7/30/2010 1:59:35 AM
Clanton Advertiser
Dustin, a 2008 Chilton County High School graduate, joined the Alabama fishing ... Ark. Connell said Maumelle was more like the Alabama lakes he's familiar ...
7/28/2010 8:23:19 PM
WSFA
In fact, two people drowned in June within 48 hours of each other near the same spot on the Alabama River in Elmore County. What isn't clear is how many ... »
7/6/2010 7:59:16 PM
Anniston Star
by AP ALEXANDER CITY — Two men drowned in Alabama lakes, one of them a 23-year-old who drowned in Lake Martin. Officer Mark Fuller of the Alabama Marine ...
7/6/2010
Environmental Protection Agency
July 15th Webcast: Healthy Lakeshores Through Better Shoreline Stewardship The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Watershed Academy is pleased to sponsor its 50th free Webcast Seminar on July 15, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern in honor of Lakes Appreciation Month. In this Webcast participants can learn about improving lakeshore habitat through better shoreline stewardship. EPA's first-ever assessment of the ecological condition of the nation's lakes, the National Lakes Assessment, identifies poor lakeshore habitat and high levels of nutrients as leading stressors affecting the biological health of lakes. Experts from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Maine will share innovative local and statewide lakeshore protection initiatives, touching on both voluntary and regulatory measures. Anyone with an interest in lakes (such as lake and homeowner associations, natural resource agencies, state and local governments, anglers, realtors, and others) is invited to learn about the pressures to freshwater lakes and explore ways to make a difference. Webcast participants are eligible to receive a certificate for their attendance. Participants are encouraged to download presentations prior to the Webcast. Register for the Webcast at www.epa.gov/watershedwebcasts.
6/22/2010 4:55:41 PM
WRCB-TV
(AP) - Alabama Marine Police say they're concerned about the number of boat collisions on north Alabama lakes this year. A fisherman from Florence, ...
5/31/2010
Alabama Antique Trail
The 2010 Burritt Antiques Roadshow  The
Burritt Museum Guild requests the pleasure of your company at The 2010
Burritt Antiques Roadshow hosted by Special Guest J. Michael Flanigan,
PBS Antiques Roadshow in the Trillium Room at Burritt Museum, Monday,
June 7, 2010. Program 1: 9:00 A.M. until 11:45 A.M. Program 2: 1:15 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. $50.00 per person – Reservations Required – Seating Limited One hand-held item (no jewelry) for evaluation per guest Box Lunch by Covington’s available from 11:45 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. for $15.00 – Reservations Required VIP admission is $125 and includes lunch (12:00 to 1:00) in the Mansion with Michael Flanigan Reservations Required Preview Party and Reception Sunday, June 6, 2010 - 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. At the historic home of Randy and Kelly Schrimsher 311 Lincoln Street $100 per person – Reservation Required For Reservations Contact: Burritt Museum – 256-536-2882
5/26/2010 7:20:04 AM
PR Web
All boaters in Alabama need a boating license to operate a vessel on state waters. The BoaterExam Alabama Boating Safety course & Boat License Test meets ...
5/25/2010
American Solutions
Heading into this summer, it appears we are closer than ever to having a cap and trade bill become law. The Kerry-Lieberman Global Warming Bill was introduced this month in the Senate and it will tax you at the pump as well as on your electricity bills. We absolutely must stop this bill in the Senate or face several decades of skyrocketing tax increases. American Solutions will once again be on the front lines of this legislative battle, and we are going to need your help to stop Kerry-Lieberman. Here is our simple three step plan to accomplish this: 1.) Tell the truth about this bill being a tax: Senators John Kerry and Joe Lieberman continue to deny that this bill is tax using clever political spin. We plan on making a full-court press in the media through TV appearances, op-eds, and letters-to-the editors from members like you to get the truth out to as many people as possible. 2.) Target swing votes in the Senate: We have identified twenty-three Senators who could likely vote either way on this piece of legislation. We plan to target these members in their home states with a variety of ads that will lead to a dramatic increase of pressure from their constituents.3.) Grassroots Blitz: With your help, we want to make over 150,000 phone calls to members of the Senate in opposition to this bill. We also will help organize on-the-ground activities in key states as well as get American Solutions members to attend townhalls so we can get Senators on the record about whether they support or oppose this legislation. We need to raise $100,000 dollars online in the next 72 hours to implement this plan. Will you please consider making a small donation to help reach our goal? The battle to stop the Kerry-Lieberman energy tax will be especially challenging since the liberals in Congress are doing everything they can to get it passed. They are trying to deceive the public by denying it a tax. They are exploiting the tragic BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico as an excuse to penalize every American who drives a car or pays utility bills. It's time for us to start fighting back. We have several donors willing to give $2 for every $1 we raise online between now and Thursday. This means that if you make a secure donation you can triple your impact on stopping this job killing bill. Please make a donation today. We hope you will participate in this fight over the next few months. Together we can stop their new energy tax. Your Friend, Newt Gingrich
5/20/2010
Outdoor Alabama (ADCNR)
Gov. Bob Riley issued a proclamation promoting safe boating practices today at 10 a.m. on the front steps of the State Capitol.During the ceremony Riley encouraged all Alabamians to wear a life jacket while boating the many lakes and rivers in the state. After his speech, several Alabama Marine Police officers joined Gov. Riley in a demonstration of how to operate inflatable life jackets.According to John T. Jenkins, Director of Marine Police for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources wearing a life jacket is one of the easiest and best ways to save a life while on the water. "In Alabama most of the boating fatalities are the result of capsizing or falling overboard where people actually end up in the water without a life jacket on,” Jenkins said. “Most of these boating-related deaths could be prevented if the person had just worn their life jacket.”
5/15/2010 9:09:31 AM
Montgomery Advertiser
Despite these attempts to keep people coming to the coast, those at Alabama lakes are expecting an increase in tourists. Alec Brown, an agent with Lakefront ...
4/20/2010
The decision to purchase property can be daunting. Purchasing on the water can mean the stakes are even higher. If you have ever dreamed of buying a piece of shoreline for your dream home there are many things that you should consider. Here we present some of the issues that you need to take into account before you sign the contract for the perfect place to build. - Know the lake in its various seasons. The lot that appears great at the end of spring may not have water throughout most of the winter. How do droughts affect the property? Is any of the property in a flood plain? Are there seasonal draw downs on the water
- Does the lot suit your needs? Is the water of a type that you will benefit from? Don’t take a sales persons word on the depth or quality of water. The ideal lake for you might not be perfect for the next guy.
- Utilities can be costly. Unlike a suburban subdivision, water, sewage, power and other utilities may not be easy to access. If there is no sewage you have to have enough room for septic. Be sure to you are able to acquire the proper right to do what you need with the property before you finalize your contract. Assumptions in this area can be devastating. I know of a house that was built within sight of high tension power lines. Now over a year later they still have yet to get power to their lot.
- Spend time in the area. Walk your prospective lot at different times of the day. Check it out by water. Find the exact location of the property lines. Never purchase something sight unseen. The old jokes about waterfront property in the desert aren’t so funny to some.
- Talk to people. Locals in the neighborhood love to tell tales of their mistakes. Is the developer reliable? Were promises kept? Do they enjoy their purchase?
- Check comparable sites. Comparables are used by real estate agents and appraisers alike. They will help you to make an educated guess about the real value of your land. Be sure to check other developments. Try to determine why some property is more expensive than others.
- Can you acquire the appropriate insurance for your proposed dwelling? Insurance is a tricky aspect for a lake house, consult a professional.
- Can you build the pier and /or boat house that you want? After making the first payment is the wrong time to find out that the boat house with a lift that you want isn’t allowed. Consult the proper authorities in this area. Rules and regulations vary greatly.
- Roads and access to the lot can often be a concern. Keep in mind that the more remote a location the more expensive it will be to build on. Are access roads maintained by a government authority, homeowners association, or will they be your responsibility?
- Are there easements attached to the property? How about covenants or other restrictions?
- Can you obtain financing? This is not necessarily based just on your credit. Lenders look at a large number of things before making a decision. Location, property values, insurability, and many other factors will play into their decision.
- Take advantage of the advice of experts. Insurers, mortgage companies, builders, developers, and real estate agents all offer a wealth of experience. You would be surprised how much you could learn from a short talk with any of them.
While there is much to take into account with a purchase such as this, the rewards can be great. Hopefully these hints get you started on your way to finding the lot that is perfect for you.
4/9/2010
LakesOnline.com
 KNOXVILLE, Tenn., April 9 -- Sea Ray Boats announced today that country music superstar Brad Paisley will headline the AquaPalooza 2010 Signature Event, which is scheduled for July 10 at The Reserve at Lake Travis near Austin, Texas. The event, hosted by Sea Ray and its local dealer Sail & Ski Center, will have Paisley performing in front of a crowd of thousands of concert-goers on boats."AquaPalooza has become synonymous with great music and great times on the water," said Rob Noyes, vice president of marketing for Sea Ray. "We're very excited to have a performer of Brad Paisley's caliber headlining this year's Signature Event. This is a free event where your boat is your ticket; there will be no land access to the Signature Event."With a current single titled "Water" and a new tour called the H2O World Tour, it makes sense that Paisley should headline this year's AquaPalooza Signature Event. Paisley is a consummate singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer, which has earned him three Grammy Awards, 12 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards and 13 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. He has released eight critically acclaimed studio albums and has accumulated sales of more than 10 million units. His most recent album, American Saturday Night, was ranked as Time magazine's No. 1 album of 2009 in any music genre. Paisley's most recent single, "American Saturday Night," was his 16th No. 1 — the last 12 of which were consecutive. Paisley's innovative and entertaining tours have consistently placed in the Top 5 in Pollstar for attendance, and his 2009 American Saturday Night tour played to nearly 1.2 million fans in eight months. Currently, Paisley is nominated for four ACM awards: Entertainer, Male, Album (American Saturday Night) and Video ("Welcome to the Future").Lake Travis is located in the beautiful Texas hill country, a short drive from both Austin and San Antonio. "We're proud to have been chosen to host the Signature Event. It's a great opportunity to show the world what Lake Travis has to offer," said Buzz Watkins, co-owner of Sail & Ski, which has locations in Austin, Lakeway and San Antonio, and was recently ranked the No. 1 dealer in North America by Boating Industry magazine.Lake Travis is a gem among Texas lakes, with approximately 19,000 acres of crystal clear water and 250 miles of shoreline with countless unspoiled coves and creeks to explore. The lake offers 15 marinas and 11 public boat ramps, as well as numerous powerboat, houseboat and PWC rental facilities. The Signature Event will be held at Mile Marker 22 at The Reserve at Lake Travis, a new waterfront resort between the Pace Bend and Point Venture areas of the lake. The Reserve encompasses one of the nicest and most pristine points of land on Lake Travis, which will be perfect for an on-water event of this magnitude, Watkins explained. When completed, The Reserve's facilities will include a world-class marina restaurant and equestrian center, making it one of the premier home and boating resort areas in the Southwest.For those who can't make it to Lake Travis, Sea Ray dealerships around the world will transform more than 100 additional locations into official AquaPalooza event sites, making it easy for boaters to get to and enjoy the family fun. Most of the events will take place during the last two weekends in July. "Our dealers do an outstanding job of coordinating the AquaPalooza events in their areas," said Noyes.In 2009, the fourth annual AquaPalooza attracted approximately 15,000 boats and 84,000 guests to 123 events from New York to California, and from Austria to Australia. Since its inception in 2006, the multi-location celebration has grown bigger each year. "It won't be easy to top the 2009 Signature Event, but we think the Lake Travis community, Brad Paisley, Sail & Ski and Sea Ray are up to the task," said Noyes. "As always, the event will be open to all boaters, not just Sea Ray owners. AquaPalooza is about sun and fun, great music, and togetherness on the water with family and friends."Mark your calendars now for the most anticipated on-water boating bash of the summer. For more information, please visit www.aquapalooza.com.ABOUT SEA RAY Founded in 1959, Sea Ray is the world's largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats. Sea Ray is headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., and operates as part of the Boat Group division of Brunswick Corporation. With more than 40 models ranging from 17 to 61 feet, Sea Ray makes a boat for every lifestyle — each built with a unique commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and excellence throughout. Additional information about Sea Ray is available at www.searay.com.ABOUT BRUNSWICKHeadquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to instill Genuine Ingenuity™ in all its leading consumer brands, including Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Attwood marine parts and accessories; Land 'N' Sea, Kellogg Marine, Diversified Marine and Benrock parts and accessories distributors; Arvor, Bayliner, Bermuda, Boston Whaler, Cabo Yachts, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Hatteras, Lowe, Lund,Meridian, Ornvik, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Sealine, Triton, Trophy, Uttern and Valiant boats; Life Fitness and Hammer Strength fitness equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products; Brunswick billiards tables and foosball tables. For more information, visit www.brunswick.com.ABOUT SAIL & SKIFounded in 1969, the Sail & Ski Center has developed into the "Standard of Excellence" in boat dealers. As an authorized dealership for Sea Ray boats, Nautiques by Correct Craft, Boston Whaler, South Bay pontoon boats, and Kawasaki Jet Skis, Sail & Ski's boat brands are of the finest quality and best-selling in central and south Texas. The dealership's pro shop features the top selection of the most recent water skis, Ronix wakeboards, Hyperlite Wakeboards, Liquid Force Wakeboards, tubes and summer clothing for all of its customers' summer boating needs. For additional information, you can visit the Sail & Ski Center at any of its three Texas locations: Austin, San Antonio and Lakeway, or online at www.sailandski.com.ABOUT THE RESERVE AT LAKE TRAVISEncompassing 300 lush acres of rolling hill country and featuring 3.5 miles of pristine shoreline along the south shore of Lake Travis, The Reserve at Lake Travis is the ultimate in Texas luxury living. Located on Thurman Bend Road, The Reserve features large, one to five-acre home sites that are carefully designed to take full advantage of expansive vistas and water frontage. Complete resort amenities include a comprehensive equestrian center, private lake club, full service marina with 250 covered boat slips, swim center featuring a lazy river and water park, and more. The Reserve was designed by Hal Jones Development, a real estate development firm based in Austin that focuses primarily on Texas coastal and hill country properties. Visit www.reserveatlaketravis.com for more information.
4/8/2010
Boat U.S.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – This summer, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will decide on whether to allow a 50% increase in the amount of ethanol in the nation’s gasoline supply, from the current E10 (or containing 10% ethanol) up to E15 (containing 15% ethanol). However, with testing data on the new “mid-level” ethanol formulation to be completed on only a small group of 2001 and newer model vehicles by this time frame, consumers with older cars, boats, non-road vehicles or gas-engine powered equipment may find that the fuel is not compatible or safe for use.Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nation’s largest boat owners group, is concerned. “Some of our members have advised us of performance, compatibility and possible safety issues with the current E10 blend,” said BoatUS Vice President of Government Affairs Margaret Podlich. “To add 50% more ethanol to every gallon of gas without first knowing what it will do to the older vehicles and other gasoline engines we currently own, is simply irresponsible,” she added.The US Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety has also raised concerns about higher levels of ethanol and the lack of independent testing. Ethanol, a strong solvent, can accelerate the deterioration of fuel system components such as fuel lines, causing them to fail and increasing the level of risk for fire or explosions.Last year Growth Energy, the lobbying group for the ethanol industry, petitioned the EPA to allow the sale of “mid-level” ethanol blends beyond the current 10% (E10) up to the 15% level (E15). In a November 30, 2009 response , the EPA advised Growth Energy that, “Although all of the studies have not been completed, our engineering assessment to date indicates that the robust fuel, engine, and emissions control systems on newer vehicles (likely 2001 and newer model years) will likely be able to accommodate higher ethanol blends, such as E15.”However, the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service (CRS), whose mission is to support an “informed national legislature,” reports in a January 28, 2010 Report for Congress that the EPA’s November response letter “Made no comment on the status of testing for older vehicles or for non-road engines”. The CRS report also says, “Currently, no automaker warranties its vehicles to use gasoline higher than 10% ethanol,” and “small engine manufacturers similarly limit the allowable level of ethanol.”The CRS report also says it’s unclear if the current fuel distribution systems — the pumps, tanks, delivery vehicles and underground gas lines — can tolerate blends higher than E10. “Even if the fuel is approved by EPA for use in motor vehicles, presumably fuel suppliers could be unwilling to sell the fuel unless they are confident that it will not damage their existing systems or lead to liability issues in the future,” the CRS reports.The report adds a comment by the independent certification and testing company Underwriters Laboratories saying, “Under normal business conditions E10 at the dispenser (fuel pump) can vary from about seven to 13 percent ethanol. Assuming a similar variance would exist for E15, it likely under normal conditions ethanol concentrations would exceed the 15% limit.”“We recognize that alternative fuels must be brought to market in the US,” said Podlich. “However, there is also a growing awareness among consumers that corn-based ethanol is not the environmental panacea it was thought to be several years ago. Increased food costs, changes in land use, and the energy required to produce ethanol are now giving many Americans second thoughts.”BoatUS is part of followthescience.org, a coalition of 46 motor sports, environmental, food and citizen advocate groups asking for “science first” before the EPA allows a new fuel on the market. BoatUS is also a member of AllSAFE, the Alliance for a Safe Alternative Fuels Environment. The Association urges anyone who is concerned about a higher percentage of ethanol in gasoline and the lack of testing to contact their members of Congress.###About BoatUS:BoatUS – Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with government representation, programs and money saving services. For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.
3/26/2010
Outdoor Alabama (ADCNR)
Spring is here and the water is warming up. With 1.3 million acres of recreational waters, Alabama is a boater’s paradise. Unfortunately, each year there are a few easily preventable boating deaths and injuries that occur. In 2009 there were 13 fatalities on Alabama waterways. Each person lost was a tragedy that could have been prevented with proper boating safety.According to Lt. Erica Shipman with the education section of the Alabama Marine Police, wearing a life jacket is the best and easiest way to stay safe on the water. “Here in Alabama most of the boating fatalities are the result of capsizing or falling overboard where people actually end up in the water without a life jacket on,” Shipman said. “Most of these boating-related deaths could be prevented if the person had just worn their life jacket. Boaters need to make sure that the life jacket fits properly and that it’s in good condition, and above all they need to remember that it doesn’t work if they don't wear it.”Here is a brief check list boaters should go through before hitting the water. Doing so could be a lifesaver.1. Boat Maintenance: Make sure your boat is in good working order before taking it out for the first time.2. Safety Equipment: Make sure all required safety equipment, including life jackets, are on the boat and in good working order3. Take a Boating Class: An informed boater is a safe boater, and in Alabama if you drive a boat you must have an operator's license.4. Courtesy on the Water: Remember the “golden rule” while on the water.5. Be a Weather Watcher: Keep an eye to the sky; it could save your life.6. Don't Drink and Drive: Just like on the highway, drinking and operating a boat is against the law; and on the water it can be even more dangerous.For these and more boating safety tips and online boating courses visit the Boating Section of the ADCNR Web site, at http://www.outdooralabama.com/boating/.The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com .
3/25/2010
Outdoor Alabama (ADCNR)
A bill introduced by state Senators Ted Little and Zeb Little has Alabama State Parks officials concerned about the future of the parks system. SB532 proposes a 50 percent reduction in lodging rates and entrance fees for Alabama residents between May 15 and August 15, 2010.Alabama State Parks Director Mark Easterwood says this reduction in revenue would be devastating to the 22 parks, which generate 94 percent of their income from user fees. “The summer revenue lets the parks operate at a profit during those months. Those revenues are then used to carry the parks through the winter months. The parks operate at a loss between September and March each year,” he said.According to Parks Operations Director Tim Wishum, 56 percent of park expenses are related to personnel costs. The loss of revenue would require a significant reduction in personnel, which would cause portions of some parks and even some entire parks to close. “Much of our business is from in-state residents, so we would lose a significant portion of our income during the busiest months.”Parks officials estimate that approximately 90 percent of day-use fees are generated by Alabama residents. Alabama residents generate between 55 and 78 percent of lodging and camping revenues.Many cities and local tourist boards receive money from lodging taxes generated by the parks. Because of the potential loss of this revenue, several communities near state parks have expressed their opposition to SB532. The city of Pelham has passed a resolution opposing the bill. Fort Payne Mayor William H. Jordan also opposes the bill. In a letter to Senator Lowell Barron, Jordan states that the bill would be detrimental to the local economy because of a reduction in lodging taxes.“We feel our rates are reasonably priced,” Easterwood said. “Lowering them just isn’t feasible when we receive no General Fund appropriation. The parks won’t be able to continue operating.”The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com .
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