PENNINGTON SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER

September 10, 2024 PENNINGTON SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER             District Attorney Summer McWhorter Summerford announced today that Ballard Pennington, Jr. was sentenced to LIFE in prison for two counts of Attempted Murder by Circuit Judge Jeremy Taylor in DeKalb County.    On January 7, 2024, law enforcement was dispatched to a reported stabbing…

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Francine To Make Landfall as Category 2 Hurricane

The following article is published by the Alabama Emergency Management Agency By Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency CLANTON – Tuesday, 7:30 am September 10, 2024 Hurricane Francine will make landfall on the Louisiana coast Wednesday afternoon or early evening as a Category 2 with sustained winds of 100 mph.   The intensity will decrease…

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Fort Payne man arrested on allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct with minors

FORT PAYNE, Ala. – DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden and Sheriff’s Office Investigators received a complaint by a concerned parent regarding a part-time deputy by the name of Joshua Dane Wells (40 of Fort Payne).  Wells was not employed full-time by the Sheriff’s Office and was currently in the Alabama Law Enforcement Police Academy attempting to complete his…

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During the month of June, 13 were arrested on drug related charges

From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: FORT PAYNE, Ala. – We are halfway through 2024 and so far, we have seized 6,714 grams of methamphetamine, 8,225 grams marijuana, 24 grams heroin, 7 grams cocaine, 36 grams synthetic marijuana, and 202 grams fentanyl.  Thanks to Crossville, Henagar, Fyffe and Collinsville PD’s, DeKalb County…

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Murder in Collinsville

From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: FORT PAYNE, Ala. – On June 25th 2024, Deputies with the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office along with Collinsville Police Department and Crossville Police Department responded to an address on County Road 221 in Collinsville in regard to an unresponsive female. When Law Enforcement arrived, the victim…

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ALEA Investigates An Officer Involved Shooting by Skyline Police Department

JACKSON COUNTY – On Thursday, May 2, at approximately 5:27 p.m., Special Agents withthe Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) launchedan investigation into an officer-involved shooting involving an officer with the Skyline PoliceDepartment. The incident occurred when the officer responded to a call for service on CountyRoad 143 in Jackson County….

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Attorney General Steve Marshall Files Lawsuit Challenging Biden Rule to Redefine ‘Sex’ as ‘Gender Identity’ in America’s Schools

(Montgomery, Ala)— Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall filed a federal lawsuit Monday challenging the Biden administration’s recently-announced Title IX rule, which would change the meaning of “sex” to “gender identity” and effectively abolish female-only bathrooms and locker rooms in schools across America. “Since taking office, Joe Biden has brazenly attempted to use federal funding to…

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Widespread Severe Thunderstorms Forecast Across Southeast Wednesday

Widespread Severe Thunderstorms Forecast Across Central Gulf Coast States As Wednesday morning dawns, a looming threat of severe weather casts a shadow over parts of the central Gulf Coast States. The forecast warns of potentially severe thunderstorms, including the risk of several tornadoes, with some possibly reaching strong EF2+ intensities, alongside widespread damaging winds. The…

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Etowah County Woman Convicted of Stealing more than $2.5 Million from Elderly Mother

(Montgomery)—Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the conviction and sentence of an Etowah County woman for Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Person in the First Degree. Gina Cook Gilbert, 63, of Gadsden, pleaded guilty Friday to one count of Financial Exploitation in the First Degree, a Class B felony, of her elderly mother while she was…

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Spring into Safety and‘Think Smart Before You Start’

MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is kicking off its fourthannual ‘Think Smart Before You Start’ spring safety campaign as students of all ages and theirfamilies prepare for end-of-the-school-year festivities such as spring break, prom and theupcoming graduation season. Ideally, parents should also set aside time with their teens to ensuresafety is always…

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Plainview High School Excels at NACC Regional ACTE Tech Fair

March 11, 2024 Plainview High School students showcased their technological prowess at the recent NACC Regional ACTE Tech Fair, held on March 5, 2024, and brought home an impressive array of medals. The event, which drew participants from across the region, provided a platform for students to demonstrate their skills and innovations across various technological…

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Keep Your Hands on the Wheel: Alabama Law Focuses on Distracted Driving

Montgomery, Ala. – A new state law seeks to drive down motor vehicle-related fatalities caused by distracted driving.  In 2022, almost seven percent of all motor vehicle-related fatalities in Alabama were caused by distracted driving. The Alabama Legislature responded in 2023 by passing a law intended to slow the increasing number of people being killed by…

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Governor Ivey awards grants to upgrade five law enforcement agencies

MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $627,110 to assist five police and sheriffs’ departments in upgrading or purchasing new equipment to improve public safety. The grants to police departments in Fort Payne, Cordova and Repton and sheriffs’ departments in Walker and Montgomery counties are designed to help those law enforcement agencies work more effectively…

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Senator Tommy Tuberville Launches State Satellite Office Initiative to Engage with Constituents

Tuberville Team to Host Meetings Across Alabama, Starting with DeKalb County February 22, 2024 Rainsville, Al. – Senator Tommy Tuberville has announced the launch of the Tuberville Team’s State Satellite Office initiative, a series of meetings across Alabama aimed at engaging with constituents, addressing concerns, and providing assistance with casework. The local meeting for DeKalb…

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Prescribed Burn Scheduled for Backcountry Area off CR 295

News Release from Little River Canyon National Preserve February 20, 2024 Residents and visitors to the backcountry area off CR 295 are advised to take note of a prescribed burn scheduled for tomorrow, February 21st. Weather conditions currently appear favorable for the burn, which aims to manage vegetation and reduce wildfire risk in the region….

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Alabama Hwy 117 Closed

GADSDEN POST—At approximately 9:49 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12, Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division was notified that a fallen tree has caused road blockage.  All lanes on Alabama 117 near Valley Head city limits, in Dekalb County are currently closed and will be for an undetermined amount of time.  Troopers…

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Substitute teacher arrested for engaging in sex act with a student under 19 years of age

FORT PAYNE, Ala. – DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint about a substitute teacher possibly having inappropriate relations with a student. The complaint was investigated by DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and today, Stephanie Mechelle Woods (45 of Henagar) has been arrested and booked into the DeKalb County Detention Center and charged with School Employee Engaging in a…

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Fort Payne Police Activity Report February 2nd – 4th

Date: 02/05/2024Title: Press ReleasePosted By: Fort Payne Police Department                            SUBJECT: Activity for February 2 thru February 4, 2024 Friday February 2nd          Incidents 1 Arrests Francisco Manuel, age 34 of Fort Payne, was arrested for DUI at 12:29 am 3 Accidents with 0 Injuries Saturday February 3rd Incidents 3 Arrests Randy Lamar Crawford, age 50…

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ALEA’s ICAC Unit Promotes Safer Internet Day 2024

MONTGOMERY – February 6, marks Safer Internet Day, a global initiative aimed atpromoting a safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especiallyamong children and young people. In light of this important day, the Alabama Law EnforcementAgency’s (ALEA) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is joining forces withlaw enforcement agencies and…

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Former Dekalb County Attorney and Judicial Candidate Sentenced for Multiple Felony Convictions

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall released the following press release today regarding a joint investigation and prosecution: Former Dekalb County Attorney and Judicial Candidate Sentenced for Multiple Felony Convictions Teresa Darwin Phillips, 43, of Sylvania, a former attorney and candidate for DeKalb County District Judge, was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Jeremy Taylor to 20…

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Hiroya Tsukamoto Comes to Mater’s For ARTS In Education

For Immediate Release Contact: Russell Gulley 256-845-0203 home office 727-308-8156 cell Email: [email protected] Fort Payne,Al. Feb.2nd, Hiroya Tsukamoto,  internationally acclaimed master guitarist is coming to Fort Payne for one inschool performance as part of the Ol’Man Russell Gulley Arts in Education Program 2024.That evening, he’ll perform at Mater’s down town Fort Payne, at 7pm in…

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Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office teams up with Central Alabama Crime Stoppers

According to Sheriff Jeff Shaver, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has teamed up with Central Alabama Crime Stoppers.  Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization that brings together law enforcement, media, and the community to stop, solve and prevent crime.  Crime Stoppers also encourages members of the community to assist local law enforcement agencies in the…

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I-65 nightly lane closures to start Sunday

HUNTSVILLE — The Alabama Department of Transportation advises motorists that nighttime single-lane closures for a $23.7 million rehabilitation project on the Interstate 65 Tennessee River Bridges will begin the evening of Sunday, Jan. 28, weather permitting. With exceptions for certain work items, ALDOT is restricting lane closures to nights to minimize impacts to traffic during…

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Beware of “black ice” overnight

Jan. 17, 2024 HUNTSVILLE — The Alabama Department of Transportation advises motorists of the threat of “black ice” on north Alabama roadways tonight and early Thursday. Black ice is so-called because it is difficult to see on pavement. ALDOT made progress on a number of primary roadways today as sunshine combined with treatments applied by ALDOT…

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Severe Weather Alert for Friday, January 12, 2024 Across Southeastern States – Tornadoes Possible

As of the latest weather forecasts, an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms is anticipated on Friday afternoon into Friday evening across parts of East Central and Southeast Alabama, much of Central Georgia, and South Carolina into Southern North Carolina. Surrounded by a Slight Risk Area that extends from Mississippi to the Carolinas. Summary: Severe weather…

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Dekalb Republican Breakfast Club meeting is Saturday

The Dekalb Republican Breakfast Club meeting is Saturday, January 13th , at 7:30 am.   Our featured guest speaker this month is Robert Aderholt. Congressman Aderholt is our Representative of the 4th Congressional District.    Please make plans to attend. The meeting is held at the Cattle Stampede Steak House in Fort Payne, formally the Western Sizzlin….

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Man charged with rape

FORT PAYNE, Ala. – DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Investigators were contacted by Collinsville Police Department in regard to a sexual assault report. After an investigation, Jose Elisama Francisco-Diego (21, of Gadsden) was arrested and charged with Rape 1st on December 29, 2023. Francico-Diego was booked into the DeKalb County Detention Center and later released on bond. Jose Elisama Francisco-Diego (21, of Gadsden)…

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Month of November resulted in 23 arrested on drug charges

FORT PAYNE, Ala. – DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputies, Narcotics Agents and Criminal Investigations, Officers with Powell, Fyffe, Henagar, Sylvania and Ider PD’s and Marshall County Sheriff’s Office arrested 23 on drug related charged during the month of November.  We greatly appreciate you all and the working relationships we have with all of you.  On Friday,…

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Fyffe climbs stairway to 7th state title in 10 years by beating Reeltown in Class 2A championship

By Josh Bean | For the AHSAA TUSCALOOSA – The Fyffe dynasty continues.    The Red Devils (14-1) earned a 43-24 victory over Reeltown (13-1), coached by Matt Johnson, in Friday’s AHSAA Super 7 Class 2A state football championship game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Fyffe’s Logan Anderson ran 34 times for 256 yards and four touchdowns as…

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Severe Weather Alert: Alabama Braces for Heavy Rainfall, Damaging Winds on Saturday, December 9, 2023

Potential Flash Flooding and Severe Thunderstorms Threaten the State Alabama residents are urged to stay weather-aware as a potent storm system approaches, bringing with it the potential for heavy rainfall, flooding, strong to damaging wind gusts, and a few Tornadoes. The severe weather is expected to impact the state late Saturday afternoon, persisting into the…

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Substitute teacher arrested for sex act with student

FORT PAYNE, Ala. – Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office received complaints about a DeKalb County substitute teacher having a sexual relationship with a student. The complaints were investigated by DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Unit.  On Thursday December 7, 2023, substitute teacher, Kristen Jade Ford (age 30) was arrested on the charge of School Employee Engaging in a Sex…

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May Your Nights Be Merry And Bright A ROCK CITY

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. – Warm your hearts this winter at Rock City Gardens’Enchanted Garden of Lights! Chattanooga’s brightest holiday light experience takes place everyevening beginning at 4:30 p.m. from November 17 through January 6 (excluding ChristmasEve). This wonderland of a million lights illuminates six distinct holiday realms and featuresfestive fun for everyone. The journey begins…

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Celebrating the Spirit of the Season: Community Parades Enchanting DeKalb County

Rainsville, November 30th – The Festive Season Kicks Off with Sparkling Parade As the calendar turns to December, the heartwarming spirit of the holiday season comes alive in DeKalb County. The enchantment begins on November 30th in Rainsville, where the community is invited to gather at 6:00 PM to witness a dazzling display of lights,…

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Child Suspended For Threat Towards Another Student

Statement from Scottsboro City School System 11/16/23 11:12 P.M. On the late evening of Thursday, November 16, 2023, Scottsboro City Schools was made aware by the Scottsboro Police Department that a student at Collins Intermediate School made a threat towards another student. While Scottsboro PD continues to investigate, school administration has suspended the student pending…

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Governor Ivey Issues Statewide Burn Ban

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday issued a statewide ‘No Burn Order.’ Today, she signed a statewide Drought Emergency Declaration – often referred to as a ‘No Burn Order’ – prohibiting all outdoor burning in Alabama. This order is effective November 9, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. Central Standard Time. “Alabama is currently experiencing extremely dry conditions, which…

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