Crosswalk Work Continues on McGregor at Old Shell

The construction work on the intersection of Old Shell Road at McGregor Avenue continues. Until Thursday, McGregor Avenue on the north side, between the Exxon Station and Compass Bank is closed. There will be no work done during the Fourth of July weekend.

Remember to check HERE for the full details of the project.

Safety Checkpoints to be Conducted Tuesday Night

Mobile Police will be conducting Safety Checkpoints in the Second Precinct area on June 30, 2009. The checkpoints will be conducted during evening hours to ensure citizen safety and that motorists are complying with state and local traffic laws.

Police will be checking seat belts, child restraints, and other safety features. Officers will also be checking to ensure that drivers are carrying registration, proof of insurance, and drivers’ licenses, as required by law.

Are You Mobile's "Biggest Loser"?

Reality TV has become a permanent part of our society, and for the most part, we could and should do without it. But there are a few shows that connect with us in a more fundamental way. NBC's "The Biggest Loser" is one of those programs. It shows us that we can change our lives and our bodies in a positive way with a little (okay, a lot of) effort. Have you ever wanted to be a part of it? Well, here's your chance.

NBC’s popular reality series “The Biggest Loser” has launched a 15-city cross-country search, including the Port City, to find new contestants for the next edition of the hit show. Family teams of two – including parent/child, siblings, husbands-and-wives, couples, cousins and in-laws – are encouraged to apply for the new season, which will air in early 2010. Season eight of “The Biggest Loser” will premiere in September 2009.

Casting producers are looking for outgoing and charismatic family teams of two, especially those who have the personality, desire and competitive edge to vie for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lose weight, change their lives forever and compete for a grand prize of $250,000. Individuals who don’t have a partner can audition on their own. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and legal residents of the United States.

Candidates should bring a non-returnable photo of them and their partner.

What: Casting Call for NBC’s “The Biggest Loser”

When: Saturday, July 11, 2009

Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Do not line up more than two hours before the open call)

Where: Veets Bar and Grill – 66 South Royal Street

Help Wanted: June 29, 2009

Below are the available jobs from the Mobile County Personnel Board. These are all the open jobs from throughout each agency, not just the City of Mobile.

New jobs added this week include Recreation Leader I and Parks Operations Coordinator.

Full screen the document for easier reading.

Port City TwizShow - June 26, 2009

It’s (the day after) Thursday, and you know what that means – it’s time for Port City TwizShow, the Twitter game that’s sweeping the Gulf Coast! If this is your first time playing, here’s how it works: We'll present a challenge (sometimes a trivia question, sometimes a distorted picture that you have to identify, etc.) here on the blog, and the first person to send the correct response in an @reply to @cityofmobile on Twitter wins a GREAT PRIZE! Actually, the prize is lame, but it's still a prize, right?

You'll need to follow us so we can DM you how to get your prize.

Here’s this week’s challenge:

What is the only City Council District that does not touch the city limits, and who is its current Council Representative? Hint – the city has a nice Maps and Facts section on our website.

UPDATE - Congrats to @Chazon64 who knew the answer: District Five doesn't touch the city limits and Reggie Copeland is the current Councilman. Thanks to everyone who played! Check back next Thursday for the next edition of Port City TwizShow!

Heat Related Precautions

A reminder from the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department regarding the recent heat in addition to what to do to beat the heat people are also reminded about the dangers of leaving children or pets in vehicles and offers the following information.

Based on an outside temperature of 90 degrees.

* Normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees

* Heat stroke begins at 106 degrees.

* 110 degrees inside car temperature in 2 minutes.

* 134 degrees normal egg-frying temperature.

* 160 degrees inside car temperature after 5 minutes.

TIPS:

* Don't plan to leave a child in the car even if you are only running into the store for a minute. If you're going somewhere you can't take the child inside with you, then leave the child with a sitter.

* Take the child out of the car before doing anything else. Packages and/or grocery bags can wait until the child is out.

* Get into the habit of leaving the drivers side door open until everything and everyone is out of car.

* Always take keys out of car when you get out of the car and keep a spare set with you.

Leaving the windows open will not help much. Leaving a child in a running car is just as dangerous. The child could knock it out gear or someone could break in, steal the car and take the child.

Mobile Police Scheduled to Conduct Safety Checkpoints

Mobile Police will be conducting Safety Checkpoints in various parts of Mobile on June 25, 2009. The checkpoints will be conducted during evening hours to ensure citizen safety and that motorists are complying with state and local traffic laws.

Police will be checking seatbelts, child restraints, and other safety features. Officers will also be checking to ensure that drivers are carrying registration, proof of insurance, and drivers’ licenses, as required by law.

Help Wanted: June 22, 2009

Below are the available jobs from the Mobile County Personnel Board. These are all the open jobs from throughout each agency, not just the City of Mobile.

New jobs added this week include Nurse, Veterinarian, Electrician, Mechanic, Rec Center Supervisor, and Golf Course Worker.

Full screen the document for easier reading.

Don't Know Where to Vote? This Will Help

So it’s August 25 and you’re headed out to vote in the City of Mobile’s elections. You go to the place where you voted in the presidential election and no one’s there. Why is this? It could be because not all the polling places are the same in municipal and general elections.

That’s why the City of Mobile has launched a “Polling Place Finder” on our web site. It allows you to not only find out which polling place is yours, but also find a map and detailed directions on how to get there from your house.

There’s also a link to our election page to find our certain deadlines associated with this year’s election. People who do not have internet access can go to any branch of the City of Mobile Library to utilize the page.

If you have further questions about this year’s elections, you can call the City Clerk’s Office at 208-7411.

Port City TwizShow - June 18, 2009

It’s Thursday, and you know what that means – it’s time for Port City TwizShow, the Twitter game that’s sweeping the Gulf Coast! If this is your first time playing, here’s how it works: We'll present a challenge (sometimes a trivia question, sometimes a distorted picture that you have to identify, etc.) here on the blog, and the first person to send the correct response in an @reply to @cityofmobile on Twitter wins a GREAT PRIZE! Actually, the prize is lame, but it's still a prize, right?

You'll need to follow us so we can DM you how to get your prize.

Here’s this week’s challenge:

The current City Seal for Mobile (seen below) was adopted in 1961, using an emblem that had been designed for the city’s 250^th anniversary. Included on the seal are the six flags that have been "raised" over Mobile. Name what each flag represents in order from left to right.

UPDATE - Congrats to @AlabamaPanic who knew the answer: France, Great Britain, United States of America, Confederate States of America, Spain, and the Republic of Alabama. Thanks to everyone who played! Check back next Thursday for the next edition of Port City TwizShow!

Elephant Brunch to Open Circus at Civic Center

No, this is not a demonstration of the expression "How do you eat an Elephant?". The Pachyderm stars from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will be served an elaborate Opening Day Brunch consisting of a vegetarian buffet this Thursday at the Mobile Civic Center.

A smorgasbord consisting of carrots, apples, lettuce, fresh bread, bananas, watermelons and more will be served to the elephants and Mobile residents are invited to attend for free! If you have never seen elephants dine together at one table it is truly a sight that should not be missed!

Admission: FREE

Where: Mobile Civic Center Parking Lot

When: Thursday, June 18, 2009, 11 – 11:30 a.m.

Additional Info: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey runs June 18 - 21 at the Mobile Civic Center. Tickets can be purchased at the Mobile Civic Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge by phone, call 1-800-345-7000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Help Wanted: June 15, 2009

Below are the available jobs from the Mobile County Personnel Board. These are all the open jobs from throughout each agency, not just the City of Mobile.

Full screen the document for easier reading.

Publish at Scribd or explore others:

Meet Big Daddy

Big Daddy is a male Basset Hound brought to our shelter on 05/21/2009 because the apartments he was living in went up on their pet deposit and his owners could not afford the financial increase. He is available for immediate adoption. Thanks to the Friends of the Mobile Animal Shelter he has received his age appropriate shots including rabies and has been wormed. He is house broken and has been neutered. He absolutely loves other doggies and kids too.

The shelter offers 50% off coupons for vet visit, $10.00 coupon to spend at B & B Petstop for goodies, and 5lb of Science Diet dog food to get him started. Big Daddy is a very sweet and gentle loving guy. If you would like more information or see other animals that are available for adoption please call us at 251-208-2800 or go to www.cityofmobileanimalshelter.com.

Forbes Names Mobile as One of the Best Cities for Recession Recovery

Location, location, location. It's the most important thing in real estate, and according to a major economic company, Mobile's got it.

Forbes magazine has named Mobile, Alabama as one of the Best Cities in America for Recession Recovery. The rankings cite the projected gross domestic product of metropolitan areas across the U.S., as well as unemployment figures, home prices, incomes and affordability data.

Forbes refers to having diverse industries, like Mobile’s aerospace, maritime, healthcare and hospitality, as a main reason that a swift recovery can be expected.

“This is a great mention for our city,” said Mayor Sam Jones. “It points to the city’s bright future. Though it’s good to be mentioned as one of the best cities to rebound from the recession, we do so with caution – realizing that we must continue to be very conservative with our spending.

“Mobile is so fortunate to be among some of the greatest cities of its size. It shows that the collaborative effort of the state, county, city, and private sector is paying off.”

Last year, Forbes magazine also named Mobile as the Fastest Growing Mid-sized City in America. Mobile has also been recognized recently as a Top Ten City of the Future by fDi Magazine and as a Top 50 Place to Live and Play by National Geographic.

CLICK HERE to see the entire article.

Get Ready for a Busy Weekend!

Head out to the Mobile Museum of Art and shop for fresh fruits, veggies, seafood, honey, wines and much more! Stay for live music by the American Aces, free family tours, children’s’ activities and admission to the Museum, and dinner inside the Palette Café. From 3 until 6 p.

Then come downtown Friday night for the…

Sway to the sounds of Motown and more during Fridays @ 5: our answer to: what’s going on after work tonight? Hear live music in both Squares and along Dauphin Street as you stroll in between 20 different LoDa venues. Bring the kids for free children’s’ activities at Space 301 and free admission to the Museum of Mobile. Stay for sculpture, painting, music and much more from 5 until 9 p.m. in the Cathedral Square Arts District.

Come back Saturday morning for…

TOMATO TANGO!!!! Yes, it’s that time of year again for enjoy the Gulf Coast Herb Society’s delicious fundraiser. See how our market has grown and then sink your teeth into delectable tomato sandwiches and herbal teas. Then shop, bring a blanket and enjoy the Caribbean sounds of Tony Bowers on the steel drum. From 7:30 a.m. until 11 a.m.

For more info, please visit www.ncsmobile.org!

Port City TwizShow - June 11, 2009

It’s Thursday, and you know what that means – it’s time for Port City TwizShow, the Twitter game that’s sweeping the Gulf Coast! If this is your first time playing, here’s how it works: We'll present a challenge (sometimes a trivia question, sometimes a distorted picture that you have to identify, etc.) here on the blog, and the first person to send the correct response in an @reply to @cityofmobile on Twitter wins a GREAT PRIZE! Actually, the prize is lame, but it's still a prize, right?

You'll need to follow us so we can DM you how to get your prize.

Here’s this week’s challenge:

A statue of Mobile’s founder, French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville, stands in Cooper-Riverside Park. It faces the city where a similar statue stands and also serves as his final resting place. Name the city. Hint – it’s a Sister City of Mobile.

UPDATE - Congrats to @mavsmom who knew the answer: Havana, Cuba. Thanks to everyone who played! Check back next Thursday for the next edition of Port City TwizShow!

Vote for the City of Mobile Animal Shelter

The Animal Shelter Rescue Site is having a contest to grant money to rescue shelters to help take care of the animals. If everyone in the City of Mobile that has access to a computer could go on-line on a daily basis and vote for our shelter we could possibly have a chance to win.

Even if it is just a little it ALL helps.

It only takes 1 minute to vote, and they should do it every day.

We are behind since the contest started in April and ends June 29^th but it’s never to late to try to help a sheltered pet.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Join Us for Fridays @ 5

Publish at Scribd or explore others: online 2008

Local Business Donates Services to the MPD

Watching the news one evening, Sylvia Long was horrified when she saw the sun’s effects on one of her works of art… the Mobile Police seal affixed to the awning at Police Headquarters. So she decided to take matters of her own hands. Sylvia and her husband Bob, owners of Turner Graphics, donated two new vinyl seals protected with a UV coating to the Mobile Police Department. Why would they give of their time and talent? It’s simple. “Civic duty and professional pride,” says Sylvia.

Help Wanted: June 8, 2009

Below are the available jobs from the Mobile County Personnel Board. These are all the open jobs from throughout each agency, not just the City of Mobile.

Full screen the document for easier reading

Publish at Scribd or explore others: School Work Research How-to-Guides & Manu jobs employment

Officer Brandon Sigler Memorial Donations

The Mobile Police Department will be accepting donations on behalf of the tragic loss of Officer Brandon Nykori Sigler. Funds can be donated at any Mobile Police Department Precinct, Headquarters or mailed to Mobile Police Headquarters located at 2460 Government Blvd., Mobile, AL. 36604. All checks should be made out to the “Mobile Law Enforcement Foundation.” All proceeds gathered will be provided to the family of Officer Sigler.

It's Port City TwizShow Time!

And now... the Twitter game that's sweeping the internet, or maybe just the 10th floor of Government Plaza: Port City TwizShow! Here's how it works: we'll present a challenge (sometimes a trivia question, sometimes a distorted picture that you have to identify, etc.) here on the blog, and the first person to send the correct response in an @reply to @cityofmobile on Twitter wins a GREAT PRIZE! Actually, the prize is lame, but it's still a prize, right?

Not on Twitter? Click here to sign up. On Twitter but not following @cityofmobile? Then what's the point of being on Twitter? You'll need to follow us so we can DM you how to get your prize.

Okay, here it goes: Identify this Mobile landmark:

UPDATE: Congrats to @dougstech who knew it was the Mobile Convention Center. Check back next Thursday for the next edition of Port City TwizShow!

Here's the unaltered photo:

Summer Art Classes at Space 301

Register by Sunday, June 7 for Summer Art Classes

• Classes begin June 15th

• 4-8 week courses, one week "art camps" and one-day workshops are available for children ages 7-18.

• Adult courses are designed for all skill levels and run for 6 to 8 weeks

• Classes available in Acrylic and Oil Painting, Drawing, Bookbinding, Figure Drawing, and Slab built Ceramics.

• Local artists who will instruct the studio courses are Lorie L. Evans, Georgia Godwin, April Hopkins, Wayne McNeil, Missy Patrick, Ben Shamback, Walter Simon, Dave Truesdale, Val Webb, Devlin Wilson.

• Space 301 is also hosting the Downtown Artists' Figure Group. Contact Devlin Wilson at 251.610.6642 for details.

• Course descriptions, instructor bios, exact days and times, pricing and registration information is all available here.

• To find out more about Space 301, click here.

• For more information or to register for classes please call Space 301 at 251.208.5671.

Space 301/Centre for the Living Arts is located at the corner of Conti and Jackson Streets on Cathedral Square in downtown Mobile.

Ringling Bros. Animal Walk to Stroll into Mobile

For over three centuries, children of all ages have relished the arrival of The Greatest Show On Earth to their hometown. The show comes to town in a 53-car-long steel coach and contains some of the most exotic cargo on earth. Housing artists from all over the world, accompanied by creatures large and small, the fabled Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® train is a virtual Noah's Ark!

What Mobile residents will see in the streets on Wednesday, June 3 beginning at 8:00 a.m.* is the Grand Animal Walk of The Greatest Show On Earth. This event heralds the arrival of the sizzling, all-new 138th Edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, offering five performances at the Mobile Civic Center, June 18-21, 2009.

For prime viewing, spectators should park at the Mobile Civic Center and welcome the visitors to Mobile as they enter the parking lot.

*TIME IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE!

Tickets for the 138th Edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey are on sale now at the Mobile Civic Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets and www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call 1-800-745-3000. For more information, visit www.mobilecivicctr.com.

Family Fun Day at the Phoenix Fire Museum

The Museum of Mobile and the Mobile Fire - Rescue Department invite
you to step back in history at Family Fun Day at the Phoenix Fire Museum.
Learn fire safety from Mobile Firefighters and enjoy these fun activities!

• Escape from the Fire Department’s Smoke House.
• Dress up in firefighting gear.
• Explore the Mobile Fire - Rescue Department’s trucks.
• Enter the coloring contest, or bucket relay for a chance to win a
prize.
• Run through the water sprinklers (remember to bring a change of
clothes).
• Enjoy refreshments.
• Purchase souvenirs from the Shop in the Southern Market
• Practice your firefighting skills by putting out a mock fire.

Open to the public.

FREE OF CHARGE!

Phoenix Fire Museum
203 South Claiborne Street

Groups of 10 or more must make reservations.
For more information or to make a reservation, call 208-7723.