Fort Payne Police Activity Report November 7th – 9th

Date: 11/10/2025Title: Press ReleasePosted By: Fort Payne Police Department                            SUBJECT: Activity for November 7 thru November 9, 2025 Friday November 7th        Incidents 3 Arrests Kenny Ladon Blalock, age 59 of Henagar, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 11:25 am Stephen Jerome Schafer, age 62 of Valley Head, was arrested for Pubic…

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Scottsboro Driver License Office to Relocate During Holiday Season

JACKSON COUNTY – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver LicenseDivision is pleased to announce that the Scottsboro Driver License Office in Jackson County willbe relocating to a new facility during the upcoming holiday season.The current office, located at 102 E. Laurel Street, Suite 40, in Scottsboro, will close at 4:30p.m. on Tuesday, December 23,…

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Renfro Brands Shifting Manufacturing from Fort Payne to Tennessee

FORT PAYNE, Al. — Renfro Brands, a major hosiery and apparel manufacturer, is relocating most of its domestic production from Fort Payne to Cleveland, Tennessee. The company confirmed it will expand its Tennessee operations, creating about 75 new jobs. As part of the move, knitting and finishing operations in Fort Payne will shut down, affecting…

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Cherokee County Sheriff Shaver Hosts 5th Annual Sheriff’s Conference

Sheriff Shaver Hosts 5th Annual Sheriff’s Conference Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver hosted the 5th Annual Alabama Sheriffs Foundation Networking and Education Conference last week. The training was held at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Training Facility in Leesburg. Sheriff Shaver welcomed sheriffs and members of their command staff from nearly 30 counties across Alabama….

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“Safe Streets and Sweet Treats”: ALEA Shares HalloweenSafety Tips for Alabama Families

MONTGOMERY– As neighborhoods across Alabama prepare for a night of fright and fun, the AlabamaLaw Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is reminding parents, guardians, and motorists to prioritize safety.With increased pedestrian traffic, excited trick-or-treaters, and seasonal celebrations, ALEA’s goal is toensure everyone enjoys a safe and happy Halloween.ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said, “We are committed to protecting…

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WVSM Radio Achieves Milestone Among Alabama Radio Stations

Rainsville, Alabama – October 23, 2025 – WVSM Radio, a local station based in Rainsville, Alabama, has become the most-followed radio station in the state on Facebook, with more than 140,000 followers. The milestone places the small-town broadcaster ahead of several larger urban stations, reflecting ongoing shifts in how audiences engage with radio and digital…

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WVSM Radio Takes Top Spot Among Alabama Stations with Over 140,000 Facebook Followers

Rainsville, Alabama – October 23, 2025 – In a surprising twist for Alabama’s radio landscape, WVSM Radio, a small-town station broadcasting from the heart of Northeast Alabama, has emerged as the state’s most followed radio station on Facebook, boasting over 140,000 followers on its official page. This milestone outpaces larger urban stations, highlighting the power…

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Fort Payne Police Department Activity Report October 10 2025

Date: 10/10/2025Title: Press ReleasePosted By: Fort Payne Police Department                            SUBJECT: Activity for October 6 through October 9, 2025 Monday October 6th Incidents 2 Arrests Nathan Lamar Hamilton, age 44 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 1:17 am Ronald Wayne Atkins, age 45 of Centre, was arrested on Two Warrants…

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101 Grams of Methamphetamine, Fentanyl and Marijuana Seized

FORT PAYNE, Ala. – On Monday, October 6th, the DeKalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit culminated a lengthy narcotics investigation which resulted in multiple arrests.  The DeKalb County Special Response Team (SRT) executed a search warrant at a residence on Hammonds Road in Fyffe and seized 101 grams of methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana and numerous…

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Fire Danger Advisory Issued by the Alabama Forestry Commission

As drought conditions worsen, due to the recent lack of precipitation and high temperatures, the Alabama Forestry Commission is issuing a Statewide Fire Danger Advisory. Until the state receives sufficient rainfall to alleviate the severe dry situation, especially in central Alabama, this elevated fire danger will persist for the foreseeable future. Mitigation measures should be…

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FOOD CITY Presents Fort Payne High School Check as Part of School Buck’s Program

ABINGDON, VA (Tuesday, September 2, 2025) – Each year, Food City’s School Bucks program awards $800,000 in contributions to more than a thousand area schools. Company officials are currently in the process of presenting checks from their 2024-2025 School Bucks program to participating schools. “Food City is committed to supporting the education of our youth….

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Latest Information From Internal Investigation at DeKalb County Detention Center

FORT PAYNE, Ala. – The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is providing an update regarding the recent internal investigation at the DeKalb County Jail. Corrections Lt. Evan Blayne Wilborn (38 of Rainsville) was arrested and charged with Voyeurism 1st (x6).  Wilborn was transported and held in Cherokee County Jail, per DCSO policy. Evan Blayne Wilborn (38 of Rainsville) The investigation remains…

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Attorney General Marshall Announces Conviction of Former State Employee for the Theft of Over $100,000 from Alabama Medicaid Agency

(Montgomery, Ala) – Attorney General Steve Marshall announced today that a former employee of the Alabama Medicaid Agency has been convicted for the theft of over $100,000 in public funds. Natalie Colette Lewis, 60, of Montgomery, pleaded guilty to Aggravated Theft of Property before Montgomery County Circuit Judge Brooke Reid. Sentencing is set for October…

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High School Football Score Reported for Thursday, August 21st to The AHSAA

AHSAA WEEK ZEROFOOTBALL RESULTSThursday’s ScoresAHSAA Kickoff ClassicPike Road 21, Prattville 14CLASS 7AThompson 37, Carver-Montgomery 6Smiths Station 24, Shaw z(GA) 0CLASS 6AMuscle Shoals 24, Gadsden City 6Parker 41, Ramsay 13Spanish Fort 37, Fairhope 7CLASS 5AArab 18, Albertville 14Citronelle 35, Millry 0Gainesville (GA) 49,Moody 7Headland 33, Dale County 20Montevallo 14, Tarrant 6CLASS 4ACordova 27, Oakman 20St. John…

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US Highway 11 is Closed Due to Accident

GADSDEN POST—A two-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 10:05 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, has caused road blockage. All lanes on U.S. 11 near the 217 mile-marker, in DeKalb County are currently closed and will be for an undetermined amount of time. Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to monitor…

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Interstate 59 Lane Closure

GADSDEN POST—A construction project at approximately 9:09 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, has cause a lane closure. The southbound lanes on Interstate 59 near the 205 mile-marker, in Dekalb County are currently closed and will be for an undetermined amount of time. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) will detour traffic from Interstate 59 to U.S….

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Gov. Ivey awards grant to Rainsville Police Department for radio system upgrade

MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $100,000 grant to the Rainsville Police Department to upgrade its radio communications system. The department will convert to a P25 digital radio system, which will allow the department to more quickly and seamlessly communicate with other first responders in the area. P25, or Project 25, is a set…

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Social Media “News” Accounts Face Greater Legal Risks Than Traditional Media

Published: July 22, 2025 In the age of social media, anyone can create an account, label it a “news” or “media” page, and start posting. But legal experts warn that these accounts don’t automatically enjoy the same protections as traditional media outlets like newspapers, television, or radio, leaving them vulnerable to personal defamation lawsuits for…

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City of Rainsville Council Meeting Agenda

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AGENDAJuly 7, 2025 WORKSHOP: 4:00 P.M.Prayer:Pledge of Allegiance: Address the Council (Dept Heads)Address the Council (Public) Jerry Clifton—Freedom Run REGULAR SESSION4:30 p.m.Call to OrderRoll Call Approve the MinutesMayor’s ReportMayor-Accept Bid—Warren’s Construction, LLC/Waste Water Force Main Extension along Rabbit Run Rd SW $34,655.80—Resolution 07-07-2025 Authorize Letter to Property Owner regarding Chicken Houses Authorize…

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Mark Huber Announces Candidacy for Rainsville City Council, Place 2

Rainsville, Al. — Lifelong Rainsville resident Mark Huber has officially qualified to run for Place 2 on the Rainsville City Council in the upcoming municipal election. Huber brings more than four decades of experience owning/operating a small business, experience in local media, and experience in leadership & community service to his candidacy. He currently serves…

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DeKalb County Schools Employee Arrested in Child Pornography Investigation

CHATTOOGA COUNTY, Ga. — A DeKalb County Schools employee was arrested Tuesday in Georgia following an investigation related to child pornography and unlawful surveillance. The DeKalb County School System released a statement Wednesday confirming the employee has been removed from his duties pending the outcome of the investigation. The school district emphasized that the charges…

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Attorney General Marshall Signs On to a Nationwide $7.4 Billion Purdue Settlement

(Montgomery, Ala) – Attorney General Steve Marshall today announced a nationwide $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family. The Sackler family has informed the 55 attorneys general, representing all eligible states and U.S. territories, of the plan to proceed with the settlement, which would resolve litigation against Purdue and the…

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After 4 Years, Steep Sewer Bill Increases Still Sparking Outrage

Who voted to raise your sewer bills using an unverifiable system? RAINSVILLE, Al. — At the June 7, 2021, Rainsville City Council meeting, a unanimous vote ushered in a dramatic increase in sewer bills for approximately 800 residents, tying sewer charges directly to water usage. The decision, formalized through Ordinance 07-06-2021, has drawn sharp criticism…

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PUBLIC NOTICE: Candidacy Now Open for City Council and Mayoral Races in DeKalb County

DEKALB COUNTY, Al. — Citizens across DeKalb County with a desire to make a difference in their local communities now have the opportunity to step forward and run for public office. Qualifying for candidates seeking election to city council or mayoral positions is officially open and will continue through Tuesday, June 24, 2025. This is…

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From 2021 News Article: “Sewer Rates To Skyrocket For Most Rainsville Sewer Customers”

June 10, 2025 As qualifying starts for city elections in the City of Rainsville, Alabama. We wanted to remind the citizens of Rainsville what the current administration did to raise the citizens sewer bills astronomically. Below we will show an excerpt from our newspaper article from 2021, when the current council voted to tie your…

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Fort Payne Moves Forward: Your Tax Dollars at Work for a Safer, Stronger Community

Fort Payne, Ala. – In the five years since the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Fort Payne has invested nearly $70 million into infrastructure, public safety, and quality-of-life projects—transforming city services to better serve residents. From safer streets and resilient utilities to new schools and recreational amenities, these efforts reflect a commitment to smart planning, transparency,…

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Strong to Severe Storms Possible Friday & Friday Night

On Friday into Friday night, North Alabama could see scattered severe thunderstorms. These storms may bring strong, damaging winds, especially as they move through the region from the west. The storms are expected to start in Oklahoma and track east-northeast across the Mid-South and into northern Alabama and Georgia. There’s some uncertainty about how far…

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Severe Weather Alert: Tornado Watch Likely for Northern Alabama, Middle Tennessee, and South-Central Kentucky

A tornado watch is likely to be issued soon for parts of northern Alabama, middle Tennessee, and south-central Kentucky, as strong thunderstorms are expected to move into the area. The chance of a tornado watch being issued is currently 80 percent. What’s Happening Storms are already developing in central Arkansas, northern Mississippi, and western Tennessee….

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City of Rainsville Council Meeting Agenda for Today

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AGENDAMay 19, 2025 WORKSHOP: 4:00 P.M.Prayer:Pledge of Allegiance: Address the Council (Dept Heads)Address the Council (Public)Rodney Etherton ****PUBLIC HEARING****REZONE PROPERTY ON MARSHALL RD/DUPREE CIRCLE FROM AGRICULTURE TO B-3 REGULAR SESSION4:30 p.m.Call to OrderRoll Call Approve the MinutesMayor’s ReportMayor-Freedom Run SponsorshipQuote/Benchmark Companies $4500.00—Playground MulchPersonnel-Travel/Training Request—Michael EdmondsonHire Connor Boydston/Plant Operator—WWTP $28.44 Effective 5-28-25Hire Chris…

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During the month of April, 23 were charged on drug related charges

FORT PAYNE, Ala. – DeKalb County Deputies and Narcotics Agents, along with Officers with Rainsville, Collinsville and Powell PD’s, arrested and charged 23 individuals with drug related charges during the month of April.  Every day we rely on assistance from surrounding agencies to help keep our communities in DeKalb County safe and every day, without…

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3rd Annual Mountain Laurel Arts & Music Festival This Saturday

3rd Annual, Mountain Laurel Arts & Music FestivalSaturday, May 17th 10:00am – 5:00pmPisgah Civitan Park – 650 County Road 374, Pisgah, AL 35765 Come enjoy Alabama’s best kept secret, the majestic Pisgah Gorge!Spend the day hiking the mountain trails, seeing the magnificent waterfalls and even a natural bridge at this awe inspiring hidden gem.Artists of…

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City of Rainsville Lays Wreath at First Responders Memorial

International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) is observed on May 4, in order to honour firefighters for their service internationally, remember firefighters who lost their lives during service and to commemorate firefighters killed in the September 11 attacks. It was established after a proposal by female Australian firefighter, JJ Edmondson, was made on January 4, 1999, following…

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Mentone Capital Murder Suspect in Custody

FORT PAYNE, Ala. – On Thursday May 1st, at the conclusion of a 21-day investigation into Homicide of Marcus Adam Battles that occurred on April 10, 2025 in Mentone, a Capital Murder warrant was issued for CHRISTOPHER BRAYDEN JONES (23 of Calhoun, Georgia). JONES is currently incarcerated at the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia, where he was remanded into custody…

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Lake Winnepesaukah Invites Guests to Be Part of History with Launch of 100th Anniversary Digital Mosaic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Lake Winnepesaukah Invites Guests to Be Part of Historywith Launch of 100th Anniversary Digital Mosaic Rossville, GA – [Insert Publish Date] – Lake Winnepesaukah is turning 100—and this season, guestsare invited to be part of something truly unforgettable.Launching May 1, the parkʼs brand-new 100th Anniversary Digital Mosaic is a one-of-a-kind tribute tothe…

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Henagar Officer arrested on Public Dissemination/Displ Obscene Matter Under 17

FORT PAYNE, Ala. – A DeKalb County Investigator who is also assigned to the Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding a social media account that was used to share child pornography. DeKalb County Investigators and Special Response Team, along with ALEA,…

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2025 Dekalb County Republican Party’s Scholarship Recipients

The DeKalb County Republican Party announced their 2025 scholarship winners April 24, 2025. Eight Dekalb County High School Seniors each student was awarded a $500.00 scholarship. Below is a list of the eight scholarship winners for this year: Abbagail Coleman                  Collinsville      Northeast Community College Camden Gabriel Bell              Cornerstone     Northeast Community College (not pictured)…

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Rainsville City Council Meeting Today

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AGENDAApril 21, 2025WORKSHOP: 4:00 P.M.Prayer:Pledge of Allegiance:Address the Council (Dept Heads)Address the Council (Public)Rodney Etherton REGULAR SESSION4:30 p.m.Call to OrderRoll CallApprove the MinutesMayor’s ReportMayor-Increase Court Magistrate Pay to $50.00 per CourtPersonnel-Council ReportBlevins-Taheri-Purchase Kubota Lawn Tractor/Boykin Tractor $16,500.00 WWTPByrum-Freeman- Rosson- Pay Monthly Bills:Adjourn:REMINDER: Next Regular Council Meeting: May 5, 2025

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ALDOT Reminds Drivers to Stay Alert While Driving in Work Zones

ALDOT Reminds Drivers to Stay Alert While Driving in Work ZonesAnnounces National Work Zone Awareness Week April 21-25, 2025 MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Transportation and states around the nation are encouraging motorists to observe National Work Zone Awareness Week on April 21-25 by slowing down in work zones and watching for roadway…

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Convicted sex offender arrested after establishing camp near school

Convicted sex offender arrested after establishing camp near school FORT PAYNE, Ala. – On Monday, April 7th, the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office SRO assigned to Collinsville School received a tip that a convicted sex offender had been seen on school grounds after hours, possibly using school buses for shelter. The Dekalb County Criminal Investigation Unit…

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Marshalls, national retailers coming to Fort Payne’s DeKalb Plaza

Fort Payne, Ala. – On Monday, Fort Payne Mayor Brian Baine announced that nationalretailer Marshalls has executed a lease agreement with Drinkard Development to opena store in the DeKalb Plaza Shopping Center. Marshalls is owned by TJX Companies,Inc. which also owns HomeGoods, Homesense, Sierra, TJ Maxx, and Winners stores.“The City of Fort Payne welcomes Marshalls…

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Major Tornado Outbreak Expected This Weekend: Experts Urge Immediate Preparations

March 13 2025 (3:00 PM CT) UPDATED Severe outlook maps at the bottom A significant and dangerous Tornado outbreak is increasingly likely from Friday night through Saturday, with meteorologists warning of dangerous conditions across the Mid-South and Lower Mississippi River Valley. Latest forecast models indicate a rapidly intensifying storm system capable of producing numerous strong…

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Severe Weather Threat – High End Tornado Threat Possible Saturday

Alabama residents are being urged to stay alert as a high-end severe weather event is expected to unfold from Friday night through early Sunday morning, bringing a significant risk of damaging storms, large hail, and possible Tornadoes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed the entire state under an…

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Severe Storms Expected This Weekend Across Central U.S.

A powerful storm system is set to sweep across the central United States late Friday into Saturday, bringing the risk of severe weather, including damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes. Meteorologists predict an intense storm system will develop over the Plains on Friday, moving toward the Upper Midwest by Saturday morning. Strong winds in…

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Alabama Forestry Commission Wildfire Update

March 5, 2025 Ahead of last night’s storm system, gusty winds and low relative humidities resulted in extremely erratic fire behavior. On Tuesday, Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) wildland firefighters suppressed 181 wildfires – a record number for one day – burning approximately 1,700 acres across Alabama. With forecasts calling for elevated wind speeds across the…

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Severe Storms Threaten Southern U.S. With Tornadoes, Damaging Winds

March 4, 2025 – Residents from southeastern Oklahoma and northeastern Texas to southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle are being warned of an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms today. These storms could bring tornadoes, damaging winds, and isolated hail, with some tornadoes potentially being strong. A large-scale mid to upper-level weather system is moving eastward,…

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Plainview finishes Strong to Capture Semi-final Victory over Powerful Fairfield

Plainview vs Fairfield in the Class 4A semifinals at BJCC Legacy Arena (PHOTO | Harrison Huber) BIRMINGHAM – Plainview High School head coach Cade Willingham played in the AHSAA Basketball State Championships just seven years ago.     After watching his Bears (30-6) beat Fairfield 51-42 in the AHSAA 105th State Basketball Championships Class 4A semifinals at…

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WVSM Radio Partners with Brad Travis and WAFF for Severe Weather Coverage

Rainsville, AL – WVSM Radio has announced an exciting new partnership with Chief Meteorologist Brad Travis and WAFF to provide expanded severe weather coverage for Northeast Alabama. This collaboration will enhance real-time weather alerts and storm tracking, ensuring residents receive timely, accurate, and potentially life-saving information. Severe weather is a common concern for residents in…

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In the month of January, 16 were charged with drug related offenses

From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: FORT PAYNE, Ala. – During the month of January, DeKalb County Deputies, Investigations Unit, Narcotics Agents and Officers with Collinsville and Ider PD seized 72.5 grams of methamphetamine, 42 grams of marijuana and 257 dosage units of pills charging 16 with drug related offenses. On Sunday,…

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Rainsville City Council Meeting Today at 4:00 PM

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AGENDAFebruary 3, 2025WORKSHOP: 4:00 P.M.Prayer:Pledge of Allegiance:Address the Council (Dept Heads)Address the Council (Public) REGULAR SESSION4:30 p.m.Call to OrderRoll CallApprove the MinutesMayor’s ReportMayor-Building Inspector—4 Phase Inspection for ReviewPersonnel-Hire Kyle Wilbanks—Full-Time CDL Driver/Effective 2-12-25 $18.65Hire Tim Jones—Full-Time CDL Driver/Effective 2-12-25 $18.65Council ReportBlevins-Taheri- Byrum- Freeman- Rosson-Pay Monthly Bills:Adjourn:REMINDER: Next Regular Council Meeting: February 17,…

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