July 2026 E-Edition

The Sports Ledger www.TheSportsLedger.com

Alabama Ledger www.AlabamaLedger.com

PAGE 3 July 2026 E-Edition

KILPATRICK'S 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION The Town of Kilpatrick in DeKalb County will hold a 4th of July Celebration on July 3, 2026. The event kicks off at 4 p.m. and there is free admission for everyone. The celebration will include: food and shopping vendors, a cornhole tournament, a Kid’s Corner with old school games and fun, live entertainment by Junction 231 and more. Then end the night with a firework show. Please bring your lawn chairs and blankets and help Kilpatrick celebrate America turning 250! SAND MOUNTAIN POTATO FESTIVAL The Sand Mountain Potato Festival will be held on July 4, 2026 at the Henagar Town Park. The event will start with a patriotic parade at 10 a.m. and conclude with fireworks at dark. The full-day, family friendly event will also include a cornhole tournament, an antique car and tractor show, games for children, and live music. For more information call 256-657-6282. CEDAR BLUFF TO HOLD ANNUAL LIBERTY DAY The Town of Cedar Bluff will hold its annual Liberty Day on July 4, 2026 at the Town Park. The event will include a car show, vendors, face painting, and food. It will conclude with a fireworks show over Weiss Lake at 9 p.m. For more information call 256-779-6121. CASINO BOAT REPORTING FOR REEF DUTY A former Indiana riverboat casino is becoming part of the largest artificial reef system in the United States just off the coast of Alabama. The 408-foot Argosy VI was set to be intentionally sunk in 122 feet of water approximately 23 nautical miles south of Orange Beach on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to create important marine fisheries habitat and become a fishing and scuba diving location in the state’s largest artificial reef zone. The Argosy VI is similar in size to World War II Liberty ships measuring more than 400 feet in length that were converted into reefs in the mid-1970s within what is now the Dr. Robert (Bob) Shipp Alabama Artificial Reef Zone. Sections of the Liberty ships still serve as fish habitat. The Argosy VI has been docked in Bayou La Batre where it was prepped to become part of Alabama’s artificial reef system. During the preparation process, substances incompatible with the marine environment and all hydrocarbons were removed from the vessel. Prior to arriving in Alabama for reef preparation, the Argosy VI served as a floating casino on the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, until 2009. COREY MORGAN NAMED ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Guntersville City Schools has hired Corey Morgan as the new Assistant Principal at Guntersville Elementary School. Morgan brings a diverse background in education and public service to Guntersville City Schools. He has spent the past six years as a sixth-grade social studies teacher at Albertville Intermediate School, where he has been dedicated to helping students grow academically and personally. Before entering the classroom, Morgan served eight years with the Albertville Police Department, including as a School Resource Officer and patrol sergeant, giving him valuable experience building relationships with students and families. SHANNON CAHILL NAMED ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Guntersville City Schools has hired Shannon Cahill as the new Assistant Principal of Guntersville Middle School. Mr. Cahill has dedicated his entire educational career to serving students in Guntersville City Schools. Throughout his tenure, he has served as a science teacher, strength and conditioning instructor, assistant football coach, and Athletic Director. His commitment to student success, both inside and outside the classroom, has made a lasting impact on countless students and families throughout the district. As Assistant Principal, Mr. Cahill will support the daily operations of Guntersville Middle School while working closely with students, faculty, staff, and families to maintain a positive learning environment focused on academic achievement, character development, and student success. BRANDEE SIMS NAMED ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Guntersville City Schools has promoted Brandee Sims to Principal of Guntersville Elementary School. Since joining Guntersville City Schools as Assistant Principal, Sims has played an instrumental role in supporting students, teachers, and families while helping advance the school's tradition of academic excellence. Her collaborative leadership style, commitment to student success, and passion for elementary education have made a lasting impact on the Guntersville Elementary community. A native of Albertville, Sims earned both her Elementary Education and Instructional Leadership degrees from Jacksonville State. She also holds National Board Certification in Early and Middle Childhood Literacy. NEWS & EVENTS

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Guntersville City School Superintendent Dr. Brad Cooper recently recognized and celebrated the service of outgoing board member Mrs. Laura Kappler-Roberts. The district also recognized the service of outgoing board member Ms. Bethany Etheridge, who was unable to attend the meeting. Kappler-Roberts served on the board for 10 years, while Etheridge served for 5 years. During their time on the board, both members played an important role in supporting the continued growth and success of Guntersville City Schools through their leadership, service, and dedication to students, staff, and the community. Sixteen Arrested For Drugs

According to DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden, sixteen people were arrested in May for drug related offenses. On May 1, Dekalb County Deputies were dispatched to the 2000 block of County Road 97 in regard to a caller reporting a suspicious vehicle in her driveway. Upon arrival, Deputies made contact with the driver of the vehicle and identified him as Jimmy Franklin Holcomb (29 of Fyffe). Holcomb appeared to be under the influence of narcotics, and methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia was found on his person and in his vehicle. The Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit responded, and Holcomb was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On May 5, a Dekalb County Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near the intersection of County Road 85 and County Road 675 for an expired license plate. Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Karey Ann Davis (28 of Fort Payne), the deputy observed drug paraphernalia in an empty child’s car seat within the vehicle. A vehicle search was conducted, and a large amount of Kratom as well as a plastic straw containing methamphetamine residue was discovered within the vehicle. The Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit responded and Davis was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On May 7, an Investigator observed a male riding a bicycle leaving a known drug house on Godfrey Avenue in Fort Payne. A traffic stop was conducted on the male, identified as Curtis Lamont McClain (45 of Fort Payne). McClain was armed with what appeared to be three firearms, but were later found to be three realistic BB pistols. Upon further investigation, McClain was found to be in possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia, and initially attempted to use a false identity to avoid an active warrant. McClain was properly identified and charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstructing Justice Using False ID, and Failure to Appear (x2). On May 13, Alabama Probation and Paroles Officers went to the residence of Shanise Michelle Bain (35 of Fort Payne) in the 18000 block of Alabama Highway 176 in order to do a home visit. Upon entering the residence, narcotics and paraphernalia were observed in plain view on the bed. The Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit was contacted and responded to the residence. Methamphetamine, synthetic marijuana, and drug paraphernalia were recovered from the residence and Bain was charged with Possession w/ Intent to Distribute (Meth), Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Also, on May 13, a Henagar Police Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Scott Edward Moore (54 of Fort Payne). During a search of the vehicle, a large amount of methamphetamine was located hidden within the vehicle as well as marijuana, synthetic marijuana, and five different kinds of controlled prescription drugs. Moore was charged with Drug Trafficking-Meth, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x5), Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Again, on May 13, the Henagar Police Department was contacted about a suspicious person at Henagar Park. Officers made contact with Steven Chase Carter (31 of Henagar) who appeared to be intoxicated. Carter was found to have a warrant with Rainsville Police Department and while conducting a pat-down frisk of Carter’s outer clothing a methamphetamine pipe was discovered on his person. Upon further investigation, Carter was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Carter was charged with Public Intoxication, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. On May 17, Dekalb County Deputies along with Dekalb Amubulance Service responded to an address in the 4000 block of County Road 155 in Higdon in regards to an unresponsive male having a possible overdose. Upon arrival and while rendering aid to the unresponsive male, Deputies noticed narcotics and drug paraphernalia in plain view and the Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes

Unit was contacted. During a search of the residence, methamphetamine, marijuana, kratom, Xanax, and drug paraphernalia were found inside. Melinda Roberts (60 of Higdon), Cristen Roberts (41 of Higdon), Daniel Roberts (66 of Higdon), and Ryan Hardeman (31 of Higdon) were charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x2), Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Dustin Roberts (40 of Higdon) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance (x2), Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting Arrest, and Obstructing Government Operations. Mary Nichols (23 of Bryant) was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 2nd, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. All subjects were transported to the Dekalb County Detention Center. On May 18, Investigators with the Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit went to an address in the 500 block of County Road 318 in order to serve active Failure to Appear warrants on Kyle Heath Ayers (39 of Henagar). Ayers was also the suspect in an active Burglary and Theft case. Upon arrival, Ayers was found outside the residence and arrested on warrants. During a search, stolen property and narcotics were found within the residence. Ayers was booked into the Dekalb County Detention Center and charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Burglary 3rd, Theft of Property 3rd, Poss. of Burglary Tools, Failure to Appear-Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Failure to Appear- Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Failure to Appear-Rec. Stolen Property 2nd. On May 20, Deputies were conducting a traffic safety check point at the intersection of County Road 179 and County Road 433 in Kilpatrick when they observed a Silver Chevrolet Sonic attempt to avoid the check point. Deputies made contact with the driver, identified as Christian Perez-Lopez (24 of Albertville) and observed alcohol and drug paraphernalia in plain view within the vehicle. While Deputies were attempting to remove Perez-Lopez from the vehicle, he accelerated and drove off, initiating a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit went down County Road 179 at a high rate of speed and Perez-Lopez crossed Highway 68 without stopping at the stop sign, going through the parking lot at the Marathon Gas Station and continuing onto Highway 168. Perez-Lopez passed several vehicles on Highway 168 and attempted to turn right onto County Road 479 and lost control of his vehicle, striking a utility pole. Perez-Lopez exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended after actively resisting arrest. The Dekalb County Drugs and Major Crimes Unit responded and a vehicle search was conducted, after which Perez-Lopez was charged with Felony Attempt to Elude, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Criminal Mischief 3rd. Perez- Lopez was identified as a Guatemalan national illegally residing in the United States and will be transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody upon release from the Dekalb County Detention Center. On May 26, Deputies and Officers with Fyffe Police Department responded to an address in the 600 block of County Road 318 in Dawson in regards to a suspicious vehicle call. Upon arrival, Deputies made contact with Kevin Odell Croft (39 of Dawson) and found that he had warrants with Geraldine PD and Marshall County Sheriff’s Office. During a search of the vehicle, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found. Croft was charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and his active warrant with Geraldine Police Department. On May 28, a Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding on Highway 176 near Dogtown. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Devin Scott Speakman (29 of Collinsville). During the search of the vehicle, drug paraphernalia and an AR-15 style rifle was found. It was discovered that Speakman was a convicted felon, and he was charged with Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess Firearms, DUI-Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Later in that same day, the Drugs and Major Crimes Unit recovered two more firearms from Speakman’s residence and Speakman was charged with two additional counts of Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess Firearms.

Brandon Boswell h Pharmacist/Owner h 256-524-2981 “Caring for You Like Family”

Brandon Boswell, PharmD Pharmacist/Owner

(256) 524-2981 (256) 524-2987

588 South Valley Avenue P.O. Box 498 Collinsville, AL 35961

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