FORT PAYNE — Fort Payne Police Department recorded a busy week of thefts, property damage, traffic crashes and arrests from Sept. 7 through Sept. 13, 2026. Officers reported 15 accidents during the period, none with injuries, and 11 people were taken into custody.The week opened Monday, Sept. 7, with the theft of a 2019 Nissan…
(Left to right) Firefighter Jeffie Keener, Firefighter Jake McClung, Captain Matthew Cooley, Chief Willimac Wright, Mark Huber (WVSM), Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt, Kayron Guffey (WVSM), Police officer Todd Bowen, Michael Edmondson Police Chief, Officer Donavan King, Officer Dean White, Officer Cody Dowdy, Dave Hallmark RAINSVILLE — On Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, the 25th anniversary of the…
Community Rally & Old-Fashioned Covered Dish Supper Tuesday, September 1st • 6:00 PMFyffe Senior Center, 413 Paul Benefield Lane, Fyffe AL Come meet the Democratic candidates and hear their vision for Alabama! Featuring: Doug JonesCandidate for Governor Ron SparksCandidate for Commissioner of Agriculture Philip EnslerCandidate for Lieutenant Governor Old-Fashioned Covered Dish SupperBring your favorite dish…
GADSDEN POST – A multi-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 5:25 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14 has claimed the life of a Ft. Payne woman. Colleen K. Jones, 70, was fatally injured when the 1999 Toyota Camry she was driving was struck by a 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche driven by John David Andrew Twilley, 40, of Ft….
08/14/2026 From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: FORT PAYNE, Ala.- On August 12th, 2026, the Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit was contacted by members of the Dekalb County Commission along with the County Administrator and asked to open a case in regards to a 1976 John Deere 4230 tractor that…
MONTGOMERY– Backpacks are packed, school buses are rolling and students across Alabama areheading back to the classroom. As families settle into a new school-year routine, the Alabama LawEnforcement Agency (ALEA) is reminding motorists that back to school means back to safety onAlabama’s roadways.The return of the school year brings increased morning and afternoon traffic, school…
Date: August 10, 2026Title: Press Release SUBJECT: Fort Payne City Schools Lockdown Chief David Davis States: At 10:57 am a call came into the Fort Payne Police Department believed to be a student from Fort Payne High School stating that he was armed and was going harm himself and then made a statement he might…
Date: 8/03/2026Title: Press ReleasePosted By: Fort Payne Police Department SUBJECT: Activity for July 31 thru August 2, 2026 Friday July 31st Incidents Damaged Property – Occurred at 403 13th Street NW, a fence was damaged, valued at $1000.00 Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, miscellaneous items were taken, valued at $12.12 3 Arrests…
08/05/2026 From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: FORT PAYNE, Ala. – On Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, the Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit executed two search warrants at separate residences in the Grove Oak community which resulted in a trafficking amount of methamphetamine, marijuana, and US currency being seized. Working alongside…
From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: FORT PAYNE, AL — July 24, 2026 — Following an intensive four-week multi-agency investigation, law enforcement officers have apprehended a fugitive wanted for the sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12. The investigation began near the end of June 2026, when the DeKalb…
FORT PAYNE, Al. — The Fort Payne Police Department released its weekly activity report Thursday, detailing a series of thefts, acts of vandalism, and traffic incidents across the city from Monday, July 6 through Thursday, July 9, 2026.Officers responded to several property crimes during the period, including two thefts on Monday alone. A purse and…
GADSDEN POST–A single-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, has claimed the life of a Fort Payne man. Roger G. Killian, 79, was fatally injured when the 2004 Toyota Tacoma that he was driving left the roadway, struck a ditch and overturned. Killian was pronounced deceased at the scene. The crash…
07/13/2026 From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: FORT PAYNE, Ala. – This past weekend, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office successfully conducted Phase II of the Shepherd’s Watch Church Security Training Program, continuing its commitment to providing churches with professional, realistic and effective security training. Phase I of the program focused on threat…
RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The DeKalb County Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, with several personnel items, bid approvals, contracts, and the next meeting date listed on the agenda. The board’s agenda included approval of the meeting agenda and approval of the June 16, 2026 meeting minutes. Under bids, the…
For Immediate Release Date: June 29, 2026 Male Subject Arrested Following Shooting Incident in Fyffe; No Injuries Reported From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: FORT PAYNE, Ala. — A multi-agency response led to the arrest of a local man following a shooting incident on Sunday night in Fyffe, Alabama. The suspect,…
RAINSVILLE, Al. — WVSM Radio has reached another historic milestone, climbing to more than 148,000 Facebook followers and strengthening its position as Alabama’s #1 radio station for Facebook followers. The Rainsville-based station, heard on 1500 AM and 103.1 FM, continues to stand ahead of several major-market radio stations across the state, including stations in Birmingham…
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The streets of downtown Fort Payne will come alive Saturday, June 20, as the Third Saturday Sunset Cruise-In returns with classic cars, live music, family fun and community connection. The event is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown Fort Payne and will feature cars and trucks on display,…
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne Police Department has released its activity report for Friday, June 5, through Sunday, June 7, 2026. On Friday, June 5, officers reported two arrests and four accidents with no injuries. Elizabeth Crystal Belle Gaul, 43, of Fort Payne, was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear at…
Fort Payne will once again welcome fans of the legendary country music group ALABAMA as the band’s 2026 Fan Appreciation Week returns June 18–21 with several hometown events planned throughout the weekend. The annual celebration gives fans an opportunity to gather in the place where ALABAMA’s story began, while also supporting local and charitable causes…
NORTH ALABAMA — Residents across North Alabama should stay weather aware today, Monday, June 1, 2026, as strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across the Tennessee Valley. The Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of the Lower Mississippi Valley and Tennessee Valley under a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms. This means scattered severe storms are…
North Alabama will need to stay weather aware on Monday, June 1, as thunderstorms are expected to move across the region. The Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of Tennessee, northern Mississippi, and northern Alabama in a Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorms. This is a lower-end risk, but it does mean a few storms could…
05/27/2026 FORT PAYNE, Ala. – On Wednesday, May 20th, 2026, Dekalb County Deputies were conducting a traffic safety check point at the intersection of County Road 179 and County Road 433 in Kilpatrick when they observed a Silver Chevrolet Sonic attempting to avoid the check point. Deputies made contact with the driver, identified as Christian Perez-Lopez (24…
STEVENSON, Ala. — The City of Stevenson is preparing to welcome residents and visitors for Depot Days 2026, a week-long celebration featuring community events, food, music, entertainment and family activities in downtown Stevenson. Depot Days activities are scheduled to begin Saturday, June 6, and continue through Saturday, June 13, with events planned at locations throughout…
Date: 05/25/2026Title: Press ReleasePosted By: Fort Payne Police Department SUBJECT: Activity for May 22 thru May 24, 2026 Friday May 22nd Incidents 0 Arrests 2 Accidents with 0 Injuries Saturday May 23rd Incidents Damaged Property – Occurred at 408 Beason Gap Road NE, a quarter panel, headlight, hood and bumper were damaged on…
MONTGOMERY – As millions of Americans prepare to kick off summer travel during theupcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) islaunching its annual “101 Days of Summer Safety” campaign, a statewide initiative focused onprotecting lives on Alabama’s highways, waterways and beaches through Labor Day.This year’s campaign carries a patriotic theme as…
05/21/2026 On Wednesday, May 20th, 2026, Corrections Officers within the Dekalb County Detention Center were notified of an unresponsive male inmate, identified as Mark Loveless (63 of Somerset, Kentucky). Corrections Officers notified Dekalb Ambulance Service and Fort Payne Fire & Rescue and began rendering immediate aid to Mr. Loveless until medical personnel arrived on scene….
At approximately 5:22 p.m. May 19, the missing boater, Jeremiah Gamble, 25, of Tallassee was recovered from Lake Guntersville near the Honeycomb Campground area in Marshall County. The following agencies assisted with the search and recovery effort: Guntersville Fire Department, Guntersville Rescue Squad, Crane Hill Fire and Rescue, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, Guntersville…
From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On Monday, May 18th 2026 at approximately 6:25pm Dekalb County Deputies along with Officers with Geraldine and Crossville Police Departments responded to the intersection of HWY 75 and County Road 3 in the Painter Community in regards to a shots-fired call. Investigators…
05/13/2026 From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: FORT PAYNE, Ala. – We would like to thank The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, K-9 Unit and Drugs and Major Crimes Unit, Fort Payne, Henagar and Collinsville Police Departments, ALEA and Dade County Georgia Sheriff’s Office Deputies in all the help they provided us…
05/12/2026 From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: FORT PAYNE, Ala.- On Saturday, May 9th 2026 at approximately 10:00 pm, Henagar Police responded to MJ Fuels in regards to parents reporting their 7-month-old child had been kidnapped by a man they had been traveling with. The Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit…
The next meeting for the Dekalb County Republican Women will be on Monday, May 18 at 6pm at the DeKalb County Commission Building in Fort Payne. Our guest speaker will be Rodney Walker, candidate for US Senate. All are welcome to attend! This is your last chance to hear from candidates before the May 19…
Press Release May 11, 2026 The Dekalb County Republican Party Scholarship Committee is happy to announce their winners for the 2026 Calendar year. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Party has awarded ten $500.00 scholarships to each of the County’s schools. A student entering must be a graduating high school senior enrolling in…
(Montgomery, Ala) – Today, Attorney General Steve Marshall announced a civil investigation into the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) alleging deceptive fundraising practices under Alabama’s consumer protection statutes. A subpoena transmitted to the SPLC on Monday commands the SPLC to produce requested documents by Monday, June 1, 2026. The State’s action comes on the heels…
05/11/2026 From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: FORT PAYNE, Ala. – On Sunday, May 10th, at approximately 7:15 pm Deputies with the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office, Dekalb Ambulance Service, and Valley Head Police Department responded to 11877 AL HWY 117 in Hammondville in regard to a 31-year-old male gunshot victim who was…
NORTH ALABAMA — Residents across North Alabama will need to stay weather aware Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday night as another round of strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to move across the region. The Storm Prediction Center has placed areas from eastern Texas into Alabama under a Slight Risk, or Level 2 out of 5,…
GADSDEN POST—A multi-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, has claimed the life of a Ider man. Alvin D. Benefield, 62, was fatally injured when the 2003 Ford F-150 that he was driving, stuck a 2023 Volvo tractor-trailer driven by Kakha-Melikidze, 43, of Staten Island, N.Y. After the initial impact, the…
Several students from the Plainview Junior Beta Club have qualified to attend the National Beta Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, this summer, giving them the opportunity to represent their school and community on a national stage. The convention brings together Beta Club members from across the country to compete in academic events, leadership activities, and talent…
North Alabama is under a Level 2 of 5 Slight Risk for severe storms today and tonight. The higher Level 3 Enhanced Risk is mainly west of Alabama, but the SPC outlook map shows the Slight Risk covering much of Alabama, including North and Northeast Alabama. The main concern locally is not the extreme hail/tornado…
A dangerous and widespread severe weather outbreak is unfolding today across a large portion of the central and eastern United States, with the Storm Prediction Center placing parts of Missouri and Illinois under a Moderate Risk (Level 4 of 5) for significant severe storms. Forecasters warn the greatest threat today will stretch from the Mid-Mississippi…
RAINSVILLE, Al. — Fifteen years after one of the darkest days in Alabama history, DeKalb County is pausing to remember the lives lost, the communities forever changed, and the strength that carried Northeast Alabama through the aftermath of the April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak. On that Wednesday, a historic severe weather outbreak produced 62 confirmed…
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about another scam making the rounds that falsely claims a person has an outstanding traffic violation and labels the message as a “Final Notice.” In a Facebook post, the Sheriff’s Office said the notice is not legitimate and warned residents not to…
RAINSVILLE, Al. — The City of Rainsville is once again helping residents tidy up their properties with its Annual Spring Clean-Up event for sanitation customers. Throughout the month of May, the city will provide free dumpster access for its monthly sanitation customers at the City Shop Building, located at 265 Wells Road in Rainsville. The…
RAINSVILLE, Al. — The public is invited to attend a 15-year commemorative program on Saturday, April 25, at 11 a.m. at the DeKalb County Tornado Memorial in Rainsville. The event will honor the 35 DeKalb County residents who lost their lives in the devastating April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak, one of the deadliest weather events…
On April 16, 2026, Brad Anthony Roden, age 39 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of Child Pornography. After an investigation into the allegations, a search warrant was issued and carried out by the Fort Payne Police Departments Tactical Unit. Roden was arrested without incident and charged with 9 counts of Possession of Child…
JACKSON COUNTY, Al. — Officials are urging residents to use extreme caution as an elevated fire risk has been declared across Jackson County due to a combination of dry conditions and breezy weather. According to local emergency management officials, the current weather pattern has created an environment where fires can ignite easily and spread rapidly….
MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is once again partnering with Alabama People Against a Littered State (PALS) and organizations across the state to support the annual “Don’t Drop It on Alabama” spring cleanup campaign. Throughout the month of April, the initiative encourages Alabamians to take an active role in keeping their communities…
MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded two grants totaling $135,000 for programs to assist law enforcement officers from around the state with tools and techniques to investigate and prevent crime. Gov. Ivey awarded $75,000 to Jacksonville State University and $60,000 to Auburn University at Montgomery for general and specialized training on crime-fighting techniques. “Knowledge…
RAINSVILLE, Al. — The DeKalb County Board of Education met on March 19, 2026, to address a wide range of district business, including financial matters, personnel changes, equipment bids, and upcoming projects. During the meeting, board members approved routine items such as the meeting agenda and minutes from the February 16 session, along with school…
Fyffe, Alabama — The town of Fyffe has announced that Ridgeway Street will be permanently closed prior to April 1, 2026, according to a notice shared on the town’s official Facebook page. The closure, directed by the State Highway Department, will require motorists who regularly travel the area to begin using alternate routes. No specific…
LOCAL NEWS | RAINSVILLE Local Law Enforcement Officer Graduates from FBI National Academy Rainsville, Alabama — On Thursday, March 19th, 2026, Chief Michael Edmondson announced that Captain Joshua Wilson has graduated as a member of the 297th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on…
PISGAH, Al. — Jackson County officials have announced an upcoming bridge closure that will impact traffic along County Road 88 Loop in Pisgah beginning later this month. According to Jackson County Public Works, the bridge located between addresses 11190 and 11082 on County Road 88 Loop will be closed for replacement starting Monday, March 30,…
FORT PAYNE, Ala.- On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at approximately 11:15 AM the Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit attempted to stop a white 2000 Chevrolet Silverado occupied by JASON LYNN SOUDER (52 of Cedartown, GA) at Gault AVE N and Alabama Ave in Fort Payne. SOUDER was wanted on felony warrants out of Cherokee County Alabama as…
Residents across North Alabama should prepare for the possibility of severe thunderstorms late Sunday evening into early Monday morning, as a powerful storm system moves across the southern United States. According to the Storm Prediction Center, a large and intense weather system developing over the Plains will push a strong cold front eastward on Sunday….
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Residents across Alabama are being warned about a new text message scam in which criminals impersonate the Alabama Department of Revenue and threaten drivers with penalties over an alleged unpaid traffic violation. The fraudulent message claims the recipient has an “overdue traffic penalty” and warns that if payment is not made…
On March 10, 2026, a pursuit of a stolen Kia Sorento was initiated in Scottsboro, AL. The stolen Sorento lead officers Eastbound on AL Hwy 35 towards Dekalb County. The Rainsville Police Department as well as Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office were notified of the pursuit and position themselves to intercept the vehicle. The pursuit continued…
RAINSVILLE, Ala. — March 10, 2026 — Rainsville police officials have provided new details on an armed gunman incident that originated from a stolen vehicle detection, leading to a chase and eventual self-inflicted gunshot in the Rainsville Crossing area, with no injuries to the public or law enforcement. In a public press conference held earlier…
North Alabama could see some severe thunderstorms on Wednesday, but the overall threat level is Slight Risk, which means a few storms could become severe, but widespread severe weather is not expected. A cold front moving in from the west will interact with warm, humid air already in place across Alabama. This setup could cause…
Damaging winds and hail the primary threats this afternoon and evening Residents across North Alabama should stay alert today as the potential for severe thunderstorms increases during the afternoon and evening hours. The National Weather Service has placed much of the region under a Slight Risk (Level 2 out of 5) for severe weather as…
Plainview junior Sawyer Kate Hulgan (13) is shown with a power move inside past two Jackson defenders. Hulgan, who set the NFHS national record for career 3-pointers earlier this season, finished with 23 points leading Plainview to the finals with a62-30 win in the other 4A semifinals Tuesday at Legacy Arena. (AHSAA PHOTO | Cody…
From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: FORT PAYNE, Ala.- On Thursday, February 26th, 2026, a Dekalb County Deputy and the Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit was notified by Dekalb 911 Dispatch that a male resident of Dekalb County had recently been brought to Marshall Medical Center South suffering from a…
MONTGOMERY – The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Central Board of Control (CBOC) met virtually Monday and amended the 2026-2027 and 2026-28 school classification for Scottsboro High School. “Due to a miscalculation and incorrect submission of data by Scottsboro City Schools,” said AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon, “ Scottsboro High School (SHS) was incorrectly…
DeKalb County Board of Education February 16, 2026 AGENDA 1. Call to Order/Approval of Agenda/Minutes A. Approval of Agenda B. Approval of the January 15, 2026 Meeting Minutes 2. Bids A. Fyffe High School and Sylvania High School Paving Project – Wiregrass Construction Co., Inc. B. Valley Head Softball Field Renovation – Boatner Construction Co.,…
A recall involving bulk cake and bread mixes sold nationwide has been elevated to the most serious level by federal regulators due to the presence of an undeclared allergen that could pose a severe health risk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified the action as a Class I recall, indicating a reasonable probability…
News Release from Fort Payne Police Department – February 5, 2026 On February 3, 2026, warrants were issued for the arrest of Joseph Michael Holmes age 38 from Lafayette, AL for the charges of Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful Sex Act, Rape 2nd, and Sodomy 2nd. With assistance from the Chambers County…
MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants worth a total of $4.5 million to groups that alleviate poverty and help low-income residents become economically self-sufficient. The Community Services Block Grants will go to 18 community action agencies, which will provide services to community members who qualify for assistance. “Many families and individuals experience hardships…
MONTGOMERY – A wide array of items from trucks, boats and bicycles to electronics, fitness equipment and office furniture will be up for bid starting this Saturday in the latest online state surplus property auction. The Surplus Property Division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will hold the auction from 8 a.m….
Collinsville Police Chief Stephen Malone was arrested Sunday in Nashville and charged with aggravated assault following an alleged domestic incident. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, officers responded to a residence in the 800 block of 12th Avenue South, where Malone had gone to the home of his girlfriend, Savannah Riley. Police said an…
FORT PAYNE, Ala.- On Monday, February 2nd, at approximately 2:20AM a Dekalb County Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a U-HAUL van traveling eastbound on HWY 117 in Mentone near East River Road. During the traffic stop, the deputy noticed the driver was hauling large tanks containing approximately 600 gallons of diesel fuel stowed improperly…
01/30/2026 Forgery Operation Shut Down in Fort Payne FORT PAYNE, Ala. – Recently, the DeKalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit has been investigating reports of a forgery operation that was being conducted out of a residence on Mims Street in Fort Payne. On Thursday, January 29th, Agents conducted a traffic stop in relation to…
January 26 2026 Due to inclement weather, the January 26 meeting (tonight) for the DeKalb County Republican Women has been rescheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026. The meeting will be held at the Ider Senior Center and will start at 6:00 pm. DeKalb County Sheriff, Nick Welden, will be the guest speaker. Everyone is welcome…
Northern DeKalb County, especially around Mentone(north of Hwy 40 & 117), is seeing sporadic power outages affecting just over 1,100 customers. Temperatures are now above freezing, and conditions in Mentone should improve quickly. No additional ice accumulation is expected. Tonight & tomorrow morning: Watch for black ice on residual wet roads—travel could be hazardous early…
January 23 2026 A Norfolk Southern freight train carrying grain derailed early Friday morning in rural DeKalb County, Alabama, prompting emergency response crews to the scene and causing significant traffic disruptions in the Valley Head area. According to the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), the incident occurred near County Road 761, where approximately 5…
FORT PAYNE, Ala. – On Tuesday, January 20th, the DeKalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit, along with DeKalb County SRT executed a high-risk search warrant at an address in the 800 block of County Road 330 in Ider. The search warrant came about as the result of an ongoing investigation into a convicted violent…
FORT PAYNE, Ala. – The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office assisted Homeland Security Investigations in the apprehension of a registered sex offender with a final order of deportation. Nixon Rubilio-Mayen was taken into custody without incident. Rubilio-Mayen was the subject of a final order of deportation and is now in the custody of Homeland Security Investigators….
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 By Staff Writer A significant winter storm is expected to bring dangerous winter weather to Alabama beginning Friday and lasting through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center. The expansive storm system is forecast to impact much of the eastern United States, with North and Central Alabama…
NORTH ALABAMA / CENTRAL ALABAMA — Alabamians are being urged to stay weather-aware as forecasters monitor a developing storm system that could bring hazardous winter conditions to parts of the state later this week. The National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Huntsville and Birmingham report that a storm system is expected to move across the…
HUNTSVILLE POST – A single-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 1:50 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, has claimed the life of a Flat Rock man. Kenneth D. Evans, 57, was fatally injured when the 2016 Ford Fiesta he was driving left the roadway and overturned before striking a tree. Evans was pronounced deceased at the scene….
From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: FORT PAYNE, Ala. — DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden is proud to announce an upcoming Church Security Training Program designed to help churches proactively protect their congregations, facilities, and faith communities. This training will be instructed by Captain Nathaniel Bates of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office….
From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: FORT PAYNE, Ala. – In recent weeks, the Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit has assisted in the arrest of two fugitives wanted by the United States Marshal Service living in Dekalb County. On Thursday, December 18th, 2025, The Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes…
FORT PAYNE, Al. – In recent weeks, the Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit and Dekalb County Deputies have made multiple arrests for Drug Trafficking and cases related to the distribution of narcotics in Dekalb County. On Wednesday, December 17th, 2025, the Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit executed a narcotics search warrant…
By Staff Reporter January 14, 2026 — Verizon Wireless, the nation’s largest mobile carrier, experienced a widespread outage on Wednesday, leaving tens of thousands of customers unable to make calls, send texts, or access mobile data. The disruption, which began around noon Eastern Time, prompted emergency alerts in major cities and sparked frustration across social…
Fort Payne, AL – January 9, 2025 – The Fort Payne Police Department released its activity report for the period of Monday, January 5 through Thursday, January 8, 2026, detailing arrests, accidents, and property incidents in the city. Monday, January 5 Police made one arrest early Monday morning when Julio Cesar Gamez Martinez, 33, of…
News Release – January 12, 2026 This morning, January 12, 2026, I walked into the DeKalb County Courthouse and officially qualified to run for re-election as your Sheriff. I did not walk in alone this morning, for my family was with me and so were a host of deputies, staff, and friends who believe in…
HUNTSVILLE POST — A single-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 2:25 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, has claimed the life of a Sylvania man. Nevan A. Hall, 22, was fatally injured when the 2015 Ford Super Duty truck that he was driving, left the roadway and struck a tree. Hall was pronounced deceased at the scene….
Chicago-based IB Parks & Entertainment announced on Friday, January 9, 2026, it has acquired the rights to operate Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park. The purchase is being called a “long-term commitment,” and begins with the 2026 season, according to a release from the family-oriented theme parks and attractions operator. Lake Winnie re-opens on Friday, May 1,…
North Alabama should be on the lookout for scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and into the evening. The atmosphere is warm and humid, and while most storms will be brief, a few could get strong enough to bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and even small hail. Meteorologists say there’s also a small chance for a quick,…
Severe Storms Possible Across North Alabama Friday Residents across North Alabama should prepare for the possibility of severe weather Friday as a strong weather system moves through the Tennessee Valley, forecasters said. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the region in a slight risk for severe thunderstorms, meaning scattered storms could become strong enough to…
January 8, 2026 The National Weather Service (NWS) in Huntsville has issued a Flood Watch for all of northern Alabama and southern Middle Tennessee, effective from 6 a.m. Friday through noon Saturday. Forecasters warn of potential flash flooding due to expected heavy rainfall during the first major storm system of 2026. The watch covers a…
01/07/2026 – Cherokee County Deputies & First Responders Rising to the Challenge According to Cherokee County E‑911, in 2025 the dispatch center handled 40,375 calls for service, up from 27,551 in 2023, nearly a 47% increase. This rise reflects our growing population, more traffic, and ongoing development throughout the county, which naturally drives higher demand…
DeKalb County Republican Party FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Qualifying period for all elected candidates for the Dekalb County positions in the Republican Primary opens on January 12th and will run thru January 23rd 2026. All candidates that are interested in running for the upcoming terms will need to meet with Party Chairman David Gulledge to…
Today (December 18, 2025), there’s only a low (marginal) risk of severe thunderstorms in parts of the Mississippi, Tennessee, and lower Ohio Valleys, as well as coastal North Carolina. Overall, the threat is limited—not widespread or intense—and many areas will just see regular thunderstorms or strong non-severe winds from the front. Stay aware if you’re…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 18, 2025 On the Road to the New Year, ALEA Launches‘12 Days of Safety’ Campaign MONTGOMERY — As families across Alabama prepare for holiday travel, celebrations and ringing inthe New Year, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is preparing to kick off its annual “12Days of Safety” campaign — a festive, interactive…
A judge in DeKalb County, Alabama, has granted a preliminary injunction to former college football coach Jeremy Pruitt, temporarily blocking the NCAA from enforcing its six-year show-cause penalty against him.This ruling opens the door for Pruitt—who previously served as head coach at Tennessee and defensive coordinator at Alabama—to pursue coaching opportunities without the restrictions that…
HUNTSVILLE POST – A single-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 4:55 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, has claimed the life of a Flat Rock man. Barry D. Dunn, 59, was fatally injured when the 2010 Buick Lacrosse he was driving left the roadway, striking several trees, prior to striking an embankment and then a culvert before…
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…
Date: 11/10/2025 Title: Murder Chief David Davis States: On November 9 at 5:59 pm a call was received of shots fired in the 1300 block of Alabama Ave NW, in the Fort Payne Housing Authority Complex. When officers arrived on scene they discovered two victims with apparent gunshot wounds, in the kitchen area of the…
Friday October 31st Incidents Duty to Stop and Remain – Occurred at 1900 Grand Ave NW, a bumper on a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe was damaged, valued at $1000.00 5 Arrests Brad Lorenzo McElrath, age 50 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency at 1:13 am Brady Bernard Norris, age 61…
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,…
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…
