Facilities to be named in honor of Sheriff Reed and Commission President Charles Bell

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Administrative Office and Detention Center are to be named in honor of former Sheriff Cecil Reed and former Commission President Charles Bell. The two were instrumental in building the new facility. The process started back in 2001, when Sheriff Reed approached DeKalb County Commission President Charles Bell…

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ALEA Reminder Federal Government has Extended STAR ID Deadline to October 2021

MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Law Enforcement reminds the public the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, at the direction of President Donald J. Trump, has extended the STAR ID enforcement deadline to Oct. 1, 2021, in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). STAR ID, which stands for Secure, Trusted and Reliable Identification, is Alabama’s version of the federal…

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SEVERE Weather Possible Thursday, With Violent Tornadoes Possible Again

Another “Major TORNADO” outbreak is possible, this Thursday, April 23, 2020, across the South. Currently, models are showing the possibility of a significant Severe Weather Outbreak this Thursday, including the chance for VIOLENT STRONG LONG TRACK TORNADOES again. As of today, The Storm Prediction Center already has a large portion of the South in an…

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SEVERE Weather Forecast Again This Sunday | WVSM Digital News

Severe Weather is forecast for the South, again this Sunday. Current models show the outlook area for the highest threat of Severe Weather will cover Central and Southern Alabama. The threat extends from Eastern Texas through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, The Florida Panhandle, and South Carolina. The Storm Prediction Center says all forms of Severe…

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Two Rainsville Men Arrested For Large Amount of Narcotics | WVSM Digital News

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Last Tuesday (April 7, 2020) the DCSO seized a large amount of illegal narcotics in Rainsville. The investigation was initiated after receiving numerous complaints from the community regarding possible drug activity on Hancock Drive in Rainsville. Through the course of the investigation, a search warrant was obtained for the residence. Deputies…

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Sheriff’s Office Investigators Recover Stolen Property Valued at over $250,000

According to Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver, investigators from Cherokee County and Etowah County executed a search warrant on Thursday, at a residence located on Norton Lane just inside Etowah County.  The search warrant was the result of a burglary and theft investigation led by Investigator Jeremy Stepps.  Stolen property, valued at over a quarter-million…

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Churches Don’t Risk Stiff FCC Fines For Using An Illegal FM Transmitter

Don’t let your church fall to the temptation of broadcasting your “drive in” church services illegally. During these trying times and social distancing, church congregations are unable to meet in person and some companies are selling FM transmitters for churches to broadcast their services on. First, this is ILLEGAL, unless your transmitter is less than…

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ALEA Dispels Rumors During Stay at Home Order

MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is receiving a high volume of inquiries from motorists concerning enforcement along Alabama roadways, particularly since Governor Kay Ivey announced Friday, April 3, the stay-at-home order in response to COVID-19. Questions include whether law enforcement will set up checkpoints at Alabama state lines and/or ban motorists from entering…

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SEVERE Weather Possible Tonight & Again On Easter Sunday | WVSM Digital News

There is an enhanced risk for severe weather across parts of the mid-Mississippi valley today, Wednesday, April 8, 2020, into the lower Ohio and Tennessee valleys overnight tonight. The primary threats will be large hail (some very large) and damaging winds (some significant). In addition, a few Tornadoes cannot be ruled out. Cities within the…

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Alabama Governor Kay Ivey Issues Statewide “Stay-at-Home” Order | WVSM Digital News

ORDER OF THE STATE HEALTH OFFICER SUSPENDING CERTAIN PUBLIC GATHERINGS DUE TO RISK OF INFECTION BY COVID-19 (APPLICABLE STATEWIDE) AMENDED APRIL 3, 2020 WHEREAS Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been detected in Alabama; and WHEREAS the appearance of COVID-19 in the State poses the potential of widespreadexposure to an infectious agent that poses significant risk…

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Little River Canyon National Preserve, Canyon Mouth Park Is Closed, But The Park Is Open

According to The Little River Canyon National Preserve the Canyon Mouth Park is Closed, but the walking areas and trails, around the falls are open. But keep in mind, all bathroom facilities, on park grounds, are closed. Here is a statement from the park: “Following federal and state recommendations for precautions to help prevent the…

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ALEA Confirms STAR ID Deadline Extension, Further Limits In-Person Driver License Services

MONTGOMERY – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, at the direction of President Donald J. Trump, is extending the REAL ID enforcement deadline to Oct. 1, 2021, in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Alabama’s version of the federal REAL ID program is STAR ID, which stands for Secure, Trusted and Reliable Identification. ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor…

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Governor Ivey urges Alabama Small Business Owners To Prepare Now by Applying for Federal Financial Relief

APRIL 1, 2020 PRESS RELEASE MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday urges Alabama Small Business Owners to respond to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic by taking steps to ensure their business will withstand the troubling economy. Final guidelines for how the federal government will distribute financial relief to Alabama’s small businesses will be released very soon….

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Governor Kay Ivey Announces USDA Waiver Approved

Today Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced that the USDA has approved the Alabama State Department of Education’s Child Nutrition Programs waiver request. “Great news, Alabama! The USDA has approved the Alabama State Department of Education’s Child Nutrition Programs waiver request. This will allow food authorities and community organizations, in good standing, to operate in non-area…

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Dekalb County Courthouse & Activities Buildings Closed

The DeKalb County Courthouse and DeKalb County Activities Building are closed to the public effective immediate until further notice due to circumstances related to COVID-19. Those having service needs should attempt to call the appropriate office of need to conduct business via telephone or internet. DeKalb County Commission number is 256-845-8500 DeKalb County Probate number…

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Alabama Public TV Offers Educational Resources For Distance Learning

According to Alabama Public TV’s official website, APTV is offering Educational Resources for Distance Learning: “With Alabama school districts closed due to concerns over COVID-19, Alabama Public Television is here to support your education needs. While students are away from the classroom, we are broadcasting and sharing online educational resources and materials that support distance…

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Alabama Department of Public Health reports its first known employee with COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) confirmed the first case of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in an ADPH employee who works at the Bureau of Clinical Laboratories in Montgomery. Laboratory testing confirmed this diagnosis. The individual had no public interaction on the job and was not working on COVID-19 testing….

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ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division Reminds Everyone about Social Distancing, Water Safety

Please see below for a safety reminder from the ALEA Marine Patrol Division: ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division Reminds Everyone about Social Distancing, Water Safety MONTGOMERY – Because schools, businesses and churches have closed indefinitely in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), more people are spending their free time on Alabama waterways. Activity on Alabama’s lakes, rivers…

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Significant SEVERE Weather Event Forecast for Saturday

A significant severe weather event is possible tomorrow afternoon/evening in far eastern Iowa, Northern Illinois, and far northwest Indiana. All severe weather hazards are possible including large hail (some very large 2+”), damaging wind, and tornadoes (some significant). Anyone who lives within the risk area, particularly the red “moderate risk” area, including the cities of…

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Small Business Administration is offering Economic Injury Disaster Loans

Small businesses across Alabama have been negatively impacted by the #Coronavirus. To help, the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering Economic Injury Disaster Loans. For more information, or to see if you are eligible, go to the SBA’s #covid19 disaster assistance web page at www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19 You can also contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service…

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ALEA Says FMCSA Has Granted Waiver

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has granted a waiver in response to the COVID-19 emergency for states, CDL holders, CLP holders, and interstate drivers operating commercial motor vehicles. The extension period will continue until June 30, 2020. Download full press release: https://www.alea.gov/sites/default/files/inline-files/ALEA%20Extended%20Suspension%20Date%20Notification%20Memo%20CDL_CPL%20and%20Medical%20Certifications.pdfFor a complete set of terms, conditions, and restrictions of the waiver,…

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AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese Announces End Of Athletic Season

Press Release From Steve Savarese: Like thousands of others, I am deeply saddened and disappointed that our schools have closed, and spring sports will not have an opportunity to finish their seasons.  Even more so, I am disheartened for all student-athletes, contest officials, their coaches, families, student bodies, fans, communities, and especially our seniors.  We…

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SEVERE Weather Possible Across A Large Area On Saturday/Saturday Night

THERE IS A MODERATE RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FOR PORTIONS OF NORTH-CENTRAL AND NORTHWEST ILLINOIS, AN ENHANCED RISK AREA SURROUNDING THAT AND THEN A LARGE SLIGHT RISK AREA THAT EXTENDS INTO THE DEEP SOUTH. The Storm Prediction Center says a significant Severe Weather Outbreak is possible for portions of the middle Mississippi Valley on Saturday. …

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ALEA Confirms STAR ID Deadline Extension, Further Limits In-Person Driver License Services

MONTGOMERY – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, at the direction of President Donald J. Trump, is extending the REAL ID enforcement deadline to Oct. 1, 2021, in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Alabama’s version of the federal REAL ID program is STAR ID, which stands for Secure, Trusted and Reliable Identification. ALEA Secretary Hal…

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Schools Will Close For Remainder of This School Year With Instruction From Home

Today, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a supplemental SOE that would allow Dr. Mackey, Alabama Superintendent, and his team to provide instruction from home starting April 6, 2020, for the remainder of the school year. Governor Ivey said, “This decision has been made with a tremendous amount of concern and discussion. I cannot stress enough…

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ALDOT Keeps Essential Services Going for Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is maintaining essential services, such as road and bridge maintenance and construction, during the continuation of a national effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Work to repair slides and other roadway failures resulting from the recent record rainfall is also ongoing. “ALDOT’s mission is to…

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Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office, 26 Charged in Narcotics cases in the last month

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — This past month was productive for the DeKalb County Narcotics Unit. 26 were arrested and received charges related to narcotics. On Thursday, February 6th, Deputies along with Narcotics Agents conducted a traffic stop on Highway 75 in Rainsville. A search of the vehicle revealed methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Terry Jacob Dutton…

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The City of Scottsboro, Al. Issues City State of Emergency

RESOLUTION NO. 20.03.11 DECLARING CITY STATE OF EMERGENCY WHEREAS, President Trump has declared a National State of Emergency based on the impact of COVID-19 becoming a pandemic event; and WHEREAS, Governor Ivey has also declared a State of Emergency as relates to COVID-19 in the State of Alabama; and WHEREAS, City of Scottsboro, Alabama, Officials and Personnel…

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Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, “This order was intended to apply to non-work-related gatherings”

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) on Friday issued an update to the statewide health order to aid in Alabama’s efforts to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Effective today, all non-work related gatherings of 25 persons or more, or non-work related gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a consistent six-foot distance…

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Alabama Department of Public Health Working To Clarify Health Order

According to a message released from the Alabama EMA, The Alabama Department of Public Health is working on clarifying the recently issued health order related to COVID-19 From the ADPH General Counsel:“We are working on an amended order to provide some needed clarity about gatherings of persons at workplaces. Until that amended order issues, we…

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Tennessee Aquarium Offering Virtual Visits, Educational Materials and Behind-the-Scenes Content

Chattanooga, Tenn. (March 18, 2020) – At a time when millions of people find themselves confined to their homes, the monotonous prospect of weeks trapped indoors can be daunting, especially for parents of young children. Fortunately, although its doors are temporarily closed, the Tennessee Aquarium has many resources available so guests can enjoy the wonders…

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AHSAA, DragonFly Athletics Announce Plans to Begin Online Technology Training for Schools

MONTGOMERY – The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) and DragonFly Athletics announced today its new technology partner is making available online webinar training for member schools. The AHSAA Central Board approved a transition from C2C Schools to DragonFly Content Management Software for member schools at its winter meeting last January. DragonFly will take over…

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Alabama Announces Support for Workers Impacted by COVID-19

News Release For Immediate Release: March 16, 2020 Alabama Announces Support for Workers Impacted by COVID-19 MONTGOMERY – Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced today that Alabama workers who are not able to work due to COVID-19 will be eligible to file for unemployment benefits. Based on current guidance from the U.S. Department…

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Governor Ivey Issues Statement on Statewide Public Health Order

MARCH 19, 2020 MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) on Thursday issued a statewide health order to aid in Alabama’s efforts to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Statewide through April 5: All gatherings of 25 persons or more, or gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a consistent…

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Alabama Governor Kay Ivey Announces Run-Off Election Postponement

MARCH 18, 2020 MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday announced the Primary Runoff Election would be held on July 14, 2020 due to the concerns surrounding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. “Exercising my extraordinary powers under the Emergency Management Act, I am setting Alabama’s Primary Runoff Election for July 14, 2020,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “The…

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State Health Officer issues mandatory health orders for five counties surrounding Jefferson County due to risks caused by COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Burnestine Taylor, M.D.(334) 206-2100 State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris has issued orders suspending certain public gathering due to the risk of infection by the novel coronavirus COVID-19. These orders are applicable for the counties of Blount, St. Clair, Shelby, Tuscaloosa and Walker. The order is summarized as follows: Effective March…

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ALDOT Announces Operational Plans in Response to COVID-19 Outbreak

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARCH 17, 2020 ALDOT Announces Operational Plans in Response to COVID-19 Outbreak MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is announcing how it will conduct operations during a national effort to prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19.) The safety and protection of motorists using ALDOT facilities and the transportation…

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ALEA Modifies Driver License Division Operations in Response to COVID-19

Montgomery – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is modifying its Driver License Division’s statewide operations in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). ALEA’s Secretary Hal Taylor said, “ALEA is dedicated to providing public safety to the state and its citizens and will continue. When Governor Ivey declared this state of emergency in response to the Coronavirus…

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Closures and Cancellations

Tom Bevill Center, Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center, and the Sports Complex in Rainsville, Al. is closed until April 6th Rainsville City Hall Building is closed, but if you need to conduct any business you can use the drive-thru window or call city hall 256-638-6331 Henagar City Court scheduled for tonight (March 17th) has bee postponed…

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