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Sipsey Fork, Alabama: 49 Years of Protected Wilderness Waterfall Bliss

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3 years ago

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A decade after passage of the landmark Wilderness Act of 1964, which turns 60 this year, the Sipsey Fork watershed in Bankhead National Forest became the first federally designated wilderness area east of the Mississippi. These protected areas offer visitors authentic experiences and benefit the small rural communities that are located nearby.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Spanning 25,000 acres and boasting too many mesmerizing falling-water features to count, Sipsey Fork Wilderness area remains a first-rate place of protected natural habitat magnificence and ecological resilience.

Wilderness areas are of irrepressible importance as unique and scenic native wildlife habitats, and places of serenity refuge for humans.

It was owing to its enchanting character as a sparkling sylvan paradise that the Sipsey Fork watershed became the first federally designated wilderness area in the Eastern United States in 1975.

The Wilderness Act of 1964 had up to then been interpreted to focus on protecting the West. Public lands in the East weren’t initially seen as large enough nor sufficiently free of industrial impacts to warrant inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System.

An Eastern Wilderness Movement — led by advocates like Alabamians Mary Ivy Burks and John Randolph — emerged and convincingly argued for tract designations in the East, not so much for their size and “untouched” nature, but for their irrepressible importance as unique and scenic native wildlife habitats, and places of serenity refuge for humans.

The nation took notice, and the Sipsey was first listed among 15 other areas earning new designations under the Eastern Wilderness Areas Act, signed by President Gerald Ford on Jan. 3, 1975 — 50 years ago in January next year.

For the small, rural communities nearby, outdoor recreation attracts a large influx of money in the form of people who seek recreation. Between 2021 and 2022, outdoor recreation grew 4.8 percent compared to 1.9 percent for all domestic economic activity according to the U.S Bureau of Commerce. Job growth doubled in the same period of time. Federal wilderness tracts make towns and businesses around them more attractive and better able to compete for adventure tourism dollars.

Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, recently commented that the robust outdoor adventure economy America is currently enjoying “shows that sustained investment in outdoor recreation and protection of our shared public lands and waters pays huge dividends for our local and national economies and quality of life.”

Near the Sipsey Fork Wilderness area is the small city of Russellville, AL. With a population of a little more than 10,000 residents, the Franklin County seat is a tapestry of history, hometown spirit and rural-connected culture. It is also a perfect staging area for a foray into Bankhead National Forest, or a landing zone for relaxation, beverage quaffing and sustenance intake after a rewarding day on the trails.

Like Main Street communities throughout the Yellowhammer State and all of Southern Appalachia, Russellville’s downtown businesses and civic leaders are committed to spurring prosperity and sustained livability by keeping connected to surrounding outdoor recreation, family farming and authentic country lifestyle.

“Part of what makes Russellville such a vibrant and flourishing community is the incredible range of nearby outdoor recreation opportunities in and around Franklin County,” said Tami Reist, President & CEO of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Association and a member of the Main Street Alabama governing board.

The TRV Stewardship Council recognizes the visionaries that led to a network of public lands in the east for people to enjoy and explore. As national and state park systems have increasingly added entry fees, national forests, wilderness areas, and TVA public lands offer authentic wilderness experience for hikers, backcountry camping, and paddling adventurists. In each month of 2024, the Council will share stories on the ExploreTRV site about wilderness areas located in the seven state footprint of the Tennessee River Valley.

Media Contact
Julie Graham, TRV Stewardship Council, 8655850811, exploretrv@gmail.com, https://www.trvstewardshipcouncil.org/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/sipsey-fork-alabama-49-years-of-protected-wilderness-waterfall-bliss-302064178.html

SOURCE TRV Stewardship Council

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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50 minutes ago

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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50 minutes ago

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

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2 hours ago

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October 23, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/club-offers-for-travel-enthusiasts-in-canada-302918543.html

SOURCE Travelzoo

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