphin St. • 432-6262

SUNSET POINTE ($-$$)

5401 Cottage Hill Rd. • 591-4842

THREE GEORGES CANDY SHOP ($)

BAR FOOD 271 Dauphin St • 438-9585

HOMEMADE LUNCH & BREAKFAST 104 N. Royal St. • 434-0011

MAMA’S ($)

MEAT BOSS ($)

4701 Airport Blvd. • 408-3379

9 Du Rhu Dr. Suite 201 167 Dauphin St. • 445-3802

PAT’S DOWNTOWN GRILL ($)

3915 Gov’t Blvd. • 219-7922

LODA BIER GARTEN ($)

SUGAR RUSH DONUT CO. ($)

RIBS, SANDWICHES & GREAT SIDES 3314 Old Shell Rd. • 479-9898

360 Dauphin St • 308-2387

SEAFOOD, ASIAN & AMERICAN CUISINE 69 St. Michael St • 375-1113 CASUAL FINE DINING 104 N. Section St. • Fairhope • 929-2219 CONTEMPORARY SOUTHERN CUISINE Battle House Hotel, Royal St. • 338-5493

THE WASH HOUSE ($$)

17111 Scenic HWY 98 • Point Clear • 928-4838

THAI & SUSHI 5369 D Hwy 90 W • 661-5100 THAI KITCHEN & SUSHI BAR 960 Schillinger Rd. S • 660-4470 3966 Airport Blvd.• 343-5530

CUISINE OF INDIA ($$) LUNCH BUFFET 3674 Airport Blvd. • 341-6171

FUJI SAN ($)

THAI FARE AND SUSHI 2000 Airport Blvd. • 478-9888

GOLDEN BOWL ($)

HIBACHI GRILL & ASIAN CUISINE 309 Bel Air Blvd • 470-8033

HIBACHI 1 ($-$$)

2370 Hillcrest Rd. Unit B • 380-6062

ICHIBAN SUSHI ($)

JAPANESE & CHINESE CUISINE 3959 Cottage Hill Rd • 666-6266

KAI JAPANESE RESTAURANT ($-$$) QUALITY FOOD, EXCELLENT SERVICE 5045 Cottage Hill Rd. • 607-6454

LIQUID ($$)

AMAZING SUSHI & ASSORTMENT OF ROLLS. 661 Dauphin St. • 432-0109

RICE ASIAN GRILL & SUSHI BAR ($) 3964 Gov’t Blvd. • 378-8083

ROCK N ROLL SUSHI ($$)

273 S. McGregor Ave • 287-0445 6345 Airport Blvd. • 287-0555 940 Industrial Pkwy • 308-2158 6850 US HWY 98 • Daphne • 753-4367

STIX ($$)

610240 Eastern Shore Blvd. • 621-9088

TASTE OF THAI ($$)

30500 AL-181 • Spanish Fort • 206-8768 3654 Airport Blvd. • 338-9350

HURRICANE GRILL & WINGS ($-$$)

9 Du Rhu Dr. • 340-6611

GULF COAST CUISINE, REINVENTED 200 E. 25th Ave. • Gulf Shores • 967-5858

ISLAND WING CO ($)

PIZZA, SUBS & PASTA 1368 ½ Navco Rd.• 479-0066

MANCIS ($)

A TASTE OF ITALY. BYOB. 28691 U.S. Highway 98 • 626-1999

LUCY B. GOODE ($$)

WINGS, SEAFOOD, BURGERS & BEER 7721 Airport Blvd. Suite E-180 • 639-6832

LULU’S ($$)

EVERYTHING BAKED OR GRILLED 2617 Dauphin St. • 476-9464

LIVE MUSIC & GREAT SEAFOOD 200 E. 25th Ave. • Gulf Shores • 967-5858

MUDBUGS AT THE LOOP ($) CAJUN KITCHEN & SEAFOOD MARKET 2005 Government St. • 478-9897

OFF THE HOOK MARINA & GRILL ($) CAJUN INSPIRED/FRESH SEAFOOD & MORE 621 N Craft Hwy • Chickasaw • 422-3412

RALPH & KACOO’S ($-$$) THE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 1595 Battleship Pkwy. • 626-0045

R&R SEAFOOD ($-$$)

LAID-BACK EATERY & FISH MARKET 1477 Battleship Pkwy. • 621-8366

RIVER SHACK ($-$$)

BAUDEAN’S ($$)

FRIED, GRILLED, STEAMED & ALWAYS FRESH 3300 River Rd. • 973-9070

THE BLUEGILL ($-$$)

A HISTORIC SEAFOOD DIVE W/ LIVE MUSIC 3775 Hwy. 98 • 625-1998

BONEFISH GRILL ($$)

ECLECTIC DINING & SPACE 6955 Airport Blvd. • 633-7196

BOUDREAUX’S CAJUN GRILL ($-$$) QUALITY CAJUN & NEW ORLEANS CUISINE 29249 US Highway 98 Daphne. • 621-1991

CRAVIN CAJUN/DIP SEAFOOD ($) PO-BOYS, SALADS & SEAFOOD 1870 Dauphin Island Pkwy • 287-1168

ED’S SEAFOOD SHED ($$)

FRIED SEAFOOD SERVED IN HEFTY PORTIONS 3382 Hwy. 98 • 625-1947

FELIX’S FISH CAMP ($$) UPSCALE DINING WITH A VIEW 1420 Hwy. 98 • 626-6710

FISHERMAN’S LEGACY ($) DELI, MARKET AND CATERING. 4380 Halls Mill Rd. • 665-2266

HALF SHELL OYSTER HOUSE ($)

BAR & GRILL 29740 Urgent Care Dr. • Daphne • 662-9639 6255 Airport Blvd. • 447-2514

OLD 27 GRILL ($)

BURGERS, DOGS & 27 BEERS & WINES. 19992 Hwy.181 Old County Rd. Fairhope • 281-2663

LUCKY’S IRISH PUB ($)

WINGS, TENDERS, HOTDOGS & SANDWICHES 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-5877

THE HARBOR ROOM ($-$$)

751 Azalea Rd. • 301-7964

FROM THE DEPTHS

MUG SHOTS ($$)

LOCAL SEAFOOD & PRODUCE 6036 Rock Point Rd. • 443-7540

THE GRAND MARINER ($-$$)

UPSCALE SUSHI & HIBACHI 364 Azalea Rd. • 343-6622

JAPANESE CUISINE 3654 Airport Blvd. S. C • 725-6078

BRILLIANT REUBENS & FISH-N-CHIPS. 101 N. Brancroft St. Fairhope • 990-5100

IRISH PUB FARE & MORE 1108 Shelton Beach Rd •Saraland • 473-0757 3692 Airport Blvd • 414-3000

9091 US-90 Irvington • 957-1414

WASABI SUSHI ($$)

MCSHARRY’S IRISH PUB ($)

SEAFOOD, BURGERS & STEAKS 6120 Marina Dr. • Dog River • 443-7318.

UNIQUE SEAFOOD 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000

TOKYO JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE ($$)

1715 Main St. • 375-0543

WEMOS ($)

THE SEAFOOD HOUSE ($-$$)

MAMA MIA!

TIN TOP RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR ($$)

DELIVERY 350 Dauphin St. • 431-9444

SEAFOOD, STEAKS, & EXTENSIVE WINE LIST 6232 Bon Secour Hwy County Rd. 10. • 949-5086

WINTZELL’S OYSTER HOUSE ($-$$) FRESH SEAFOOD FOR OVER 75 YEARS 605 Dauphin St. • 432-4605 6700 Airport Blvd. • 341-1111 1208 Shelton Beach Rd. • Saraland • 442-3335 805 S. Mobile St. • 929-2322

IS THE GAME ON?

ASHLAND MIDTOWN PUB ($-$$) PIZZAS, PASTAS, & CALZONES 245-A Old Shell Rd. • 479-3278

BAUMHOWER’S ($)

WINGS, BURGERS & PUB GRUB 6880 US-90 #14 • Daphne • 625-4695

HEROES SPORTS BAR & GRILLE ($) SANDWICHES & COLD BEER 273 Dauphin St. • 433-4376 Hillcrest & Old Shell Rd. • 341-9464

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN DISHES 312 Fairhope Ave. • Fairhope • 990-5535 PIZZA, PASTA, SALAD & MORE 102 N. Section St. •Fairhope• 929-2525

PIZZERIA DELFINA ($)

PASTA, SALAD AND SANDWICHES 7143 Airport Blvd. • 341-7217

ROOSTER’S ($)

C&G GRILLE ($)

TAQUERIA CANCUN ($)

PALACE CASINO:

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FLAVOR 3733 Airport Blvd. • 414-4496

TRATTORIA PIZZA & ITALIAN ($$)

NO GAMBLING CASINO FARE

ITALIAN FOOD & PIZZAS 11311 US HIghway 31 Spanish Fort• 375-0076

VIA EMILIA ($$)

MOUTH WATERING MEXICAN FOOD 1175 Battleship Pkwy • 625-2722

GRIMALDI’S ($)

MEXICAN CUISINE 260 Azalea Rd. • 375-1095

ITALIAN, STEAKS & SEAFOOD 18 Laurel Ave. • Fairhope • 990-0995

CINCO DE MAYO ($)

FRESH CUISINE NIGHTLY ON MENU 1709 Main St. • Daphne • 626-6082

DON CARLOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT

GUIDO’S ($$)

JIA ($-$$)

CQ ($$-$$$)

STALLA ($$)

EXOTIC CUISINE AND SUSHI

BLU ($)

TERRACE CAFE ($)

WIND CREEK CASINO:

777 Beach Blvd.Biloxi • 877-877-6256

HOUSE OF PIZZA ($)

29669 Alabama 181 • Spanish Fort • (251) 625-3300

JONELLI’S ($)

212 Fairhope Ave. • 928-8108

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE ($$$)

763 Holcombe Ave • 473-0413

SATISFACTION ($-$$)

EL CAMINO TACO SHACK ($)

1252 Gov’t St. • 301-7556

EL MARIACHI ($)

LA ROSSO ($$)

MARCO’S PIZZA ($)

MELLOW MUSHROOM ($)

PIES & AWESOME BEER SELECTION 2032 Airport Blvd. • 471-4700 5660 Old Shell Rd. • 380-1500 2409 Schillinger Rd S • 525-8431 29698 Frederick Blvd.• Daphne • 621-3911

MIRKO ($$) PASTA & MORE

EL PAPI

615 Dauphin St • (251) 308-2655

1980 Beach Blvd. Biloxi • 800-747-2839

THE DEN ($-$$)

HALF SHELL OYSTER HOUSE ($-$$) HARD ROCK CAFÉ ($)

3958 Snow Rd C. • Semmes • 645-3400

BURGERS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

LOCAL SEAFOOD AND 40+ BEERS

HARD ROCK CASINO:

ENCHILADAS, TACOS, & AUTHENTIC FARE Ok Bicycle Shop • 661 Dauphin St. • 432-2453

INTERACTIVE ASIAN DINING

COAST SEAFOOD & BREW ($-$$)

BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, LATE NIGHT

DAUPHIN ST. TAQUERIA ($)

STEAKS, SEAFOOD, FINE WINE

PLACE BUFFET ($-$$)

AMAZING ARRAY OF MOUTH-WATERING FOOD.

ITALIAN COOKING

Bel Air Mall • 476-2063

MIGNON’S ($$$)

TREASURE BAY:

GAMBINO’S ITALIAN GRILL ($)

CAFÉ DEL RIO ($-$$)

158 Howard Ave. Biloxi • 800-725-2239

BR PRIME ($$-$$$)

TASTE OF MEXICO 5452 Hwy 90 W • 661-5509

GREAT PIZZA. LUNCH & DINNER 4356 Old Shell Rd. • 342-0024

LARGE BREAKFAST, LUNCH OR DINNER MENU

STACKED GRILL ($-$$)

FINE DINING ESTABLISHMENT.

AZTECAS ($-$$)

RICH TRADITIONS, STEAK, SEAFOOD

BEAU RIVAGE:

875 Beach Blvd. Biloxi • 888-952-2582

HOMEMADE PASTAS & PIZZAS MADE DAILY 5901 Old Shell Rd. • 342-3677

SEAFOOD

CARTER GREEN STEAKHOUSE ($$-$$$)

TAQUERIA MEXICO ($-$$)

WINGS, PO-BOYS, BURGERS 210 Eastern Shore Center, Hwy. 98 • 929-0002

3300 W. Beach Blvd. Biloxi • 877-774-8439

POOR MEXICAN ($)

3172 International Dr. • 476-9967

TAMARA’S BAR & GRILL ($)

CASUAL & RELAXING, EXTENSIVE MENU

BEACH BLVD STEAMER ($)

LATIN AMERICAN FOOD 211 Dauphin St. • 375-1076

ROMA CAFE ($-$$)

INTERACTIVE ASIAN DINING

HIGH TIDE CAFÉ ($)

HEARTY MEXICAN FARE 736 holcombe Ave.• 473-0413 3050 AL 181 • Spanish Fort • 621-7433

PIZZA & PASTA 107 Dauphin St. • 375-1644

SEAFOOD, STEAKS, WINE

TIEN ($-$$)

ISLAND VIEW:

OLÉ MI AMIGO ($-$$)

RAVENITE ($)

THIRTY-TWO ($$$)

MEXICAN CUISINE 3977 Gov’t Blvd. • 660-4970

CORTLANDT’S PIZZA PUB ($-$$)

BUTCH CASSIDY’S ($)

BURGERS & BEER 916 Charleston St. • 433-9374

MARIA BONITA AGAVE BAR & GRILL ($-$$)

PINZONE’S ITALIAN VILLAGE ($$)

THE BUFFET ($-$$)

5055 Cottage Hill Rd. • 308-4888 2394 Dawes Rr. • 639-3535 2004 US 98 • Daphne • 265-6550

CALLAGHAN’S IRISH SOCIAL CLUB ($)

PAPA’S PLACE ($$)

QUAINT MEXICAN RESTAURANT 5556 Old Shell Rd. • 345-7484

LOS ARCOS ($)

OLÉ MI AMIGO!

BUFFALO WILD WINGS ($)

FAMOUS BURGERS, SANDWICHES & WINGS 60 N. Florida St. • 450-0690

830 W I65 Service Rd. S • 378-5837 4663 Airport Blvd. • 342-5553

BUCK’S PIZZA ($$)

COMFORT FOOD 1716 Main St. Ste. C • Daphne • 281-2982

BEST WINGS & SPORTING EVENTS 6341 Airport Blvd. • 378-5955

NAVCO PIZZA ($$)

AMERICAN FARE & ROCKIN’ MEMORABILIA EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE & TASTE SOUTHERN FAVORITES BUFFET

INTIMATE & CASUAL WITH DAILY SPECIALS ELEGANT ATMOSPHERE & TANTALIZING ENTREES LOUNGE WITH COCKTAILS & TAPAS MENU

303 Poarch Rd. Atmore • 866-946-3360

FIRE ($$-$$$)

PRIME STEAKS, SEAFOOD & WINE

GRILL ($)

CONTEMPORARY & OLD-FASHIONED FAVORITES

SCARLET PEARL:

9380 Central Avenue D’Iberville • 800266-5772

FUEGO ($-$$)

HARRAH’S GULF COAST:

CHEF WENDY’S BAKING ($-$$)

FUZZY’S TACO SHOP ($)

MAGNOLIA HOUSE ($$-$$$)

CLASSIC ALL-AMERICAN CASUAL CUISINE WITH OVER 100 OPTIONS.

HACIENDA SAN MIGUEL ($-$$)

FLAVORS BUFFET ($-$$)

OUTSTANDING MEXICAN CUISINE 2066 Old Shell Rd. • 378-8621 5713 Old Shell Rd.• 338-9697

TASTE OF MEXICO 880 Schillinger Rd. S. • 633-6122 5805 US 90 • 653-9163

LA COCINA ($)

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE 800 N Section St. • Fairhope • 990-0783

280 Beach Blvd. Biloxi • 288-436-2946

MADE-TO-ORDER FESTIVE TREATS AND SPECIALTY CAKES.

UNDER THE OAK CAFE ($-$$)

FINE DINING, SEAFOOD AND STEAKS

WATERFRONT BUFFET ($$-$$$)

ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET

CHOPSTX NOODLE BAR - $-$$

THE BLIND TIGER ($-$$)

SOUPS, SALADS, FRESH SEAFOOD, AND MORE

VIETNAMESE SANDWICHES, PHO, AND APPETIZERS.

quality food and simple unique cocktails

SCARLET’S STEAKS & SEAFOOD ($$$)

IP CASINO:

BUTLER’S BAR & LOUNGE ($$)

850 Bayview Ave. Bilox • 888-946-2847

SAVORY STEAKS AND SEAFOOD

EXTRAORDINARY DRINK MENU, COCKTAILS

J a n u a r y 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 - Fe b r u a r y 6 , 2 0 1 8 | L AG N I A P P E | 19

CUISINE | THE BEER PROFESSOR

Photo | Facebook | Prairie Artisan Ales’ No Chill Milk Stout

Stouts and porters can satisfy year-round BY TOM WARD/THE BEER PROFESSOR

s the weather gets cold, dark beers seem to come into vogue. Perhaps it’s the thought of sitting by the fireplace in an Irish pub with a pint of Guinness, listening to a trio play a reel, or maybe it’s just that dark beers, with their roasted malt and coffee flavor, just taste a little better when it’s cooler, but porters and stouts seem to be the beer drinker’s version of hot cocoa. However, the dark color and belief that they are heavy beers still scare off a large number of Americans. Porters originated in England around 300 years ago, and became a staple of the London working classes. The name “porter” is actually rumored to come from the working men who favored it, according to Jeff Alworth, author of “The Beer Bible.” Part of its appeal was that it was cheap, made from the least expensive dark malts, which were then roasted in order to get a palatable taste. The dark malts that give porters their color also impart caramel and chocolate accents, and they eventually gained a wider following and were exported around the empire. Stouts emerged as a version of porters. “Stout porter” originally just referred to a strong (or stout) porter, but eventually would take on its own unique characteristics (although some people still use the terms interchangeably). Stouts were then, as even non-beer drinkers know, perfected in Ireland. Irish stouts have a dry, bitter, malty taste, but are not

WORD OF MOUTH

Baumhower’s Victory Grille has Mardi Gras Mania! BY ANDY MACDONALD “We’re all about legendary fun and legendary food at Baumhower’s Victory Grille, and Mardi Gras has such a rich tradition of both,” says Victory Grille namesake and self-proclaimed Head Fry Cook Bob Baumhower. “We’ve been celebrating Mardi Gras for more than 20 years and it just keeps getting bigger and better. We make it fun for our guests and help share the true backstory of Mardi Gras in Alabama at the same time. It’s one of our favorite promotions of the year!” If you’re wondering what our favorite Dolphin is up to you should check out the menu going through Fat Tuesday at Victory Grille. Red beans and rice with Conecuh, Alabama shrimp etouffee with Gulf shrimp, Gooey Fries with Creole seasoning, Ragin’ Cajun wings, Mobile Bay Gator Bites and a fish filet

really very heavy-tasting despite their creamy head. Nor are they very high in alcohol; a Guinness stout from the tap registers at only about 4.3 ABV, which makes it easy to enjoy a number of them during a long night at the pub. (Guinness is also relatively low in calories compared to most non-light beers.) While stouts and porters are native to the British Isles, American craft brewers have developed their own take on the styles, and there is currently no shortage of options if you want to try some of the black stuff. No longer confined to just the traditional taste, you can now find porters and stouts in all manner of strengths and flavors, from chocolate to peppermint and even peanut butter. In our area, there is simply no better place than Loda Bier Garten to sample some stouts and porters; the last time I stopped by, there were 27 (!) on tap alone. For $11 you can get a flight of any four beers of your choosing, which is a great fun if you want to try something new. If you don’t want an entire pint, you can also ask for short pours of a style, and they will always let you try a small taste of a beer before you commit. The staff there is very knowledgeable; I always ask for their recommendations, and am rarely disappointed at what they point me to. One recommendation was Badlun Brothers Imperial Porter from Huntsville’s Straight to Ale brewery, which was very strong but not at all heavy. The “imperial” distinction reportedly comes

from Bon Secour augment the alreadypopular menu. The Mardi Gras Mania menu is for lunch and dinner, and guests will receive a set of beads and complimentary King Cake and Red Diamond coffee with certain menu items. Let the good times roll!

Tin-tin’s Rock and Roll Food Truck

Be on the lookout for Tin-tin’s Rock and Roll Food Truck on either side of the tunnel. I first tasted them at Fairhope Brewing Co., where they regularly find a spot in the parking lot, but recently they’ve been serving up their eclectic menu at Serda’s Brewing Co. My guess is they like to follow the beer! Where else can you get a gyro plate, lumpia, shrimp tacos, fried rice, pancit, hamburgers or lo mein with your fries and po’boy? I am a fan of the shish kebab. Your best bet is to look for them on Facebook to get your taste buds rocked to the max. This is the hottest truck out there at the moment.

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from extra strong porters that Russian monarchs ordered from England in the 18th century. Imperial now refers to almost any brew with a high alcohol content (usually over 8 percent), so be careful tippling back too many of them! Another recommendation was the No Chill Milk Stout from Tulsa, Oklahoma’s, Prairie Artisan Ales, a brewer I’d never heard of before. It was a fairly traditional stout, but light — it looked more like a Coke than a beer. While “milk stout” connotes a creamy texture, there is actually no milk in a milk stout, but milk sugar, which adds some sweetness to temper the bitterness inherent in stouts. All of our local breweries produce their own stouts and/or porters, and I certainly encourage you to given them a try, even if you have previously been a bit hesitant to partake in the dark brews for fear they were too heavy or too bitter. And do so not only when we have a (little) chill in the air, but all year-round.

Lighthouse Bakery owner battles cancer If you’ve ever been to the Lighthouse Bakery on Dauphin Island, then you’ve seen owner Mary Scarcliff rolling out the treats with a smile on her face. Now, in the fight of her life, the always-pleasant Scarcliff is battling stage-four cancer. Daughter Christa Roberson has taken over the family business and is doing a wonderful job filling her mother’s shoes. For years I have said the best King Cake I ever ate came from within these walls, and there’s no reason to think anything is different. They even have smaller-sized King Cakes for single servings and you won’t have to guess who gets the baby! Visit 919 Chaumont Ave., Dauphin Island, or call 251-861-2253 to place an order or to show your love to one of the nicest families in Mobile County. Check for updates on social media. Closed Monday and Tuesday, hours are from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Saturday until 4 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Recycle!

Vinnie & Guido going gangsta on Super Bowl By Rob Holbert Chris Conlon, owner of Cousin Vinnie’s & Guido’s in Old Towne Daphne, has announced he’ll be having a benefit/rally for local veterans’ groups and first responders this Sunday evening as a way of exercising his own First Amendment rights regarding the season-long NFL saga of players kneeling during the National Anthem. Conlon says he’s shutting the Siamese-twin restaurants down at 2 p.m. Sunday and they’ll reopen at 4 p.m. to serve free spaghetti to the veterans groups and first responders who show up. There will be a cash bar, but it’s what won’t be there that may be the most shocking. No Super Bowl. Conlon says the tilt between the Patriots and Eagles won’t be on his boob tubes that night. The focus will be on celebrating the people he feels have ensured our rights to free speech. “I plan to get them fat and happy until the food runs out,” he said. He says lots of folks have volunteered to come serve, and he expects to see plenty of representatives from local police and fire departments along with the American Legion and VFW. Conlon says he’s also sending an invite to ex-NFL quarterback Colin Kapernick, the man who started the whole controversy. We’ll have to see if that happens. The benefit/rally will last until 8 p.m.

J a n u a r y 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 - Fe b r u a r y 6 , 2 0 1 8 | L AG N I A P P E | 21

COVER STORY

Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council begins choosing projects to fund JASON JOHNSON/REPORTER

ith new leadership in Montgomery, the this to move forward,” Bonner told Lagniappe. “Some Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council has people from other places, they’ve forgotten we ever moved into warp speed in recent months as it had an oil spill, but when I speak to the members of the moves closer to its first selection from huncouncil, every one of them is ready to put their foot on dreds of environmental and economic projects competing the gas.” for a finite pot of BP oil spill money. Bonner said one of the first things he did after being The AGCRC comprises Gov. Kay Ivey, the CEO of appointed by Ivey was to meet with all of the other counthe Alabama State Port Authority, the presidents of the cil members given that several cities, including Bayou La Mobile and Baldwin county commissions and the mayors Batre, Fairhope and Mobile, have had leadership changes of Bayou La Batre, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Gulf since the RESTORE Act was passed. Though there have Shores, Mobile and Orange Beach. been few if any unanimous votes, Bonner said he’s been The council is tasked with overseeing the distribuimpressed with the group’s regional mindset so far. tion of roughly $800 million between now and 2031 as “The reality is some of these decisions could be made annual payments are received from BP as part of its $2.3 by other mayors and other governors, but hopefully, billion civil settlement with the state of Alabama over the looking back, this will be judged that the vast majority of 2010 oil spill. these decisions were for the benefit of this entire region,” The money is allocated through the 2012 RESTORE Bonner said. “If they are, I think the members … can be Act — a historic piece of legislation that for the first very proud, but if we focus on just our ZIP code or just time allowed the local leaders in an our city and county line, then we’ve area affected by an environmental really missed a great opportunity.” disaster to oversee the subsequent That could be easier said than recovery effort. In short, the law done, though, because the list of divides the bulk of BP’s civil settlepotential projects contains politically ment into five funding streams comlucrative projects some officials have ...HOPEFULLY, LOOKING monly referred to as “buckets.” Two chased for years. As a former public of those — Buckets 1 and 3 — are official, even Bonner acknowledged BACK, THIS WILL BE overseen by the AGCRC, which will there are some things “you want to allocate funds from them to specific JUDGED THAT THE VAST get done on your watch.” projects proposed in Alabama’s Proposed projects include new MAJORITY OF THESE coastal counties. roads or right-of-way acquisitions So far, more than 200 proposed in Baldwin County that would use DECISIONS WERE FOR projects have been submitted by an estimated $126 million from THE BENEFIT OF THIS private groups, public agencies, RESTORE as well as the state’s municipalities and environmental economic settlement with BP. It got ENTIRE REGION organizations. They vary greatly in support from every Baldwin County cost and scope, and aim to mitigate representative on the AGCRC as environmental and economic losses well as Gov. Ivey, but Mobile Mayor suffered during the spill. Sandy Stimpson cast the only vote However, after six years, none of those projects have from the other side of the bay. been funded, but former Congressman Jo Bonner says Another high-dollar project discussed for years is the that’s about to change. Bonner was one of the Gulf Coast addition of a $65 million import and export facility for legislators who helped pass the RESTORE Act, a feat he automobiles at the Theodore Industrial Canal. said likely could not be accomplished again today. An Alabama State Port Authority project with a poBonner, who left Congress to accept a lobbying positential statewide impact, it was supported by CEO Jimmy tion for the University of Alabama, was appointed by Lyons, Gov. Ivey and every Mobile County representaGov. Ivey last fall to act as her surrogate on the AGCRC, tive. It received several Baldwin votes as well, because and since then the group has met monthly and put a it is claimed it could help bring a manufacturer to the greater focus on actually getting a growing war chest of Baldwin County’s $30 million South Alabama Megasite recovery dollars out into the region. in Bay Minette, which has remained vacant since it was “The council members have been very anxious for purchased by the county in 2012.

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Photo | Sam St. John

Based on a study paid for and released by ASPA, the addition of the facility could create as many as 871 jobs and generate millions in state and local taxes, but some environmental groups have questioned the appropriateness of funding it with limited RESTORE dollars. Last week, Mobile Baykeeper Executive Director Casi Callaway likened road and port projects to pork, suggesting they are better suited to receive federal transportation funding or seek private investment. Instead, she said the AGCRC should focus on water quality and environmental resilience. “The sewer projects are huge,” she said. “Every municipality has a proposal in front of the council to upgrade septic tanks or upgrade wastewater treatment and those can be transformative for environmental health.” Asked about the ASPA project’s place among restoration and tourism projects, AGCRC Executive Director Eliska Morgan noted the RESTORE Act expressly provides for “port infrastructure improvements.” She also said it could be “transformational” for the entire region. “There will be criticism that it’s not all 100 percent environmental- or tourism-based projects, but I think if you asked the Mobile Chamber of Commerce if they were opposed to an [automotive] facility, I don’t think you’re going to get that same criticism,” she said. “It will never be perfect — the council will be criticized by some but applauded by others for the same project.” There’s no arguing Alabama’s environment suffered as a result of the spill, but Bonner said the economic impacts were just as devastating for businesses and tourism. He also noted that if potential economic losses were excluded, the civil penalties BP must pay Alabama would have likely been much lower. The RESTORE Act actually addresses the balance between economic and environmental recovery efforts with controls over how much money the AGCRC can spend. Bucket 1 allows for more projects related to tourism, infrastructure and

COVER STORY economic development, while Bucket 3 has a 25 percent cap on infrastructure and a stricter environmental focus. That’s already affected what projects might ultimately see funding first. Morgan also noted other BP funding streams that, for most part, are purely environmental. To date, more than $278 million in Alabama environmental projects have been completed, funded or approved to move forward, and another $28 million has been allocated from another RESTORE bucket the AGCRC doesn’t oversee. So far, around 30 projects — all with an “economic focus” — have been evaluated for possible funding from Bucket 1 including the Baldwin road package and ASPA’s automotive facility. Their estimated cost exceeds $413 million, through some would have multiple funding sources. Before the end of July, AGCRC will choose from those 30 projects to create its first Multi-year Implementation Plan (MIP). For inclusion in the MIP and funding, a project will need to receive at least six votes on the 10-member council. The council is also currently evaluating 113 projects for funding from Bucket 3. Priced at roughly $138 million, most are environmental in nature or address infrastructure needs with an environmental benefit such as sewer and stormwater upgrades. The Bucket 3 projects should be selected by 2019. However, included among those projects are the original 30 projects that have already been evaluated for funding through Bucket 1, which Morgan explained was because some of those projects could technically fit into both categories. “Things like septic tank removals or other good water quality improvement projects might, on the surface, seem like infrastructure — and they probably are in the strictest terms, but they will also improve water quality and because that’s their primary purpose, they would not be counted against the 25 percent cap on infrastructure,” Morgan added. That’s been a concern for environmental groups because while it may save the limited Bucket 1 money for purely economic projects, it also eats into the limited funding available for other Bucket 3 projects focused on habitat recovery, wetland conservation and shoreline restoration. Last Friday, a coalition of environmental organizations known as the Alabama Recovery Group fired off a letter to Bonner emphasizing its “triple bottom line” approach to spending the funds, a “broad scale” strategy seeking a balance of economic, environmental and community benefits. Specifically, the ARG pointed out projects targeting hydrologic restoration, such as the Three Mile Creek Watershed Restoration, which carries a price tag of $40 million, or similarly, stormwater management improvements for Toulmin Springs Branch and Gum Tree Branch, which would cost just $1.27 million, according to the proposal. These projects, ARG noted, “not only have instream habitat benefits for wildlife, but also downstream benefits to water quality and quantity. In addition, these projects help maintain optimal conditions needed for the success of other restoration projects, such as oyster reef restoration and marsh creation projects in Mobile Bay.” Similarly, ARG said it prioritizes stormwater and wastewater projects on both sides of the bay. “By focusing on projects addressing key stressors, we believe the AGCRC can make meaningful investments with

RESTORE funds that will ensure restoration of coastal Alabama’s ecology and economy. We believe the AGCRC should prioritize projects that focus on hydrologic restoration, as well as wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.” The ARG comprises Conservation Alabama, the Alabama Renewal Group, Mobile Baykeeper, Conservation Alabama Foundation, National Audubon Society, Alabama Coastal Foundation, National Wildlife Federation and Gulf Restoration Network. Kara Lankford, director of Gulf Coast Restoration at the National Audubon Society, explained ARG conducted a telephone poll in December, interviewing 625 registered Alabama voters about how the funds should be spent. Fifty-four percent of voters statewide and 59 percent of voters in Southwest Alabama responded that funds should be spent primarily on the restoration of wildlife habitats rather than construction projects. Further, the largest percentage of voters chose projects that would restore shorelines to make communities more resilient to storms and reduce coastal flooding, over other projects such as “roads and bridges.” “We feel like this is something that is going to be helpful to

BY FOCUSING ON PROJECTS ADDRESSING KEY STRESSORS, WE BELIEVE THE AGCRC CAN MAKE MEANINGFUL INVESTMENTS WITH RESTORE FUNDS THAT WILL ENSURE RESTORATION OF COASTAL ALABAMA’S ECOLOGY AND ECONOMY.” our decision makers as they go to the drawing board,” Lankford said of the poll. “Obviously we know they will consider oil spill impacts, but also we hope they will consider what the community wants.” Another concern of theirs is that many of the decisions have been made without public input or knowledge. But, as it was created by Congress, the AGCRC exists somewhere in the space between state and federal agencies, and for the most part is self governing. The council is not subject to Alabama’s Open Meetings Act. Council member Tony Kennon, the mayor of Orange Beach, confirmed they were meeting behind closed doors again this week. Kennon also said, without elaborating, his emphasis is “infrastructure … period.” Defending AGCRC’s decision to hold closed meetings, which since September have been occurring monthly, Morgan said most get “into the weeds” and deal with council’s policies and procedures. Others, she said, have gone on for hours at a time. When projects are selected for funding later this year, the council isn’t even required to disclose who voted for what, though Morgan said she anticipates those votes will be published. “I think, with some of the decisions coming up, they’ll have

to be a little bit more candid and maybe a little bit more honest, which is hard to do in a room full of a hundred people when you’re trying to to make decisions that affect a whole region,” she said. “It’s like any board or entity. You have to have frank discussions, and sometimes I don’t know how honest they would be if they were in a room full of reporters.” Lankford urged residents to get involved in the process now before all the decisions have been made by the 10-member council, a group much more exclusive than the Legislature. “The process may seem a little slow, and now, almost eight years later, people may be a little disconnected from the spill, but money just started flowing last year, so this is the time for them to engage,” she said. “It’s only year two of a 15-year payout period and restoration is just getting started.”

History of the RESTORE Act

When Bonner was pushing for the RESTORE Act’s passage in Congress, he never imagined he’d have a seat at the decisionmaking table on the Gulf Coast. With a unique insight into both ends of the process, he noted that a lot of things have changed since those efforts started. In the early days after the spill, Bonner said a bipartisan group in the House and Senate was meeting weekly to figure out how to respond to the worst disaster the Gulf Coast had ever seen — one that was still unfolding. “There were moments when we didn’t know when this was going to end or how it was going to end,” he said. “Initially they denied there was even oil coming out of the ground. Then they admitted it but were stumped on how to cap it. They were even talking at one point about detonating a nuclear weapon because they couldn’t get it capped.” He said it took a coalition of legislators from the Florida Keys to South Texas to successfully push the bill through. However, he said one of the downsides of that consortium was that states such as Texas and Florida, which he claims weren’t as impacted by the spill, were included. “The only oil Florida got was the suntan lotion that washed off tourists because they didn’t have any oil on their beaches, but in order for us to do this we had to build a coalition that was able to stay together, even though there were a lot of times this bill was near death,” he said. “Initially, there was no vehicle to get is passed, but then we had a transportation bill that had to be extended and some of us said, ‘You know what? We’re a big enough block. If you’re not going to work with us, then to hell with it. Nothing is going to pass.’” Notably, Bonner said none of the Alabamians in the House or Senate envisioned how the state Legislature would ultimately impact what funds would be available for the RESTORE Act. In 2016, under the administration of former Gov. Robert Bentley, the Legislature voted to take Alabama’s share of the economic settlement with BP as a one-time $639 million lump sum and to put the vast majority of that toward debt and general fund budget gaps in Montgomery. “One of the biggest disappointments for us, obviously, is that the state — under the previous administration — decided to take a big cut of that money,” Bonner said. “That was never the intent of it, and it shouldn’t have happened, but it did.” Gabriel Tynes contributed to this report.

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STYLE GARDENING

Plan your pre-emergent herbicides now BY EVAN WARE, REGIONAL EXTENSION AGENT, HOME GROUNDS | COASTALALABAMAGARDENING@GMAIL.COM

Photos/ Evan Ware

Well-maintained, weed-free lawns require planning in advance. Pictured: Chanticleer Garden in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

Q: Last summer, I had a lot of weeds in my lawn. Is there any-

to show up and be a problem in your lawn.While pre-emergent herbicides may be labeled for either broadleaf or grassy weeds, thing I can do ahead of time before my lawn starts growing this certain chemicals have been shown to work better on certain spring to help prevent weeds? weeds. If there is a certain weed that is causing you the most strife, it is important to do your homework and see what product Even though there’s still a chill in the air and your summer will work best for controlling that weed. lawn may be the last thing on your mind, it isn’t too early to Even if you know your lawn type and the major weeds that start planning ahead so your yard is looking its best this spring are a problem in your lawn, finding the right product can still and summer. In fact, mid-to-late February is the perfect time in be an intimidating task. The trick is to look on the label of each our area to apply pre-emergent herbicides to lawns in order to herbicide for the active ingredient. Several different trade names prevent summer weeds. February may seem early to start thinking about lawn care, but or brands may use the same active ingredient; however, rates, ingredients and formulations may differ among products. a lot of the weeds that are problems in our lawns throughout the Listed below are several active ingredients commonly found summer can be prevented and controlled by a herbicide applicain pre-emergent herbicides: tion several months in advance. Pre-emergent herbicides are a • Atrazine provides pre-emergence and post-emergence great solution for weed issues and helpful to work into a yearcontrol of most broadleaf weeds, but can only be used on St. long lawn management schedule. Augustine or centipede lawns. Although there is an upfront investment, planning ahead and • Benefin + trifluralin provides pre-emergence control for using pre-emergents in late winter is a great way to save yourself annual grasses and several broadleaf weeds, and can be used on from weed-management headaches down the road. The hot days of summer can often restrict which post-emergent herbicides can Bermuda, St. Augustine, centipede or zoysia grass. • Dithiopyr provides pre-emergence control for annual grasses be used, since some products have temperature restrictions and may burn your turf when used above the recommended tempera- and some small-seeded broadleaf weeds such as spurge on Bermuda, St. Augustine, centipede or zoysia grass. ture, so pre-emergents are sometimes the best option. All of these products, as well as several others, will need to be Before applying any type of chemical to your lawn, it is watered in and may have temperature restrictions, which can be important to know what type of grass you are growing. Certain types of turfgrass are more sensitive to chemicals than others, so found on the label. As long as you do your research ahead of time, choosing the it is always important to first check the label before application to make sure the type of grass growing in your lawn is listed. The right chemicals to use in your lawn doesn’t have to be daunting. You can choose the right product by referencing the label, label is the law — always be sure to check the label for applicaprovided you know your turf type and what types of weeds you tion rates and instructions. It can also help if you know what types of weeds usually tend are controlling for. There are many lawn products on the market,

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so if you’re unsure about a lawn product, you can always consult with a knowledgeable sales representative or your local Extension office for advice. For more detailed information on using pre-emergent herbicides, check out the Homeowner Lawns publication (IPM-0590) at aces.edu.

YOU ARE INVITED TO THESE UPCOMING GARDENING EVENTS What: Extension Pruning Demonstration for Fruit Crops, Roses and Ornamentals When: Monday, Feb. 19, 9-11 a.m. Where: Jon Archer Ag Center, 1070 Schillinger Road, N., Mobile More: Free; bring your pruning shears. Call 251-574-8445 for more info. What: Mobile County Master Gardeners 2018 Spring Seminar When: Saturday, Feb. 17, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile Speakers: Susan Haltom, Restoring a Historic Garden (author of “One Writer’s Garden: Eudora Welty’s Homeplace”) and Carol Reece, Ordinary Plants/Extraordinary Stories More: Door prizes, silent auction, delicious box lunch, beautiful garden setting Cost: $35; non-refundable advance reservations required Deadline to register: Feb. 9. Send checks, payable to MCMG, to 2221 Dogwood Court, N., Mobile, AL 36693. Call 251-209-6425 for credit card purchase. Master Gardener Helpline: 1-877-252-4769 or send gardening questions to coastalalabamagardening@gmail.com.

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MUSIC

BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR/SCENTANNI@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

FEATURE

Trip through Milham’s ‘Arden’s Garden’ of delights Band: John Milham Album Release Party Date: Friday, Feb. 2, 8 p.m. Venue: Cedar Street Social Club, 4 N. Cedar St., www.cedarstreetsocialclub.com Tickets: $30, available through Brown Paper Tickets and www.johnmilham.com

has been drifting in his head for almost a decade. Nine years ago, he bought a voice recorder and took the first step in the creation of “Arden’s Garden.” Up to that point, ideas for songs had been creeping into his mind, only to be soon forgotten. But with the voice recorder, Milham began capturing the music that was spontaneously flowing into his brain. “Over the past nine years, I ended up with a hundred-plus ideas,” Milham explained. “Some were drumbeats, some were melodies and some were just chords. Three years ago, I started making the intention at every New Year, and I would say, ‘This year, I’m going to record a record.’ Then, the year would go by without a record. So, finally, I realized that years were going to continue to fly by until I start putting things in motion.” Milham found the motivation to create this album at the 2016 installment of the “Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas” concert. This show combined Milham with Leon “Kid Chocolate” Brown (trumpet), Clarence Johnson (saxophone), Chris Severin (bass) and Chris Spies (keyboard). This musical combo left quite an impression on Milham. “I was like, ‘Man! These are the guys! This is the band,’” Milham said. “A lot of my songs have horns, and I had these horn players. We jelled well together. I decided to set a date and deadline and go for it, and I did a crowdfunding campaign.” Once he entered Dauphin Street Sound, Milham found himself bringing more guest artists into the world of “Arden’s Garden.” Locals such as Molly Thomas, Rick Hirsch, Ryan Balthrop, Corky Hughes, Christopher Spies and Symone French donated time and talent. Jennifer Hartswick provided her trumpet and vocals, as did vocalist/trombonist Natalie Cressman (Trey Anastasio Band). Bassist Kevin Scott and keyboardist Matt Slocum took time from the Jimmy Herring Band to lay down tracks, and guitarist Dave Yoke (Susan Tedeschi Band, Dr. John) donated his skills. When the album’s production began, Milham says, his song ideas began following musical tangents through what he describes as “an incredible process.” Many tracks already had a working arrangement. “Brightness” began on a basement piano at Milham’s brother’s house. The second movement of this track took form in the studio when Milham led the band to “groove” with a dissonant G chord over the song’s C Sharp key. Milham said this led

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Photo | Courtesy John Milham

ohn Milham is not an unfamiliar name on the Mobile Bay area music scene — in fact, he is one of its most sought-after drummers for a variety of musical projects. Over the years, this percussionist has provided the heartbeat of bands such as Haere Marue, Kung-Fu Mama, Vibration Configuration and Grayson Capps & the Lost Cause Minstrels. He’s also worked with a long list of artists ranging from Johnny Sansone to Papa Mali, and is one of the founders of Mobile’s annual “Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas.” From rock to funk, Milham’s versatility as a drummer keeps him busy, but for the past nine months he’s filled his free time working on a very personal project. Under the guidance of co-producer Rick Hirsch and co-producer/engineer Keylan Laxton, Milham has been laying down tracks for his debut album, “Arden’s Garden,” being released on Skate Mountain Records. The Feb. 2 release party will feature a legendary collaboration between Milham and a number of guests from the album. With volley after volley of infectious jazz tracks, “Arden’s Garden” should be considered a welcome addition to the local music scene. With the exception of its title track, “Arden’s Garden” is ruled by instrumental works. However, this doesn’t stop this jazz masterpiece from successfully taking the listener through a variety of emotions that begin with the jazzy grooves of “Step On It!” before dropping into the exotic vertigo of “J.B.’s Ride.” The album’s title track is a suave transition into a mellow jam with the silken vocals of Jennifer Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band) floating across each measure. The shifting personality of “Brightness Suite” makes this composition one of the album’s most prolific tracks. This expansive vibe continues with the revolutionary New Age jazz of “Ana’s Daydream,” featuring Milham’s daughter. With its Big Easy aural gait, “Donkey Strut” lives up to its name before dropping into the lazy piano caress of “Kingston.” “Arden’s Garden” ends with a bouncing trip down “Zimple Street,” shining with the vocals of Leon Brown Sr. Even though the recording process began last year, Milham says the music found on this album

Drummer extraordinaire John Milham invited a roster of guest artists to accompany him on “Arden’s Garden.” They’ll perform at an album release party at the Cedar Street Social Club Feb. 2. Matt Slocum to freewheel across his keyboard. Slocum was responsible, Milham says, for the third movement of “Brightness,” adding that Slocum wrote this part at Milham’s house in 2015. “We added trumpet on it, and Keylan did an incredible job getting the sound with the instruments. We only did two takes of that song. That was just one of those moments in the studio that turned into magic.” Milham says “Step on It!” was a song that came to life in the studio. This composition started as just chords and a beat he recorded at home. Once he presented the recording in the studio, Milham says Chris Spies came up with the intro. Spies and Slocum added a melody. Afterward, Kevin Scott brainstormed a bridge for the song. Ultimately, Milham sees this song as one co-written by the four musicians. “It was quite the adventure just seeing these songs come to life,” Milham says. “A lot of the reason that I held back for so long was because I had an idea that these songs weren’t good enough. So, I put them out there. I went into the studio with kind of an idea of the songs, but a lot of it was abstract and a question of hearing playbacks with these players.” Milham says the crowd at the release party can expect “almost everybody” who appeared on the album, including Hartswick, Natalie Cressman, Matt Slocum, Rick Hirsch, Kevin Scott, Molly Thomas, Leon Brown, Clarence Johnson and “many more.” Milham has also invited singer-songwriter Nick Branch to open the show with a celebration of the release of his album, “Nickel After Midnight,” which features players from “Arden’s Garden.” Milham hopes to tour in support of this album during the spring and early summer. Afterward, he plans to start working on the next album, for which he already has five songs recorded.

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MUSIC BRIEFS

Merry after-party

BY STEPHEN CENTANNI/MUSIC EDITOR/SCENTANNI@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

Band: Futurebirds, Neighbor Lady, South Carlen Date: Thursday, Feb. 1, with doors at 9 p.m. Venue: The Merry Widow, 51 S. Conception St., www.themerrywidow.net Tickets: $10 in advance/$12 day of show; available through Ticketfly

Photo | Facebook | Futurebirds

fter the sultry gypsies of the Order of Polka Dots roll through downtown Mobile, The Merry Widow will host an after-party with Futurebirds headlining. This five-piece from Athens, Georgia, has used performances at regional events such as Hangout Fest and SouthSounds to collect a bevy of listeners in the Mobile Bay area. Futurebirds’ sound is a smooth, dreamy delivery of twang-infused, harmony-laden country rock that is reminiscent of the early days of My Morning Jacket. The band is currently on tour in support of its four-song, digital EP, “Portico II.” Futurebirds will also introduce its Azalea City fans to the sounds of Atlanta band Neighbor Lady. Fronted by singer-songwriter Emily Braden, this quartet comes from the same ethereal school of Americana rock as Futurebirds. However, Neighbor Lady freshens this musical style with an infusion of indie rock. The band’s debut, “Maybe Later,” is slated for release in May. Until then, those wishing to sample Neighbor Lady’s sound can listen to the wistful single, “Consider Me Mean.” Azalea City indie rockers South Carlen will open the show. Last month, this group introduced its hometown to the debut effort, “Playing the Ghost.” Clean, seductive vocals and catchy rhythms highlight South Carlen’s sound. The opening spot should provide an energizing experience lasting through the night.

Blue-eyed soul

Band: Stephen Sylvester Date: Saturday, Feb. 3, 2 p.m. Venue: Fairhope Brewing Co., 914 Nichols Ave. (Fairhope), www.fairhopebrewing.com Tickets: Free

Fairhope will be getting in the spirit of the season courtesy of the Knights of Ecor Rouge. Before this festive group of maskers showers downtown Fairhope with trinkets, Fairhope Brewing Co. will be providing the masses with a lineup of local brews and a performance by Stephen Sylvester. Sylvester’s journey into the music world can be traced back to his father, who performed in a church worship band. Even though Sylvester’s life has taken him down many roads, these various paths have led him back to music. In 2016, Sylvester released his debut album “Down to the Jordan,” which was recorded at the University of Mobile’s world-class Fisher-Brewer Recording Studio. This release is a versatile collection highlighted by Sylvester’s brand of Gulf Coast blue-eyed soul. “Down to the Jordan” is filled with everything from high-energy grooves to passionate ballads. Sylvester’s clean delivery of vocal soul provides the thread connecting the album’s six tracks.

ESho Mardi Gras kickoff

Band: Johnny Hayes Date: Thursday, Feb. 1, 7 p.m. Venue: Manci’s Antique Club, 1715 Main St. (Daphne), www.mancisantiqueclub.com Tickets: Free

This first weekend in February, the Eastern Shore will celebrate Mardi Gras with the Apollo’s Mystic Ladies and Knights of Ecor Rouge parades. Manci’s Antique Club will be hosting a preparade party for this jovial weekend, featuring Gulf Coast favorite Johnny Hayes. While attending the University of Alabama, native Mobilian Hayes began performing in a variety of watering holes in the area. Afterward, he made the move to Nashville to nurture his music career. After spending five years in Music City, Hayes took his chances on the NBC vocal talent series “The Voice.” His electrifying stage presence and soulful vocal work led to nationwide exposure and a legion of new fans. These days, Hayes has been performing with his band, the LoveSeats, but for his Manci’s performance will be performing an intimate solo show. However, his powerful vocals and danceable collection of original material should still maintain this artist’s reputation as one of the best showmen in the Southeast. This show should be the perfect way to celebrate Mardi Gras on the Eastern Shore.

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AREAMUSIC LISTINGS | January 31 - February 6

WED. JAN 31

Bluegill— Matt Neese Blues Tavern— Art, 8p Callaghan’s— Marlow Boys Cockeyed Charlie’s— JJ Felix’s— Tropic Flyer Flora Bama— Neil Dover, 7p// Rhonda Hart Duo, 11p

THUR. FEB 1

Big Beach Brewing— Meredith MacDonald and Brittany Bell, 6p Boudreaux’s Cajun Grill— David Chastang, 6p Callaghan’s— Phil Proctor Cockeyed Charlie’s— JJ Felix’s— Light Travelers Lulu’s— Lefty Collis, 5p Manci’s— Johnny Hayes The Merry Widow— Futurebirds, Neighbor Lady, South Carlen, 9p Moe’s BBQ (Mobile) — Rock Bottom Duo, 7:30p

FRI. FEB 2

All Sports Bar & Billiards— DJ Markie Mark, 10p Beau Rivage— Rodney Carrington, 8p Big Beach Brewing— Crackerjack Diamonds, 6:30p Boudreaux’s Cajun Grill— Phil and Foster, 6p El Camino— Brittany Bell, 7:30p Fairhope Brewing— Roadside Glorious Felix’s— Blind Dog Mike Hard Rock (Center Bar) — Official Sas Band, 9:30p IP Casino— Tracey Lawerance, 8p Listening Room— Jason Eady w/ Eric Erdman Lulu’s— Light Travelers, 5p Main Street Cigar Lounge— Mardi Gras Band, 8p Manci’s— Kyle and Brandon The Merry Widow— Mike Rob and The 601 Band, 8p Moe’s BBQ (Daphne) — The Spotswood Brothers, 8p Moe’s BBQ (Mobile) — The Ayer Brothers, 7:30p O’Daly’s— The Brown Goose Soul Kitchen— Upchurch the Redneck, Tommy Chayne ft. Bates and Jesse Howard, 9:30p

SAT. FEB 3

Big Beach Brewing— Roadside

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Glorious, 6:30p Boudreaux’s Cajun Grill— Rock Bottom, 6p Brickyard— Stolen Faces Callaghan’s— Phil and Walon El Camino— Chad Parker, 2p// Yeah Probably, 7:30p Fairhope Brewing— Stephen Sylvester Felix’s— Grits N Pieces Hard Rock (Center Bar) — Official Sas Band, 9:30p Hard Rock (Live) — Great White and Slaughter, 8p Lulu’s— Chris Bryant, 5p Manci’s— Brittany Bell The Merry Widow— DJ Bob, 9p Moe’s BBQ (Mobile) — Jimmy Lee Hannaford and Jose Santiago, 7:30p Moe’s BBQ (Semmes) — Jim Burt, 6:30p Soul Kitchen— Glow Rage, 9:30p Tacky Jacks (Gulf Shores)— Top of the Bay— Mario Mena Band

SUN. FEB 4

Big Beach Brewing— Lee Yankie and Chris Bryant, 3p Boudreaux’s Cajun Grill— Matt Neese, 6p Felix’s— Jimmy Lumpkin Frog Pond— John Milham, Grayson Capps, Jennifer Hartswick, Natalie Cressman, Chris Spies, Matt Slocum, Clarance Johnson, Rick Hirsch, Nick Branch, Kevin Scott, Corky Hughes, 2p Lulu’s— Lauren Murphy, 2p

MON. FEB 5

Boudreaux’s Cajun Grill— BDM, 6p Felix’s— Bryant Gilley Lulu’s— Brent Burns, 5p Moe’s BBQ (Mobile) — Light Travelers, 7:30p

TUE. FEB 6

Boudreaux’s Cajun Grill— Matt Neese, 6p Butch Cassidy’s— Andy MacDonald Felix’s— Quintin Berry Live Bait— Brandon Styles, 7p Lulu’s— Birds of Paradise Ball, 7p Moe’s BBQ (Mobile) — Harrison McInnis Duo, 7:30p

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‘Get Out’ and see this locally filmed gem

FILMTHE REEL WORLD

BY ASIA FREY/FILM CRITIC/AFREY@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

AREA THEATERS CARMIKE CINEMA’S Wynnsong 16 785 Schillinger Rd. S. (251) 639-7373 CRESCENT THEATER 208 Dauphin Street (251) 438-2005 HOLLYWOOD STADIUM 18 1250 Satchel Paige Dr. (251) 473-9655 RAVE MOTION PICTURE JUBILEE SQUARE 12 6898 U.S. 90 Daphne, (251) 626- 6266

n early 2016, a woman emailed me to say a comedian was filming a movie at her house in Ashland Place, and she thought it was interesting. And it was. This year, that film is nominated for Best Picture in the 2018 Academy Awards. “Get Out” has earned four Oscar nominations, including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Jordan Peele, and Best Actor for star Daniel Kaluuya. Keli Mazza, a Mobilian who was the production secretary on the film, had this response to the news: “The local crew and cast, who played an intricate part in the production, are celebrating these nominations. ‘Get Out’ used 124 Alabama residents, made up of 67 crew members and 57 background actors. From top to bottom everyone has a role to play, and our communities are playing a large role in the success of filming in Alabama. The making of ‘Get Out’ impacted the local economy by using over 70 local businesses in some way during production.” This low-budget film set several records even before the Oscar nominations came in. It is the highest-grossing original debut ever, and became the most profitable movie of 2017, enjoying a 630 percent return on investment. Peele is the first black writer-director with a $100 million film debut, and with his Oscar nominations, he is the first black director to receive nominations in the writing, directing and producing categories for his first feature film. Only two other people have ever done that. It’s a huge deal that all this magic hap-

pened right here in Mobile and Fairhope, but since most of the publicity around it concerns how hard it is to categorize, with a controversial nomination in the Golden Globes “Comedy” category, you may well ask what this film is about. Oscar nominee Daniel Kaluuya plays Chris, a black photographer dating Rose (Allison Williams). When the film begins, she is attempting to allay his fears of how her white family will react to their white daughter bringing home a black boyfriend. Despite her assurances that they all love Barack Obama, it isn’t long into their weekend before Chris tells Rose “I told you so.” Kaluuya’s performance is pretty brilliant in the way he modulates his behavior around different characters in the film, and his reaction to the suspicious people he meets is really the backbone of the story. Rose’s family, the Armitages, live in a huge house attended by black servants. Open-minded liberals that they purport to be, they explain that these employees are really more like family. There is a truly terrifyingly robotic maid and a preternaturally cheerful yard man who runs really, really fast. “Get Out” takes the discomfort and fear Chris feels as he negotiates this complex setting and makes it literally horrifying. Fears of being misunderstood or disliked are amplified into a wonderfully grotesque reality when Chris discovers the truth about his girlfriend’s family and friends, and that is where the social satire and comedy becomes a true, bloody horror film.

The cleverness of blending these genres, with a racial commentary that is razor sharp, is what got and kept people talking about “Get Out.” Rich symbolism, mining both pop culture and history, is to be found everywhere. In some respects, Peele does not miss an opportunity to build the story with symbolic details, such as cotton, long a symbol of slavery in the Southern United States, serving a vital purpose in the film’s climax; but in other ways “Get Out” is a compelling concept that was slightly underwritten. Of all the nominations, however, the most deserved goes to star Kaluuya. His performances outshine the others in terms of executing the complexity of this material. If only the subtlety Kaluuya brings to Chris was present elsewhere. Chris’ best friend, played by comedian Lil Rel Howery, is heavy-handed comic relief, his over-the-top wackiness landing with an amateurish thud whenever he is shoehorned in. And if a co-star whose performance approached Kaluuya’s had been in the Allison Williams role, this film would have been even better. Nevertheless, “Get Out” is more than worth checking out as it returns to the big screen this week and is also available to rent. There is so much to think about and talk about here, and beyond its social context it is a fun and chilling thriller with some pretty awesome twists. And, for our town to bring in such an unprecedentedly successful project, we should all feel a thrill being a part of the phenomenon.

CARMIKE CINEMAS 23151 Wharf Ln. Orange Beach (251) 981-4444 COBB THEATRES PINNACLE 14 3780 Gulf Shores Pkwy Gulf Shores (251) 968-7444 EASTERN SHORE PREMIERE CINEMA 14 30500 Alabama 181 #500 Spanish Fort, Al (251) 626-0352 Information accurate at press time; please call theaters for showtimes.

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Photos | Universal Pictures / Focus Features

FROM LEFT: In the critically acclaimed “Get Out,” it’s time for a young African-American to meet his white girlfriend’s parents for a weekend in their secluded estate in the woods, but before long, the friendly and polite ambience will give way to a nightmare. Daniel Day Lewis and Vicky Krieps star in “Phantom Thread,” about a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman who becomes his muse and lover.

NOW PLAYING PHANTOM THREAD AMC Mobile 16 THE SHAPE OF WATER Crescent Theater; all listed multiplex theaters. GET OUT Regal Mobile Stadium 18 HOSTILES All listed multiplex theaters. PADMAAVAT AMC Mobile 16

MAZE RUNNER: THE DEATH CURE All listed multiplex theaters. MOLLY’S GAME AMC Classic Wharf 15, Cobb Pinnacle 14 CALL ME BY YOUR NAME Regal Mobile Stadium 18 12 STRONG All listed multiplex theaters. FOREVER MY GIRL All listed multiplex theaters. DEN OF THIEVES All listed multiplex theaters.

PADDINGTON 2 All listed multiplex theaters. THE POST All listed multiplex theaters. THE COMMUTER All listed multiplex theaters. DARKEST HOUR All listed multiplex theaters. INSIDIOUS: THE LAST KEY All listed multiplex theaters. JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE All listed multiplex theaters.

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN All listed multiplex theaters. PITCH PERFECT 3 All listed multiplex theaters. FERDINAND All listed multiplex theaters. STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI All listed multiplex theaters. THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI AMC Classic Wharf, Regal Mobile Stadium 18, AMC Jubilee Square 12 COCO All listed multiplex theaters.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY 31, 2018 - FEBRUARY 6, 2018

GENERAL INTEREST Dauphin Island Boardwalk Talks Boardwalk Talks are held the first and third Wednesday of each month at 11:15 a.m. at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Blvd. Call 251-861-2141. Midtown Optimist Club Join Midtown Optimist Club every Wednesday at noon for lunch at Azalea City Golf Course. Call 251-348-3542.

program continues through Saturday, March 24. For drop-off locations, call 251621-5387.

ARTS MMoA Night Market Mobile Museum of Art hosts its Night Market on Thursday, Feb. 1, 5-9 p.m. featuring wares by artists and artisans. Support local artists and join the shopping and fun with great food, drink and live music. MMoA is at 4850 Museum Drive.

Lecture series Donnie Barrett comes to the Fairhope History Lecture Series Thursday, Feb. 1, 6 p.m. at the Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Ave. Topic is “Main Street During Fairhope’s Youth: The Village Becomes a Town.” Call 351-928-7483.

First Friday Art Walk The Eastern Shore Art Center features new art and music the first Friday of every month. Friday, Feb. 2, at 6 p.m., Eastern Shore Art Center, 401 Oak St., Fairhope. Contact Adrienne at 251-928-2228, ext. 103.

Practical Gardening Class A six-week class at Mobile Botanical Gardens on how to look at your landscape and select plants, soil preparation, proper plant maintenance and more. Thursdays, Jan. 25 through March, 6:30-8 p.m. Call 251-342-0555 or visit mobilebotanicalgardens.org.

Garden Sketch Club Join Mobile Botanical Gardens every Friday for art in the gardens. Artists meet 2-4 p.m., with guidance and advice available from Derek Norman. All levels of experience welcome. General admission is $5 for nonmembers. Call 251-342-0555 or visit mobilebotanicalgardens.org.

Movie Night Friday, Feb. 2, is Movie Night at the Fire Safety Training Center, 9010 Forest St. in Semmes. “Despicable Me 3” will start at 7 p.m. and is free. Call 251-544-6641.

Art demonstrations Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Welcome Center Series is held weekdays through Feb. 28. Art demos, various days at 10 a.m. at the Orange Beach Welcome Center (23685 Perdido Beach Blvd.), lectures are each weekday at 2 p.m. at the Gulf Shores Welcome Center (3459 Gulf Shores Parkway). Visit GulfShores.com/ WelcomeCenter.

USS Alabama Living History Come see history come to life as the USS Alabama Living History Crew comes aboard ship. These historical re-enactors show you what life aboard ship was like during World War II. Saturday, Feb. 3, with air attack at 1 p.m. Call 251-433-2703. African-American Read-In Join Mobile Public Library, Toulminville branch, for special guests and community partners as we celebrate Black Heritage in reading, poetry, storytelling and songs. Feb. 5-8. Call 251-438-7075. Winter Walk at Bellingrath Learn about the interesting winter borders and containers throughout the gardens from Bellingrath’s horticulture management team. Winter Wednesdays sessions are held each week in the Magnolia Room, 10:30-11:30 a.m., through Feb. 28. Call 251-459-8864. TOPS Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church. Call 251-625-6888. Toastmasters Toastmasters International meets regularly at six locations in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Visit www.toastmasters.org for more information. Learning Lunch History Museum of Mobile’s Learning Lunch takes place Feb. 7 at noon. Mardi Gras Trail author and historian Ann Pond will speak on “Mobile’s First Mardi Gras.” Call 251-301-0270.

FUNDRAISERS Many More Miles Baldwin Bone & Joint’s annual collection of shoes for the homeless outreach

MUSEUMS “Titanic: Honour & Glory” “Titanic Honour & Glory” will run through April 15 at the History Museum of Mobile. In addition to the exhibition, the museum will host monthly events. Call 251-301-0273 or gavin.snyder@ historymuseumofmobile.com. “Right on Course” The United States Sports Academy’s American Sport Art Museum and Archives is open free to the public weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. One of the newest exhibits is “Right on Course.” Visit www.asama.org. “Windows to the Sea” “Windows to the Sea” is the latest permanent exhibit at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium. Visit disl.org. “Savage Ancient Seas” “Savage Ancient Seas” will transport GulfQuest guests to a time when the last of the great dinosaurs roamed Earth and swam the seas. Visit www.gulfquest.org. Fairhope’s Founding Learn more about the 1894 founding of Fairhope at the Fairhope Museum of History, 24 N. Section St. The museum is open daily (except Sunday and Monday), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 251-929-1471. Little Discoveries “Outside the Box,” aimed at children age 6 and under, explores how innovation and creativity can lead to a world of possibilities, starting with a simple cardboard box. Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Call 251-208-6893 or email jholland@ exploreum.com.

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Thursdays at MMoA Every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Mobile Museum of Art offers free admission to all visitors. No reservations are necessary. MMoA is at 4850 Museum Drive. Call 251-208-5200.

SPORTING EVENTS/ACTIVITIES New classes for all ages Classes offered at LeFlore High School include Art For Kids (ages 6 and up), Art for Adults, Pre-Ballet & Tumbling (ages 4-6) and Self-Defense for Women & Girls (ages 12 and up). For more information, call 251208-1610 or go to MOBILECAP.ORG. Group rides South Alabama and Mississippi Mountain Bike Association invites all levels of cyclists to join them every Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. at USA Bike Trails and Sunday at 9 a.m. at Chickasabogue Park. Email carrie@rideSAMBA.com. Weekly 1K/5K Every Thursday evening at 6 p.m., join Red Beard’s Outfitter and Cortlandt’s Pub in the Spring Hill Village Shopping Center for a 1K or 5K run and walk. No cost to participate. Bingo Join Via! Health, Fitness, Enrichment Center at 1717 Dauphin St. for bingo every Tuesday and Thursday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Call 251-478-3311. Bridge Lessons The Mobile Bridge Center offers free bridge lessons each Tuesday at 6 p.m. at 1510 University Blvd. Arrive a few minutes early to register. Call 251-666-2147, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fitness and athletics classes Try something new this year! Classes are being offered at Palmer Pillans Middle School. Tai Chi, bellydance, candlelit yoga, Piyo Tone and piano. Call 251-463-7980 or visit mobilecap.org Pickleball for adults (indoors) Offered at Palmer Pillans Middle School on Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Great sport for all ages combines tennis, pingpong and badminton on a court one-fourth the size of a tennis court. Call 251-463-7980 or go to communityactivitiesprogram.com. Ballroom dance Azalea Ballroom Dance Club hosts dances the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, 7-9:30 p.m. at Via! Health, Fitness & Enrichment Center, 1717 Dauphin St. Call 251-623-9183 or visit azaleaballroomdanceclub.com. Ballroom dance The Moonlight Chassé Ballroom Dance Society hosts dances the first and third Monday of every month, 7-9:30 p.m. at Hot Wheels Skating Rink in Daphne. Email cassief13@aol.com.

WORKSHOPS How to use your smartphone In order to take advantage of your phone, you have to know they exist, how to navigate to them and how to make them work. Class covers Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, texting and more. Classes are on Monday, 6-7 p.m., at

Palmer Pillans Middle School. Call 251208-1650 or go to mobilecap.org.

PUBLIC MEETINGS Baldwin County Commission: First and third Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., 322 Courthouse Square, Bay Minette. Work sessions are the second and fourth Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. rotating between Bay Minette, the Foley Satellite Courthouse, the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse and the Baldwin County Central Annex Building in Robertsdale. www. baldwincountyal.gov Baldwin County Planning Commission: First Thursday at 6 p.m., 22251 Palmer St., Robertsdale, www.baldwincountyal.gov. Bayou La Batre City Council: Second and fourth Thursday at 5:30 p.m., 13785 S. Wintzell Ave., www.cityofbayoulabatre.com. Chickasaw City Council: Second and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m., 224 N. Craft Highway, 251-452-6450. Citronelle City Council: Second and fourth Thursday at 6:30 p.m., 19135 Main St., 251866-7973. Creola City Council: Second and fourth Thursday at 6 p.m., 190 Dead Lake Road, #A, 251-675-8142. Daphne City Council: First and third Monday at 6:30 p.m., 1705 Main St. Work sessions are the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., www.daphneal.com. Dauphin Island Town Council: First and third Tuesdays at 7 p.m., 1011 Bienville Blvd., www.townofdauphinisland.org. Elberta Town Council: Third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the town hall. Workshop meeting on the second Tuesday. townofelberta.com. Fairhope City Council: Second and fourth Monday at 6 p.m., 161 N. Section St. Work sessions are held before each council meeting at 4:30 p.m., www.cofairhope.com. Fairhope Planning Commission: First Monday at 5 p.m., 161 N. Section St. For more information visit www.cofairhope.com. Foley City Council: First and third Monday at 5:30 p.m., 407 E. Laurel Ave. Work sessions begin at 4 p.m., www.cityoffoley.org. Gulf Shores City Council: Second and fourth Mondays at 4 p.m., 1905 W. First St., www. gulfshoresal.gov. Mobile City Council: Tuesdays at Government Plaza, 205 Government St. Pre-council meeting begins at 9 a.m.; council meeting begins at 10:30 a.m., www. cityofmobile.org. Mobile Planning Commission: First and third Thursdays at 2 p.m., 205 Government St., www.urban.cityofmobile.org. Orange Beach City Council: First and third Tuesdays at 5 p.m., 4099 Orange Beach Blvd., www.cityoforangebeach.com. Prichard City Council: Every Thursday at 5:30 p.m., 216 E. Prichard Ave., www. thecityofprichard.org. Satsuma City Council: First and third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 5464 Old Highway 43 Satsuma, AL 36572, 251-675-1440.

2018 MARDI GRAS 2018 MARDI GRAS PARADE SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, FEB. 1

• Order of the Polka Dots, 6:30 p.m., Route A, Mobile

FRIDAY, FEB. 2

• Order of the Inca, 6:30 p.m., Route A, Mobile • Apollo’s Mystic Ladies, 6:45 p.m., Daphne

SATURDAY, FEB. 3

• The Haven’s Mystic Mutts, 1 p.m., Fairhope • Mobile Mystics, 2 p.m., Route A, Mobile • Mobile Mystical Revelers, 2:30 p.m., Route A, Mobile • Maids of Mirth, 6:30 p.m., Route A, Mobile • Knights of Ecor Rouge, 6:45 p.m., Fairhope • Order of Butterfly Maidens, 7 p.m., Route A, Mobile • Krewe of Marry Mates, 7:30 p.m., Route A, Mobile

SUNDAY, FEB. 4

• Neptune’s Daughters, 6:30 p.m., Route A, Mobile • Order of Isis, 7 p.m., Route A, Mobile

MONDAY, FEB. 5

• Order of Venus, 6:30 p.m., Route A, Mobile • Order of Many Faces, 7 p.m., Route A, Mobile

TUESDAY, FEB. 6

• Order of LaShe, 6:30 p.m., Route A, Mobile

THURSDAY, FEB. 8

• Mystic Stripers, 6:30 p.m., Route A, Mobile

FRIDAY, FEB. 9

• Crewe of Columbus, 6:30 p.m., Route A, Mobile • Maids of Jubilee, 6:45 p.m., Fairhope

SATURDAY, FEB. 10

• Foley Mardi Gras Parade, 11 a.m., downtown Foley • Floral Parade, noon, Route A, Mobile • Knights of Mobile, 12:30 p.m., Route A, Mobile • Mobile Mystical Ladies, 1 p.m., Route A, Mobile • Order of Angels,

1:30 p.m., Route A, Mobile • Krewe of Mullet Mates, 2 p.m., Mullet Point • Mystics of Time, 6 p.m., Route A, Mobile • Mystics of Pleasure, 6 p.m., Orange Beach • Shadow Barons, 6:45 p.m., Daphne

SUNDAY, FEB. 11

• King Elexis Parade, 2 p.m., Route E, Mobile • Joe Cain, 2:30 p.m., Route A, Mobile, • Loyal Order of the Firetruck, 2:30 p.m., Daphne • Joe Cain Marchers, 3 p.m., Route A, Mobile • Le Krewe de Bienville, 5 p.m., Route A, Mobile

MONDAY, FEB. 12

• King Felix and Floral Parade, noon, Route A, Mobile • MLK Business & Civic Organization, 3 p.m., Route D, Mobile • MLK Monday Mystics, 3:30 p.m., Route D, Mobile • Northside Merchants, 4 p.m., Route D, Mobile • Order of Mystic Magnolias, 6:45 p.m., Fairhope • Infant Mystics, 7 p.m., Route F, Mobile • Order of Doves, 7:30 p.m., Route F, Mobile

TUESDAY, FEB. 13

• Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade, 10 a.m., Gulf Shores • Order of Athena, 10:30 a.m., Route A, Mobile • Knights of Revelry, 12:30 p.m., Route A, Mobile • King Felix, 1 p.m., Route A, Mobile • Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association, 2 p.m., Route B, Mobile • Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade, 2 p.m., Orange Beach • Comic Cowboys, 1:30 p.m., Route A, Mobile • Order of Myths, 6 p.m., Route C, Mobile For Mobile route maps, visit maps.cityofmobile.org/Event_MardiGras/Parades. html.

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MEDIA MEDIA FRENZY

THE NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE SURPRISE ENDINGS BY PRISCILLA CLARK AND JEFF CHEN / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ ACROSS 1 Small house in the Southwest 7 Covert missions 15 Select 18 Wading birds 20 Light, catchy tunes 21 “Je t’____” 22 Cite 23 Pimp launches career in rap … BUT HAS AN EPIC FAIL! 25 Father of Paris, in myth 26 Apple buy-product? 28 Relax, with “out” 29 Assessed 30 Cabby saves prostitute … WITH HIS BLATHERING! 33 Labatt, for one 34 Composer known for mood music 35 Relinquish 36 Something coming off the shelf? 38 Tropicana products, for short 41 Floor 43 Guy makes a new best friend … WHO TURNS OUT TO BE A COMMUNIST! 50 Beverage called a “tonic” in Boston 51 Inclines 54 Enya’s land 55 Appropriate 56 Retired pool shark returns … TO WIN FRENCH IMPRESSIONIST PAINTING! 60 “____ Revere, Engineer” (best-selling 2013 children’s book) 61 Facial expression often accompanied by “Heh, heh, heh” 62 Big dipper 63 Pink-slip 64 ____ Equis (Mexican beer) 65 Chap gets life lessons from kid … WHO’S REALLY AN ANDROID! 70 One side in college football’s “Big Game” 72 Blue 74 Bitcoin, e.g. 75 Utopias 78 Shoves (in) 81 West Coast officers track wise-cracking detective … TO A BOVINE! 86 One with a role to play 87 Bullets, in cards 88 First “America’s Funniest Home Videos” host 89 Glamorous Gardner 90 Friends gather for a funeral … AND COOK UP AN ENORMOUS STEW! 93 “Bali ____” 94 Lively tune 95 Symbolic bird in “On Golden Pond” 96 Recipe amts. 100 “Angel dust” 102 Kind of knot

107 Bog monster emerges … WITH A NEW LINE OF SNACK CRACKERS! 111 Shakespearean king 112 Auto safety feature to prevent skidding, for short 115 Man, for one 116 Greeting on Maui 118 007 gets fired … AND LANDS A JOB AS A SCOTTISH TAILOR! 121 Out early 123 Playing ____ 124 “Spamalot” writer 125 Drained 126 Object of veneration by ancient Egyptians 127 Casualty of a crash? 128 One side of a ledger

16 “Mon ____” (words of endearment) 17 Energetic 19 “Bon” time 21 Some 24 Color changer 27 Flick 31 Carpentry rod 32 Gift on a string 33 Spiner of “Star Trek: T.N.G.” 36 Destined (to be) 37 Singer Sands 38 Goes (for) 39 In song, Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt’s first name 40 Mix and match? 42 ____ Gay (W.W. II plane) 44 Fifth sign 45 “____ Gang” DOWN 46 Grp. with the motto “Until 1 Goldfish, e.g. every one comes home” 2 Sidestep 47 Gran Torino, e.g. 3 Balkan capital 48 Part of a 4 Mountaineer’s tool score, maybe 5 Skynet’s T-800’s, e.g. 49 Dentist’s directive 6 One who’s passed the bar: 52 Lacking pizazz Abbr. 53 “____ I” (“Same here”) 7 Parent’s scolding 57 Position sought by some 8 Praised M.B.A.s 9 “____ Poetica” 58 Kind of shot 10 Letters on a video surveil- 59 Olympics unit lance screen 66 Concern of an orthopedic 11 Trendy smoothie ingredient M.D. 12 Force on earth, in brief 67 Howls 13 Bussing on a bus, for short? 68 Org. that’s found by 14 Two plus two equaling accident? five, e.g. 69 Piece of chicken 15 High mark in Spanish class? 70 Symbols on

Irish euro coins 71 Video intrusions 72 Tracker’s clue 73 Sole part 76 Astronomical event 77 Goodies in a goody bag 79 Swarm 80 Hindu honorific 81 Burger topper 82 Backtalk? 83 Miner’s find 84 Immigrant’s class, in brief 85 Bounded 91 Sneaked a peek 92 Part of T.G.I.F. 97 Slops 98 Wallops 99 T-shirt choices, briefly 101 What drones lack 102 2008 Israeli political biography 103 Relatives of Tonys 104 Sum up 105 ____ Scott 106 “Positively Entertaining” cable network 108 Le Pew of Looney Tunes 109 “That’s the truth!” 110 Makeshift ghost costume 112 Warring 113 Florida city, informally 114 Brand of tools 117 Says further 119 Great time 120 Sworn statement 122 G.P.’s grp.

ANSWERS ON PAGE 40

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Did al.com reporter find the Clotilda? BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR/RHOLBERT@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

L.com reporter Ben Raines believes he may have made a significant historical discovery during the recent stretch of cold weather — the location of the Clotilda, the last ship to bring African slaves into the United States. In a series of reports over the past few weeks, Raines explained to readers how he found what he believes could be the infamous ship in the mud in the lower Mobile-Tensaw Delta. The cold weather and steady wind had pushed water levels far below normal, allowing Raines to find a vessel’s submerged remains. While nothing has been definitively determined at this time, Raines brought in experts to look at the wreckage and reported that they all found the ship and pieces of the wreckage consistent with the Clotilda and what is known of its destruction. The ship brought 110 captives from Africa to the U.S. in 1860 as part of a bet by Mobile steamboat captain Timothy Mehear that he could illegally bring in slaves by sailing right past the federal soldiers manning Forts Gaines and Morgan. The slaves brought here ended up founding Africatown, just north of Mobile. Raines is known for his outdoor and environmental reporting and over his career has often become an active participant in stories. Accord-

ing to his reports, it will require a both state and federal efforts to determine for certain if what he found is indeed the Clotilda.

Sheridan on betting the SB

Nationally known sports analyst and handicapper Danny Sheridan has some important advice for anyone who likes to wager on the big game, and it is part of this year’s 100-page USA Today special Super Bowl section. Sheridan, who makes Mobile his home, has written an instructive article on how to bet on the Super Bowl, which is a must-read for anyone who likes to be a part of the biggest day of sports gambling each year. The Nevada sports books took in almost $140 million last year, which was a record. And that doesn’t even count all the betting with your friendly neighborhood illegal bookmaker. Sheridan says he’s picked 15 of the last 16 Super Bowl point spread winners and 14 of the last 16 over/under totals. His article is full of fascinating betting-related facts that just might save you from losing the kids’ tuition money. In the article he offers five rules for betting the game. Might be a good read before you give your bookie a call. The USA Today Super Bowl guides are available at area newsstands.

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SPORTS UPON FURTHER REVIEW

Mobile Sports Authority reports successful season

Photo | Mobile Sports Authority

In its debut, the Fifth Quarter Classic was the biggest outing during fiscal 2016. The 19,000 spectators who made it to Ladd-Peebles Stadium produced an estimated economic impact of $6,480,000. Thanks to that first football game, the best year ever reported by MSA was for fiscal 2016, in which 35 events generated an estimated $25 million. The economic impact formula used by MSA includes the number of visitors times the number of nights stayed times $208 per day of spending plus the BY J. MARK BRYANT/SPORTS WRITER/SPORTS@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM/TWITTER @GOULAGUY number of visiting daytrippers times $40 per day of spending to come up with “direct spending.” This amount is then doubled (a regional multiplier) to obtain the “total estimated economic impact for area.” The $40 and $208 figures are based on a survey conducted by the University of Arizona in 2012 on what visitors spend, on average, during various amateur sporting events. Here is a listing of the largest events (a breakdown for the fiscal year can be found at www.MobileSportsAuthority.com): • 2017 USA Gymnastics Region 8 (Levels 6, 7 & 8) Championships on April 21-23, 2017, generated an estimated $2,680,704; presented by MSA with Meet Integrity/Planet Gymnastics/VM); second time here; 48 visitors for three-night stay plus 1,650 visitors for two-night average stay plus 3,000 for one-night stay (1,057 gymnasts, 600 coaches, 33 judges, 15 USAG staff and 3,300 spectators); • Mobile Challenge of Champions on March 31-April 1, 2017, generated an estimated $2,123,680; presented by MSA with Steve Schoenewald/Complete Sports Productions; 25th year of event; 193 schools from seven states; a record 2,602 competitors over two days; 2,000 visitors for two-night average stay plus 1,105 for one-night-stay; • USA Volleyball Gulf Coast Region Championships on April 7-9, 2017, generated an estimated $1,933,056; presented by MSA with Mobile Storm/ USA Volleyball Gulf Coast Region; third time here; 98 teams competed plus 28 Grassroots, up from 86 and 10 in 2016; 78 out-of-town teams (out of 126), up 19 percent from 2016 event; 2,208 visitors for two-night average stay plus 600 daytrippers for two days; • Alabama Super Spartan Race on Nov. 18-19, 2016, generated an estimated $1,806,192; presented by MSA with the city of Saraland/Visit Mobile; second time here; 3,931 competitors started; 2,733 visiting competitors plus 600 visitThe Alabama Super Spartan Race on Nov. 18-19, 2016, attracted 3,931 competitors and generated an ing spectators, plus 25 visiting Spartan staff for eight days; Spartan also spent estimated $1,806,192, according to the Mobile Sports Authority. $4,000 locally on event; 1,926 visitors for two-night average (from more than 100 miles away) plus 1,407 daytrippers (less than 100 miles away, but not from ince the beginning of recorded history, people economy,” said Danny Corte, MSA executive director. Mobile County); competitors/spectators hailed from 45 states and the District of have been attracted to athletic events. Whether “Since Fiscal 2012, the MSA has attracted, hosted, Columbia, along with competitors from Japan, Peru and Sweden; an avid supporter for a particular squad or just managed or co-managed 160 sporting events, which have • Servis1st Bank First Light Marathon on Jan. 7-8, 2017, generated an someone who loves a spectacle, spirited contests generated an estimated $109 million in economic impact estimated $1,248,000; presented by the MSA with L’Arche Mobile; 16th annual are always an attraction. for Mobile County. The future looks just as bright as we race; 1,500 visitors for two-night average; 1,981 total competitors; 1,013 comHowever, the contest on the field is just one half of the continue to tell our story about our beautiful area to nupetitors plus families from outside the Mobile/Baldwin County areas; visitors equation. Prior to the opening whistle, someone had to merous regional and national sports-event owners who are hailed from 39 states, District of Columbia and 16 other countries including plan for the competition to take place. looking for places to play.” Australia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Canada, Ecuador, France, Germany, India, This is where the Mobile Sports Authority enters the The 30 events this past year involved 20 different Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, United picture. The mission is to create a positive economic and sports, ranging from running to gymnastics and volleyball Kingdom, Vietnam and Zimbabwe; ages ranged from 3 to 80; outdoor temperapublic relations impact for Mobile County, the city of Mo- to football. Also, 18 of those 30 events were either first- or ture at starting time was 22 degrees; bile and the region through attracting, hosting, managing second-time events conducted in Mobile. • USA Gymnastics AL Optional & XCEL Championship Meet on March and supporting sporting events. These numbers represent one of the best years ever 17-19, 2017, generated an estimated $1,554,240; presented by MSA with Meet The nonprofit sports commission has been very sucreported by either MSA or its predecessor organization, Integrity, USA Gymnastics and Visit Mobile; inaugural event; 1,820 visitors for cessful since it was formed in 2008 by the Mobile County the Mobile Area Sports Commission, which dates back to two-night average stay plus 500 day-trippers; 576 gymnasts competed with 80 Commission. For the last fiscal year ending on Sept. 30, 1998. As a comparison, from 2012 through 2014, the MSA percent from out of area plus 1,152 visitors; plus 225 coaches, 17 judges and 10 2017, the MSA attracted, supported or hosted a total of averaged 20-22 events per year. Over the last three fiscal USAG/Meet Integrity staff; 30 sports events. The proceedings generated an estimated years (2015 through 2017), the organization averaged 30• CYBL USA Southern Showcase Series Basketball Championship on $17.5 million for local pocketbooks. 35 events per year — an approximate 50 percent increase. June 16-18, 2017, generated an estimated $1,050,880; presented by MSA with “With the tremendous support of Mobile County, the The figures are even more impressive considering the CYBL, Travel Courts and Visit Mobile; second time here; 94 teams competed city of Mobile and a very engaged board of trustees, we at absence of the Fifth Quarter Classic football game from with 81 being visiting teams from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louithe Mobile Sports Authority are proud that we were able this list. The 2017 game was played after September, so it siana, Mississippi and Tennessee; 1,215 visitors for two-night average plus 500 to generate such a significant impact for the Mobile-area will not be counted until the next fiscal year. daytrippers; 447 room nights used as reported by Travel Courts.

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SPORTS FROM BEHIND THE MIC

There’s nothing meaningless about being on a team BY RANDY KENNEDY/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

uburn defensive back Carlton Davis is the latest quitter to reveal himself to his teammates and the rest of the sports world. Davis follows in the footsteps of some great players, including LSU running back Leonard Fournette and Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey. Those two tremendous players set the standard for how to be a bad teammate by skipping the bowl game of their final college seasons for the sole reason that they believed there was nothing more they could personally gain from completing the season’s journey with their teammates. Both Stanford and LSU went on to win their bowl games without their star players. Auburn wasn’t as fortunate in its “meaningless” bowl game against Central Florida. Auburn coach Gus Malzahn tried to alibi for Davis during the week leading up to the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl by saying he was sick. It was a lie. Davis simply decided he didn’t care enough about his teammates, his school and its fans to compete one last time before heading off to a professional career. The truth didn’t come out until players arrived in Mobile for the Reese’s Senior Bowl last week. While Central Florida players rightfully bragged about their win over Auburn (the only team to beat national champion Alabama), Auburn players were left to answer questions about what happened in the final chance of their careers to win a major bowl game. “At first I got onto him,” Auburn senior safety Tray Matthews said. “I was like, ‘hey man, what’s up? I need

you. You’ve been my dog the past three years and you’re going to leave me hanging like that?’ He explained to me a few things. That’s his decision; I’ve got to respect it. He’s a first-round talent, so you know, that’s on him. “We’re built different. If it was me, I would’ve still played because it was my last game with my boys.” Linebacker Tre Williams, back in town after a stellar career at St. Paul’s and Auburn, tried to not sound judgmental when addressing Davis’ decision to abandon his teammates. “He’s an adult now,” Williams said. “I wish he had played just to have that extra body, but once again it’s his decision and I’m still going to root for him either way it goes. He was firm on his decision. I told him good luck on it and I’ll see him on the other side.” Those who think it’s OK to walk out on your teammates, or think the decision is a gray area because of the risk of injury and the money at stake in the NFL, always focus on one word: meaningless. The Peach Bowl was meaningless. Auburn came within one win of reaching the college football playoff, but now that the Tigers had lost to Georgia, the bowl game was meaningless. The argument is specious at best; a rip to the very fiber of sports at its worst. First, all sporting events are meaningless. Even the winner of the National Championship game isn’t going to have an impact on who gets to eat or has access to health care. Second, if the only “meaningful” games are the ones that have a direct impact on which teams win a championship, then we have to readjust our thinking on about 98

percent of all sporting events. The last time the Troy-South Alabama game produced a national champion was … never. So why in the world would anybody think there was anything meaningful about playing in that game every year? We should cancel the Dollar General Bowl in Mobile. That bowl has never produced a national champion. Take it to the high school level. Baker High School has played 665 football games. Not one of them has been a state championship game, so therefore players should just decide from week to week whether they want to compete in any of those meaningless games. Even championship teams can get in on the act. Both UMS-Wright and St. Paul’s won state championships this season, an incredible feat for two schools seven miles apart on Old Shell Road. But when they met in the final week of the regular season, their playoff fates had already been set. To heck with all

THOSE WHO THINK IT’S OK TO WALK OUT ON YOUR TEAMMATES, OR THINK THE DECISION IS A GRAY AREA BECAUSE OF THE RISK OF INJURY AND THE MONEY AT STAKE IN THE NFL, ALWAYS FOCUS ON ONE WORD: MEANINGLESS.” the fans in the stands cheering wildly in this spirited rivalry, this was the true definition of a meaningless game. Why would a player risk injury and a college scholarship when the game had no bearing on the state championship? The point is that championships are great. But what is truly meaningful about sports is something far greater. It’s committing to a team goal, being a dependable teammate, sacrificing for the greater good, being part of a team, a school and a family. You carry with you for the rest of your life the bond built through those combined efforts. That is, unless the whole exercise of sports is meaningless. Randy Kennedy writes a weekly column for Lagniappe and is co-host of “Sports Drive” every weekday from 3-6 p.m. on WNSP 105.5 FM, the country’s first all-sports FM station.

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STYLE HOROSCOPES THE STATE OF YOUR UNION

ANSWERS FROM PAGE 36

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AQUARIUS (1/20-2/18) — You’ll realize it’s time for some personal grooming after you bring your dog to The Haven’s Mystic Mutts parade and attendees attempt to pet you and feed you a bone. The state of your union is distract and deflect. PISCES (2/19-3/20) — The next time it rains during a parade, you’ll don purple, green and gold war paint, hijack a police horse and lead a “Braveheart”-inspired charge downtown in spite of it all. The state of your union is sh*thole countries. ARIES (3/21-4/19) — In an effort to raise money for Baldwin County schools, you’ll introduce Breakout games to their seclusion rooms. The key to escaping is an Adderall prescription and at least a 2.0 GPA. The state of your union is fake news. TAURUS (4/20-5/20) — While searching for the white squirrel of Spanish Plaza, you’ll discover the Fountain of Youth. “Youth” is the street name of a homeless guy you found peeing in the bushes. The state of your union is unfilled key positions. GEMINI (5/21-6/21) — Trying to broker some peace between the school boards of Gulf Shores and Baldwin County, you’ll host a demolition derby for retired school buses. You’ll be thrilled when they all decide to cohabitate in the #vanlife. The state of your union is jobs, jobs, jobs. CANCER (6/22-7/22) — To protest the offensive Comic Cowboys parade, you’ll sponsor a self-help workshop in a safe space. Participants will be encouraged to say something nice about each other. The state of your union is more extra than Kellyanne Conway. LEO (7/23-8/22) — In an attempt to support a “litter-free Mardi Gras,” you’ll follow each procession with one of Elon Musk’s flamethrowers. The Mobile Police Department will commend you for helping to clear the streets. The state of your union is Stormy Daniels. VIRGO (8/23-9/22) — You’ll save the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council a big headache by proposing to spend the entire BP allocation on an extension of Trump’s border wall. All future natural disasters will simply be deflected, just like brown people. The state of your union is FBI political cronies. LIBRA (9/23-10/22) — Knowing absolutely nothing about public utility rates or administration, you’re the perfect candidate for the Prichard Water Board’s $1.5 million management contract. In accordance with the bid guidelines, you can simply hire two people to do the work for you. The state of your union is Mar-a-Lago. SCORPIO (10/23-11/21) — You’ll be saved by the ghost of Shoeless Joe Jackson after you choke on the plastic baby embedded inside a King Cake. You’ll rename the vacant and indebted Hank Aaron Stadium the “Field of Nightmares.” The state of your union is a government shutdown. SAGITTARIUS (11/22-12/21) — You’ll turn a quick profit by convincing a group of rookie investors cheap Mardi Gras doubloons are actually bitcoins. The state of your union is a 30,000 Dow Jones Industrial Average. CAPRICORN (12/22-1/19) — You’ll spend an evening at The Cheese Cottage eating samples and making puns. The state of your union is to Make America Grate Again.

J a n u a r y 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 - Fe b r u a r y 6 , 2 0 1 8 | L AG N I A P P E | 41

STYLE BOOZIE

NFL heavyweights descend on OGD BY BOOZIE BEER NUES/SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

’all, Mardi Gras is officially here! Lagniappe has a Mardi Gras tree in the office, “no parking” signs in the parking lot and port-a-potties right out the front door. If that doesn’t scream Mardi Gras, I don’t know what does! Not to mention the weather has been pretty nice. I still need more King Cake, though; you can never eat too much, right? So it’s time to indulge and live it up, it’s Carnival season! Just remember, it’s a marathon not a sprint! I heard some of you crazy kids might have forgotten that this past weekend, but don’t worry, Boozie isn’t passing judgment. In fact, she salutes you!

It’s raining Reese’s

Senior Bowl has always been one of Boozie’s favorite events! Maybe it’s the beer, or the Reese’s, or just how it makes Mobile look really cool! Let’s be honest, it’s all three! The week began with a welcome party that was pretty exclusive given the size of Senior Bowl. This year I didn’t make it, I had a bad case of hives … but one of my spies did. She reported that the drinks flowed just like the Sharpies on sports memorabilia. Of course, the Alabama and Auburn players were once again the popular guys in the room. But also grabbing some attention was University of Central Florida linebacker Shaquem Griffin. Shaquem is so well known because he is a one-handed linebacker who lets nothing get in his way. He won Senior Bowl Practice Player of the Week and is also an all-around nice guy. Boozie knows he’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the NFL! My spy said she didn’t spot Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield, but she said she also wasn’t looking for him. Not that you asked, but Boozie thinks he’s kind of a tool. I mean, he has a cool story (walk-on) and he is a good athlete (Heisman winner), but attitude is everything in my book. And word on the street is his ‘tude was kinda rude. Oh well. Bless his heart. Moving on ... while big-name college football players are in town, they also bring in big-name coaches! The biggest name in college football, actually the biggest name in football, Nick Saban, was spotted all over Mobile. Spies saw him at Vigor and McGillToolen. Then the coach stopped by Pollman’s Bakery for lunch! What does a National Championship coach order? Well, ol’ Nick kept it simple with a chicken salad sandwich on wheat, Zapp’s potato chips and a water. How anyone goes to Pollman’s and doesn’t get a cupcake, cookie or anything sweet is beyond me! But I can’t say I’m surprised that Nick Saban didn’t indulge. While Nick was enjoying Pollman’s, the NFL folks were dining at Mobile’s other famous joint, Callaghan’s. Denver Broncos General Manager John Elway was spotted and the spies said he was very nice. New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton and Baltimore Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome also

42 | L AG N I A P P E | J a n u a r y 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 - Fe b r u a r y 6 , 2 0 1 8

made their way into Oakleigh’s Irish social club. No word on what they ordered, but it’s safe to assume it was the burger. Yum, now I am hungry! Enough about the week before, let’s talk about the big game! Boozie and crew arrived in plenty of time to pre-game. I drank plenty of beer but, more importantly, ate probably 200 corn nuggets in the Iberia Bank corporate tent. While enjoying the endless supply of beer and people watching, we spotted none other than Mayor Sandy Stimpson with his daughter and grandchildren and City Councilman Fred Richardson. Other than that, the tent was lowkey, with people just enjoying the food, drinks and music. One of my guests worked some magic and got us into the Spire (formerly Mobile Gas) tent. And let me tell y’all, that tent is snazzy. They had flowers, more food, wine and Reese’s treats on every table. My friend said you wouldn’t believe how many Reese’s cups he had shoved in his pockets (can’t take him anywhere). So we made ourselves at home with gumbo, fried pickles and chicken fingers and laughed at how we should get our money’s worth after our December and January gas bills. Only kidding! After getting a good base, we decided it was time to do what we came here for, watch the game!

Mardi parti

While we’ve had plenty of Mardi Gras parties going on all year, this past weekend we had our first parades in downtown Mobile, and they did not disappoint! Conde Cavaliers took to the streets Friday night and I’d say it was a big crowd for the first parade. The threat of rain on Saturday might have kept some folks at home for the parade but not the others from partying! Boozie had multiple reports of wildness happening all over town! In fact, we hear there was some fine dancin’ at the Pierrettes Ball on Saturday night. The Pierrettes are unique in that they have choreographed dances in their tableau. In fact, their emblem this year was a certified dance instructor who owns a dance studio. We hear it was quite fab! Out on the dance floor, though, our spy said one guest had some “interesting” dance moves. She said the girl would get down on her knees and dance and crawl around, then when she was on her feet she looked as if she was in “The Matrix,” bending in every direction and swinging her arms. Sounds kind of like Boozie’s signature dance! My spy said she thinks the girl was escorted out for having a little too much fun. Dancing girl: 0, Mardi Gras: 1. Hey, it’s the Gras. You’re supposed to let the good times roll. But some times they roll all over you. Well, kids, that’s all I’ve got this week. Just remember, whether rain or shine, dramatic or scandalous or just plain ol’ Reese’s lovin’, I will be there. Ciao!

LAGNIAPPE LEGALS | 251.450-4466 | legals@lagniappemobile.com FORECLOSURES FORECLOSURE NOTICE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness described in and secured by the vendor’s lien retained in that certain Vendor’s Lien Deed dated June 22, 2012 from Thomas E. Nelson and Carolyn H. Nelson, as Trustees of the Nelson Living Trust dated December 11, 2006, as grantors, to Shimaa Abdul, as grantee, recorded in Real Property Book 6907, Page 785 in the Office of the Judge of Probate, Mobile County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that the undersigned, as holders of said vendor’s lien, will under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said Vendor’s Lien Deed, sell at public outcry for cash to the highest bidder during the legal hours of sale on March 6, 2018 at the Government Street entrance of the Mobile Government Plaza, 205 Government Street, Mobile, Alabama the following described real property situated in the County of Mobile, State of Alabama, described in said Vendor’s Lien Deed hereinabove referred to, viz: Lot 59, Oakwood Estates, Unit Two, according to plat thereof as recorded in Map Book 16, Page 24, in the records in the Office of Judge of Probate, Mobile County, Alabama. Said sale will be made for the purpose of paying said indebtedness and the expenses incident to this sale, including a reasonable attorney’s fee. THOMAS E. NELSON AND CAROLYN H. NELSON AS TRUSTEES OF THE NELSON LIVING TRUST DATED DECEMBER 11, 2006 Holders of Said Vendor’s Lien David A. Boyett, III ANDERS, BOYETT & BRADY, P.C. 3800 Airport Boulevard, Suite 203 Mobile, Alabama 36608 (251) 344-0880 ABB File No. 82797

est bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Wells Fargo USA Holdings, Inc. successor by merger to Wells Fargo Financial Alabama, Inc., Mortgagee/Transferee Ginny Rutledge SIROTE & PERMUTT, P.C. P. O. Box 55727 Birmingham, AL 35255-5727 Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee www.sirote.com/foreclosures 428372 Lagniappe HD Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7, 2018

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Caroline Vanderbilt, an unmarried woman, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Quicken Loans Inc., on the 28th day of August, 2015, said mortgage recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Mobile County, Alabama, in Bk: LR7300 Pg: 359; partially released in Bk: LR7575 Pg: 522; the undersigned Quicken Loans Inc., as Mortgagee/ Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Mobile, Mobile County, Alabama, on February 15, 2018, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Mobile County, Alabama, to-wit: Commencing at the Northeast corner of the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Lagniappe HD Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 14, 2018 Section 4, Township 5 South, Range 2 West and run North 89 degrees 42 minutes West 556.0 feet; run thence FORECLOSURE NOTICE South 502.73 feet to the point of beginning; run thence Default having been made in the payment of the indebted- North 87 degrees 56 minutes East 20 feet; run thence ness described in and secured by that certain Mortgage South 57.5 feet; run thence South 87 degrees 56 minutes from Carmen B. Staten to Richard S. Dennis, dated the West 20.00 feet; run thence North 57.5 feet to the point 16th day of May, 2011, and recorded in Real Property Book of beginning. Commence at the Northeast corner of the 6779 page 18, of the records in the Office of the Judge of Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section Probate Court, Mobile County, Alabama, said default con- 4, Township 5 South, Range 2 West: and run North 89 tinuing, notice is hereby given that the undersigned will, degrees 42 minutes West, 556.0 feet; thence run South, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said 455.73 feet; thence run West, 25.0 feet to the point of beMortgage, sell at public outcry for cash to the highest bid- ginning of the property herein described; thence continue der during the legal hours of sale on the 22nd day of Feb- West, 29.0 feet; thence run North 69.0 feet; thence run ruary, 2018, the following described property located in East 29.0 feet; thence run South 69.0 feet to the point of the County of Mobile, State of Alabama, to-wit: Lot 5, OAKS beginning. From the Northeast corner of the Southwest OF FOWL RIVER, PHASE TWO, as recorded in Map Book Quarter of Southwest Quarter, Section 4, Township 5 113, Pages 24, in the Office of the Judge of Probate Mobile South, Range 2 West; run North 89 degrees 24 minutes County, Alabama. Said sale will be made for the purpose West along the North line of the Southwest Quarter of the of paying said indebtedness and the expenses incident to Southwest Quarter, Section 4, Township 5 South, Range this sale, including a reasonable Attorney’s fee, and the 2 West, a distance of 987.3 feet to a point; thence South other purpose set out in said Mortgage. RICHARD S. DEN- 1 degrees 24 minutes West a distance of 661.17 feet to a point; thence North 89 degrees 46 minutes East a NIS Mortgagee WILLIAM E. CASE Attorney for Mortgagee distance of 232 feet for the point of beginning, continue Lagniappe HD Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 14, 2018 thence North 89 degrees 46 minutes East, a distance of 212.0 feet to a point; thence North 1 degree 24 minutes MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE East a distance of 155.0 feet to a point; thence South 89 Default having been made in the payment of the indebted- degrees 46 minutes West a distance of 212.0 feet to a ness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Patrice point; thence South 1 degree 24 minutes West a distance R. Corbin and George Corbin a/k/a George Corbin, III hus- of 155.0 feet to the point of beginning. Commence at band and wife, originally in favor of Wells Fargo Financial the Northeast corner of the Southwest Quarter of the Alabama, Inc. , on the 30th day of November, 2006, said Southwest Quarter of Section 4, Township 5 South, Range mortgage recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate 2 West and run North 89 degrees 42 minutes West of Mobile County, Alabama, in Book 6095, Page 1513; the 556.0 feet, thence run South 560.23 feet to the point undersigned Wells Fargo USA Holdings, Inc. successor by of beginning; thence run North 87 degrees 56 minutes merger to Wells Fargo Financial Alabama, Inc., as Mort- East 20.0 feet, thence run South 50.5 feet, thence run gagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of South 87 degrees 56 minutes West 20.0 feet, thence sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry run North 50.5 feet to the point of beginning. Property to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance street address for informational purposes: 2620 Rose Ct, of the Courthouse at Mobile, Mobile County, Alabama, on Mobile, AL 36693 THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN February 22, 2018, during the legal hours of sale, all of its “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, right, title, and interest in and to the following described ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE real estate, situated in Mobile County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF 24, Hunters Cove, Unit 3, according to plat thereof record- THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY ed in Map Book 107, Page 19, of the records in the Office of WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. the Judge of Probate of Mobile County, Alabama. Property THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR street address for informational purposes: 8299 Mossberg RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE Dr N, Theodore, AL 36582. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASE- THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED MENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS an interest in property the right to redeem the property OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR An attorney should be consulted to help you understand RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must property the right to redeem the property under certain tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons ($5,000.00) in certified funds made payable to Sirote avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should & Permutt, P.C. at the time and place of the sale. The be consulted to help you understand these rights and balance of the purchase price must be paid in certified programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is funds by noon the next business day at the Law Office made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured of Sirote & Permutt, P.C. at the address indicated below. by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. Sirote & Permutt, P.C. reserves the right to award the bid The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable depos- to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail it of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) in certified funds to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/ made payable to Sirote & Permutt, P.C. at the time and Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price must the real estate and to credit its purchase price against be paid in certified funds by noon the next business day the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by at the Law Office of Sirote & Permutt, P.C. at the address the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement indicated below. Sirote & Permutt, P.C. reserves the right to or cancellation. Quicken Loans Inc., Mortgagee/Transaward the bid to the next highest bidder should the high- feree Pam King SIROTE & PERMUTT, P.C. P. O. Box 55727

Birmingham, AL 35255-5727 Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee www.sirote.com/ foreclosures 420275 Lagniappe HD Jan. 17, 24, 31, 2018

STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF MOBILE Notice is hereby given that a bill as described in the synopsis below will be introduced in the 2018 Regular Session of the Legislature of Alabama and application for its passage and enactment will be made: A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT. SYNOPSIS: Relating to Class 2 municipalities; to require a landlord to register any rental property with a Class 2 municipality and to maintain the condition of any rental property up to code, and to require the registration of any vacant property with a Class 2 municipality; to establish a fine for a landlord who does not adhere to the registration and maintenance requirements, and to require a bank to register any foreclosed property. Lagniappe HD Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7, 14, 2018

PROBATE NOTICE OF ESTATE ADMINISTRATION PROBATE COURT OF MOBILE COUNTY, ALABAMA Estate of: WESLEY N. HENDERSON, Deceased Case No. 2017-1655 Take notice that Letters Testamentary have been granted to the below named party on the 11th day of January, 2018 by the Honorable Don Davis, Judge of Probate of Mobile County Probate Court, Alabama and that all parties having claims against said estate should file the same with the Probate Court of said county within the time allowed by law, or they will be barred. DORENE P. HENDERSON as Executrix under the last will and testament of WESLEY N. HENDERSON, Deceased. Attorney of Record: PRO SE Lagniappe HD Jan. 17, 24, 31, 2018

NOTICE OF ESTATE ADMINISTRATION PROBATE COURT OF MOBILE COUNTY, ALABAMA Estate of: JANET O. HUDSON LOCKLIER, Deceased Case No. 2018-0099 Take notice that Letters Testamentary have been granted to the below named parties on the 23rd day of January, 2018 by the Honorable Don Davis, Judge of Probate of Mobile County Probate Court, Alabama and that all parties having claims against said estate should file the same with the Probate Court of said county within the time allowed by law, or they will be barred. JOHN M. LOCKLIER III and AMY LYNN LOCKLIER MILAR as Co-Executors under the last will and testament of JANET O. HUDSON LOCKLIER, Deceased. Attorney of Record: JOHN GROW II Lagniappe HD January 31, Feb. 7, 14, 2018.

NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Alabama Statutes, that the goods stored in units rented by occupants listed below will be sold to the highest bidder at a public auction online at www.storagetreasures.com on February 23, 2018 at 10:00 am to satisfy liens claimed by STORAGEMAX MIDTOWN, together with all costs of sale. Raquel Robinson Any of the above goods may be withdrawn from sale by STORAGEMAX MIDTOWN at any time without prior notice. Lagniappe HD Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 02 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 7960 Two Mile Rd., Irvington, AL 36544. 1999 Ford Explorer 1FMDU32E3XUA80361 Lagniappe HD Jan. 24, 31, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 02 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 887 Imperial Dr., Mobile,AL 36608. 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt 1G1AB5F50A7153056 Lagniappe HD Jan. 24, 31, 2018 The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 02 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 5388 US Hwy 90, Mobile, AL 36619. 2009 Chevrolet Impala 2G1WT57K191290037 2012 Chrysler 200 1C3CCBAB7CN268460 Lagniappe HD Jan. 24, 31, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 02 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 2024 Halls Mill Rd., Mobile, AL 36606. 2010 Ford Taurus 1FAHP2EW2AG163349 Lagniappe HD Jan. 24, 31, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 02 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 2008 Hathcox St., Mobile, AL 36617. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice 1G1BL52P5TR153196 Lagniappe HD Jan. 24, 31, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 02 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 3927 St Stephens Rd., Prichard, AL 36610. 2004 Toyota Camry 4T1BE32K74U808382 Lagniappe HD Jan. 24, 31, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 02 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 7576 Linda Smith Dr., Theodore, AL 36582. 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2GCEC13T651251948 Lagniappe HD Jan. 24, 31, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 02 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 8255 Old Gulfcrest Rd., Chunchula, AL 36521. 2007 Saturn Aura 1G8ZS57N87F220262

Lagniappe HD Jan. 24, 31, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 02 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 1153 Anders Dr., Mobile, AL 36618. 2000 BMW 328I WBAAM5348YFR18167 Lagniappe HD Jan. 24, 31, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 02 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 4750 Hamel Dr., Eight Mile, AL 36613. 1990 Buick LeSabre 1G4HR54C4LH498862 Lagniappe HD Jan. 24, 31, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 02 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 2206 Airport Blvd. Suite E, Mobile, AL 36606. 2001 GMC Yukon 1GKEC13V51R227115 2013 Nissan Altima 1N4AL3AP4DN519480 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix 2G2WR554261213784 2003 Nissan Altima 1N4AL11D53C162296 2005 Dodge Durango 1D4HD48N55F573076 2009 Dodge Avenger 1B3LC46B29N563699 2007 BMW 328I WBAVA375X7NL14027 2000 Lexus GS400 JT8BH68X5Y0022902 2005 Chrysler Pacifica 2C4GM68415R654628 2010 Chevrolet Aveo KL1TD5DE2AB081827 2006 Toyota Scion JTKDE177960075907 1995 Ford Ranger 1FTCR14A8SPA05503 2003 Chevrolet Impala 2G1WF52E939373393 2002 Honda Accord JHMCG56482C011554 2010 Chevrolet Impala 2G1WB5EK4A1212684 2005 Lexus GS430 JT8BL69S150016222 2003 VW Jetta 3VWSE69MX3M112726 2006 Hyundai Sonata 5NPEU46F06H068632 2002 Nissan Altima 1N4AL11D92C166379 2006 Kia Optima KNAGE123265020370 2004 Nissan 350Z JN1AZ34D34T160261 2002 Ford Escort 3FAFP11302R138912 2010 Dodge Avenger 1B3CC4FBXAN105817 2001 Chrysler 300 2C3AE66G21H589728 Lagniappe HD Jan. 24, 31, 2018

These abandon vehicles located at 5781 Three Notch Road Mobile Al. 36619 will be sold on 02/25/18 if not redeemed. FORD 3FAHP0HA5CR448885 CADI 1GYEK13R0XR418655 NISS 1N6AD07UX8C427663 GMC 1GKDS13S232215388 CHEV 1GNGR26N2LF136089 CHEV 2G1WB5EK5A1217960

TOYO 4T1BG22K31U860320

Lagniappe HD Jan. 24, 31, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 09 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 1419 E I-65 Service Rd S., Mobile, AL 36606. 2008 Cadillac SRX 1GYEE637280115577 Lagniappe HD Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 09 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 250 N Craft Hwy., Chickasaw, AL 36611. 2006 Chevrolet Impala 2G1WT55K169412153 Lagniappe HD Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 09 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 2101 Robinson Dr., Mobile, AL 36605. 1995 Chevrolet Camaro 2G1FP22S8S2218021 2001 GMC Yukon 1GKEC13T11J280598 Lagniappe HD Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 09 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 1037 St Stephens Rd., Prichard, AL 36610. 2012 Dodge Avenger 1C3CDZCB4CN253529 Lagniappe HD Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 09 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 7820 Murray Heights Dr W., Irvington, AL 36544. 2006 Ford F150 1FTPW12586KB25563 Lagniappe HD Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 09 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 9591 Hodge Nursery Rd Lot 12, Irvington, AL 36544. 2001 Nissan Sentra 3N1CB51D41L456063 Lagniappe HD Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 09 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 2658 Burgess St., Mobile, AL 36606. 2000 GMC Yukon 3GKGC26U9YG201998 Lagniappe HD Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 09 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 5775 Plantation Rd., Theodore, AL 36582. 1990 Ford Mustang 1FACP41E4LF213843 Lagniappe HD Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 09 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 7960 Two Mile Rd., Irvington, AL 36544. 2000 Ford Expedition 1FMRU1564YLB48169 1996 Buick Century 1G4AG55M2T6465918 2008 Toyota Yaris JTDBT923984035006 Lagniappe HD Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 2018

The following unclaimed vehicle(s) will be sold on March 09 , 2018 - Time - 12pm, if not claimed - at 813 Marine St., Mobile,AL 36604. 2012 Ford Taurus 1FAHP2FW8CG112973 2007 Dodge Charger 2B3LA43R17H797667 1999 VW Beetle 3VWCA21C1XM442126 1987 Mercedes 420 WDBCA35D1HA336767 Lagniappe HD Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 2018

Deadline for legal advertising in Lagniappe HD is every Monday at 5 p.m. Lagniappe HD is distributed each Thursday. Lagniappe HD offices are located at 704 Government St., Mobile, AL 36604 For more information or to place your ad call Jackie at 251-4504466. Or email at legals@lagniappemobile.com

J a n u a r y 3 1 , 2 0 1 8 - Fe b r u a r y 6 , 2 0 1 8 | L AG N I A P P E | 43