3:07 PM MDTBy Press ReleaseIan VanLareFORT MORGAN
— A Fort Morgan man is facing felony charges following a joint investigation between the Fort Morgan Police Department and the FBI into alleged possession of child pornography
was arrested on April 30 after authorities executed a search warrant at his residence
According to a press release from the Fort Morgan Police Department
the warrant was issued after an FBI agent contacted local authorities earlier this month regarding an ongoing investigation
investigators reportedly discovered digital files on a computer that led to an arrest warrant
VanLare was taken into custody and booked into the Morgan County Detention Center without bond
He faces a charge of Sexual Exploitation of a Child
The case will be prosecuted in Colorado’s 13th Judicial District
Authorities noted that further examination of the seized evidence will take place at a computer forensic laboratory
“We are grateful for the cooperation and assistance of our law enforcement partners,” Fort Morgan Police said in a statement
and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law
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Critical habitat like these interdunal wetlands on Fort Morgan is being preserved by ADCNR
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
A generous donation of 13 lots is enabling the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) to protect additional ecologically sensitive property on the Fort Morgan Peninsula
The Alabama Coastal Heritage Trust donated the Fort Morgan lots to Alabama State Parks to join previous acquisitions to preserve the sand dunes and maritime forests on Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast.
ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship said the donation from the Trust continues the effort to conserve critical habitat for a variety of animal species
“We had the acquisition of the Gulf Highlands property back in 2018,” Commissioner Blankenship said
we acquired the Beach Club West property that was adjacent to Gulf Highlands
so now we have almost the whole undeveloped property of more than 100 acres between the Beach Club West and the Plantation Condominiums down at Fort Morgan.”
Commissioner Blankenship said the forward-thinking action of the Trust made the recent donation possible
“Some of these properties had been acquired by the Alabama Coastal Heritage Trust decades ago,” he said
“The Trust contacted us last fall and wanted to transfer those lots to the Department to include in our management with the Gulf Highlands/Beach Club West property
We just completed that transfer this past week
Bill Lind and all of the members of the Alabama Coastal Heritage Trust who thought it would be a good idea to transfer the properties to Alabama State Parks
I think the key to this is we were already making investments at Fort Morgan with (Deepwater Horizon) oil spill funds
“I also want to recognize the Trust’s work started long ago
Although we came in and acquired larger swaths
the Trust’s purchases were the genesis of preservation down there.”
Commissioner Blankenship said the donated lots will be a protected conservation property managed for beach mouse habitat and other conservation goals
These lots will be included in the overall management for the whole Gulf Highlands/Beach Club West property and managed as one unit
Chief of the Natural Resources Section for Alabama State Parks
said the addition of the lots donated by the Trust are valuable for the overall management goals of the Fort Morgan properties
“Having complete boundaries makes the management goals much easier to accomplish
not including the ecological importance of these lots,” Simon said
“These lots bring value to bird migration as well as the importance to the Alabama beach mouse
It also eliminates the encroachment of those lots being bought by private entities or individuals
Theses lots will be put under the protection of the Gulf Highlands/Beach Club West program.”
parking lot and small boardwalk with be built on the east side of the Beach Club West property to provide controlled public access to the property
Sand dunes on Fort Morgan are crucial to the health of the ecosystem
The donated lots and Gulf Highlands/Beach Club West acquisitions add to three parcels acquired previously with Alabama Deepwater Horizon oil spill funding
and they are now part of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Those previous acquisitions on the Fort Morgan Peninsula include Three Rivers Phase I (251 acres) and Three Rivers Phase II (236 acres) funded by NFWF (National Fish and Wildlife Foundation)
along with the Pilot Town (99 acres) acquisition funded through the Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) Regionwide Trustee Implementation Group
Commissioner Blankenship serves as the Lead NRDA Trustee for Alabama
Another 1,200 acres in Oyster Bay was acquired in conjunction with the City of Gulf Shores
The 99-acre Pilot Town tract was purchased by ADCNR and then transferred to the U.S
Fish and Wildlife Service to become part of the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
which was destroyed by a hurricane in 1906
was named for the bar pilots who guided sea-going vessels past the sand bars of Mobile Bay
The property will provide access to Bon Secour Bay for kayaks and beachgoers
“These and other acquisitions show that our barrier islands and Gulf-facing beaches are very important to ADCNR and our federal and local partners,” Commissioner Blankenship said
“We have worked very hard to conserve this critical
development-pressured habitat for future generations.”
was established to protect habitat for neotropical migratory songbirds as well as threatened and endangered species
Habitats in the refuge include sandy beach and dunes
“Those properties are critical habitat not only for the beach mouse
but also as a stopover point for migratory birds as they fly south in the winter and back north in the spring,” Commissioner Blankenship said
Gulf State Park and Dauphin Island are the last piece of land or the first piece of land the birds see during the migrations
The food and the resting spots are critical to the survival of all those species
the Fort Morgan Peninsula is a beautiful and ecologically important piece of Coastal Alabama
We have been intentional in acquiring and protecting much of the remaining undeveloped habitat in this highly valuable area
When all the acquisition acres are combined
the collective positive impact is phenomenal.”
Fort Morgan provides an important location for bird-banding efforts
Official Web Site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
© 2025 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Biking is a favorite activity for both locals and visitors here in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach all year long
The Alabama Gulf Coast offers plenty of amazing trails and paths for bikers to explore the area and get around
Whether you're looking for a nice ride to the beach or a lengthy trek in the park
The convenient sidewalks along Perdido Beach Blvd. in Gulf Shores allow riders to cruise right along the beach. Gulf Place Public Beach has paved walkways surrounding its grassy lawn and playground
making it a great spot for young children to pedal around
grab a bite to eat at one of the fantastic restaurants in the area or take a dip into the Gulf.
Distance: Over 28 miles of trail options
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (if you do a long trip)
and back to the trailhead on the Twin Bridges
but most of the trip is well off the road behind a barrier of trees
The trail is ideal for families since it is a paved
but a round-trip with children could be challenging due to the length
You may consider doing a short segment with them.
Graham Creek Nature Preserve is the best off-road mountain biking trail in the area
and while not as technically challenging as racing around a mountain
You'll find two stream crossings and several areas that are low-lying swales
They fill with water after rain and present some good mud-running as they dry out
This paved biking path makes a loop in Gulf State Park and uses the bike lanes of Highway 135, State Park Road 2, and Highway 182 to navigate around Lake Shelby
The loop offers beautiful views of the lake and its wetlands
keep your eyes peeled for birds like bald eagles
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult due to distance
Advanced riders should check out Fort Morgan Road West. The bike path starts at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge's Pine Beach Trailhead on Highway 180 and heads west using bike lanes for 12 miles to Historic Fort Morgan
The fort is famous for being the site of the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War
in which Union Admiral David Farragut uttered those immortal words
especially on the first few miles of this ride
but it widens and gives you spectacular views of Mobile Bay to the north and the Gulf to the south as you bike along between the sand dunes
Difficulty: Difficult due to distance
Originally written by RootsRated for Gulf Shores
Ready to go for a ride along Alabama's beaches? Be sure to take a look at all the biking routes and rentals in the area
By WALA Digital StaffPublished: Apr. 11, 2025 at 9:47 PM CDTEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInFORT MORGAN, Ala. (WALA) - The 7th Annual Fort Morgan Cleanup is being held tomorrow at the Fort Morgan Fire Department Station No
The cleanup is being led by the Fort Morgan Civic Association along with numerous other groups
Click here to sign up
Fort Morgan’s vacation rentals cater to every type of traveler
you are booking directly with trusted local property managers for a worry-free vacation experience
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the laid-back lifestyle of Alabama’s Beaches than with coastal accommodation
Make every moment on our shores memorable with a place to stay in Fort Morgan
Explore our selection of vacation rentals and book directly with confidence
Click the "Visit Website" button to secure your stay with one of our local
Welcome to your well-deserved beach getaway
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We have rentals in the private beach communities of Surfside Shores and Morgantown in Fort Morgan
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Lovely 4 BR 3 bath home in the Morgantown area of Fort Morgan
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five-bath beach house with a private (heated) pool
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Gulf Shores Plantation has 10 condos for rent-by-owner
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Check out our Booking FAQs for the answers
There are many places in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach that offer pet-friendly accommodations. Visit our pet-friendly vacations page to learn more
the spring as a family-friendly spring break destination
the summer to enjoy the sun and cool waters
and the fall for fewer crowds and warm temperatures
The minimum age to book a hotel in Alabama is 18
and many have a check-in age minimum of 25
We suggest checking with your desired place to stay for specific information on age requirements
Discover what makes this coastal location truly special and why travelers love this destination
Experience the peace of Fort Morgan’s uncrowded beaches
These serene stretches of white sand are perfect for families looking for a safe
Fort Morgan is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering abundant wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re fishing in the quiet waters, collecting unique seashells along the shore, or bird watching
it’s a paradise for those who love the outdoors
Step back in time as you explore Historic Fort Morgan
a coastal landmark filled with fascinating stories
this fort adds a unique layer to your stay
Yes, many beachfront rentals in Fort Morgan offer private pools, allowing you to enjoy the water in privacy while being steps away from the beach. Explore a wide variety of beachfront rentals in Alabama’s Beaches
Anytime is a great option, depending on your plans. Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds, perfect for outdoor activities. Summer is great for beachgoers, while winter offers a peaceful escape with a warm coastal climate
Fort Morgan is about 20 miles west of Gulf Shores
Yes, Fort Morgan has a variety of pet-friendly vacation rentals
ranging from beachfront homes to spacious vacation houses
so you can bring your pet along on your coastal getaway
Fort Morgan is quieter and less crowded than Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
offering a more peaceful and secluded vacation experience
Discover Your Perfect Vacation on Alabama's Beaches
Let us help you plan the perfect trip to Alabama's Beaches
Fort Morgan, Ala. – (OBA) – Alabama Audubon is set to host its annual Coastal Bird Banding event at the historic Fort Morgan State Historic Site on the Alabama Gulf Coast
This event offers the public a rare opportunity to observe migratory birds up close after their journey across the Gulf of Mexico
The Coastal Bird Banding event runs April 14th through 19th
Fort Morgan's strategic location makes it an ideal spot for witnessing spring migrations
often featuring sightings of rare bird species
The banding station is one of the few in the U.S
allowing attendees to see birds up close and learn about their migration patterns
Parking at Fort Morgan Historic Site costs $5
the event will include bird and nature walks
informational tables from allied organizations
Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras to capture close-up views of the birds and interact with researchers
FORT MORGAN, Colo. — For more than six decades, the Clavis Club has served as a cultural cornerstone for Morgan County’s Hispanic community
It became a safe gathering space during a time when migrant workers from Mexico were not welcomed in downtown Fort Morgan establishments
Brenda Garfio has been the club’s president for the past 18 years
she has helped keep the Clavis Club operational
often using her own money to cover building expenses
“We have two lifetime members that have been with us since the beginning
and others that we've lost along the way,” Garfio said
the club has hosted everything from birthday parties and Quinceañeras to Christmas celebrations
The affordable rental rates made possible by its nonprofit status have allowed families to host events who otherwise might not be able to afford a venue
But dwindling membership and fewer rentals have left the Clavis Club struggling to stay afloat
“Brenda has been doing most of the work,” he said
and I’d at least like to see her get some recognition for all the work that she’s done.”
The club was founded in response to the exclusion Mexican migrant workers faced in Fort Morgan in the 1960s
to purchase a pool table and start meeting in their basements
they bought land and built the Clavis Club building
something Garfio says the members are proud of
“We’re very touched to be able to be one of the only clubs in Morgan County that’s never had to move,” she said
Garfio said she was surprised by the honor but grateful
“I put in several years and I had no idea this was coming,” she said
“But thank you so much for coming out here.”
Garfio says her motivation comes from the youth in her community
“We need places for the youth to go,” she said
and I’d like to keep it going for another 10 years at least.”
Those interested in helping the Clavis Club can message the group on their Facebook page.Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here
-- A 40-foot sperm whale washed up on the shore of Fort Morgan on Sunday morning
It was spotted behind the beach club weighing more than 30,000 pounds
The goal for the day was to figure out how and where to move it
"It looks like there's just a bunch of shark bite marks out of it," Austin Wierenga from Huntsville Alabama said
"We're still trying to find out what the yellow things are and if it exploded or what."
"We're up here on the 12th floor and I looked out here about 8 a.m
'What the heck?' there were a few people standing around but I'm thinking from up there and the size
the only thing it could be is a whale," Rick Ferguson from Indianapolis Indiana said
it's the closest I've ever been to a whale."
That's when the Alabama marine mammal stranding network with the Dauphin Island sea lab showed up
It appeared emaciated and to have been dead for several days
"Our biggest goal is to get it out of the water," Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network Coordinator MacKenzie Russell said
"Get it to a more secluded and private location to be able to do that type of sampling and that type of assessment to really figure out what the cause of death was."
and Baldwin County EMA were all brought out to help relocate the whale to a more secluded portion of the beach so the Dauphin Island sea lab could perform a necropsy
the cause of death and how it ended up so close to shore
the whale will be buried somewhere on Fort Morgan Beach
and two cranes later to move the whale a quarter mile up the beach and out of the water
"I've never seen anything like this close-up
anyway," Fort Morgan resident Barbara Yoder said
but not just on the beach where I live."
"This is just like a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Wierenga said
These whales never get closer than 80 to 100 miles off of shore and they prefer deeper water
"Our most recent sperm whale stranding in Alabama was in 2020," Russel said
"That was a little over four years ago now and up until 2020
we had never had confirmed stranding of a sperm whale
So this will be the second one in a little over four years."
It is estimated to take several days before burying the whale
and federal officials as sperm whales are an endangered species
a subsidiary of SimpleCITI Companies ("SimpleCITI")
are proud to announce the launch of a $50 million joint venture ("JV") focused on providing law firm finance solutions for US law firms
Targeting growth financing between $1 million to $15 million
the JV will offer capital secured by the value of a law firm's aggregate legal assets (cases). Patrick Shannon will lead JV operations with a focus on diligence
The JV has already started deploying capital
with the goal of delivering $50 million in tailored financing solutions. Capital will be utilized to navigate growth by scaling operational infrastructure and investments in marketing. This comprehensive approach ensures that law firms can focus on achieving successful outcomes without the financial strain of upfront costs
Arena has a long history in legal asset investments
including its principals having helped build some of the earlier litigation finance platforms dating back to the late 1990s. SimpleCITI builds on a proven track record of leadership and innovation across diverse industries
establishing itself as a trusted partner in solving complex financial challenges
Arena and SimpleCITI leverage their unparalleled expertise to redefine client-focused solutions in litigation finance."
noted that "Arena is very excited to expand and build upon our nearly decade-long relationship and successful track record with Patrick in this new joint venture. Fort Morgan Capital will serve a critical role in working with select legal practices and market participants in navigating liquidity challenges amid this fluctuating market
while also promoting sustainable operational and marketing growth."
"This JV represents a strategic milestone for Fort Morgan Capital," said a SimpleCITI spokesperson
we're unlocking new opportunities for law firms to grow sustainably while maintaining financial stability. This venture underscores our commitment to innovation and value creation in the litigation finance space."
"Our focus on episodic opportunities within litigation finance aligns perfectly with this venture
we are delivering a scalable platform that empowers law firms to thrive in a competitive landscape."
SimpleCITI Companies is an operational-first platform specializing in real estate (SimpleEQUITIES)
and fiduciary advisory services (SimpleADVISORY). The firm provides institutional-grade solutions across sophisticated markets
offers innovative funding solutions for law firms
blending conservative valuation with operational expertise
SimpleADVISORY ensures disciplined underwriting and compliance to support Fort Morgan's strategic initiatives
Pat Shannon brings extensive industry expertise
previously serving as Chief Operating Officer at Mustang Litigation Funding
a platform renowned for its proficiency across diverse litigation finance disciplines
With a focus on episodic and idiosyncratic opportunities in niche sub-sectors
Fort Morgan Capital:Pat Shannon[email protected]
Arena Investors:Parag Shah[email protected]
Prosek Partners:Joshua Clarkson[email protected]
Ridge Financial Group LLC ("RFG")
a leading firm specializing in the acquisition of large hardwood timberland assets
Banking & Financial Services
Joint Ventures
Do not sell or share my personal information:
(WPMI) — A dead 38-foot male sperm whale washed ashore Sunday morning on Fort Morgan
It's a rare occurrence on Alabama's Gulf Coast
and marine scientists say it could take months to determine what caused its death
"Sample collection was limited due to the highly decomposed condition
Any feasible diagnostic analyses on the samples will take time (months typically)," said Dr
Dauphin Island Sea Lab Senior Marine Scientist
It took crews nearly an hour and two cranes to move the 30,000-pound animal a quarter mile up the beach and out of the water
Carmichael says it will be buried in a non-disclosed
typically stay 80-100 miles offshore in deeper water
"Our most recent sperm whale stranding in Alabama was in 2020 so that was a little over four years ago
we had never had a confirmed stranding of a sperm whale
So this will be the second one in four years," said Mackenzie Russell
Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network Coordinator
Whale strandings should be reported to 1-877-WHALE HELP
Fort Morgan High School students traded their Eastern Plains classrooms for a day in western Colorado’s Grand Valley this month for a taste of college life
embarking on an overnight trip to Colorado Mesa University on March 6-7
sparked by an invitation from CMU President John Marshall during his fall Colorado Rural Promise Tour Stop at their school
gave 40 students a firsthand look at the opportunities awaiting them at CMU.
greeted by admissions staff Melissa Tolson and Mathias Malumba
They kicked off their visit with lunch at CMU Dining in the University Center
admissions ambassadors led a morning-long campus tour
showcasing CMU’s facilities and ending at the Maverick Welcome Center.
President Marshall met with the group in the Welcome Center, continuing his message from a previous September visit to Fort Morgan High School. Marshall shared insights about the CMU Promise of Affordable Education
which offers tuition-free education to Colorado residents from households earning $70,000 or less starting in Fall 2025.
is exactly why we’re out there connecting with communities like Fort Morgan,” Marshall said
“We promise to teach them how to think
as a gateway to a better life through education.”
The afternoon continued with a student panel featuring CMU ambassadors who answered questions about campus life and shared their experiences
the group headed to Unity Field to cheer on the Mavericks women’s lacrosse team and experience a bit of Maverick spirit.
After the game, the students returned to The Caf for dinner before capping the evening with a performance of Ride the Cyclone at Asteria Theatre.
Friday began with a 9 am breakfast at The Caf followed by a quick bus trip to CMU Tech
A tour of the technical and job training programs offered a glimpse into CMU Tech’s hands-on
high-income degree and certificate options
the students grabbed to-go lunches and CMU swag bags prepared by the admissions team and departed for Fort Morgan at noon.
“This visit was about showing these students they belong here,” said Kim Medina
“From meeting our president to cheering at a game
they got the full Human Scale University experience.”
The trip builds on CMU’s outreach to rural Colorado
a mission Marshall has championed since launching his statewide tour last fall
For Fort Morgan High School Principal Clint Anderson
“Our students came back buzzing about CMU,” he said
“It’s exciting to see them take that next step.”
Do you have a story you would like to share with Colorado Mesa University? Please share your good news by contacting Katlin Birdsall at [email protected]
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) recently acquired 79 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to the Beach Club Resort on the Fort Morgan Peninsula
This acquisition adds to extensive acreage that ADCNR and its partners already purchased on the peninsula with Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Funds
including the Gulf Highlands property acquired in 2018
The combined area of the Gulf Highlands and Beach Club West properties includes nearly 200 acres
with more than one-half mile of Gulf frontage beach and dune habitat — previously the largest privately held
undeveloped beachfront property remaining in Coastal Alabama
These properties are now part of the Alabama State Parks System
The dune system’s quality and extent contribute to the parcel’s unique ecological benefits
The combined properties will permanently benefit sea turtles
migratory birds and the endangered Alabama beach mouse
Both properties were purchased with funds from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund (GEBF) as well as Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act funds (GoMESA) managed by ADCNR in collaboration with Governor Kay Ivey
“The Fort Morgan Peninsula is a beautiful and ecologically important piece of Coastal Alabama,” said Chris Blankenship
“We have been intentional in acquiring and protecting much of the remaining undeveloped habitat in this highly valuable area
The Gulf Highlands and Beach Club West acquisitions complement three parcels acquired previously with Alabama Deepwater Horizon oil spill funding
Fish & Wildlife Service; they are now part of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Those previous acquisitions on the Fort Morgan Peninsula include Three Rivers Phase I (251 acres) and Three Rivers Phase II (236 acres) funded by NFWF
was established to protect habitat of neotropical migratory songbirds as well as threatened and endangered species
The refuge serves as the best remaining stopover and staging habitat for the songbirds during the fall and spring migration along Alabama’s coastline
Habitats in the refuge include sandy beach and dune
NFWF also funded the City of Gulf Shores’ acquisition and restoration of the 836-acre Oyster Bay Tract on the North side of the Fort Morgan Peninsula
“Following the tragedy of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Alabama has made prudent and thoughtful investments in significant projects that enhance and protect species and habitats affected by the spill,” said Jeff Trandahl
“We deeply appreciate the leadership of Governor Ivey and Commissioner Blankenship and the partnership with numerous project implementers in these efforts
which will have long-term benefits for both the natural resources and citizens of the state of Alabama.”
ADCNR and its partners have acquired over 1,600 acres on the Fort Morgan Peninsula
using more than $77 million in Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Restoration funding
the City of Gulf Shores and my fellow NRDA Trustees for our partnerships to make all this come together," said Commissioner Blankenship
Amy Hunter and her staff have done a fabulous job managing the funding sources
fostering cooperation and coordinating projects to provide the maximum benefit for Coastal Alabama.”
In addition to the Fort Morgan Peninsula acquisitions
ADCNR has used a myriad of different funding sources to add more than 7,500 acres to the previous 17,000-acre Perdido River Wildlife Management Area along the Alabama/Florida state line
the diverse habitat types found along the Perdido River support scores of upland and wetland species
These acquisitions also provide important recreational access opportunities to the community
Given the substantial residential growth and development in Baldwin County
these strategic acquisitions protect important habitat as well as the Perdido and Mobile Bay estuaries
(WPMI) — A 40-foot sperm whale was found dead in Fort Morgan
Officials removed it from the area and said they would conduct tests to determine the cause of death before burying it on the beach in a couple of days
The estimated weight of the whale was about 30,000 pounds
These sperm whales live about 80 miles offshore
It is deteriorating and appears to have been partially eaten by other predators in the Gulf
Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInMOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Tonight
people came together for one purpose: to honor the life of 7-year-old Hunter Slezak
It’s been nearly two weeks since the little boy went missing after a boating accident off Dauphin Island
29 when his father Michael Slezak and family friend Sam Wooley went shrimping near Pelican Bay
the bodies of Michael and Sam were found just south of Dauphin Island
the 22-foot-boat named Marty Ann was located a mile offshore of Dauphin Island
The location of little Hunter still remains a mystery
songs were sung and flowers dropped in The Gulf while everyone prayed Hunter is found and brought home
who lost her 7-year-old daughter last year
told me when she saw the story about Hunter
“That immediately hit me like a kick in the stomach,” Ashworth said
“I know what that feeling is when everything is normal and then it’s just yanked out from under you
The search for Hunter is far from over and the organizer tonight’s vigil Crystal Olson said it’s all because of one thing
I can’t imagine not knowing where my baby is.”
who also helped put the vigil together said this community is special
“This community knows how to pull together and take care of what needs to be taken care of,” Champion said
The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office said they will continue searching for Hunter until further notice