Alabama Adventure sold
The brainchild of then-Fairfield Mayor Larry Langford, Alabama Adventure was built as VisionLand in 1997 with the cooperation of 11 western-area cities including Birmingham, that put up money toward $65 million in bonds (cost overruns added millions to the total). It opened in 1998, filed for bankruptcy a few years later and was sold to Southland in 2003 for $ 5.25 million. Southland spent millions expanding the water park and adding rides and attractions. Since, the company says the park has enjoyed record attendance.
WBHM’s Steve Chiotakis spoke with Gary Slade, the Editor and Publisher of Amusement Today magazine about the impact the sale will have on employees and whether — given today’s sour economy — it’s a good time to be in the theme park business.
Crew of fatal US military crash included Alabama father recently deployed
The six U.S. service members who died in the crash of a U.S. military refueling aircraft included an Alabama father who had just been promoted and deployed. The U.S. government released the identities of the deceased service members Saturday.
Alabama poised to drastically overhaul utility regulation. Will it lower electric bills?
The Alabama Senate unanimously voted to expand the public service commission, and create a Secretary of Energy to address rising electricity prices. A bill in the House would go even further, requiring rate case hearings and limiting utility profits.
Musher from Alabama is going for back-to-back Iditarod wins
Riches and paid appearances haven’t followed Jessie Holmes since he won the world’s most famous sled dog race, the Iditarod, last year. He doesn't mind.
Bill would move Alabama to closed primaries
Right now, any Alabama voter can participate in a primary election. Lawmakers in Montgomery took up a bill this week that would change that system.
Auburn football player uses NIL funds to open a community hub in Birmingham
Jourdin Crawford, a freshman defensive lineman at Auburn, used earnings from a Name, Image, and Likeness deal to give back to his hometown.
Ivey commutes death sentence of inmate whose accomplice fired fatal shot
Charles “Sonny” Burton was sentenced to death for the killing of Doug Battle during a 1991 robbery. However, another man shot Battle when Burton had left the building.
