MOBILE COUNTY COMMISSION CELEBRATES HONOR FLIGHT  
Commissioner Hudson pictured with (L to R) Ms. Margaret Coley, Commissioner Merceria Ludgood, Colonel Pat Downing, Colonel John New, Dr. Barry Booth and Commissioner  Jerry Carl.
Mobile County CommissionMobile County Seal
District 2
News & Events

Commis
sioner Connie Hudson
June 13, 2013

message
MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER
CONNIE HUDSON

Once again it's hurricane season along the Gulf Coast and the Mobile County Emergency Management Agency is urging all Mobile and coastal county residents to BE PREPARED! Emergency preparedness includes the development of a family disaster plan and preparing a disaster supply kit with supplies on hand to last each person up to five days. For more information on being prepared for emergencies and dealing with the aftermath of a weather emergency Click Here.

Also, the County is is urging all citizens to sign up to receive emergency notifications. Mobile County residents can sign up for phone, text and e-mail notifications about local emergencies through the County's First Call Emergency Notification System. For more information and to sign up to receive these alerts Click Here. For general information about hurricanes and for advice on preparation for storms Click Here (www.ready.gov/hurricanes)
. As the old English proverb advises...Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst!
 
Have a great weekend!

       

Warmest Regards,

Connie  

   
 
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IN THIS ISSUE
 
hwyALDOT Q & A ON NEW U.S. HWY. 98

 

Don Powell, P.E., Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) Ninth Division Pre-Construction Engineer gave the following responses to questions posed by Commissioner Hudson regarding the new U.S. Hwy. 98 and SR-158 projects: 

 

1. What is ALDOT's timeline for completion of the remaining phases of the new U.S. Hwy. 98 project? Click Here to view a map of the new U.S. Hwy. 98 project.

 

"ALDOT is hoping to resume construction of projects in the US-98/SR-158 corridor starting late 2014. Completing all remaining phases of the project is dependent on funding, therefore an 'ultimate' timeline cannot be given at this time. ALDOT's current goal is to let smaller more fundable projects, that can be used by the traveling public when complete, annually until the corridor is complete. There could be as many 10 to 14 of these smaller projects let to construction. The current plan to construct and open 2 lanes of traffic along the new route. Once complete and open those 2 lanes should pull the truck traffic and through traffic off of existing 98.  A map of the projects appear on the website referred to in question 3."

 

2. In terms of established priorities, where is the completion of the new U.S. Hwy. 98 listed on ALDOT's project priority list?

 

"Completing the US-98/SR-158 corridor is a top priority for the Ninth Division and projects are included in ALDOT's ten year plan.

 

3. How can citizens get information on project updates or ask project related questions?

 

"Citizens can Click Here (safe98.com) to visit the Safe98 website. We are currently working to update the website and hope to have it complete in the next month."  

 

4. What is the status of federal and state funding expected to complete the new U.S. Hwy. 98 project? Have funds been earmarked?

 

"Funds have not been earmarked but projects for US-98/SR-158 are included in ALDOT's ten year plan. Federal funds are rarely earmarked for specific projects any more. However, ALDOT receives federal funds each year and those funds are allocated to various projects. The projects listed in the 10 year plan have been approved to receive funding when they are ready to let."

walkpathMOBILE COUNTY APPLIES FOR GRANT TO EXTEND WALK PATH IN SEMMES

Mobile County is in the process of applying for a federal TAP grant for a project to construct a 10-foot wide multi-use path which will continue the existing walk path from Ed George Road to the Semmes Community Center. The estimated cost of this project is $350,000, which includes a 20% match ($70,000) to be paid by Mobile County. The deadline for application is June 28, 2013. A date of announcement of the selected projects has not been released at this time. Plans are nearly complete and a public involvement meeting will be held at the Semmes Community Center 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18.


The new federal transportation law, MAP-21, combines three previously separate programs - Transportation Enhancements, the Recreational Trails Program, and the Safe Routes to School Program to create the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). This program allows local governments to compete for federal funding to help construct projects for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized forms of transportation. Some of the eligible project types include sidewalks, bicycle paths, multi-use paths, etc.  

petweekFEATURED PET AT THE MOBILE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER
"
CARTER"    

"Carter" is an approximately 4 month old, male basset hound mix that weighs less than 20 lbs. He was brought to the shelter as a stray and is now looking for his forever home. He has a great personality, unique look and a wonderful disposition. If you are interested in adopting "Carter" please contact the Mobile County Animal Shelter at 574-3647. The adoption fee is $65 and that includes spaying, rabies vaccination, first set of shots and a dewormer.
 

For more information on the Mobile County Animal Shelter or to view a list of all current adoptable pets at the MCAS Click Here.  

 

petsupplydriveANGEL'S ARMS PET SUPPLY DRIVE
 
RachelRay2013 ASPCA RACHEL RAY $100K CHALLENGE    
Mobile County Animal Shelter Staff and Volunteers.
 

The Mobile County Animal Shelter (MCAS) has been named one of only 50 shelters in the country to compete in the 2013 ASPCA Rachel Ray $100K Challenge. We'll be competing by getting the community involved in helping us save as many lives as possible this June, July and August. Working with you to save lives can help us win anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000 in grant money so that we can purchase a mobile adoption trailer, which will allow us to travel and hold adoption events in the unincorporated areas of Mobile County that we serve. The grant also will be used to upgrade our kennels and develop and implement a microchip program for the shelter. Our motto for the challenge is "Filling Happy Homes...One Pet at a Time".

 

You are a very important part of our life-saving efforts and we want you to know that we can't do it without you. At a minimum, to qualify for any grant award we must save 300 more lives than what we did last year. The total saved last year during the three months was 562. Our goal this year for the months of June, July and August is 862 - 1000 lives. Yes, it's a very aggressive goal but we are up to the challenge...and hope that you are too! 

 

For more information on the Mobile County Animal Shelter or to view a list of all current adoptable pets at the MCAS Click Here

semmesbullCITY OF SEMMES NEWS BULLETIN

  • The City of Semmes entered into an agreement with DEMA (Diversified Emergency Management Associates) to develop an emergency preparedness plan for the City of Semmes.  
  • The City of Semmes hired a Public Works Supervisor, Mr. Jason Franklin, and added three Public Works employees for right-of-way and road maintenance.
ADEMburnADEM REMINDS ALABAMIANS OF BURN BAN   
 







The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) is reminding Alabamians of the open burning ban that is now in effect for 12 counties across Alabama. The ban, which is designed to protect air quality, is effective from May through October and includes Baldwin, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, Morgan, Russell, Shelby, and Talladega counties. The ban is in effect each year for the warmer months to combat the formation of ground-level ozone and the generation of fine particulate matter. Prohibiting the open burning of wood, tree trimmings, brush, and debris generated by land clearing and construction/demolition activities is an effective way to reduce the formation of ground-level ozone, which is formed when volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides react in the presence of heat and sunlight. Though beneficial in the upper atmosphere, ozone is a respiratory irritant when found at ground level. In addition, fine
particulate matter can travel deep into the lungs and cause respiratory distress.
The burn ban is one of many efforts the Department utilizes to maintain air quality in Alabama. The environmental programs administered by the Department under the federal Clean Air Act support the over-arching goal of ensuring that all Alabama citizens have clean air to breath.

For more information contact Jerome Hand with the ADEM at 334-260-4500.
artfreeMOBILE MUSEUM OF ART OFFERS FREE ADMISSION TO MILITARY FAMILIES  

 

The Mobile Museum of Art is one of more than 1,800 museums across America to offer free admission to military personnel and their families this summer in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense. The offer extends to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2013.

 

Leadership support has been provided by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families. The complete list of participating museums is available at

www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

 

The free admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty U.S. military - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps - and up to five family members.

   

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday - Wednesday - Friday - Saturday - Sunday

 

10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Thursday, free admission for everyone 

 

Closed Monday

 

4850 Museum Drive | Mobile, AL 36608 | 251.208.5200

 

calendarDISTRICT 2 SUMMER CALENDAR  
MARKET ON THE SQUARE   

 

Market on the SqaureWhen: 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdays, Now through July 28

Where: Cathedral Square, Downtown Mobile

Shop for the freshest crops in town, including locally grown tomatoes, potatoes, sweet corn, cantaloupe, watermelon, seafood, flowers, plants, baked breads, pasta, casseroles, pies, handcrafted goods and so much more. Stay for live music on the green.

For more information contact City of Mobile's Neighborhood and Community Services at 208-1558

 

   

SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AT THE EXPLOREUM 

When: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Now through August 16 (week-long camps) 

Where: Gulf Coast Exploreum, 65 Government Street, Downtown Mobile 

 

Kids pre-K4 through 7th grade can enjoy amazing, science-based summer camps! From the arts and sports to forensics and engineering, there is something for everyone! All camps include two snacks each day. Campers may bring their own lunch or they may purchase lunch at the Exploreum Café.   

 

Cost: Members $130 first child, $120 for each additional sibling per camp

Non-Members $165 first child, $155 for each additional sibling per camp

 

For more information or to register Click Here or contact Jacqlyn Kirkland, Outreach Education Specialist at 208-6818.

 


WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS AT BELLINGRATH GARDENS
 
When: Wednesdays, Now through July 31
Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road

 

Every Wednesday, enjoy a special program about Bellingrath Gardens and Home, gardening, local history and nature. Wonderful Wednesdays at Bellingrath is the perfect place to bring a friend and spend time among 65 acres of blooms!

Cost: Gardens Admission ($12 for adults & $6.50 for children 5-12) is charged for non-members attending programs unless otherwise listed. There are additional charges to tour the Home and/or to take the River Cruise.

For more information on specific events Click Here or contact 973-2217, extension 110.

 

 

MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART SUMMER CAMPS

 

SUMMER FUN ART CAMPS

 

When: June 10 through August 2 

Where: Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive, Mobile 

 
With four classes a day to choose from, Art Blast runs weekly for seven weeks. Studio art and art appreciation give students hands-on experience in a variety of artistic media and techniques. Parents are welcome to enroll with their children ages 12 and older to experience the creative process together.

 

For more information or to enroll your child Click Here or contact 208-5200.  

 

 

KID'S DAY IN BIENVILLE

 

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays in June

Where: Bienville Square, Downtown Mobile

 

Join City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services for kid centered activities every Thursday in June.  Enjoy face painting, balloon sculpting clowns, a petting zoo, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Touch Lab, music, the mini horses of the Mobile Police Department's Mounted Unit and much more. These events are free and open to the public.

 

For more information Click Here or contact 208-1558.

 

 

FLAG DAY CELEBRATION   

When: 10 a.m. until noon Friday, June 14

Where: West Regional Library Branch, 5555 Grelot Road, Mobile 

 

This family event is sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution of Mobile and will feature crafts, activities, refreshments and an opportunity to learn about the history of our United States flag.

 

For more information contact Shelia Shell at 633-7999 or 438-4739.

 

 

LODA ARTWALK

 

When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, June 14  

Where: Cathedral Square Arts District, Downtown Mobile

 

Second Fridays in downtown have become quite a popular time and place to be! With the LoDa ArtWalk in its 8th year, the event seems to be getting better each month. 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.  

 

For more information Click Here or contact 208-1550. 

 


EXPLOREUM PARENTS' NIGHT OUT DURING LODA ARTWALK

When:
5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Friday, June 14
Where:
Gulf Coast Exploreum, 65 Government Street, Downtown Mobile 

 

Children ages 4 to 12 can enjoy the best in quality, informal education, entertainment and social development in a secure and structured environment while exploring the Exploreum's hands-on, interactive exhibit galleries, experience a kid-friendly feature film, make new friends, enjoy a popcorn snack with lemonade. This month's theme will be "Father's Day" and we will be making duct tape wallets along with other fun, educational related activities. Limited space available.   

 

Cost: $10 to $27 depending on date of purchase, membership status and number of children.

   

For more information or to register Click Here or contact the Exploreum at 208-6873. 

 

   

CPR AND STROKE AWARENESS CLASS

 

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 15

Where: Northwest Mobile County EMS, 10101 Moffett Road, Semmes

 

Northwest Mobile County EMS, a volunteer rescue service in Semmes will host this free Hand Only CPR and stroke awareness class. During the event, children will be able to participate in the Hug-A-Tree program which teaches what to do if they are ever lost. Along with the classes there will be ambulance tours, station tours and a free car wash.  

 

Cost: Free. Donations will be collected and will go to Northwest Mobile County EMS.

 

For more information contact 455-6821. 

 

 

BABYPALOOZA BABY & MATERNITY EXPO 

 

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 15

Where: Government Plaza, 205 Government Street, Downtown Mobile

 

Enjoy the Citywide Baby Shower celebrating expectant moms with fun and games, health seminars, product demonstrations, and giveaways.

Exhibitors range from prenatal and pediatric health and safety, to nutrition and childcare. Other exhibitors will include children's clothing and furniture boutiques, financial services, health and beauty, photographers, and more. It's an opportunity for parents to connect with a host of local resources under one roof in one day.

 

Cost: Free to attend. Registration is required.

 

For more information or to register to attend Click Here or call (205) 445-1345. 

 

 

 

 

RAISE THE ROOF PROJECT 2013 WORK WEEKS

 

When: June 16 through June 22 and June 23 through June 29. Week one is full. There is still space available for June 23 through 29.

 

Raise the Roof project is a local home repair ministry. Upon returning from a home repair mission trip to Memphis, TN, students from Mobile felt called to do similar work here at home. For two weeks, students from Mobile will help make homes safer, warmer, and dryer, while sharing their faith with homeowners through their work and relationships. They are currently looking for college interns, site supervisors and assistant site supervisors to work with the teams. 

 

For more information or to complete an internship packet Click Here or contact Dauphin Way United Methodist at 471-1511. 

 

 

 

USA BOXING JUNIOR OLYMPIC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 

 

When: Wednesday, June 26 through Saturday, June 29

Where: Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street, Downtown Mobile 

 

The Junior Olympic National Championship is where it all starts for the stars of the 15-to 16-year-old male and female United States boxing circuit and is also instrumental in helping future stars develop the skills needed to become future Olympians.

 

Cost: Tickets will be available at the door. $12 per day and "all session" passes can be purchased for $40  

 

For more information Click Here or contact the Mobile Sports Authority at 725-1794. 

 

 

7TH ANNUAL WINTZELL'S GOLF CLASSIC

 

When: 7:15 a.m. Friday, June 21

Where: Lakewood Golf Club at the Grand Hotel, Point Clear 

 

Wintzell's Oyster House is the oldest continuous sponsor of Distinguished Young Women. Owners Bob and Buffy Donlon started the Wintzell's Golf Classic to further support the program and its mission. Sponsorship of this event will ultimately contribute to the overall goals of Distinguished Young Women and help to award more than $100,000 in cash scholarships to participants along with more than $100 million in college-granted scholarship opportunities from participating schools throughout 2013.

 

For more information on sponsorships or to register Click Here or contact Scootie Dabbs at 406-2860 or email golf@wintzellsoysterhouse.com 

 

 

DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMEN NATIONAL COMPETITION 

 

When: Thursday, June 27 through Saturday, June 29 

Where: Mobile Civic Center Theater, 401 Civic Center Drive, Downtown Mobile 

 

For more than 56 years, Mobile, Alabama has been the home of Distinguished Young Women, formerly the America's Junior Miss scholarship program. Each year fifty of the nation's brightest and most accomplished young women visit the Gulf Coast to compete for more than $100,000 in cash scholarships and the opportunity to represent the program as the Distinguished Young Woman of America. While in Mobile, participants enjoy some of the area's finest attractions, participate in community service activities, and build life-long friendships. Sponsors and volunteers from the Mobile community donate their homes, time and services to make this event possible.  

 

For more information or to purchase tickets Click Here or contact 438-3621.

 

 

THE GREAT RACE FINISH LINE IN MOBILE 

 

When: Beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 30
Where:
Downtown Mobile

 

This exciting vintage car race will begin in St. Paul, Minnesota on June 20. The participants will travel south over a week with a finish line celebration on June 30 at Bienville Square followed by a social hour, dinner and awards ceremony in the Bon Secour Bay Ballroom at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza in Mobile. All events are open to the public.

 

For more information on this event Click Here or contact the Mobile Bay Visitors and Convention Bureau at 208-2100. 

 

 

CELEBRATE FREEDOM

 

When: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 3

Where: Mary G. Montgomery High School, 4275 Snow Road, Semmes


Celebrate Freedom is a one-day event for the whole family. Highlights include a car show, nearly 100 free games and activities, live bands throughout the day, and amazing fireworks in the sky.

 

Cost: $2 donation 

 

For more information Click Here or contact 342-6467. 

 

 

INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS

 

When: 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. July 4

Where: USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile

 

The City of Mobile hosts this annual fireworks display and celebration which includes live entertainment by the Mobile Pops. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the event. Alcoholic beverages and grills are not permitted in the park. This is a free and family friendly event. 

 

For more information Click Here or contact 208-1550. 

 

 

CITY OF MOBILE DISTRICT 6 COMMUNITY MEETING

 

When: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 18

Where: Christ United Methodist Church, 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile

 

This community meeting hosted by District 6 Councilwoman Bess Rich will feature a mayoral forum. To date, candidate Sandy Stimpson has confirmed his participation in the forum.

 

For more information contact Councilwoman Rich's office at 208-7441. 

 

 

80TH ANNUAL MOBILE JAYCEES ALABAMA DEEP SEA FISHING RODEO

 

When: 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, July 19 through July 21

Where: Dauphin Island

 

The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, a Project of the Mobile Jaycees, is the oldest and largest multiple species saltwater tournament in the country. The Rodeo is a 3-day Captain's Choice tournament and a Southern Kingfish Association sanctioned event. The total awards package is valued at over $400,000 and anchored with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in all categories. One Master Angler is also awarded along with cash prizes for King Mackerel (open and recreational), speckled trout and big game jackpots. The Rodeo has donated over $150,000 to the University of South Alabama Department of Marine Sciences and annually funds academic scholarships.

 

For more information or to register for this event Click Here or call 471-0025.

 

 

For more information on City of Mobile events Click Here.


 MOBILE COUNTY FINANCIAL UPDATEFinance
Through April we have completed 58% of the fiscal year. Our year-to-date revenue through April 2013 was $81,643,056.37. This represents 67.35% of budgeted FY 2013 revenue. Receipt of many of our major revenues lag by one month. Most of the property tax revenue and business license revenue is collected in December and January. The year-to-date expenditures through April are $63,362,459.48. This is 51.12% of total budgeted expenditures for the fiscal year. We expect expenditures to be below 58% on this report. The health, sanitation and culture and recreation functions are primarily appropriations that are paid quarterly. Through April, both expenditures and revenues are within expected ranges.

Click Here to view the April General Fund Budget Report.
 DISTRICT 2 ROAD PROJECTSrimpupdate 

Current District 2 road projects are moving along toward completion. Please Click Here to view a complete list of ongoing road projects in Mobile County Commission District 2.

 

seniorcenterSEMMES SENIOR CENTER NEWSLETTER  



Click Here for the latest edition.
kudos  KUDOS AND CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to the new Principal of Mary G. Montgomery High School, Mr. James Gill.

From left to right, FFA Advisor Bruce Davis, Riley Worring, Alan Whittington, Brooks Munden, Dylan Calhoun, alternate James White and FFA Advisor Richard Dorman.

Congratulations to the Mary G. Montgomery Future Farmers of America (FFA) Agri Mechanics Team. The Team won the State Competition (out of 45 teams) and will now go to Louisville, Kentucky in October for the National FFA Competition in Agri Mechanics. The second place team was 56 points behind the MGM team.
CONTACT COMMISSIONER HUDSON
   Commissioner Connie Hudson
   Mobile County Commission
   P.O. Box 1443
   Mobile, Alabama 36633
   Office: (251) 574-2000
   Office Fax:
(251) 574-2001

   Mailing Address:
205 Government Street, 10th Floor
   Mobile, Alabama 36602