Over the past five years, Sealy Outdoors has brought the McDonald’s Big Bass Splash to Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro and every year it continues to grow. The organizers have been putting on tournaments in Texas for 25 years and the tournaments there have over 5,500 boats with a payout of over $1,500,000. Bob Sealy, head of the organization said, "We are excited about being in Scottsboro, Ala. at this great lake. It is now the largest amateur tournament of its kind in Alabama. We know this lake (Guntersville) has a great bass reputation and perhaps one year the tournament here will be as large as our Texas Big Bass Splash." The number of anglers that registered and fished the McDonald’s Big Bass Splash in 2009 exceeded 2008 by 208 anglers. In 2009, 946 amateur anglers tried their skill at the $125,000 that was awarded at the annual McDonald’s Big Bass Splash held at Goose Pond last May.

This year there have been a few changes. The tournament dates have changed to March 20 and 21 and the total cash and prizes to be awarded increased to $155,000. Not much else has changed including the same format of the tournament, registration and weigh-in at Goose Pond Tackle & Grill.

It really doesn’t stop there. The promotion for our area from this tournament has reached hundreds of thousands of people. Over 350,000 brochures are printed and distributed; exhibitions are set-up at over 15 outdoor & boat shows; direct mailing goes out to over 29,000 anglers (twice); press releases are sent out to every newspaper in seven states (exclusive to the Lake Guntersville event); print media advertising is found in BASS Master Magazine, Louisiana Sportsman Magazine, Tennessee Valley Outdoors, & Great Days Outdoors Magazine; AND the City of Scottsboro, The Chamber, Goose Pond and our lodging establishments are promoted on their web site – www.sealyoutdoors.com (you can also register to fish the tournament at this site on the web).

After all was said and done, last year’s McDonald’s Big Bass Splash on Lake Guntersville had an economic impact of over $1.4 Million that was spent in our local businesses. Anglers came from 17 states to fish in the tournament and for every dollar that Jackson County Tourism invested in this tournament, $2.60 will be returned in the form of sales tax, lodging tax and fuel tax to our city and county. I would say that’s a pretty good return wouldn’t you?

If you love to fish and love winning cash and prizes, pick up a tournament registration at the Chamber, K-98 (the official radio station for the tournament), McDonald’s restaurants, and area businesses that outfit our anglers. Call the Chamber at 256-259-5500 if you need more information.

 Written by JP Parsons - VP Destination Marketing, The Greater Jackson County Chamber of Commerce

In today's ever-changing environment, with new pressures emerging on youth every day, the Boy Scouts of America celebrates a century of leadership and service with a commitment to the next century of building leaders.

The importance of positive adult role models and opportunities for youth to achieve remains unchanged throughout this past century and into the next.  From Tiger Cub to  Eagle, the Boy Scouts stands strong as one of the nation's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations.

From September 2009 through December 2010, the Boy Scouts of America will celebrate its 100-year anniversary.  Started on February 8, 1910, the Boy Scouts have helped build the future leaders of this country by developing proven leadership skills involving fun and adventurous activities.  Teaching the basic values of being "Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Clean, Brave and Reverent" as well as instilling a respect and enjoyment of the outdoors are key to building a more conscientious, responsible and productive society.

For 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has created a strong foundation of leadership, service, and community for America's youth.  Through A Year of Celebration, they will celebrate this legacy and continue to commit themselves to inspire and prepare future generations.

The Greater Jackson County Chamber of Commerce wishes a warm and sincere "Happy Birthday" to the Boys Scouts of America and those in Jackson County who continue this tradition. 

Seventy-eight years after the Jackson County trial of nine black men accused of raping two white women caught the world's attention, officials Monday dedicated a museum they say shows how far the civil rights movement has come. The Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center officially opened with a dedication ceremony, coinciding with the first day of Black History Month.  The museum is located at Joyce Chapel United Methodist Church, the oldest standing African American church in Jackson County dating to 1878. 

 Featured speaker Lecia J. Brooks, the director of Montgomery's Civil Rights Museum and an employee of the Southern Poverty Law Center, said it takes a strong, courageous community to not hide the past.  Brooks said the stories of the nine boys, Judge Horton and so many others will now have a place to be told.  Shelia Washington, Jackson County Multi-Cultural Heritage Foundation Executive Committee member, has spent the last 17 years working on bringing honor to the case of nine black teenagers accused of raping two white women while on a train traveling through Jackson County. 

Kathy Horton Garrett, granddaughter of Judge James E. Horton, who presided over the re-trial of the nine men in Decatur in 1933,  spoke of the convictions of her grandfather.  Garrett, who was 17 when Horton died in 1973, said she really didn't get a chance to discuss the case with her grandfather but learned from the overwhelming number of letters he had received from around the world what an extraordinary man he was.  About a year after all nine men were convicted in a Jackson County courtroom, with eight getting the death sentence and the ninth life in prison, Horton ordered a new trial for all nine because insufficient evidence was presented at the first trial.

History of The Scottsboro Boys

On March 25, 1931, a skirmish between a group of black boys, and a group of white boys broke out on a Southern Railroad freight train. The train stopped in Paint Rock, Alabama, and the nine black boys were arrested on charges of assault. Two girls dressed in boys clothing, Victoria Price and Ruby Bates, were found hiding on the freight train as well. They were all taken to Scottsboro, Alabama, the Jackson County seat. The two girls agreed to testify against the boys on a rape charge.  The men were sentenced to death, despite the fact that one of the girls later denied being raped. They were all eventually paroled, freed or pardoned, some after serving years of a prison sentence.  The U.S. Supreme Court eventually overturned the verdicts under the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause. The court ruled that the right of the defendant's to have competent legal counsel had been denied in the Scottsboro trials and ordered new trials for each of the accused.

However, they will forever be known simply as "The Scottsboro Boys." Their names were Charles Weems, Clarence Norris, Andy Wright, Ozie Powell, Olen Montgomery, Eugene Williams, Willie Roberson, Roy Wright and Haywood Patterson.

The Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center memorializes the struggles of a determined people to overcome the destructive, evil force of racism. It celebrates the positive actions of those of all colors, creeds and origins who have taken a stand against the evil tyranny of racial oppression. It stands as testimony of how faith and Christian values may "move mountains" and change lives for the betterment of our community through education. 

 Visit the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center and learn the lessons of the history of the beginning of the modern Civil Rights Movement in the event our society calls, "The Scottsboro Boys Trials."  Joyce Chapel United Methodist Church is located at 428 West Willow Street, Scottsboro, Alabama.  Their hours of operation starting in March are the 2nd and 3rd Saturdays of the month from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.  They will also open by special appointment.  For an appointment call 256-244-1310. 

Portions of this article were taken from The Huntsville Times, David Brewer - Times Staff Writer; The Daily Sentinel, DeWayne Patterson - Writer; and Scottsboro Stories Blog, Garry Morgan. 

For more information please visit www.scottsborostories.blogspot.com. 

Alabama is hosting one big yearlong party, and we want everyone to be a part of the celebration.

Governor Bob Riley has issued an open invitation for former residents and visitors to come and experience the best of Alabama this year during the Year of Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns celebration.

Activities are being held in and around parks, on downtown streets, and at museums and attractions throughout the state.

During homecoming weekends in Alabama, you can witness the unveiling of a locally written historic marker, hear fascinating stories about growing up in the South from local citizens, participate in a downtown walking tour, step back in time to celebrate our history, or experience local culture during any one of the more than 1,600 festivals and events taking place around Alabama this year.

But that's not all. You'll see neighbors getting together with neighbors, churches having old-fashioned potluck dinners on the grounds, and museums, old homes and historic attractions beckoning you to step inside for a tour.

This year, raise a bighearted cup in a toast to Alabama's small towns and downtowns. More than 210 cities and towns have spruced up, shaped up and geared up to celebrate their unique heritage during fun festivals, history tours, homecoming celebrations, marker unveilings and a myriad of other special events. During the Year of Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns, residents and visitors alike are invited to sip lemonade on the porch of a historic mansion, participate in the statewide Big Read featuring Tom Sawyer, celebrate the 4^th of July with big time country musicians and community picnic at Goosepond in Scottsboro, step inside a local museum for a nostalgic look at Alabama's Civil War and Civil Rights past, sample the flavor of locally owned restaurants and cafés, enjoy music in various venues, or go on a walking or driving tour to discover the history, beauty and culture of Sweet Home Alabama.  The following is the list of some of the special celebrations planned for 2010 in Jackson County:

•  Bridgeport - Siege at Bridgeport Re-enactment - March 26 thru 28
•  Dutton - Dutton Community Christmas Parade - December 11
•  Langston - Langston Homecoming Week - April 25
•  Scottsboro - Celebration on the Tennessee River - July 4
•  Section - Section Labor Day - September 6
•  Stevenson - Stevenson Depot Days - June 10 thru 13
•  Skyline - Skyline Days - June 5

Put our special homecoming events on your calendar and plan on attending each one.  For more details, call us at 256-259-5500. You can also get more information by calling 1-800-Alabama and request a free Calendar of Events or visit the Web site at www.alabama.travel.  We have a lot to celebrate, so come join us! The party starts when you get here

Russell Cave National Monument, a unit of the National Park Service, is searching for nature-lovers and scientists of all levels to volunteer some time each month fo help the staff. 

Volunteer Activities Include:

• Remove Invasive Species
• Restore Native Habitats
• Identify Pests
• Photograh, Draw, or Paint the natural wonders of Russell Cave

Housing is available for volunteers staying overnight or longer.  For more information contact Kenna Graham at 256-495-2672 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Russell Cave is the only National Monument is Alabama.  They are located at:

3729 County Road 98
Bridgeport, AL 35740

When an early morning tornado struck Jackson County, February 6^th, 2008, several friends came together and planned an event to raise money to be used for aid to the uninsured victims of this terrible storm.  The event netted a much needed $16,000.00.  Not bad for a small group's efforts in a short three week period of time. 

Over the past year, the group has continued to meet to determine the needs for additional efforts to raise money in preparation for future disasters.  As a result, "Friends Helping Friends" (FHF) was formed as a legal entity.   FHF works in conjunction with the Jackson county Emergency Management Agency Office and the Jackson County Salvation Army.

The FHF Board is now offering for sale, beautiful "Limited Edition Prints" of the B.B. Comer Bridge.  Last year local artist John Warr was commissioned to paint the B.B. Comer Bridge.  All proceeds of the sale of these prints goes to the "FHF Disaster Relief Fund".  This is a timeless gift that will look great in your home or office.  Standard Print price is $100.00 (13 1/2" x 24") and an artist's proof is $200.00 (17" x 30").  For information on prints and additional framing, contact numbers below.   

Beginning in 1908, a ferry began transporting passengers and automobiles to and from the Sand Mountain area of Jackson County.  In 1928-1931, the Kansas City Bridge Company built the B.B. Comer Bridge, a long steel bridge that now connects Scottsboro to Sand Mountain.  By 2007, the aging structure was classified by the Alabama Department of Transportation as being a structurally deficient bridge . Construction of a replacement bridge commenced in October 2007, and is expected to be complete by 2012.

The B.B. Comer Bridge, is the two-lane,  steel truss bridge spanning the Tennessee River along Alabama State Route 35 in Scottsboro, Alabama. The bridge takes its name from former Alabama governor Braxton Bragg Comer, who served from 1907 to 1911. Construction of the bridge was carried out by the Alabama Bridge Company.  As of 2007, this was the only remaining bridge of the 15 memorial toll bridges originally constructed by the Alabama Bridge Company.  For more history of the bridge and Friends Helping Friends, visit Penny's Purse.

For more information and purchase price, contact:

Tracey Ridgeway at the Salvation Army of Jackson County, 256-259-4320

John Warr at Warr Art, 256-259-4255 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The U.S. Census Bureau plans to hire several Jackson County residents to help conduct the 2010 Census, which gets under way in March.  Jackson County is currently accepting applications for census takers, crew leaders, assistants and census clerks. 

The temporary, part-time jobs are expected to last through the fall.  Applicants should have a clean criminal record and valid government-issued identification such as a driver's lisence, passport, Social Security card or birth certificate. 

There are no minimum educational requirements.  There is an employment test that will measure skills and abilities in clerical skills, reading skills, number skills, organization skills and ability to interpret information and evaluate alternatives.  These jobs pay $11.75 per hour with flexible hours up to 40 hours per week,  and mileage reimbursement.  The U.S. Census Bureau is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you are interested, the application process will be given each week at the following locations:

March 8^th      IMPACT Learning Center            8:30 am – 12:00

March 10^th    IMPACT Learning Center            2:00 pm  – 4:00

March 11^th    Scottsboro Rec Com                    5:00 pm  

March 15^th    IMPACT Learning Center            8:30 am – 12:00

March 17^th    IMPACT Learning Center            8:30 am – 12:0 

March 18^th    Scottsboro Rec Com                    5:00 pm  

March 24^th    IMPACT Learning Center            8:30 am – 12:00

March 25^th    Scottsboro Rec Com                    5:00 pm  

March 31^st    IMPACT Learning Center            8:30 am – 12:00

In March census forms will be delivered to every household in the United States and Puerto Rico.  The forms have 10 questions and can be coompleted in about 10 minutes.  People who fail to return their form in the postage-paid envelope are likely to be visited by a census taker.

For more information visit www.2010censusjobs.gov or call the Gadsden office at 256-680-3390.

Every person is encouraged to fill out the census form when it arrives.  Our county and its communities rely on an accurate count to ensure that our area receives its fair share of the $400 billion in federal tax money that is distributed to communities each year based on population.  Our county depends on this federal money for our roads, schools, and other needs within our area.  If the money doesn't come here, it goes somewhere else. 

Alabama's Department of Conservation plans to add about 500 acres to the rugged Walls of Jericho preserve in the northeast corner of the state. Alabama's Forever Wild land preservation program plans to use a $640,000 federal Forest Legacy grant to buy land along Estill Fork, a mountain stream west of the Walls. The stream is home to endangered freshwater mussels. The assistant state conservation director, Greg Lein, said Forever Wild also will contribute about $300,000 toward the purchase. The land currently is owned by The Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit preservation group working to protect the Paint Rock River watershed in Jackson County. The remote Walls of Jericho preserve is often called the "Grand Canyon of the South." It includes about 17,000 acres in northern Jackson County and 4,000 acres in Franklin County, Tenn. Lein said the Estill Fork property may allow the state to build a second, western entrance into the preserve. The current entrance is off Alabama 79 near Hytop, about an hour's drive from Huntsville. Lein said the state has plans to add about 15 miles of hiking trails to the property, which is expected to increase the more than 10,000 visitors the preserve gets each year. "People really like it, and the word of mouth is there," he said. "That supports the idea of expanding the trails up there and doing more."

From the Associated Press article "Alabama to add land to Walls of Jericho preserve".  Please click on the photograph to link to more information about public lands and other preservation programs in Alabama.

Alabama Ranks # 8 For Practicing Medicine

According to a recent issue of Medical Economics magazine, a ranking of the top ten places to practice in the United States was issued, with Alabama ranking number eight.  Primary care physicians are moving to Alabama for a variety of reasons. 

To determine the best states in which to practice, a number of factors were evaluated:  

• Overall compensation
• Malpractice liability insurance rates
•  Cost of doing business
•  Health insurance competition
• The mix of public and commercial payers 
• Quality-of-life factors
•  Residential real estate prices
• Natural amenities
• Weather

Conversations with physicians, state medical societies, and physician placement experts who recruit doctors to hospitals and group practices around the country helped in establishing criteria.  Survey information from the Medical Group Management Association and the Medical Liability Monitor, which publishes an annual state-by-state review of malpractice liability insurance rates, was also considered. Information from the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Association of Realtors, and the Kaiser Family Foundation, among other sources, helped in determining cost of living data.

According to T. Michael Harrington, MD, he was quoted as saying (about Alabama),  "It's a good medical practice environment...we have good support from our medical societies, and from a primary care physician point of view, we've got great specialty support."

Scottsboro, "the best town you've never heard of", is what the author says about the county seat in Jackson County.  Our water and outdoor activities as well as The Unclaimed Baggage Center are two attractions he mentions.  The article goes on to quote a physician recruiter who says, "A lot of people don't think about Alabama as a great place to live, but we've had a lot of activity down there." 

Excerpts from this article were taken from the July 10, 2009 edition of Medical Economics magazine titled America's Best Places to Practice. The article was written by Morgan Lewis.  The Chamber would like to thank Charles Bradford, MD for bringing this to our attention.  Dr. Bradford is a resident of Scottsboro where he is a family physician.  He is also a board member of the IMPACT Learning Center and The Greater Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.