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General

Be ready for marble-sized hail with thunderstorms in Sumter County Friday

A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Friday at 3:31 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 4 p.m. for Sumter County.

Brace for marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 3:31 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from Tamola to Toomsuba to near Zero. Movement was east at 35 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Livingston, York, Cuba, Boyd, The University Of West Alabama, Old Mallard Airport, I 20 Welcome Center At Cuba, Payneville and Ward.

The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

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 ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching 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 without 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 in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

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

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

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 swollen waterways:

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

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:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

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:

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.

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.

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.

General

How Diego Pavia ruling could help an Alabama football LB in 2025

Alabama football could score at least one win from Diego Pavia. After a federal judge ruled that the Vanderbilt quarterback who helped beat the Crimson Tide was eligible to return for another season, the Crimson Tide could get some roster help for next year.

The ramifications of the ruling, which allowed Pavia to play in 2025 without counting his time playing at a non-NCAA junior college against his eligibility, could give UA linebacker Justin Jefferson another seaon. Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said he was feeling good about Jefferson’s potential return on Friday.

“I think we’re really optimistic about JJ coming back for next season, something he wants to do,” Wommack said after UA’s ReliaQuest Bowl practice. “So hopefully we’ll have some confirmation on that sooner than later. But it’s all looking like it’s in the right direction now.”

Besides Jefferson, Alabama has two inside linebackers who could be looking for an NFL future next season. Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell could both be heading out the door, so holding onto Jefferson could fill a hole in the middle of Wommack’s defense.

Jefferson started two games for the Crimson Tide this season. He took over the defense’s helmet communication duties when an injury ended Lawson’s season.

He finished the regular season with 51 tackles, including two sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. The 6-foot-1, 228-pound Jefferson joined Alabama out of Pearl River Community College before the 2023 season.

Pavia sued the NCAA earlier this season, claiming the organization’s rule counting his JuCo years against his eligibility violated antitrust laws by restricting his NIL-earning ability. He was granted a preliminary injunction by a federal judge in Tennessee, one that applied only to him for next season.

However, looking to stymie a potential slew of copycat lawsuits, the NCAA granted a waiver for 2025-26 to players who had played a year or more at a JuCo.

Meanwhile, Jefferson and Alabama are practicing for the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan. That game is scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. CT Tuesday at Raymond James Stadium, and will be aired on ESPN.

General

Flash flood warning affecting Mobile County until Friday evening

On Friday at 3:14 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning in effect until 6:15 p.m. for Mobile County.

“At 3:14 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1.5 to 2.5 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly,” states the weather service. “Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Midtown Mobile, Downtown Mobile, Prichard, I10 And I65, Tacon, Mertz, Navco, Neshota, Forest Hill, West Hill, Wheelerville, Plateau and Dawes.

The weather service adds, “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

Understanding the differences between 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 does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

When floods strike: Guidelines from the weather service for your protection

Floods can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or find yourself camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the weather service offers essential flood safety guidelines:

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:

When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of 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.

Swift evacuation for your 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:

Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services.

When heavy rain occurs, there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions. It is important to never attempt to drive through water on the road, regardless of how deep it appears. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall

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:

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:

The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Visibility matters:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

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:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
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.

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.

General

Nick Saban responds to Shane Gillis ‘cheating’ jokes: ‘He was trying to be funny’

Good thing Nick Saban understands comedy. Shane Gillis can breathe a sigh of relief, not that he ever cared.

Appearing on ESPN’s College GameDay before Indiana faced Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff last Friday, the standup comic and diehard Notre Dame fan shared a viral if awkward moment with the legendary coach when he joked about Alabama football and Saban paying players.

Later in the show, seated with Saban at the show’s desk, Pat McAfee put Gillis on the spot. “You called him a cheater earlier,” McAfee said, pointing to the longtime Alabama football head coach.

“I was just joking around,” Gillis said. “I don’t think the SEC paid players, ever.”

“I’m joking,” Gillis continued, while also roasting Saban’s hat. “Is this not a fun show? It’s a serious show? Alabama Jones is very serious. Get the whip, Indy.”

Saban did not appear to be amused by the implication. The man who won six national championships with Alabama, plus another while at LSU, before retiring after the 2023 season, takes his reputation seriously and went on to explain his process.

“I do believe in integrity,” Saban said. “I always tried to run the program that way, so players had a better chance to be successful in life. We made more money in the NFL than any other school, 61 players in the league. That was how we cheated, we developed players.”

Saban appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” Friday when the host brought up the interaction, which the coach quickly brushed off as amusing. McAfee asked if Saban had discussed it with Gillis.

“Not at all,” Saban said, drawing laughs from McAfee’s crew. “I understand he’s a comedian. I guess you’ve gotta live with it. We were trying to create value for players, and I think that’s why we were able to recruit good players.

“Whether it was how many degrees they got, how many guys went in the NFL, how many guys had careers that were very productive for them. That’s why we got good players. So that speaks for itself, and that’s all there is to it.”

Saban clarified he understood what Gillis was brought to do on the ESPN set, so no hard feelings. And it helped that someone from his inner circle gave the comedian his blessing.

“He was trying to be funny, which I get it,” Saban said. “My daughter Kristen loves him, so that’s kinda soothed the soul a little bit that somebody in our family likes the guy.”

This drew a big reaction from the McAfee panel, as the host said he hopes Saban and Gillis can spend more time together in the future.

“It would be hilarious I appreciate that you were like, ‘OK, I’m done with everybody saying this is how I went about winning,‘” McAfee said. “I think he respects it as well. A magical moment from the College Football Playoff.”

Watch the full clip below.

General

Flood advisory for Mobile County until Friday evening

The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory at 3:05 p.m. on Friday in effect until 6:15 p.m. for Mobile County.

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

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

Understanding the differences between advisories, watches, and warnings

Flash flood warning: Take action!

Flood warning: Take action!

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

Flood advisory: Be aware:

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.

Weathering the storm: Flood safety guidelines from the weather service

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 allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of 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 noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity.

Refrain from walking in floodwaters:

Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet.

Seek higher ground when 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.

During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is imperative to avoid driving through any water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the weather service, most cars can be swept away by just 12 inches of rushing water. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Slow down and drive with care:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

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 activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

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:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
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.

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.

General

What Jalen Hale return to practice means to Alabama football: ‘Thankful he’s back out there’

Jalen Hale hasn’t played in a football game since 2023.

That’s not expected to change for Alabama football’s final game of the 2024 season: The ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan on Tuesday. But Hale returning to the practice field recently has been welcomed nonetheless after he sustained a significant knee injury in the spring.

“It’s just been great to have him back out there,” Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan said Friday. “Everything he’s been through, the perseverance, the grit, the toughness. The kid loves football. He’s had a big smile on his face. His presence has uplifted everybody around him. We’re just thankful he’s back out there with us.”

During the brief media viewing period Friday while the Crimson Tide practiced for the first time at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, Hale was running routes and catching passes. He was wearing a black non-contact jersey and a brace on his left knee.

Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said earlier in December he does not anticipate Hale playing in the bowl game, but is “excited” to see Hale practicing anyway.

Hale is a sophomore receiver from Longview, Texas. He played in 13 games as a freshman in 2023. Hale caught five passes for 148 yards and on e

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.

General

Girl shot as juvenile played with gun in Mobile, police say

A girl is being charged with assault after police say she was playing with a gun and another juvenile was struck by gunfire in Mobile.

The Mobile Police Department said the victim arrived at a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening on Thursday at about 8:30 p.m.

Police did not release the age of either of the girls.

The shooting happened in a vehicle in the area of Cottage Hill Road and Schillinger Road when one of the girls was playing with a gun, according to MPD.

Police said the girl is being charged with second-degree assault and a charge of certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm.

Police did not say where the girl got the gun.

According to Everytown For Gun Safety’s national index, there have been at least seven unintentional shootings by children in Alabama this year, resulting in two deaths.

According to the index there have been 305 unintentional shootings by children across the country in 2024. As a result 116 people have died and 194 have been injured.

The gun violence prevention organization says that one of the best ways to prevent unintentional shootings by children is to have proper and secure gun storage.

Alabama currently has no laws requiring gun owners to store or prevent child from accessing their weapons. Nor does the state have any penalties for a gun owner if a child gains access to a gun.

Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, sponsored a bill during the 2024 legislative session that would have penalized legal guardians if a weapon is not reasonably secured and a child brings the weapon onto public school property.

The measure did not make it through the Alabama legislature.

General

How new JUCO ruling could affect Auburn men’s basketball

While much of the talk surrounding the NCAA’s recent ruling that gives seniors who spent time in junior college an extra year of eligibility has been about football, Auburn men’s basketball could also benefit greatly from the decision.

Two Auburn starters, Denver Jones and Chad Baker-Mazara, are both in their final year of eligibility, but each spent one year at the JUCO level.

The new ruling could potentially grant both players an extra season, something that would give Auburn — a team expected to lose multiple key contributors after this season — a huge boost in the 2025-2026 season.

“Chad and Denver are both in the last year of their eligibility having played one year in junior college. There would be an anticipation they would qualify, but that’s something we’re checking into with the SEC office,” Bruce Pearl said when asked about the ruling on Friday.

How exactly the ruling will be implemented in college basketball is still unclear but could give both players a chance to return. The regulations around it will be important to monitor for Jones and Baker-Mazara, who have played four seasons at the Division I level.

Both are in their fifth season of college basketball in the 2024-2025 season, using their extra year granted to them due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted the 2020-2021 season.

Jones spent that season at the JUCO level, while Baker-Mazara spent a season each at Duquesne and San Diego State, before playing JUCO basketball at Northwest Florida State College in 2022-2023.

Addarin Scott, a senior who is currently sitting out with the plan to redshirt, is Auburn’s only other former JUCO player, now in his second season at Auburn. Pearl shared on Friday that he plans to redshirt this season to make him available next year, but the JUCO ruling could make redshirting unnecessary for him to come back.

Despite having yet to play in a game this season, Scott is a senior, meaning that the ruling could potentially apply to him to get an extra year of eligibility.

“Addarin hasn’t played this year with the idea of potentially being a redshirt.” Pearl said. “I don’t know what that would even do with his redshirt because right now, the way I understand it, no matter whether you played one or two years in junior college you would only get one year back. It’s definitely something we’re looking at.”

If he’s only able to get one more year anyway, regardless of the redshirt, it could allow Auburn to play him this season. If both the extra year and the redshirt are counted, then Scott could have two more seasons, assuming he does redshirt and doesn’t play the rest of this season.

Overall, the ruling potentially allows Auburn to retain a much larger piece of its core next season than initially expected. With starters like Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell already departing after this season, getting experienced impact players like Jones and Baker-Mazara back would go a long way.

General

Legendary Birmingham rocker sings tribute to Lovelady founder at memorial

Hundreds of people gathered Friday morning at the Church of the Highlands to honor the life of Lovelady Center founder Brenda Lovelady Spahn, who died Dec. 18 at age 75.

Spahn helped rehabilitate nearly 20,000 women, many of them former prison inmates or drug addicts, who stayed at the Lovelady Center that she founded in Birmingham in 2004.

Many of the women, who call themselves “the Loveladies,” were in the auditorium for the memorial. But Spahn spiritually rehabilitated others too, including a legendary Birmingham rock musician who sang one of his original songs as a tribute to her.

Kevin Derryberry, former singer and keyboardist for the band Telluride, told his own story of redemption. Derryberry was a songwriter for Telluride who penned one of the band’s best known songs, “Birmingham Tonight.” Telluride was a popular regional rock band that played Birmingham clubs and venues across the South through the 1980s and 1990s.

Derryberry said he met Spahn during his rock and roll days, when she was a tax preparer. He drove to a trailer in Springville and waited in line for her to do his taxes. Like many people Spahn met, they became friends.

“I met the most fascinating woman I’ve ever met in my life, Brenda Lovelady Spahn, ” Derryberry said. “She did my taxes for years.”

Although she made a living preparing taxes, Spahn handed out spiritual advice for free.

“One day when I went in to get my taxes done, I told her, ‘Brenda, I’ve messed up my life. I’m in a rock band and I’ve been drinking and partying. The doctors are giving me six months to live.’ She just sat there and cried and prayed with me.

“She said, ‘God’s got a plan for you, Kevin.’ I said, ‘Brenda, I’m too far away.’ And she said, ‘You’re not that far.’ We sat there and cried and prayed.

“I walked out and I was crying and everybody in line waiting to get their taxes done, they saw me crying and thought, ‘He must owe a lot of money.’ Later that day, it was April 6, 1996, I was in my car. I pulled over to the side of the road. I cried out to God and asked him to forgive me. He did. He changed my heart and gave me a firm place to stand, my Jesus Christ.”

Choking up as he sat at a keyboard telling the story, he held back tears. “I don’t know where I’d be right now if God hadn’t sent Brenda to rescue me.”

He then played a song he wrote recently, “Coming Home, Sweet Jesus,” which he felt inspired by God to write.

“Today I realized it was for you, Loveladies,” he said.

Among the other speakers was Brandi Mizell Jackson, who went to the Lovelady Center in 2008 after she was released from the Tutwiler Prison for Women. She later worked on the staff from 2011-2016.

“She always saw the best in people, no matter where they were in life,” Jackson said. “We are Lovelady strong,” she said, as the women in the audience cheered.

State Sen. Linda Coleman Madison also spoke. “She was a trailblazer,” Madison said. “Her light has not gone out. It shines in you and me.”

Spahn founded the ministry to women in 2004 by inviting seven former inmates of the Tutwiler Prison for Women to live in her home.

She later converted the former East End Hospital in East Lake into a residential center to help women rehabilitate and recover, while also housing their children.

Three years ago, Spahn turned day-to-day leadership of the Lovelady Center over to her daughter, who had been helping her since the beginning of the ministry. Melinda MeGahee now serves as executive director.

MeGahee spoke and recalled when her mother first showed her the old East End Hospital and proposed renovating it as a home for women. It seemed crazy at the time, MeGahee said. “To watch Mom in action was fascinating and sometimes scary,” she said. “She said, ‘Do you know how many lives God can change in a place like this?’”

Her mother could not be persuaded otherwise, she said.

“She had a fire and zeal that only comes from God,” MeGahee said.

You can watch the memorial service on this YouTube video, with Derryberry taking the stage at the one-hour mark of the two-hour service.

Lovelady Center founder Brenda Spahn, shown in her office in 2008, died Dec. 18, 2024. (Photo by Tamika Moore/AL.com)bn

Legendary Birmingham rocker sings tribute to Lovelady founder at Church of the Highlands memorial

General

Legendary classic rock band performs final show: ‘This music is not gonna die’

REO Speedwagon have performed their final show, at least under their iconic name.

The classic rock legends, who formed in Champaign, Illinois, in 1967, ended their historic run on Dec. 21 at the Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas, with lead singer Kevin Cronin addressing the crowd.

A Louder Sound recap of the show said Cronin thanked the band’s management as well as the band’s cofounders and original members like Alan Gratzer and Neil Doughty.

“We couldn’t have done it without any of those guys, so I feel sadness that this is the final REO Speedwagon concert and at the same time I feel grateful to have been part of this incredible ride we’ve all been brothers on, this amazing musical journey called REO Speedwagon, and I wish you all nothing but the best, and when I say ‘you’ I mean everyone who’s been part of this band part of our crew and part of the REO Speedwagon fan family,” Cronin said, according to Louder Sound.

Cronin said the REO Speedwagon name “is being retired tonight, but the music, the spirit, the songs of REO Speedwagon will live on with this band and with me under the name Kevin Cronin.”

Read the full recap.

Cronin also thanked the packed house and invited tour crew members to the stage. “We don’t do this on our own,” Cronin said. “We get all the glory, but it’s these dudes who work behind the scenes.”

“We’ll see you next year as ‘Kevin Cronin,’” he told the crowd, in a clip shared on the band’s official Facebook page. “This music is not gonna die, my friends.”

Cronin will continue to play solo concerts with the same touring lineup, who will still play REO Speedwagon songs.

The band in September announced on social media they would no longer perform together, citing “irreconcilable differences” between Cronin and bassist Bruce Hall.

“To our fans: Bruce has intended to be back on the road again by now,” a statement on the band’s Instagram page read. “If it were up to just him, he’d be back on tour … but it’s not up to just him. The consensus opinion was that he had not recovered sufficiently to be able to perform at the level the fans have come to expect. Bruce respected that opinion and is grateful that Matt has been around to keep the Wagon rolling through the summer tour. Bruce never had any intention of retiring or walking away from the band, fans, and crew he has loved for almost 50 years.

“For Kevin’s part, he too has never had any intention of leaving the band, and the fans and crew mean the world to him, as well,” the statement continued. “Due to his complex situation, irreconcilable differences arose between Bruce and Kevin. So, it is with great sadness that we announce REO Speedwagon will cease touring effective January 1, 2025. Neal, Kevin, and Bruce thank their fans for all their years of loyal support and for giving back to the band such wonderful memories that will remain with each of them forever.”

The Grammy-nominated group’s final lineup consisted of lead singer Kevin Cronin, guitarist Dave Amato, bassist Bruce Hall, keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Bryan Hitt.

The band sold more than 40 million records thanks to hits like “Keep On Loving You,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Take It on the Run” and “Keep the Fire Burnin’.”

Hall had back surgery in late 2023, according to a November social media post from the band. Musician Matt Bissonette had been filling in for the bassist.

After the breakup announcement, Hall released a statement on his official Facebook page. “Never ever thought it would end like this and I’m heartbroken,” he wrote. “Please know Neal and I did everything in our power to try and keep the Wagon rolling. I am so appreciative of ALL the amazing love & support. You guys have been very vocal and clear in your wishes for me to return to the stage. Trust me…that’s all I wanted too. We all deserved a farewell tour.

“For the record, I wanted REO Speedwagon to continue to tour with the lineup of Kevin, myself, Dave, Bryan and Derek. Just as it was prior to my necessary, planned and successful back surgery.”

Kevin Cronin reacts as Reo Speedwagon walks out out on stage to perform during the Great Allentown Fair on Aug. 30, 2023.Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com