January 2026

The Sports Ledger www.TheSportsLedger.com

Alabama Ledger www.AlabamaLedger.com

PAGE 3A January 2026

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Electronic Solicitation of a Child Arrest

A Boaz man has been arrested for Electronic Solicitation of a Child. According to Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton, on January 8, 2026, the Etowah County Sheriff's Office, in coordination with the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office and Etowah County District Attorney's Office, served an arrest warrant and an Etowah County search warrant at a residence located at Maple Drive in Boaz. As a result of this operation, James Eric Sitz, age 50, was taken into custody on an arrest warrant issued by the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office for Electronic Solicitation of a Child. The arrest stems from a proactive undercover investigation that began in August 2025 and continued through the present. During the investigation, Sitz believed he was communicating online with a 14-year-old female which was an undercover persona operated by a Baldwin County Sheriff's Investigator. Investigators also identified information linking Sitz to a separate undercover investigation conducted by a law enforcement officer in West Virginia. During a post-arrest interview, Sitz admitted to engaging in inappropriate online communications with the undercover persona. Multiple electronic devices in his possession were seized that possibly contained child sexual abuse material, depicting young teenage girls. It's also believed several underage individuals with

whom he had interacted online, some of whom were located within approximately one hour of his residence. Additionally, investigators say evidence shows instances in which he solicited nude images from live underage victims, indicating the potential for additional charges related to the production of child sexual abuse material. At the time of the news release, Sitz was in the Etowah County jail, where he was awaiting extradition to Baldwin County. The investigation and prosecution are being supported by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Etowah County Sheriff's Office, the Etowah County District Attorney's Office, the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office, Baldwin County District Attorney's Office, and the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Alabama. These agencies will continue working together on prosecution, case coordination, victim identification, and additional investigative steps. "This arrest is the result of a proactive, long-term investigation and strong cooperation between local, state, and federal partners. Protecting our children is a top priority, and we remain committed to identifying and holding accountable anyone who seeks to exploit them. I am proud of the work done by our investigators and partnering agencies in this true team effort, and we will continue doing everything possible to safeguard our communities and our youth," said Sheriff Horton.

This morning, January 12, 2026, I walked into the DeKalb County Courthouse and officially qualified to run for re-election as your Sheriff. I didn’t walk in alone. My family was with me. So were deputies, staff, and friends who believe in this office and the work we’ve done together. That mattered to me. Nearly eight years ago, I asked for your trust. I didn’t promise perfection. I promised effort, honesty, and results. Today, I’m asking you to let me keep doing the job. I’m in my second term as Sheriff and I’m running for a third. I bring over 25 years in law enforcement, but more than that, I bring a deep commitment to DeKalb County. When I first ran, I wasn’t chasing a title. I believed this Sheriff’s Office could be stronger, tougher on crime, and better for the people it serves. We proved that. Over the last eight years, we built a Sheriff’s Office that works. We created and expanded Major Crimes. We built an Aviation Unit. We strengthened ICAC to protect children. We implemented the Shining Star program for special needs citizens. We expanded access to the public gun range and stood firm for the Second Amendment. We added more deputies, drug task force agents, and investigators than ever before in this county. We increased patrol visibility. We ran saturation and interdiction operations. We gave our deputies better training, better equipment, and better backing. And because of that work, DeKalb County has seen record drug arrests, record child crime arrests, high case closure rates, and one of the strongest solve rates among Sheriff’s Offices in Alabama. That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because we showed up, we held the line, and we did the work. But I’ll be clear. We’re not done. There’s more to build. More to fix. And more to protect. Being Sheriff isn’t about managing crime. It’s about fighting it. It’s about standing up for victims, protecting our kids, backing our deputies, and doing what’s right even when it’s unpopular. Not everyone is going to agree with every decision I make, and I’m okay with that. I answer to the people of this county, my conscience, and God. I’m a graduate of Sylvania High School. My wife Audra and I are raising our four kids on our family farm in Sylvania. This is home. I don’t take that lightly. I’m running again because I still believe in this county and in this badge. My commitment hasn’t changed. I’ll lead with integrity. I’ll be transparent. I’ll put God first. And I’ll keep this office focused on results, not politics. I’d appreciate your prayers, your support, and your vote. We’ve come too far to turn back. Nick Welden Sheriff, DeKalb County DeKalb County Sheriff Qualifies for Re-Election

Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger

BUSINESS MEETINGS Randy Jones was recently sworn in as Alabama's Representative on the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors during a ceremony inside the historic Guntersville Dam. President Donald Trump nominated Jones for the position this past May. The US Senate confirmed Mr. Jones in December. His term will end on May 18, 2028. The Cherokee County Commission will hold its next meeting on Monday, January 26 at 5 p.m. The Commission will meet again on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 10 a.m. The Leesburg Town Council meets on the first Monday of each month. The February 2026 meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on Monday, February 2. A work session will start at 4:30 p.m. The Gaylesville Town Council also meets on the first Monday of each month. The February 2026 meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on February 2. The Sand Rock Town Council meets on the second Monday of each month. The February 2026 meeting will be held on Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sand Rock Town Hall. The City of Centre holds its council meeting on the second Tuesday of each month. The February 2026 meeting will be held on February 10 at 5 p.m. The Fort Payne City Council meetings are held the 1st Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. and the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The Meetings are held in the council chambers on the second floor of City Hall located at 100 Alabama Ave NW. Business for consideration is scheduled and placed on the agenda through the Office of City Clerk. The deadline for adding agenda items is the preceding Wednesday at 12 Noon. Anyone wishing to address the council should request to be placed on the agenda. Meetings are open to the public To list your upcoming business meeting here please send the information to alabamaledger@gmail.com. New TVA Director

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