May 2025 E-Edition of the Alabama Ledger
A LABAMA L EDGER Find sports at www.thesportsledger.com More news at www.AlabamaLedger.com 9 Pages
May E-Edition
Police Officer Arrested By Brandon K. Pierce Alabama Ledger A police officer has
Miss Potato Pageant Sand Mountain Miss Potato Pageant will be held at the Henagar Junior High School Gym on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 3 p.m. The Pageant is open The 2025 to girls ages 0-18 and the categories include: Best Hair, Best Dress, Prettiest Smile, and Most Photogenic. The deadline to enter is May 9. For more info contact the Henagar City Hall at 256-657-6282. Chicken Dinner The Fort Payne Lions Club will hold its 50th annual Bar-B-Que Chicken Dinner on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Rotary Pavilion in Fort Payne. The food will be served from at 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and the donation cost is $10 per ticket.
Community College is now enrolling students in upcoming driver’s education courses through its Continuing Education and Corporate Training Division. Designed to equip new drivers with essential knowledge and hands-on experience. The remaining upcoming session dates are scheduled for May 3, May 10 and May 24. Classes will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bevill Center Lecture Hall on the East Broad Campus. The four- session course is $210 per person. “This driver’s education course offers students valuable driving experience, and the required instruction time needed to earn a certificate of completion,” said Dana Cordell, manager of Continuing Education and Corporate Training. “The certificate can help qualify participants for up to 20% off auto insurance with companies that offer student driver discounts.” Class size is limited to nine students. Students must attend all four sessions to receive credit from instructor Greg Hall. been arrested for Public Dissemination/Display of Obscene Matter of a person Under the age 17. According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s office, an Investigator 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, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Homeland Security executed a search warrant at a residence in Jackson County. After reviewing IP address details and logs, obtaining electronic devices, and speaking with witnesses it was determined another potential suspect in this case to be a police officer employed with the town of Henagar. The investigation continued and sufficient evidence was gathered to secure an arrest warrant for Joshua Min Kwon (age 40 of Henagar). Kwon was charged with Public Dissemination/Display Obscene Matter Under 17.
Joshua Min Kwon
Kwon was arrested, interviewed and transported to the DeKalb County Jail without incident. The case is still under investigation and additional charges could be pending. “It is a very unfortunate day when we have to investigate and arrest one of our own. However, we believe that law enforcement officers are held to the highest standard and any misconduct will not be tolerated or overlooked,” said Sheriff Nick Welden. “We would like to thank ALEA, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Henagar Police Department, the DeKalb County Special Response Team, and the Department of Homeland Security for their assistance with this case. We are dedicated to working closely with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Internet Crime Against Children to help combat this illegal activity regardless of who it is.” In addition to the Gadsden classes, the course will also be available in Calhoun, Cherokee and Etowah counties: These locations and dates include: • Ayers Campus in Anniston: June 9-12 and July 14-17 • Cherokee Campus: June 23 – June 26 • East Broad Campus: July 7 – July 10 All sessions run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The course is ideal for teens preparing to earn their driver’s license, as well as for individuals seeking a refresher on safe driving techniques. The curriculum covers road rules, defensive driving strategies and responsible driver behavior in a structured, supportive environment. Gadsden State’s Continuing Education and Corporate Training Division provides non-credit courses for personal and professional development. These programs serve traditional and non- traditional students, along with individuals in business, government, professional organizations and social services.
The Legacy Museum in downtown Boaz celebrated its third anniversary with a ribbon cutting for several new exhibits on Wednesday, April 30. The museum, which houses a historical collection of memorabilia from Boaz, added new exhibits about Boaz High School, local music, medical facilities and doctors, the Boaz Police and Fire Departments, and other unique displays. To read more about the new collections, check out the upcoming May print edition of the Alabama Ledger. The Legacy Museum Photo By Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger
Driver's Education Courses Offered Gadsden State
Boaz standout student-athlete Velvie Smith has committed to join the Snead State Community College Golf program next fall. She was supported in the decision by a host of friends, as well as teammates, family and coaches during a signing ceremony on April 30 at the Boaz High School Library. Find out more about what Velvie had to say about her time at Boaz and her plans for the future in the upcoming May print edition of the Alabama Ledger. Boaz Standout is Snead State Bound Photo By Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger Alabama’s First Class Pre-K Ranked Best in the Nation for 19 Straight Years
Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (ADECE) has announced that Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program has once again been recognized for its high quality in the newly released 2024 State of Preschool report. Alabama remains the only state in the nation to achieve this distinction for 19 consecutive years. “Once again, Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program has proven why it’s the gold standard in early childhood education. For the 19th year in a row, our pre-K program has been named best in the nation – and that’s no accident,” said Governor Ivey in recent press release.
“It’s a direct result of our strong commitment to giving every Alabama child a strong start. Investing in early education is investing in our future, and I’m proud to see Alabama leading the way.” The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) tracks preschool enrollment, funding and quality across states. The 2024 State of Preschool Yearbook finds Alabama is one of only five states in the country to meet 10 of 10 research-based quality benchmarks making it one of the highest quality pre-kindergarten programs in the nation. “Over the past 10 years, Alabama has tripled access to the First Class Pre-K
program. As a state, we have moved from serving less than 8,000 children in the 2014-2015 school year to now serving more than 24,000 children in nearly 1,500 classrooms. While serving more children is a huge accomplishment, we are most proud of our state’s continued commitment to quality,” said Acting Secretary of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Jan Hume. “We have built our system on research- based quality benchmarks and are seeing positive outcomes for children who have participated in First Class Pre-K. Alabama’s commitment to quality is a cornerstone of our state program.”
Alabama First Class Pre-K offers 4-year-olds access to prekindergarten programs in their communities. It currently serves more than 24,000 children across all 67 counties in the state. Research on the program’s long-term impacts shows that children who participated in First Class Pre-K are more likely to be successful throughout their school careers across multiple domains of learning. Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open. Visit children.alabama. gov to register a child for Alabama First Class Pre-K.
I nside T his E dition Asbury Class of 2025 - Pages 2-3 Fort Payne Crime Report - Page 4 Death Notices - Pages 5 The Sports Ledger - Pages 7-9
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PAGE 2 May 2025 E-edition
Asbury High School Class of 2025
Aaron Raines
Abigail Cordova
Aiden Brooks
Alexis Jones
Alicia Felipe Gaspar
Abril Romero Tarango
Alyssa Fowler
America Ramos
Ana Andres-Juan Ana Perez Velasquez
Anahi Diaz Rios
Ashton McCoy
Bawi Cuai
Braxton Pilkington Brayden Pilkington
Brisa Pacheco Rios
Chloe Parton
Brenda Ramos Aragon
Christopher Martinez Rodriguez
Christian Cox
Damaris Gijon
David Fincher
Eden Workopich
Dianne Corona Vargas
Eduardo Ramirez Galvan
Ernesto Diego Antonio
Evelyn Gonzalez Vasquez
Elena Jose Martin
Emma Tucker
Erik Perez
Guadalupe Martinez Lopez
Gustavo Cortes- Casillas
Haden Morton
James Lopez Reyes
Jennifer Cervantes
Jocelyn Garcia
Joe Morales
Karla Tajiboy Perez
Kirsten Meeks
Kori Palma-Crisanto
Layla Warnack
Joselyn Rios Martinez
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PAGE 3 May 2025 E-edition
Melvin Florencio Ramirez
Leticia Miguel Diego
Lucas Wyatt
Madialynn Bright
Martina Rios-Jarquin
Melisa Franco Carreno
Oliver Jimenez Alarcon
Noah Hall
Patricia Pedro Jose
Perla Zurita
Reagan Cook
Ozmar Rivera Mendez
News & Events ROD RUN - The 17th Annual Cody Renfroe Rod Run will be held at the Crossville City Park on May 10, 2025 from 1-5 p.m. BOAZ CHAMBER BANQUET - The Boaz area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual banquet on Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. The banquet will be held at the Event Center, located at 201 Elizabeth Street. LAKE GUNTERSVILLE HYDROFEST - Lake Guntersville will once again be home to the Hydrofest as the fast paced boat racing event is set to return to the Lake on June 6-8, 2025. The event will kick off on Thursday, June 5 with the Hydrofest Pre-Game. Water Testing will take place on Friday, June 6 and Heat Racing and the Championship will take place on June 7-8. RETIRING - ADEM Director Lance LeFleur is retiring effective May 1, 2025, after leading the state’s environmental regulatory agency for 15 years. He led the department during the response to the Deepwater-Horizon oil spill in 2010 and was instrumental in the building of the Coastal Field Office, which will aid in responses to future environmental emergencies and improve regulatory services in the coastal region.
Stephanie Calderon
Trey Childress
Trinity Swords
Sebastian-Blane Allen
Yamileth Salucio Munoz
Vanessa Cruz
Victoria Potter
Yumaira Morales
Gadsden State PTK inducts record number of members The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Gadsden State Community College inducted its largest number of members in the history of the chapter April 15. Jacksonville – Madeline Holt, Tracy January, Raymond Roberson and Brody Wood Leesburg – Crimson Colbert, Savannah Mayes, Rylin St.
Grace Sarazin and William Watts Chelsea – Ja’Na Moore Clanton – Aidan Bee and Joan Benson Collinsville – Albertoni Serrano Cropwell – Caitlin Kennedy
Clair and Melissa Tressler Moody – Jabron Swann Munford – Jennifer Spears Newell – Ayla Biaggini
“We are very proud to welcome the largest group of inductees in our chapter’s history,” said Melissa Davis, PTK advisor. “This milestone is a testament to the hard work, dedication and academic excellence of our students, and it reflects the growing impact of PTK on Gadsden State’s campuses.” To be eligible for induction into PTK, the country’s largest honors program from community colleges, students must have a 3.5 GPA after completing 12 semester hours of college coursework. Invitations for membership are sent every semester, but the induction takes place in the spring. Gadsden State students who were inducted are: Albertville – Angelica Auden Ruiz and Jerlissa Henderson Alexandria – Brooke Carter and James Lewis Altoona – Katie Parker and Kara Reynolds Anniston – Kyndal Alvarez, Chelsea Billips, Rachel Bonnett, Tyler Doggrell, Landon Dotson, Lizzie Hall, Ja’Careyah Heard, Ranon Johnson, Curtis Kirksey, Tyler Lewis, Lakeith McClellan, Hala Mohammad Mustafa, Victoria Monroe, Braeton Moran, Sharon Mosley, Duc Minh Khoa Nguyen, Olivia Overholtzer, Piper Price, Taran Seymour, Gina Sparks, Latasha Thigpen and Kyle Wyckoff Ashland – Markel Seymour Ashville – Sarah Crow Attalla – Bobbie Bessent, Tiffany Brock, Hannah Faucette, Jenah Goosby, Gwenivere Howard, Leidy Lopez, Macee New, Gracie Smith and Emily Steapleton Birmingham – Emily Cotton, Peyton Parkinson and Walker Thomas Boaz – Emma Beasley, Hanna Clevenger, Lillian McDill, Jaelie-Grace Powell, Selena Urbina and Lessie Vaughn Breman, GA – Jacob Steed Canton, GA – Nicholas Ford Cedar Bluff – Allison Hindman, Tiffany Morris,Mattie Payne Centre – William Frampton, Katie Ham, Briley Hincy, Karlee Jolly, Ally King, Olivia Monterrojas, Emalee Morrison, Gracie Patterson, Amalia Rochell, Lacie Roer,
Cullman – Riley Jackson Dawson – Cherish Richards
Odenville – Riley Hull and Daniel Robinson Ohatchee – Abigail Read and Hannah Teet Oneonta – Monica Burns, Steven Eisenberg and Nicolas Salas Oxford – Hareem Averitte, Lauren Bowles, Kayla Bowman, Jon Denney, Logan Ford, Deshaun Foster, Naziya Heard and Jackson Wyatt Pell City – Andrew Hardy, Mary Thompson and Michael Warren Pensacola, FL – Keela Mahtani Piedmont – Erin Adderhold, Ashlyn Bain, Anna Jenkins, Jacob Law and Amber Porter Ragland – Natalie Parker and Davian Turner Rainbow City – Tala Abbassi, Angelo Alberghina, Anra Brittain, Campbell Burford, Alyvia Carden, Ida Heyen, Breunna Holt, Jakylyn Holt, McKinley Kay, Addyson Nelson, Kynleigh Noah, Emily Norris, April Smith, Olivia Stephens, Diana Urgelles Delgado and Daniella Zikpi Southside – Jane Ayres, Ashley Bynum, Carsyn Crow, Chandler Evetts, Akossiwa Hoenou, Kali Kueny, Mary Mullinax, Case Townsel and Ashley Woodward Springville – Maria Esquivel, Stephanie Esquivel, Alyssa Tarrant and Emma Young Steele – Makenzie Neely and Alexis Woody Sylacauga – Amari Headen Talladega – Tiarra Pointer and Atia Toney Trussville – Ainsley Rodgers Valley Head – Savannah Hall and Rory Meadows Wright Weaver – Brittany Crow, Katelyne Gruber, Cheryl Hendrickson and Shelby McGinnis Wellington – Andrea Williams Woodland – Hunter Davis Ranburne – Amber Powell Riverside – Heath Stinson
Delta – Amber Newborn Florence – Samuel Wilson Fort Payne – Cherri Burt, Felicia Hunter and Brianna Williams Fort Sill, OK – Katharine Beavers Fruithurst – Holly Cochran Gadsden – Baileyjane Allred, Austin Bates, Keaton Bean, Gabriel Brito, Shandaysha Byers, Classie Collins, Brigitte Connally, Kristy Cooper, Blakely Couch, Heather Darbo- McClellan, Westin Randall Day, Caleb Fleming, Miguel Gallardo, Jonathan Gladden, Joshua Greene, DionnezjanA Harris, Kinsely Hodge, Caleb Holley, Alyah Jackson, Thomas Jackson, Kameron Kuykendoll, Kimberly Lopez, Autumn Martin, Katelinn McKerley, Tiffany Patterson, Dakota Patton, Destin Richardson, Jocabed Rodriguez Loarca, Tiffany Savin, Karina Simmons, Rachel Sobczak, Damia Steward, Jade Swinford, Julian Tapia Lake, Samantha-Lynn Thomas, Tanler Thomas-Whaley, Ezekiel Voytek, Peyton Wade, Jeremiah Walker, Ann Whorton, Kennedy Williams, Makya Wilson, McKinley Wilson, Afton Yarnell, Dorice Young and Rosita Zendejas Gallant – Lane Brasher and Yhasser Rodriguez Glencoe – Kaleb Barber, Cayson Hardy, Kinzie Myrick, Jaxson Sizemore, David Smith, Jr. and John Starnes Grant – Charles McIntire Guntersville – Tanya Giroir and Elisha Sims Heflin – Rebecca Goins, Caitlin O’Neal and Cadence Zaner Helena – Bennett Plowden Hobson City – Destiny Elston Hokes Bluff – Preslee Blackwell, Nora Bunke, Randal Cortez, John Golden, Ella Hines, Nathaniel Johnson, Glavine Lamberth, Karlee Reed, Emily Roe and Nena Stephens Huntsville – Macey Johnson
Gadsden State Community College’s Cardinal Foundation hosted their annual scholarship dinner on April 22, 2025 to honor scholarship donors and recipients. Tommie Goggans, president of the Cardinal Foundation and Hillary Folsom, director of advancement and alumni relations for GSCC, are pictured with scholarship recipient, Kayleigh Lee, who was awarded the The Stephen & April Lafollette Scholarship. Read more on the Alabama Ledger website at alabamaledger.com.
Alabama Ledger www.AlabamaLedger.com The Sports Ledger www.TheSportsLedger.com Fort Payne Police Department Report PAGE 4 May 2025 E-edition
Three Accidents with one Injury • An accident occurred on Plaza Road SW, Magen Brooke Richerzhagen, age 39 of Fort Payne, driving a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe, struck Kacey Leanne Farmer, age 28 of Fort Payne, driving a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. Farmer was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. April 17, 2025 No Incidents, No Arrests, One Accident with one Injury • An accident occurred at Gault Ave N and 40th Street NE, Chad Garrett Farris, age 38 of Glencoe, driving a 2021 Honda Passport, struck Randall David Green, age 57 of Fort Payne, driving a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. Farris was transported to Dekalb Regional. April 18, 2025 Incidents • Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, miscellaneous items were taken, valued at $16.09 Four Arrests • Justin Tyler Norris, age 37 of Cedar Bluff, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia • Brandy Leann Heath, age 32 of Fort Payne, was arrested on Three Warrants for Failure to Appear • John William Lee Goodale, age 29 of Rainsville, was arrested for Theft of Property • Gary Anthony Brown, age 34 of Pisgah, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct One Accident with One Injury • An Accident occurred at 49th Street NW and Gault Ave N, Ricardo Ignacio Alonzo Pascual, age 49 of Fort Payne, driving a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, left the roadway and struck a guardrail and went down an embankment. Pascual was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. April 19, 2025 Incidents • Damaged Property – Occurred at 400 Grand Ave NW, a stop sign and pole were damaged, valued at $250.00 One Arrest • Rigoberto Galindo Miguel, age 24 of Fort Payne, was arrested for DUI One Accident with No Injuries April 20, 2025 No Incidents, No Accidents and One Arrest • Michael Lawrence Finley, age 46 of Townley, AL was arrested for Domestic Violence April 21, 2025 No Incidents and One Arrest • Brittney Megan Holton, age 24 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Domestic Violence Three Accidents with One Injury • An accident occurred at Gault Ave N and 14th Street NE, Maria Esther Andres Sebastian, age 24 of Fort Payne, driving a 2014 Honda Accord struck Jordan Brooke Davis, age 26 of Henagar, driving a 2022 Ford Bronco. Sebastian was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. April 22, 2025 No Incidents and Three Arrests • Christina Louise Morris, age 45 of Henagar, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of a Combined Substance • Jonathan David Guthrie, age 25 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana • Terra Renee Helms, age 33 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear Two Accidents with No Injuries April 23, 2025 Incidents • Damaged Property – Occurred at 2001 Glenn Blvd SW, paint was damaged on a 2003 Chevrolet S10, Valued at $200.00 • Damaged Property – Occurred at 2001 Desoto Pkwy NE, a bumper on a 2018 Infinity Q60 was damaged, valued at $800.00 One Arrest • Dakota Lee Needham, age 26 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Rendering a False Alarm at 7:43 pm One Accident with no Injuries April 24, 2025 Incidents • Destruction of Property by Prisoner – Occurred at 200 Gault Ave S, two mattresses and bed sheets were damaged, valued at $169.86 • Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, four wrist watches were taken, valued at $119.90 Two Arrests • Bennie L Binion, age 63 of Decatur, GA, was arrested for Criminal Trespass • Jonathan Omar Baez Quinones, age 29 of Fort Payne, was arrested on Five Warrants for Failure to Appear 1 Accident with No Injuries April 25, 2025 Incidents • Forgery – Occurred at 100 Grand Ave SW, four checks were forged, valued at $7932.87 • Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Occurred at 205 Glenn Blvd SW, a wheel and fender on a 2024 Nissan Sentra were damaged, valued at $2000.00 No Arrests Two Accidents with No Injuries
April 9, 2025
The following crime report was provided by the Fort Payne Police Department. All persons are presumed innocent until his or her guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. March 31, 2025 No Incidents and Five Arrests • Jose Pepe Martin Herenandez, age 19 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Underage Consumption of Alcohol • Joseph Anthony Mayo, age 19 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • Jydon Miguel Cameron, age 25 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • Edward Earl Dunn, age 50 of Fort Payne, was arrest on Two Warrants for Outside Agency • Lea Ayanna Rodriquez, age 25 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear One Accidents with No Injuries April 1, 2025 No Incidents and Two Arrests • Justin Wayne Carr, age 35 of Rainsville, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear • Adam Blake Young, age 38 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Six Accidents with One Injury • An accident occurred at I-59 and Greenhill Blvd NW, James Freeman Arrington, age 61 of Birmingham, driving a 2012 Honda Civic, left the roadway and struck an embankment. Arrington was taken to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. April 2, 2025 Incidents • Theft of Property – Occurred at 202 Greenhill Blvd NW, $268.00 was transferred from a cash app without authorization Two Arrests • Jason Delane Gorham Phillips, age 43 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear • Lenion Richard Barnett Jr, age 44 of Rainsville, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance Two Accidents with two Injuries • An accident occurred at Glenn Blvd SW and Airport Road SW, James Andrew Hall, age 21 of Rainsville, driving a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze, struck David Lee Smith, age 72 of Henagar, driving a 1990 Pontiac 600. Passenger Walter Ray Lea, age 64 of Henagar, was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. April 3, 2025 No Incidents and Two Arrests • Howard Nicholas Shiflett Jr, age 48 of Rainsville, was arrested for Theft of Property • Mary Theresa Galloway, age 54 of Albertville, was arrested for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and a Warrant for Outside Agency Three Accidents with One Injury • An accident occurred at Sylvania Road W and Whippoorwill Road NW, Kevin Michael Hulgan, age 39 of Valley Head, riding a 2016 Harley Davidson was injured when his motorcycle left the roadway and overturned. Hulgan was transported to Erlanger Hospital by Dekalb Ambulance Service. April 4, 2025 Incidents • Damaged Property – Occurred at I-59 mm 218 SB, a quarter panel and tire were damaged on a 2014 Volkswagen Passat, valued at $2,000.00 • Theft of Property – Occurred at 2401 Gault Ave S Lot 15, 10 folding tables were taken, valued at $400.00 • Theft of Property – Occurred at 2001 Glenn Blvd SW, charges of $391.20 were made without authorization • Criminal Mischief – Occurred at 1416 Glenn Blvd SW Room 123, miscellaneous items were damaged, valued at $200.00 Two Arrests • Aaron Michael Sevener, age 33 of Rossville, GA, was arrested for DUI • Nataly M Montejo, age 24 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Resisting Arrest, Public Intoxication and Obstructing Governmental Operations Two Accidents with No Injuries April 5, 2025 Incidents • Damaged Property – Occurred at 121 Harley Drive NE, a piece of metal and a tool box were damaged, valued at $50.00 No Arrests and Two Accidents with No Injuries April 6, 2025 No Incidents and Two Arrests • Michael Christopher Bailey, age 51 of Section, was arrested on Three Warrants for Failure to Appear • Maurice Fitzgerald Johnson, Jr, age 34 of Birmingham, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency No Accidents April 7, 2025 No Incidents and One Arrest • Amanda Dianne Wynn, age 33 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear at 5:38 pm Two Accidents with One Injury An accident occurred at Wallace Ave NE and 5th Street NE, Juan Gallegos, age 59 of San Elizario, TX, driving a 2012 Freightliner, left the roadway and overturned. Gallegos was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. April 8, 2025 Incidents • Fraudulent Use of a Credit/Debit Card – Occurred at 1416 Glenn Blvd SW, charges of $2700.00 made without authorization No Arrests and One Accident with No Injuries
Incidents •
Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, several miscellaneous items were taken, valued at $1742.42 Three Arrests • Joshua Lee Anderson, age 48 of Fyffe, was arrested for Obstructing Governmental Operations, and Two Warrants for Outside Agency • James Roland Chaney, age 58 of Henagar, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance • William Dewayne Vessell, age 34 of Cedar Bluff, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear Five Accidents with No Injuries April 10, 2025 No Incidents and Three Arrests • Deven Lamont Adams, age 24 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • Tasha Marie Hairell, age 26 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • Gary Anthony Brown, age 34 of Pisgah, was arrested for Public Intoxication Three Accidents with No Injuries April 11, 2025 Incidents • Burglary – Occurred at 110 20th Street NW, 13 Sangiacome textile machines, 9 control panels, 30 light bulbs, toilets, urinals and sinks were all damaged, valued at $33,000 • Theft of Property – Occurred at 1000 Alabama Ave NW, a Craftsman self-propelled mower was taken, valued at $100.00 No Arrests and Four Accidents with Two Injuries • An accident occurred at Captain D’s lot, Pecolia Ann Bullock, age 81 of Sylvania, driving a KIA Optima, went over a curb and struck a building. Bullock was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. • An accident occurred at Wallace Ave NE and Pleasant Valley Road NE, Holee Jordan Hurley, age 24 of Gaylesville, driving a 1966 Chevrolet C10, struck Richard Lee Smith Sr, age 82 of Fort Payne, driving a 2008 Dodge Ram. Hurley was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. April 12, 2025 Incidents • Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, Tulips were taken, valued at $5.97 Five Arrests • Jacob Slade Atchley, age 19 of Fort Payne, was arrested for DUI and Underage Consumption of Alcohol • Cecilio Y Coronado, age 24 of Gadsden, was arrested on Two Warrants for Driving Without Obtaining a Drivers License and for Speeding • Martha Haney McCurdy, age 74 of Valley Head, was arrested for Theft of Property • Charles Brent Hughes, age 55 of Fort Payne, was arrested on Two Warrants for Outside Agency • Tyler Austin Kirkley, age 25 of Wellington, was arrested for Obstructing Justice for Using a False Identity Four Accidents with One Injury • An accident occurred at Glenn Blvd SW and Airport Road W, Cecilio Y Coronado, age 24 of Gadsden, driving a 2020 Toyota Camry, struck a 17 year old juvenile male of Fort Payne, driving a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer. The juvenile was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. April 13, 2025 No Incidents, No Arrests, One Accident with No Injuries April 14, 2025 No Incidents and Four Arrests • Lois Jean Noland, age 51 of Rainsville, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • James Alan Craig Jr, age 42 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • Christopher Lee Sims, age 46 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • Barry Phillip Satterfield, age 61 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency One Accident with No Injuries April 15, 2025 Incidents • Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, several miscellaneous items were taken, valued at $124.25 Three Arrests • Gregory Joseph Izaiah Beavers, age 18 of Rainsville, was arrested for DUI • Freddie Jaronenmo, age 25 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Domestic Violence • Shannon Paul Roberts, age 54 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Public Intoxication Two Accidents with No Injuries April 16, 2025 Incidents • Theft of Property – Occurred at 162 14th Street NE, two aluminum screen doors and one aluminum frame window were taken, valued at $50.00 • Damaged Property – Occurred at 1900 Alabama Ave NW, 48” dual window was damaged, valued at $1200.00 • Theft of Property – Occurred at 702 Williams Ave NE, a PlayStation 5, two controllers and a JBL speaker were taken, valued at $800.00 Three Arrests • Jessica Denise Wood, age 42 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Theft of Property • Rebecca Aileen Roberts, age 30 of Attalla, was arrested on a Warrant for Theft of Property • Prenita Denay Hickman, age 53 of Fort Payne was arrested on Warrants for Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Conduct
CHECK OUT THE ALABAMA LEDGER WEBSITE FOR MORE CRIME: Alabamaledger.com
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Alabama Ledger www.AlabamaLedger.com Death Notices The following Death Notices are published as a courtesy of the Alabama Ledger and local funeral homes. To include more information, or a photo of your loved one, in a future edition of the Alabama Ledger contact us at 256-506-7368. You can also find more obit information on the Sand Mountain Obits Facebook Page. Adams Brown Service Funeral Home Jimmie Faye Fossett Grimes, age 91, of Albertville Adams-Buggs Funeral Home in Gadsden Tawana Antionette Davis, age 58, formerly of Gadsden Pastor Harold Charles Kimble, age 77, of Gadsden Warren Harrison, age 66, of Gadsden Bobby Louis Dark, age 74, of Lineville Jamarric Edwin Looney, age 43, of Ashville Sara Jean Pitts Zeigler, age 89, of Gadsden Albertville Memorial Chapel John Douglas Shirey, age 58, of Crossville Billy Joe Johnson, age 69, of Albertville Charlie Simmons, age 80, of Albertville Dr. Stephen John Babbino, age 69, of Albertville M.L. Land, age 92, of Albertville Lillie Mae Oliver Burt, age 92, formerly of Albertville Jorge Alberto Lopez Morales, age 38, of Albertville Willie Joe Harris passed away at age 80 Burt Funeral Home Larry Dan Moses, age 76, of Fort Payne Marcus Adam Battles, age 39, of Mentone Cynthia Balla, passed away at age 76 Donald Gilbert, age 71, of Crossville
PAGE 5 May 2025 E-edition
United State's Vice President JD Vance met with His Holiness Pope Francis on Easter Sunday. Pope Francis passed away the following day at the age of 88. His Holiness Pope Francis (1936-2025) Photo Courtesy of the Vatican
David Jerome Ledbetter, age 68, of Boaz James J. Hill, age 86, of Altoona Charles Keith Shields, age 66, of Boaz Randall Wade Williamson, age 68, of Albertville Jimmy Russell Kinney, age 87, of Boaz Morgan Funeral Chapel and Crematory Mickey Doyal Boyd, age 76, of Attalla Suzannah Gayle Frederick, age 19, of Gadsden Rudolph V. Wilson, age 91, of Rainbow City Charles Ray Gore, age 75, of Southside Judge Benson Duncan, age 94, of Gadsden Lisa Marie Starcher, age 67, of Gadsden Tabitha Lynn Sparks, age 51, of Centre Anita Karen Bearden, age 68, of Rainbow City Roy Robertson Senior, age 87, of Gadsden Perry Funeral Home In Centre Mary Ruth Wright-Jelks, age 90, of Cherokee County Alvatine Bullard Blackwell, age 94, of Centre Michael Caleb Thompson, age 57, of Leesburg Shelby Jean Rogers, age 86, of Centre David Arnold Tallent, age 74, of Centre Peggy Gill Lambert, age 74, of Centre Artie Rayburn Mackey, age 88, of Leesburg Rev. Melvyn Watson Salter, age 83, of Cherokee County Jeanette Marie Boggs, age 74, of Centre Tina Darlene Parker, age 60, of Centre Mary Frances Estes, age 93, of Centre Clarence Ledford Lowe, age 87, of Centre Betty Jo Davis Cobb, age 70, of Leesburg Bobby Gale Chandler, age 82, of Centre Rainsville Funeral Home William Dub Bryan, age 90, of Geraldine Neal Edmondson, age 81, of Ider Becky Smith Bryant, age 61, of Rainsville Sister Shirley Darwin Manning, passed away at age 75 Gayla Dupree, age 79, of Rainsville Brenda Sargent, age 78, of Browntown Community Edith Bowlin Tucker, age 89, of Steele Ola Ruth McClendon, age 73, of Attalla Rebecca Diane Parks, age 66, of Altoona Walter Guinn Ward, age 83, of Gadsden Wilson Funeral Home in Fort Payne Clara Castanos, age 94, of Valley Head Johnny Allen Cochran, age 82, of Fort Payne Dovie Debbie Owens, age 56, of Fort Payne Reese Tillman Colburn, age 20, of Madison Linda Prestwood Wells, age 80, of Fort Payne Timothy Scott McKeehan, age 46, of Fort Payne W.T. Wilson Funeral Home Eva Nell Hancock Turner, age 84, of Section Kenneth "Jay-Bird" Mashburn, age 72, of Crossville Larry W. Jones, passed away at age 74 Juanzetta Chandler White, age 75, of Fort Payne Dale Bryce Richards, age 75, of Crossville Sharon Ann Williams, age 78, of Rainsville James O. Wilson Jr., age 74, of Albertville Teddy Albright, age 70, of Sylvania Joy Roberts Moses, age 68, of Geraldine Kathy Laraine Coots, age 64, of Grove Oak Cynthia Izella Justice, age 56, of Henagar Teddy K. Casey, age 67, of Fyffe Judith Helen Garner, passed away at age 84 Robert Lee Smalley, Sr., age 81, of Grove Oak Shelba Jean Miller, age 86, of Rainsville Rebecca Ann Reed, age 74, of Fort Payne Jean Elizabeth Jackson, age 60, of Flat Rock Mary Rita McMahon, age 83, of Scottsboro Dale Edward Turner, age 88, of Section Effie Lee Messer, age 86, of Fort Payne Robert Dale Smith, Jr., age 70, of Albertville Conrad C. Rucks, age 82, of Dawson Jerry Lee Shipman, age 76, of Sylvania Hazel Marie Smith, age 89, of Crossville John Smith, age 81, of Horton Mary Ann Lemley, age 64, of Albertville Cathleen C. Smith, age 47, of Rainsville Daniel L. Kosteff, age 75, of Cedar Bluff Bruce Pickett, age 77, of Pisgah
Dallas Smith, age 74, of Rome, GA Randall Doss Sr., 82, of Valley Head
Carr Funeral Home in Guntersville
Reefer Alvin Hughes, passed away at age 82
Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home Milford Earl Stafford, age 69, of Cedar Bluff Tammy DeBerry Smith, age 62, of Leesburg James "Dicky" Walker, Sr., age 85, of Centre Homer Alvin Lambert, age 67, of Flatwoods Community Bernie Lynn Kimmons, age 66, of Cedar Bluff Dorothy Sexton, age 80, of Cedar Bluff Billy Kim Haney, age 59, of Centre Collier-Butler Funeral Home J. Randall Bagwell, age 86, of Attalla Alton Glenn Wilson, age 89, of Ashville Charlotte Patty Lorren, age 82, of Opelika Donald Roy Stephens, age 83, of Southside Susan Lee, age 69, of Rainbow City Clyde Milton Guyton, age 99, of Gadsden Marion Edwin "Buddy" Smith, age 93, formerly of Heflin Gary Eugene Silvey, age 80, of Gadsden Collinsville Funeral Home Olga Ruth Giles Roden, age 77, of Collinsville Robert Mercier Stanton, age 80, of Guntersville Zachary Shawn Smith, age 27, of Henagar James Douglas Dillard, age 66, of Ider Marvin David Hawkins, age 89, of Flat Rock Patricia Jonell Crow, age 79, of Flat Rock Crestwood Funeral Home in Gadsden Lola Mae Clayton passed away at age 91 Wesley Allen Clayton passed away at age 63 Charles Daniel Walker, age 100, of Gadsden Thomas Larry Brooks, age 82, formerly of Gadsden Jimmy C. Elliott, age 83, of Glencoe Lawrence Lee Prater, passed away at age 60 Sharon Kate Tate Eblen, age 56, formerly of Gadsden Sarah Elaine Kesler, age 78, of Gadsden Phillip Reedy Thacker, age 73, of Gadsden Florence Viola Rains, passed away at age 98 Billy Eugene Garrett, age 88, of Leesburg Etowah Memorial Chapel Bobbie Johnson Cruse, age 91, of Crossville Tammy Jolene Renfroe Gibbs, age 62, of Sardis Michelle Ramsey, age 42, of Gadsden Cornerstone Funeral Chapel in Ider
A two-vehicle crash at approximately 2:50 p.m. Saturday, April 26, has claimed the life of a Hayden man. According to Alabama State Troopers, Shawn M. Albright, age 34, was fatally injured when the 2000 Honda Accord he was driving collided head-on with the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Bridget I. Biggs, 46, of Pinson. Albright was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Biggs was injured and transported to the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Hospital in Gardendale for medical treatment. The juvenile passenger in the Dodge Ram was also injured and transported to an area hospital for treatment. The crash occurred on Blount County 5 near Pinecrest Drive, approximately three miles west of Blount Springs. Governor Kay Ivey recently shared the sad news that Alabama’s First Dog, her beloved Missy Ivey, has passed away. Missy was around 10 years old. In January 2019, the governor adopted Missy, a blended collie mix, from the Montgomery Humane Shelter. Governor Ivey and Missy were inseparable, and Missy adored the governor from the start. Whether the governor was working in her office at the Governor’s Mansion, hosting gatherings in the back courtyard, enjoying a meal, or even taking her pontoon boat out on the lake, Missy was always right by the governor’s side. “Missy was a great friend. After the best days and the hardest ones, it was always so good to return to the Governor’s Mansion and be greeted by Missy. She really made it feel like home, and I will miss her dearly,” said Governor Ivey. “Missy lived a great life. There is nothing quite like the love from our pets.” Governor Ivey would like to thank all the employees at Montgomery Veterinary Associates who gave Missy excellent care and comfort in her final days. The Governor also encouraged all Alabama families to hold their pets extra close. Man Killed in Crash Alabama's First Dog "Missy" Passes Away Vice President Vance and the Second Family attended the 2025 Good Friday service at St. Peter’s Basilica. Vance was baptized into the Catholic Church in August 2019. Photo Courtesy of the Vatican
Kathy Cushing Jones, age 73, of Gadsden Vernon Lamar Hubbard, age 88, of Boaz Shirley Hudgins, age 72, of Boaz Gary "Cajun" Parker, age 78, of Boaz Marshall Memorial Vanada Hamlin, passed away age 71 Alice Simpson Edwards, passed away at age 71 Linda Gail Davis, age 83, of Huntsville McRae Funeral Home Ronald Dene Shirey, age 62, of Boaz Gary Brent Stanfield, age 60, of Boaz
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PAGE 6 May 2025 E-edition
Collinsville High School Class of 2025
Members of the Collinsville High School Class of 2025 pose for a group picture. The members of the class are listed below. Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger Jameson Cooper Coker Abbagail Olivia Coleman Sofia Conde Bustos
The members of the Collinsville High School Graduating Class of 2025 include: Ruben Acevedo Luis Fernando Ailon Mendoza Yordan Nehemias Alcon Mendoza
Antonio Felipe Miguel Luis Felipe Miguel Juan Francisco Andres Sarah Anastasia Cheyann Gaddison Camila Garcia Nieves Kaylee Elizabeth Godshall Sheily Sarai Hernandez Giron Jessica Hernandez Tomas Riely Gage Higdon Malachi Jaiden Jelks Cecilia Jimenez Ramirez Kimberly Beatriz Juarez Guzman Steven Allen Justice Cristal Leyva Barrientos Bayron Lopez Vicente Nayeli Mata Cayleigh Jo McElroy Johana Maribel Mendez Ailon Henry Alexander Mendez Olga Veronica Mendoza Garcia Jake Dawson Middlebrooks Chaya Miguel Alonzo Juana Miguel Alonzo Angelica Rosalia Miguel Andres Carolina Miguel Felipe Katy Miguel Felipe Andres Miguel Felipe Cristina Maricruz Miguel Miguel Hannah Faith Moon Cristian Daniel Ortiz Mendoza Aaron Ivan Pallares Herrera Jaqueline Itzel Patino Justin Scott Pruitt Liliana Elizabeth Ramirez Omar Reyes Chavez Fredy Magdeleno Dewayn Rivera Rajuess Rajae Rooks
Bryson Wayland Cooper Alina Cornejo Alvarez Roberto Corona Romero Santos Kevin Coronado Marroquin Dawson Randy Allen Cothran Caleb James Cromer Braxton Andrew Daugherty Jacqueline Alexandra De La Cruz Felipe McKelvey LeeAnn Dingler Mia Jade Dobbs William Bradley Hugh Edmondson Eddy Anthony Escalante Ortiz
Juana Alonzo Andres Eulalia Alonzo Tomas Eliu Alexander Alvarez Milagros Basurto Cuellar April Bernardino Cruz Adrian Alejandro Bowers Shania Ann Carey Claudia Itzel Carrasco Jimenez Zachary Norman Clanton
Gadsden State College Offers Comprehensive DMS Program
Gadsden State Community College offers Alabama’s only comprehensive Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program that includes instruction in abdomen, small parts, obstetrics-gynecology and vascular sonography— integrated into one associate degree. The 76-credit hour program delivers a curriculum grounded in foundational coursework taught by credentialed instructors in both classroom and clinical lab settings. Students benefit from immersive hands-on training that prepares them for real-world clinical rotations and patient care experiences. “Experience in the field is a crucial part of the learning process and allows students to learn in a true healthcare environment as they prepare for transition into the workforce,” said Kelsey Taylor, program director. “Our students graduate with the confidence, knowledge and skill set they need to succeed in the field.” Gadsden State’s DMS program boasts a 95 percent graduation rate, with nearly all graduates securing employment shortly after completion. As they progress through the program, students become eligible to sit for registry examinations through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Cardiovascular Credentialing International. They may also test for credentialing through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists upon graduation. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS), ensuring it meets the highest standards in allied health education. A new class will be admitted to the DMS Program each fall. Student selection is based on completion of all prerequisite courses and requirements, including ACT scores, transcripts and admission scores. Applications for the program will be accepted through May 10. Admission requirements for the DMS Program include; Submit official transcripts from other colleges as well as official ACT scores. The minimum composite score on the national or residual ACT test is 18. • Must have at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale in all general education courses • Must maintain a C or better on all general and pre- DMS courses • Unconditional admission to Gadsden State • Submit online application prior to May 10 • • Must complete all required general courses for the DMS Program by the application deadline or be enrolled in the course to be completed no later than the spring semester of the year of the application deadline at Gadsden State. • Must be in good standing with the College • Must meet the Essential Functions required for DMS students • Must pass a background check and drug screen • Must attend DMS information session and receive signed documentation of attendance • Must be able to show proof of health insurance once offered admittance into the program • Following application and registration completion, students are scored using a blind scoring system based on GPA and ACT score. The Top 40 applicants will move to Phase 2 of the admission process
Ignacio Joel Sales Jimenez Jan Diego Segura Hidalgo Luis Angel Serafin Chamil Jinen Chirag Shukal Raymundo Soto Gamas Jacob Riley Steele Shaun Anthony Stewart Jaymison Blake Tidwell Marina Tomas Sebastian Christian Ivan Urquilla Emilia Vega Sierra Emily Alexandra Wainwright
Courtesy Photo
Phase 2 includes a panel interview, a written essay, two professional letters of recommendation and a copy of the certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic life support. “We are highly selective because we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in both academic and clinical excellence,” Taylor said. “Sonographers play a critical role in patient care and diagnostics, so we ensure that every student admitted to our program has the academic readiness as well as the professionalism, work ethic and passion needed to succeed in a demanding healthcare environment. It’s about quality over quantity. We want to graduate the best of the best at Gadsden State.” In addition to the associate degree program, Gadsden State offers a certificate in echocardiography, designed specifically for credentialed and working sonographers looking to expand their clinical capabilities and add an additional imaging modality to their resume. The program is flexible, offering online instruction and evening lab sessions, making it ideal for professionals balancing work and continued education. “Our echocardiography certificate program is unique because it’s built for working sonographers,” Taylor said. “We provide a schedule that works with their busy lives without sacrificing the quality of hands-on training and clinical experience.” To be considered for the program, the applicant must meet one of the following criteria: • Graduate of a DMS vascular program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs • Be a vascular registered sonographer • Be a sonographer with over five years of cardiovascular clinical scanning experience Kimberly Moss, the clinical coordinator for the program, plays an essential role in placing students into healthcare facilities for clinical practice, building strong relationships with industry partners and ensuring that students are career-ready upon graduation. “The combination of comprehensive instruction, real- world clinical exposure and committed faculty makes our program stand out in the state,” Moss said. “We’re not just training students. We’re helping shape the future of diagnostic imaging in Alabama and beyond.” For more information about the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program or to apply, visit www.GadsdenState. edu/DMS.
Brandon Boswell h Pharmacist/Owner h 256-524-2981
Best Wishes for a great future! Congratulations Class of 2025
588 South Valley Avenue P.O. Box 498 Collinsville, AL 35961 (256) 524-2981 (256) 524-2987
“Caring for you Like Family” Brandon Boswell, PharmD Pharmacist/Owner
SPORTS LEDGER May 2025 E-edition Read Free Online at www.TheSportsLedger.com Page 7 The
Austin Cindric wins wild Talladega Race
By Holly Cain NASCAR Wire Service Austin Cindric’s dramatic last-lap pass provided exactly the sort of Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway thrill that NASCAR fans have come to expect at the sport’s biggest track, earning the 2022 Daytona 500 winner Cindric – and Team Penske – their first trophy of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. Cindric’s No. 2 Team Penske Ford pulled ahead of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing driver Ryan Preece’s No. 60 Ford by the length of a front hood to claim a .022-second victory in Sunday’s Jack Link’s 500 – the two Ford Mustangs exchanged the lead five times in the final six laps and ultimately finished side- by-side holding off a pair of hard-charging Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet teammates just behind in Kyle Larson and William Byron. “I’m just so proud of this team from the [pit] cycles to the fast cars to the fuel-only stops,’’ said the 26-year old Cindric, whose team - with 17 laps remaining - turned in the fastest final pit stop putting him back out front and able to contend for the win in a race that featured 67 lead changes among 23 drivers. “It definitely wasn’t easy,’’ Cindric said of holding off the Hendrick teammates for the checkered flag. “I give a lot of credit, Kyle [Larson] did a lot to take care of me, pushing me at the right times in the tri-oval and as mad as I was at him after Atlanta [race], I feel like we’re good now. That was great and having a photo-finish at Talladega and get in the Playoffs in front of this amazing crowd, beautiful day in Alabama.’’ As thrilling as the win was Cindric, it was a heartbreaking runner-up for the 34-year-old Preece, who came a literal split- second away from his first NASCAR Cup Series victory. “I’m happy, but as a racer, you want to win, right,’’ Preece said. “Coming through the tri- oval I felt like, all right, we’re all sticking together and nobody was leaving me.
NFL Draft Top 25 The number one pick in the 2025 NFL Draft was University of Miami Quarterback Cam Ward. He was selected by the Tennessee Titans to open this year’s draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025. The following players round out the top 25 individuals selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. No. 2 Travis Hunter – Jacksonville Jaguars (Colorado) No. 3 Abdul Carter – New York Giants (Penn State) No. 4 Will Campbell - New England Patriots (LSU) No. 5 Mason Graham – Cleveland Browns (Michigan) No. 6 Ashton Jeanty - Las Vegas Raiders (Boise State) No. 7 Armand Membou - New York Jets (Missouri) No. 8 Tetairoa McMillan – Carolina Panthers (Arizona) No. 9 Kelvin Banks Jr. - New Orleans Saints (Texas) No. 10 Colston Loveland – Chicago Bears (Michigan) No. 11 Mykel Williams - San Francisco 49ers (Georgia) No. 12 Tyler Booker Dallas - Cowboys (Alabama) No. 13 Kenneth Grant – Dallas Cowboys (Michigan) No. 14 Tyler Warren – Indianapolis Colts (Penn State) No. 15 Jalon Walker – Atlanta Falcons (Georgia) No. 16 Walter Nolen – Arizona Cardinals (Mississippi) No. 17 Shemar Stewart – Cincinnati Bengals (Texas A&M) No. 18 Grey Zabel – Seattle Seahawks (North Dakota State) No. 19 Emeka Egbuka - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Ohio St.) No. 20 Jahdae Barron – Denver Broncos (Texas) No. 21 Derrick Harmon – Pittsburgh Steelers (Oregon) No. 22 Omarion Hampton - LA Chargers (North Carolina) No. 23 Matthew Golden - Green Bay Packers (Texas) No. 24 Donovan Jackson – Minnesota Vikings (Ohio State) No. 25 Jaxson Dart - New York Giants (Mississippi) Boaz Golfer Braden Phillips during the Pirates recent visit to Gunters Landing. Photo By Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
Austin Cindric, driver of the #2 Menards/Quaker State Ford, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 27, 2025. Photo By Sean Gardner, Getty Images
“It’s not easy,’’ he conceded. “I felt like this was the most aggressive I’ve raced on a superspeedway and really pushing the issues because you’ve got to figure out who’s gonna have that fast car and obviously, it was all Fords today. The right holes opened at the right times but ultimately, just 22-hundreths short.’’ The Hendrick teammates Larson and Byron acknowledged lapped traffic in front of the lead pack, looming just beyond the finish line, certainly created an extra consideration. Yet the third place showing for Larson, who won Stage 1 and led three laps on the day, was a career best effort at Talladega. It was a major move forward personally on the large drafting tracks such as Talladega, Daytona and Atlanta where the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion and 31-race winner has yet to earn a trophy. “I wanted to take it, but just felt like the gap was too big,’’ said Larson, who ran directly behind Cindric in the closing laps, adding. “I was just second row inside and just going to do everything I could to try and advance our lane and maybe open it up so maybe then I could get to the outside, but we were all pushing so equally that it kept the lanes kind of jammed up.
“I needed something else to kinda happen, maybe them to get blocking each other or something, but still a great day. A stage win, P3 in the second stage and P3 in the final, so great points day and best career finish on a superspeedway so happy with the performance in the Hendricks.com Chevy.” Cindric is the 10th different winner in the last 10 Talladega races – a record streak at the iconic 2.66-mile high-banked track. Yet Sunday’s race was relatively calm compared to some previous editions at the high-action drafting track. It marked the fourth time a Talladega race had only four caution flags – two of which were scheduled stage caution breaks. As encouraging as Cindric and Preece’s runs were – it was an gut- wrenching afternoon for their teammates, Ryan Blaney (Penske) and Brad Keselowski (RFK Racing). The two former champions and past multi- time Talladega winners were collected in an accident on lap 43 during a pit stop cycle before the first Stage break. Keselowski and Chevy’s Kyle Busch collided on track as Keselowski was moving toward pit road – their contact collected Blaney spinning him out as well. The owner-driver of the No. 6 Ford, Keselowski,
who was already mired in a disappointing early season, finished 38th and is now ranked 32nd in the championship standings. “It was just a stack of guys trying to come to pit road as fast as they could and we were kind of the ham in the sandwich that got squeezed,’’ said Keselowski, who leads all active drivers with six Talladega wins. “I waved down the backstretch to let everybody know I was gonna pit and I came off of four and everybody was so tight behind me that I didn’t even have a chance to turn left. I hate that it ruined not just our day, but several other people’s day. I don’t think I could do anything different.” Blaney, who drives the No. 12 Penske Racing Ford was scored as 39th, or last in the field. It marked his fourth DNF in the 10- race season and the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion is now ranked ninth in the standings. With his fourth place finish, Byron continues to lead the championship standings, now 32 points ahead of his teammate Larson. Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin, who had been second in points going into Talladega is now ranked third, 53 behind Byron. NASCAR now heads to Texas Motor Speedway for the Wurth 400.
Auburn University running back Jarquez Hunter (shown left) was one of three Tigers selected in the 2025 NFL draft. Hunter was selected in the fourth round (Pick No. 117) by the LA Rams. Auburn Wide Receiver KeAndre Lambert- Smith was drafted by the LA Chargers in the 5th round (Pick No. 158), while Tiger teammate Jalen McLeod was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round (Pick No. 194). Several other Auburn players have signed free agent deals, This includes quarterback Payton Thorne, who has reportedly reached an agreement with the Cincinnati Bengals. Three Auburn Stars Selected in 2025 NFL Draft
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe arrives prior to the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24. Milroe was selected as the 92nd overall pick by the Seattle Seahawks. A total of seven Crimson Tide players will continue their careers in the NFL after being selected in the 2025 draft. Joining Milroe are: Tyler Booker (12th overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys); Jihaad Campbell (31st overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles); Malachi Moore (130th pick by the New York Jets); Que Robinson (134th pick by the Denver Broncos); Robbie Ouzts (175th pick by the Seattle Seahawks); and Tim Smith (190th pick by the Indianapolis Colts). Photo By Logan Bowles, NFL Seven Alabama Players Selected in NFL Draft
Photo By Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
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