Sutton favored, PGA in Hazel Green, and June Jam ‘Feels so right’

Off The Record: Latest rumors and rumblings in North Alabama

Sutton rumored favorite 

The Huntsville City Board of Education is down to three finalists in their search for a new superintendent to replace the recently retired Christie Finley. Current interim Huntsville Schools Superintendent Clarence Sutton is rumored to be the top pick over Jermaine Dawson of Birmingham and Bren Elliott of Washington, D.C. Board members are set to vote June 13.  

LIV coming to Hazel Green?

Remember when we told you in a March OTR talks were underway to bring a PGA course anchored development to North Alabama? The surprise PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger has shocked many in the golf world and beyond. LIV, funded by Saudi Arabia’s near limitless PIF, will be the sole investor in the new as of yet unnamed entity. However, according to a press release, the PGA will still be responsible for operations of their own tour, including site selections.  

June Jam triumphs! 

After a 26-year absence, the June Jam returned to enormous success. The legendary country music band Alabama started June Jam in 1982 and brought their famous friends to Fort Payne for an annual concert over the span of 15 years. This year’s triumphant return brought more friends, including Randy Travis, Jamey Johnson, Jake Owen, The Oak Ridge Boys, Chapel Hart and many more, to the DeKalb County VFW Fair Grounds this past Saturday. The June Jam also raised what’s being called an incredible amount of money to benefit those in need and disaster relief in and around the state. Alabama’s favorite sons will be back with another June Jam next year.  

Congrats to Sorrell

Congratulations are in order for Alabama State Auditor Andrew Sorrell. The first term auditor and his family have welcomed a new baby girl. You might remember Sorrell’s wife and first-born daughter played a starring role in his popular election ads, featuring the then-baby listening attentively to her father explain the importance of the state auditor’s role. No word yet if the newest addition will be making an appearance in future spots.  

McGrath the crimefighter

A local Realtor turned into a crime fighter this week after a string of car break-ins and stolen cars hit her neighborhood. Emily McGrath, who lives in the Berry Farm neighborhood off Wall Triana in Madison County, woke up Wednesday morning and found her laptop and air pods had been stolen from her car. She soon heard similar stories from neighbors including word of a stolen Toyota. Emily soon realized that her air pods were still broadcasting their location and contacted the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. She worked to guide officers throughout the day as the air pods changed locations enabling officers to make multiple arrests and find several stolen vehicles – including her neighbor’s Toyota. Unfortunately, Emily’s laptop was not found but she did recover her lucky air pods. 

Check back

Occasionally I am sworn to such secrecy that only the vaguest of vocabulary is allowed.  Forgive the lack of further details but y’all check back at 256 Today this very afternoon for some very big news out of the Shoals. It seems a 40-year wish may finally be granted.

Have a rumor or rumbling to share? Email [email protected].