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PAGE 4 November 2026 E-Edition
CIVILIAN FIREARMS CLASS AT GSCC The Gadsden State Community College Police and Public Safety Department will host its annual Civilian Firearms Class on Saturday, Nov. 14, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Beck Conference Center on the Wallace Drive Campus. The free training is open to individuals 18 and older and is designed to increase participants’ confidence in firearm handling while providing instruction in firearm safety, self-defense and situational awareness. The training is also intended to promote preparedness and awareness beyond firearm handling. Certified firearms instructors from multiple law enforcement agencies will lead the classroom and live range sessions, with support from law enforcement departments across the region. Some of the Course Topics include: Basics of pistol shooting, Firearm types and functions, Firearm safety, Situational awareness and avoiding danger, and Legal responsibilities of gun ownership. Participants Must Bring A functioning handgun, A proper holster, Eye & Ear protection, and 50 rounds of ammunition. Class space is limited. To register or obtain additional information, contact Emily Feemster at efeemster@gadsdenstate.edu or 256-549-8611, or Chief Jay Freeman at jfreeman@gadsdenstate.edu or 256-549-8672. FOUR BILLION INVESTMENT & JOBS Audi will open its first U.S. manufacturing facility in the State of Georgia. Headquartered in Ingolstadt, Germany, Audi plans to invest approximately $4 billion in a state- of-the-art manufacturing facility at the Middle Georgia Megasite, delivering approximately 4,500 new jobs to middle Georgia. With cutting-edge premium SUVs tailored to North American customers and manufactured locally, Audi aims to unlock significant growth potential in one of the world's most important premium markets. Audi expects to begin grading in 2027 and construction on the new facility in 2028. Full production is expected in 2031 at an annual capacity of 200,000 units. $42 MILLION IN SNAP BENEFIT FRAUD The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (MDFL) joins the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the USDA Office of Inspector General in announcing a nationwide series of enforcement actions targeting fraud involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and related USDA programs. Between September 1, 2026, and October 21, 2025, the Fraud Division, the MDFL, along with 12 other U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and the Utah Attorney General’s Office conducted the Department’s first National USDA Benefits and Program Fraud Enforcement Surge. This coordinated effort resulted in actions against more than 40 defendants whose alleged or proven schemes caused nearly $45 million in intended losses to the federal government. Nearly $42 million of that amount involved fraud against SNAP benefits, which provide monthly food assistance to low-income individuals and families. The MDFL case involved fraud against a USDA crop‑insurance program designed to help farmers recover from covered losses. CHILD EXPLOITATION CRIMES A Madison man has been sentenced for child exploitation crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr. According to a news release, Jason Brian Seay, age 55, has been sentenced to 1,680 months (140 years) in prison. In February, Seay pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. According to the plea agreement, on March 6, 2025, FBI agents obtained a search warrant for Seay’s residence in Madison, Alabama. As a result of the search of Seay’s residence, agents seized more than 20 electronic devices. Examination of those devices revealed more than 500,000 images and videos of child pornography. Agents also discovered images and videos of child pornography that Seay produced. ALABAMA WOMAN THREATENS TRUMP A Lauderdale County woman has been charged with making violent threats against the President of the United States through social media, announced U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr. A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Megan Lorraine Utz, age 36, of Courtland, Alabama, with threats against the President of the United States and interstate transmission of threatening communication. According to the indictment and complaint, it is alleged that on October 5, 2026, Utz made a threatening post on Facebook regarding President Donald Trump’s attendance at the upcoming football game between Alabama and Georgia in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on October 10, 2026. Utz’s post stated “I’ll put a bullet through him if he dares.” On October 6, 2026, FBI agents, Secret Service agents, and the Florence Police located Utz. The Florence Police Department arrested Utz pursuant to an active misdemeanor warrant for Harassing Communications issued by the Guin Police Department. MAN SENTENCED FOR 4 ROBBERIES A Montgomery, Alabama man has been sentenced in federal court for robbing four gas stations at gunpoint during a three-day crime spree in January 2025, including firing multiple shots during two of the robberies. On October 21, 2026, 20-year-old Perrion Savage received a sentence of 402 months in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole. According to his plea agreement and other court records, Savage committed four gas station robberies in Montgomery between January 28 and January 30, 2025. The robberies occurred at gas stations on South Perry Street, Wares Ferry Road, Jackson Ferry Road, and Zelda Road. On May 28, 2026, the defendant pleaded guilty to four counts of Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. NEWS & EVENTS
Scholarship for Cherokee County Students For nearly half a century, Kerr’s Redi Mix, Inc. has been more than a successful business serving Cherokee County and the surrounding region. Through its work, relationships and commitment to the communities it serves, the company has played a role in supporting growth and development across the area. Now, Kerr’s Redi Mix is investing in the region’s future in another meaningful way. The Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation has announced the establishment of the Kerr’s Redi Mix, Inc. Endowed Scholarship for Cherokee County. The scholarship reflects the company’s longstanding commitment to Cherokee County and its belief in creating opportunities for the next generation of students and skilled professionals. The scholarship will provide support for eligible Cherokee County students pursuing careers in Construction Technology, Education, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training and Automotive Technology at Gadsden State Community College. Submitted Photo Gadsden State Theatre Announces Cast For 'Dearly Departed' The cast includes: • Ray-Bud Turpin — Eli Dorning • Junior Turpin — Kirby Rogerson • Raynelle Turpin — Katherine Marguerite • Marguerite — Shyanne Freeman • Suzanne — Salem Motes • Lucille — Ashley Boatwright • Royce — Dale Layton • Rev. Hooker — Connor Thomas • Delightful — Katie Peavy • Veda — Sam Gidley • Norval — Ian Johnson • Nadine — Amelia St. John • Clyde — Josh Long • Juanita — Sara Price The Gadsden State Community College Theatre Department will present Dearly Departed, written by David Dean Bottrell and Jessie Jones on November 12- 14, 2026. The performance will take place in the Black Box Theatre in Meadow Hall on the college’s Wallace Drive campus. Performances will begin at 7 p.m. each evening. Directed by Pheonix Rich and Afton Yarnell, the Southern comedy follows the Turpin family as they navigate grief, family dysfunction and small-town chaos following the death of the family patriarch. Featuring colorful characters, unexpected twists and plenty of humor, Dearly Departed offers audiences a heartfelt and entertaining look at family relationships and Southern traditions. Governor Warns of Potential Dangers Associated with Kratom Products
Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) are urging parents, young people and consumers to be aware of the potential dangers associated with kratom and products that may contain the substance. This reminder comes as national discussion on kratom heightens and as law enforcement continue their efforts to identify and remove illegal products from store shelves across Alabama. “Kratom is illegal in Alabama, but unfortunately, it is not that plain and simple. Our law enforcement folks continue identifying stores putting this illegal product on their shelves disguised as harmless drinks,” said Governor Ivey. “Y’all, please just be aware: Just because it is sold on a gas station shelf, does not always mean it is safe. As parents and young people remain vigilant, our good law enforcement will keep doing everything they can to keep these dangerous products from robbing kids of their futures.” Kratom is a controlled substance in Alabama; however, products encountered by Special Agents are often not clearly labeled as containing kratom. Instead, they may be marketed as beverages, shots or other “feel- good” products intended to promote relaxation, energy or an improved mood. ALEA also continues to encounter new products with different names, labels and packaging. “We want Alabamians, especially parents and young people, to understand that these products may not always be what they appear to be,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “Something being sold over the counter at a gas station or vape shop should not automatically be considered safe. Education and awareness are critical as we continue working with our partners to identify these products and remove illegal substances from Alabama communities.” In 2025, ALEA and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office began investigating citizen complaints involving potentially addictive products sold at retail locations across the state. Undercover purchases and subsequent laboratory testing by Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (ADFS) confirmed certain products contained mitragynine, (commonly referred to as kratom), a controlled substance under Alabama Code. Following additional complaints and laboratory
testing of newly branded products in early 2026, ALEA launched Operation Southern Shield in May to identify and seize illegal kratom products and support potential criminal and civil enforcement actions. The operation resulted in the execution of 83 search warrants and the seizure of nearly 123,000 doses of illegal kratom products. Since launching Operation Southern Shield in May, ALEA, in coordination with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, ADFS, local law enforcement agencies and District Attorneys’ Offices, has continued to investigate complaints involving suspected kratom products. ALEA has seized several hundred bottles from retail locations across the state, while Special Agents have also found numerous businesses that have removed previously identified products from their inventory. Suspected products are submitted to ADFS for laboratory analysis. As additional products are confirmed to contain kratom, ALEA shares that information with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and the Attorney General’s Office. "Alabama is not open for business to anyone selling these dangerous and illegal substances, however they're labeled or packaged,” said Attorney General Steve Marshall. “These products prey on unsuspecting consumers, including children, who have no way of knowing what they're buying. Retailers had every opportunity to comply, and those who ignored the law will now face serious consequences. Anyone who continues to sell these products will face the full force of the law, including seizure of assets and felony prosecution." A large concern is the accessibility of these products to young people. Products may be sold at gas stations, vape shops and other retail locations without clearly communicating the potentially dangerous substance they contain. Parents and guardians are encouraged to talk with teenagers and college-age students about the risks and remind them that a product being available for purchase over the counter does not necessarily mean it is safe. Kratom can be addictive, and products sold through unregulated channels may lack reliable information about their ingredients, concentration or contents.
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