A LABAMA L EDGER
State Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division investigated crashes that resulted in 586 fatalities during 2022. That number marks 19 fewer lives lost on Alabama’s roadways than in 2021. State Troopers investigated a total of 31,990 traffic crashes, which resulted in 10,914 injuries and the 586 fatalities. Crashes declined by 2,185 and injuries were down 646 in 2022 from the 2021 totals. “We would like to thank the motoring public for their diligence and continuous efforts in assisting law enforcement, which enabled ALEA Troopers to reduce the number of traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities, ultimately making Alabama roadways safer. However, this extended holiday travel period still reminds us that we need to remain constant in our resolve to create an environment of safety on our state’s roadways. Unfortunately, this year there were 14 lives tragically lost,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. The fatal holiday period crashes occurred in Baldwin, Chambers, Chilton, Dallas, DeKalb, Elmore, Jefferson, Limestone, Marshall, Monroe and Tuscaloosa counties. Of those killed, 11 were drivers, and three were passengers. All were traveling in vehicles equipped with seat belts, four individuals were using them, nine were not. In one case, it is unknown whether a seat belt was used. The extended holiday travel period spanned over nine days and began at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 24, and ended at midnight Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. “Our Troopers did a phenomenal job this year actively patrolling and working numerous high visibility details in order to reduce crashes and save lives. However, they were tasked with notifying the loved ones of these 14 individuals following the fatal crashes over the holiday season. This is one of the most difficult parts of our job and we at ALEA offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones," said Colonel Jimmy Helms, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety. Crossville Teenager Killed in Crash A two-vehicle crash on Sunday, January 1, 2023 claimed the life of a Crossville teenager. According to Alabama State Troopers, the 17-year-old was fatally injured when the 2020 Dodge Charger the teen was driving collided with a 2011 Dodge Ram, driven by Julian Garcia, age 28, of Guntersville. After the initial impact both vehicles left the roadway, struck a ditch, and caught fire. The juvenile was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash. PAGE 5 www.AlabamaLedger.com Alabama Troopers Reported 586 Traffic Fatalities in 2022 The crash occurred on Alabama 168 near the 15 mile marker, approximately five miles east of Boaz in Marshall County. No additional information was available as State Troopers continue to investigate the incident. Former Credit Union Employee Arrested An Arab man has been arrested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) after using his access as an employee with a Pensacola credit union to commit various crimes. Wade Hampton Helms, age 34 of Arab, was arrested on a FDLE warrant on one count of offenses against users of computers, computer systems, computer networks and electronic devices; eight counts of criminal use of personal identification information; 34 counts of unlawful possession of personal identification information; and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communications device. All charges are felonies in the State of Florida. FDLE’s investigation began in September 2022, when internal fraud investigators with a Pensacola-area credit union reported possible fraud related to Helms, who at the time lived in Pensacola and was an employee of the credit union. Agents discovered that Helms misused his employee access to compromise dozens of credit union member accounts, taking the members’ personal identification information and providing it to third parties via the dark web. He also assisted the third parties to gain access to the credit union member accounts, resulting in the third parties stealing funds from the accounts. The credit union has notified members whose information was compromised. Helms was arrested by the Arab (Alabama) Police Department on the FDLE warrant and transported to Pensacola, Florida, where he was booked into the Escambia County Jail on a $47,000 bond. The case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, First Judicial Circuit.
JANUARY 2023
The Gadsden State Alumni Association recently presented Alumni of the Year Awards. Pictured are Dr. Kathy Murphy, President of Gadsden State; Kelsey Taylor, Outstanding Academic Faculty; Joe Hulsey, Outstanding Technical Faculty; Garen Mullen, Distinguished Service Award Winner; Brad Finley, Alumni of the Year; John Roberson, director of Development and Alumni Relations; and Julie White, vice president of the Alumni Association. Not pictured is Beverly Elam, Outstanding Support Staff. Gadsden State Alumni Association Presents Annual Awards Photo Courtesy of Gadsden State
DOUGLAS AREA SENIORS - The Douglas Senior Center offers fellowship with area senior citizens, games and a nutritious meal each weekday. The Senior Center is located at 335 Stadium Circle in Douglas, which is across from the High School. The senior center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. for those age 60 and older. For more information call 256-840-1440. START STRONG SCHOLARSHIP - Gadsden State Community College is awarding Start Strong Scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year. The scholarship covers up to six hours of tuition and fees for the 2023 fall semester and 2024 spring semester. It is open to graduating high school seniors. Applications are due March 1. Full- time, eligible students can get a combined 12 hours of credit paid for through the Start Strong Scholarship Program. The scholarship is not limited to those living within the Gadsden State service area. The Start Strong Scholarship will pay in-state tuition for out-of-state students. This is Gadsden State’s second year to award these scholarships worth almost $2,000 each. ACT PREP COURSE - Gadsden State Community College’s Continuing Education Program is offering two Saturday ACT preparation classes covering four core subjects – English, reading, math and science. Classes will meet at the Cardinal Tutoring Center located in Allen Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus. The session time and dates are from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Jan. 28 and April 8. Registration is $99 and students can register for the session of their choice. Once registered a confirmation email will be sent containing instructions and items needed for the class. To register, visit www.gadsdenstate.edu/continuinged. For more information call Pam Clough at 256-549-8462 or email pclough@gadsdenstate.edu. STAINED GLASS ART CLASS - Gadsden State Community College’s Continuing Education Program is offering “Beginner’s Introduction to Stained Glass Art.” Classes will be held on Jan. 31 at 10 a.m.; Feb. 2 at 5:30 p.m.; and Feb. 4 at 1 p.m. at the Glass Room Studio, 401 Duncan St., Gadsden. Students will be introduced to the art of stained glass by the instructor through hands-on instruction. Using the Tiffany Foil Method, workshop participants will complete and design a heart shaped sun- catcher. All materials and use of studio tools are included in the workshop registration. Aprons will be provided. Closed-toe shoes are required and jewelry should be limited. Beverages may be brought in a closed-top container, but no food is allowed in the studio. Registration cost is $40 for a four-hour workshop with a limit of four students per session. Participants must pre-register. Registration and payment may be made at Gadsden State Continuing Education or with The Glass Room Studio. To register please visit www.gadsdenstate.edu/continuinged. For more information, please call Pam Clough at 256-549-8462 or email pclough@gadsdenstate.edu. Call 256-390-4008 with questions about the class. DUI WRECK - A single-vehicle crash has resulted in the arrest of a Rainsville woman. According to Alabama State Troopers, Mercedes L. Rugart, age 32, was charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) when the 2021 Chevy Tahoe that she was driving left the roadway, struck a culvert, a utility pole and overturned. The crash occurred on Alabama 35 near Ryan Street, in Jackson County. No additional information was available. Announcements
According to authorities one person has died after a vehicle crash on I-59 near Fort Payne. At approximately 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 15, 2023 the Fort Payne Police Department responded to an accident on I-59 North near Lebanon Road. Authorities reported that Francisco Felipe Juan, age 23 of Fort Payne, who was driving a 2012 Infinitiy G37, struck a cable barrier and then struck Sybil L Duncan, age 43 of Etowah, TN, who was driving a 2022 KIA Rio. Francisco Juan was airlifted to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. Passenger Alex Randy Marroquin, age 21 of Fort Payne, was transported to DeKalb Regional by DeKalb Ambulance Service, and passenger Gavino Diego Francisco, age 21 of Fort Payne, was transported to Erlanger Hospital by DeKalb Ambulance Service. Gavino later passed away as a result of his injuries. Sybil Duncan was airlifted to Erlanger Hospital. At the time of the press release, Juan and Duncan were still in Erlanger Hospital and the accident was still under investigation. Head-on Collision Kills Cedar Bluff Woman One Dead After Vehicle Hits I-59 Cable Barrier A 22-year-old Cedar Bluff Woman has died as a result of what authorities reported as a "head-on" collision. The two-vehicle crash occurred on January18, 2023 Clair M. Bryant, age 22, was fatally injured when the 2008 Jeep Cherokee that she was driving collided head-on with a 2020 Dodge Durango driven by Taleena L. Kelley, 53, of Cave Spring, GA. Bryant was pronounced deceased at the scene. Kelley was injured and transported to Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, in Rome, GA. The crash occurred on Alabama 9 near Cherokee County 80, approximately three miles north of Cedar Bluff, in Cherokee County. No additional info was available as Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate. Two Killed After Being Ejected in Car Crash Two individuals died after being ejected during a car crash in Cherokee County. According to Alabama State Troopers, a single-vehicle crash on January 19, 2023 claimed the life of 21-year- old Brittney D. Hayes, of Piedmont, and an unidentified 18-year-old of Vidalia, GA. Authorities reported that two individuals were fatally injured when the 2003 Ford Explorer they were passengers in, left the roadway, struck a mound of dirt and overturned. Hayes and the teen were both ejected and not using seat belts at the time of crash. They were both pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver, Cameron S. Drummond, age 20, of Chatsworth, GA, and another passenger, Blake A. Broome, 22, of Piedmont, were both injured and transported to Regional Medical Center Hospital (RMC) for treatment. The crash occurred on Cherokee County 175 near Cherokee County 176, approximately five miles north of Piedmont, in Cherokee County. Nothing further is available as Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
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