Alabama Fiber Network celebrates launch of service
The Alabama Fiber Network (AFN) — a coalition of eight electric co-ops, their subsidiaries and partners dedicated to delivering a world-class, middle-mile broadband backbone across Alabama — celebrated its official launch of service recently with an event in Cullman.
The event featured several guests, including Gov. Kay Ivey, who has made broadband one of her top priorities. The launch marked a step forward in bridging the digital divide across the state.
The network lighting ceremony also announced Sprout Fiber Internet as the network’s first last-mile customer and introduced AFN’s new CEO, Terry Metze Jr., a broadband industry veteran who joined the team earlier this summer. Guests learned more about AFN’s network and the positive impact it will have on the state. According to one analysis, the network will generate 4,112 total jobs with a total economic impact of $657 million.
“This is a monumental day for Alabama. We are proud to officially launch our service and begin connecting communities across the state,” Metze says. “Increasing access throughout Alabama will enhance innovation and create new opportunities for education, health care, economic development and more.” (Information courtesy of Alabama News Center.)
Website showcases recreational opportunities
A new website called seekalabama.com (Seek AL) is great resource where those who have little experience with the outdoors, or who are new to Alabama, can find out what Alabama’s outdoors have to offer, including an interactive map to explore locations for specific activities.
A study by Stanford University’s Hoover Institution found that Alabama’s great outdoors was an underutilized asset that could help attract and retain talent in the workforce, as well as convince new businesses that the state would be a great place or build or relocate. The study was part of a report by the Alabama Innovation Commission, established by Gov. Kay Ivey to secure Alabama’s economic future through recruitment of businesses, companies and entrepreneurs.
The website creators were looking for activities to feature that are more than just hunting and fishing, which are already well-known. The site has information on hiking, mountain biking, climbing, trail running and backpacking, among other outdoor activities.
The site features trails, locations and more on one map, as well as articles highlighting Alabama’s beautiful outdoors.
Registration begins for Becoming an Outdoors-Woman
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, or BOW, is a three-day workshop for women ages 18 and older that offers hands-on instruction in a wide variety of courses. The courses cover such topics as fishing, hunting, shooting sports, nature photography, ATV handling and more, and are taught in a fun and non-threatening learning environment.
The event will be Oct. 4-6, 2024, at the Alabama 4H Center near Columbiana. Registration opens Aug. 1 for new participants and Aug. 8 for returning participants. The cost is $275 and covers meals, lodging, program materials and instruction. All instructional equipment is provided. A valid Alabama hunting or fishing license is required.
BOW is made possible by a cooperative effort between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and its foundation. For more information, call 800-245-2740 or visit outdooralabama.com and hover over the “programs” tab.
Whereville, AL
Identify and place this Alabama landmark and you could win $25! Winner is chosen at random from all correct entries. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. Send your answer with your name, address and the name of your rural electric cooperative, if applicable. The winner and answer will be announced in the September issue.
Submit by email: [email protected], or by mail: Whereville, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124.
Contribute a photo you took for an upcoming issue! Send a photo of an interesting or unusual landmark in Alabama, which must be accessible to the public. A reader whose photo is chosen will also win $25.
July’s answer: Holtville’s Jimmy Davis had two of these “castles” built as conversation pieces. Legend has it that he loved to build things with bricks – walkways, walls, or whatever struck his fancy. Asked “why do you build these?” he replied, “I’m so glad you asked. Long after I’m gone, people will forget me, however, they will see these and think – I wonder who built these and why, and then they’ll hopefully hear my name. Then I’ll be remembered.” Davis was the owner of The Boys Store in Slapout. (Photo and information submitted by Jennifer Blackburn) The randomly drawn correct guess winner is Christy Sellers of Dixie EC.
