Randy and Tonia Simpson announce the engagement of their daughter, Tamlyn Carol Simpson of Northport, AL, to Roy Allen Skelton of Coker, son of Darlene Skelton.

The wedding will be at 5:00 pm on June 15, 2013, at Robertson’s Barn in Fosters, AL.

Miss Simpson is the granddaughter of Lane and Faye Hubbard of Northport and Jimmy and Carolyn Simpson of Tuscaloosa.

The bride-elect is a 2010 graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School and attended Shelton State Community College, where she received a degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She is employed with Alabama Dermatology Associates in Northport.

Mr. Skelton is the grandson of the late Roy and Edwina Carr.

He is a 2008 graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School and attended The University of Alabama, where he played football and received a degree in Management Information Systems in 2013. He is employed by Buffalo Rock.

Staff Sgt. Brant Merriam lives in Northport with his wife Jen and three children. Brant has served in the Alabama National Guard since August 2007 and served in the Navy Reserves from 2004 until 2007.

In June of last year, Sgt. Merriam was deployed overseas with Bravo Company 1/167th Infantry out of Pelham and is currently stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan. He is scheduled to return home this May before his daughter’s graduation. His wife has two manicures waiting on him since she enjoyed an afternoon stalking a deer in the woods (while wearing a dress) with their son.

His wife, Jen, nominated Brant because of his devotion to God and country, their marriage and three children Jordyn, Shelby and Brantley.

On behalf of our community, thank you Staff Sgt. Brant Merriam for your service to our country and we extend our appreciation to your families sacrifice while you were away.

If you’d like your hero featured, submit their information here.

This week’s Hometown Hero,Staff Sergeant Jared Olvey, has served in the Alabama National Guard for over 13 years and is currently stationed overseas in Afghanistan with B Company 1-167 Infantry out of Pelham, Alabama. When not on active duty, he serves and protects the citizens of Tuscaloosa as a member of the Tuscaloosa Police department.  Staff Sergeant Olvey married fellow Tuscaloosa Police Officer Sara Brissie on November 9, 2012. A few months later, he was deployed to the middle east on his third tour of duty for ‘Operation Enduring Freedom’.

In December the following year, Robert Stanley Olvey was born. Sadly, Staff Sgt. Olvey was unable to attend the birth of his son, but remained on the phone with his wife during the duration of her twenty-one hour labor.

Staff Sgt. Olvey is expected to turn to the US in May 2013 where he will meet his son in person for the first time. Please join us in welcoming our hero home and thanking him for his service to our community and our country.

If you would like to submit a hero, just fill out a submission form.

We were able to grab a few videos of players running the 40-yard-dash:

Robert Lester

Robert Lester 2nd Run

Jesse Williams

Michael Williams

Take a look at the players and scouts on hand in our photo gallery below.

11:30am- A hush falls over the hundreds of delegates gathered in Foster Auditorium as University of Alabama President Dr. Judy Bonner, Dr. Sharon Malone, and Peggy Wallace Kennedy enter the room to begin the program, which is part of the 13th Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage, led by Rep. John Lewis and sponsored by the Faith and Politics Institute. Because this year marks the 50th anniversary of then-Governor George Wallace’s “Stand in the Schoolhouse Door,” when Vivian Malone and James Hood entered the University as its first African-American students, the group added a visit to UA to its traditional visit to Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma.

Dr. Bonner welcomed the guest speakers and delegates while acknowledging the progress of the University in terms of integration and race relations. She stated that “the University of Alabama’s commitment to courage, change, and progress is unwavering.” She added that currently 4200 African-American are enrolled in the University, making up 12% of student body, while over 14,400 African-Americans have graduated from the University since integration, which started in 1963 with Vivian Malone and James Hood (Autherine Lucy was the first black student to be accepted and enrolled in the UA, but her initial enrollment only lasted 3 days.).

Dr. Sharon Malone, sister of Vivian Malone (and also the wife of US Attorney General Eric Holder), stood with poise that wavered only when she stated that this was her first time to attend the commemmoration of that infamous day without her sister. She spoke about being a 6th generation Alabamian and how significant her sister’s actions were in her life, but also how she is able to relate with how their parents must have felt to have Vivian to attend the University in such dangerous times, as she now has a daughter the same age that Vivian was upon enrollment. Dr. Malone discussed how she now understands the gravity of her sister’s decision to attend the University of Alabama, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had recently written his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” and Governor Wallace stood in the schoolhouse door. That same night, President Kennedy addressed the nation concerning civil rights, just hours before Medgar Evers was assassinated.

Yet, Vivian Jones remained at the University of Alabama, where she graduated in 1965, a monumental moment even amid the issued bomb and death threats. (Bloody Sunday had just occurred two months prior.) Dr. Malone shared the story of her sister’s first day of school. She said that Vivian told her she’d walked into the classroom, took her seat, and everyone began to leave. Only she and the professor remained, and he taught her just as if the class was full. She said that Vivian recounted being surrounded by people that were nice to her but unwilling to be seen associating with her in public.

In closing, Dr. Malone shared a letter written by President Kennedy. She also stated that race, poverty, and other issues remain but that progress is being made, as for the first time since 1963, there’s “a brother in the White House and a brother leading the Justice Department.” The audience laughed at her small shout-out to her husband while applauding as Dr. Malone took her seat.

Dr. Bonner then introduced Peggy Wallace Kennedy, the daughter of former Governor George Wallace, who recounted the day that her father took the stance for which he was most known throughout the rest of his life. She was 13 at the time and home with her mother. Kennedy describes her father as a man hidden in a gray mist of contradictions. She talked about the various legacies he left behind that remained marred by that one fateful day, in which’s shadow the Wallace family has lived ever since. Kennedy talked about the looming cloud of confusion that remained as her father never explained why he’d taken the actions he’d done, but she spoke of the grace demonstrated by Vivian Jones and James Malone and stated that she now stands in the place where her father once stood as a testament of change. Before taking her seat Kennedy said that “to too many Americans, the school house doors (of opportunity, justice, etc.) remain closed” and that “we deserve a better government, not a bitter government.” Then, as she approached her seat, where she and Malone embraced.

Both of these women offered unique views into the events surrounding that day, as family members of those who are recorded in our history books. They shared the stories of their loved ones as they knew them, as a sister and as a father, but then also placing themselves into empathetic roles. Kennedy spoke with pride about having her son to walk with her through those doors where her father once stood (which are now on display at Foster Auditiorium) and for him to not have to question her answers and receive no explanation as she once did with her father. Both Malone and Kennedy also praised The University of Alabama for working to overcome the attached stigma and for its advancements in integration and social relations. However, they both also alluded to other progress that must be made for the benefit of the United States as a whole.

Keeping with the pace of acknowledging progress, following Mrs. Kennedy’s address, the program coordinator introduced Congresswoman Terri Sewell, who presented Dr. Bonner with a plaque and honored her for becoming the first female president at the University of Alabama.

The University of Alabama recently completed its new $9 million, 37,000 square foot weight room facility. Completed in January, the facility provides top of the line improvements in everything from equipment to a booming sound system while maximizing efficiency. Although connected to the indoor and outdoor football practice fields, the facility will not just be used for the football program, rather all Alabama athletic teams.

Photos of the new facility can be found below.

Learn more about this awesome facility from PARA’s official press release: “Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority announces the opening of Faucett Brothers Activity Center on March 1. This highly anticipated sixth Center is located in Faucett Brothers Park, 13040 Eugenia Faucett Drive, Northport.

“We are excited to open this beautiful facility and invite everyone to try it out for free during the month of March,” said Gary Minor, executive director. “The Faucett Brothers Center is a new model for PARA – it brings our facilities up a notch – and we trust you will like what you see,” he said. As an added benefit, PARA Members (who purchased their membership prior to September 2012), can use the Faucett Brothers Center with their membership until its renewal date.

“We are appreciative for the joint effort of the Tuscaloosa County Commission and the City of Northport coming together to build this facility,” said Bobby Franks, chairman of the board of directors. “PARA Centers are located in different areas of the City and County of Tuscaloosa and this one in the Northport area has been eagerly awaited,” he said.

Features of the approximately 60,000 square foot building include a cardio room, weight room, spin room, aerobics studio, 18’ belay tower, bouldering wall and climbing boulders, therapeutic pool, recreational pool, walking track, gymnasium, two catering kitchens, upper and lower terrace with climbing boulders, and more.

Faucett Brothers Park, which opened in 2008, includes three pavilions with picnic tables and playground equipment.

A schedule of fitness and swimming classes and FAQ is available online by visiting www.tcpara.org. Center operating hours are Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. The archery range is open daily dawn to dusk. Tours are available by calling 205-331-5600.”

At an age when most artists are on the road to retirement, Charlie Wilson is in the prime of his career with a Lifetime Achievement Award and a new album, which was released Jan. 29 — his 60th birthday.

“I say I’m 30. My spirit makes me feel I’m 30,” says the legendary former lead singer of the Gap Band.

On his birthday, Wilson was honored in New York City at a party for his new LP, ‘Love, Charlie.’ He received a proclamation from the New York City Council recognizing his outstanding career and humanitarian work. Councilwoman Inez Dickens commended him for his commitment to being a leader in the fight against two illnesses he has overcome: drug addiction and prostate cancer.

Three days prior, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Trumpet Awards in Atlanta — the telecast is set to air March 31 on TV One. “It is so prestigious for me to receive this award,” he says with great pride. ”I am at a loss of words. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that I could win an award like this.”

The Trumpet Awards salute men and women who personally and professionally serve as a constant source of inspiration. In 2008, Wilson was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Due to early detection and treatment, he is now cancer-free and dedicates himself to promoting cancer awareness. He is the national spokesperson for the Prostate Cancer Foundation, which funds 200 research centers in 12 countries. The Charlie Wilson Creativity Award is presented to pioneers in the fight against prostate cancer.

Wilson has also been drug and alcohol-free for the past 19 years after his habit rendered him homeless and literally laying in the gutter. “I loved cocaine,” he admits. “I was homeless. I ended up sleeping in cars or on the street with a brick as my pillow and cardboard as my bed.”

His life was saved when he met a social worker named Mahin in 1994, while beginning treatment at a rehab center. They were married one year later and since then, they have been at each others’ side 24 hours a day. “I go everywhere with my wife,” says Wilson. “We are always together. Some guys tell me they couldn’t do that and they would have to get away sometimes by themselves, but we stay together every minute of the day. Our relationship is strong.”

The crooner thinks back to when he needed to make three major changes in his life to kick his addition. “Drugs and alcohol are so prevalent in the industry so to get clean I had to change people, places and things. You have to change to snap your addiction,” he continues. “I had to admit I had a problem and surrender to God. I have been sober for 19 years. Drug dealers used to come backstage at the show but now my security won’t let them anywhere near me. That is not my life anymore.”

The drug problems haunted him when the Gap Band’s popularity began to fade in the early ’90s. Wilson launched his recording career in 1974, with his brothers, Ronnie and Robert Wilson and sang lead on numerous R&B classics including ‘Outstanding,’ ‘You Dropped a Bomb on Me,’ ‘Yearning for Your Love,’ ‘Early in the Morning,’ ‘Party Train,’ and ‘Burn Rubber on Me.’

Now with his sixth solo album, he calls his new music a Valentine’s Day gift to his fans. “The album is all about love,” Wilson explains. “Its a love letter with songs like ‘My Love Is All I Have,’ ‘I Think I’m in Love’ and ‘A Million Ways to Love You.’”

‘Love, Charlie’ begins with the song ‘If I Believe,’ which reflects on how Wilson was able to overcome his addiction and turn his life and career around. “It’s about my faith in God,” he reveals. “It’s the first song on the CD and people were telling me not to put it first. I said, ‘I always put God first.’ I want it to be an inspiration. Everyone goes through struggles. Whatever you’re going through, I have been there. My wife told me I needed to write a song about my faith in God and inspire people to believe that yes you can do anything.”

At age 60, Wilson continues to perform nearly 100 concerts a year; he loves to see new faces at his shows. “My fans are getting younger and younger. I keep my show high-energy and I know some of the younger artists can’t keep up with me, “ he says with a smile. “For a lot of people, it’s their first Charlie Wilson concert. Sometimes they’ve come to see someone else on the bill, so I want to make sure by the end of my show that I make them Charlie Wilson fans.”

One year away from his 40th anniversary as a recording artist, Uncle Charlie — as nicknamed by his close friend Snoop Dogg — is an inspiration to a younger generation of stars including Snoop, Kanye West, R. Kelly, will.i.am, Jamie Foxx, T-Pain, Fantasia and Justin Timberlake. He embraces his role as a mentor to younger artists.

“I am everyone’s favorite uncle. You can ask me anything. I am that cool uncle that you can say things to that you can’t say to your mother or your father,” he states. “I’ve been to hell and back. I’m a living testimony. Some artists will listen, some will not. If they don’t listen it may be too late. So many artists are out here living the fast life.

“They’re poppin’ bottles in videos and it sells tickets. But what will it lead to? I know. I’ve been there. I ran that track. Sex, drugs and rock and roll. I crashed and burned. I’m the only survivor of the artists who came out when I began in the 1970s. I want to inspire the younger artists to survive by keeping God in their lives, loving and respecting God.”

Watch Charlie Wilson’s ‘My Love Is All I Have’ Video

David A. Smith writes more about the craziness on The Strip last night on his blog, DSmithGalleries. View his post about the Championship celebration here.

Want to see more of the party? David captured it all. Check out the full gallery at dsmithimages.com.

Special thanks to David A. Smith/ DSmithImages for sharing these incredible photos with us. Roll Tide!

*All photos taken and provided by David A. Smith/DSmithImages

Here’s a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today:

Chuck Berry
Age: 86
Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, and Musician
Known For: Being one of the pioneers of rock and roll with songs like ‘Maybellene,’ ‘Roll Over Beethoven,’ ‘Rock and Roll Music’ and ‘Johnny B. Goode,’ and in the first group of artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Martina Navratilova
Age: 56
Occupation: Retired Professional Tennis Player
Known For: Winning 18 Grand Slam singles titles, a record-setting 31 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles and 10 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles, being the only player to have won 8 different tournaments at least 7 times, and being widely regarded as the greatest women’s player ever

Mike Ditka
Age: 73
Occupation: Retired Professional Football Player and Coach
Known For: Coaching the Chicago Bears for 11 years and the New Orleans Saints for three years, and being one of only two people in history to win Super Bowls as a player, an assistant coach, and a head coach

Zac Efron
Age: 25
Occupation: Actor, Singer, and Dancer
Known For: Roles in the Disney Channel’s ‘High School Musical’ movie franchise, the WB series ‘Summerland,’ and the 2007 film version of the Broadway musical ‘Hairspray’

Bristol Palin
Age: 22
Occupation: Author, Reality Star, and Tabloid Magnet
Known For: Being the daughter of political talking head Sarah Palin, having a baby out of wedlock while still a teenager, advocating for abstinence causes, and being a contestant on ‘Dancing with the Stars’

A man drove from Long Island, New York, into Lower Manhattan earlier today in a van he thought was filled with explosives. He parked the van close to the Federal Reserve building, just a few blocks from the World Trade Center, and planned to detonate it using a cell phone from a nearby hotel.

The explosives, however, were fake.

The arrest of the suspect, Quazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis, 21, came at the end of a sting operation conducted by the FBI and the NYPD as part of the Joint Terrorism Task Force. He obtained the “explosives” from an undercover FBI agent he met online while discussing jihad, which is what initially flagged him to authorities.

The suspect was acting alone, though he thought he had partners. According to FBI acting assistant director Mary Galligan, ”Two of the defendant’s ‘accomplices’ were actually an FBI source and an FBI undercover agent.”

From a Justice Department press release:

“In a written statement intended to claim responsibility for the terrorist bombing of the Federal Reserve Bank on behalf of al-Qaeda, Nafis wrote that he wanted to ‘destroy America’ and that he believed the most efficient way to accomplish this goal was to target America’s economy. In this statement, Nafis also included quotations from ‘our beloved Sheikh Osama bin Laden’ to justify the fact that Nafis expected that the attack would involve the killing of women and children.”

The public was never actually at risk, since the explosives were inert. The suspect is believed to be from Bangladesh; he came to this country in January with the intention of executing a terror attack.

[CNN, NBC, ABC]

Were you more of a Kelly Rowland fan than Beyonce fan when it came to Destiny’s Child? Well then good news for you, because according to The Hollywood Reporter, Rowland, who looks to be making a departure from music, has just signed on to star in a comedy pilot on BET.

‘What Would Dylan Do,’ the current working title of the show, focuses on Dylan (Rowland in the lead role), an L.A.-based relationship blogger who’s struggling just a bit in her field. (Aren’t we all?) The show also stars Gabrielle Dennis of ‘The Game,’ as Cherise, Dylan’s best friend, and Melanie Liburd of ‘Strike Back,’ as Brooke, Dylan’s roommate.

Rowland hasn’t had a lead role yet, so this is definitely a huge move for her career. Her past acting credits include appearances and roles on ‘Girlfriends,’ ‘American Dreams,’ and ‘The Hughleys,’ and had a co-starring role in the still-questionable ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ sequel ‘Freddy vs. Jason.’

It should be noted that her acting abilities should not be judged solely based on her role in that film. So keep your eyes peeled for Rowland on BET, because we’re sure she’ll help continue BET’s streak of being among the top 20 cable networks in the 18-49 age group.

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Watch the Kelly Rowland ‘Summer Dreaming’ Video

Read Original: Kelly Rowland Gets a Sitcom Deal