Proposed amendment, famous ship: Down in Alabama

On those proposed amendments ...

If there's an area on our election ballots that requires extra and intentional examination, it has to be the statewide constitutional amendments.

On most of the rest of the ballot you recognize the names and certainly the parties, and you've had months or years to develop your impressions of the candidates. But the constitutional amendments don't come with name recognition, they're not exactly light reading, and they are often so local to somebody else's backyard that you wonder why they even let you weigh in on the decision.

But when provisions in Alabama's considerable constitution restrict a locality from creating a local law, you have to amend the constitution to override the restriction. Merely passing state statute or a local ordinance wouldn't the constitution.

That's the case with the only amendment on the ballot this coming Tuesday.

AL.com's John Sharp reports that the proposed amendment would allow the Franklin County School System to sell a big piece of land for development. That land is in Walker and Fayette counties. State Rep. Jamie Kiel, a Russellville Republican, said that proceeds from selling the land or revenue from leasing it will go to the Franklin County School System, and sales tax and property tax revenue, of course, would go to Walker and Fayette Counties.

The most recent state report card indicates that 71% of Franklin County students are considered economically disadvantaged, meaning they either participate in the free or reduced meal program or their parents don't have a high school diploma.

The land is along I-22. Kiel wasn't afraid to makes a real-estate pitch: "If Buc-ee's was looking for a West Alabama location, this would be that location."

From a fast ship to a big reef

A renowned ocean liner's final destination will be on the Gulf of Mexico floor off the Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast.

But first, reports AL.com's Heather Gann , the S.S. United States will spend time docked in Mobile.

It's in Philadelphia now, and plans were for it to dock in Norfolk, Va., but officials in Okaloosa County, Fla., which bought the ship, changed that to Mobile over space, cost and access to the big boat while it's docked.

It will be put to use as an artificial reef - believed to be the world's largest.

The ship started its life as a secret Cold War troop transporter.

According to the ship's conservancy, on its maiden voyage the 990-foot vessel crossed the Atlantic in 3 days, 10 hours and 40 minutes - which is still the transatlantic speed record.

The ship was retired in 1969. Heather reported that among its passengers over the years were Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy and Clinton (obviously not all while they were in office), Marlon Brando, Coco Chanel, Sean Connery, Duke Ellington, Salvador Dali, Walt Disney, Judy Garland, Cary Grant, Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, and John Wayne.

Representation at World Series, WNBA Finals

A couple of Alabama natives have seen the pinnacle of their professional sports this month.

Last night, Clay Holmes of Slocumb picked up a pitching win in relief in the New York Yankees' 11-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, reports AL.com's Mark Inabinett .

It helped the Yankees avoid elimination in the best-of-7 World Series. The Dodgers are up, three games to one. Game 5 is at 7:08 Alabama time tonight.

Also, WBRC reports that Birmingham's Ramsey High School held a jersey-retirement ceremony for Jaylyn Sherrod, a reserve guard for the New York Liberty, who won the WNBA championship on Oct. 20.

"We are not trying to criminalize the homeless," Young said. "That is not what this is about. It creates us an opportunity to engage those individuals who are not receptive to receiving service from our outreach team."

Mobile Homeless Outreach Coordinator Kendall Young, on three ordinances proposed by Mayor Sandy Stimpson regarding solicitation, loitering in parks or playgrounds after dark and obstructing public sidewalks.

More Alabama News

Huntsville man sentenced to prison for threats in Georgia over Trump case

Suspect stole truck, rammed it into ATM to try to open machine, Mobile police say

Owner of legendary Northport meat-and-three dead at 75

Funeral plans announced for beloved TV news anchor Mel Showers

Born on This Date

In 1917, baseball player, manager and executive Bobby Bragan of Birmingham.

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