Lagniappe November 10-17, 2016

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WEEKLY

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LAGNIAPPE

N O V E M B E R 1 0 , 2 0 1 6 – N O V E M B E R 1 6 , 2 0 1 6 | w w w. l a g n i a p p e m o b i l e . c o m ASHLEY TRICE Co-publisher/Editor atrice@lagniappemobile.com

ROB HOLBERT Co-publisher/Managing Editor rholbert@lagniappemobile.com STEVE HALL Marketing/Sales Director shall@lagniappemobile.com GABRIEL TYNES Assistant Managing Editor gabe@lagniappemobile.com DALE LIESCH Reporter dale@lagniappemobile.com JASON JOHNSON Reporter jason@lagniappemobile.com JANE NICHOLES Reporter jane@lagniappemobile.com

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BAY BRIEFS

The independent trash and recycling board at Keep Mobile Beautiful is fighting the city for financial resources.

COMMENTARY

GulfQuest’s failure has many fathers.

BUSINESS

Chaleur Method Brew, a new specialty coffee shop, is preparing to open in the Loop area.

CUISINE

Big Beach Brewing Co. makes its debut in Gulf Shores with a cozy taproom and tasty selection.

KEVIN LEE Associate Editor/Arts Editor klee@lagniappemobile.com ANDY MACDONALD Cuisine Editor fatmansqueeze@comcast.net

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STEPHEN CENTANNI Music Editor scentanni@lagniappemobile.com J. MARK BRYANT Sports Writer sports@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 ASHLEY KILLIAN Advertising Sales Executive akillian@lagniappemobile.com MELISSA EDGE Editorial Assistant events@lagniappemobile.com ROSS PRITCHARD Distribution Manager delivery@lagniappemobile.com

COVER

Just 15 months after opening, the $60 million GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico was taken over by the city of Mobile and forced to temporarily close, pending management changes.

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ARTS

Joe Jefferson Playhouse’s hilarious production of Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” runs through Nov. 20.

MUSIC

JACKIE CRUTHIRDS Office Manager jackie@lagniappemobile.com CONTRIBUTORS: Jeff Poor • Ron Sivak • Asia Frey, Tom Ward • Brian Holbert Lee Hedgepeth • Brenda Bolton ON THE COVER: GULFQUEST

BY DANIEL ANDERSON POSTMASTER: Send address changes to P.O. Box 3003 Mobile, AL 36652.

Editorial, advertising and production offices are located at 1100B Dauphin 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 Signature Offset, 2610 Lakeview Road, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

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The evolution of Kevin Russell’s band Shinyribs eventually included recruitment of the Tijuana Trainwreck Horns and The Shiny Soul Sisters singers.

FILM

The Saenger Theatre is hosting a free screening of the locally filmed feature “USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage.”

MEDIA

Former Press Register editorial writer Jane Nicholes joins Lagniappe as a reporter.

SPORTS

St. Luke’s joins Bayside and St. Paul’s in claiming state volleyball titles.

STYLE

Boozie accompanied Lagniappe staff to the Media Olympics and Oyster Cook-Off.

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GOING POSTAL We’re here

Regarding the story “Blue dots, red state” in the Nov. 3 issue of Lagniappe, finally someone recognizes that we’re here. Yes, Virginia, there are Democrats in Alabama (at least in Baldwin County and the Eastern Shore)!

I was also pleased to see quotes from my good friend Elliott Lauderdale. More of us need to come “out as Democrats.” Like the Marines, we are “the few, the proud.”

David Fetzer Fairhope

An important message

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates there are more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, including over 89,000 here in Alabama. I am among the 302,000 people who are counted as a caregiver. I speak not only as an advocate, but also as a family member who has cared for two generations of loved ones. I have great news to share.

Due to substantial bipartisan support of the Health Outcomes, Planning and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer’s Act, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will, beginning in early 2017, pay for cognitive and functional assessment and care planning following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other dementia. This much-needed service is crucial to maintain quality of life for the diagnosed and their caregivers and enable appropriate planning for the future.

Thank you to U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne for attending our recent Coffee With Congress to hear from local care providers who are also concerned with the needs of people living with Alzheimer’s disease. We rely on such great support to assist us with meeting our mission to end Alzheimer’s once and for all.

It is only through adequate funding and a strong implementation of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease that we will meet its goal of preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer’s by 2025.

Beth Reinert Ambassador for AL/FL Panhandle Alzheimer’s Association

LAST WEEK ONLINE

The following news was posted on lagniappemobile.com Nov. 2-9:

Appellate court rules in favor of officer in 2012 shooting death of USA freshman

According to a mandate issued Oct. 31, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of a University of South Alabama police officer who fatally shot a student in a drug-fueled encounter in October 2012. Bonnie and Reed Collar, the parents of 18-year-old decedent Gil Collar, filed the appeal after a federal judge determined last year that USA police officer Trevis Austin was protected by qualified immunity.

Riverside Ice to open Nov. 19

Mayor Sandy Stimpson announced the grand opening of Riverside Ice will be Saturday, Nov. 19. The ice skating rink will remain at Cooper Riverside Park through Jan. 14. For information visit www.RiversideIce.com.

Daphne elected officials sworn in

On Nov. 7, Municipal Judge Michael Hoyt administered the oath of office to Daphne Mayor Haygood, District 2 Councilman Pat Rudicell, District 3 Councilman Joel Coleman, District 5 Councilman Ron Scott, District 6 Councilman Robin LeJeune and District 7 Councilman Joe Davis. District 1 Councilwoman Tommie Conaway took the oath from acting Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court Lyn Stuart; District 4 Councilman Doug Goodlin was sworn in by federal Judge Bert Milling.

New Fairhope Mayor Karin Wilson takes oath of office Pledging to honor the vision of Fairhope’s founders, Mayor Karin Wilson was sworn into office Monday, Nov. 7, before a standing-room only crowd at the James Nix Center. Wilson, promising change and transparency in local government, was an upset winner over four-term incumbent Tim Kant.

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Magnolia Springs mayoral election upheld

Bob Holk is set to take office as mayor of Magnolia Springs after his one-vote winning margin was upheld last week in Baldwin County Circuit Court. Circuit Judge C. Joseph Norton ruled in favor of Holk Monday, Oct. 31, the mayor-elect said Friday. Holk’s opponent, Jim Gaines, challenged Holk’s election by a one-vote margin, 135 to 134. A formal recount ended with the same vote totals before Gaines took the case to court that there were enough voting irregularities to change the outcome.

MPD investigates homicide

On Wednesday, Nov. 2, at approximately 5:36 p.m., Mobile police officers responded to the area of South Scott Street at Palmetto Street for a report of one shot. Officers located a 66-year-old male victim suffering from a single gunshot wound. Mobile Fire-Rescue responded and transported the victim to a local hospital, where he died on Sunday, Nov. 6.

The victim, who police had not identified as of early Nov. 8, was the city’s 38th homicide of the year.

Mobile County retirees see reduction in life insurance benefits

At the start of the new year, retired Mobile County employees taking advantage of a life insurance benefit program will be faced with a 50 percent reduction in their policy’s death benefits or a substantial increase in their annual premiums. The projected increase is not small, either — jumping from $72 a year to more than $400 for the same coverage. Some retirees are already receiving notice from the county’s benefits consultant that they’ll soon have to swap to a less expensive policy with a $5,000 payout or pay the new $400 premium to retain the current policy.

Read lagniappemobile.com for Election Day results and analysis.

BAYBRIEF | MOBILE

Keeping Mobile dutiful

RECYCLING BOARD IS FIGHTING THE CITY OVER PROCEEDS

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BY DALE LIESCH

dispute over the proceeds from a Midtown recycling center has a city consultant asking Keep Mobile Beautiful to prune back one of its branches in the hopes curbside pickup could someday be a feasible option.

Keep Mobile Beautiful is made up of three entities: a nonprofit “friends” group; a commission comprising council and mayoral appointees; and a city department. In the past, the nonprofit arm and the commission have worked hand in hand, but consultant Don Irby has said each of those boards must be more autonomous.

At issue is control of the proceeds from the city’s recycling center on Government Street in Midtown. Previously, those funds have been distributed and used to pay a number of bills for Keep Mobile Beautiful. Irby, by request of Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s office, has told the nonprofit the money should be controlled by the appointed commission and used to help bring curbside recycling to the city in the near future.

“The commission is an advisory group,” Irby said. “The issue is, legally, the funds raised by recycling have to go back to the city and be designated for recycling.”

At a recent monthly meeting of the nonprofit board, commission co-chairwoman Devon Ford explained the city’s position further.

“The board hasn’t been bringing in any other money and has spent recycling money on other issues,” Ford said. “The city doesn’t want recycling managed by people not connected to the city.”

Depending on the demand and the volume, proceeds from the recycling center can total anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000 per month, KMB Commissioner Catherine Pierce said. The board, however, recorded a loss of more than $2,000

last month, according to numbers presented at the monthly meeting.

Many board members said they want recycling to flourish in the city, but some expressed concern over the changes the city was making after more than 20 years of operating one way.

“I felt upset over the city coming in and saying ‘what you’ve been doing is all wrong’ … ,” KMB board member Dianne Martin said. “I’m still very concerned about it.”

Others said they just felt left out of the process and wanted to be more involved in decision making.

Irby said he spoke to commissioners before the board meeting about the possible feasibility of single-stream, curbside recycling in the city. One option he noted would be for trucks to pick it up and bring it to Emerald Coast Utility Authority in Pensacola.

Irby said there could be a fee associated with the service and the commission would have to research whether Mobile residents would be willing to accept that as a city service.

At the meeting, the commission discussed possibly paying for a survey through the University of South Alabama to gauge interest in the service.

While some commissioners were optimistic about the prospect of curbside recycling in the city in the very near future, others, like Pierce, weren’t sure it could be accomplished.

“We’ll get curbside when we get a bridge,” she said.

Irby has also been tasked with finding savings within the city’s Keep Mobile Beautiful department. He said $4.5 million has been spent in the department since 2000. Money saved in the department, he said, could also be used toward bringing curbside recycling to the city.

Port of call

CITY COUNCIL CELEBRATES CRUISE SHIP’S RETURN

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BY DALE LIESCH

hile much of the rest of the country was focused on the general election Tuesday, for the Mobile City Council and Mayor Sandy Stimpson the talk was all about Wednesday.

Wednesday marked the return to Mobile for Carnival Cruise Line and a regular sailing of the Carnival Fantasy cruise ship, and with its arrival came excitement not felt since 2011.

“I’m very glad to tell you we’re ready,” cruise terminal manager Sheila Gurganus told councilors during their regular meeting. “We’re very excited and the terminal looks beautiful.”

Gurganus said the transformation since the city entered into a 13-month deal with the cruise company in September of last year has been “amazing.”

“You’re going to walk in there and cry,” she said. “I do.”

Stimpson, who made bringing back a cruise ship a top priority since he took office, told councilors and the public to expect new visitors to Mobile.

“It’s hard to believe it’s really come about,” he said. “As we wind this down … there has been a large amount of work done in such a short time.

There are many people to thank.”

As he noted the multi-million-dollar renovation done on the facility in just over a year, Stimpson thanked Gov. Robert Bentley for chipping in state funds, as well as others.

“I suggest you take a cruise,” he said. “It’s im-

portant Carnival extend the 13-month contract.”

The council did its part Tuesday as well, approving a $20,900 contract with Elite Power Washing LLC for cleaning the terminal’s exterior.

At least early on, finding passengers for the ship out of Mobile doesn’t seem to be a problem. The first cruise was scheduled to depart Wednesday, Nov. 9, following a special presentation and luncheon hosted by Carnival. Gurganus said the first sailing was fully booked, with as many as 2,100 or 2,200 passengers expected on board.

Prospects for future cruises look good as well, said Sam Corsentino, a supervisor at Springdale Travel.

“Bookings are going quite well,” he said.

“We’re expecting, as the ship gets here, we’re going to get more calls. Many of the first sailings are sold out.”

While most of the Springdale Travel customers are from within 150-200 miles of Mobile, Gurganus said many of these first cruisers are from out of state.

In other business, the council held over for four weeks a memorandum of understanding and lease agreement to place a Cellular South tower near Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Councilman Levon Manzie, who represents the area on the council, said the agreement results from a court order, but residents are opposed to the move.

The council also discussed, but did not vote on, an appropriation of $225,000 for an initiative to provide summer jobs for city youth.

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BAYBRIEF | BALDWIN COUNTY

Pardon our progress

OWA THEME PARK UNDER CONSTRUCTION OUTSIDE FOLEY

BY JANE NICHOLES

Photos | Courtesy of PCI

Owa is a new tourist destination in Foley anticipated to open in 2017 and increase Baldwin County’s economic output by $250 million.

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he Poarch Band of Creek Indians is building a mammoth amusement park next door to Foley’s sports complex off the Beach Express.

Called Owa, which means “big water” in the language of the Muskogee Creeks, the development will be centered around a 14-acre lake.

The themed amusement park covers 520 acres and will include some 20 rides, a 150-room Marriott TownePlace Suites hotel, restaurants and retail shopping.

One of the highlights is expected to be a roller coaster that will be among the longest in the country.

“They’ve now committed to about a half a billion dollars,” Foley Mayor John Koniar said.

“It will be done right.”

At one time the project was known as Blue Collar Country and involved entertainers Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable guy. Koniar said the developer ran out of money and the Poarch Creeks, who had financed the land, ended up owning it.

The lake will be surrounded by dining, shopping and entertainment venues. Rides will range from those attracting thrill seekers to the kiddie level. Together with the adjacent city sport

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complex, the development will cater to both beach tourists and families traveling with youth sports teams.

“In conjunction with that we are building a 90,000-square-foot events center on our sports complex to be used for indoor sporting events, trade shows, etc.,” Koniar said. The events center will seat 5,000.

Foley’s investment in its 100-acre complex is about $40 million, the mayor said. Sixteen ball fields are already hosting soccer tournaments.

The Sun Belt women’s soccer tournament was in town last week and the state boys’ and girls’ tournaments are scheduled for later this month.

Nearly 500 people are already working on construction of the Owa project, Koniar said. “I think the tribe is looking to hire, either directly or indirectly, about 2,500 to 3,000 people over the buildout.”

The theme of Owa is a small Southern town.

Phase One is scheduled to open next summer.

Future phases include a water park, more hotels, condominiums and a resort-level RV park.

According to Owa’s website, the project is expected to increase tourism spending by 7 percent in South Alabama and increase Baldwin County’s economic output by nearly $250 million.

BAYBRIEF | MOBILE COUNTY

Power vacuum

CREOLA SEES POLICE RESIGNATIONS AS NEW MAYOR TAKES OFFICE

BY JASON JOHNSON

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n unexpected change in leadership is being blamed for a number of resignations within the Creola Police Department, with more than half the town’s sworn officers resigning just before a new mayor and police chief took office.

As of Nov. 7, Creola Police Chief Jerry Taylor, Assistant Chief Garry Davis, officers Kenneth Thomas and Shaun Wood and a police dispatcher had submitted their resignations to the Creola City Council, and reportedly at least one other officer is considering following them.

While the resignation of six employees and four sworn officers may not affect cities the size of Mobile or even Foley, Creola has fewer than 2,000 residents and employs only seven full-time officers. The unusually high turnover seems to have been sparked by the August municipal elections, when voters chose a new mayor and three new City Council members.

“I was late on submitting my paperwork, but it’s nobody’s fault. I’ve been doing it for 30-something years, and I just forgot,” outgoing

ACCORDING TO CRISWELL, CHANGES WILL LIKELY INVOLVE ADDITIONAL TRAINING IN AREAS WHERE THE DEPARTMENT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN LACKING. Mayor Don Nelson said. “There’s no doubt in my mind I would have won the election, but this technicality kept me from being on the ballot.”

Nelson failed to file a statement of economic interest with the Alabama Ethics Commission when he qualified to run for what would have been his fifth term as the mayor of Creola.

As a result, Bill Criswell — the only name that made it onto the ballot — became mayor.

Criswell didn’t take office until Monday, Nov. 7, but several changes occurred just prior to then that seem to have started with the resignation of Taylor and his assistant chief.

Davis and Taylor have already accepted positions as police chiefs in Mt. Vernon and Jackson, respectively. Then last week, Wood and Thomas followed suit, resigning to take jobs in Chickasaw and Mobile, respectively, despite having worked in Creola for the majority of the past decade.

“There may be an underlying current for why they’re doing it, though, because Creola is probably the second lowest-paying police department in the county,” Nelson said. “I hate to say it, but they were here for a reason.”

Taylor said he was happy with the prior administration and would have been happy with the new administration, but the opportunity in Jackson was “a good career move.” The other outgoing officers who spoke with Lagniappe declined to comment on their reasons for leaving.

However, multiple sources indicated the changing leadership in the department and the city was a motivating factor.

While Criswell said he believes most of the officers left to take better-paying positions in

larger cities, he also said he met with the police force prior taking office to discuss his plans for the department.

“I was asked by Chief [Taylor] to come sit down and talk with the guys because some of them had some questions,” Criswell said. “I talked with them, and basically, I told them, ‘We appreciate you guys.’ Will there be some changes? Sure there will. There always is.”

According to Criswell, changes will likely involve additional training in areas where the department had previously been lacking. He also said he plans to use the city’s auxiliary officers to cut back on what he said has been “a large amount of overtime” at the department.

However, Criswell maintained all of the officers had “done a great job” for Creola.

Before he took office, Criswell told Lagniappe the city was reviewing a number of applicants for the position of chief, but at the time it was widely known Rick Daves — a former officer who still works for the city part time — was going to be named as Taylor’s replacement.

At the time, Daves had already taken home a city vehicle typically used by the police chief, though he says he’d only done so because it needed minor repairs and he’d gotten approval from Nelson and Criswell before doing so.

After officially taking the position this week, Daves was much more candid about why some of Creola’s officers might have chosen to leave prior to his appointment, saying that with the exception of Taylor “the crew that left wasn’t worth anything as it was.”

“Many of them didn’t like me and they resigned because they’ve had free range. When you’ve not written one ticket in six months, what does that mean? It means you aren’t working,” Daves said. “Jerry Taylor is one of the best chiefs we’ve ever had, but they took advantage of him being a good person and did things you’re not supposed to. I told them, ‘those days are stopping,’ and they couldn’t stand it.”

Daves described himself as “professional” and said he would “enforce the law” in Creola without favoritism. However, he also said he plans to do things “the right way” and will make things “better for the people of Creola.”

Even with a chief in place, though, Creola will still need to find replacements for at least three officers and a police dispatcher through a Mobile County Personnel Board that’s known for lengthy hiring processes.

Criswell, however, said he believes the city will be in capable hands in the interim because of the “qualified auxiliary officers” that will be able to take up some of the slack. He also said Mobile County Sheriff Sam Cochran has agreed to send in his deputies if it becomes necessary.

Finally, Criswell said Taylor was leaving the Creola Police Department in “good shape,” and pointed out that the City Council had accepted all of the department’s recent resignations in good standing — many of whom will be staying on to help with the transition through Nov. 18.

“They’re leaving on good terms, and we have no animosity or anything toward any of them,” Criswell said. “We’re just trying to get a smooth transition. Mayor [Nelson] is working on it, Chief Taylor is working on it, and we’re working with them.”

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BAYBRIEF | BUSINESS

Changing of the guard

AUSTAL’S LCS PROGRAM LOSES STRONG ADVOCATE WITH NAVY SECRETARY’S DEPARTURE

BY JASON JOHNSON

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s Ray Mabus ends his tenure as the secretary of the United States Navy, leaders in Mobile are holding their breath to see who will follow the man whose unwavering support of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program has seen Austal USA grow into the area’s largest private employer.

The longest-serving Navy secretary since World War I, Mabus announced his retirement in March. Last week, Mayor Sandy Stimpson said nobody “has done more for Mobile in recent history” than the outgoing secretary since his appointment in 2009.

With his support, the LCS program has outlived skepticism from other officials within the Department of Defense, and Austal — one of only two U.S. shipyards that builds the LCS — has gone from 900 full-time employees to more than 4,200. “[Mabus] has stood up for this program when nobody else was standing, other than our elected officials from Mobile,” Stimpson said. “There’s no way to put a quantifier on how important that was, but without his support, you can just imagine this program would have gone away.”

However, while the LCS program has endured, it has not been without its share of criticism. In late 2015, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter asked the Navy to reduce its “planned LCS procurement from 52 to 40” in the Obama administration’s first preview of a 2016 defense budget.

However, with the support of Congress, the procurement remained on schedule.

Still, 2016 has seen a number of incidents involving completed LCS that were either manufactured at Austal

or at a Wisconsin-based Lockheed Martin facility.

In particular, the USS Montgomery has been damaged in two separate incidents since it left Mobile in September — once when a tugboat leaving the path of Hurricane Matthew struck the vessel in early October, and two weeks ago when the Montgomery sustained an 18-inchlong crack in its hull while passing through the Panama Canal.

While neither incident was caused by Navy personnel and neither sidelined the ship for long, reports of the recent damage to the Montgomery were preceded by breakdowns or mechanical failures on four other LCS over the past year.

However, during a stop in Mobile last week, Mabus told Lagniappe new warships have always been on the receiving end of criticism in their first years of operation — something he said shows up in reports dating back to the 1960s.

“Navy ships need maintenance or have mechanical issues all the time, but it’s only new types of ships that make headlines,” Mabus said. “When the frigate, which the LCS is replacing, came out in the 1980s, one report said ‘Sailors on these ships ought to get submarine pay because these things are going to sink.’ Well, obviously they didn’t, and we still use those ships today.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-Mobile), who has been a vocal champion of the LCS program. In fact, last week Mabus presented Bryne with the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award — the highest honor that can be given to a civilian — for his support of the LCS program and the Navy’s

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effort to rebuild its fleet.

Despite the issues that have occurred with some LCS, Byrne said there’s been “no real criticism of the design and the construction” of the ships — only with the concept of a littoral combat program in the first place.

Designed to be fast and agile even in shallow waters, Byrne said the LCS gives the Navy an ability and flexibility no previous vessel has because it can be used in submarine warfare, small surface combat and the clearing of mines.

“You can take very fast shallow-draft ships that are easy to maneuver and put them all over someplace like the South China Sea, and then they’ll always be wondering, ‘where are those ships?’” Byrne said. “These little problems — and they’ve been little problems — will work themselves out as they already are, and these ships will be serving the Navy for many years to come.”

Currently, 26 LCS are already deployed, currently under construction or under contract to be built, which is half of the 52 laid out in the Navy’s current shipbuilding plan. Each LCS built today cost roughly $360 million, though the Navy does have plans to change the design after 32 ships have been completed to include additional firepower.

With a new president taking office in January, it’s still unclear who might be appointed to oversee the Navy and whether he or she will share Mabus’ zeal for rebuilding the Naval fleet to 300 vessels by the year 2021.

Still, Mabus remains hopeful the Navy’s need for the LCS will outweigh the political debate that has surrounded its production during his tenure as secretary.

“Shipbuilding is not a job for one secretary or one administration,” he said. “The fleet size we’re living with today was determined by decisions made 10 to 15 years ago, and the fleet size our Navy will have by 2025 and into the 2030s is being determined today at places like Austal.”

Speaking to the impact of Mabus’ departure, Byrne said there’s no doubt local leaders in Mobile and with Austal have enjoyed a “great relationship” with Mabus, though he also said the connections Mobile and Austal have made with permanent defense officials “will endure.”

Last week Byrne said he doesn’t believe he’ll see a time where there isn’t “a fight over the LCS,” though he believes it’s a fight leaders in Mobile are prepared for. In the meantime, Stimpson said local officials can only wait and see what course the Navy’s new leadership takes.

“Any time you have a change of command, somebody can have a different outlook on various programs, but that gives us a golden opportunity to weigh in and stand up for the great things they’re already doing at Austal,” Stimpson said. “It’s a great story to tell, but there’s still a lot of competition.”

BAYBRIEF | COURTS

Constitutional challenge

DOJ REPORT FINDS ‘PROBLEMATIC’ PRACTICES IN LOCAL COURTS

BY JASON JOHNSON

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fter observing municipal courts throughout South Alabama, federal authorities have praised Mobile as a leader for its reform efforts, while acknowledging that other cities in the area have continued to use unconstitutional practices that penalize poverty.

On Monday, Nov. 7, U.S. Attorney Kenyen Brown went public with some of the results from the Alabama Municipal Courts Observation Report, generated by a study his office launched in June as a collaborative effort to review the practices of 30 municipal courts in the Southern District of Alabama.

Brown said a widely reported shooting involving police in Ferguson, Missouri, prompted his office to ensure local courts are operating constitutionally. While the 2014 incident started a national conversation on police reform, a subsequent Department of Justice report found a pattern of discrimination within Ferguson’s court system that Brown says really drove “some of those disturbances.”

Ultimately, Brown said, the review was intended to ensure people weren’t “unnecessarily entering the criminal justice system” based on their inability to pay municipal fines many cities lean on as an additional source of revenue.

“Revenue generation is the major reason for establishing municipal courts, and in some instances public safety seems to be more of an afterthought,” Brown said. “Ironically, the revenue from these courts is offset in a lot of cases by the cost of putting people in jail.”

It is unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment to incarcerate an indigent debtor unless the person’s failure to pay is “willful.” However, after his office’s review, Brown said investigators found that a number of local courts were still using unconstitutional practices or those that ultimately produced unconstitutional results.

One of the “problematic practices” the report cites is municipalities that criminalize a failure to pay for utility services, which is technically still the case for Baldwin County residents who don’t pay their solid waste disposal bill.

Chickasaw recently repealed a similar policy that made it illegal to live in a structure not connected to the city’s water system — a change implemented only after a local woman’s arrest brought statewide media attention to the city’s 1997 ordinance.

Another dubious practice Brown says has been on the decline is “pay or stay” ultimatums, which occur when a judge orders a defendant to pay fines completely by the end of their initial court date, under threat of incarceration.

Brown said most judges are aware the practice is unconstitutional, but the report still listed “a few” judges in the Southern District who use idle threats of same-day incarceration to motivate defendants to pay their fines — a tactic he described as “saber rattling.”

“Many said they rarely, if ever, enforce those policies and often give people the opportunity to enter into a payment plan with the court,” Brown said. “Nonetheless, this practice of ‘saber rattling’ could discourage people who don’t have the ability to pay their fines from showing up to court and seeking alternatives to incarceration.”

The report also revealed that the measurements judges use to declare indigency often varied from city to city, even though the state has established an across-the-board standard. The same inconsistencies were documented in the setting of bonds.

While citizens can’t be jailed entirely for failing to pay municipal fines, Brown said, they can be jailed for failing to appear in court over those fines. In most of those cases, Brown said, judges set a defendant’s bond amount “at the actual cost of what those fines amounted to.”

“Which is crazy. If they didn’t have the money to pay the fines, how can they be expected to pay that bond? They can’t,” Brown said. “The end result is they’re incarcerated for a failure to pay.”

The report found that one local municipality jailed five defendants for up to 26 days over similar charges that began with municipal fines. In one of those cases, Brown said, the bond exceeded $3,000, which is three times higher than the maximum bond judges can set for a misdemeanor.

However, with the exception of those listed above, the report never indicates in which municipalities these “problematic practices” were occurring. When asked, Brown told Lagniappe that was intentional.

“This approach was more collegial than enforcement based. We appreciate judges were open enough to talk candidly with us about what’s going in their courts,” Brown said. “I think the effort here is to spark reform, which is needed, and not necessarily to call people out.”

That said, the report did recognize a recent overhaul of Mobile’s municipal court system that has sped up the processing time for minor offenses, eliminated bonds in most instances and introduced a number of alternatives to jail time to those who can’t pay fines.

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said his administration pushed those reform efforts with leadership from municipal court administrator Nathan Emmorey in hopes of making “proactive changes” while they were still optional.

“You don’t feel part of a community if you feel disenfranchised, and if you’re being treated differently because of your inability to pay fines, that is certainly a reason to feel disenfranchised,” Stimpson said.

Emmorey was appointed by Stimpson in 2014 after Mobile had gone nearly five years without a municipal court administrator. Emmorey explained many of the recent changes were about providing justice, though many were also pragmatic.

In addition to streamlining several court functions, Emmorey said the city also redefined how it would use the Mobile County Metro Jail — dropping from an average use of 250 beds per day in 2014 to an average of 41 over the past month.

Emmory said Mobile also aims to serve as an example for other, smaller municipal courts, many of which may also be making changes to their own practices in the wake of the DOJ’s Alabama Municipal Courts Observation Report.

While Mobile has additional revenue streams to cover any income lost in its municipal court overhaul, Emmorey acknowledged smaller cities may not. However, he also said courts without the funding “to provide the due process protections that the Constitution requires” will likely have to make some changes in the future regardless of the importance of that revenue.

“You need to look at how you generate money because we are not an engine to create revenue, we are a purveyor of justice, and sometimes justice costs money,” he said. “So, you’re going to have to resource us, or restructure us to operate in a way where we actually do purvey constitutional justice.”

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BAYBRIEF |

Court crunch

BALDWIN DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FACES LARGE BUDGET CUT

BY JANE NICHOLES

W

hen Robert Wilters takes office as Baldwin County district attorney on Jan. 17, he expects to have to make some painful decisions.

His projected annual budget is half a million dollars less than that of his predecessor, Hallie Dixon, and some people almost certainly will lose their jobs.

“I just don’t believe I’ll be able to maintain the same staffing levels as are currently there,” Wilters said. “I hope I’m wrong. I’d love to be able to keep everybody.”

But with his budget projected at nearly $2.5 million compared to Dixon’s nearly $2.9 million, Wilters admittedly has already thought about which positions would be eliminated.

The money woes go beyond the district attorney’s office. Presiding Circuit Judge Carmen Bosch, who recently succeeded retiring Langford Floyd as the top administrator, said the county needs four more circuit judges.

Meanwhile, the domestic relations division has grown so much that some cases are being farmed out to the existing circuit judges.

“We’ve been paddling like crazy to stay in the same place,” she said.

If Wilters had to take office today, he said, the number of assistant district attorneys would be cut from the current 16 or 17 to 12 or 13. One of the four investigators would have to go. Support staff would be cut from 19 to 13 or 14.

Wilters said that by using experienced prosecutors, doing more training and streamlining the DA’s office, he can keep cases moving. “Hopefully there will not be any more of a delay in prosecuting the cases than what we have now.”

But it won’t be easy. “In Baldwin County, a young lawyer right out of law school within a year or two can be making $100,000 a year. Now, I can’t pay that kind of money, but I’m going to have to raise salaries so that I’m competitive with that kind of money,” Wilters said. Currently, assistant DAs earn $50,000 to $60,000 per year.

Dixon, who chose not to run again after a tumultuous term as DA, has helped ensure a smooth transition, Wilters said. The problem is reductions in revenue from multiple sources.

“One of the problems that we’re having is that the appropriations we get from the state of Alabama are dropping every year. I think back in 2008 the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office got something like $820,000, and in this coming year I will get $399,000. That’s a pretty big cut right there,” he said.

In addition, grants that paid prosecutors’ salaries from the U.S. Department of Justice have “dried up and expired,” Wilters said. New grants aren’t showing up to replace them.

Money received from the municipal court system has also dropped off as a result of legal action taken by the Justice Department and the Southern Poverty Law Center to keep people from being forced to pay court costs, Wilters said. And the DA’s worthless-check unit yields less revenue as more people simply stop writing checks.

Wilters says he is grateful to the County Commission for offering $120,000 in additional funding next year.

He has also met with the Baldwin legislative delegation about ways to raise revenue. But he’s frustrated by the money problems.

For example, Wilters said he would like to work with

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the public school system to identify and head off young people at risk of getting into the criminal justice system. With 2,000 felony cases a year and no new money, he can only dream of such a program.

“There is just no interest in Montgomery in raising revenue, in trying to find new revenue sources,” Wilters said.

Retiring Judge Floyd points out another revenue problem: court costs added onto fines and tickets by the Legislature for non-judicial purposes.

“We’ve run the numbers several times,” Floyd said. “Of all the court costs, the money that comes into the court system, once we disburse it out, 12 percent of it goes to the actual court system.”

Floyd said using court cost revenue for child support and to aid victims of crime makes sense, but many of the uses designated by the Legislature have nothing to do with the court system. All the money goes into the state’s general fund and the Legislature decides how it will be spent. As a result, court costs are often much higher than the actual fine for a minor offense, while the money can’t be used for court expenses such as additional judgeships.

If there were additional judgeships, Wilters noted, he would need four to six more prosecutors.

Bosch said the estimate of four more judgeships being needed comes from the Administrative Office of the Courts. “We need four judges. Nobody’s paying for them at this point in time,” she said. “It’s a statewide problem.”

Floyd, 60, said he expects to stay in some form of private practice. His last day as judge is Dec. 15. By Dec. 2, a local judicial nominating committee that includes Bosch hopes to recommend three people to Gov. Robert Bentley for possible appointment to replace Floyd. The position could come up for election in 2018 or 2020, depending on the outcome of a local vote on a constitutional amendment in the Nov. 8 elections.

Bosch, the first female presiding judge in the history of Baldwin County, says she’ll remain over family court while taking on multiple administrative duties, ranging from dealing with other agencies to overseeing courthouse space to swearing-in jury panels.

Meanwhile, all circuit judges are taking on additional duties to relieve the domestic relations division, which she said is growing fastest of all. They may handle routine divorces where agreements have already been reached and only a judge’s signature and a waiting period are needed, or temporary issues such as property disposition or financial matters that need to be handled while the parties are waiting for cases to be disposed of by a domestic relations judge.

“So there’s plenty of work for everybody,” Bosch said.

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COMMENTARY | DAMN THE TORPEDOES

GulfQuest’s failure has many fathers ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR/RHOLBERT@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

God Carnival is coming back or we’d have two giant buildings right there on the landing to debt service each month.

Stimpson already made one smart decision when he rejected the GQ board of directors’ request for $1.8 million from the city to keep the doors open. He rightfully saw throwing that kind of money at the museum wouldn’t do anything to change its fortunes and that they’d be asking for more money next year.

This is no doubt a colossal embarrassment to many of those involved, former mayors and the city as a whole, and the finger pointing has already started. As the old saying goes, “Success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan.” But the citizens shouldn’t be nailed financially for this museum’s failure for years and years to come.

Maybe squeezing a casino into the building alongside the maritime museum will ultimately be the answer. Or a J.C. Penney or nautically themed disco.

Perhaps some of the shipping companies that pushed for GQ to be built can rent it as office space.

When you read the names of GulfQuest’s board of trustees you’ll see some of the biggest business success stories Mobile has produced. If they still believe in their museum, maybe it’s time to dig deep again and put more of their own money into fixing this problem. Creating a massive financial drain on the city just as its financial fortunes have started to improve is hardly a legacy any of them wants.

THEGADFLY

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Dow’s P.T. Barnum-like enthusiasm no doubt became mixed with the GulfQuest board’s desires for a truly spectacular homage to their industry. Visions of tourists streaming off cruise ships into GulfQuest as high-speed ferries packed with commuters whisked across the bay danced in their heads. A grand vision indeed.

Even the name sounds too grandiose.

It’s hard to imagine being at the table when someone came up with GulfQuest: National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico. It trips off the tongue like the 63-letter German word for the law delegating the monitoring of beef labeling.

So millions of federal transportation funds got mixed up in this thing — you know, for the high-speed ferries and all — and now we’re stuck like a barge in bay mud. Shut GQ down and the city has to pay the feds back tens of millions in grant money and also risks losing more grant money coming down the pike. It can’t just be bulldozed into the river or magically turned into a casino.

The city has taken over GQ, cut staff to the bone and dictated that for the time being it will only be open for special occasions, private parties and days when the cruise ship is loading or unloading. In the meantime, GulfQuest is going to cost the taxpayers more than $2.8 million a year to sit there while someone figures out a way to keep the maritime museum component and bring something in with it that will make this all financially feasible. Thank

Cartoon/Laura Rasmussen

I

n what has to be the perfect side note to the GulfQuest debacle, the folks from the Ripley’s Believe It or Not museums were in town last week going through the soon-to-be-shuttered maritime museum.

Upon hearing this I thought they must have come to add the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico as an exhibit in one of their odd museums. I mean, a maritime museum that was 20 years in the making, and took five years just to build, closing (at least temporarily) about two minutes after celebrating its first year in business is pretty — as the late, great Jack Palance would say — “Believe it or not!!”

Instead it seems they were here talking with city and museum leaders about some ways to possibly paddle out of the financial whirlpool known as GulfQuest. As things currently stand, GQ is Mobile’s answer to the Titanic and Hindenburg simultaneously smashing into a Ford Pinto filled with Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones.

And because previous mayors and GQ’s benefactors were so convinced it would instead be a smashing success, tens of millions in taxpayer money and federal grants were poured into its concrete walls, leaving the museum a financial albatross of epic proportions if it can’t be salvaged. The current mayor and council are left with few options other than to keep the museum moderately operational as they search for ways to “repurpose” the building.

It’s hard to imagine a slower motion, more obvious failure than GulfQuest. When media first started reporting on a big maritime museum being built along the riverfront, the general man-on-the-street reaction was, “Nobody wants to see that.”

Of course the consultants came in and told us otherwise, and GQ management bandied about seemingly ridiculous attendance goals that were only achievable if people could be gathered on the streets of downtown by teams of machine gun-toting GulfQuest employees and forced through the museum’s doors to learn more about containerized shipping.

But any questioning of the 300,000 annual visitors projection was met with scorn and anger.

Somewhere the consultants are off having a big laugh. They’re probably in some smallish city in the Midwest convincing them a freight train museum will be the answer to their tourism dreams. Can we once and for all agree that projections from consultants ALWAYS tell people what they want to hear?

Certainly GQ’s cause was not helped by its fiveyear construction time. The billion-dollar AT&T Stadium — home of my white-hot 7-1 Dallas Cowboys — took less time to build. The Jones administration made things worse by releasing one wrong opening date after another, and by the time GQ’s doors opened a large part of the citizenry was already over it.

The sad part is GulfQuest is actually a really nice museum. It has a great restaurant and is the only place in town where you can have something to eat and watch the big ships go by on the river. But even if its funding wasn’t dried up it has little chance. As Mayor Sandy Stimpson has pointed out, GQ is educational, but not much fun. And it cost too much, which was another factor in it seeing only 80,000 people wander through its doors in the first year.

But GulfQuest was built too big to fail.

Somewhere along the line this idea of having a maritime museum in Mobile grew out of proportion to what might actually work. Former Mayor Mike

STEP RIGHT UP! THE CITY IS SEEKING IDEAS ON HOW TO REPURPOSE THE GULFQUEST BUILDING.

COMMENTARY | THE HIDDEN AGENDA

A time for reflection ASHLEY TRICE/EDITOR/ASHLEYTOLAND@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

I

t is Tuesday morning and I just voted. By the time this issue hits the streets we will have a new president-elect. A little over 40 percent of the country will be elated, a little over 40 percent of the country will be devastated and I’m not really sure how the remaining 7-8 percent will feel. Probably not too surprised their candidate didn’t win.

For 20 long, grueling months we endured one of the nastiest, most divisive presidential races in modern history. Perhaps if the namecalling had stopped with the candidates things wouldn’t seem so dismal. But after witnessing people battle this thing out on social media to the point of destroying friendships, it’s pretty depressing. What started as respectful debates among pals slowly devolved into just “screaming” the F-word at each other in all caps and calling one another clueless, gullible fools — each of them truly believing the other to be a sheep who is drinking their guy’s or gal’s and/ or the left- or right-leaning media’s Kool-Aid. I have even seen people declare that they

ally agree on more things than we disagree.

We all want what’s best for our kids. We all want to see them do better than we have done for ourselves. We want to see job opportunities for everyone, from high school grads with vocational skills to 20-somethings who have just had expensive college diplomas placed in their hands to 50-somethings who have lost their jobs and feel like they will never find another.

We all want health care that is indeed affordable and not to be taxed to death. We all want to feel safe … in many different ways.

We all really have a lot in common, and we just can’t lose sight of the fact that while we may disagree on who should lead us or how they do it, we are all trying to get to the same place.

I am so tired of the ugliness. I am so tired of the gridlock. I want to see our new president and Congress sit down together and say, “Hey, there is no way I can give you this, but I can bend on this if you can help me out on this.”

And actually get at least some of that aforementioned stuff we all want done.

It seems like we are sending people to Washington these days just to be obstructionists and to hate on each other. Why not THIS ELECTION HAS BEEN just elect people who can tell the best “your SO NASTY. BUT I HOPE WE momma” jokes, if that is what we are looking for? I’m not trying to be all Pollyanna here — I HAVE LEARNED SOMETHING FROM get there are fundamental differences — but THIS AND ALL OF THE DIVISIVENESS how much more of just shutting each other THAT LED UP TO IT AND CREATED THIS down can we take? Compromise is not a fourletter word.

ELECTION CYCLE OF INSANITY. The world is not going to come to a screeching halt, no matter who is elected. The president is one person. They need the help of 535 just don’t think they can be friends with neigh- other people to get things done. And those 535 bors, co-workers or anyone else who supported have millions of us who send them to Capitol “the other candidate,” branding them as not Hill and then never even bother to write them just people with whom they disagreed, but as a letter or pick up the phone or shoot them an ignorant or crazy or racist or bigots or mouthemail to tell them how we want them to vote breathers or just pure evil. as OUR representative on any number of isPerhaps some individuals did act so ugly sues. Rather, we will just continue to argue on they deserve to be “unfriended” in more ways Facebook with people we have been friends than one, but it’s important not to paint the with since grade school and post nasty memes supporters of the candidate you didn’t go for of the president-elect, whoever that may be, with such a broad brush. because, you know, that’s the way things get Even in a state as red as Alabama, many accomplished. people cast their ballots while holding their This election has been so nasty. But I hope noses. And some people ended up voting for we have learned something from this and all a candidate because of a single issue, not beof the divisiveness that led up to it and created cause they loved or stood behind every single this election cycle of insanity. If we just keep thing they said. screaming at each other and not listening and There were certainly Trump voters who calling each other names, nothing will get hated everything about him but they were such done. That is as certain as death and taxes. pro-lifers, they just couldn’t bring themselves Maybe, just maybe, if WE THE PEOPLE to vote for Hillary. And too, there were people tried a new approach and not just relied on the who are sick of Hillary Clinton and don’t really guy or gal who gets elected, we would finally trust her, but they still voted for her because achieve for ourselves the change we ALL do they considered Trump’s words more than just truly deserve. “locker room talk” or his lack of restraint and As some dead president once said (probably judgment during the campaign disqualifying when he was alive), “Let us never forget that and scary. We all process these issues in difgovernment is ourselves and not an alien power ferent ways. What’s huge for one person isn’t over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy such a big deal for the next. And who are we to are not a President and senators and congresstell someone else how they should assign their men and government officials, but the voters of personal values? this country.”

It was a tough choice for many, so let’s all If we hate what is going on in this country, give each other a break. Because I am willing maybe it’s time to look in the mirror rather to bet most of us — even those of us who ultithan who is sitting and who will sit behind a mately voted for different candidates — actudesk at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

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COMMENTARY | THE MONTGOMERY MINUTE

Merrill defends stand against automatic registration

BY LEE HEDGEPETH/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“

T

he right of citizens of the United States, who are 18 years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.”

That’s the text of the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and Alabama’s Secretary of State John Merrill should read it. Slowly. As many times as necessary.

That’s because a few days ago, filmmaker Brian Jenkins released a preview of his upcoming documentary “Answering the Call,” which looks at the state of modern-day voting rights, and in it Secretary Merrill — the top election official in the state of Alabama — makes comments not worthy of the office he holds, or any public office for that matter.

In the preview of the new film, Secretary Merrill is asked about automatic voter registration — in which when you turn 18 you’re automatically registered to vote: you just need to show up on election day to exercise your constitutional right. Merrill, though, apparently doesn’t see registering as many voters as possible as a laudable goal.

“I don’t think just because your birthday comes around that you should be registered to vote,” Merrill says in the documentary. If Merrill genuinely believes that, then he should start a campaign to repeal the 26th Amendment, which guarantees the very right he seemingly dismisses.

“As long as I’m Secretary of State of Alabama, you’re going to have to show some initiative … if you want to participate in this process, you’re going to have to participate,” Merrill brazenly continues.

“These people fought, and some were beaten and some were killed because of their desire to ensure that everybody who wanted to have the right to register to vote and participate in the process,” he says in the film.

“I’m not going to cheapen the work that they did. I’m not going to embarrass them by allowing somebody [to vote] that’s too sorry to get up off of their rear end to go register to vote. If you’re too sorry or too lazy to get up off your rear and to go register to vote or register electronically and then go vote, then you don’t deserve that privilege … But just because you turned 18 doesn’t give you the right to do anything.”

Just read what he said again, and compare it to the text of the U.S. Constitution at the beginning of the article: “Just because you turned 18 doesn’t give you the right to do anything,” Merrill said. Actually, Secretary Merrill, it does, and you should know that better than anyone in the Yellowhammer State: it’s your job.

Now, after his comments have garnered national disdain, Merrill isn’t walking it back; he’s doubling down.

When asked about the widespread criticism of his comments, including by Congressman John Lewis, who stood beside then-President Jimmy Carter to call for automatic

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voter registration nationwide, Secretary Merrill responded this way: “I think it’s a bunch of liberal trolls trying to raise the level of interest in the election for supporters of Secretary Clinton to motivate people to get out.”

Merrill is welcome to believe what he wishes, but here’s the reality: I don’t care if you voted for Trump or Clinton. I just care that you were able to vote at all, and automatic voter registration is a way to help facilitate that. As for Alabama’s Secretary of State and whether he cares, I can’t say as much.

The Southern Poverty Law Center immediately responded to Merrill’s comments when they were released: “Secretary Merrill’s statements are as cynical as they are ignorant. Merrill claims that ‘just because you turned 18 doesn’t give you the right to do anything.’ But he apparently hasn’t read the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution because it says precisely that every citizen in our great country who turns 18 has the right to vote.

“Merrill also bizarrely claims that automatic registration would ‘cheapen’ the sacrifices that American heroes like John Lewis made for voting rights by making voting too easy,” SPLC President Richard Cohen said. “But he apparently doesn’t realize that Congressman Lewis is in favor of automatic registration.

“Meanwhile Alabama, according to the nonpartisan Pew Charitable Trusts, ranks dead last in election performance. Invoking the memory of Congressman Lewis’ sacrifices in order to justify the opposite position that Lewis holds is grotesque but in line with Merrill’s record of supporting voter suppression measures,” Cohen said.

Alabama’s only African-American representative in Congress, Terri Sewell, who represents Selma, also responded to Merrill’s comments.

“Voting is a right for every American and all states, including Alabama, should help make voting easier, not harder, for the American people,” Sewell said. “Civil rights leaders like Rep. John Lewis and MLK Jr. fought to remove barriers to the ballot box, not construct them.”

I’m sure Merrill will just count Richard Cohen and Terri Sewell as “liberal trolls.” If that’s the label you get for wanting as many people to exercise their constitutional right to vote, then I guess I’m a liberal troll, too.

“I’m not attracted to lazy people or sorry people or people who don’t want to get involved,” Merrill said in the documentary.

So get them involved, Secretary Merrill. Allow them to automatically register to exercise their right to vote as soon as they turn 18.

Until then, we don’t care who you’re attracted to, and we’re definitely not attracted to you.

COMMENTARY | THE BELTWAY BEAT

Whoever wins, brush up on the impeachment process

BY JEFF POOR/COLUMNIST/JEFFREYPOOR@GMAIL.COM

N

o matter who wins the White House, one thing is certain: Be it Trump or Clinton, there will be a lot of hurt feelings and they’ll face a tremendous backlash from the opposition party.

One thing that won’t be taken off the table, as it was during the Bush and Obama years, is the possibility of bringing up articles of impeachment against that elected president.

There is no question that polarized politics is a product of our times, but there hasn’t been the appetite by Congress to act on it by using its powers of impeachment.

That’s probably about to change.

At press time, a lot is up in the air. Not only is the White House up for grabs, but the balance of power on Capitol Hill is in question. It’s a distinct possibility you could have a GOP-led Congress and a Democrat at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. If Trump has won by the time this column hits the newsstands, Republicans will likely hold on to the House and Senate, making it difficult for a Democratic minority to launch investigations. But as history has shown, the opposition party makes gains in Congress in midterm elections and the balance of power in

the House of Representatives has the power to impeach and the Senate then votes on whether to remove the president from office.

“However, as we have seen over the past seven years, that theoretical power means nothing if neither house of Congress has the incentives and the guts to use the power they have,” he added.

When President Bill Clinton was impeached in 1998, he was brought up on two charges, one of perjury and one of obstruction of justice.

There’s already enough evidence before Clinton would even take office for her to be tried on those grounds, given her testimony before the House Select Committee on Benghazi and her deletion of emails from an unsecured server, which has plagued her candidacy.

As for Trump, allegations of impropriety with Trump University and the Trump Foundation may be enough for Democrats to take up the impeachment process should they have the opportunity.

Impeachment has traditionally been seen as a method of last resort. It’s not something that’s been tossed around lightly. But much like this presidential election, tradition will be tossed aside. It’s a whole new rulebook in politics.

For both Republicans and Democrats, it does stand to backfire. As with Clinton’s impeachment, Republicans were seen as IMPEACHMENT HAS TRADITIONALLY disregarding the business of BEEN SEEN AS A METHOD OF LAST the people for spending time on that failed effort.

RESORT. IT’S NOT SOMETHING THAT’S BEEN Even after retaking the TOSSED AROUND LIGHTLY. BUT MUCH LIKE House in 2010 and the Senate in 2014, Republicans repeatTHIS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, TRADITION edly dismissed the possibilWILL BE TOSSED ASIDE. IT’S A WHOLE NEW ity of impeaching President Barack Obama, even though RULEBOOK IN POLITICS. they said he acted unconstitutionally with his actions 2018 could be flipped. regarding Obamacare and immigration.

Impeaching Trump might even be a camThroughout the Bush years, there was chatter paign pledge for many Democrats seeking to of impeachment for the 2003 invasion of Iraq unseat Republicans in 2018. but it was never acted upon, even when the Congressional leaders on both sides have Democrats wrested back control of the House raised that possibility. With all the pre-election and Senate in 2006. controversy regarding Hillary Clinton and the “I have said it before and I will say it again: Clinton Foundation, it’s almost certain we’ll see Impeachment is off the table,” then-House a constant barrage of congressional hearings and Speaker Elect Nancy Pelosi (D-California) investigations of Clinton. said in a news conference following the 2006 “It’s a target-rich environment,” House Over- midterm elections. sight Committee chairman Rep. Jason Chaffetz Pelosi would have to be a favorite for house (R-Utah) said in an interview recently. “Even speaker again if the Democrats were to take before we get to day one, we’ve got two years’ control of the House of Representatives in the worth of material already lined up. She has four future. Would she be willing to rule out imyears of history at the state department, and it peachment of a President Trump? ain’t good.”

Paul Ryan’s tenure as speaker is somewhat Conservative columnist and Hoover Instituuncertain, because it is a job he did not really tion scholar Thomas Sowell argued for Donald want in the first place and he is under constant Trump’s candidacy because he argued Trump criticism from members of his own party. Ryan would be easier to impeach than Clinton. And does not seem like the type of politician that that threat of impeachment might restore the would argue for the impeachment of a Presi“balance” part of our so-called “checks and bal- dent Hillary Clinton. However, his successor ances” system. might be.

“We need a Congress that can remove a Whatever has happened by the time you are dangerous president who ignores the law and reading this, brush up on the rules of impeachcommits impeachable offenses,” Sowell wrote. ment because it could be something you hear a “Any Congress theoretically can do so, since lot about in the coming months and years.

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BUSINESS | THE REAL DEAL

New coffee shop opening at Loop

BY RON SIVAK/COLUMNIST/BUSINESS@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

C

haleur Method Brew is a new craft coffee shop set to open soon in a 1,000-square-foot space at the corner of Glenwood Street and Airport Boulevard in Mobile’s Midtown Loop area. Owners Christian and Courtney Hilley will offer “third-wave coffee,” a trend that considers coffee an artisanal foodstuff, like wine, rather than a commodity.

The movement involves improvements at all stages of production and often incorporates “microroasting” analogous to the microbrew beer process. Fare such as locally produced French pastries will also be sold.

The coffee bar will also double as an event venue and art gallery for local artists, and is partnering with local arts and living publication Ant Farm Journal to hold Saturday workshops with painters, designers, writers and floral stylists. They additionally plan to hold a gallery highlighting a different local artist each month. Follow their progress on Facebook and Instagram at “chaleurcoffee.”

According to Shannon Tyndall of BUR Commercial, T-Mobile recently leased 2,100 square feet of retail space in Jubilee Square, 6850 U.S. Highway 90 in Daphne.

Tyndall represented the landlord in the transaction, Burton Property Group.

AIDS Alabama Inc. recently acquired property at 4321 Downtowner Loop N. in Mobile for $245,000. Justin Toomey, associate broker with Stirling Properties, represented the seller and Daryl Cleworth with Merrill P. Thomas Co. worked for the buyer.

Burton Clark of Cummings & Associates sold the 11-acre site at 4130 Government Blvd. owned by Carwie Properties for $760,000 to a local investor, represented

by Margie Baxter of M.J. Baxter & Co. The improvements on the site total 100,000 square feet divided into a 65,000-square-foot retail building, a 12,000-square-foot

multi-tenant warehouse, a 20,000-square-foot ground-level warehouse and a 3,000-square-foot office building. There are several existing tenants at the site.

Mamun Siddiq recently handled the sale of a former Chevron gas station at 3464 Springhill Ave. in Mobile, near the intersection with Interstate 65, to an out-of-town investor for about $567,000.

Plans are in place for a new 5,000-square-foot Gateway Market & Grille neighborhood grocery store to open at 22394 Miflin Road on County Road 20 in Foley. The grocer is among several businesses setting up shop at the new 12,000-square-foot Glenlakes Village commercial retail site adjacent to the Glenlakes Golf Course.

Also moving in is a 3,000-square-foot barbecue eatery called Butts on the Greene, scheduled to open in December. The remaining 4,000 square feet of retail space is still available for lease, per Davis Vosloh, spokesman for Glenlakes Village.

White-Spunner Construction marks 35th anniversary

Mobile-based White-Spunner Construction Inc., a general contracting, design-build and construction management company, founded in 1981 and ranked the 14th largest general contractor in the state by Business Alabama, marked its 35th anniversary with plans for westward expansion into Texas.

To date the company has completed projects in 27 states worth more than $2.4 billion in total construction value, building at an average annual volume of $73.5 million per project during the last five years.

WSC was named one of the “Best Companies to Work For” in Alabama in 2016, and has been awarded 13 retail projects for clients across the southeast so far this year.

Additionally, the business has been recognized for its

16 | L AG N I A P P E | N o v e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 1 6 - N o v e m b e r 1 6 , 2 0 1 6

excellent safety record, recording 2.45 million man-hours without a lost-time incident. WSC was honored by Associated Builders and Contractors with the 2016 Safest in the Industry Gold Award and the 2016 Platinum Level STEP Award.

“We learned what worked and what didn’t,” president and founder John White-Spunner said. “What didn’t work was taking on debt and overextending.

You have to run your business to be ready to take on a downturn, which takes restraint and a lot of energy communicating to younger people who haven’t been through it.”

White-Spunner, now 61, became president of WSC at age 24, just a few years after earning a degree in building construction from Auburn University. He made sure the business was licensed in several states in the early 1980s, and began construction on grocery stores and steakhouses that took the Alabama firm across the country.

WSC is involved in completing projects in a variety of market segments, including a nearly million-square-foot distribution center to 10,000-square-foot restaurants. Repeat customers include The Home Depot, which has contracted with White-Spunner on more than 350 new construction and renovation projects.

Other clients spanning health care, multi-family, education and government segments include Academy Sports+Outdoors, The Fresh Market, Dave & Buster’s, University of South Alabama, Infirmary Health, Auburn University, Retirement Systems of Alabama and Rooms to Go Distribution Center.

MOB reports second consecutive passenger increase

The Mobile Airport Authority released passenger enplanement numbers for September 2016 as reported by the airlines serving Mobile Regional Airport (MOB). A total of 25,723 passengers boarded commercial aircraft at MOB, compared to September 2015 when 23,583 passengers flew commercially from Mobile. This marks the first time since 2007 there have been two consecutive months of increases of this magnitude at the airport.

The market share for each airline serving MOB is as follows: Delta, 45.5 percent; American Airlines, 30.7 percent; and United Airlines, 23.8 percent. Year to date, the total number of passengers using MOB sits at 445,709.

“Every turnaround starts somewhere. We have had multiple months of recordsetting passenger growth. Our passengers are being served by larger aircraft from our airline partners,” Mobile Airport Authority executive director Roger Wehner said. “Competition has driven fares down over $80 per ticket on average and that trend is continuing. Our negotiations with new service providers are progressing well. Our action plan is bearing results and we will continue to drive towards our objectives of creating the best airport we can for our community.”

The three carriers referenced serve five nonstop destinations from Mobile: Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago, Illinois; and Dallas and Houston, Texas.

CUISINE | THE REVIEW

Thankstaking: a new holiday for a wannabe cook

I

BY ANDY MACDONALD/CUISINE EDITOR | FATMANSQUEEZE@COMCAST.NET

t began with a nightmare.

Our Thankstaking does not reflect that. It’s not political.

Years ago, shortly after the birth of my second son, It’s not racial. I have too much to be thankful for. This is I found myself in my bed with a head full of savory about taking back a holiday via a pre-emptive strike to dreams about dressing, turkey, the wonderful cranberry ensure I never miss it again. salad with walnuts, broccoli casserole, corn casserole, It is also a way for me to express how much I love the rice casserole, pies for days, deviled eggs and my sister’s holiday season and the food associated with it. This year favorite canned crescent rolls. It was a we made Thankstaking a more formal delicious dream that headed south as occasion. Preferably we would not have soon as my eyes opened. done it so close to actual ThanksgivI’ll spare the details, but let’s just ing, but I had a busy September and say I had the stomach bug of a lifetime.

October.

The parade hadn’t even begun and I was My mom Khaki’s house is the place THE TRICK TO praying to the porcelain gods, my young to be on turkey day, but should the family looking on as I urged them to ROASTING CHICKENS guest list get out of control Andrea, turn their heads. Thanksgiving for me my sister, has a more spacious abode.

IS BRINING. DO THIS had been ruined.

My brother lives two doors down from Eleven months later, I found myself my mom, so I doubt I’ll ever convince ONCE AND YOU’LL thinking back on that tragic day. It was them to come to Mobile for dressing as if the Grinch came a month early and and all the trimmings. That’s another NEVER NEGLECT stole Thanksgiving. I recall taking matreason for us to put on Thankstaking.

DOING IT AGAIN. ters into my own hands and vowing to Starting with lofty goals of invitnever miss another Thanksgiving meal ing many Mobilian friends and family, by simply having two! Every September we quickly whittled that down to only or October since then I have cooked a a couple of couples. It’s impossible portion of my favorite holiday dishes, and essentially the to make schedules gel this time of year as the city creeps first “Thankstaking” was born. into its loveliest temps. Invitations to events pour in, and The name of the holiday wasn’t coined until this year, everyone commits to so many things. I’d have loved for and I’m jealous to say it was Rob who came up with it. the dozens on our list to make the scene, but it just wasn’t Google Thankstaking and you’ll see it’s a term that’s been going to happen. We only had a table for six in Catherine’s used before to describe the genocide and taking of lands dining room, so think of this as a test run. from indigenous peoples.

Joining us would be Rob and Beth. Small of stature,

Beth was almost as excited about the food as I was. She agreed to make a chocolate pie and a green bean casserole. I’m talking about real green beans, not canned. With the chocolate pie she brought whipped cream. For days we fed on that pie, and it was even better with ice cream. Rob was in charge of an apple and Cool Whip. He brought an apple.

Catherine’s dad, Pete, was a bachelor for the evening so we elected him Beverage Chairman. Next to him would be Jessica Bruer whose husband, Gjuro, was on his way home from Iowa and couldn’t make it. Jessica brought a decadent sweet potato casserole that could knock down a diabetic but was too good to not devour.

I was in charge of the lion’s share of the cooking, as I requested, and was a bit nervous about making this style of dinner for six. It’s always been just me, or maybe one or two others. I wanted a good showing and I wanted to land all the planes at the same time.

That’s the hard part with multi-dish menus. What do you do ahead of time and what do you do just before the guests arrive? Luckily I wasn’t frying a turkey like my brother Big Al and I do. I decided on roasting two chickens.

The trick to roasting chickens is brining. Do this once and you’ll never neglect doing it again. For my brine I start with a gallon of water per chicken.

I use hot water, adding 1 cup of salt, one-half cup of sugar and one-quarter cup of soy sauce. I prefer the flavor of the gluten free, for some reason. Stir the hot water until the sugar and salt dissolve and allow the liquid to cool. Add the chickens and refrigerate overnight or at least six hours.

Roast the chickens uncovered at 350 F, legs side down, until an internal temp of 165 F is reached. I did mine ahead of time and wrapped them pretty heavily in plastic wrap. The night of the dinner I reheated them, plastic wrap and all, in a warm oven. The plastic wrap melts a bit but doesn’t stick to the chicken. It peels off easily and the chicken stays moist.

For the dressing, my friend Bobby Baird said his family always used sage and a few biscuits mixed in with the cornbread. I heeded his call for sage, but left all traces of white bread out. I didn’t want to totally change my grandmother’s recipe. It’s the best, just like your grandmother’s.

There was that cranberry salad I mentioned earlier that calls for sugar, walnuts and apple juice. (Pete grabbed a sparkling Martinelli’s for me and it worked fine.) A cup of sugar from the neighbors and all was well.

The part I am proudest of is the giblet gravy. Tightened up with a little cornstarch, a boiled egg and a tablespoon of dressing, it was the best I’ve done.

What began as a nightmare ended with a smile. Next year will be bigger.

And you will be invited. Happy Thankstaking.

N o v e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 1 6 - N o v e m b e r 1 6 , 2 0 1 6 | L AG N I A P P E | 17

FOOSACKLY’S ($)

$10/PERSON $$ 10-25/PERSON $$$ OVER 25/PERSON

COMPLETELY COMFORTABLE

ALL SPORTS BAR & GRILL ($) CLASSIC HOTDOGS, GYROS & MILKSHAKES. 3408 Pleasant Valley Rd • 345-9338

AL’S HOTDOGS ($)

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

ATLANTA BREAD COMPANY ($-$$) SANDWICHES, SALADS & MORE. 3680 Dauphin St. • 380-0444

BAKE MY DAY ($)

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

THE BLIND MULE ($)

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

BOB’S DINER ($)

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

CAFE 219 ($)

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

CAMELLIA CAFÉ ($-$$$) CONTEMPORARY SOUTHERN FARE. 61 Section St., Fairhope • 928-4321

CAMMIE’S OLD DUTCH ($) MOBILE’S CLASSIC ICE CREAM SPOT. 2511 Old Shell Rd. • 471-1710

CARPE DIEM ($)

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

CHAT-A-WAY CAFE ($) QUICHES & SANDWICHES. 4366 Old Shell Rd. • 343-9889

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

CHI-TOWN DAWGZ ($) CHICAGO STYLE EATERY 1222 Hillcrest Rd. • 461-6599

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

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

DUNKIN DONUTS ($)

DONUTS, COFFEE AND SANDWICHES 1976 Michigan Ave • 442-4846 3876 Airport Blvd • 219-7369 505 Schillinger Rd. S. • 442-4845 29160 US Hwy 98 • 621-2228

E WING HOUSE ($)

195 S University Suite H • 662-1829

FIREHOUSE SUBS ($)

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

FAMOUS CHICKEN FINGERS. 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

THE GALLEY ($)

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

GULF COAST EXPLOREUM CAFE ($) HOMEMADE SOUPS & SANDWICHES 65 Government St • 208-6815

GUMBO SHACK($-$$) SEAFOOD AND SANDWICHES 212 ½ Fairhope Ave • 928-4100

211 Dauphin St. • 690-7482

POLLMAN’S BAKERY ($)

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

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

ROLY POLY ($)

WRAPS & SALADS. 3220 Dauphin St. • 479-2480

ROSIE’S GRILL ($-$$)

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

SAUCY Q BARBQUE ($)

FOOD PAK

KAI JAPANESE RESTAURANT ($-$$)

SMOKEY DEMBO SMOKE HOUSE ($)

POUR BABY

LIQUID ($$)

TILMO’S BBQ ($)

FIREHOUSE WINE BAR & SHOP

RICE ASIAN GRILL & SUSHI BAR ($)

RED OR WHITE

ROCK N ROLL SUSHI ($$)

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

3758 Dauphin Island Pkwy. • 473-1401 FAST BBQ W/ DRIVE-THRU 3249 Dauphin St. • 652-3508

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

JAMAICAN VIBE ($) JERSEY MIKE’S ($)

SATORI COFFEEHOUSE ($)

DAUPHIN’S ($$-$$$)

JIMMY JOHN’S ($)

SERDA’S COFFEEHOUSE ($)

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

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

GRILLED STEAKS, CHICKEN & SEAFOOD. 720A Schillinger Rd. S. S2. • 607-7200 901 Montlimar Dr • 408-3133

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

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

TIN ROOF ($-$$)

LEGACY BAR & GRILL ($$$)

TP CROCKMIERS ($)

MAGHEE’S GRILL ON THE HILL ($-$$)

AMERICAN RESTAURANT & BAR 250 Dauphin St. • 476-1890

THREE GEORGES CANDY SHOP ($)

CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN FOOD. 351A George & Savannah St. • 436-8890 AMERICAN, SEAFOOD,STEKHOUSE. 9 Du Rhu Dr. S. • 341-3370

GREAT LUNCH & DINNER. 3607 Old Shell Rd. • 445-8700

NOJA ($$-$$$)

MICHELI’S CAFE ($)

UNCLE JIMMY’S DELICIOUS HOTDOGS ($)

OSMAN’S RESTAURANT ($$)

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

MIKO’S ITALIAN ICE ($)

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

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

MONTEGO’S ($-$$)

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

MOSTLY MUFFINS ($)

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

KITCHEN ON GEORGE ($-$$)

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

MCSHARRY’S ($-$$)

WASABI SUSHI ($$)

THE SUNFLOWER CAFE ($)

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

MARY’S SOUTHERN COOKING ($) 6358 Cottage Hill Rd. • 725-6917

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

ISTANBUL GRILL ($)

SERVING LOCAL SEAFOOD & PRODUCE 167 Dauphin St. • 458-9573

NOBLE SOUTH ($$)

3011 Springhill Ave. • 476-2232

TOKYO JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE ($$)

FIVE ($$)

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

LIGHT LUNCH WITH SOUTHERN FLAIR. 226 Dauphin St. • 433-6725

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

9091 US-90 Irvington • 957-1414

STEVIE’S KITCHEN ($)

SOUTHERN CASUAL FAMILY DINING 10800 US hwy 31 • 621-4995

MARS HILL CAFE ($)

TASTE OF THAI ($$)

FROM THE DEPTHS

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

LODA BIER GARTEN ($)

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

273 S. McGregor Ave • 287-0555, 6345 Airport Blvd. • 287-0555, 940 Industrial Pkwy • 308-2158

ABBA’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFE ($-$$)

INSIDE VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOOD 3055 A Dauphin St • 479-3200

MAMA’S ($)

3964 Gov’t Blvd. • 378-8083

DUMBWAITER ($$-$$$)

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

JUDY’S PLACE ($-$$)

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

FALAFEL? TRY SOME HUMMUS

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

PHO YEN ($)

SANDWICHES, SOUPS, SALADS & MORE. 41 West I-65 Service Rd. N Suite 150.

HOME COOKING. 4054 Government St. • 665-4557

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

QUALITY FOOD, EXCELLENT SERVICE 5045 Cottage Hill Rd. • 607-6454

7 SPICE ($-$$)

JOE CAIN CAFÉ ($)

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

ROYAL STREET TAVERN

BRIQUETTES STEAKHOUSE ($-$$) SOUTHERN NAPA

CORNER 251 ($-$$)

AUTHENTIC SUB SANDWICHES 7449 Airport Blvd • 375-1820

216 St Francis St. • 421-2022

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

BAY GOURMET ($$)

ROYAL STREET CAFE ($)

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

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

DROP DEAD GOURMET

THE HOUSE ($-$$)

SEAFOOD, SANDWICHES, SALADS & SOUPS. 4513 Old Shell Rd. • 408-9622

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

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

ROYAL KNIGHT ($)

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE ($)

2550 Dauphin Island Pkwy S. • 307-5328

WAREHOUSE BAKERY & DONUTS ($) COFFEE AND DONUTS 759 Nichols Avenue, Fairhope • 928-7223

WILD WING STATION ($) 1500 Gov’t St. • 287-1526

YAK THE KATHMANDU KITCHEN ($-$$)

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

‘CUE

BACKYARD CAFE & BBQ ($) HOME COOKIN’ LIKE MOMMA MADE. 2804 Springhill Ave. • 473-4739

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

BAR-B-QUING WITH MY HONEY ($$)

OVEN-BAKED SANDWICHES & MORE. 252 Azalea Rd. • 341-3533, 1335 Satchel Page Dr. Suite C. • 287-7356 7440 Airport Blvd. • 633-0096 30500 State Hwy 181 #132 • 625-6544

BRICK PIT ($)

LOCAL INGREDIENTS 203 Dauphin St. • 690-6824

INVENTIVE & VERY FRESH CUISINE. 6 N. Jackson St. • 433-0377

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

BEEF, LAMB & SEAFOOD. 4356 Old Shell Rd. • 340-6464

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

BONEFISH GRILL ($$)

MEDITERRANEAN FOOD AND HOOKAH 326 Azalea Rd • 229-4206

BOUDREAUX’S CAJUN GRILL ($-$$)

JERUSALEM CAFE ($-$$) KAN ZAMAN ($-$$)

MEDITERRANEAN SANDWICH COMPANY ($) GREAT & QUICK. 274 Dauphin St. • 545-3161 2502 Schillinger Rd. Ste. 2 • 725-0126 6890 US-90 (DAPHNE) • 621-2271

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

OLLIE’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL ($-$$)

GUMBO, ANGUS BEEF & BAR. 72. S. Royal St. • 432-SCAM (7226)

FAR EASTERN FARE

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE & TASTE. 271 Glenwood St. • 476-0516

SAGE RESTAURANT ($$)

BAMBOO BISTRO ($$) 3662 Airport Blvd. • 378-5466

BAMBOO FUSION ($$) 2400 Airport Blvd. • 307-5535

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

BAMBOO STEAKHOUSE ($$)

MODERN GASTROPUB INSPIRED BY JAPANESE KITCHEN 455 Dauphin St • 433-0376

BANGKOK THAI ($-$$)

SAISHO ($-$$) UNION ($$$)

PREMIUM STEAKS & BURGERS. 659 Dauphin St. • 432-0300

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

THE BLUEGILL ($-$$)

MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT AND HOOKAH 1248 Hillcrest St • 634-9820

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE ($$$)

BAUDEAN’S ($$)

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

SUPREME EUROPEAN CUISINE. 2579 Halls Mill Rd. • 479-0006

ROYAL SCAM ($$)

AUTHENTIC VIETNAMESE CUISINE. 763 Holcombe Ave. • 478-5814

A HISTORIC SEAFOOD DIVE W/ LIVE MUSIC. 3775 Hwy. 98 • 625-1998 ECLECTIC DINING & SPACE. 6955 Airport Blvd. • 633-7196

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

THE GRAND MARINER ($-$$) LOCAL SEAFOOD & PRODUCE. 6036 Rock Point Rd. • 443-5700

THE HARBOR ROOM ($-$$) UNIQUE SEAFOOD. 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000

HALF SHELL OYSTER HOUSE ($) 3654 Airport Blvd. • 338-9350

Sushi Bar. 650 Cody Rd. S • 300-8383

LUCY B. GOODE ($$)

DELICIOUS, TRADITIONAL THAI CUISINE. 3821 Airport Blvd. • 344-9995

LULU’S ($$)

BANZAI JAPANESE RESTAURANT ($$)

GULF COAST CUISINE, REINVENTED. 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores • 967-5858 LIVE MUSIC & GREAT SEAFOOD. 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores • 967-5858

MUDBUGS AT THE LOOP ($)

BBQ, BURGERS, WINGS & SEAFOOD 19170 Hwy 43 Mt. Vernon. • 839-9927

VON’S BISTRO ($-$$)

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

TAMARA’S DOWNTOWN ($$)

BENJAS ($)

RALPH & KACOO’S ($-$$)

OLD SHELL GROWLERS($)

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

THE TRELLIS ROOM ($$$)

CHARM ($-$$)

R&R SEAFOOD ($-$$)

ZEA’S ($$)

CUISINE OF INDIA ($$)

RIVER SHACK ($-$$)

PANINI PETE’S ($)

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

FUJI SAN ($)

TIN TOP RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR ($$)

NEWK’S EXPRESS CAFE ($)

GROWLER STATION AND BITES 1801 Old Shell Rd. • 345-4767

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

PAT’S DOWNTOWN GRILL ($)

FIVE GUYS BURGERS & FRIES ($) BAR FOOD BURGERS, MILKSHAKES & FRIES 4401 Old Shell Rd. • 447-2394 4363 Airport Blvd. • 661-0071 5319 Hwy 90 • 660-0071 1225 Satchel Page Dr., E100 • 378-8768

PITA PIT ($)

271 Dauphin St • 438-9585

PDQ ($)

CHICKEN FINGERS, SALAD & SANDWICHES. 1165 University Blvd. • 202-0959

COTTON STATE BBQ ($) DICKEY’S BARBECUE PIT ($-$$)

DREAMLAND BBQ ($)

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

MOE’S ORIGINAL BAR B QUE ($) BARBEQUE & MUSIC. Bayfront Park Dr., Daphne • 625-RIBS 701 Springhill Ave. • 410-7427 4672 Airport Blvd. • 300-8516

18 | L AG N I A P P E | N o v e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 1 6 - N o v e m b e r 1 6 , 2 0 1 6

SEAFOOD, ASIAN AND AMERICAN CUISINE 69 St. Michael St • 375-1113 CASUAL FINE DINING. 104 N. Section St., Fairhope • 929-2219

TRADITIONAL SUSHI & LUNCH. 312 Schillinger Rd. • 633-9077 THAI & SUSHI 5369 D Hwy 90 W • 661-5100

CONTEMPORARY SOUTHERN CUISINE Battle House Hotel, Royal St. • 338-5493

THAI KITCHEN AND SUSHI BAR 960 Schillinger Rd. S • 660-4470

GOURMET ROTISSERIE. PRIME RIB & SEAFOOD. 4671 Airport Blvd. • 344-7414

LUNCH BUFFET 3674 Airport Blvd. • 341-6171

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A TAPAS RESTAURANT & COCKTAILS 64 S. Water St. • 438-4000

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CAJUN KITCHEN & SEAFOOD MARKET. 2005 Government St. • 478-9897 THE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT! 1595 Battleship Pkwy • 626-0045

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

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IS THE GAME ON?

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

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BUFFALO WILD WINGS ($) BEST WINGS & SPORTING EVENTS. 6341 Airport Blvd. • 378-5955

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

LUCKY’S IRISH PUB ($) IRISH PUB FARE & MORE. 3692 Airport Blvd • 414-3000

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BUCK’S PIZZA ($$) DELIVERY. 350 Dauphin St. • 431-9444

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HOMEMADE PASTAS & SANDWICHES. 873 Hillcrest Ave. • 344-8115

BURGERS & BEER. 916 Charleston St. • 433-9374

SANDWICHES & COLD BEER. 273 Dauphin St. • 433-4376 Hillcrest & Old Shell Rd. • 341-9464

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1715 Main St. • 375-0543

MCSHARRY’S IRISH PUB ($) BRILLIANT REUBENS & FISH-N-CHIPS. 101 N. Brancroft St. Fairhope • 990-5100

MUG SHOTS ($$)

BAR & GRILL. 6255 Airport Blvd. • 447-2514

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

GAMBINO BROTHERS ($) GAMBINO’S ITALIAN GRILL ($) ITALIAN, STEAKS & SEAFOOD. 18 Laurel Ave. Fairhope • 990-0995

GUIDO’S ($$)

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

LA ROSSO ($$)

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

MACARONI GRILL ($$)

SMALL PLATES, PIZZAS, PASTAS AND WINE 3250 Airport Blvd. • 450-4556

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

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

PINZONE’S ITALIAN DOWNTOWN ($$) ITALIAN, CATERING, TO-GO. 312 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope • 990-5535

PINZONE’S ITALIAN VILLAGE ($$) AUTHENTIC ITALIAN DISHES 312 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope • 990-5535

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PIZZA, PASTA, SALAD & MORE 102 N. Section St. • 929-2525

PIZZERIA DELFINA ($) PIZZA & PASTA 107 Dauphin St. • 375-1644

ROMA CAFE ($-$$)

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

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Springdale Mall 3250 Airport Blvd. • 450-4556

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

TRATTORIA PIZZA & ITALIAN ($$) ITALIAN FOOD & PIZZAS. 11311 US HIghway 31 Spanish Fort• 375-0076

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875 Beach Blvd. Biloxi • 888-952-2582

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SEND LISTINGS TO LISTINGS@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

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CUISINE | THE BEER PROFESSOR

Big Beach makes Gulf Shores a taproom destination

BY TOM WARD / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

W

Irish Red, a Cream Ale, a Brown Ale and a Hefeweizen. Our beertender allowed us to try some samples, and I settled on a pint of the American Pale Ale while my wife had the Cream Ale (which she really liked).

Later we got a flight of the other four beers, which were all good, and faithful to their styles, but — with the exception of the Brown Ale, which was very nice and bold — were all on the light side. The only one that was disappointing was the IPA, which was not nearly hoppy enough for an IPA. Pints at Big Beach Brewing cost $5 and flights cost $8. You could also buy a custom 64-ounce growler for $8 and have it filled for another $14.

I started talking with the owner of the brewery, Jim Shamburger, who just happened to be sitting next to me. He and his son, who was tending the bar, told me that they planned to have new styles available every two to three weeks and will keep rotating beers until they find a couple of styles that customers demand they keep. They also said they encourage patrons to submit ideas for beers and, if they sound good, they might brew them.

We had a great time at our first visit to Big Beach Brewery and plan to return soon. It is definitely worth your time to stop by for a pint or a flight while you are at the beach, and it is a welcome new addition to our local beer scene. Now if we could only get some taprooms open on the western shore of Mobile Bay. Big Beach Brewing Company is located at 300 E. 24th Ave. (on Highway 180, right before Canal Drive starts) in Gulf Shores. It is open Tuesday through Thursday 3-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The brewery’s website (www.bigbeachbrewing.com) includes information on upcoming events.

WORD OF MOUTH

Art Soup raising money for homeless charities this Friday

BY ANDY MACDONALD

Loaves and Fish Community Ministry Inc. — a nonprofit organization committed to serving Mobile’s homeless community since 1979 — is having its annual Art Soup fundraiser this Friday, Nov. 11, 6-9 p.m. at Azalea Manor. This event is a Mobile favorite, with gallons of soup, beer, wine and soft drinks doled out, as well as a take-home bowl for each ticket holder.

Proceeds benefit Penelope House, McKemie Place, Ransom Ministries, Family Promise and USA’s Student-Run Free Clinic.

You’ll also enjoy live music by local favorites Swing, and I’m told there will be local artists creating bowls at the event!

Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at http:// art-soup.bpt.me or www.artsoupmobile.org. All tickets, donations and sponsorships are tax deductible.

Will Hughes carves out spot at Windmill Market

Fans of caterer Will Hughes will be excited to know he has

Photo | Facebook

hen the Fairhope Brewing Co. opened in 2013, those of us in Lower Alabama who love craft beer hoped its success would spark the development of other local taprooms. After all, Birmingham boasts four breweries, Huntsville nine (nine!) and even Montgomery has two, while here on the Gulf Coast, despite many promises and plans, we still have only the taproom in Fairhope. That is until now.

At the end of October, the Big Beach Brewery opened its (large) doors across the street from Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores. I used the grand opening as a good excuse to head to the coast and check it out.

As you walk up, the first thing you notice about the Big Beach Brewery is the outside space. Despite being right on Highway 180, there is a large green area with a wide variety of benches, chairs and tables situated under some trees and umbrellas for shade. There was also a Frisbee golf goal, and a cornhole court situated under a very nice second-floor deck, where you can take in an (obscured) view of the intracoastal waterway while you sip your beer in the sun.

A number of people even had their dogs with them. The taproom itself is open to the outside area with a number of garage doors, letting the outside into the wood and metal interior. The modern, industrial feel is set off by some leather chairs and a couch in front of large fireplace (not in operation on the high 80s October day I was there). Overall, it is a great space, with a real beach vibe.

We sat at the outside section of the inside-outside bar and looked over the offerings. There were six different beers on tap the afternoon I was there — an IPA, an American Pale Ale, an

BIG BEACH BREWING CO. IS NOW OPEN AT 300 E. 24TH AVE. IN GULF SHORES.

opened a restaurant at Fairhope’s Windmill Market at 85 North Bancroft St. Offering farm-fresh wraps, sandwiches and lunch specials, the new restaurant — fond of locally sourced goods and ingredients — also is selling soups and casseroles to go.

The restaurant is a lunch-only affair, open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Windmill is also the home of Mary Ann’s Deli and Frio’s fruit pops, but there is strength in numbers, as the “green as can be” market is a regular spot for live music and a family atmosphere. Welcome, Will!

Moe’s Original Bar-B-Que expands

If it’s a Southern food revival you want, Moe’s Original is the place. The popular restaurant is now bringing its awardwinning ‘cue to Semmes, at 3385 Schillinger Road N., Suite 1. The 3700-square-foot building will seat about 100 and also feature live music, trivia and bingo. Set to open in early December, the area should be able to order their Christmas goodies from this Moe’s. “As the city of Semmes is growing and coming into its own, we were approached to bring our restaurant to the area,” co-owner Ashleigh Valluzzo said.

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“We visited the location a few times and knew our concept would flourish there. Additionally, it was an added bonus that the locals and town were super excited to welcome us to the neighborhood.”

This location is the sixth in South Alabama.

Heroes Downtown celebrates 18 years

I don’t know of a better sports bar anywhere. Heroes Downtown Sports Bar and Grille celebrated 18 years of being our favorite for catching the game, drinking amazing beers and eating some of the best bar food in the city.

Owner David Rasp is a restaurateur of some repute who is also the proprietor of The Royal Scam and the Heroes USA location on Hillcrest. Whether you’re a fan of their sandwiches, appetizers, salads or burgers, Heroes is consistently amazing.

I am a lover of the Kahuna Tuna and Sosa’s Bat, and believe me, the wings are out of this world. Lucas favors the quesadilla, and Graham always asks for a penguin sandwich.

Congratulations, Dave, and here’s to 18 more.

Recycle!

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COVER STORY

City takes over doomed GulfQuest

BY BY DALE LIESCH/REPORTER

A

lthough it opened roughly 13 months ago with a news conference and a few blasts from the horn of a tugboat, GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico closed temporarily to the public this week with barely a whimper.

After about two decades of planning and five years after ground was broken on the banks of the Mobile River in downtown Mobile, the $60 million, state-of-theart museum simply ran out of money and was absorbed “until further notice” by Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s office.

In a statement, Stimpson announced a “transition period” for the museum and an agreement between the city and GulfQuest’s board of trustees to look at possibly repurposing part of the building.

The agreement came about after museum board chairman Mike Lee sent a letter to Stimpson asking the city to contribute $1.8 million to help it overcome debt.

“Over the past year, with incredibly positive reviews from GulfQuest’s visitors and school groups, we foresee the Maritime Museum’s attendance increasing this year, as we welcome the return of Carnival’s cruise passengers in November and approach the busy holiday season,” Lee wrote. “As a public/private project, GulfQuest is positioned to serve as the centerpiece for Mobile’s downtown waterfront, alongside the cruise terminal. The public and private partners have worked together for over 20 years to bring this amazing project to fruition.”

In response to Lee, Stimpson wrote he could not recommend the city spend that amount of money unless the museum made changes to its management and business model.

Complicating the situation, the city can’t allow GulfQuest to close completely, or Mobile will be on the hook to pay back about $27 million in federal grant funds used to construct the museum and the riverfront landing, Stimpson wrote. It could also put some of the city’s other federal grant awards in jeopardy.

“The city could also lose millions more in unrelated grant funds if the museum were to default on its agreements,” Stimpson wrote. “Therefore, it is imperative the board of trustees revamp its business model and management structure immediately. The city stands ready to assist you in this endeavor because your success is Mobile’s success.”

As part of the agreement, Stimpson slashed the museum’s 18 part-time employees and 10 full-time employees down to just four on Monday, Nov. 7. As part of the agreement, those four will become city employees. It is unclear which personnel Stimpson retained, but in the announcement he hinted it would be those responsible for handling events and maintenance

of exhibits. GulfQuest executive director Tony Zodrow resigned, Lee said.

History

The initial concept was for a small museum in the building along the waterfront with additional office space for the Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, now known as Visit Mobile, Lee said in a previous interview.

“To give you a little history: the first group of trustees that were put together were looking for some place in town, not necessarily on the waterfront because we didn’t know anything was available. [Former Mayor Mike] Dow’s administration came as part of the ‘string of pearls’ or whatever, but mostly the Mobile landing concept.’

Lee said Dow told board members about space available in the proposed building on the waterfront.

“It was going to be primarily a fast-ferry terminal,” Lee said. “It was going to have the visitors’ bureau offices move in there, as well as the visitors’ center. We were going to be one of four tenants.”

Reached Monday, Dow said the plan was always to have the museum on the waterfront and the board was in charge of strategic planning and architecture for the facility. At the time he left office, Dow said the museum was still a concept, although his administration helped the board secure the property.

The concept 20 years ago was for a $25 million project, he said. The current investment, including private, state and federal funds, eventually grew to roughly $60 million for the building and exhibits.

Although the museum concept was on the “back burner” while the city worked to ready the landing for Carnival Cruise Line’s initial arrival, Lee said board members were intrigued by the waterfront property.

“The concept was the city had a building and they said, “If you go in there, can you raise the money to put your museum in here?” Lee said. “The decision was made that it’d be a great idea, on the waterfront, to see the ships go by as part of the experience.”

As the years went by, the concept changed over the course of two administrations, Lee said. For instance, Visit Mobile decided not to move in, among other changes. Each change resulted in the museum board taking more and more space in the building.

“Each time something like that happened, the city would say ‘we need you to take a little more space,’” Lee said.

In the early days, when raising funds for the museum dedicated to the Gulf of Mexico came easily, enthusiasm ran high among members of the facility’s nonprofit board and the city.

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“Well, we were doing really great raising money and we set a $7 million goal,” Lee said. “We hit it so fast, we went to $10 [million]; hit that, we went to $12 [million]. So it didn’t scare us off.”

After a groundbreaking ceremony in 2011, the city would start construction on the building while the board waited to move in. The waterfront construction, however, was plagued by delays. Lee said water came into the building at one point, among other problems.

“I remember saying we were going to open in 2012 and 2013,” Lee said.

“Every time we set a date, there was a setback in the building. We actually had almost all the exhibits built and tucked away in warehouses everywhere from here to Tennessee.”

The museum opened on Sept. 26, 2015, but struggled in its first year to meet attendance figures needed for solvency. Lee said much of the museum’s marketing budget was exhausted waiting for the building to be finished. He added many people also avoided it based on the bad press the delays garnered.

“One of the things that has created some struggle for us now, by the time we opened we had already used a couple of years of operating expenses we didn’t intend to use originally,” Lee said. “[Another] one of the things we’ve had to battle is people saying ‘I’m never going down there; that was a mess.’”

Financial woes

During the time the museum is temporarily closed to the public, or the “transition period,” Lee said the board will be able to focus on fundraising to pay off the nearly $2 million in debt it owes. In previous months, he said, the board had raised money to keep the museum operating but, he admitted, employees waited a few extra days for paychecks at times.

The city has tasked the board with raising $1 million through the rest of 2016 and 2017. Lee said the board expects to raise $1.5 million during that period and add another $5 million to $6 million through a long-term capital

IN A STATEMENT, STIMPSON ANNOUNCED A ‘TRANSITION PERIOD’ FOR THE MUSEUM AND AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND GULFQUEST’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO LOOK AT POSSIBLY REPURPOSING PART OF THE BUILDING.” campaign in the next five to six years.

The museum’s finances were directly tied to attendance numbers. As attendance fell, it became harder and harder for the board to make ends meet, Lee said. GulfQuest ended its first year with about 80,000 visitors, much fewer than the 200,000 needed to meet budget requirements.

Lee said in a previous interview that the return of the Carnival Fantasy this month would help bolster attendance at the failing museum, but as the timing of Stimpson’s announcements suggests, the administration had lost faith in those calculations.

Indeed, according to the city’s finance department, even if every passenger from the Carnival Fantasy ship paid admission to GulfQuest it wouldn’t be enough to keep it afloat, city spokesman George Talbot said.

During its one-day call of port in October, GulfQuest struggled to attract

COVER STORY facturing and knocked the manufacturing cruise passengers from the Azamara ball out of the park.”

Quest luxury ship. Of the 650 passenThe process will take everyone, both in gers and 500 crew members aboard, the government and the private sector, getting museum could only entice about 20 to pay on the same page, he said. admission, Talbot said. To be fair to the Dow suggested more ideas like the Gulf museum, he added, the ship arrived in port Coast Duck tours, or horse-drawn carriages late and was forced to leave early. that could take visitors through Mobile’s Zodrow said last week that the museum historic neighborhoods. He also hasn’t got about a third of the ship’s passengers given up on the idea of high-speed ferries through the doors because it was a location to take visitors across to Baldwin County, for free WiFi internet service. He also the beach or through the delta. noted a total of 650 memberships were sold “We need to come together,” he said. “I in the 13 months it was open. don’t think we’re all on the same page.”

Meanwhile, the museum had fallen behind in an agreement with the city to pay utilities on a quarterly basis. Throughout the Future plans life of the agreement, GulfQuest failed to In his announcement, Stimpson said make a single payment and owed roughly GulfQuest will only remain open for $400,000 to the city through three quarters. special events and those already on the The city’s debt serbooks. He later added vice on the building that ticketed Carnival totals roughly $2.2 passengers will also million per year. If the be allowed to purchase utilities are added to admission. Stimpson the total, it would cost said he didn’t know ALTHOUGH THE MUSEUM the city roughly $2.8 how long the “transimillion just to keep STRUGGLED TO GAIN A tion period” will last. the facility opera“We want GulfFOOTHOLD WITH ATTENtional.

Quest to be successful Although the at the least cost to the DANCE, DOW DOESN’T BLAME museum struggled city,” he said. “We beGULFQUEST, BUT RATHER to gain a foothold lieve that what we’re with attendance, doing will be at the THE CITY’S APPROACH TO Dow doesn’t blame least cost to the city.”

GulfQuest, but rather Lee agreed, adding TOURISM MARKETING. the city’s approach that the board is open to tourism marketto any solution that ing. The former does not damage the mayor said comparable historic port cities integrity of the museum. As for special in the Deep South — such as Charleston, events, Lee said the museum was starting South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; and to find its niche. He said GulfQuest has New Orleans, Louisiana — each bring in events booked through April that could around 6 million to 11 million tourists per help offset some of the costs associated year. He said with the amount of tourism, with ongoing operation and maintenance. those cities, along with Gulf Shores, can At a press conference, Stimpson said the add roughly $50 million to their tax bases, city and board will look to repurpose parts which is money Mobile is missing out on. of the building, as exhibits take up less “The problem is not that GulfQuest is than half of its 120,000 square feet. The not a world-class attraction — it is,” he city and the board will also seek the advice said. “The problem is we are not branding of third parties in an attempt, as Stimpson or marketing the area enough to bring in 6 put it, to make the museum “more fun.” million visitors per year.”

One such party, The Jim Pattison Group, Dow said to reach that goal the city will visited GulfQuest last week, Stimpson have to go through strategic planning foconfirmed. The Jim Pattison Group is a cused on the tourism industry. Similar steps holding company that owns attractions were taken to attract more manufacturing all over the country, including Ripley Enjobs to the area, he said. tertainment. Stimpson asked the group to “We need to find out what we can do to come to the museum to advise the city on compete,” Dow said. “We did it for manuhow to move forward.

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ART ARTIFICE

JJP’s ‘Producers’ is hilarity blitzkrieg

BY KEVIN LEE/ARTS EDITOR/KLEE@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

W

ant to bathe in uproarious laughter before the holiday stress arrives? Then get to Joe Jefferson Playhouse (11 S. Carlen St.) before Nov. 20.

That’s when Mobile’s first-ever run of Mel Brooks’ classic musical “The Producers” ends and you lose your chance to catch one of the funniest performances Artifice has seen in the Azalea City. Besides, where else will you get to see Mobile theater regular Ed Kryger nearly naked and dancing onstage with a man wearing a codpiece?

If you’re looking for coy Noel Coward bon mots, this isn’t it. It’s Mel Brooks, which means it’s broad, inappropriate, a bit bawdy, risqué and drawn from his past in the Borscht Belt, television and films. It also means it’s hilarious.

Forget about the fourth wall. This is a self-aware satire, a musical poking fun at itself, its genre and oeuvre. It makes sure the audience knows the players know that the audience knows that the players know … well, you know.

The winking starts from the outset when a pair of singers brief the theater-goers on etiquette — cell phones and the like — and get in a dig about actor Gene Murrell by name. As Max Bialystock, one of the play’s titular pair of swindlers, Murrell handles the introductory number with his characteristic aplomb. The same bit has the evening’s first adult language; this isn’t for shrinking violets.

Jason McKenzie is timid accountant Leo Bloom, who stumbles upon their eventual scheme to solicit far more

Furious Bard survey in Chickasaw

backing funds than needed for staging a surefire flop. His portrayal picks up steam back at Bloom’s accounting office where he daydreams about Broadway ambitions.

Barney March — normally a fixture at Mobile Theatre Guild — plays madcap ex-German soldier and playwright Franz Liebkind, whose adoring musical about Adolf Hitler is targeted by Bialystock and Bloom. He comes across as more loony than menacing and his coop chorus is absurd yet spot on.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR COY NOEL COWARD BON MOTS, THIS ISN’T IT. IT’S MEL BROOKS, WHICH MEANS IT’S BROAD, INAPPROPRIATE, A BIT BAWDY, RISQUÉ AND DRAWN FROM HIS PAST IN THE BORSCHT BELT, TELEVISION AND FILMS. IT ALSO MEANS IT’S HILARIOUS. ” Kristen O’Keefe is the other key European immigrant, Swedish bombshell Ulla, hired by the swindlers to fill “numerous positions” in their office. Both O’Keefe and March were good but their musical numbers stirred one of my picking points about the play.

The playhouse is less than ideal acoustically. In more

Sculptor/potter Bertice McPherson has earned a worthy reputation in our area thanks to her diligence, craftsmanship and seemingly unending creativity. She has developed an unmistakable style that imbues a singular organic humanity in her material.

Her show “Then and Now … Riding with the Wind,” covering a quarter century of work, will be featured in the Danielle Juzan Gallery at the Mobile Arts Council (318 Dauphin St.) for November. There will be her characteristically hued and textured clay work as well as pieces created with sheet glass heated and slumped over fiber molds.

“My glass pieces always remind me of the way towels and fabrics are blown by the wind against torsos at the beach. The wind blows both hard times and good,” McPherson said in her statement.

It joins Susan Roullier’s “Coastal Views … Paintings and Photographs” and a Jewish artists exhibit. The latter will feature a special wine and cheese reception on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 2

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p.m. An opening reception will take place during the Nov. 11 LoDa Artwalk.

Gallery hours are normally Monday through Friday, 9 a.m to 5 p.m.

For more information call 251-432-9796 or go to mobilearts.org.

Stockton fest features folk art

Stockton Sawmill Days began three years ago as a celebration of the small town in the northern reaches of Baldwin County. Its fourth incarnation will feature not only music and family events but more than 50 folk artists and folk art demonstrators.

Festival organizers note participation is by invitation only and made possible with funding from Alabama Council on the Arts and the Alabama Folklife Association.

The event takes place Saturday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Live Oak Landing in Stockton.

For more information phone 251-937-3738 or go to stocktonsawmilldays.org.

ARTSGALLERY

We’ve all heard of Shakespeare, but how many of us know his work well? Now you can bone up on the Bard in the most enjoyable manner possible by heading to the Lola Phillips Playhouse (801 Iroquois St., Chickasaw) to catch Chickasaw Civic Theatre’s rendition of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” as it runs through Nov. 13.

The comedic three-actor show operates without a fourth wall and employs not just improvisation but audience members as well. They run the gamut through “Romeo and Juliet,” to “Titus Andronicus,” “Othello,” “Antony and Cleopatra,” “Macbeth,” “Hamlet” and others.

Friday and Saturday curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinee is 2 p.m.

Tickets are $15.75, $12.45 for students, military and seniors.

For more information phone 251-457-8887 or go to cctshows.com.

MAC show features potter McPherson

works than this, I’ve noted times where singers’ voices got lost, which tells me it’s an architectural issue. When O’Keefe was on the floor during her song “If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It,” she might as well have sung into a pillow for a few bars.

Or maybe it’s my tinnitus raging in middle age. The issue wasn’t constant but I wish I could have made out more because Brooks’ lyrics are as humorous as his lines.

The dynamic of the play soars when the producers visit flamboyant director Roger DeBris, manifested by Jerel Ely. His interplay with Charlie Kelly as assistant Carmen Ghia is pitch perfect and captures Brooks’ zaniness exquisitely.

There were times during their scenes I couldn’t stop laughing long enough to hear the following lines.

Of course Liebkind’s musical, with its opening number “Springtime for Hitler,” is what it’s always been: one of the most ridiculously memorable songs in Broadway history. Its relentless musical hook makes it that much harder to forget.

A passing thought as I watched was the film’s uproarious shots of the Broadway attendees aghast. I wondered how many of JJP’s potential audience can appreciate how scandalously tasteless this was in the 1960s.

A World War II veteran himself, Brooks originally conceived the screenplay in 1962 and couldn’t find backers. The conflict that claimed 75 million lives was about as near to them in time as 9/11 is to us, so imagine “a gay romp with Osama Bin Laden.” The absolute outrageousness is key to grasping its full breadth and, ultimately, the shocking comedic effect.

For those who saw only the original movie, there’s no hippie Hitler here. The workaround for modern tastes is far more preposterous and amusing. Never has the number “Heil Myself” been quite as sassy and you’ll never see a toothbrush moustache again without hearing the phrase “the German Ethel Merman.”

Keep your ears open. There are wonderful asides, including an obviously added line about a current Broadway blockbuster and numerous nods to various Brooks films.

There were a few technical glitches when I saw the last full dress rehearsal, namely problems with sound effects and dubbed lines. They didn’t detract from the overall product; its tongue-in-cheek nature gives good cover.

Friday and Saturday curtain is at 8 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

For ticket information call 251-471-1534 or go to joejeffersonplayers.com.

So shine up those jackboots. To paraphrase Mr. Brooks, “Don’t be stupid, be a smarty, run to watch their Nazi party.”

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MUSIC

FEATURE

SHINYRIBS FRIDAY, NOV. 11, AT 8 P.M. CALLAGHAN’S IRISH SOCIAL CLUB, 916 CHARLESTON ST., Photo | shinyribs.org

WWW.CALLAGHANSIRISHSOCIALCLUB.COM

TICKETS: $13, AVAILABLE AT CALLAGHAN’S

Shinyribs’ country-soul, swamp-funk and tickle

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Shinyribs, featuring the Tijuana Trainwreck Horns and The Shiny Soul Sisters, is performing at Callaghan’s before the release of its upcoming album “I Got Your Medicine.”

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

hen a band has an extraordinary debut at Callaghan’s, locals tend to be abuzz, and those who missed out wait impatiently for their return.

Earlier this year Austinbased Shinyribs brought the Oakleigh crowd a three-ring circus of soulful swamp pop featuring the Tijuana Trainwreck Horns and The Shiny Soul Sisters. Word of the band’s charismatic live show spread, and now those who missed Shinyribs’ Mobile debut have another chance to experience this great up-andcomer’s electrifying music and live show.

Shinyribs hasn’t always featured its current lineup or sound. The band and its style have evolved over the years, beginning in the mind of Kevin Russell, who brought along his brother-in-law, drummer Keith Langford, for the ride.

Previously, both Russell and Langford were members of The Gourds, an alt. country group achieving a moderate fame by way of an internetinfused grassroots movement that spread their newgrass version of the Snoop Dogg classic “Gin & Juice.”

When The Gourds began a hiatus in 2013, Russell shifted his focus to Shinyribs, a small side-project with keyboardist Winfield Cheek and bassist Jeff Brown. Russell guided what he calls “the core of the band” into the world of swamp pop. Together they released the albums “Well After Awhile” and “Gulf Coast Museum.” As they were recording their third effort, “Okra Candy,” destiny took Shinyribs on a slight detour.

“It just kind of happened that there was a wedding that I was hired to do a few years back,” Russell said. “The groom wanted me to get a horn section, and he had a list of songs that he wanted me to cover. I was like, ‘OK, but that’s going to cost you more money.’ He said, ‘That’s fine. I just want to hear you with a horn section.’”

Russell found his horns at an Uncle Lucius concert in Austin, Texas. For that performance, Uncle Lucius was featuring brass masters Tiger Anaya and Mark Wilson, better known as the Tijuana Trainwreck Horns. After contacting the duo, Shinyribs played its first gig with a horn section. Throughout the wedding set, an energy and chemistry began to take shape between “the core” and the Tijuana Trainwreck.

Russell was so impressed by the addition of horns that he recruited them for another performance at the Lone Star Music Awards the following night. After that, Russell knew the Shinyribs needed permanent brass.

“Afterwards, I said, ‘Y’all just need to join the band. This needs to happen all the time,’” Russell recalled. “I was a little afraid about how I would I afford them. Once we added the horns, our fees went up. We started selling more tickets, and things just got better, because the product was better.”

The addition of the Tijuana Trainwreck Horns was so dynamic that it changed the course of “Okra Candy.” In fact, the horns almost kept Russell from releasing the album, forcing him to greatly expand his “aesthetic vision” for the band.

He didn’t think the pre-horn tracks mingled well with the tracks including the brass.

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“The album’s producer, George Reeves, convinced me to put it out and just release another record,” Russell said. “My thinking was to scrap and start again, and make a record that reflected who the band was, but I would’ve had the same issue.”

The issue concerned Russell’s desire to add harmonies to the Shinyribs’ sound. He says he always enjoyed the harmonic aspect of The Gourds’ music, but felt his fellow Shinyribs members were not proficient enough with vocal harmonies to add them to the mix.

Russell knew Shinyribs needed a feminine touch, courtesy of a pair of female backup sing-

chair, Shinyribs has been working up tracks for its upcoming album “I Got Your Medicine,” which will be released in February.

Russell dealt the public a serious tease with a 30-second promo on YouTube featuring the hook for the album’s title track.

“With this new record, I think that I’ve finally caught up to the speed that the band is changing,” Russell said. “The records have always lagged behind, because we’ve changed while records are being made. It’s been a pretty fast evolution. The new record is my swamp pop record. It’s formed by that style and idea.”

The Azalea City will soon have a chance to

Shinyribs hasn’t always featured its current lineup or sound. The band and its style have evolved over the years, beginning in the mind of Kevin Russell, who brought along his brother-in-law, drummer Keith Langford, for the ride. ers — The Shiny Soul Sisters, comprising Sally Allen, whose vocal work has been included on all of Shinyribs’ albums, and Alice Spencer. While the duo completed his swamp pop dream, Russell was still apprehensive. More members meant more expenses.

“I certainly sweated that,” Russell said. “For a while, I wasn’t touring with them, because I didn’t know if I could put that many people in the band or afford. Eventually, it got to where I couldn’t do a gig without them. They became indispensable.”

Russell and his talented army have been laying down tracks at the historic SugarHill Recording Studios, which has hosted legends such as Lightnin’ Hopkins and The Big Bopper. With Grammy winner Jimbo Mathus in the producer’s

witness Russell’s dream fulfilled, with an evening of swamp pop straight from the city that helped make the genre great. The “Gin & Juice” crowd, however, should put any nostalgic expectations on hold. Russell describes himself as a non-nostalgic person who prefers to move forward.

The countrified version of “Gin & Juice” was left with The Gourds, and Russell has no plans for a permanent revival of that band. But his obsession with late ‘90s/early 2000s urban sounds sometimes infiltrates Shinyribs’ live shows. Russell says he loves to include tunes from T. Pain, TLC, Genuwine and R. Kelly in his live sets.

Otherwise, Shinyribs’ Callaghan’s show will be the only chance to sample the band’s new sounds before their new album’s release.

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Marching one by one

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

J

oe Cain Day is one of the Azalea City’s most beloved holidays. Among the many festivities, the Joe Cain Procession — known as “The People’s Parade” — is regarded as one of the most epic parades of the Mardi Gras season.

The Joe Cain Marching Society dominates the parade with its legion of revelers on foot. However, participation in the Joe Cain Procession now carries a price as the Joe

Photo | blackirishtexas.com | Black Irish Texas

3RD ANNUAL JOE CAIN FOOTMARCHERS’ BALL FRIDAY, NOV. 11, AT 7 P.M. ALCHEMY TAVERN, 7 S. JOACHIM ST., WWW.ALCHEMYTAVERNMOBILE.COM TICKETS: $25, AVAILABLE THROUGH EVENTBRITE

Cain Footmarchers’ Ball, at Alchemy Tavern, seeks to generate funds to support the society’s participation in the Joe Cain Procession.

In true Joe Cain fashion, attendees are encouraged — but not required — to honor the bal masqué tradition of the Venetian Carnivale, which means wearing a simple black mask. While there will be a cash bar, The Blind Mule will be on hand to provide light hors d’oeuvres. As

with any Mobile party, the Joe Cain Footmarchers’ Ball will also feature live music from two decadent bands.

Of course, Chief Slacabamorinico will be attending, but the crowd can also expect to hear from the Chief’s namesake band, Chief Slac. Alchemy favorite Black Irish Texas will headline the Footmarchers’ Ball, accenting the evening with its ribald mix of punkabilly and Celtic sounds.

Jack of all trades

The baritone is back

Band: Jack Pearson Date: Sunday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m.

Venue: Manci’s Antique Club, 1715 Main St. (Daphne), www.mancisantiqueclub.com Tickets: $15 (limited number) available at Manci’s or by calling 251-375-0543

Band: Josh Turner Date: Friday, Nov. 11, at 8 p.m.

Venue: IP Casino, Resort & Spa, 850 Bayview Ave. (Biloxi), www.ipbiloxi.com Tickets: $40-$65, available through Ticketmaster

One of the world’s most prolific string masters comes to the Eastern Shore, as Jack Pearson brings his rich and diverse musical legacy to the intimate confines of Manci’s Antique Club.

While best known for his guitar skills, Pearson is a multi-instrumentalist who is also prolific on everything from the mandolin to the Hammond B3. Pearson’s music also crosses genres. This talented guitarist has tackled blues, rock, bluegrass, country and jazz. His seemingly endless and versatile musical knowledge and skill has allowed him to play in or alongside bands such as the Allman Brothers Band, Vince Gill, Delbert McClinton and Bobby “Blue” Bland.

Pearson’s live performances are just as versatile as his background, offering a unique experience that appeals to all musical tastes. Ultimately, Pearson’s sets are a chance for regional guitar junkies to sample some of the finest string work in modern music.

Josh Turner’s smooth baritone has earned this country star an enthusiastic following. More than a decade ago, he had a hit with “Long Black Train,” the title song of his debut album. In the years that followed, Turner released five studio albums, most recently “Punching Bag” from 2012.

Throughout his career, Turner has kindled success through radio, with such hits as “Your Man” and “Would You Go with Me” keeping Turner’s fan base interested and growing. In addition to making music, Turner penned the 2014 book “Man Stuff: Thoughts on Faith, Family and Fatherhood.”

Turner’s fans have been waiting patiently for his promised sixth studio album, making do with two radio singles, 2014’s “Lay Low” and this year’s “Hometown Girl.” Those anticipating that new album will have to continue being patient a bit longer.

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

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

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AREAMUSIC LISTINGS | November 10 -November 16

THUR. NOV 10

Bluegill— Cary Laine Duo Brickyard— Ben Jernigan & Friends Callaghan’s— Levi Parham Cockeyed Charlie’s— JJ Cowboys & Angels— Center Stage Entertainment, 9p Felix’s— Soulshine Trio Flora Bama— Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival Listening Room— Lynn Dury w/Keith Burnstein, 8p Lulu’s— Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival McSharry’s— Rondale & Friends, 7:30p Soul Kitchen— Jake Peavy with the Honey Swamp Band, 8p Veets— The Light Travelers & Stan Foster’s B-Day Jam, 8p Wind Creek Casino— Modern Eldorados

FRI. NOV 11

All Sports Bar & Billiards— DJ Markie Mark, 10p Beau Rivage— Penn & Teller, 8p Bluegill— Tim Kinsey, 12p// Blind Dog Mike, 6p Blues Tavern— Debbie Bond Band, 9p Brickyard— Turbo Crab Callaghan’s— Shiny Ribs Cockeyed Charlie’s— Shifting Tracks, 10p Cowboys & Angels— DJ Slang, 9p Fairhope Brewing— Flow Tribe Felix’s— Grits N Pieces Flora Bama— Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival Hard Rock (Center Bar) — Me Too, 9p IP Casino— Josh Turner, 8p Legends— Neil Dover w/ Mark Dreyer, 6:45p Listening Room— Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue, 8p Lulu’s— Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival Main Street Cigar Lounge— Jamie Adamson, 8p Manci’s— Grayson Capps, 7:30p

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McSharry’s— DJ Chi, 10p The Merry Widow— Quintron & Miss Pussycat// Flynt Flossy & Turquoise Jeep/// Gary Wrong Group, 9p Moe’s BBQ (Daphne) — Rock Bottom, 8p Moe’s BBQ (Foley) — Brittany Bell Moe’s BBQ (Mobile) — Lefty Collins, 6:30p O’Daly’s— Gene Murrell, Tony Edwards and David White, 10p Saenger— The Fab Four Soul Kitchen— Federal Expression, 9p Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p Wind Creek Casino— Platinum Cafe

Sons Cowboys & Angels— Jim Wainwright, 10a Felix’s— Jimmy Lumpkin Flora Bama— Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival Frog Pond— Grayson Capps, Molly Thomas, Tommy Womack, Vic Saul, Nick Branch & Corky Hughes, 2p// Grayson Capps, ERiv Erdman, CJ Watson, Stephen Lee Veal, Jeff Gilkinson and Corky Hughes, 4:30p Lulu’s— Greg Brown, 5p Manci’s— Jack Pearson, 7p McSharry’s— Traditional Irish Music, 6:30p Veets— Dylan Brown, 8p Wind Creek Casino— Platinum Cafe

SAT. NOV 12

MON. NOV 14

Blind Mule— The Head Bluegill— Matt Neese, 12p// Fat Lincoln, 6p Blues Tavern— Chris Hergenroder Band, 9p Brickyard— Paw Paws Medicine Cabinet Cockeyed Charlie’s— DJ Chil, 10p Cowboys & Angels— Maria Mena, 9p Felix’s— Blind Dog Mike Flora Bama— Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival Golden Nugget— Pam Tillis & Lorrie Morgan, 8p Hard Rock (Center Bar) — Me Too, 9p Listening Room— Tommy Womack w/ Eric Erdman, 8p Lulu’s— Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival McSharry’s— DJ Lewis, 10p The Merry Widow— Peanut Butter Wolf, 9p Pirates Cove— Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival Soul Kitchen— Cofresi, 9p Veets— The Family Jewels, 9p Wind Creek Casino— Platinum Cafe

SUN. NOV 13

Bluegill— Tim Kinsey, 12p// K-Mack, 6p Blues Tavern— Dr. Bob, 6p Callaghan’s— Cardinal

Felix’s— Matt Bush Flora Bama— Dave McCormick, 2p// Cathy Pace, 8p/// Logan Spicer, 8p//// Smokin’ Elvis, 10:15p Lulu’s— Brent Burns, 5p

TUE. NOV 15

Bluegill— Shea White Blues Tavern— Dr. Bob Butch Cassidy’s— Jerry Powell Cockeyed Charlie’s— Jordan Bramblett Felix’s— Lee Yankee Flora Bama— T. Bone Montgomery, 2p// Perdido Brothers, 6p/// Elaine Petty, 8p//// Zachery Diedrich, 10:15p Listening Room— Jack Pearson, 8p Lulu’s— Jimmy Lumpkin, 5p

WED NOV 16

Bluegill— Ross Newell Blues Tavern— Art & Brittt, 8p Brickyard— Nick & the Overalls Callaghan’s— Phil and Foster Felix’s— Bobby Butchka Flora Bama— Neil Dover, 2p// Smokin’ Elvis, 6p/// Davis Nix, 8p//// Al & Cathy, 10:15p Lulu’s— Jon Cowart, 5p The Merry Widow— Sad Fish, Wild June, Leland Clay, 10p Saenger— Bob Dylan

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FILMTHE REEL WORLD Free screening of locally made ‘USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage’

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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

repare to see Mobile and many of its citizens on a new scale in “USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage” starring — who else? — Nicolas Cage. Directed by Mario Van Peebles and shot, with the exception of a few days, entirely in Alabama, this war drama tells the incredible true story of the World War II ship that delivered components of the nuclear bomb that went on to strike Hiroshima, only to be torpedoed after they completed their mission. The sinking ship was just the beginning of their plight.

We get to experience this incredible story, starring so many of our local folks and landmarks, on the big screen at a free screening Saturday Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. at the Saenger Theatre.

As anyone who has watched “Jaws” knows, the men who survived the torpedoing were plunged into waters where they were picked off by swarms of sharks as they waited days for rescue. Only 317 men out of the 1,196 aboard the ship were rescued. A handful of these men and

their families will be in the audience at the Nov. 12 showing, after being honored at a special, invitation-only reception at Space 301 before the screening.

In addition to Cage, the $40 million movie stars Tom Sizemore and Thomas Jane. It was filmed in 2015 aboard the USS Alabama as well as at the Battle House Hotel, Mobile County Courthouse and other locations, including a few private homes.

The film also boasts a number of local actors as extras, and local professionals working behind the scenes. From set photographers to choreographers of a swing-style dance number, the production took advantage of local talent. If you were one of the people in the film, this is your chance to see yourself on the big screen. The film is already available to stream on most cable outlets, iTunes and Amazon.

The true story of the USS Indianapolis is undeniably dramatic and fascinating.

Cage plays Capt. McVay, commander of the ship given the mission that ultimately ends the war. Unfortunately for its crew,

the secrecy of this vital mission complicates their recue. The 900 men that are plunged into the water as their ship sinks in 12 short minutes are soon at the mercy of Mother Nature’s most terrible trials.

This film takes time to give us the backstory of some of the men who spend the rest of the film fighting for their lives in shark-infested waters, beset by hunger and a thirst that leads them to hallucinate.

The bond between men becomes their greatest tool for survival. The film also gives some insight into the perspective of the Japanese officers hunting the ill-fated ship. What many people will also learn from the film is the aftermath of this brutal ordeal.

In an amazing twist, one of the actors in the film, Matt Lanter of television’s “90210,” is the grandson of one of the 317 crewmen who lived through this disaster, considered the worst in United States naval history. The actor even wore his grandfather’s actual dog tags to portray his character in the film, a particularly poignant tribute in the midst of an already moving and dramatic story.

RAVE MOTION PICTURE JUBILEE SQUARE 12 6898 U.S. 90 Daphne, (251) 626- 6266 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.

Photos | Saban Films / Paramount Pictures

From left: Nicholas Cage stars in “USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage,” which was filmed almost entirely in the Mobile area, including at Battleship Memorial Park. “Arrival” is the story of a linguist (Amy Adams) recruited by the military to assist in translating alien communications.

NEW IN THEATERS ALMOST CHRISTMAS

Walter (Danny Glover) is a retired automotive engineer who lost the love of his life a year ago. Now that the holiday season is here, he invites his four grown children and the rest of the family to his house for a traditional celebration. Poor Walter knows that if daughters Rachel (Gabrielle Union) and Cheryl (Kimberly Elise) and sons Christian (Romany Malco) and Evan (Jessie T. Usher) can spend five days together under the

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same roof, it will truly be a Christmas miracle. All listed multiplex theaters.

ARRIVAL

One of the best-reviewed films of the year, “Arrival” is an unusually thoughtful science fiction movie. Amy Adams stars as a linguist trying to decode alien language when spaceships land on earth. Also starring Jeremy Renner and Forrest Whittaker. Crescent Theater, Eastern Shore Premiere Cinema, Carmike Jubilee Square 12, Regal Mobile Stadium 18

NOW PLAYING

KEVIN HART: WHAT NOW? All listed multiplex theaters.

THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN DOCTOR STRANGE All listed multiplex theaters.

All listed multiplex theaters.

THE BIRTH OF A NATION TROLLS Carmike Wynnsong 16, Regal All listed multiplex theaters.

Mobile Stadium 18 HACKSAW RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE All listed multiplex theaters.

WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE INFERNO All listed multiplex theaters.

All listed multiplex theaters.

MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME JACK REACHER FOR PECULAR CHILDREN All listed multiplex theaters.

Carmike Wynnsong 16, Carmike BOO: A MEDEA HALLOWWharf, Carmike Jubilee Square EEN 12, Eastern Shore Premiere All listed multiplex theaters.

Cinema KEEPING UP WITH THE DEEPWATER HORIZON JONESES All listed multiplex theaters.

All listed multiplex theaters.

STORKS OUIJA: THE ORIGIN OF EVIL All listed multiplex theaters.

All listed multiplex theaters.

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN MAX STEEL All listed multiplex theaters.

All listed multiplex theaters.

SULLY THE ACCOUNTANT Eastern Shore Premier Cinema, All listed multiplex theaters.

Carmike Wharf

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS NOVEMBER 10, 2016 - NOVEMBER 16, 2016

GENERAL INTEREST “One Mobile” project open house The city of Mobile is hosting an open house to give citizens their first look at the “One Mobile” project funded by the TIGER grant award. Thursday, Nov. 10, in the International Trade Center, 250 N. Water St. Walk-ins are welcome from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

“Coffee with a Cop” “Coffee with a Cop” brings police officers and the community they serve together — over coffee — to discuss issues and learn more about each other. Thursday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m. at Carpe Diem, 4072 Old Shell Road.

at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at 700 S. Mobile St. in Fairhope.

BBQ pork or chicken plates cost $12. A concert begins at 3 p.m. on the Legion Beach stage.

Home features the 53rd annual Fall Outdoor Cascading Chrysanthemums, now through Nov. 19. For details visit www. bellingrath.org.

Stockton Sawmill Days Celebrate the early logging and sawmill days of the South Saturday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at beautiful Live Oak Landing in Stockton, Alabama. For more information or to purchase tickets visit stocktonsawmilldays.org or call 251-937-3738.

Farmer’s market West Mobile Farmer’s Market features locally grown produce every Tuesday from 2-5 p.m. through Nov. 24, at 6101 Grelot Road. For information, call 251342-0462 or 251-767-7526.

Children of the World Children of the World will celebrate its 20th anniversary with the grand opening of a new office and a block party Saturday, Nov. 12, from 2-5 p.m. at 22787 U.S. Highway 98, Fairhope. For more Fairhope Film Fest information and to RSVP, contact Four days of brilliant, entertaining call 251-990-3550, ext. 1. and award-winning films screened in various venues in Rabies clinic Fairhope, Nov. 10-13. For more information and tickets, visit www. The Mobile County Health Department provides rabies shots fairhopefilmfestival.org. for cats, dogs and ferrets during a weekend clinic at Pet Supplies Veterans Day Program Plus, 803 Hillcrest Road, 1:30-4 The city of Daphne and Daphne p.m. The cost is $8. For more High School will host a Veterans information call 251-690-8823.

Day celebration, Thursday, Nov. 10, at 9:45 a.m. in the Daphne “Serve Protect Reward” High School gymnasium. For Pet Supplies Plus, 803 Hillcrest additional information, please contact the city of Daphne at 251- Road, is sponsoring a “Serve Protect Reward” event Saturday, 621-9000.

Nov. 12, 9-11 a.m., featuring a meet-and-greet with officers of Veterans Day Parade the City of Mobile K-9 units. For On Friday, Nov. 11, Mobile’s more information, call 251-343Veterans Day Parade will step off 9702. from the Mobile Civic Center at 10 a.m. The parade will travel along Barre3 Mobile in Bellingrath Canal Street to Broad Street Bellingrath Gardens and Home is and return by way of Dauphin, collaborating with barre3 Mobile Washington and Government to present a fall workout series streets. in the gardens on the first three Saturdays of November, 10-11 Veterans Day luncheon a.m. For details, call 251-973The Mobile Bay Area Veterans 2217 or visit bellingrath.org.

Commission will host a luncheon at Fort Whiting on Friday, Nov. Magnolia Cemetery tours 11, beginning at noon with doors Magnolia Cemetery continues opening at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are its free tours on Nov. 12 and Nov. $18; call 251-431-8621 or email 19, each focusing on a different nfunderburk@mobilechamber. theme. Tours begin at 10 a.m. com to confirm whether space is and last approximately two hours. available.

Reservations are recommended.

Call 251-208-7307 or 251-432Veterans Holiday Weekend 8672.

Celebration American Legion Post 199 will Cascading Chrysanthemums host a free celebration beginning Bellingrath Gardens and

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League of Women Voters luncheon Dr. Scott Liebertz, assistant professor of political science and criminal justice at the University of South Alabama, will be the speaker Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 11 a.m. at the Mobile Marriott, 3101 Airport Blvd. Please RSVP to Jane Gordon at 251-402-3321.

Brown Bag Concert Join Catt’s Brown Bag Lunch every Wednesday in Bienville Square (Mobile), Thursday in Mayday Park (Daphne) and Friday at Windmill Market (Fairhope).

Concerts start at 11:30 a.m. For more information visit radioavalon. com.

Volunteer opportunity United Way of Southwest Alabama’s 2-1-1 needs volunteers in the call center. Shifts are available weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are interested please call Chalisse at 251-431-5100 or email cpeltier@lifelinesmobile.org to schedule an interview.

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. For more information call 251-861-2141.

Midtown Optimist Club Join Midtown Optimist Club every Wednesday at noon for lunch at Azalea City Golf Course.

For reservations and more information, please call 251-3483542.

Toastmasters Do you want to learn how to deliver a speech like a pro or

gain leadership skills to advance your career? Toastmasters International meets regularly at six locations in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Visit www.toastmasters. org for more information.

Addiction counseling If you know someone who is struggling with drug addiction, get them the help they need.

Call 1-800-431-1754 or visit DrugAbuseSolution.com.

FUNDRAISERS Junior League Christmas Jubilee A holiday market featuring more than 100 merchants from around the country will be under one roof at the Mobile Convention Center, Nov. 9-12. All proceeds benefit the Junior League of Mobile. For tickets and more information, visit www.juniorleaguemobile.org.

Hargrove Foundation gala The Hargrove Foundation will host its second annual gala on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m. at The Admiral Hotel in downtown Mobile. Tickets may be purchased online for $175 per person or $1,200 for a table of eight. For more information, call 251-3755948.

Fall bazaar St. Francis Episcopal Church ECW, 401 Key St. on Dauphin Island, will host its annual Fall Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For further information contact Daena Myers at 251-391-4558.

MCMA benefit Mobile Country Music Association will host a building fund benefit Saturday, Nov. 12, 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at MCMA Concert Hall, 310 S. Craft Highway in Chickasaw. Free entry but donations are accepted. For more information, call 251-4570762.

ARTS Mobile Mystery Dinners Mobile Mystery Dinners will perform “Unhappy Hour” Friday, Nov. 11, at the Mobile Carnival

Museum. Tickets include dinner and unlimited wine. The fun begins at 7 p.m. Advance reservations are required; call 251-338-5441.

“The Producers” The Joe Jefferson Players present “The Producers,” Mel Brooks’ 12-time Tony Awardwinning comedy. Through Nov. 20 at 11 S. Carlen St. For more information or tickets, visit joejeffersonplayers.com or call 251-865-7398.

Live from Avalon Come to Mobile Public Library on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. for a concert in Bernheim Hall, 701 Government St. This week’s performance is by the Mulligan Brothers. For tickets and more information, visit livefromavalon. com.

LoDa Artwalk Join downtown art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops as they open their doors and welcome you inside to see beautiful artwork, sample delicious foods and hear the sounds of the LoDa Artwalk. From 6-9 p.m. in the Lower Dauphin Street district.

MUSEUMS “Filming the Camps” The History Museum of Mobile will offer the exhibit “Filming the Camps: From Hollywood to Nuremberg” through Jan. 16.

The exhibit features the stories of three film directors as they documented Nazi atrocities during World War II. For more information visit museumofmobile.com.

Tea for Two Tuesday afternoons at 2 p.m. the Fairhope Museum of History hosts a tea and a lecture on Fairhope history. The Nov. 15 speaker will be Kenneth E. Niemeyer. For more information call 251-929-1471.

“Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked the World” Through Jan. 1, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center features a guitar exhibit with a hands-on gallery and more than

60 guitars on display. There is also a rock photography exhibit by Janet Macoska. For information, call 251-208-6893 or visit exploreum.com.

Thursdays at MMoA Â 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.

For more information, call 251208-5200.

SPORTING EVENTS/ ACTIVITIES Live On Adam 5K and Fun Run The Live On Adam Memorial 5K Run/Walk and 1K Fun Run is Saturday, Nov. 12, at 8 a.m. All events will be held at the Sea Lab Discovery Hall, 101 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island For more information, contact Jason Clark at liveonadam@gmail.com or go to LiveOnAdam.org.

Christmas Nights of Lights 5K and Fun Run On Thursday, Nov 10, at 6 p.m., United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile will host the Christmas Nights of Lights 5K and Fun Run at Hank Aaron Stadium. Visit raceroster. com/9287 or ucpmobile.org for more info on this unique run through the magical light display.

Puzzle Piece Flash Dash The Autism Society of Alabama

and the Learning Tree’s Puzzle Piece Flash Dash 5K and Fun Run is Saturday, Nov. 12, at 6 p.m. at 1176 Azalea Road. For more information and tickets, visit eventbrite.com.

Gears and Beers The Gears and Beers Ride 2016 is a fundraiser hosted by the LoDa Bier Garten Saturday, Nov. 12, to benefit the Delta Bike Project. The ride begins at 7:30 a.m. at 251 Dauphin St. For more information and to register, visit gearsandbeersridemobile.com.

Mobile Heart Walk The Mobile Heart Walk, benefiting the American Heart Association, will take place Nov. 12 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the University of South Alabama Mitchell Center.

Please visit the Mobile Heart Walk website at www.mobileheartwalk. org for more information.

Jake Peavy Golf Classic The 5th annual Charity Golf Classic will be held on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at Magnolia Grove Golf Course in Mobile.

Registration is at 8 a.m. and includes breakfast at the clubhouse. For more information visit jakepeavyfoundation.org.

Exercise classes Palmer Pillans Middle School hosts a wide variety of exercise classes, including ballroom dance, boxing and more. For more information, call 251-463-7980 or visit communityactivates.com.

Beginner belly dancing for women Every Tuesday through Dec. 13, come learn to belly dance at Palmer Pillans Middle School. For more information, call 251-2081662.

Bridge lessons The Mobile Bridge Center offers free bridge lessons each Tuesday beginning at 6 p.m. at the Mobile Bridge Center, 1510 University Blvd. Arrive a few minutes early to register. If you have questions, call the Bridge Center at 251-6662147, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Holy yoga Tamara William leads a lunchtime holy yoga at the Steeple on St. Francis every Wednesday. The cost is $15. Participants will be invigorated as they connect with Christ in mind, body and spirit. For more information, call 251-6563269.

Ballroom dance Azalea Ballroom Dance Club hosts dances with live music the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 7-9:30 p.m., at Via! Health, Fitness & Enrichment Center, 1717 Dauphin St. For more information email cyoungblood9278@gmail.com, call 251-623-9183 or visit www. azaleaballroomdanceclub.com.

Ballroom dance The Moonlight Chasse Ballroom Dance Society hosts dances the

first and third Monday of every month, 7-9:30 p.m., at Fitzpen Place, 11247 State Highway 31 in Spanish Fort. For more information, email cassief13@aol. com.

WORKSHOPS Making holiday memories Mobile County Extension Office is offering a holiday workshop Friday, Nov. 11, 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Jon Archer Center, 1070 Schillinger Road N. Includes gifts, crafts and holiday menu ideas. Tickets are $10. For more information, call 251-574-8445.

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, 251452-6450.

Citronelle City Council: Second and fourth Thursday at 6:30 p.m., 19135 Main St., 251-866-7973.

Creola City Council: Second and fourth Thursday at 6 p.m., 190 Dead Lake Road, #A, 251-6758142.

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.

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.

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MEDIA MEDIA FRENZY

Nicholes joins Lagniappe

BY ROB HOLBERT/MANAGING EDITOR/RHOLBERT@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM

V

THE NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE UPDATES

BY CALEB MADISON / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ ACROSS only U.S. prez to have one 1 One talking on the phone, 96 *Something spotted on a nowadays? runway?

5 Numerical prefix 99 Margarine 9 Glitz 101 Axis foe 13 Coronas, e.g.

102 When sung five times, a 19 What sweet gestures may mean 1974 Rolling Stones hit 20 Whitman sampler?

103 *1968 Peter O’Toole 21 Like sardines drama, with “The” 22 The princess in “The 107 1998 Faith Hill hit that Princess Diaries” describes “perpetual bliss” 23 “Fine, see if I care!”

112 Cold-weather conveyance 25 Banned pollutants 113 Part of P.S.U.: Abbr.

26 With reason 114 Annual California music 27 Reading comics, doing festival crosswords, etc.

115 Symbol of wisdom 28 *2000s group with three 116 Small change eponymous Disney Channel 117 “I’ll take care of that” films, with “the” 118 Employments 30 U.S.C.G. rank 119 Threw out 31 Woman of whom it’s 120 In view begged, “Please don’t take my 121 Comes together man,” in a 1973 hit 122 Football gear 33 Place 34 *Athletic footwear once DOWN promoted by Pelé 1 Kemo ____ 38 Bled 2 Corsica et d’autres 39 Bo’sun for Captain Hook 3 Recruiting org.

43 Soon enough 4 Odysseus, by birth 44 Prefix with -pathy 5 Possible paths 45 School in Berkshire 6 Intimidates 47 Shelf supports 7 Faction in “Twilight” fandom 48 Set (against) 8 Funny Schumer 49 Result of Québec’s vote to 9 Minnesota athlete leave Canada 10 Able to practice, say 50 Event code-named Opera- 11 Pulitzer-winning Edward tion Neptune 12 Best-selling PC game before 51 Endure, in an expression The Sims 52 B flat equivalent 56 Lie on the beach 58 *Enzo Ferrari called it “the most beautiful car ever made” 60 Make sense of 62 Lush 64 Acronym for an outdoor fantasy game 65 Things found at the starts of the answers to the six starred clues 71 Get bored (of) 72 Prefix with -stat 73 Not go home by curfew 75 *Showy orange bloom 80 Artist Magritte 82 Chest bones 83 Some acids 84 Fantasy creatures 86 Band with the 1991 No. 1 hit “Unbelievable” 88 Like non-prescription meds 89 Colt 45 brewer 90 Home to Hernando 91 American ____ 93 Start of many congregation names 94 Suit 95 Woodrow Wilson was the

13 Convert chips to money 14 X-ray, e.g.

15 Tech help station 16 ’Stro, e.g.

17 Streamlet 18 “Goes” 24 Tinder and others 28 Miss ____ (late TV psychic) 29 Astronaut Shepard 32 U.S. base site in the Pacific 34 Half of a 1960s pop group 35 Popular sleep aid 36 Godzilla foe 37 Ages and ages 38 Prince and others 40 Who said “Revolutions are the locomotives of history” 41 Composer Satie 42 Dirección geográfica 46 ____ Boston (luxury hotel) 47 Eagerly seized 50 One side of the climate change debate 51 Pops 53 J.F.K. tower grp.

54 Plant malady caused by overwatering 55 Teacher’s head count 57 Familiar folks 59 Target audience of Out magazine 61 Actress Polo 63 “Don’t quit ____ now!”

66 Browser button 67 Flipped 68 Assess 69 Angel who visited Joseph Smith

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70 Lie on the beach 74 Implied 75 Tailor’s need 76 Kind of theater 77 Barb 78 Settles snugly 79 1000, 1500 and 2000: Abbr.

81 Best Supporting Actress nominee for “Birdman” 85 Make a “T” gesture in basketball 87 Pro 90 Eats 91 Setting for a sunset on the Seine 92 Rehab attendees 93 Split 95 The fingers of a hand, e.g.

97 One plus one?

98 Fancy-schmancy 100 Actress Balaban 101 Hit musical with the song “N.Y.C.” 103 Exam with logic games, briefly 104 Digging 105 Sounds after a magic trick 106 Some contraceptive devices 108 Loudly acclaim 109 “____, She Wolf of the SS” (1975 cult film) 110 Cold-weather conveyance 111 Lip 114 Part of a wheel

ANSWERS ON PAGE 40

eteran reporter and editorial writer Jane Nicholes has joined Lagniappe’s staff as a reporter covering Baldwin County.

Nicholes spent 16 years working for the Press-Register from 1996 to 2012, where she served stints as both reporter and editorial writer.

Prior to her time at the P-R, Nicholes was managing editor at the Times of Acadiana in Lafayette, Louisiana. She was a reporter covering county government and health care at the Messenger-Inquirer in Owensboro, Kentucky, from 1983-1986, and preceded that with two years as a reporter at the Southwest Times Record of Fort Smith, Arkansas.

There she covered federal courts, police and county government.

Nicholes is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

New website

Our online readers may have noticed a big spruce-up of lagniappemobile.com that took place over the past couple of weeks.

As always we have tried to keep the site clean and easy to use. We hope the update

will improve our readers’ experience and also provide better advertising opportunities.

Call News circulation numbers

The Citronelle Call News ownership statement published in the paper’s Oct. 21 issue would indicate a bit of the amazing growth it claimed last year has slipped over the past 12 months.

The statement, a requirement of maintaining a publication-class postal permit, says the paper averaged a paid circulation of 18,462 each week over the past year. That’s down from the weekly average of 20,780 publisher Willie Gray claimed in 2015, but still a massive improvement from the 5,150 average submitted in the paper’s 2014 statement.

The latest statement lists a 1,251 incounty mailed subscription average, and says 17,077 people pay to pick up the paper at its boxes and distribution points. Two years ago the average mailings were 1,000 a week and boxes and distribution point sales averaged 3,991.

Ownership statement numbers are selfreported.

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SPORTS UPON FURTHER REVIEW

St. Luke’s joins Bayside, St. Paul’s in claiming volleyball titles

BY J. MARK BRYANT/SPORTS WRITER/SPORTS@LAGNIAPPEMOBILE.COM/TWITTER @GOULAGUY

M

obile County has long been known as a powerhouse for high school volleyball. Since 1990, only three state tournaments have taken place that did not end with a local prep squad bringing a trophy back to the Alabama Gulf Coast.

That tradition not only continued this season, but a new name appeared in the storied list of champions. St. Luke’s Episcopal, which did not graduate its initial senior class until 2013, captured the Class 2A title with a dominating 3-0 win over Winston County in the title game.

Other area schools to claim crowns are Bayside Academy in Class 3A and St. Paul’s Episcopal in Class 5A. Spanish Fort was unable to defend in Class 6A, as the Spartans lost in the finals.

Class 2A — The Wildcats may be new on the athletics scene but they have already had quite an impact. In baseball, St. Luke’s won state titles in 2013 and 2014.

Adding to the trophy case on University Boulevard is the boys’ golf team, which captured championships in 2013 and 2015.

“This past season has definitely been one for the record books,” said head coach Meredith Donald, whose team finished with a 46-14 record. “Our varsity volleyball program has always been strong, winning our area championship every year since we began competing in AHSAA varsity sports five years ago.”

In the finals against Winston County the Wildcats faced three set-point serves in the first game before pulling out a 28-26 win. They wrapped up the sweep by taking the next two matches, 25-11 and 25-13.

“Serving and passing were key,” said Donald, a former all-conference performer at Spring Hill College. “I knew if we served and passed well we would win.”

Elizabeth Thompson, St. Luke’s 6-foot senior middle

hitter, collected nine kills and five block assists. This earned her the Class 2A tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.

Natalie Bonner and Jada Carney added 11 and 10 kills, respectively, while setter Brooke Threlkeld had 21 assists and Kellan Hensley had 21 digs. Joining Thompson on the all-tourney team were Hensley, Threlkeld and Bonner.

“Our team motto this year was ‘Make It Count,’ and we definitely lived by that motto all season,” said Bonner, a junior who was one of the team captains. “There are no words to describe the feeling you have when you work that hard and it pays off with a state championship.”

Class 3A — To say Bayside Academy is one of the most dominating volleyball programs in Alabama would be an understatement. The Admirals have won 15 straight titles, the last nine in Class 3A and the other six in Class 2A. Going back to the 1981 season, the squad has captured a state record 25 volleyball championships.

The latest victim for Coach Ann Schilling’s team was Providence Christian. Bayside, which finished with a 57-7 record, swept the title round (25-23, 25-13, 25-18) after having won a tough five-set match the previous week against Providence Christian in the South Super Regional finals.

Senior Ariel Dulaney had 14 kills, 4 service aces and 7 digs leading up to being named the Class 3A Most Valuable Player. She closed her prep career by collecting her 1,500th kill.

Lauren Chastang, who was the tourney MVP in 2015, added 9 kills and 9 digs. Setter Ansleigh Dailey contributed 27 assists. They joined Dulaney on the all-tournament team.

Class 5A — St. Paul’s Episcopal is not far behind in recording state championships. The Saints now have 16 volleyball trophies since capturing their first in 1976.

In this year’s final, St. Paul’s swept three straight sets

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(28-26, 25-21, 25-13) over Alexandria High. Parker Canada secured the tourney MVP honors with 13 kills and 11 digs. Mary Hollingsworth (19 digs), Konner Wilks (15 digs), Lily Myers (14 assists) and Katie Albrecht (14 assists) also had big games.

Canada, Wilks and Hollingsworth made the all-tourney team. St. Paul’s claimed its first state title since 2014 and its initial one with head coach Lisa Marston at the helm. The Saints wrapped up a 47-4 record.

Faith Academy of Mobile lost in the quarterfinals to Alexandria.

Class 6A — Spanish Fort saw an incredible season fall just short of its ultimate goal. Hazel Green High School won 25-21, 25-23, 25-23 to take home its first state title since 1994. A member of that squad was Coco Tate Hughes, who now coaches Hazel Green.

The Spartans and head coach Gretchen Boykin end the season with a 58-5 record. In the title match, Spanish Fort was led by Savannah Lee (14 kills), Carley Hamric (11 kills) and Reilly Vought (30 assists). Lee and Hamric were selected for the all-tourney team.

Class 7A — Since winning its initial state title in 1974, McGill-Toolen Catholic High School is another familiar presence at the volleyball championships. The Mobile school was unable to pick up another, however, after falling to eventual champion Mountain Brook in the semifinals (25-20, 24-26, 28-26, 25-20). Kenya McQuirter did make the all-tournament team for McT.

Helmets and Heels

The Dollar General Bowl, formerly known as the GoDaddy Bowl, is working with the C Spire First-and-10 Club to present Helmets and Heels. The event will feature ESPN’s Holly Rowe and Chris McKendry.

The Mobile Marriott on Airport Boulevard will host the guest speakers: McKendry, who has covered tennis since 1996, at noon on Nov. 14; and Rowe, who has worked as a sideline reporter since 1998, at noon on Nov. 21. This promotion is available to nonmembers at a one-time rate of $45 for both luncheons. Registration ends Friday, Nov. 11, at 5 p.m. To register, call 251-6350011 or visit dollargeneralbowl.com.

Soccer champions

Congratulations to the University of South Alabama and the University of Mobile.

The Jaguars won their third straight Sun Belt Conference regular-season title (12-5-1 overall, 7-3 league) and become the first team in SBC history to “three-peat.”

The Rams (13-2-2 overall, 6-0-1 league) captured the regular-season title in the Southern States Athletic Conference. UM was ranked No. 5 in the last NAIA poll before entering the conference tournament.

STYLE GARDENING

The gifts of a winter landscape

BY BRENDA BOLTON, MOBILE MASTER GARDENER | COASTALALABAMAGARDENING@GMAIL.COM

Q: I want to landscape my new home with

interesting seed pods and berries.

Serviceberry, fringe tree or “Grancy Grey evergreens so it looks as good in winter as in Beard” (Chionanthus virginicus), or the large, summer. Suggestions? shady tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipfera) are other deciduous native trees to consider for While an unchanging yard sounds apseasonal interest. pealing, evergreen can be, well, ever-boring.

On to the numerous evergreen options, If you are still planning, think about the value which must begin with the hollies (G. Ilex), of seasons and the gifts of a winter landscape: from large trees to dwarf shrubs, filling a the music of rustling leaves from deciduous trees and the crescendo of bees and birds drawn variety of landscape roles as well as providing winter’s holiday decor. Give them sunlight, avto fall’s fading blooms and browning seeds, erage water and occasional food based on your or a glimpse of bright red winter berries seen soil testing result. through an arbor.

From large hollies choose among SavanAfter the exuberant growth of coastal sumnah Holly, American Holly and Foster’s Holly, mer, isn’t there a sweet relief in winter’s clean, Lusterleaf Holly. Among the smaller tree/large spare landscape? Isn’t it a bit like decluttering, shrub hollies, choose from Mary Nell, Nellie or finally changing that overstuffed victorian R. Stevens, Leah Bates, Burford or Ilex cassine room to a fresh, cool Scandinavian look?

An appreciation for winter’s aesthetic asks us (dahoon holly). Ilex vomitoria offers several to enjoy a quieter beauty. Uplighting the interest- varieties filled with colorful winter berries.

The dwarf yaupons are the perfect tough ing skeleton of deciduous trees creates a dramatic landscape plants for either sun or part shade backdrop for winter patio parties around the outdoor fireplace. And there are few sights more They suffer from few pests and easily replace somewhat fussier boxwood. Native “Weeping arresting than early morning frost sparkling Yaupon” (Ilex vomitoria, v. Pendula) is a small along a beautifully tonal, bare winter stem. tree of unusual, pendulous form that works as Use your evergreens for what they do best, a striking winter specimen with its bright red anchoring corners and foundations, screening winter berries. views, providing privacy, defining lines and Magnolia and Live Oak are iconic evergreen backgrounds. But punctuate evergreens with trees of the south. The large Southern magnolia seasonal plants that offer winter interest (ber(Magnolia virginiana) offers evergreen leaves, a ries, form or structure, seeds, texture), and you holiday decor bonus and the seasonal interest of can have it all. summer flowering and fall seed pods.

Sometimes a specimen actually offers it all, Fir trees, junipers, pines, cryptomeria, cedars like the evergreen camellia’s winter blooms.

— each offers lush, soft evergreen texture or Use seasonal plants to add drama. Reserve a spot for colorful winter bulbs, and plant a flow- wonderful fragrance and deserves consideration.

A slender tree form for limited space is Podocarering shrub or two. A single plant bursting into pus, often called a yew, and there are varieties bloom lights up winter’s neutral palette. that can be pruned as hedges or tree-formed.

Both our evergreen and seasonal plant Small evergreen trees like the familiar native choices are too numerous to list, but we’ll menwax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), loquat, citrus tion a few for consideration. Native deciduous River Birch offers a dramatic winter profile and and palms are evergreen options, and for dry shade areas don’t forget dependable aucuba and the texture of beautifully peeling bark. Crepe myrtle and saucer magnolia are smaller decidu- fatsia. For evergreen hedges, screens, groupings, foundations or beds, try cleyera, I. glabra ous trees with striking winter structure, texture v. “Nigra” inkberry, giant Liriope, “Oscar” and tonal color. dwarf yaupon and other yaupons, “Soft Touch” Deciduous Japanese laceleaf maples or the holly, evergreen azaleas, pittosporum, Agarista textured stems of our native oakleaf hydrangeas retain mass to fill the same empty space in populafolia (which has a dwarf form marketed winter as in summer, but with a completely new as “Leprechaun”) or one of the many flowering look. Don’t be afraid to enjoy a skeletal shrub’s viburnum varieties, which include large shrubs and dwarf forms like the V. obovatum, v. “Ms. role in nature’s cycle of winter hibernation and Schiller’s Delight.” spring emergence.

Winter’s flowering evergreens are dominated Consider the many native plants that feed our wildlife while heralding the seasons. Buttonbush by camellia japonica for shade and camellia sasanqua for sun, heritage plants that have made a or the purple-berried Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) are deciduous, display seasonal color home here. Remember that some great seasonal flowering trees are not evergreen, but don’t and enliven the fall and winter landscape with

A:

let that cause you to ignore redbud, cherry, flame azaleas or star and saucer magnolia, with blooms that trumpet winter’s end.

There are good online sources for landscaping tips, or revisit the Ask A Master Gardener two-part landscape series in Lagniappe’s online archives from July 21 and Aug. 4 of this year (lagniappemobile.com/category/style/gardening).

With the artful placement of a few deciduous plants having great skeletal form, and the addition of winter blooms or berries, a year-round evergreen landscape becomes our Southern winter’s gift.

YOU ARE INVITED TO THESE UPCOMING GARDENING EVENTS: What: The Holiday Home, Decorating for the Season Presented by: Carl Clarke, designer and owner of Southern Veranda of Fairhope When: Monday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to noon Where: Jon Archer Center, 1070 Schillinger Road N., Mobile Cost: $15, payable to Mobile County Master Gardeners upon reservation Reserve by Thursday, Nov. 10, jda0002@aces. edu or call 251-574-8445 What: Lunch and Learn When: Monday, Nov. 21, noon to 1 p.m.

Where: Jon Archer Center, 1070 Schillinger Road N., Mobile Topic: Long Leaf Pine, a Southern History, presented by Fred Nation What: Mobile Master Gardeners 2016 Greenery Sale (In conjunction with the MBG Holiday Poinsettia Sale) When: Friday, Dec. 2 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Saturday, Dec. 3 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Where: Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile Please place pre-orders by Nov. 15 for wreaths and best selection Pre-order form: https://mg.aces.edu/mobile/ category/announcements/ Purpose: Helps provide a scholarship for an area student majoring in horticulture What: Farming 101 (for beginning or transitioning farmers) presented by Mobile County Extension Office When: Tuesdays from Dec. 6 to April 4, 6-9 p.m.

Where: Jon Archer Ag Center, 1070 Schillinger Road N., Mobile Cost: $80 for entire series or $10 per session (includes materials and refreshments) For more info: call 251-574-8445 or email milesjd@auburn.edu

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STYLE HOROSCOPES AQUARIUS SEEKS ELECTION REFORM

ANSWERS FROM PAGE 36

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SCORPIO (10/23-11/21) — You’ll emerge from your post-election bunker to discover the sun is still shining and the birds are still chirping. However Democrats are now proposing a sunlight tax and Republicans are requiring the birds to learn English.

SAGITTARIUS (11/22-12/22) — You’ll convince former Mayor Mike Dow that a high-speed ferry terminal at GulfQuest is not optimistic enough. Together, you’ll entice lawmakers to spend billions of taxpayer money converting the building to be the ground floor of a space elevator.

CAPRICORN (12/23-1/19) — You decide to be resourceful this Thanksgiving and hunt for your own turkey. But after weeks of tracking a distant audible gobble, you’ll be disappointed to find Fred Richardson in the woods outside Nymph with a box of moonpies.

AQUARIUS (1/20-2/18) — Disappointed by the election results, you’ll launch a four-year effort to change the two-party system and control campaign financing.

You’ll be thwarted every step of the way

by People Against A Better Government PAC, otherwise known as Congress.

PISCES (2/19-3/20) — After seeing a series of blown calls in the NFL, you’ll decide to try your hand at refereeing. You’ll eventually be sucked in by an unexplainable urge to benefit the Seattle Seahawks.

You’ll be able to retire a month into your new career.

ARIES (3/21-4/19) — You’ll urge your Congressman to create law requiring a certain time to pass before real events could be made into motion pictures. You’ll take on the effort partly out of respect for victims of tragedy, but mostly to stop what’s sure to be an awful sequel to “13 Hours.”

TAURUS (4/20-5/20) — Basking in the uproar of Beyoncé’s CMA performance, you’ll begin funding the release of 36 Mafia’s secret country album. “Baby mamas don’t let yo kids grow up and sell swag” debuts this February.

GEMINI (5/21-6/21) — Falling into a YouTube wormhole of videos about European colonialism, you’ll realize the irony of the Western powers waging two moral conflicts against a German empire. Fortunately, random clips of “Charlie Bit My Finger” will keep your white guilt at bay.

CANCER (6/22-7/22) — You’ll make the harrowing decision this week to clean out the office fridge. After finding what you’re pretty sure are fossils from the paleolithic era, you’ll decide to let the refrigerator burn because paying for a new one would be safer.

LEO (7/23-8/23) — Excited for the upcoming Star Wars movie, you’ll spend the rest of November dressed a stormtrooper.

It’ll be fine at first, until Leo in shipping and receiving tells human resources it’s one of his triggers. You’ll be put on administrative leave.

VIRGO (8/24-9/22) — You’ll have a “mannequin challenge” mishap at the Shoppes of Bel-Air when your portrayal of the plastic model will be so real you’ll get locked in a storage closet for the weekend. A maintenance crew will find you sucking on the outside of an A/C unit.

LIBRA (9/23-10/22) — At a family gathering for your in-laws in Point Clear, you’ll make the first party foul of the night when your inability to work a pitcher results in margarita slush all over the kitchen. You’ll be banned from future gatherings.

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STYLE BOOZIE

No gold for Lagniappe at this year’s Media Olympics

rodeo. Boozie is told she could have been mistaken for a professional she did so well. Her bull-riding skills along with their other points earned Cumulus first place! Congrats to the teams that placed, Lagniappe will be back for the gold next year!

Shuck ‘em

BY BOOZIE BEER NUES/SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

G

rrr, I hate the time change. It’s bad for business.

It’s dark before most people leave work at the end of the day, which totally kills the “let’s get drinks” vibe. Can’t we just leave it as is? Luckily for you, I gathered up some gossip before this darkness took over.

Media Olympics

Every year Lagniappe has competed in the Media Olympics at the Greater Gulf State Fair out at The Grounds, we have improved. The first year we finished in third, last year second, so we knew this was our year to win it all, kinda like the Cubs. Instead of innings, we had rounds, and we put up the good fight, until that first round …

The first round was to see who could go through the Glass House the fastest. We had two guys step up to the plate and promise a W for the Lagniappe teams. The first contestant was a gal from another team, she made the fun house seem tough as she came back out the entrance, ready to give up. Then there were a few who made it through pretty quick, making it seem as if it was a straight shot.

Well, then comes team Lagniappe’s turn, and I think we must have sent two of the blindest people we know, because it got so bad they thought they might have to send in help. Needless to say, we weren’t off to a good start.

Next event was putting a T-shirt on a goat. Last year Ashley beat the other teams by 30 seconds but since she wasn’t there, we had Brooke step up to the plate and volunteer to go first. She chased (and chased) the goat down,

and got the T-shirt on in 38 seconds. Wahoo, we are off to a better start.

Well, then the goat escaped the pen. About five people jumped and grabbed the goat and returned it to the pen.

At this point the goat knew it wasn’t getting away. The next team was up, the goat froze and they were able to put the shirt on the goat in 6 seconds. Not looking good, luckily the organizers decided to call the event after that.

Poor goat.

Third round: ride the “Remix” holding two water balloons. Up they went, round and round. No one dropped theirs, so up and around they went again. Again nothing, so they moved on to riding the “Polar Express” holding the water balloons above their heads. The riders couldn’t be broken and everyone won that round. Lagniappe’s riders reported the hardest part was walking from the first ride to the second.

Moving on to the eating portion of the night: who can finish a funnel cake first. Rob Holbert and Dale Liesch were the guys for the job, or so we thought. Matt McCoy finished first again this year. Boozie isn’t sure about the rest because Lagniappe was too busy celebrating that they thought they won third place, because they saw Rob walking away from the table. Turns out he was walking away in defeat.

The final event was a bull-riding competition. Last year Lagniappe did well, but we can’t say the same this year. But we can say it wasn’t the girl from 92 BLX’s first

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Seafood and beer lovers descended en masse to The Hangout Friday and Saturday for the annual Oyster Cook-Off and Craft Beer Weekend. Friday’s beer fest served as the debut for Gulf Shores’ own Big Beach Brewing Co. (read the review in this week’s cuisine section), which was pouring its Small Town Brown Ale and Hundred Daze IPA. IPAs are all the rage in the craft beer scene right now but Big Beach’s stood out. Their tent had a long line all night, and their IPA keg ran dry a couple hours before the event ended. But luckily there were some 40 other brews to be sampled, and one Lagniappe staffer who was in a slow-drinking competition with a friend had a punch card with 22 holes in it at the end of the night. But the friend won, with 27 beers sampled. Reportedly they had a designated driver who was just about tired of their antics by the time they threw in the towel.

Speaking of lines, a conga line nearly 20 people long and led by an Elvis impersonator broke out during the Wham Bam Bowie Band’s performance of David Bowie’s “Fame.” The cover band provided several hours of spot-on Bowie covers, including such hits as “Rebel Rebel,” “Let’s Dance,” “Under Pressure,” “Changes” and “Heroes.” Last year The Hangout brought a Pink Floyd and Eagles cover band, so let’s hope they keep this tradition alive.

Elvis was spotted all weekend in three different costumes, dancing, drinking and posing for selfies with attendees. No word on whether he ate the oysters or brought his own peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwiches.

Of course it was all about the oysters, and anyone who was lucky enough to visit the raw bar before they ran out of Murder Point oysters got to sample the top-rated bivalve of the festival. A couple of newbies took advantage of the wide selection to try their first raw oysters, but the slimy consistency forced at least one teenager to instantly gag and double over the nearest garbage can.

Thankfully dad was there to capture the whole thing on camera and offer a bottle of water to wash the taste out.

Well, kids, that’s all I’ve got this week. Just remember, whether rain or shine, dramatic or scandalous, or just some plain ol’ oyster shuckin’, I will be there. Ciao!

LAGNIAPPE LEGALS | 251.450-4466 | legals@lagniappemobile.com

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Notice is hereby given that the University of South Alabama (Owner) will accept sealed Bids for the following work: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA MOBILE, ALABAMA ROOF MAINTENANCE LABOR USA JOB 16-82 BID NO. 6101701 Bids will be received from pre-qualified contractors only and clocked in at 2:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, December 1, 2016, in Room AD245 of the USA Administration Building, on the Main Campus of the University of South Alabama. Bids will not be accepted after the time indicated herein and will be returned unopened. A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to the University of South Alabama in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Bid Documents shall be available only through the USA Purchasing Office. Contact as follows: University of South Alabama Purchasing Department 307 N. University Blvd. AD 245 (Administration Building) Mobile, AL 36688 PH# (251) 460-6151 FX# (251) 414-8291 (rbrown@southalabama.edu) Bids must be submitted on Proposal Forms furnished in the Bid Documents or copies thereof. The preceding is an abbreviated advertisement. The complete advertisement may be obtained from the location listed above.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. local time, in Room AD 023 of the Administration Building.

Those in attendance will include the Owner, Engineer, and Consultants.

Contract bidders, subcontractors and suppliers are encouraged to attend.

A tour of the Project site is scheduled immediately after the conference.

All questions concerning the Project should be submitted in writing to the Project Manager at the address listed below. 307 University Blvd. N. AD001 (Administration Building) Mobile, AL 36688 PH# (251) 460-7127 FX# (251) 461-1370 (mmayberry@southalabama.edu) LAGNIAPPE HD November 10, 17, 24, 2016.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Notice is hereby given that the University of South Alabama (Owner) will accept sealed Bids for the following work: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA MOBILE, ALABAMA JAGUAR TRACK REPAIRS BID NO. 6102701 Bids will be received and clocked in at 2:00 p.m. local time on Monday, November 21, 2016, in Room AD245 of the USA Administration Building, on the Main Campus of the University of South Alabama. Bids will not be accepted after the time indicated herein and will be returned unopened.

A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to the University of South Alabama in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Bid Documents shall be available only through the USA Purchasing Office. Contact as follows: University of South Alabama Purchasing Department 307 N. University Blvd. AD 245 (Administration Building) Mobile, AL 36688 PH# (251) 460-6151 FX# (251) 414-8291 (rbrown@southalabama.edu) Bids must be submitted on Proposal Forms furnished in the Bid Documents or copies thereof. The preceding is an abbreviated advertisement.

The complete advertisement may be obtained from the location listed above.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at Tuesday, November 8, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. local time, in Room AD 023 of the Administration Building.

Those in attendance will include the Owner, Engineer, and Consultants.

Contract bidders, subcontractors and suppliers are encouraged to attend.

A tour of the Project site is scheduled immediately after the conference.

All questions concerning the Project should be submitted in writing to the Project Manager at the address listed below. 307 University Blvd. N. AD001 (Administration Building) Mobile, AL 36688 PH# (251) 460-7127 FX# (251) 461-1370 (mmayberry@southalabama.edu) LAGNIAPPE HD November 3, 10, 16, 2016.

Deadline for legal advertising in Lagniappe HD is every Monday at 3 p.m.

Lagniappe HD is distributed each Thursday.

Lagniappe HD offices are located at 1100B Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36604.

For more information or to place your ad call Jackie at 251-450-4466. Or email at legals@lagniappemobile.com

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