Pate for governor?; TARCOG on the move; Trash Pandas sellout expected; and more in this week’s OTR

Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in North Alabama

Seeds planted for Pate’s bid for governor 

Last week, OTR ran an item about Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth’s “eight-year run for governor,” but it seems the Marshall County native hasn’t won over the entire state. In addition to those hoping Attorney General Steve Marshall will make a run for Alabama’s top office, state Ag Commissioner Rick Pate has his fair share of fans. “Rick understands the state and the business of Alabama better than anyone else. And he doesn’t have any undesirable baggage,” said one hopeful supporter. It’s two years away, but the 2026 governor’s race is already shaping up to be a doozy.

Not-so happy Trail following Kvach arrest

North Alabama continues to reel after the shocking arrest of John Kvach, the former executive director of the Singing River Trail, on child pornography charges. As one close associate put it, “This has rocked us to the core. No one would have ever suspected this.” As many in the community wonder how they could have missed any signs of misconduct leading up to his arrest, even more are working to distance themselves from the former history professor and author. High-profile individuals and organizations have been busy scrubbing the internet of any connection to the once highly esteemed community figure. 

Trash Pandas ticket sales hot as a firecracker

Toyota Field is expecting another sellout crowd for this year’s Fourth of July ballgame and fireworks show. The Trash Pandas Independence Day game sold out in 2022 and 2023. Last time we checked, there were still a few tickets available. The hometown team will be taking on the Birmingham Barons (boo, hiss!) and gates open at 5 p.m., first pitch is at 6:35 p.m., and fireworks are set for 9 p.m.    

TARCOG moving on up

The Top of Alabama Regional Council Of Governments (TARCOG) is expected to announce plans for a new building in the near future. TARCOG works with municipal, county, and state governments and federal agencies to address regional issues in DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison, and Marshall counties. The new facility will aid TARCOG’s work in community improvement, economic growth and support of seniors in the region.