Alabama News

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I often hear someone say something along the lines of, “We politely ask that you refrain from …” or “We politely decline to accept …” Silly question, but this doesn’t make sense to me: If you’re asking or doing something politely, should you actually SAY you are doing that thing politely?

GENTLE READER: The correct form is, “We respectfully ask (or decline),” which Miss Manners would normally agree is silly, except that it is not easy to convey respect in very few words.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at missmanners.com, by email to [email protected], or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Up, up and Away

It won’t be long until commercial space launches become more frequent than some people leaving the house.

The Federal Aviation Administration released a new report with launch statistics, and AL.com’s John R. Roby reports that, in 2024, space launches hit an all-time high. Which you may have expected. But you might not be aware of these numbers: There were 142 operations throughout the year by seven companies. Most launches are for satellite deployments.

The agency believes that the U.S. could be sending up more than a launch a day by the year 2034.

As goes the space industry, so goes North Alabama, the home of manufacturing and integration operations for United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin, which both sent payloads into orbit just last month.

Of those 142 launches in 2024, 118 were performed by SpaceX. Blue Origin had three launches and ULA had two.

Restarting repair work

Birmingham’s water board voted to restart work on the leaky Lake Purdy Dam, just a few days after stopping it, reports AL.com’s Joseph D. Bryant.

The decision to forge ahead came in response to some pretty blunt risk assessment. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers classified it as high hazard based on the danger of a breach.

Last week, Arcadia engineer Patrick Flannelly told the board that a dam failure would affect thousands of home and possibly kill people.

The first phase of the project will cost $28 million. Indeed, the cost issue is what led to pausing the project.

Alabama’s got talent

The Birmingham Youth & Young Adult Fellowship Choir became one of 10 acts to receive a Golden Buzzer on “America’s Got Talent,” reports AL.com’s Patrick Darrington.

That means the act impressed one judge so much that it passes right into the live round without being facing all the judges.

The choir received the Golden Buzzer from judge Simon Cowell.

The group formed in 2015. It knocked out Cowell with a rendition of “Joyful, Joyful Lord We Adore Thee” infused with some hip hop.

A lot of toilet paper

Former NFL quarterback Eli Manning was in Auburn on Tuesday for an event billed as the setting of a new Guinness World Record, according to the Auburn Plainsman and other news outlets.

Whether or not it passes the Guinness folks to be a legitimate record, reports indicate that a crowd of hundreds tossed thousands of rolls of toilet paper into the tree limbs.

The Montgomery Advertiser reports that professor Keith S. Hébert presented Manning with a plaque from Gov. Kay Ivey. He announced that a record number of 7,125 rolls of TP were chucked into two trees and that it was a world record.

The reason behind staging such a rolling of Toomer’s Corner? Manning was featuring the Auburn tradition for his ESPN show, “Eli’s Places.”

Quoting

“The Texas floods were caused by natural weather dynamics—not human interference or weather modification efforts. It was not caused by Democrats or Republicans.”

More Alabama News

Born on This Date

In 1955, former Major League Baseball player Willie Wilson of Montgomery.

The podcast

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My parents decided to throw us a housewarming party — the day after we moved our family of five into a new home. They invited some people around town who’d known me as a kid. They also invited my friends, and then asked them to invite more people. And they brought their own snacks.

We had been cleaning the apartment we had moved out of, and still needed to put up curtains and assemble beds in the new place. The guests were polite, but did not help us unpack, except for my brother, who helped me with my daughter’s bed. Was there a polite way I could have asked these unexpected guests to leave so we could continue working?

GENTLE READER: Trying to explain to guests that, while it is true they were invited to your new home, you are not responsible for making them feel welcome because you were unaware an invitation had been sent is a bit like trying to explain to the police that, although you admit to driving the getaway car, you had no idea your friend intended to rob the bank.

Your audience will be skeptical — if not outright hostile — and you cannot rely on the people who know the truth to back up your story.

Miss Manners says this to encourage you to pay greater attention to your parents’ plans in the future, in case you missed an earlier opportunity to squelch this one. By the time everyone had arrived, the most you could do politely was look so tired and overwhelmed that the guests decamped voluntarily — or pitched in.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at missmanners.com, by email to [email protected], or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Dear Annie: My husband has been coaching our 8-year-old son’s soccer team this season. At first, I thought it would be a great bonding experience for them. Our son is an active, sweet kid who used to spend hours in the yard practicing his kicks and counting down the days until the next game. But now, that excitement is gone — and I think I know why.

My husband is a very intense coach. He shouts directions from the sidelines and gets visibly frustrated when the boys mess up, and after every game, he breaks down what went wrong play by play. He even critiques our son in the car ride home. He says he’s “just being honest” and that kids need to learn discipline. But I’ve seen our son’s confidence drop. He’s gone from loving soccer to asking if he can skip practice.

He told me last week, “I don’t think I’m good at soccer anymore. Dad gets mad when I mess up.” My heart broke hearing that. This is supposed to be a recreational league — a place for kids to have fun, learn and grow — but it’s become high-stress under my husband’s watch.

I’ve tried to talk to him about backing off a little, but he gets defensive. He says the boys need structure and that he’s trying to prepare them to succeed in life. I understand his intentions, but I’m worried his style is doing more harm than good.

How do I help him see that his approach may be crushing our son’s spirit — without turning this into a bigger conflict between us? — Sideline Mom With a Heavy Heart

Dear Heavy Heart: Your concerns are valid, and your instincts as a mother are spot-on. At 8 years old, kids should be playing sports because they enjoy them — not because they’re afraid of disappointing their coach, especially when that coach is also their dad.

Your husband may believe he’s helping by pushing the team to be better, but what he may not realize is that his approach could be discouraging the very child he wants to inspire. When a child who once loved soccer starts wanting to quit, that’s a sign something is off.

I encourage you to talk to your husband again, but this time from a place of shared love for your son. Show him this letter. Let him know you admire his dedication, but remind him that building confidence and joy in the game is more important than winning. Sometimes the most valuable lessons in sports aren’t about performance; they’re about resilience, teamwork and simply having fun.

Keep standing up for your son’s emotional well-being. He’s lucky to have a mom who sees the big picture.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].

We’re in the beginning of a Uranus transit, the middle of a solar journey and on the cusp of the full moon. Like the deer growing new antlers — velvety, tender and quickly branching — life has a potent, rising energy. Something is taking shape, even if it’s still soft and unfinished. What’s your Buck Moon premonition? Maybe it’s not a full vision, but a feeling you can almost name — sharp at the edges, still warm in the center.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ve learned when to push and when to pause, and you have your finger on the button today. Guided by excellent inner timing, one tap starts a chain reaction. Trust yourself and let momentum carry you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ll notice what’s not being said — and it matters more than what is. There’s an opening here to ask a question no one else is asking. Your curiosity makes others feel seen and shifts the whole mood.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). There are those who give you just enough to keep your antennae up, tuned to the station of them. They send a familiar signal, faint but undeniably present. The chances of connection are real enough for you to wonder and slim enough to keep you spinning.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). There’s a scene you don’t want to play out again. Start there. Eliminate the unwanted and let what remains inspire a new kind of moment — honest, strange, beautiful or maybe all three. You deserve this loveliness.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You’ll get further by letting your instincts lead. Instead of weighing every decision, simply move where you’re needed. Focused generosity brings out your signature flair without forcing a single style choice.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). What looks like simplicity is actually an intricate feat of alignment. Pause to marvel at how many unseen elements had to cooperate for things to go smoothly. That awareness changes how you walk through the day.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Telling your story to a new audience unlocks a surprising twist. You’ll see your own life differently through their eyes, and the themes that rise up will point you to your next project, your next truth.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’re on a roll. Ideas keep bubbling. Don’t worry about the duds — they’ll fall away as you tend to the obvious winners. You don’t settle, and that’s what elevates you. Keep refining until it shines.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). It starts with one clear sentence, maybe two. You say what needs saying, and it unlocks the next development. Others have been thinking the same but weren’t brave enough to voice it. You’re transforming the atmosphere with your talk.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Your time is sacred. You knew this when you signed up to help, but this thing snowballed into more than expected. Still, you’ve learned something vital: you get to renegotiate. In drawing a boundary, there’s no shame — only wisdom.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). That wild spark inside doesn’t need a reason. Sometimes, rebellion is its own reward. Change the vibe, break a rule, wear something that screams. You’re rewriting your aesthetic — and it’s working. Your world takes on new heat.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). A feeling you couldn’t quite name is starting to take shape. Now that it has edges, you can do something with it — turn it into art, a conversation or your new rules. The moment you act, clarity flows in — after, not before.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 9). You’re tapped into the magic of timing this year. You’ll walk into the right place at the right moment on a regular basis, at least once a week. More highlights: Relationships deepen, even those you thought had reached their limit. You’ll be trusted with something sacred, and your care will be remembered. Your unusual work that’s been hard to place now gets the spotlight and the payment it deserves. Sagittarius and Scorpio adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 7, 11, 20, 38 and 44.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Beloved everyman and two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks is a Cancer through and through, radiating the compassion, emotional authenticity and enduring warmth the moonchildren are known for. His ability to anchor a story with heart and humanity has made him one of Hollywood’s most trusted leads for decades. Though a fixture in film, Hanks has also turned his talents toward producing and publishing, continuing to shape culture from behind the scenes.

Holiday Mathis’ debut novel, “How To Fail Epically in Hollywood,” is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.

In a truly joyful performance, the Birmingham Youth & Young Adult Fellowship Choir won a Golden Buzzer during Tuesday’s episode of ‘America’s Got Talent.’

Terry Crews, host of America’s Got Talent, posted the choir’s performance on X and congratulated the group.

The Birmingham group performed a rendition of ‘Joyful, Joyful Lord We Adore Thee’ infused with elements of hip hop.

The performance received tremendous applause from the audience and all of the judges gave a standing ovation.

Simon Cowell gave the Birmingham Youth Fellowship Choir the Golden Buzzer after thanking them for performing on the show.

”I can see and hear how much work went into this,” Cowell said.

“Every single one of you played the perfect part we had lead vocals, we had emotion. I’m so honored that you would come here on our 20th anniversary and in return I want to give you something.”

The choir’s director, Akheem Lee, said the group was started in 2015 as a way to give back to the community but it continued to grow after youth kept requesting to join the.

Lee told Cowell that the youth choir decided to audition for the show this year to demonstrate that Birmingham has talented individuals despite often being “last on the list when you think about cities in America.“

Lee said that the city has a tragic yet rich history and said that he grew up at the 16th Street Baptist Church, the church that was bombed in a 1963 white supremacy attack resulting in the death of four Black children.

“While that bombing was such a tragic situation it played such an instrumental role in bringing international attention to the civil rights struggle in America and Birmingham particularly,” Lee said.

“Sixty something years later the choir exists. So, we wanted the opportunity to show that Birmingham, Alabama has some talented young people and we want to do something great for the community.”

The choir is one of 10 acts that will be able to receive a Golden Buzzer during this season of ‘America’s Got Talent.’

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 7:55 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 8:30 p.m. for Lauderdale and Colbert counties.

Residents can expect wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 7:55 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 11 miles north of Cherokee, or 13 miles east of J P Coleman State Park, moving east at 20 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Cherokee, Underwood-Petersville, Waterloo, Threet, Margerum, Riverton, Wright and Oakland.

The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”

Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert advice

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
• Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
• Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of rapid water flow:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Visibility matters:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

On Tuesday at 7:06 p.m. a flood advisory was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 9 p.m. for Jefferson County.

The weather service describes, “Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.”

“Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas,” states the weather service. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

Your guide to weather alerts: advisories, watches, and warnings

• Flash flood warning: Take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

• Flood warning: Take action!

A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• Flood advisory: Be aware:

A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property.

• Flood watch: Be prepared:

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn’t guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists.

Keeping safe during floods: Expert advice from the weather service

In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:

Move to higher ground:

If you’re in a flood-prone area, or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.

Follow evacuation orders:

If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.

Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas:

Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.

Evacuate promptly for safety:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.

Refrain from walking in floodwaters:

Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.

Seek high ground if trapped:

In the event you become trapped by moving water, make your way to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911.

When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods. It is crucial to never drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of fast-flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and drive with care:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.

Prioritize visibility:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

• Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
• When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

There’s a corny joke that goes: Quarterbacks don’t die; they pass. And Ken Stabler did a lot of passing before he died 10 years ago today. On July 8, 2015, colon cancer claimed Stabler’s life.

Seven months later, Stabler was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Before getting the ultimate stamp of approval for his football career, “Snake” had starred in three sports at Foley High School, made his mark in the quarterback legacy of the Alabama Crimson Tide, played championship football for the Oakland Raiders and become one of Coastal Alabama’s favorite sons.

On the 10th anniversary of his death, here are 10 numbers about Stabler’s football career:

1 Million dollars was the amount offered by the Memphis Showboats of the original USFL to Ken Stabler for the 1984 season.

Showboats owner Logan Young said the Memphis offer had “everything” Stabler wanted in a contract. But the quarterback turned it down after being paid $600,000 by the New Orleans Saints in 1983, when he battled through a knee injury that required surgery after the season. Henry Pitts, Stabler’s attorney, said while the Memphis contract certainly would have “enhanced his financial future … Kenny is extremely loyal to the entire Saints organization. Something has started there, something good and exciting. He didn’t feel he’d do right by his teammates, the organization or the fans to leave at this time.” But it turned out Stabler had only three games remaining in his NFL career.

Stabler already had signed with a rival league in his career. In 1974, the Birmingham Americans of the World Football League signed Stabler to a three-year, contract, even though his contract with the Raiders wouldn’t allow him to play for Birmingham until 1976. By that time, the WFL had folded, and Stabler’s contract had been voided by an Alabama court. That occurred on Jan. 6, 1975, after the Americans didn’t deliver on the first installment on their deal with Stabler, which called for him to be paid $100,000 in 1974 and 1975 before arriving in Birmingham to complete the contract on the field in 1976 for $135,000.

3 Of the 29 greatest plays in NFL history feature Ken Stabler as the quarterback, according to the NFL, which in 2019 assembled a “blue-ribbon” committee to select the 100 greatest plays for the league’s centennial celebration. Each of Stabler’s greatest plays has a name.

Play No. 17 is the Sea of Hands. While being tackled from behind by Miami defensive end Vern Den Herder, a scrambling Stabler flipped a pass to running back Clarence Davis, who pulled the football out of a sea of hands for an 8-yard touchdown with 26 seconds left to lift Oakland to a 28-26 victory over the Dolphins in the AFC playoffs on Dec. 21, 1974.

Play No. 26 is the Holy Roller (sometimes called the Immaculate Deception by San Diego Chargers fans). The Raiders had the football at the San Diego 14-yard line facing a six-point deficit with 10 seconds to play on Sept. 10, 1978. Stabler nearly was sacked by another former Alabama standout, Chargers linebacker Woodrow Lowe, 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage, but the quarterback “fumbled” the ball forward. Raiders fullback Pete Banaszak got his hands on the loose football, but somehow managed only to keep it moving toward the end zone. Finally, Oakland tight end Dave Casper chased the football down in the end zone (after kicking it), where he recovered it for a touchdown in a 21-20 victory. After the 1978 season, the NFL changed its rules to restrict fumble advances by the offense.

No. 29 is the Ghost to the Post. Stabler connected with Casper, nicknamed “The Ghost,” on a high, arcing pass for a 42-yard gain that set up a field goal with 29 seconds left in the fourth quarter of an AFC playoff game against the Baltimore Colts on Dec. 24, 1977. The Raiders went on to take a 37-31 victory when Stabler threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Casper 43 seconds into the second overtime period.

3 Major League Baseball teams drafted pitcher Ken Stabler.

The big leagues’ interest in Stabler preceded the draft. Baseball held its inaugural First-Year Player Draft on June 8-9, 1965. Before that, amateur players could sign with the team of their choice. Stabler had nine pitching victories as a senior for Foley in 1964, when he tossed five shutouts and struck out 125. “When I was 17,” Stabler told Sports Illustrated in 1977, “the Pittsburgh Pirates offered me $50,000 to sign. But by then I’d gotten to like football. And I wanted to play for coach (Bear) Bryant.”

Stabler first appeared in the draft in 1966, when, in baseball’s second summer draft, the New York Yankees chose him with the 190th pick in June. When drafted by the Yankees, Stabler also was coming off his only appearances for the Alabama baseball team. He went 1-1 in four games with a 1.44 earned-run average and 21 strikeouts in 25 innings in the 1966 season.

When Stabler didn’t leave Alabama for the Yankees, the New York Mets picked the left-hander with the 155th choice in the January 1967 draft. (The big leagues drafted in January and June through 1986.) But Stabler again returned to play football for the Crimson Tide.

On Jan. 27, 1968, the Houston Astros used the 24th choice in the MLB draft on pitcher Ken Stabler. Three days later, the Raiders used the 52nd choice in the NFL/AFL Draft on quarterback Ken Stabler. “The club understands Stabler has not made up his mind whether to play professional football or professional baseball,” Astros general manager Spec Richardson said at the time. “We’re hoping, of course, he chooses baseball. He told us, frankly, that whoever offered the most money would get him.”

4 Alabama alumni have been chosen as the NFL Most Valuable Player, including Ken Stabler in the 1974 season.

In The Associated Press balloting for its NFL MVP Award in 1974, Stabler received 36 of the 52 votes to 10 for runner-up Terry Metcalf, a St. Louis Cardinals running back. Stabler also won the other NFL MVP honor presented that season – the Jim Thorpe Award of the Newspaper Enterprise Association.

Stabler followed Alabama alumni Don Hutson and Bart Starr and preceded Shaun Alexander as NFL MVP winners. Hutson won in 1941 and 1942 as a Green Bay Packers end, Starr won in 1966 as the Green Bay quarterback and Alexander won in 2005 as the NFL’s rushing leader for the Seattle Seahawks.

For the 1976 season, when the Raiders won Super Bowl XI, Stabler finished third in the balloting for the AP MVP Award with 16 votes, behind the 41 of Baltimore Colts quarterback Bert Jones and the 19 of Pittsburgh Steelers middle linebacker Jack Lambert. Stabler did win the Maxwell Football Club’s Bert Bell Award as the NFL Player of the Year in 1976. Since then, two other former Alabama players have received the Bert Bell Award – Alexander in 2005 and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in 2022.

5 Consecutive appearances in the AFC Championship Game were made by the Oakland Raiders from 1973 through 1977 with Ken Stabler as the starting quarterback.

The Raiders’ run was the longest conference-championship streak in the NFL’s AFC/NFC era until the New England Patriots played in eight AFC Championship games in a row from 2011 through 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs have played in the past seven AFC Championship games.

On Dec. 30, 1973, the Raiders lost 27-10 to the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Championship Game. On Dec. 29, 1974, the Raiders lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-13 in the AFC Championship Game. On Jan. 4, 1976, the Raiders lost to the Steelers 16-10 in the AFC Championship Game. On Jan. 9, 1977, the Raiders defeated the Steelers 24-7 in the AFC Championship Game. On Jan. 1, 1978, the Raiders lost to the Denver Broncos 20-17 in the AFC Championship Game.

Stabler completed 79-of-152 passes for 949 yards with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions in the five games.

10 Consecutive Oakland Raiders playoff games included a touchdown pass by quarterback Ken Stabler, the longest streak in NFL history at the time.

Stabler’s streak started in the Raiders’ 27-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Championship Game on Dec. 30, 1973, and ended in the Houston Oilers’ 27-7 loss to Oakland in an AFC wild-card game on Dec. 28, 1980, when Stabler threw for 243 yards but no touchdowns against his former team.

Stabler threw 19 touchdown passes in the 10-game streak, which had broken the record of six consecutive playoff games with a touchdown pass. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw had established that mark in playoff games after the 1972, 1973 and 1974 seasons.

12 Was the number that Stabler wore on his jersey with Foley High School, Alabama, the Oakland Raiders and the Houston Oilers.

The Alabama football program and the Raiders do not retire jersey numbers, and Stabler played only two seasons with the Oilers. But Foley has retired Stabler’s No. 12, doing so during a game against Highway 59 rival Robertsdale on Aug. 19, 2016.

For his final 25 NFL games, Stabler wore No. 16 for the New Orleans Saints. When Stabler arrived in New Orleans in 1982, quarterback Bobby Scott had No. 12. Scott had been with the Saints for nine seasons and had started 14 games during that span as Archie Manning’s backup. Eight of those starts came in 1976, when Manning missed the entire season.

Scott got hurt before the 1982 season and spent the year on injured reserve. In 1983, Scott played in the USFL for the New Jersey Generals and Chicago Blitz, but Stabler stayed in No. 16.

17 Players from Alabama high schools and colleges have been selected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame for its NFL All-Decade teams, including Ken Stabler.

Stabler made the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s All-Decade team for the 1970s at quarterback, along with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach.

Even with that honor, though, Stabler had to wait until his 27th year of eligibility before being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the Class of 2016. Bradshaw and Staubach were inducted in their first year of eligibility.

Other players with Alabama football roots selected for NFL All-Decade teams by the Pro Football Hall of Fame have been end Don Hutson (Alabama) and tackle Bill Lee (Greene County, Alabama) for the 1930s, quarterback Bart Starr (Sidney Lanier, Alabama) for the 1960s, outside linebacker Robert Brazile (Vigor), guard John Hannah (Albertville, Alabama) and punter Jerrel Wilson (Murphy) for the 1970s, Hannah, tight end Ozzie Newsome (Colbert County, Alabama) and center Dwight Stephenson (Alabama) for the 1980s, outside linebacker Kevin Greene (Auburn) and Derrick Thomas (Alabama) for the 1990s, running back Shaun Alexander (Alabama), offensive tackle Walter Jones (Aliceville), wide receiver Terrell Owens (Benjamin Russell) and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (Auburn High, Troy) for the 2000s and wide receiver Julio Jones (Foley, Alabama) and punt returner Tyreek Hill (West Alabama) for the 2010s.

59.8 Percent of Ken Stabler’s passes were completions during his NFL career.

When Stabler played his last game in 1984, he left the NFL with the highest completion percentage in the league’s history, for any player with at least 2,500 passes. Stabler completed 2,270-of-3,793 passes in 184 NFL regular-season games.

While with the Raiders, Stabler had ascended to the top of the NFL’s accuracy ratings by surpassing another Alabama alumnus, Bart Starr. Starr had held the record for the best completion rate for any player with 2,000 passes at 57.4 percent until Stabler completed 59.9 percent of his 2,481 passes for Oakland.

The current NFL completion-rate record for a player with at least 2,500 passes is 68.6 percent by Joe Burrow. Stabler’s former record now ranks 58th in league history.

103 Games were won by NFL teams with Ken Stabler as their starting quarterback.

Stabler had a 96-49-1 regular-season record and a 7-5 playoff mark, including a 32-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI on Jan. 9, 1977. Twenty-six of the victories came after game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime led by Stabler.

Stabler was the fifth NFL quarterback to start a combined 100 victories in regular-season and postseason play. He followed Johnny Unitas, Bart Starr, Fran Tarkenton and Terry Bradshaw.

Thirty quarterbacks are now on the list of 100 NFL victories. Among the 30, only Steve Young, with 102 wins in 157 starts, has fewer starts than Stabler’s 158.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

A perpetually packed parking lot is often a good thing for a restaurant. But if the parking lot’s too small it can eventually be an Achilles heel.

Unfortunately, the latter appears to be the case with Hound & Harvest, a local “backyard bistro” with parking for only about a dozen vehicles.

Since opening in summer 2023 in Huntsville’s medical district, Hound & Harvest’s tasty/healthy fare and pet-friendly al fresco experience drew a bustling business.

Now, just two years later, they’re closing down. Owner Robby Jordan tells AL.com via email, “We have made the tough decision to close because of the physical building and parking lot were not sizable enough to sustain or scale our business model.”

Before making that call, Hound & Harvest looked at relocating to Madison, Jones Valley, Hampton Cove, Five Points, South Huntsville, and Athens.

Jordan says, “They all either priced us out of the market rent-wise, as many mentioned they were looking for a national brand that would sign a 15-year lease, were not a conveniently accessible location for our ideal clientele, or would be a 12 to 24 month build process, which also is not ideal in our current economic environment.”

Hound & Harvest’s last day open will be July 13. They will close permanently at 4 p.m.

A June 8 social media statement announcing the closing included heartfelt thank you’s to their customers. That statement reads in part:

“Over the years, Hound & Harvest has been more than just a restaurant, it’s been a place where laughter was shared, memories were made, and love was served with every plate. But what made this place truly special… was you. To our loyal customers, neighbors, friends, and of course, your four-legged family members; thank you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for letting us be a part of your lives and for allowing us to serve this beautiful community, humans and hounds alike.”

Within hours there were nearly 100 replies on Facebook from Hound & Harvest customers. For example, Mary Gover commented, “I really hate to read this… Hound and Harvest is such a light in our community. You will be greatly missed.”

James Lovell added, “This is disappointing. This place is excellent and staffed by some wonderful people. We don’t have many local restaurants of this caliber.”

The Greater Huntsville Human Society’s Facebook account commented, “We are sorry to hear this news. Thank you for being a wonderful community partner to GHHS.”

Hound & Harvest was built into a 2358 Whitesburg Drive space that was formerly a doctor’s office. More recently it was the original home of Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro, before Mason Dixon relocated to 415 Church St. N.W.

Hound & Harvest’s founders included Garrett Hardee, of mobile vegan eatery Hippea Camper, and Kennan Tipton, of Northside Coffee, two business that operated out of downtown’s BeeZr Gastropub + Social Exchange, also home to Champagne Taco Kitchen and Chandlers Ford Brewing.

Our AL.com story on Hound & Harvest’s opening lauded “the food’s combination of fresh ingredients, clever preparation, accessible concepts, satisfying portions, and solid-for-stratospheric-2023-food-costs value.”

My favorite dishes there included the Bayou Fresh Tacos, generously stuffed with chili-garlic jumbo shrimp and pickled red cabbage and drizzled with creamy cilantro-forward sauce.

Or as we described it back then, “The flavors, electric and in-tune. This is the good stuff.” I’m also a fan of their Chilean Chicken Bowl, whose contents included “the sexiest carrots I’ve ever tasted.”

There were also intriguing vegan options. The Floret Tacos had gochujang glazed cauliflower, pickled carrot, a mix of toasted seeds and plant-based miso ginger dressing. A Harvest Bowl housed gochujang glazed soy, roasted broccoli, pickled carrot and red onion, edamame, white miso sauce and brown rice.

Hound & Harvest’s breakfast was one of the city’s best, in my opinion. Especially their Hot Tamale Supreme bowl, boasting plant-based chorizo and sour cream, black beans, house-made salsa, pickled red onions and avocado crème.

As we said in our 2023 coverage, “This is one soulful bowl. The kind of big breakfast you want to savor not scarf.”

Hound & Harvest is hosting a liquidation of assets through July 20 via appointment only. Interested parties can call 256-384-5135 to schedule.

So, what’s next for ownership? “The next business is unknown at the moment,” Jordan says, “but there will be a next.”