Kay Ivey sworn in for her second full term
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and other state constitutional officers will be sworn in today in Montgomery. Gov. Ivey, Attorney General Steve Marshall, Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, and Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate will be sworn in for their second term. Secretary of State Wes Allen and State Auditor Andrew Sorrell will be sworn in for their first terms. State Treasurer Young Boozer returns for another term. The festivities began Sunday with the Made in Alabama Reception at the Alabama Governor’s Mansion. The traditional Morning Prayer Service was held at 8:15 am. The Governor began inauguration day with an early morning prayer service at her home church, First Baptist Church in Montgomery. The Swearing-in Ceremony followed at 10:00 am. With one hand on the Bible, Governor Ivey took the oath of office on the Alabama State Capitol steps and was sworn into her second term as governor. The investiture ceremony for new Associate Alabama Supreme Court Justice Greg Cooke was on Friday. All of Alabama’s Constitutional Officers are Republicans since Democrats have been able to field a competitive slate of candidates since 2008 as the state increasingly tends to vote overwhelmingly Republican. Following the swearing-in ceremony, there will be a celebratory parade to mark the inauguration and another peaceful transfer of power. The parade will follow up Dexter Avenue to the historic 1859 State Capitol Building. The parade will showcase and celebrate Alabama’s diverse communities and talent. Attendance at the parade is free for all Alabamians and their families. Ivey will host an exclusive donor reception at 6:00 pm for her donors to thank those supporters who went above and beyond to keep Alabama working. The Inaugural Gala will follow at 7:00 pm. A formal gala will be held to commemorate Alabama’s first Republican female governor and celebrate Governor Ivey’s dedication to keep Alabama growing. Ivey was born on a cattle farm in Wilcox County during World War II on October 15, 1944. She is the oldest governor in the country. She graduated from Auburn University, where she served in the school’s student government association. She worked as a teacher in California before returning to Alabama, where she has held several posts in state government, including serving in Gov. Fob James’ cabinet and working for Speaker of the House Joe McCorquodale. Ivey served two terms as State Treasurer from 2003 to 2011. In 2010 she shocked the political world by unseating Lieutenant Governor Jim Folsom Jr. in the 2010 Republican wave election that gave the GOP undivided control of the Alabama State government. Ivey was re-elected Lt. Gov in 2014. She was elevated to governor in April 2017 when then-Governor Robert Bentley resigned rather than be impeached. Ivey was elected in 2018 and then re-elected last November. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Personnel update: Jake Jacobs to be Southeast regional director for Philip Morris International (PMI)
Philip Morris International (PMI) is expanding its domestic footprint with a particular focus on Alabama. With this in mind, they have recently hired nationwide regional directors. Alabama native Jake Jacobs to serve as the regional director for the Southeast. “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Director External Affairs, Southeast Region at Philip Morris International!” Jacobs announced on Linkedin. Jacobs was previously the Director of Government Relations for Aventiv Technologies. Prior to that, he served as the Director Of Governmental Affairs for Voices for Alabama’s Children. Jacobs served three years as Aide-de-camp & Public Affairs Specialist for Alabama Governor Robert Bentley. Jacobs is also a First Lieutenant in the Maryland National Guard. He graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and government. PMI is the global leader in smoke-free alternatives to combustible cigarettes. The company is preparing to enter the U.S. commercial market for cigarette alternatives. Amanda Wheeler, previously the co-founder and president of the American Vapor Manufacturers Association, will serve as regional director of external affairs for the Southwest region. Paul Blair, previously the vice president of government affairs for Turning Point Brands, has been hired as regional director of external affairs for the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions. Abby Jewett, previously regional vice president of external and legislative affairs for AT&T in New England, joins as regional director of external affairs for the Northeast region. Chris Newbry, previously vice president of government affairs for the Cigar Association of America, Inc., joins as regional director of external affairs for the Western region. All five will report to Washington, D.C.-based Kristin Reif, head of PMI’s state government affairs office. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Marshall announces that the Court of Criminal Appeals upholds murder conviction in Tuscaloosa County
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced on Tuesday that the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the murder conviction of Kennetha Lee Anderson, age 46, of Tuscaloosa County. Anderson was convicted in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court on April 26, 2022, for the murder of Quintin Benson. “Mr. Anderson wrongly took the life of someone who he believed wronged him many years ago,” said AG Marshall. “Our criminal justice system does not allow individuals to take the law into their own hands.” On September 15, 2019, Anderson shot and killed Benson because Benson had allegedly robbed Anderson some twenty years earlier. Tuscaloosa County District Attorney Hays Webb’s office successfully prosecuted the case and obtained a guilty verdict. Anderson was sentenced to life imprisonment for his crime. Anderson appealed his conviction to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. The Attorney General’s Criminal Appeals Division handled the case during the appeals process, arguing for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals to affirm Anderson’s conviction. The Court found in favor of prosecutors and the AG’s office in a decision issued Friday, December 9, 2022. Attorney General Marshall commended Assistant Attorney General John E. Owen for his successful work on this case and thanked District Attorney Webb and his staff for their valuable assistance in defending the murder conviction. Marshall will begin his second term as Alabama Attorney General after a successful re-election campaign in 2022. Marshall was the longtime district attorney of Marshall County before being appointed AG by then-Gov. Robert Bentley in 2017. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
DA drops charges against Perry Hooper
On Monday, the Montgomery District Attorney dropped the sex abuse charge against former State Representative Perry Hooper Jr. after his accuser asked that the charges be dropped. “The State of Alabama has concluded that without the victim’s testimony and cooperation, the evidence would be insufficient to attain a conviction,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Azzie Taylor wrote in a motion filed in Montgomery County Circuit court on Monday morning. Hooper, age 68, was indicted on sex abuse charges by a Montgomery County grand jury last month. Hooper was arrested in August after an incident at a downtown Montgomery restaurant on Commerce Street. The alleged victim, Elizabeth Daly, wrote in a statement released to Alabama Today, “I have asked that any charges against Perry Hooper be dismissed. The matters relating to Mr. Hooper and me have been resolved, and going through the turmoil of a trial would provide no more justice than getting a sincere public apology from Mr. Hooper. I so respect and appreciate law enforcement and the job they have to perform. Nevertheless, I request these charges be dismissed.” Daly has asked that the press respect her privacy and not contact her. When asked for comment, Hooper told Alabama Today to refer all questions to his attorney. Hooper is a member of the Alabama Republican Party Executive Committee representing Montgomery County and a member of the Board of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Hooper was a frequently published political commentator whose columns were frequently published at 1819 News and the Montgomery Advertiser. According to an affidavit, Hooper approached a woman (Daly) working at a restaurant from behind and allegedly grabbed her breasts and waist in an unsolicited embrace while shoving his pelvis against the victim’s backside and began kissing her neck before she was able to break free. Hooper’s next court date was scheduled for December 21 with Circuit Judge J.R. Gaines. Hooper is represented by veteran Montgomery defense attorney Joe Espy. Hooper served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 1983 to 2002. Hooper was an early backer of Donald Trump in the 2016 Republican primary season and chaired the Trump Victory Fund in the 2016 campaign. Hooper was a frequent visitor to the Trump Whitehouse and Trump’s Mar-A-Lago Resort. Hooper’s father, Perry Hooper Sr. – now deceased, was the first Republican Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court since Reconstruction. Hooper is married and has three sons and a number of grandchildren. Hooper Jr. was one of six finalists that then-Gov. Robert Bentley considered for appointment to the U.S. Senate in 2017. That appointment instead went to Luther Strange. Hooper endorsed Strange rather than running in the Republican primary. Former Chief Justice Roy Moore defeated Sen. Strange in the primary but lost to Clinton-era U.S. Attorney Doug Jones in the special election. An indictment is merely the finding by a grand jury that the prosecution has presented enough evidence for a jury trial to take place. An indictment is simply a formal accusation. Under the American justice system, all persons are presumed innocent unless found guilty by a jury of their peers. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Political consultant Angi Horn promotes made in Alabama products for holiday season
Bama in a Box is an online retailer based in Troy. Bama in a box has launched a holiday shopping campaign to encourage Alabamians to keep their holiday shopping dollars in Alabama while simultaneously supporting small businesses across the state. Bama in a Box was launched by entrepreneur and political consultant Angi Horn during the COVID-19 global pandemic as a way to give consumers exposure to quality-made products while giving Alabama small businesses, many of whom lacked marketing budgets, exposure to new customers. Now, Bama in a Box wants to take that same “Shop Local” mentality that was their focus during the forced economic shutdowns and the pandemic paranoia and promote it in the minds of Christmas shoppers. Horn is a former Governor Robert Bentley adviser and helped with Wes Allen’s campaign. “The majority of almost every household’s gifting budget is spent during the Christmas season,” Horn said. “By choosing to buy your Christmas presents as Alabama-owned businesses instead of spending them with large national and international companies means that Alabama businesses benefit from your holiday purchases instead of companies based out of state or out of the country.” Bama in a Box tries to make the process of holiday shopping in Alabama as easy as possible by curating a large line of specialty gift boxes that are comprised completely of Alabama-made products. These boxes are designed to target the needs of most Christmas shopping lists. Every included item is an Alabama-made item from an Alabama-owned business. “Every specialty gift box that Bama in a Box has for Christmas represents 5-7 Alabama small businesses,” Horn said. “With each gift, you are giving your money to Alabama entrepreneurs across the state, and you are keeping your tax dollars in Alabama to help our schools, our hospitals, and our roads instead of sending them out of state where you see no benefit from them. We are trying to make it easy to shop Alabama by creating a one-stop-shop, but we just want everyone to buy from Alabama-owned businesses. If they buy from us, great. If they buy from a different Alabama-owned company, that is great too! Just buy Alabama!” Horn said that Bama in a Box was born from the frustration caused by the coronavirus pandemic of 2020. As a small business owner, she understood first-hand how hard the pandemic regulations were on small businesses. As a consumer, she realized how difficult it was to find products that were made in America and even harder to find those that were made in Alabama. After some research, Horn found more than 500 high-quality products that most people use regularly are produced right here in Alabama. After a conversation with her associate, Laney Kelley, Horn realized that Alabama small businesses needed a more convenient way to get their products in front of potential customers and that people needed more convenient access to products made in Alabama. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Republican Kay Ivey wins 2nd full term as Alabama governor
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey easily won a second full term Tuesday against Democrat Yolanda Flowers, the first Black woman to win a major party’s gubernatorial nomination in the state, after surviving both a health scare and multiple Republican challengers in the primary. Smiling broadly and wearing a bright red jacket, Ivey took the stage before a huge American flag and waved to cheering supporters at a campaign celebration held at a restaurant in Montgomery. “Y’all, we did it!” she exclaimed. While Flowers’ candidacy was an interesting historical footnote, it posed no real threat to the GOP’s control of all three branches of government in a majority white, conservative state where voting patterns typically break down by skin color. Flowers closed her campaign with days of fasting and a lengthy prayer shown on Facebook. Libertarian Jimmy Blake, a former Birmingham City Council member, also was on the ballot. Ivey, who turned 78 in October, avoided a runoff in the spring despite facing a slate that included eight Republican challengers who forced her to the right. Ivey repeated former President Donald Trump’s lies about election theft and aired a campaign commercial in which she pulled a pistol out of her purse. Following the primary, Ivey — who was diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer in 2019 and later said the disease was gone — was faced with questions about her health after she disappeared from public view for almost three weeks during the summer. She refused to say whether she underwent any medical treatment. While Ivey’s absence made headlines, any doubts or concerns about her health didn’t have any effect on her chances of victory. At her party, a jubilant Ivey thanked voters. “Folks, there’s no doubt that the best is yet to come because we all know there’s no step too high for a high stepper,” said Ivey, repeating a campaign mantra. In her re-election bid, Ivey mostly ignored her opponents and instead touted the state’s low unemployment rate and opposition to the policies of Democratic President Joe Biden. She had a campaign bank balance of more than $200,000 at the end of September compared to just $546 for Flowers, records showed. Ivey first became governor in April 2017, when she was elevated from the office of lieutenant governor following the resignation of Robert Bentley, who quit in a plea agreement following a scandal over his relationship with a female staffer. Ivey defeated an experienced, well-known Democratic challenger, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, by 20 percentage points in 2018 to claim her first full term. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
Republican Kay Ivey poised for re-election as Alabama governor
After surviving both a health scare and a full slate of Republican challengers in the primary, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is poised to win a second full term Tuesday against Democrat Yolanda Flowers, the first Black woman to win a major party’s gubernatorial nomination in the state, and a third candidate. While Flowers’ candidacy is an interesting historical footnote, it posed little threat to the GOP’s control of all three branches of government in a majority-white, conservative state where voting patterns typically break down by skin color. The only real question may be the size of Ivey’s victory in a race that included Flowers, an educator and political unknown who campaigned heavily on her Christian faith and justice issues, and Libertarian Jimmy Blake, a former Birmingham City Council member. Ivey, who turned 78 in October, avoided a runoff in the spring despite facing eight Republican challengers who forced her to the right. Ivey parroted former President Donald Trump’s lies about election theft and aired a campaign commercial in which she pulled a pistol out of her purse. After the primary, Ivey — who was diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer in 2019 and later said the disease was gone — was faced with questions about her health after she disappeared from public view for almost three weeks during the summer. She later refused to say whether she underwent any medical treatment. While Ivey’s absence made headlines, any doubts or concerns about her health haven’t seemed to have any effect on her chances of victory. In her re-election bid, Ivey has ignored her opponents and instead touted the state’s low unemployment rate and opposition to the policies of Democratic President Joe Biden. She had a campaign bank balance of more than $200,000 at the end of September compared to just $546 for Flowers, records showed. Ivey first became governor in April 2017, when she was elevated from the office of lieutenant governor following the resignation of Robert Bentley, who quit in a plea agreement following a scandal over his relationship with a female staffer. Ivey defeated an experienced, well-known Democratic challenger, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, by 20 percentage points in 2018 to claim her first full term. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
Wal-Mart agrees to pay state $44 million opioid settlement
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced on Monday a $44 million statewide agreement with Walmart to fund opioid abatement in Alabama’s cities and counties. This is the fifth settlement negotiated by the Attorney General to address the opioid crisis in Alabama and comes with the promptest payout for local governments. “Many of Alabama’s cities and counties have been pummeled by an epidemic that began with prescription opioids and has intensified to illicit opioids like heroin and fentanyl,” Marshall said. “In fact, this year, fentanyl and other opioids were recorded as the number one greatest drug threat in the State of Alabama. The agreement we have reached with Walmart will accelerate another funding stream to our locals, providing immediate aid to their fight against addiction and overdose.” According to the terms of the agreement, Walmart will pay $35.7 million dollars to Alabama’s local governments for the purpose of opioid abatement, while three million dollars will be dedicated to improving the connectivity and integration of Alabama’s local court systems. “I am especially pleased that Walmart has agreed to fund technological improvements for our local courts,” said Marshall. “Our district and circuit courts have borne a great share of the burden of navigating this epidemic. After conversations with judges in some of the hardest-hit areas of our state, I was determined to recover funding for this effort. Fortunately, Walmart recognized the lasting value of what we are trying to build.” The total value of the agreement is $44.2 million, less $5.5 million for attorneys’ fees. The State of Alabama was not a plaintiff in the case against Walmart. Instead, the Attorney General negotiated the statewide deal on behalf of local entities, many of which had sued Walmart as Walmart pharmacies filled many of the opioid prescriptions that were prescribed to Alabamians by unscrupulous physicians. Many Alabamians who are addicted to these pain pills have since gone to the black market to feed their addictions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) over 107,622 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2021. 71,238 of those deaths were attributed to fentanyl which is being smuggled in mass across the lawless southern border. To date, Attorney General Marshall has sued seven opioid-related defendants and has finalized settlements valued at more than $300 million for the state and its local governments to combat the scourge of opioids across Alabama. Last week Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens agreed to pay $13.8 billion for their role nationally in the opioid crisis that has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans and left many more struggling with dependency issues. Marshall was a longtime district attorney in Marshall County. He was appointed AG by then-Gov. Robert Bentley in 2017 and elected to his own term as AG in 2018. He is running for a second term on Tuesday, where he faces Democratic nominee Tarrant Police Chief Wendell Major. The polls will open at 7:00 am and close at 7:00 pm. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Republicans are hoping for another sweep in 2022 election
On Tuesday, Alabama voters are going to the polls to elect new leaders for the state. The Alabama Republican Party is hoping to see history repeat itself again in this election, and they will maintain their dominant position in Alabama politics. “Just a reminder that if you are tired of sky-high gas prices, out-of-control inflation, and rising crime, you have a choice. Vote Republican tomorrow on Election Day,” the Alabama Republican Party wrote on Facebook Monday. Alabama Republicans hope that this election follows the script of recent Alabama elections. In 2010, the Alabama Republican Party won every statewide office on the ballot. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby was easily re-elected to another term. Republican nominee for Governor, State Rep. Robert Bentley, defeated his Democratic opponent Ag Commissioner Ron Sparks. Then Treasurer Kay Ivey defeated incumbent Lieutenant Governor Jim Folsom in a race that even most Republicans at the time thought was a long shot. The people of Alabama, however, had grown tired of Alabama Education Association-dominated Democrats and found President Barack Obama’s policies too liberal for Alabama. National voters agreed, and 2010 was a massive “red wave” election that gave Republicans control of both Houses of Congress. In Alabama, Republicans won supermajorities in both Houses of the Alabama Legislature after 135 years of Democratic domination of the state legislature. In 2014 Bentley, Ivey, and the rest of the Alabama GOP were back. Bentley faced former Congressman Parker Griffith, and Ivey faced former State Rep. James Fields. Democrats viewed the 2014 election as so hopeless that they did not even find a candidate to run against popular U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions. The Alabama voters once again rewarded Republicans with every statewide office on the ballot, and they grew their supermajorities in both Houses of the Legislature. In 2018, Bentley was gone, and Ivey had been elevated to Governor. Shelby was reelected to a sixth term in 2016. Democrats, however, were optimistic because their nominee for U.S. Senate, Doug Jones, had just defeated the Republican nominee, former Chief Justice Roy Moore in a special election. It had been the first win for an Alabama Democrat in a statewide race since 2008. Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard, who had masterminded the Republican campaigns in 2010 and 2014, had been convicted of corruption in 2016 (he is still in prison to this day). None of that mattered. Ivey easily bested her Democratic opponent, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. In the Lieutenant Governor’s race, State Rep. Will Ainsworth defeated his Democratic opponent, Florence Pastor Dr. Will Boyd. The Republicans also grew their supermajorities in the state legislature. Former Auburn head football coach Tommy Tuberville beat Sen. Jones in a landslide in 2020, so once again, there is no statewide Democratic officeholder in Alabama. On Tuesday, Ivey is seeking her second full term as governor. This time she faces political newcomer Yolanda Flowers and a Libertarian – Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake. Ainsworth faces Libertarian Ruth Page Nelson. Democrats failed to run a Lt. Gov. candidate. Shelby is retiring after 36 years in the Senate and 52 total years in office. His former Chief of Staff, Katie Britt, is the Republican nominee for Senate. She faces Boyd and Libertarian John Sophocleus. This is the first election since 2002 where there are Libertarians on the Alabama ballot. There are a lot of parallels between the 2022 election and the 2010 election. Once again, Democrats control both Houses of Congress and an unpopular Democratic Presidential incumbent, former Obama VP Joe Biden, is in the second year of his presidency. Many political analysts are predicting that Tuesday will be a second “red wave” election, like 2010, that will sweep Democrats out of office and give Republicans control of both Houses of Congress again. Alabama Republicans are hoping this is true of Alabama as well, and the GOP will retain its almost total mastery of Alabama politics. That is for the voters of Alabama to decide. Polls will open at 7:00 am and close at 7:00 am. Voters need to bring a valid photo ID with them to the polls. Various forms of photo ID are acceptable. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Kay Ivey, Yolanda Flowers facing off this fall in gubernatorial race
Alabama Republican Gov. Kay Ivey is seeking reelection in three weeks against a newcomer to the political arena in Democrat Yolanda Flowers. Ivey, who has a lengthy political resume, is completing her first full term as governor. She initially assumed the role in April 2017, after former Gov. Robert Bentley resigned in response to an ethics investigation and won the seat in the fall 2018 general election. Her previous stints in state politics have included multiple terms as lieutenant governor, stretching back to 2010, and two terms as state treasurer, beginning in 2002. This campaign season, Ivey has been pushing on several hot-button national topics in her reelection bid. “I believe every life is precious,” Ivey wrote on her campaign website. “As a pro-life governor, I will always fight to protect the unborn. I believe the Second Amendment is clear, and it ought to be protected. I will always defend our right as law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms.” Flowers is challenging Ivey and is a newcomer to the political arena. She advanced as the party candidate after a primary runoff in June. Flowers’ background includes professional work as a rehabilitation specialist, assistant speech pathologist, and reading instructor. She has earned degrees in speech therapy, audiology, and rehabilitation counseling. This fall, Flowers has been using the word “reconstruction” to describe her platform for education, health care, criminal justice, and the economy. In the area of education, Flowers has stated her belief that the state lottery system should be used as a lever to infuse funds into Alabama’s public education system. “Education reconstruction means more funding for public schools, better-trained teachers, and desegregation,” Flowers wrote on her campaign website. Two other candidates are on the ballot. James Blake is running on the Libertarian ticket. He has a lengthy background in Alabama politics, running at times as a Republican or a Libertarian. In an example of his jostling between the parties, Blake, in May, was named to the Jefferson County Republican Executive Committee. In this fall’s campaign, Blake, through social media, explained why he is running as a Libertarian. “I think it’s time for integrity,” he wrote. “I’m tired of the special interests defeating honest small government conservatives.” Additionally, Jared Budlong is running as an independent, write-in candidate. The Florida native moved to Alabama in 1994 and has a professional background in furniture making and construction. “Many may fight for the working class,” a statement on Budlong’s campaign website reads. “Jared is fighting for everyone, including those typically left out of the political discourse.” The governor’s race is one of multiple on the upcoming Nov. 8 ballot. Other high-profile races include: The lieutenant governor’s race. Incumbent Will Ainsworth is seeking reelection as a Republican against challenger Ruth Page-Nelson. There is a three-way race in the Alabama secretary of state race, with Wes Allen running as a Republican, Pamela Laffitte running as a Democrat, and Matt Shelby as a Libertarian. One of Alabama’s U.S. Senate races also is up for grabs. Vying for the post are Democrat Will Boyd, Republican Katie Britt, and Libertarian John Sophocleus. Additionally, all seven of Alabama’s U.S. House of Representatives seats are contested. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals upholds Lawrence County man’s stalking conviction
Attorney General Steve Marshall announced Tuesday that the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals has affirmed the conviction of William Earl Latham, age 71, for first-degree aggravated stalking in Lawrence County. The decision was released on October 7, 2022. AG Marshall said, “William Earl Latham received a 20-year prison sentence for his repeated stalking and abusive behavior toward his former wife. In the past, stalking offenders like Latham would have received minimal, if any, prison time for this kind of terrorizing behavior. As underscored by this sentence, Alabama now imposes severe penalties for aggravated stalkers.” Latham and his wife/victim were married for many years. According to evidence presented in the trial, during the marriage, Latham began physically abusing his wife. In 2020, she sought a protection from abuse order which Latham repeatedly violated. The prosecutors showed that eventually, Latham’s threatening and abusive behavior led to a dangerous altercation which resulted in an automobile accident. Lawrence County District Attorney Errek Jett’s office prosecuted the case and obtained a guilty verdict from the jury on February 3, 2022. Latham was convicted and received a 20-year prison sentence for first-degree aggravated stalking of his former wife. Latham’s subsequent 20-year sentence is one of the most severe imposed for aggravated stalking in the state. Latham appealed his conviction to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. The Attorney General’s Criminal Appeals Division handled the case during the appeals process. The AG’s office successfully argued that Latham’s conviction be affirmed. The Court did so in a decision issued October 7, 2022. Marshall commended Assistant Attorney General John J. Davis and law clerk Jeremiah Johansen for their successful work on this case and thanked Lawrence County District Attorney Errek Jett and his staff for their valuable assistance in defending the first-degree aggravated stalking conviction. According to a study by the CDC, one out of six women and one out of 19 men have been stalked in their lifetimes. 66% of women who were stalked were stalked by a former husband or cohabitating partner. 81% of those stalked by a former husband or cohabitating partners were assaulted, and 31% were sexually assaulted. 54% of women killed by their stalker had previously reported the stalker to the police. Marshall is a former Marshall County District Attorney. He was appointed AG in 2017 by then-Gov. Robert Bentley. He was elected to his own term in office in 2018 and is seeking a second term. He faces Democratic nominee Tarrant Police Chief Wendell Major in the November 8 general election. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Kay Ivey hosts the second annual Made in Alabama showcase
Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Commerce hosted the second annual Made in Alabama Showcase on Friday at the Old State Supreme Court Chambers in the historic Alabama Capitol Building to recognize some of Alabama’s top companies. “It is great to be surrounded by some of Alabama’s most wonderful businesses who continue showing the world what it means to be Made in Alabama,” Gov. Ivey stated. “As I like to say, the work that our businesses are doing, Made in Alabama, is bringing back Made in America. I would like to begin by offering big congratulations to this year’s 14 honorees. I am truly honored to recognize y’all today here in our State Capitol. We have got companies from all across Alabama run by a group of diverse group of Alabamians. Truly we are seeing Alabama. In booths around the room, we are honoring great Alabama companies producing things from honey balls to pop sickles, to game clocks, to Red Land Cotton bed sheets. I firmly believe that Alabama has the best businesses in the country. What you have accomplished has made that Made in Alabama brand even more exceptional. As Governor, please know that you always have my full and total support. When you are successful, the state of Alabama is successful.” “It is amazing all the good things that Alabamians are making,” Ivey told reporters. The governor praised “all the good work that the people of Alabama are doing.” Gov. Ivey selected 14 top-rated businesses for their work and invited them to exhibit their products at the Alabama State Capitol. The 11 honorees that were able to attend showcased their products, discussed their company’s history and gave away promotional items to the public. “Our state is blessed to have numerous companies producing outstanding Alabama-American-made products every single day. During Manufacturing Month, I am proud to recognize 14 of the best our state has to offer,” said Governor Ivey. “Alabama made products speak to who we are as a state, and we could not be more excited to showcase these exceptional companies’ products and service to all our visitors today.” Ivey has prioritized economic development since her elevation to governor in 2017. The state has attracted over $32 billion in capital investment and 65,000 new jobs over that time period. “The ‘Made in Alabama’ badge is synonymous with quality, and it’s crystal clear that the companies being honored in today’s showcase have mastered the art of turning out an amazing variety of world-class products,” said Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield in a statement. The honorees were nominated by the Alabama Department of Commerce, Manufacture Alabama, the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama, and the Business Council of Alabama. The 14 honorees are as follows: Frios Gourmet Pops, based in Mobile, produces gourmet popsicles for its franchisees across the country. The company has grown from a brick-and-mortar shop to pivoting in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic to be mobile by attending parties and corporate events in their tie-dye food trucks. Shaw Industries Group, Inc. offers a diverse portfolio of carpet, resilient, hardwood, tile and stone, laminate, synthetic turf, and other specialty items for residential and commercial markets worldwide via its brands Anderson Tuftex, COREtec, Floorigami, Patcraft, Philadelphia Commercial, Shaw Contract, Shaw Floors, Shaw Sports Turf, Southwest Greens and more. Shaw’s fiber manufacturing plant in Andalusia, Alabama, is Covington County’s largest employer. To Your Health Sprouted Flour Company is a national pioneer in producing organic sprouted grains. In their 17 years of business, they have grown to become the largest U.S. producer of sprouted grains, flours, legumes, seeds, and nuts, producing close to one million pounds per year. They are located in Fitzpatrick, Alabama, in Bullock County. Victory Game Clocks is a female, veteran-owned and operated team sport timing supplier based in Roanoke, Alabama. Victory Game Clocks designs, manufactures, and sells high-quality practice timers, play clocks, scoreboards, electronic down markers, and timeout countdown clocks for football and other sports. Their products first hit the market in 2011, and today are used by professional, college, and high school teams across the country. WoodHaven Custom Calls designs top-of-the-line turkey and deer calls in Heflin, Alabama. The calls can be customized as a mouth, wood, or friction call. The idea for the company was built in the late 1980s from the owner’s desire to be the best turkey hunter he could be. Red Land Cotton is a family-owned, direct-to-consumer e-commerce company crafting luxury bedding, towels, and loungewear exclusively from cotton grown on their family farm in north Alabama. Red Land Cotton utilizes a supply chain that starts and ends in north Alabama. All of the cotton is grown, harvested, and ginned on Red Land Farms in Lawrence and Colbert counties. It is manufactured in different communities across the United States before it returns as finished cloth to be cut and sewn and then distributed from Moulton, Alabama. Golden Eagle Syrup founders, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Patterson Sr., produced their first can in Fayette, Alabama on October 28, 1928. The original manufacturing building still remains the home of Golden Eagle Syrup today. In efforts to keep the historic company viable, additional products, which incorporate the syrup, are being added. Caramel Corn was the first of these brought to market and is carrying on the tradition of quality products at fair prices. Golden Eagle Syrup remains a family-owned, family-run business; the present owners have a strong commitment to preserving the tradition and quality established by the founders. Jack Daniel Cooperage manufactures white oak barrels for Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. The Jack Daniel Cooperage is located in Trinity, Alabama, and is home to approximately 175 employees. “JDC” was established in 2014 and currently produces approximately 1,200 barrels per day. Specification Rubber Products began in 1968 as a manufacturer of molded rubber components for the waterworks industry, specializing in rubber gaskets. Today, their company is a primary supplier of ductile iron pipe, valve, and hydrant producers. Not only do they help to make drinking water safe, but they also received the “Best Place to Work” award in 2021 from Rubber News, a national industry publication.
