(BPT) – Football season is finally upon us and fans everywhere are getting revved up to cheer on their favorite team. Whether you watch the big game from the comfort of your home or head down to the stadium, it’s the perfect time to throw the mother of all football celebrations – a really big tailgating party.

Tailgating is a chance to enjoy (or brave) the fall weather and bond with friends over the anticipation of football. At its peak, stadium tailgating can turn into a free-flowing block party that anyone can crash.

Whether at home on the deck or camped out at the stadium, an unforgettable day of tailgating starts with a good plan and the right mindset. Whatever you do, be sure and roll out the welcome mat and tackle the tailgating experience head on, creating the ultimate football party zone.

1. Up your grill game

You can’t tailgate without great food and mountains of meat. That means this is a good time to evaluate your outdoor cooking gear.

Consider adding a second grill, and you’ll have plenty of extra cooking space to feed the crowd. One great addition to your lineup is the Black 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill by Char-Broil, available at Lowe’s. It’s easy to start so you’ll have those extra burgers, steaks or chicken wings sizzling right away.

Explore other additions to your grilling kit to help you fix up a memorable feast. Invest in that smoker you always wanted so you can perfect your brisket recipe and make your tailgate party an instant fan favorite. Nowadays, portable grills come with larger cooking spaces, so you can keep those bellies filled while making the trip to the stadium much easier.

2. Make room for the crowd

Wherever you tailgate, meeting new people is part of the fun and tradition, so be prepared for extras. Take a look at your seating situation and add folding chairs so you’ll always have space for special guests. When people are enjoying the spread of snacks, appetizers, and sides, extra tables will keep the buffet well-organized with plenty of elbow room. Finally, preparation will keep everyone comfortable through that unpredictable fall weather. A spacious pop-up canopy or two with your team’s colors and logo can keep the party going and those spirits up whether the day brings intense sun or a chilly fall drizzle.

3. Get everyone off their feet

Tailgating is not just hanging out for a couple hours in a parking lot; it can last an entire day. Break up the lull and get everyone on their feet with some yard games. You could always purchase some game sets, but with a little effort and the help of some power tools, you can build your own.

Building a few sets of cornhole boards and ring toss games is easier than you think. Or you can keep it casual with homemade diced darts made with giant foam dice. A high-stakes giant-sized balancing block tower game is a sure way to amp up the excitement. In any case, a bit of friendly competition creates the perfect ice breaker for any gathering.

Lowe’s is the place where you can find everything you need to create the ultimate tailgating experience that will please any fan. Find more creative tailgating ideas at lowes.com.

Justice Roy Moore

MONTGOMERY–Former Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin has today endorsed Judge Roy Moore in his senate run against Luther Strange.

According to recent polls, Strange, who was endorsed by President Trump, is lagging behind Judge Moore by 18 points.

During his legal career, Judge Moore became the first full-time Deputy District Attorney in Etowah County, Alabama, and served in this position from 1977 until 1982. In 1984, Judge Moore undertook private practice of law in Gadsden, Alabama.

In 1992, Judge Moore became a judge of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit of Alabama and served until his election as Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court in 2000. In 2003, Judge Moore was removed from his position as Chief Justice by a judicial panel for refusing to remove a Ten Commandments monument that he installed in the rotunda of the Alabama Judicial Building to acknowledge the sovereignty of God

From 2003 until 2012, Judge Moore served as President of the Foundation for Moral Law in Montgomery, lecturing throughout the Country and filing amicus curiae briefs regarding the United States Constitution in Federal District Courts, State Supreme Courts, U.S. Courts of Appeal and the United States Supreme Court.

Judge Moore was overwhelmingly re-elected by a vote of the people of Alabama as Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court in November of 2012 and took office in January of 2013. In 2016, Judge Moore was suspended for upholding the sanctity of marriage as between one man and one woman. He retired to seek the office of U.S. Senate in 2017.

Judge Moore and his wife, Kayla, have four children and five grandchildren. They are members of First Baptist Church in Gallant, Alabama.

BIRMINGHAM – A federal judge today sentenced a Honduran national to nearly seven years in prison for being in the United States illegally and possessing firearms, one that was used in a 2016 homicide at a Bessemer nightclub, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agent in Charge Ray Parmer.
U.S. District Court Judge Virginia Emerson Hopkins sentenced WALTER ALONSO MARTINEZ-CHANDIAS, 27, to six years and nine months in prison on one count of possession of a firearm by an alien illegally in the U.S. Martinez-Chandias pled guilty to the charge in March.
Following an Oct. 23, 2016, homicide at a nightclub in Bessemer, Birmingham Police identified Martinez-Chandias as a suspect, according to his guilty plea. Birmingham officers arrested him following a traffic stop near his Bessemer residence when they saw an AR-style .223-caliber pistol on the front passenger seat next to Martinez-Chandias and a Taurus PT-111 Pro 9mm pistol on the driver’s seat next to his leg, according to the plea. Martinez-Chandias was the only person in the car.
He later admitted to detectives that he possessed the Taurus pistol in connection to the nightclub shooting, according to his plea. Immigration records confirmed that Martinez-Chandias was in the country illegally.
Martinez-Chandias faces state charges in connection to the Bessemer homicide. Judge Hopkins ordered that his federal prison sentence run concurrently with any sentence that might be imposed for the state crime.
ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Birmingham Police Department investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Austin Shutt prosecuted.

Carnival Fantasy docked in Mobile

MOBILE, Ala. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers worked with authorities to apprehend three Indonesian nationals in Arkansas last week who had deserted from various international cruise ships docked in the United States over the past three years.

CBP officers in Mobile, Alabama received notification in June that crew members had failed to report back to a cruise ship for departure after shore leave and conducted an investigation with law enforcement partners supporting the Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) in the region including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

Border Enforcement Security Task Forces are comprised of officers and agents from federal and local agencies – responsible for identifying, interdicting and investigating a wide variety of transnational border crime including the illegal smuggling of drugs, persons, currency and weapons.

“U.S. Customs and Border Protection maintains a high level of vigilance and works closely with a myriad of law enforcement partners as part of efforts to manage our borders,” said Steven Stavinoha Director, New Orleans Office of Field Operations. “This is just the latest example of the men and women of CBP working hard every day to secure our borders and keep our Nation safe.”

Three Indonesian crew members aiding the deserters had previously been removed.

As America’s unified border agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) protects the United States against terrorist threats and prevents the illegal entry of people and dangerous materials into the United States, while facilitating lawful travel and trade. On average, CBP arrests 22 wanted persons at air, land and sea ports of entry across the United States. Additionally, CBP routinely conducts inspection operations on arriving and departing international flights and intercepts narcotics, weapons, currency, prohibited agriculture products, and other illicit items.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

MONTGOMERY – Attorney General Steve Marshall announced Alabama has joined a 21-state coalition urging the U.S. Supreme Court to defend the rights of gun owners against efforts to ban certain firearms typically used by law-abiding citizens for lawful purposes.

In their amicus brief in the case Kolbe v Hogan, the states asked the Supreme Court to hear arguments against, and ultimately strike down, a Maryland weapons ban that infringes on the rights of legal gun owners by prohibiting the sale, transfer and possession of certain semiautomatic firearms and standard-capacity magazines.

“The U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, in this case, must not stand since it would set case law in five states and potentially set the stage for a federal ban by a future Congress,” said Attorney General Marshall. “These firearms are already protected under existing case law relating to weapons that are lawfully carried by gun owners.”

Alabama and the other states argue the lower court ruling inappropriately limited the scope of the Second Amendment by taking an earlier Supreme Court ruling out of context.

Alabama, joined West Virginia, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming in filing the brief Friday.

A statue depicting the breakthrough moment when Helen Keller first communicated with her teacher, Anne Sullivan, will be unveiled and dedicated Saturday, Sept. 9 at Ivy Green in Tuscumbia.

Lions Clubs of Alabama commissioned Craigger Browne of Sylacauga to sculpt the statue from Alabama marble.  It depicts Keller spelling w-a-t-e-r in Sullivan’s hand as water flows from the well pump at Ivy Green.  The statue is named “The Warmth of Enlightenment.”

Lions Club members from throughout the Southeast, including former International President Bob Corlew and his wife Dianne, of Milton, Tenn., will attend the statue dedication. Corlew will be the keynote speaker for the program, which begins at 2 p.m.

The statue dedication is open to the public.

FLORENCE–The Florence Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying these two men. They are suspects in a recent theft case.  Call or text the Shoals Area Crime Stoppers right now with your tips. To speak with a tip line operator, call (256)386-8685.

For those who wish to text the tip to 274637 (CRIMES) and your information. Make sure to reference which case you are messaging operators about.

FLORENCE, Ala. – Project Say Something and the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library are teaming up to launch the Florence African American Heritage Project, and the University of North Alabama’s Public History students will be lending a hand.

The African American Heritage project, made possible by a grant from the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area, will establish a series of “History Harvests” in which community members are invited to share personal materials that provide a fuller picture of the history and life of African Americans in Florence.

UNA students will help by publicizing the harvests in the community and helping to collect oral histories.  Additionally, they’ll help organize, curate, and incorporate the material into Florence’s bicentennial timeline.

Grant project manager Brian Murphy said relevant artifacts could include things like photographs.

“It could also be legal records, personal letters, newspaper clippings, handbills, annotated family Bibles and family recipes,” Murphy said.  “We also welcome oral history interviews.  We’ll have on-site cameras, scanners, laptops and voice recorders to assist with the digitization of these items.”

Murphy said topics may include, but are not limited to, slavery and the Civil War (including the Forks of Cypress Plantation and the Alabama Civil War Trail); the Freedmen’s Bureau and postbellum African American life; African American employment at the TVA; African American music and art; the Civil Rights Era and the local chapter of the NAACP; desegregation and schooling; housing and urban development; the establishment of African American and integrated businesses; and notable African American community leaders in Florence.

All materials gathered will be uploaded to a living database housed under the FLPL website’s local history tab and will also be included in Florence’s upcoming bicentennial celebration.  Murphy said the database will be curated and unveiled during Black History Month at the FLPL. Finally, the materials will be used to create an educational packet that can be implemented in regional fourth-grade classrooms.

The “History Harvests” will take place Sept. 17, at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, from 2-5 p.m., Oct. 29, at the Handy Recreation Center, from 2-5 p.m., and Nov. 19, at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, from 2-5 p.m.

For more information:   Brian Murphy at brian.w.murphy1985@gmail.com.

MUSCLE SHOALS–Authorities are investigating the shooting death of a Florence man.

According to police, they received a call at 9:28 p.m. on Monday, reporting a shooting at a home on Roosevelt Avenue.

When officers arrived they found 23-year-old Lonny Lee Logan, of Florence, near death with gunshot wounds.

Logan was pronounced dead at Shoals Hospital a short time later.

Investigators have Michael Demetrious Logan, 27, in custody.  He is Lonny Lee Logan’s older brother. The two were reportedly engaged in a heated argument when the shooting occurred.

He is being questioned. Authorities are trying to determine exactly what happened.

More details as they become available.

By Jeff Roland

Shoals Insider – Keeping You Informed

MONTGOMERY – In the wake of widespread damage caused by Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey in Texas, the Alabama Securities Commission (ASC) is cautioning investors to watch out for opportunistic investment scams.

“As we are seeing in Texas, natural disasters bring out the best in people, with neighbors helping neighbors. Unfortunately, we know from experience that disasters also can bring out the worst in people, particularly those seeking to profit from the misfortune of others,” Director Joseph Borg said. “Unsolicited investment offers seeking to capitalize on the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey should be approached with extreme caution.”

Borg urged investors to watch for red flags of hurricane-related scams, including unsolicited email, social media messages, crowdfunding pitches or telephone calls promoting investment pools or bonds to help storm victims, water-removal or purification technologies, electricity-generating devices and distressed real estate remediation programs. Scam artists also may linger to prey on storm victims who anticipate receiving large lump-sum insurance settlements. “The potential for fraud remains even after the skies have cleared. Be wary of any promoter promising quick and high returns on your investments,” Borg said.

The ASC also cautioned about fraudulent charitable solicitations that prey on the goodness of people seeking to help those in need. “The best advice is to do your research. Give to those charitable organizations that are registered properly with state authorities. As with any charitable contribution, those who want to contribute to relief efforts should send contributions to only those charities with an established track record of making sure the donations get to the victims,” Borg said.

The ASC offered three tips to help investors avoid disaster-related scams:

Delete unsolicited emails or social media messages and hang up on aggressive cold callers promoting hurricane-related investments, especially those from small companies touting unproven or new technologies or products.

Use common sense. Claims of guaranteed returns or low/no investment risk are classic red flags. Every investment involves some degree of risk.
· Do your homework. Contact the ASC to check that both the seller and investment are licensed and registered. If not, they may be operating illegally (Call: 1-800-222-1253).

Michael Brewer

FLORENCE–A Decatur man with an extensive criminal record in Lauderdale County has made his way back to Florence for a one man crime spree.

Thankfully Florence police were on alert Tuesday night to capture Charles Michael Brewer, 44, of Decatur.

Police received a call of a reckless driver on Railroad Ave.  According to a witness, Brewer ran off the roadway and rolled a vehicle, 1998 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle landed up right, on its wheels, on the railroad tracks. 

Brewer then drove away. Officers were able to follow his trail due to his vehicle leaking fluid.  Brewer’s vehicle became disabled at Colorado Ave. and Sweetwater Ave. which is where the officers located him. Mr. Brewer had slurred speech and unsteady on his feet, at which time the officers arrested him for Public Intoxication. During a search of him officers found a pill bottle that was not his that had several different types of controlled substance pills in it. Mr. Brewer was also charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance. Mr. Brewer was transported to the Lauderdale County Detention Center and was booked with a $2,500.00 bond. Mr. Brewer was able to bond out of jail.

After Mr. Brewer was released from Lauderdale County Detention Center on the previous charges he was spotted inside a vehicle on Limestone St. When officers approached him he started walking from the vehicle. Mr. Brewer was stopped and identified, he was also asked about why he was in the vehicle and what he was doing out at this time of the morning. Other officers arrived and checked the vehicle he was in and saw the window busted out. Another vehicle was checked that officers saw him in earlier and found it broken into also. Mr. Brewer was arrested and transported to the Detention Center for booking. Mr. Brewer is currently in the Lauderdale County Detention Center charged with 2 counts of Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle, Possession of Burglar Tools, and Attempted Theft 1st.

Nicholas Alexander

FLORENCE–UNA can’t seem to catch a break here lately.  A former athletic trainer has been indicted for sexual abuse for having a sexual relationship with a student.

Nicholas Alexander turned himself in to authorities.  UNA officals say they were informed of the incident back in March and released a statement today:

“The University of North Alabama is committed to providing a safe and nurturing learning environment for all students. A professional and well-trained staff addresses claims of sexual misconduct. Students impacted by sexual misconduct are provided strong resources and excellent support. After receiving allegations of Nick Alexander’s misconduct in March, UNA immediately removed him from campus and banned further contact with students. UNA reached out to the student and investigated. The investigation concluded that Mr. Alexander violated UNA policy. He resigned before UNA was able to terminate his employment. The matter is now with the District Attorney, and the University is providing its fullest cooperation. ”

It is not known if any other students may have been involved with Alexander.

In the release, the university says Alexander resigned before he was terminated.

Alexander is free on a $25,000 bail.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey released the following statement in response to Hurricane Harvey.

“Like all Americans, the people of Alabama are deeply moved by the massive devastation that has affected the state of Texas. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those lost because of Hurricane Harvey, and especially with the family of Houston Police Sergeant Steve Perez. Our thoughts and our prayers are with all Texans.

“I have reached out to Governor Abbott and pledged the full support of all Alabamians. In the days ahead, we will see the best our nation has to offer, as we join together to support Texas.

“Today, we are reminded that despite our differences, despite our political ideologies, despite what may separate us, each of us are Americans, united by our common heritage and our commitment to liberty as given to every man, woman, and child by Almighty God Himself. Though we never wish for a catastrophic event such as this, it certainly gives us perspective and reminds us of what is important in life.

“I am urging all Alabamians to join me in praying for those affected by this tragedy and in considering ways to help with recovery efforts. In addition to supporting worthy causes like the Red Cross and faith-based groups, I encourage everyone to help meet the urgent needs caused by this storm.

“To learn how you can help, please visit http://governor.alabama.gov/helpfortexas.

“To our friends in Texas, know we are behind you and are here to help.

“May God bless the great state of Texas and those effected by Hurricane Harvey.”

The following people were arrested on outstanding warrants:

Ronald Warren Powell

ATHENS–Authorities have arrested a Muscle Shoals insurance agent after he was indicted on charges of exploitation of the elderly and insurance fraud.

Investigators say Ronald Warren Powell aka Ronny, 55, of Brooke Drive, Muscle Shoals, has been charged with fraudulently taking possibly millions of dollars from an elderly client. Officials would not say how many victims were involved.

Powell operated Tom Jones Financial on 2nd Street in Muscle Shoals and was most recently working for another firm Blue Financial out of North Carolina.

According to Powell’s website, In addition to his career Ronny is a devoted and loving husband and father, and a man of faith. He enjoys playing tennis and golf, supporting Alabama college football, spending time with his family and attending church.

Sources at the state insurance department say Powell diverted millions of dollars of his customer’s money to himself.

Florence attorney James Irby is representing Powell.

“We plan to aggressively defend our client, Mr. Powell absolutely denies all of these allegations,” said Irby.

Powell is free on a $3,500 bond.

To view the indictment click below:

POWELLRONNIE

SHOALSINSIDER.COM – Keeping You Informed

BIRMINGHAM – A federal grand jury Thursday indicted a Hoover man on fraud charges connected to a scheme to create “synthetic identities” to obtain and use multiple fraudulent credit cards around the Birmingham metro area, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and U.S. Postal Inspector Frank Dyer.
An indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges JERICHO ANTONIO PARKER, 26, with 21 wire fraud counts and one count of using unauthorized access devices as part of the wire fraud between June 1, 2016, and Aug. 30, 2016.
According to the indictment, Parker worked with other people, whom the document does not identify, to carry out the scheme to create numerous synthetic identities by combining fictitious names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers and then using those identities to apply for Discover credit cards.
Discover approved many of the applications and sent credit cards to Birmingham through the U.S. Postal Service. Parker received and activated cards and then used them in Jefferson, Shelby and St. Clair counties to get cash at ATMs or to make or attempt to make purchases, according to the indictment.
The 21 wire fraud counts represent occasions when Parker used the fraudulent Discover cards to get $300 cash advances from ATMs inside drug stores in Moody, Homewood, Birmingham and Hoover, or when he used or attempted to use the cards to make purchases, according to the indictment.
The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for fraudulent use of unauthorized access devices is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Davis Barlow is prosecuting.

BIRMINGHAM – A federal grand jury today indicted a former postal clerk for corrupting the sale of U.S. Postal Money Orders for her personal benefit, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and U.S. Postal Inspector Frank Dyer.
An indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges MITESHIA SHONTA PRITCHETT, 33, of Bessemer, with two counts of misappropriating postal funds while she worked as a clerk at the Shannon Post Office in 2016. The indictment also charges Pritchett with six counts of issuing money orders without receiving full payment for their face value so that she and others could fraudulently receive money from the Postal Service.
On both July 27, 2016, and Aug. 1, 2016, Pritchett converted to her own use $2,600 given to her as a Postal Service employee for money order purchases, according to the indictment. On other dates in July 2016, Pritchett issued three money orders to herself, one to Alabama Child Support and one to JEM, LLC, without receiving full payment for them, according to the indictment. Those six money orders totaled $2,797.
The maximum penalty for misappropriating U.S. Postal funds is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for improperly issuing money orders is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Davis Barlow is prosecuting.

FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama Anderson College of Nursing was one of two schools in Alabama to receive funding to host a White Coat ceremony.

The Arnold P. Gold Foundation (APGF) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) announced that 50 schools of nursing across the nation were selected to receive funding to host White Coat ceremonies.

“This will be are our first White Coat ceremony,” said Dr. Vicki Pierce, dean of the Anderson College of Nursing.  “The grant is from our accrediting body and it is nice to be recognized,” she said.   

According to Clarissa Hall, UNA assistant professor of Nursing, a White Coat ceremony for nurses is a formal ceremony for those entering into nursing school to ignite enthusiasm for patient centered care, while instilling a greater respect for the nursing profession.

“It is a symbolic passing of the torch to the future of nursing and welcomes students into the nursing program,” said Hall.  “The Gold-AACN White Coat Ceremony for Nursing project was made possible with a grant from the Arnold p. Gold Foundation to support the Gold-AACN White Coat Ceremony for Nursing,” she said.

In nursing, a White Coat ceremony typically consists of the recitation of an oath, an address by an eminent role model, and a reception for students and invited guests. Students also are given a specially designed pin that serves as a visual reminder of their oath and commitment to providing high quality care.

Though medical schools have conducted White Coat ceremonies for more than 20 years, the APGF-AACN initiative marks the first time a coordinated effort has been developed to offer similar events at nursing schools.

UNA’s Anderson College of Nursing and Spring Hill University were the only Alabama schools to make the list.

The Anderson College of Nursing Gold-AACN White Coat ceremony for Nursing will take place Sept. 29, 2017.  The Speaker will be announced at a later date.

For more information about UNA’s Anderson College of Nursing:  https://www.una.edu/nursing/