Bob Riley is reviewing recommendations on ways to plug a $30 million hole in the Alabama Department of Corrections' operating budget, including selling the state's 4,610-acre cattle ranch. Howard, who wants production at the ranch increased, said he spoke with Allen before the meeting with Riley and understood that the entire property is being recommended for sale. Corrections officials are hoping plans to sell several pieces of state property will make up the deficit in the department's...

Brittney Powell, Sioux City, showed the grand champion steer that first competed in the division two medium weight class. Exhibitors in both the breeding heifer and market beef shows were eligible to compete for junior and senior beef showmanship honors. The breeding heifer show preceded the market beef competition. Hoefling's 1,280-pound heifer first won top honors in the market heifer division. Allison Junck, Hinton, captured the division two steer reserve champion honors. If you already...

Soldier's beef about war has a familiar ring. It wasn't even the threat of roadside bombs known as improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, one of which killed two comrades who were walking 20 yards behind him. When Allen pulled his first tour of Iraq, in 2004, the rules of engagement were simple: If you believe your life is in danger, you can engage, which is to say fire a weapon. Looking back, he is happy and proud to have served his country, which was a lifelong dream, but he did have one...

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Are we safe from mad cow disease yet? Alligators in the Chattahoochee! NBA players beseeched by their commissioner, "Hey boys, please leave your guns at home. It was a little depressing, being that we are already overwhelmed with endless worry about drought, violence in the streets, terrorists, nuclear proliferation and the fact that Congress might actually do something worthwhile. Haven't farmers been punished enough? Can you imagine going to bed at night during a prolonged drought and...