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PAGE 5 July 2026
Toney Man dies in crash A two-vehicle crash at approximately 6:40 a.m. July 15, has claimed the life of a Toney man. According to Alabama State Troopers, William E. Darby, age 35, was critically injured when the 2003 Toyota 4Runner that he was driving was struck by a 2021 Freightliner tractor-trailer driven by Yuriy Malyuk, age 27, of Sacramento, California. Darby was transported to Huntsville Hospital for treatment where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The crash occurred on Alabama 53 near Kelly Spring Road, approximately one mile northeast of the Huntsville city limits, in Madison County. A single-vehicle crash at approximately 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 has claimed the life of a Fort Payne attorney. According to Alabama State Trooper Roger G. Killian, age 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 occurred on I-59 near Dekalb County 483, approximately five miles north of Collinsville. Sheriff's Office Continues Church Security Training The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has reported that it 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. According to DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden, Phase I of the program focused on threat assessment, security planning, emergency response procedures, communication and developing effective security protocols tailored to each church. Phase II transitioned participants from the classroom into practical, real-world scenarios designed to challenge their decision making and response capabilities. Under the direction of Captain Nathaniel Bates, lead instructor for the Shepherd’s Watch Program and Deputy Commander of the DeKalb County Special Response Team, participants engaged in force-on-force exercises utilizing non-lethal training ammunition. These scenarios were designed to replicate critical incidents that church security teams may encounter, requiring participants to communicate effectively, make sound decisions under stress and protect innocent lives in a controlled environment. Following the scenario-based exercises, participants moved to the firing range where they completed a series of firearm drills emphasizing marksmanship, target discrimination and safe weapon handling. The combination of scenario-based training and live-fire exercises provides church security teams with the confidence and practical skills necessary to respond effectively during high-stress incidents. The Shepherd’s Watch Program is designed to deliver top-tier training that bridges the gap between classroom instruction and real-world application. By incorporating realistic scenarios, professional instruction and practical firearms training, participants gain the knowledge, confidence and experience needed to better safeguard their congregations. "The safety of our churches and the families who gather to worship is a responsibility we take seriously. I am incredibly thankful for the men and women who have stepped forward to serve their congregations with professionalism, humility and a willingness to train. Preparedness is one of the greatest tools we have to protect innocent lives," said Welden. Single Vehicle Crash Kills Fort Payne Man
NEWS, EVENTS, & ANNOUNCEMENTS FOREVER WILD BOARD MEETING
Criminal Mischief – Occurred at 2292 Dean Road NE, seven windows were damaged, valued at $9121.00 • Scam – Occurred at 2101 Briarwood Ave SW, websites fees of $2600.00 were found to be a scam Five Arrests • Wesley Jacob Read, age 49 of Sylvania, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • David Dewayne Elkins, age 33 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Menacing • Ashley Brooke Bowman, age 38 of Valley Head, was arrested for Public Intoxication • Brandon James Fisher, age 27 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure to Appear • Jessica Nicole Owens, age 32 of Jacksonville, was arrested on Two Warrants of Arrest Four Accidents with One Injury • An accident occurred at Glenn Blvd SW and Briarwood Ave SW, Amanda Michele Wray, age 33 of Decherd, TN, driving a 2017 Cadillac ATS struck Derwood Regan, age 62 of Fort Payne, driving a 2007 Toyota Tundra. Wray then struck Matthew Paul Edwards, age 20 of Albertville, driving a Ford F150. Wray was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. June 27, 2026 No Incidents, Three Arrests • Bryan Logan Hargrove, age 20 of Woodworth, LA, was arrested for Underage Consumption/Possession of Alcohol • Hunter Lee Brooks, age 20 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Underage Consumption/Possession of Alcohol • Bentley Ethan Neeley, age 18 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Underage Consumption/Possession of Alcohol Two Accidents with No Injuries June 28, 2026 No Incidents One Arrest • Anthony Wayne Sims, age 19 of Rainsville, was arrested On a Warrant for Outside Agency One Accident with No Injuries June 29, 2026 No Incidents, Five Arrests • Dakota John Weaver, age 21 of Scottsboro, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • Michael Christopher Bailey, age 52 of Scottsboro, was arrested for Public Intoxication and Criminal Trespass • Johnny Roberto Manuel, age 18 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Public Intoxication and Underage Consumption/Possession of Alcohol • Abraham Antonio Pedro, age 18 of Fort Payne, was arrested for DUI, Public Intoxication and Underage Consumption/Possession of Alcohol • Timothy Lee Smith, age 18 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, Underage Consumption/Possession of Alcohol and Public Intoxication One Accident with No Injuries DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO MEET ON AUGUST 8 The Alabama Democratic Party has announced that the State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC) will meet in Montgomery on August 8, 2026, at the Renaissance Hotel. The SDEC will elect a Chair, General Vice-Chair, Secretary, Constituency Vice Chairs to include Vice Chair of Minority Affairs, Vice Chair of County Affairs, Vice Chair of Labor, and Vice Chair of Youth. In addition, there will be an election for National DNC Committee Woman and National DNC Committee Person. The Youth Caucus, Black Caucus, LGBTQ Caucus, Hispanic Caucus, Asian-American Caucus, and Native-American Caucus will meet at 9 a.m. prior to the organizational meeting which is scheduled for 11 a.m. Any Democrat in Alabama who is registered to vote and desires to fill a vacancy at the organizational meeting may do so in a respective caucus meeting or when the SDEC convenes. Qualifying may be done up until the position is filled. BACK TO SCHOOL EXPO HELD IN GUNTERSVILLE Guntersville City Schools held its inaugural Back to School Expo on Thursday, July 9, 2026. The event was designed to help families prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, by bringing together district departments, school representatives, community organizations, and local partners in one convenient location. Families had the opportunity to gather important back-to-school information, connect with school personnel, explore community resources, and learn about the many opportunities available to Guntersville City Schools students. In addition to visiting information booths, attendees could participate in informational sessions covering topics including Standards-Based Grading, College and Career Readiness, and Staying on Track at Guntersville High School. GLENDA ALLRED NAMED TOURISM DIRECTOR Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has announced the retirement of Lee Sentell, Alabama’s longest-serving Tourism Director. Governor Bob Riley originally appointed Sentell in 2003. Governor Ivey has appointed Glenda Allred to lead Tourism for the remainder of her term as Governor. Allred comes to the post from serving as Deputy State Treasurer. She began state service in 2011 and she is a 1991 Huntingdon College graduate. Allred spent 15 years in the private sector with a bank holding company managing media relations, shareholder relations, all publications to shareholders and advertising for a 72-branch franchise in Alabama.
The Board of Trustees of the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust will hold its third quarterly meeting of 2026 on Thursday, August 6, in the Goldenrod Room at the Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge. The meeting will take place at 10 a.m. At this meeting, updates on Forever Wild program activities and tract assessments will be presented. This meeting will also provide an opportunity for any individual who would like to make comments concerning the program to address the board. The public is invited to attend this meeting and is encouraged to submit nominations of tracts of land for possible Forever Wild program purchase. Written nominations may be submitted by email to Forever.Wild@dcnr.alabama.gov or by letter to the State Lands Division, Room 464, 64 N. Union St., Montgomery, Alabama, 36130. Nominations can also be made online at www.alabamaforeverwild. com/contact/nominate_land_tracts. SPECIAL SERVICES COORDINATOR NAMED Guntersville City Schools has named Niki Bowling as Special Services Coordinator. Bowling brings extensive experience in special education and a strong passion for advocating for students with diverse learning needs. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with students, families, teachers, and administrators to provide individualized support and help ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. Her commitment to collaboration, student achievement, and educational excellence makes her well-prepared to lead the district's special education program. “I am excited to welcome Mrs. Niki Bowling as our new Special Services Coordinator,” said Superintendent Dr. Brad Cooper. “Mrs. Bowling is a passionate advocate for students and teachers, and we are confident she will work tirelessly to ensure the needs of every learner are met while supporting our educators. We are thrilled to have her join our leadership team and look forward to the positive impact she will make across our district.” As Special Services Coordinator, Bowling will oversee and coordinate special education services across Guntersville City Schools. She will provide leadership for the district's special education program by supporting teachers and administrators, coordinating professional learning opportunities, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and serving as a resource for families and school personnel. The position also includes overseeing instructional programming and working collaboratively to meet the individual needs of students.
Fort Payne Police Report 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. June 26, 2026 Incidents • June 30, 2026 No Incidents No Arrests Three Accidents with One Injury •
An accident occurred at I-59 and Greenhill Blvd NW, Terry Jay White, age 63 of Flat Rock, driving a 2007 Hyundai Accent, left the roadway and struck an embankment. White was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. July 1, 2026 No Incidents One Arrest • Ciara Brianna Frazier, age 47 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency Three Accidents with One Injury • An accident occurred at Adamsburg Road E and Mountain Road SE, Nancy Diane Greenwood, age 79 of Fort Payne, driving a 2015 KIA Forte, left the roadway and overturned. Greenwood was transported to Dekalb Regional by Dekalb Ambulance Service. July 2, 2026 No Incidents, Three Arrests • Ciara Brianna Frazier, age 47 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • James Christopher Schrader, age 46 of Fort Payne, was arrested on a Warrant for Outside Agency • Mateo Martin Juan, age 29 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Domestic Violence, Public Intoxication and Hold for Agency Warrant Three Accidents with No Injuries July 3, 2026 Incidents • Property Damage – Occurred at 501 Airport Road W, a loading lock was damaged, valued at $1100.00 Two Arrests • Christopher Lee Simpson, age 32 of Fort Payne, was arrested on Four Warrants for Failure to Appear • Donald William Thomason, age 29 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Criminal Trespass One Accident with No Injuries July 4, 2026 Incidents • Theft of Property – Occurred at Wal-Mart, Black Onn lighting earbuds were taken, valued at $6.00 • Theft of Property – Occurred at Mapco at 1800 Galut Ave N, a donation box containing $70.00 in currency was taken Two Arrests • Corey Michael Plunkett, age 40 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Theft of Property • Erik Gage Gelfenstein, age 23 of Fort Payne, was arrested for Domestic Violence No Accidents July 5, 2026 No Incidents, Three Arrests • Michael Dewayne Mills, age 35 of Valley Head, was arrested on Two Warrants for Outside Agency • Summer Marie Moore, age 36 of Valley Head, was arrested on Two Warrants for Interfering with Child Custody and Chemical Endangerment to a Child • Anthany Vatthana Aphay, age 34 of Fort Payne, was arrested for DUI No Accidents
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