September 2023 Northeast Alabama Print Edition of the Alabama Ledger/Sports Ledger
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A LABAMA L EDGER September 2023 Northeast Alabama Print Edition www.AlabamaLedger.com 8 Pages Published by The Sports Ledger, LLC
State set to widen I-59
By Brandon K. Pierce Alabama Ledger Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has announced three major interstate projects totaling approximately a half billion dollars. The projects include widening parts of I-59 and I-65 and a new interchange on I-459 in Hoover. The largest of the three projects is the next phase of the governor’s plans to widen Interstate 65 from Alabaster to Calera, which runs from Exit 238 to Exit 231. This project includes six bridges over rail tracks and two bridges over County Road 26. The project will be broken into three phases that will eventually be under construction all at once. This project has an estimated cost of approximately $300 million. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has expanded the state's Missing and Endangered Persons Alert, to include an adult that has been abducted. The newly expanded alert will include any adult, 18 and older, who has been abducted and is believed to be in danger. The previous criteria for a Missing and Endangered Person Alert stated that a person must be missing and living with a mental or physical disability, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or autism and is at risk of bodily harm or death. Alabama has four Alerts: Amber Alert, Emergency Missing Child Alert, Missing and Endangered Persons Alert and Blue Alert.
The Shelby County of Alabaster, City of Calera and 58 Inc. are providing a total of $20 million in local matching funds, with the remaining funds coming from the state of Alabama. “Improving Alabama’s infrastructure is one of my top priorities as governor,” said Governor Ivey during the recent announcement The second largest project is the construction of a new interchange to connect Interstate 459 to Highway 150 and South Shades Crest Road in Hoover. The new Hoover Interchange will be located about one mile from the current Exit 10. The project is a City of Hoover led initiative, totaling $120 million. The final project Commission, City will widen Interstate 59 from I-459 to Chalkville
Mountain Road, a distance of about four miles. This project will provide additional capacity in this congested area and accommodate future traffic volumes including those generated by the Birmingham Northern Beltline. This project has an estimated cost of approximately $80 million in ALDOT funds. “We have been working a long time to make these announcements possible – projects totaling about a half billion dollars. These are wise investments to Rebuild Alabama, and I am proud to get dirt churning on these all within the year,” said Governor Ivey. Since becoming governor, Ivey has made transportation infrastructure a top priority, tackling Alabama’s previously
stagnant roadway progress by renewing investments in infrastructure statewide. In 2019, Governor Ivey signed into law the historic Rebuild Alabama Act, her legislative plan to comprehensively address the state’s pressing infrastructure issues. Championing more than $170 million dollars in state transportation funding, 400 miles of resurfaced roadways and 234 new road and bridge projects spread across all 67 counties, Rebuild Alabama is a proven investment in public safety, economic development and the overall progress and prosperity of Alabama. Under Governor Ivey’s leadership, more than 1,500 road and bridge projects worth $5 billion have been administered across the state.
By Brandon K. Pierce Alabama Ledger DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden has announced the purchase of specialized chemical masks to help with exposure to dangerous drugs such as Fentanyl. Welden said in a news release that his office has worked with the DeKalb County Commission, DeKalb County EMA and Board of Education, to acquire a specific grant to purchase $14,000 worth of specialized chemical masks. These masks will be distributed to our Deputies, SRO’s, Investigators and the Court House Security Team to better protect these individuals. “Deaths due to Fentanyl exposure is on the rise, not only in our County, but everywhere, and this equipment is designed to better protect our Deputies,” said Welden. Recently, DeKalb County Narcotics, along with Jackson County Narcotics, were faced with a situation where protective equipment was necessary. Authorities issued a search warrant at a residence on Alabama Highway 71 in Dutton, where they confiscated 419 pressed Fentanyl pills. Ethan Teddy Shankles was arrested by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and charged with Trafficking in Fentanyl. Once the residence was secure, Agents put on the proper protective equipment to avoid any exposure to the Fentanyl. “We have seen a major increase in the production of Fentanyl, powdered and pressed, in the last few months in our community and we are doing everything we can possibly do to combat this problem before we lose any more of our loved ones,” added Welden. $14,000 grant for chemical masks Fort Payne quarterback Dax Varnadore prepares to pass the ball during the Wildcats recent game against Mae Jemison. Varnadore has been a big part of Fort Payne's offense through the first four games this season. He has helped his team average more than 50 points per game by passing for over 1,000 yards and more than a dozen touchdowns. Photo By Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger 1,000 Yard Season
Missing and Endangered Person Alert to include abducted adults
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Geraldine recently recognized its 2023 Elementary and High School Homecoming Courts. Trevor Richey was named the 2023 Elementary Homecoming King and Kora Rogers was named the Elementary Homecoming Queen. Annet Garcia was named the 2023 high school Homecoming Queen.T he Elementary homecoming representatives shown above are: (Kindergarten) Brasher Wright and Lelah Davidson; (First Grade) Samuel Lopez and Ashlynn Sims; (Second Grade) Trevor Richey and Kora Rogers; (Third Grade) Thomas Beam and Novaleigh Bennefield; (Fourth Grade) Waylon Bright and Makaylee Cole; (Fifth Grade) Bentley Jolley and Brynlee Rhodes; (Sixth Grade) Trevor Norwood and Rachel Bankston. Members of the 2023 Geraldine high school homecoming court (not pictured) are: (Seniors) Annet Garcia, Riley Edwards and Hallie Burns; (Junior) Danni Watkins; (Sophomore) Cassie Burns; (Freshman) Sophie Bearden; (Eighth Grade) Isabella Pendergrass; and (Seventh Grade) Ella Griffin. Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger Geraldine Holds Annual Homecoming
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Alabama Ledger www.AlabamaLedger.com D eath Notices The following Death Notices are published as a courtesy of the Alabama Ledger and local funeral homes. To include more information, or a photo of your loved one, in a future edition of the Alabama Ledger contact us at 256-506-7368. You can also find more obit information on the Sand Mountain Obits Facebook Page. Adams Brown Service Funeral Home Martha Phyllis Foster, age 75 of Horton Joe Burley Walden Jr., age 81, of Albertville Marian Grace Norris, passed away at age 93 Roger Dale McKinney, age 64, of Boaz Barbara Benson Elliott Payne, passed away at age 84 Nellie Jo Turner Duckett, age 90, of Albertville Danny Robert Smith, age 64, of Albertville Julius "JJ" Jamear Staten, age 16, of Guntersville Frank J. Lesmeister, age 82, of Albertville Albertville Memorial Funeral Home Joseph Dillan Pierce, age 34, of Guntersville Delmas Radcliff, age 88, of Albertville Salvador Halum-Cantarero, age 85, of Albertville Gordon "Bud" Terrell, age 95, of Albertville Rudolph "Rudy" Homer Beaver, age 93, of Albertville Matthew Simon Thurmond, age 28, of Boaz Rev. Tommy Gibson, age 77, of Albertville Sherry Michelle Bond, age 55, formerly of Albertville William Lane "Bop" Salter, age 86, of Boaz Delilah Cannady, age 66, of Guntersville Ellen Jean Sanders Matthews, age 76, of Boaz Burt Funeral Home in Fort Payne Judith Hunnicutt Lewis, passed away at age 76 Joseph Kenneth Roark, age 48, of Cedar Bluff John T. Coe, age 78, of Fort Payne Larkin Junior Bell, age 97, of Mentone Carol Ann Blalock Smith, age 72, of Mentone Carr Funeral Home in Boaz Peggy Davis Stewart Gregory, age 91, of Albertville Carr Funeral Home in Guntersville Cecil L. Ross, passed away at age 91 John Andrew Gondola, passed away at age 72 James Alvie Barclay, age 58, of Albertville Juan Mejia Perez, passed away at age 36 Shirlene Berry, age 76, of Boaz Patsy Cofield, age 81, of Albertville Collier-Butler Funeral Home Charlotte Maxine Secrest Mashburn, age 96, of Gadsden William Craig Williard, age 71, of Gadsden Lloyd Pierce Roper, age 90, formerly of Gadsden Gerald N. Brewer, age 78, of Southside Loretta Y. Mitchell, age 75, formerly of Gadsden Miron Lou Ozment, passed away at age 91 Edwin Fortson, age 97, of Gadsden Jannice Anne Hodge Osborne, age 72, of Rainbow City Barbara Black Jones, age 85, of Southside Tommy D. Colvin, age 74, of Rainbow City Michelle Garbe Allred, age 61, of Etowah County Vickie Ponder Autwell, age 71, of Gadsden Jackie Stowers Hutchins Sewell, age 86, of Gadsden Jonathan "Jack" Allen Booth, age 86, of Gadsden Kenneth David Patterson, age 63, of Southside Cornerstone Funeral Chapel in Ider Joe Lamar Hackworth, age 59, of Ider Elizabeth Lee "Betsy" Green Gunter, age 48, of Fort Payne Randy Lawrence Dickerson, age 65, of Higdon Nancy Ann Craus, age 79, of Skyline Andrew Jackson "Andy" Baker, Jr., age 66, of Bryant David Earl Holland, age 68, of Flat Rock Ann Anderson, age 77, of Flat Rock Nancy Louis Greeson Westmoreland, age 80, of Rosalie Paul Victor Browder, age 65, of Henagar Crestwood Funeral Home in Gadsden Patricia Gail Muskett, passed away at age 76 Infant River Joseph Parker Sekulski passed away Peggy Beavers Walden, passed away at age 85 John Paul Piazza, age 72, of Gadsden Vanessa Leann Marshall, age 54, of Gadsden Frances Coggins Blalock, passed away at age 84 Etowah Memorial Chapel Thelma Allene Alford, age 82, of Gadsden Garry Edward Elkins, age 80, of Gadsden Paul Bruce Hicks, age 74, of Gadsden Walter Howard Mason, age 63, of Gadsden Francine Sharp, passed away at age 63 John Hershell Thomas, age 62, of Horton
PAGE 2 September 2023
Vehicle Accidents ALBERTVILLE TEEN KILLED - A single vehicle crash at approximately 3:25 p.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023 has claimed the life of an Albertville teen. The 18 year-old was fatally injured when the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado that the teen was driving left the roadway, struck a guardrail and traveled onto a concrete bridge railing before sliding down into a creek. According to authorities, the juvenile, who was not using a seat belt at the time of crash, was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene. The crash occurred on Hustleville Road near Rice Mill Chavers Road, approximately four miles north of Albertville, in Marshall County. No additional info was available as State Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate the incident. WOMAN DIES IN CRASH - A single vehicle crash at approximately 6:25 p.m. Saturday, September 9, 2023 has claimed the life of a Center Point woman. According to authorities, Zyra C. Sharpe, age 37, was fatally injured when the 2005 Honda Accord that she was a passenger in left the roadway and struck multiple trees. Sharpe, who was not using her seat belt at the time of crash, was partially ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver, Abel N. Sharpe, age 19, also of Center Point, was injured and transported to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital (UAB) for treatment. An 18-year-old who was also a passenger in the Honda, was injured and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The crash occurred on Old Compton Road near Red Valley Road, approximately four miles south of Remlap, in Blount County. No additional info was available as State Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate the incident. SCOTTSBORO MAN KILLED - A single vehicle crash at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023 has claimed the life of a Scottsboro man. According to authorities, Ever Noe Vella-Fuentes, age 41, was critically injured when the 2004 Honda Civic he was driving left the roadway, struck a ditch, and overturned. Vella-Fuentes was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was ejected. Vella-Fuentes was transported to Highlands Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. The crash occurred on Alabama 79 near Dale Street, approximately 10 miles south of Scottsboro, in Jackson County. No additional info was available as State Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate the incident. 24-YEAR-OLD KILLED - A single vehicle crash at approximately 12:20 a.m. on Saturday, September 2, 2023 has claimed the life of a Cullman man. Maxwell W. Ratcliff, age 24, was critically injured when the 2021 Dodge Ram that he was driving left the roadway and struck a tree. Ratcliff was transported to Cullman Regional Hospital in Cullman, where he succumbed to injuries and was pronounced deceased. Passengers Calvin A. McNabb, age 23, and Cole D. MacDonald, age 24, both of Bremen, were injured and transported to area hospitals. The crash occurred on Cullman County Road 107, approximately two miles northwest of Cold Springs, in Cullman County. No additional info was available as State Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate the incident. BOAZ MAN DIES IN CRASH - A single vehicle crash at approximately 2:01 a.m. on Saturday, September 2, 2023 has claimed the life of a Boaz man. Matthew S. Thurmond, age 28, was fatally injured when the 2015 GMC 1500 pickup that he was a passenger in left the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned. Thurmond was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash, was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver, Eugene L. Monroe, age 25, of Albertville, was injured and transported to Huntsville Hospital, in Huntsville, for treatment. The crash occurred on Alabama 205 near the 13 mile marker, approximately five miles west of Albertville, in Marshall County. No additional info was available as State Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate the incident. FORT PAYNE MAN DIES IN CRASH - A two vehicle crash at approximately 11:15 a.m. Thursday, August 31, 2023 has claimed the life of a Fort Payne man. Andy D. McSpadden, age 50, was fatally injured when the 2009 Nissan Rogue that he was driving struck the 2020 Mercedes GLC300 driven by John W. Harrison, age 76, of Kingsport, TN. McSpadden was pronounced deceased at the scene. Harrison was injured and transported to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital (UAB) for treatment. The passenger of the Nissan, Heath D. Mcelrath Jr., age 21, of Fort Payne, was injured and transported to Erlanger Hospital, in Chattanooga, TN, for treatment. The passenger of the Mercedes, Geraldine Harrison, age 80, of Kingsport, TN, was also injured and transported to UAB Hospital. The crash occurred on U.S. 11 near Walker Lane, approximately four miles north of Reece City, in Etowah County. No additional info was available.
Carmelette Young, passed away at age 71 Betty Jean Havis, passed away at age 85
Kerby Funeral Home in Henagar
Jimmy Dabbs, age 75, of Henagar Dixie L. Brown, age 95, of Henagar
Marshall Memorial Funeral Home James "Jim" Leon Bean, age 78, of Guntersville Alesia Michelle Bass, age 56, of Rainsville McRae Funeral Home in Boaz Barbara Bowers, age 75, of Boaz Mamie Evelyn Sutton, passed away at age 90 Joyce R. Hines, age 82, of Gadsden Thomas Wayne Sims, age 85, of Boaz Lola Powell Johnson, age 85, of Boaz Carl Stiefel, Jr., age 79, of Boaz Charles Edward Carnes, age 72, of Boaz Connor Parker, age 18, of Asbury Jerry Lee Graham, age 85, of Madison Morgan Funeral Chapel and Crematory Jerry Lynn Collier, passed away at age 70 Ronald Vickery, age 69, of Rainbow City Infant Ca'Laiyah Daniella Staunton passed away Chita Conn Blakeley, age 66, of Gallant Helen Louise Countryman, age 99, of Steele Cynthia Addelia Laird, age 77, of Attalla Rebecca Sweat, age 81, of Gadsden Reba Jo Mize, passed away at age 94 Gary "BigMac" McDaniel, age 67, of Rainbow City Claude "Hal" Cagle, Jr., age 69, of Attalla Sharlotte "Shay" Parrish Head, age 68, of Altoona Bonica Faye Jackson, age 84, of Glencoe Dustin Fitts, age 40, of Attalla Amanda Kilgo Bryant, age 43, of Attalla Taylor "Floyd" Crowe, Sr., age 84, of Attalla Meha Nirav Prajapati, age 26 days, of Rainbow City Perry Funeral Home In Centre Billy Lee Harrison Jr., age 58, of Laurl, MS Sylvia King Tallent, age 85, of Centre Terry Woodrow Newton, age 32, of Leesburg Elizabeth Grace Grimes, age 61, of Birmingham Martha Faye Bearden, age 84, of Centre Sue Stinson Reynolds, age 75, of Leesburg Haynes Preston Renfroe, age 91, of Centre Timothy Glen Scott, age 66, of Centre Ginger Olivia Johnson Little, age 76, of Centre Loy Wayne Rasmussen, age 79, of Centre Deborah Lorraine Hartline, age 50, of Centre Steve Bates, age 75, of Centre Rainsville Funeral Home Ken Godwin, age 66, of Sylvania Tony Wayne Brogdon, age 76, formerly of Rainsville Bro. Laymond Willoughby, age 73, of Sylvania Bro. Terry Pace, age 63, of Scottsboro Dilmos Johnston, age 88, of Henagar Mary Nell Black Cox, aged 91, of Pisgah Lovell Sparks Thomas, age 89, of Rainsville Chrystene Lacey, age 89, of Sylvania Dion McSpadden, age 50, of Fort Payne Patrick Jackson, age 62, of Lookout Mountain Georgia Mark Allyn Sparks, age 61, of Rainsville Ever Noe Vella-Fuentes, age 41, of Scottsboro Terry Gene Wininger, age 72, of Rainsville Deborah Ann Shankles, age 67, of Rainsville Section Funeral Home Madelyn Joyce Cooley, age 80, of Fyffe James Melvin Culpepper, age 92, of Section Wilson Funeral Home in Fort Payne Ronald Lee Chandler, age 79, of Pine Ridge Jo Ann Hurley Morton, age 89, of DeKalb County Janice "Jan" Annette Henderson, age 73, of DeKalb County Thomas L. "Tommy" Brock, age 87, of Fort Payne Joe Ann Keefe, age 75, of Fort Payne Paul Hansel Reed, age 67, of DeKalb County Diane Teetzel Gafford, age 73, of Crossville Jimmy Van Lindsey, age 81, of Fort Payne W.T. Wilson Funeral Home Elizabeth Ann Miller, age 59, of Boaz Johnny Darril Brown, age 76, of Rainsville Michael David Sackett, age 54, of Fyffe Patricia Ann McDowell, age 74, of Albertville Beverly Kirkwood Milo, age 61, of Attalla Freddie Harold Gibbs, age 69, of Geraldine Jerry Todd Stansell, age 40, of Collinsville Cheryl Renae Dodd, no age listed, of Fort Payne Rev. Dallas Glenn Tilley, no age listed, of Sylvania Mickey Don Martin, age 76, of Dutton Belinda Faye Vaughn, age 75, of Fort Payne Lisa Faye Blevins, age 59, of Fort Payne Elizabeth Kay Burke, age 70, of Scottsboro John L. "Junior" Farmer, age 77, of Fyffe Muriel Dean Ogle, age 84, of Fort Payne Carolyn J. Wilkins, age 78, of Rainsville Glennis Faye Hall, age 82, of Geraldine Patricia "Pat" Vickers Cross, age 78, of Pine Ridge Retha Mae Otinger Summerford, age 91, of Fyffe Dessie Nell "Deck" Gentry, age 88, of Guntersville Beau Kelly Holland, no age listed, of Fort Payne Margie Ruth Collins, age 79, of Dawson James Randell McMullins, age 82, of Crossville Linda Marie Jones, age 78, of Albertville Penny LaSena Scott, age 73, of Albertville Mary Nell Shipp, age 92, of Crossville
Norma Jean Walker, age 85, of Altoona Winnie Diane Brown, age 76, of Boaz Willene "Peggy" Vest, age 84, of Boaz Sandra Harris, age 78, of Sardis
Guntersville Memorial Chapel John Eric Roper, passed away at age 75 Charles Dee Wallace, passed away at age 83 Bonita "Bonnie" Harris, age 84, of Guntersville
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PAGE 3 September 2023
The 14th Amendment cannot remove Trump from election Ballot Colorado is the latest state to attempt to use the 14th Amendment to remove Donald Trump from the upcoming election ballot. Others working to that end are: Alaska, California, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Rhode Island - all but one are blue states. Without a conviction, the 14th Amendment cannot remove Trump from the ballot. Amendment 14 does not apply to him without considerable distortion and Amendment 5 violations. The Supreme Court will oppose. Opinion Column Courtesy of Harold Pease Ph.D. Most constitutional scholars have voiced that the 14th Amendment has no legal basis, standing, or historical perspective relative to the upcoming 2024 presidential election I join them. It is a post Civil War Amendment dealing with those involved in armed conflict where armies clashed for four long years resulting in 620,000 deaths and hundreds of thousands more injured. Ironically, it was open rebellion of the then Democrat Party against the then Republican Party. The Democrats then removed from the ballot the Republican candidate for president, Abraham Lincoln. The South called themselves rebels and the North called them traitors for decades thereafter. The North did not want any of those who brought the nation to war to be reelected to office to do the same again. Human slavery, supported by the Democrats, had to be removed from the nation entirely and permanently. The Democrat South reacted to the loss of their slaves by creating the KuKlux Klan which attempted to keep their black population subservient and suppressed with terror for the next 50 years. How dare Democrats today compare their Civil War insurrection (rebellion) then, with the crowd gathered to encourage the Electoral College to function as it was designed in finishing the election of November 3, 2020 and a speech given by President Donald Trump asking his MAGA supporters to express themselves “peacefully and patriotically;” and when the College function was thwarted, to “go home in peace.” No firearms were present other than those of the police and the only person killed was Ashli Babbitt by a capitol police officer firing into the crowd. Section 3 of the Amendment, the part they wish to use to remove Trump from the ballot, reads: "No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.” Some parts of the above statement are being challenged by those who wish to disqualify Trump from elected office. Yes, he took an oath to defend and preserve the Constitution which is why the group gathered to encourage Vice President Mike Pence to send back to the states their votes when they did not come from the legislative branch of the states as constitutionally required. “In such manner as the legislature thereof may direct” (Artifice II, Section 1, Clause 2). The words insurrection or rebellion are center piece in their argument. MAGA’s part of the demonstration at the Capitol on January 6 was minuscule next to the Civil War from which Amendment 14 was derived; certainly more so when the side accused of insurrection had no weapons. It constitutes stretching the amendment beyond reason. And certainly MAGA participation was not against the Constitution as required by the language of the Amendment “against the same” - the Constitution There exists no evidence that MAGA is, or has been, an enemy of the Constitution. They instead, were giving “aid and comfort” to preserving the Electoral College vote required of Article II, Section 1, Clauses 2-4. This was nullified by Nancy Pelosi as we have previously reported. Thus far, Trump hasn’t even been charged with insurrection under 18 U.S. C. Section 2383 (X22 Reports, Ep. 3157b, Sept. 6, 2023, 1:01:56). Using the 14th Amendment to disqualify Trump violates Amendment V of the Constitution in two places, one due process requiring conviction first as mentioned, “No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime…nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law;”— Due process must precede punishment. This is even repeated in Amendment 14 Section I of the same Amendment being politicized and twisted by the Deep State to get Trump, such is the ignorance or contempt for the Constitution by the Left. The other violation of the 5th Amendment is double jeopardy, “nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb.” On January 13, 2021, precisely one week before his term was to end, January 20, Trump’s second impeachment trial began. Why impeach him when he had only seven days left in his term? Their purpose was to disqualify him from ever running again—same as now—so emphatic were they then, and now, to destroy him. His impeachment trial was for “Incitement of Insurrection” with three specific charges 1) “Attempts to overturn the 2020 Presidential election,” 2) “Trump-Raffensperger phone call,” and 3) “January 6, United States Capitol attack.” In all three he was acquitted (Wikipedia, Second impeachment of Donald Trump). These are precisely the same charges as Jack Smith and Georgia are recharging now— definitely double jeopardy and unconstitutional. Finally, all documentation collected and used by the January 6 Select Committee provided the basis for Trump’s second impeachment, the supposed MAGA insurrection of January 6, and now in Georgia with Trump’s 4th indictment were destroyed by the Committee itself. Why? Almost all intelligence on January 6 coming forth the last two and a half years show the insurrection to be a “fedsurrection” formed and executed by the intelligence community themselves to set up MAGA and Trump as insurrections and the Select Committee was complicit in it.
Work has begun to save and repair the historic and picturesque water tower that is adjacent to the Big Mill on 8th street in Fort Payne. The repairs will help make the four story, century old water tower more structurally sound, as well as bring it up to state codes and regulations. Saving the Water Tower Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger Eight traffic fatalities reported over Labor Day During the 2023 four-day Labor Day Weekend, Alabama State Troopers investigated eight traffic-related fatalities, compared to ten in 2022, and experienced zero marine-related fatalities on Alabama’s waterways. The Labor Day weekend travel period began at 12:01 a.m. Friday, September 1, 2023 and ended at midnight Monday, September 4. During that time, there were eight deadly traffic crashes in Montgomery, Marion, Marshall, Cullman, Washington, Randolph, Tuscaloosa and Lawrence counties. Of the eight fatalities, four individuals were not using seat belts and the fifth involved an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) where the individual was not using restraints. The sixth fatality involved a motorcycle where the operator was using a helmet, the seventh, the individual was using a seat belt and the eighth, it was unable to be determined if the individual was using a seat belt at the time of crash. “While the Agency noticed a decrease in traffic fatalities this Labor Day weekend, our goal is always zero lives lost,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “The loss of a loved one is always devastating, however, when the loss is a child, it impacts families in a way that changes them forever. As a parent, I cannot imagine the horror of losing a child at such a young age. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to all the families who lost loved ones over this most recent holiday weekend.” During the Labor Day weekend, local law enforcement agencies responded to two separate traffic crashes, one fatally injuring a 16-year-old student from Albertville High School in Marshall County and another fatally injuring a 15-year-old Calera High School student in Shelby County. On Monday, September 4, ALEA Troopers investigated another fatal crash in Lawrence County involving a 16-year-old driver from Harvest. ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director, Colonel Jon Archer said, “Every year when school begins, we see a surge of students getting their Alabama Driver and Learners Licenses. We highly recommend that parents get involved and have a firm talk with their teenagers before they hit the road. Sadly, due to their inexperience and limited skills, teens are more prone to traffic accidents. We urge parents to conduct practice driving sessions with their teens and go over the rules of the road together. Remember, parents and guardians have more influence than they might realize. Set a good example and actively participate in your teen's driving journey right from the start.” Troopers with ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division did not investigate any marine-related fatalities. However, the four-day period did include three boating crashes with one minor injury reported. Two of the incidents occurred on Logan Martin Lake and one on Smith Lake. This past Labor Day weekend marked two summers in a row that the Agency has not experienced any marine-related fatalities during the three major holiday weekends of Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. “Our Marine Patrol Division works diligently to take every opportunity to educate the public whether it is during a patrol stop, vessel check or at a public safety event. They have done an outstanding job educating and patrolling the waterways during the busiest weekends of the year; however, this success would not be possible without the assistance and care of each boater. We hope this trend continues each year and we encourage parents to also educate their teens on water and boating safety, as many will obtain their vessel license along with their Alabama Driver License,” Secretary Taylor said. Additionally, ALEA’s Aviation Unit partnered with the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach once more to patrol beaches from the air and to assist with rescuing swimmers in distress as well as other incidents. During the extended weekend, ALEA pilots responded to assist two swimmers and performed approximately 10 beach safety flights.
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PAGE 4 September 2023
Albertville Senior Named National Merit Semifinalist
CULLMAN OCTOBERFEST - The 2023 Cullman Oktoberfest will be held on September 28-30. The event is a celebration of German heritage. There will be authentic German food, costumes and music, a Biergarten, game-day TV, arts and crafts, a car show featuring classic German cars, a bratwurst-eating contest, stein-hosting contest, historical tours, a Kid Zone and much more. NASCAR RETURNS TO TALLADEGA- The YellaWood 500 NASCAR Playoffs Weekend is set for September 30, 2023 through October 1. The winner of the YellaWood 500 race on Sunday, October 1 will advance to the next round of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. On Saturday, September 30, the Love’s RV Stop 250 truck race will take place. The track offers various camping options, special opportunities for kids, group options, and corporate possibilities. For more information, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com, or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA. 60 COUNTIES AND GROWING - Alabama Governor Kay Ivey recently announced the statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and the state has reported that the response from parents and community partners across the state has been overwhelming. Sixty counties are now providing access to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. With the most recent addition of Cherokee, Chambers and Morgan counties, nearly 10,000 additional children will have access to receive free, high-quality books. COLLEGE REGISTRATION - Registration for Gadsden State Community College’s fall semester terms is ongoing through Oct. 16. Classes begin Oct. 13 for the fall mini 2 term. Visit www.gadsdenstate.edu and click on the link to “ONEACCS” at the top of the page to begin the registration process. To be admitted, go to gadsdenstate.edu/apply. For more info regarding admission or registration, email admissions@gadsdenstate.edu. TACTICAL MEDICINE COURSE - The Emergency Medical Services Program at Gadsden State Community College has been approved by the International Board of Specialty Certifications (IBSC) to offer a Tactical Medicine course for medical professionals to learn skills and concepts for application in tactical response. This course confers eligibility for the Tactical Paramedic (TP-C) or Tactical Responder (TR-C) exam and certification. The five-day course will meet from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 23-27 at the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office Multi-Purpose Room located at 827 Forrest Avenue in Gadsden. For more information, contact John Hollingsworth, Gadsden State EMS director at jhollingsworth@gadsdenstate.edu. BOAZ HARVEST FESTIVAL CAR SHOW - The 59th annual Boaz Harvest Festival Car, Truck, Jeep, Tractor, and Motorcycle show will be held on October 7, 2023. The event is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. and the awards will be at noon. There is a $10 entry fee. For more information call 256-593-8154. The Festival will be a three day event from October 5-7. The event will start on Thursday, October 5 with Snead State Baseball games at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. There will be music by Emily Joseph on Friday and on Saturday the music lineup includes Karen Peck and New River with special guest Bloodline & Exodus. SCOTTSBORO BBQ FESTIVAL - The annual Scottsboro BBQ Festival is set for October 14, 2023. The BBQ festival is a Kansas City Barbeque Society and Alabama Barbeque Association sanctioned event and will feature three competitions. Other activities include a Barq-Off dog parade; an official Alabama cornhole tournament; a car, truck and motorcycle show; a beer garden; and art and craft vendors. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and admission is free. All activities take place on the Downtown Square located at 316 S Broad Street in Scottsboro. For more info visit http://scottsborobbqcookoff.com. FIDDLERS CONVENTION - The 56th annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention will be held on October 4-7, 2023 at Athens State University. The event, which has been dubbed as the "Granddaddy of Midsouth Fiddler's Conventions," is projected to attract approximately 15,000 fans and more than 200 musicians. The cost of admission is $20 per adult for Friday and $20 for Saturday. A weekend pass can be purchased for $25. Additional ticket information is available online at www.tvotfc.org. Be sure to read more about the event online at www.alabamaledger.com. PATSY CLINE TRIBUTE - Laney Travis will present a Patsy Cline Tribute Concert on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at the Fort Payne City Hall Auditorium. Laney is a two-time winner of Teddy Gentry's Singing with the Stars Talent Contest. Tickets for the event are $10 each and the proceeds are going to the DeKalb County Children's Advocacy Center. MENTONE FALL FEST - The 2023 Mentone Fall Fest is set for October 20-21, at Moon Lake Village, formerly known as Moon Lake Elementary School. The event will kick off with a concert featuring Dooley and Company at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 20. The Fall Fest will resume on Saturday at 10 a.m. with vendors, various activities, and more live music. The festivals ends at 4 p.m. Admission is free. There is a $5 per vehicle parking fee. GERALDINE PRINCIPAL - Robert Richey was recently named the new Principal at Geraldine High School. News and Announcements
Albertville senior Ava Owens has been named a National Merit Semifinalist. More than 260 of Alabama’s high school seniors from public and private schools and homeschool were named as National Merit Semifinalists on Wednesday. More than 16,000 students were named semifinalists statewide. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. Over 1.3 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of The Parson Pantry at Snead State Community College is now offering various items at “Grab & Go Stations” across campus and free, hot meals to students in need. The Parson Pantry was established in Fall 2022 with the intention to aid students who may be food insecure and lacking school supplies or other necessities. Located on the first floor of the McCain Student Center, the pantry’s primary space was opened and included lockers stocked with food, toiletry and hygiene products, and school supplies. With the successful launch, as well as positive feedback from students and the community, the pantry has now evolved to offer “Grab & Go Stations” at the Aderholt Health Sciences Building, Cafeteria, Commons Area
Ava Owens
detailed application that includes information about their academic record, leadership abilities, community and school activities, employment and any honors and awards the semifinalist received. The student must also write an essay, be recommended by a high school official and earn a qualifying score on the ACT or SAT.
semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. Semifinalists can choose to compete for more than 7,100 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be awarded in Spring 2024. That competition includes completing a
"Grab & Go Stations" now available at Snead State
in the Story Administration Building, McCain Student Center (second floor), and Weathers Business Building. “The Parson Pantry isn’t geared toward a single type of student,” said Caitlin Dickerson, a math instructor who also helps run the Parson Pantry. “All students could be in need, regardless of if they’re going through a difficult season of their life, or they’re simply running short on time one day and won’t get a chance to make it to the store. So, these stations were created to provide students with an opportunity to grab a quick breakfast or lunch between classes or even after class.” With a similar thought in mind, the Parson Pantry has partnered with the Boaz Rotary Club to offer students the “Rotary Plate.”
Thanks to the civic club, Snead State students can visit the Cafeteria Sunday-Friday from 1:30-2 p.m. and request the “Rotary Plate.” This allows students to get a free, hot meal to go/ All the student has to do is show their student ID. To learn more about the Parson Pantry, including donation information, email pantry@snead.edu. The pantry is always accepting hygiene/toiletry items, non-perishable foods and school supplies, as well as monetary donations and gift cards. Donations may be dropped off at the Office of Campus Engagement, located on the first floor of the McCain Student Center. If shopping online and would like to ship items directly to the Parson Pantry, please send items to Parson Pantry, 100 Elizabeth St., Suite 423, Boaz, AL 35957.
Cherokee Ridge named SSCC home course
The Snead State Community College’s Men’s Golf Team has announced that the Cherokee Ridge Golf Club will be the college's home course for the 2023-24 season and beyond. Parsons Head Coach Sam Holcomb described the partnership between Snead State and the club located in Union Grove as a game changer. “It’s a spectacular golf course; I’d say one of the best in the entire state if not the entire Southeast,” he said. “We’re just so thankful for the generosity of General Manager Pete Sands and the Cherokee Ridge Golf Club to partner with us and really roll out the red carpet for our student-athletes and program as a whole.” Sands, who has been with the club since 2022, said the Parsons would have access to an abundance of resources, including coaching from the club’s head professional. “We’re honored to partner with a rising junior college golf program like Snead State’s Men’s Golf,” Sands said. “Before I took over as general manager here, I worked at a course in Florida, and we had a similar relationship with a junior college there. Welcoming these student-athletes to our facilities and treating them just as student-athletes at the University of Alabama and Auburn University are treated at their respective courses, it really boosts the club atmosphere and overall growth through hosting tournaments, which in turn makes a nice economic impact as well. “As Coach Holcomb and I started having conversations, I knew this was a perfect fit for me. And if it’s a perfect fit for me, it’s a perfect fit for Cherokee Ridge.” Cherokee Ridge and Snead State Men’s Golf Team are set to host the NJCAA Southeast District Preview in late September, followed by the NJCAA Southeast District Championship in the spring. “This can’t do anything but help our program, especially in recruiting,” Holcomb said. “Nothing against our past home courses, but these are some of the best facilities this program has probably ever been able to use. “You add this on top of what our administration is doing over at the old recreation center in Boaz; I’m tickled to death with the direction this program is headed.”
SSCC Golf Team Members are (L-R) Sam Holcomb, Sean Brewer, Austin Burnham, Brett Barwick, Braylin Hathorn, Kane Standridge, Carson Jones, Brodie Garner, Caden Argo and Nate Simpson.
Snead State Community College will be leasing the B.B. Sanford / C.K. Gant Recreation Center from the City of Boaz with plans to transform the property into a multi- use, indoor facility for Parsons Athletics. For the men’s and women’s golf teams, the College will soon install golf simulators to be used for practice when the weather is not ideal. Cherokee Ridge Golf Club was formed in 1992. The 6,728-yard course was designed by golf course architect, Sammy Dean. The greens are bentgrass and professionally kept, and lush Bermuda fairways make short work of shots from the short grass. Cherokee Ridge served as host to the Nike (now Korn Ferry) Tour’s Alabama Classic from 1994 to 1997. Among the course’s amenities are two putting greens, a practice bunker, a 30-tee driving range and a fully stocked golf pro shop. Learn more cherokeeridgecc.com. Despite learning a new home course and sporting a young roster, the Parsons are hoping to find success on the links in 2023-24 after a pedestrian season one year ago. Holcomb, who is entering his third season as head coach, says he’s optimistic that his team will be competitive in the race for a district title and NJCAA Championship Tournament berth.
“We’ve got some talent coming back, as well as a few freshmen that I think could play really well for us,” Holcomb said. Among the team’s top returning sophomores are a pair of Pell City natives Austin Burnham and Braylin Hathorn. Holcomb described Burnham as the Parsons’ likely No. 1, when healthy. Currently, he’s been sidelined with a broken wrist. In last year’s ACCC Championship Tournament, Burnham placed 18th overall. Hathorn followed closely behind, finishing 20th. The team’s third and final sophomore to watch is Brett Barwick, of Guntersville. Of six freshmen new to the squad this season, Holcomb said he felt Carson Jones and Nate Simpson, both from Boaz, had shown potential to be really good this season. Other newcomers that could make an immediate impact are Caden Argo, of Etowah; Sean Brewer, of Chelsea; Brodie Garner, of Hayden; and Kane Standridge, of Lawrence. The Parsons kicked off their season at the Dan York Invitational at Cross Creek Golf Course in Cullman on Sept. 11-12. The program is now set for the NJCAA Southeast District Preview on Sept. 25-26. To learn more about Snead State Men’s Golf at sneadathletics.com.
SPORTS LEDGER September 2023 Read Free Online at www.TheSportsLedger.com Page 5 The
Albertville Unveils New Indoor Facility
A ribbon cutting was held on Thursday, September 14 for a brand new 54,000 square foot Kinesiology and Exercise Science Building at Albertville High School. Located next to the Fine Arts Center, the building features 35 yards of regulation width turf, nets that drop to create an indoor practice facility for baseball and softball, a sports medicine classroom, a rehabilitation lab, a state- of-the-art weight training facility, and an office for Albertville Strength and Conditioning Coach Gavin Hallford. Albertville worked with the architecture and interior design firm McKee and Associates on the project. “I am so thankful I am part of this place. I’m thankful to be the AD. I’m working hard to find good people to come coach here, and I think we’ve done that, and we’re going to continue to do that,” said Athletic Director Matt Lambert.
“We’re going to keep loving on our kids. We’re going to keep giving them opportunities to get better every single day, and this building is a huge piece of the pie.” Albertville junior student athlete Addison Pierce is excited about the opening of the new facility. Pierce plays softball and flag football for the Aggies. “I’m blessed to be able to be part of this and to experience this facility,” said Pierce. “I know it’s going to provide great things for us. I can’t wait for future seasons and for all our other sports to be a part of this.” The Albertville High School Event Planning and Culinary classes worked together to setup and serve at the event. Event planning students sketched a room diagram, set up tables for guest seating, including high top tables on the turf, placed tablecloths on all
of the tables, and set up sports representation tables. Culinary students planned the tailgate cold cuts table that featured some smoked items from their new smoker and specialized Albertville sport cookies. Interim Superintendent Todd Watkins thanked the Albertville Board of Education for their vision of using funds from the federal government in a way that helps students be successful, whether that be academically, athletically, or through career-related and fine art programs. The Albertville City School system will not carry any debt for the addition, which meets the needs of all athletic programs. “This facility will prepare our students for any athletic event or competition they have,” said Watkins. “It will benefit every athlete in our school and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.”
Jacksonville State University earned a historic season opening win on Saturday, August 26, 2023. The Gamecocks defeated UTEP 17-14 in the program's first ever FBS football game as a member of Conference USA. Jax State moved to 2-0 with a 49-3 win over East Tennessee State. However, the program lost its first game this season falling to Coastal Carolina 30-16 on September 9, 2023. Sean Brown is shown above attempting a catch in the season opener against UTEP. Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger Jax State Football Earns Historic Win
Jax State Sets 2023-24 Women's Basketball Schedule CUSA Opener Set for January 6, 2024
Jacksonville State University has released the 2023-24 women's basketball schedule. Head coach Rick Pietri is entering his eleventh season leading the program and he guided his 2022-23 squad to a winning season last year, finishing at 16-14 overall. The veteran head coach has lined up a solid non- conference slate for this season that should have the Red-and-White prepared for its CUSA opener at Florida International on Jan. 6. JSU will open the new year on Nov. 1 in an exhibition game against Montevallo at Pete Mathews Coliseum. Following that Education Day affair they kick off the regular season five days later at Auburn,
marking the team's first trip to the Plains since 2019. Jax State's first three contests of the regular season will all be on the road in matchups versus the Tigers (Nov. 6), Utah Tech (Nov. 9), and Mississippi State (Nov. 12). Those games with Southeastern Conference foes continue a streak of six straight seasons that Pietri's squad has faced off with SEC competition. The official home opener for the Gamecocks will be on November 17, as Jax State takes on Alabama- Huntsville at The Pete. NAIA program Life University will return to Calhoun County the following week for the second year in a row. Jax State will round
out non-conference play with road tests at Alabama State (Nov. 30), Samford (Dec. 3), and College of Charleston (Dec. 11). The Gamecocks non-conference home games will be against Coastal Carolina (Dec. 16), UT Arlington (Dec. 19), and South Carolina State (Dec. 29). In Conference USA action, Jacksonville State will play 16 CUSA contests meeting the other eight schools for home-and- home series. League play starts Jan. 6 at Florida International in Miami and concludes with Senior Day against Sam Houston on March 9. The Conference USA Tournament will take place at Huntsville's Propst Arena from March 12-16.
Sand Rock's 2023 Homecoming was held on Friday, September 15. The 2023 Homecoming Princess was Paisley Ford (left) and the Homecoming Queen was Nevaeh Volyes (right). Photo By Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger Sand Rock Homecoming
Members of the Fort Payne High School soccer team show off their Class 6A State Championship Rings. The Wildcat's soccer program received their new bling during halftime of Fort Payne's season opening football against Scottsboro. The soccer program earned the rings by defeating Montgomery Academy 4-3 in the Class 6A State Finals this past May. It was Fort Payne's third overall state soccer championship. The Wildcats had previously won the state crown in 2011 and 2015. The 2023 team finished with a record of 26-2-2. Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger Championship Rings
Photo By Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
The Guntersville Senior Class won the school's 2023 Homecoming Float Competition. Guntersville defeated Douglas 56-14 for a homecoming victory and Kennedy Brown was named the Guntersville Homecoming Queen. Guntersville Homecoming
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