Gulf Coast Road Trip? Don't Miss This Hidden Gem!

Headed to the Gulf Coast this summer? Ditch the beach clichés for a bit and swing by the Poarch Creek Indians Museum and Welcome Center in Atmore, Alabama! Just off I-65 at Exit 54, this spot offers a super cool, educational experience you won't forget. Perfect for families, school trips, or anyone interested in Native American history.

Dive into Poarch Creek Culture

The Museum’s all about preserving and sharing the amazing history and culture of the Poarch Creek Indians – Alabama's only federally recognized Tribe. And guess what? Admission is FREE! Prepare for a thought-provoking journey from ancient times to today’s thriving community.

Exhibits That Pop!

Step inside and watch history come alive! Explore early Creek life, the Mississippian era, and the Creek Confederacy through awesome artifacts like stoneware, pottery, tools, and historical docs. Don’t miss the Tribe’s original Petition for Federal Recognition from 1980 – a game-changing moment!

Trailblazers of Identity: A Must-See Exhibit

Right now, check out "Trailblazers of Identity: Advocating for Culture and Self-Determination," an exhibit all about how the Poarch Creek people reconnected with their heritage in the 70s. Talk about resilience and revitalization! It's a powerful story of staying true to tradition while building an awesome future.

Group Visits? They've Got You Covered!

The Museum hosts customized experiences for everyone! School field trips are educational and immersive, while corporate and civic groups can learn about cultural awareness. Community organizations and summer camps will love the interactive exhibits and storytelling.

Personalized Experiences

Each group visit is led by knowledgeable staff and tailored to be meaningful and respectful. It's all about educating the public, fostering appreciation, and strengthening community ties through shared history!

A Vital Hub

While the Poarch Creek reservation itself doesn't have public attractions (yet!), the Museum is where it's at! If you’re heading to the reservation for meetings or services, it’s the perfect place to get directions, check in, and learn about the Tribe's impact on the region.

Souvenirs That Matter

Before you leave, hit up the Museum's shop for authentic Native-made goods, books, and unique gifts. It’s the perfect way to support Tribal artisans and cultural preservation!

Plan Your Visit

The Poarch Creek Indians Museum and Welcome Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free! New exhibits and seasonal events mean there’s always something new to explore.

This summer, ditch the ordinary! Stop by and experience the incredible story of the Poarch Creek Indians – a community rooted in tradition and ready to welcome you!

Hanceville PD Gets a Makeover!

The Hanceville City Council is shaking things up! On June 26th, they brought in David Thompson to help revamp the city's police department. This guy isn't just anyone – he's got over 30 years of law enforcement under his belt!

Thompson's Task: Policy & More

Thompson's mission? To dive deep into the department, updating policies, procedures, and even the employee handbook. He'll also be taking a good hard look at what the department has in its toolbox (assets, for those in the know).

Law Enforcement Veteran

He's not new to this rodeo. Thompson spent three decades as a Deputy Sheriff in Jefferson County. He even started young, exploring with the Trussville PD at just 14! After retiring six years ago, he hopped into public safety consulting.

Public Safety Commission on the Horizon?

Word on the street (via WBRC) is that Hanceville might be switching things up even more, potentially rebranding the department as a public safety commission. This move is reportedly tied to resolving past issues.

Truckin' Out: Fleet Loan Gone!

In other news, the council approved the sale of two unmarked police trucks: a 2022 Dodge Ram and a 2023 Chevy Silverado. Why? To wipe out a $52,000 fleet loan! The Silverado alone is expected to almost cover the whole thing.

Election Update

Qualifying for local elections wrapped up this week. Councilwoman Kim Brown is the only current member who threw her hat in the ring for reelection.

Alabama's Trade Star Ascends!

Christina Stimpson, the awesome Chief Officer of the Global Business Office at the Alabama Department of Commerce, just landed a spot on the board of directors of the State International Development Organizations (SIDO)! This is HUGE news! SIDO is THE go-to national association for all things international trade and export programs for U.S. states.

What This Means for Alabama

Stimpson's appointment puts Alabama right in the thick of the national trade conversation. Based in Washington, D.C., SIDO is a serious player, acting as a vital resource for governors, state agencies, exporters, investors, and trade orgs.

Stimpson's Take

"SIDO has been a game-changer for me and Alabama's international trade program," Stimpson said. "It's a real honor to join the board and represent our state on the national stage. I'm stoked to contribute and keep learning from the best trade pros in the country!"

Championing Alabama Businesses

In her role, Stimpson is the brains behind Alabama's export and international biz development strategies. She works hand-in-hand with partners statewide to help Alabama companies smash it in the global marketplace.

Big Ups From the Top

Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair is thrilled, saying Stimpson's appointment shows how strong Alabama's international trade program is. "Christina's been a champion for Alabama companies looking to conquer new markets," Secretary McNair said. "Her spot on the SIDO board recognizes her leadership and highlights Alabama's global impact. I'm super proud to see her representing our state in this critical national network!"

About SIDO

SIDO provides a sweet platform for state trade directors and their teams, offering training, policy guidance, and networking to boost the states' role in international commerce.

Representing the South

Stimpson will represent the South region, joining a crew of industry leaders shaping SIDO's programs and championing policies that empower state-level trade development.

SIDO Leadership

Emily Desai (California) will be president for 2026/2027, with Tim Tierney (Vermont) as vice president. Mary Waters (Georgia) is ex officio.

Board Breakdown by Region:

Midwest: Lindsey Warner (ND), Aaron Zitzelsberger (WI) East: Wade Merritt (ME), Adam Boltik (NH) West: Angelyn DeYoung (MT), Sharon Canaday (ID) South: Mike Hubbard (NC), Christina Stimpson (AL) At Large: Jennifer Black (PA), Lindsey Bertozzi (VA), Leonyl Ortiz-Gonzalez (PR), Mary NeCamp (KY)

(Terms: July 1–June 3

Fultondale Mayor Under Fire: Council Calls for Resignation!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! The Fultondale City Council just dropped a bombshell: they've unanimously voted for Mayor Larry Holcomb to step down immediately. But guess what? The Mayor's saying, "Nope!"

Why All the Drama?

So, what's got the Council so riled up? Seems the Alabama Ethics Commission found Mayor Holcomb in violation of state ethics laws – a double whammy involving his roles as Mayor and Superintendent of the Fultondale Gas Board. The Commission even ordered him to cough up some dough in penalties and restitution!

Holcomb's Rebuttal: "Nay!"

During the council meeting, Mayor Holcomb stood his ground, stating plainly, "I say nay. And to respond to that request, my answer is no, I will not step down." He claims the charges stem from using a city vehicle for Gas Board business, a mistake he rectified by immediately reimbursing the Gas Department.

Election Looming

Mayor Holcomb, who took office after defeating Jim Lowery in 2020, is digging in his heels. The Council hasn't revealed their next move, but with the mayoral election slated for August 26, 2025, things are definitely heating up in Fultondale! Stay tuned to ChumCity for the latest updates on this developing story.

Alabama Biz Backs Coach Tuberville for Governor!

Looks like the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), Alabama Forestry Association (AFA), and Alabama Concrete Industries Association (ACIA) are all-in for Senator Tommy Tuberville to take the governor's seat! They're shouting from the rooftops about his potential economic impact. Can "Coach" score big for Alabama's business scene?

Ivey, GOP Guvs Stand Strong on AI

Gov. Kay Ivey and a posse of 16 other Republican governors are putting their foot down! They're saying "NO WAY" to a federal takeover of AI regulations. They argue that Alabama should be able to regulate AI risks, and states should be the boss on this, not DC!

CBD Raids Rock Alabama!

Attorney General Steve Marshall just led a raid on CBD shops across five Alabama cities, chasing down illegal drug sales. Officials swear this isn't about the new crackdown on hemp-based THC products that’s about to hit on Tuesday, but still, makes you wonder, eh?

Tuberville, Palmer Applaud SCOTUS School Ruling

Senator Tommy Tuberville and Rep. Gary Palmer are cheering the Supreme Court's decision to let parents pull their kids from LGBTQ-related lessons. Tuberville's take? "Teachers should focus on helping kids read, write, and do math – not teaching them HOW TO BE WOKE." Mic drop!

MTG Stands Tall in Huntsville

Marjorie Taylor Greene faced protesters at a Moms for Liberty gig in Huntsville. She went ahead and spoke her piece, while the local news went gonzo over the protestors. Talk about dramatic entrances!

Republicans Rave Over Supreme Court Ruling

Alabama Republicans are doing backflips over the Supreme Court's big ruling that limits birthright citizenship and puts a stop to nationwide injunctions. Rep. Barry Moore says it straight: "Rogue judges have overstepped their authority!"

Britt Defends Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill"

President Trump's "big, beautiful bill" is causing some serious Senate drama over proposed cuts. Senator Katie Britt is holding firm, though! She thinks SNAP and Medicaid accountability is gonna be a good thing for Alabama.

Allbright Claims Victory in House District 11!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCityzens, because the Alabama House District 11 special primary was a nail-biter! Heath Allbright just snagged the win over Don Fallin in what was a seriously heated contest.

Money Talks, Y'all!

You know what they say: cash is king (or queen!) in politics. And let's just say, this race proved it. Allbright's campaign got a serious boost from some major players.

Who Backed Allbright?

Big shoutout to the political action committees from the Alabama Forestry Association, the Alabama Farmers Federation, the Business Council of Alabama, and more! They threw their weight (and wallets) behind Allbright.

Resources Made the Difference

In the end, those crucial funds helped Allbright regain some serious steam in the home stretch, ultimately leading him to victory. This special primary election was one for the books!

Got a Suspicious Text About Your License? Don't Panic!

That buzz...that moment of dread. You glance at your phone and see a text about your driver's license being suspended! Case numbers, official-looking links...it all feels so real, right? But hold on, ChumCity fam...

It's Probably a Scam!

Yep, those fake DMV texts are making the rounds, even here in Alabama. They're designed to scare you into clicking links, sharing personal info, or even paying fake fees. "These messages might look legit, but no government agency will ask for money or personal details via text," warns Jeff Taylor from Regions Bank.

How Sneaky Are These Scams?

Super sneaky! They play on your fear, use urgent language ("Final notice!"), and can even have convincing graphics that mimic real state websites. Cybersecurity folks at Guardio saw a HUGE jump (770%!) in these scams just in early June. And some are using AI to make the language sound even more believable. Creepy!

What Should You Do If You Get One?

Don't fall for it! Here's your game plan:

• DO NOT CLICK ANYTHING. Seriously. Resist the urge!
• Think it might be real? Go directly to your state's DMV website or call their official number. Don't use the number in the text!
• Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider block similar scams.
• Report the text as junk or spam in your messaging app.
• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Remember the Motto: Stop, Verify, Report!

"These criminals rely on fear and urgency," Jeff Taylor says. "Slowing down, verifying, and reporting can protect you and others from becoming victims."

Stay Alert, Stay Safe, Stay Savvy

Scammers want your info, your money, and your peace of mind. Raising awareness is key to stopping them. If a text feels off, trust your gut.

"Scammers want you to act before you think," warns Taylor. "That's how they steal your money and your identity." Remember, legit state agencies like the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency won't send payment requests or legal warnings via text.

Bottom line: If you get a text about your license, take a breath. It could be a scam, and you don't want to give them anything!

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