Guntersville’s 2025 mayoral race will be settled in a head-to-head runoff between incumbent Leigh Dollar and former State Rep. Jeff McLaughlin after a vote earlier this month ended in an ultra-rare tie.

Dollar has served as Guntersville’s mayor since 2012. During her tenure, she’s navigated growth, lake-driven tourism, and core services for a city that continues to punch above its population size in terms of state and regional influence.

Ahead of a September 23 runoff, Guntersville residents are vocalizing concern over Jeff McLaughlin’s time as an elected official in Montgomery.

Melanie Goff, President of the Marshall County Republican Women, recalled publicly yesterday that McLaughlin was identified as Alabama’s “2nd Most Liberal Legislator” during the 2010 campaign cycle, drawn from vote scorecard data issued by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

“While this a non-partisan race and based on Alabama law, candidates running in the Municipal races do not have to declare party affiliation, but Mr McLaughlin has a long established record as a Democrat,” Goff wrote.

The Marshall County Democratic Party is publicly backing McLaughlin’s bid for mayor.

McLaughlin was an elected Democrat for House District 27 from 2001 to 2010 before being defeated by former State Rep. and current Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth in 2014. He was one of the last remaining white Democrats in the Alabama Legislature.

In addition to having a public, left-leaning record during his time in office, records also show McLaughlin donated to fellow Democrats Hillary Clinton and Doug Jones.

In 2016, McLaughlin’s law firm donated $1,200.00 to Clinton’s failed presidential campaign.

One year later, he also made a $1,000.00 donation to Doug Jones’s campaign for U.S. Senate against Roy Moore.

Just yesterday, a group that is backing McLaughlin’s bid for Guntersville mayor, “Liberal Agenda for North Alabama,” posted a despicable message in the immediate aftermath of conservative political icon Charlie Kirk’s assassination on a Utah university campus.

“I have no sympathy for him,” the group wrote. “He can live–or die–by his own words.”

The post, censored below by Yellowhammer News, included an image that has been glorified by left-wing social media users, capturing the moment Kirk was fatally shot.

Last week, the same group made an endorsement.

“Guntersville. Vote McLaughlin for Mayor!”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee

The city of Huntsville now includes four counties.

The Huntsville City Council approved a request Thursday by Wiz Kidz and Hollingshead Materials, which operates Smyrna Ready Mix Concrete, to annex 1,013.96 acres south of the Tennessee River.

The property lies primarily along McCutcheon Loop Road in Morgan County, with a smaller portion extending along Vaughn Road in Marshall County – Huntsville’s first annexation in Marshall County.

RELATED: Huntsville to consider proposed annexation in Marshall County to expand industrial base

Huntsville first annexed land south of the Tennessee River in Morgan County in 2018. Huntsville, the Madison County seat, also has annexed land in Limestone County.

The petitioner did not request any city services as part of the annexation. The decision expands Huntsville’s industrial base and allows the city to regulate the quarry where SRM operates.

Urban and Economic Development Director Shane Davis said the move also helps to protect Tennessee River frontage in Morgan County and provides oversight in adjacent residential areas.

SRM has offered to supply materials to help improve infrastructure within the newly annexed area.

Courtesy of 256 Today

The City of Huntsville, which already reaches into Limestone and Morgan counties, may soon add Marshall County to its industrial base.

Two companies have petitioned the city for the annexation of nearly 1,100 acres south of the Tennessee River. The property lies primarily along McCutcheon Loop Road in Morgan County, with a smaller portion extending along Vaughn Road in Marshall County.

Urban and Economic Development Director Shane Davis said the move would also help protect Tennessee River frontage in Morgan County and provide oversight in adjacent residential areas.

SRM has also offered to supply materials to help improve infrastructure within the newly annexed area.

Huntsville first annexed land south of the Tennessee River in Morgan County in 2018.

The City Council will consider the annexation request at its regular meeting today at 5:30 p.m

Courtesy of 256 Today.

State Sen. Wes Kitchens (R-Arab) recently visited the U.S. southern border with a group of fellow elected officials to witness firsthand the ongoing immigration and border crisis.

The state lawmakers and Marshall County Sheriff Phil Sims attended a Border School in McAllen, Texas along with sheriffs and legislators from 20 states in an intensive, multi-day program aimed at addressing the pressing issues at the southern border.

The program featured speakers from around the nation and site visits in the Texas border town. Notable among the speakers was Michael Banks, widely referred to as the Texas Border Czar, who shared details on state programs that have helped reduce border crossings in Texas. Despite these efforts, border crossings have shifted westward, placing additional pressure on other states.

Kitchens was joined by fellow Marshall County lawmakers, including State Reps. Brock Colvin (R-Albertville) and Jeana Ross (R-Arab), as well as fellow State Sens. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine), April Weaver (R-Briarfield), Lance Bell (R-Pell City), and Keith Kelly (R-Anniston).

Kitchens discussed why he decided to take the trip on WVNN’s “The Yaffee Program.”

“It seems like every week there’s a new area that pops up that’s facing these issues,” Kitchens said. “You know, in Marshall County, we’ve had an immigration issue for 20 or 30 years now, but over the past few years, since the Biden Harris administration, those numbers have just gone through the roof and and it’s not just here in Marshall County. I mean, we talk about Athens, we talk about Sylacauga down around enterprise. I mean, it really is. It’s affecting every corner of the state now.”

RELATED: Steve Marshall: Haitian immigrants in Alabama ‘a legitimate concern’

Kitchens explained where they were seen the influx of Haitian immigrants coming into the country, which has created issues recently in Alabama.

“There were a lot of Haitian people that were coming across the border in McAllen. We were in McAllen, Texas, in that area, which is the Rio Grande Valley region,” he explained. “The border is broken down into multiple regions with Border Patrol. Of course, Texas has done a great job in trying to curb it, and kind of pushed it a little bit further west, towards states like California, but there were still a lot of Haitians coming across, and they come in through the refugee resettlement program. So they’re coming in, they’re getting benefits from the federal government…but they’re able to come in and they give them a court date.”

RELATED: State Rep. Colvin addresses Haitian migrants situation in Marshall County

While many of the issues rest squarely on the federal government, the Alabama Legislature should work on passing bills that protect the people of the state when they reconvene for the 2025 legislative session in February, Kitchens said.

“I think a lot of it does come down to November,” he said. “And I hate to say that, but there are some things that we’re already talking about at the state level, we’re looking at having some bills and seeing what can be done. Texas has a very strong bill right now that’s going through the legal challenges, so we’ll see what happens with that. If it’s something that we can mirror here in the State of Alabama… And I’ve already reached out with our attorneys down in Montgomery, and we’re looking at things that we can mold into Alabama law that we definitely I think will be seen coming up this next legislative session.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said firmly on Thursday that Alabamians have a right to be concerned about the surge of Haitian immigrants in areas across the state.

“I think that Americans have been struggling with and concerned about it for quite some time,” Marshall said, “and that is this increased flow across the borders, whether they are paroled through a program that’s being used in an improper way, whether they are seeking asylum, as we understand many of the Haitians are. This is a significant issue, and not only as it involves communities understanding what it means for public safety, but this is a great strain on public resources.”

Marshall said his office continues to investigate the matter, and explained what is causing the surge of specifically Haitian migrants coming to state’s like Alabama.

“We are definitely learning more every day,” he explained, “being in touch with some of our federal partners to understand a little bit about why, but it’s a legitimate concern, and I think it’s something that people need to be paying attention.”

RELATED: State Rep. Robbins: Mayorkas ‘created panic’ and ‘confusion’ for not informing Alabamians of Haitian refugee influx

Marshall discussed the situation Thursday on FM Talk 106.5’s “The Jeff Poor Show.”

“I don’t know that we’re getting satisfactory answers,” he added, “but we’re at least being given some understanding as the vehicle through which, particularly the Haitian community, are arriving, and that’s really more an asylum and parole than it is, say, illegally crossing across the porous border in Mexico.”

Marshall pointed out that he has been joining with other attorneys general across the country in fighting against the president’s immigration policies.

“We have fought, I mean, almost just since day one of the Biden administration, multiple efforts they’ve had around immigration clearly going beyond the bounds of programs that were established by Congress, exceeding the authority that’s been given to them to make decisions that they are not lawfully entitled to do,” he said. “But yet, it doesn’t mean that we don’t recognize and see the need to be able to continue to be aggressive on that front.”

RELATED: State lawmakers call for action following immigrant drop-offs in Marshall County

Last month, Marshall County residents took notice of suspicious drop-off patterns in charter busses that were later confirmed to be transporting Haitian immigrants to work at a food processing facility. An almost identical situation involving Haitian immigrants began publicly unfolding in Sylacauga last week.

A city council meeting in Sylacauga was ended early by city leaders last week after members of the community continued to ask about the influx of new immigrants in the city.

https://x.com/EndWokeness/status/1832187356763365411

On Thursday, Attorney General Marshall concluded that the immigration crisis is just another reason to vote against Kamala Harris for President.

“This is where elections matter, and to the extent that we didn’t understand it completely, I think the debate showed it again the other night,” he said, “where you have a declared candidate for president who said that she wanted to not only encourage illegal immigration, but also, you know, provide gender changing surgeries for those who come into this country unlawfully. I mean, the insanity of that should not be surprising when we see what’s going on in the number of people that have come into this country,” Marshall said.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” Weekdays 9-11 am on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

State Rep. Ben Robbins (R-Sylacauga) is demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security about the “policies and procedures of relocating Haitian refugees to Alabama.”

The issue gained statewide attention after videos began to circulate on social media showing immigrants being transported via bus to live in in Marshall County. Robbins sent a letter for DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas Thursday about the recent influx of Haitian refugees seen by Sylacauga residents.

“Your failure to inform our rural community before dropping off immigrants has created panic and confusion,” Robbins said. “Residents are seeking answers to basic questions, such as why did the immigrants appear in Sylacauga, Alabama, how many immigrants are here, where are the immigrants working and where are they living within the community. Due to your agency’s ineptitude to relay any information, local leaders are helpless. These inefficient policies have caused fear, which threatens the peace and tranquility of our small town.”

RELATED: State lawmakers call for action following immigrant drop-offs in Marshall County

The state lawmaker also expressed concerned about the state’s ability in being able to handle surge of new immigrants.

“Further, rural Alabama does not have the support services nor the resources to house a wave of immigrants. We have a housing shortage,” he argued. “Additionally, there is no support system in our community for Haitian Creole speaking individuals including assistance in our schools for non-English speakers. As such, your organization has failed the local community and the refugees.”

Robbins told Mayorkas that Alabamians want answers on what’s taking place in their communities.

“I am demanding answers and direction from your agency as to the policies and procedures of relocating Haitian refugees to Alabama,” he said. “If you continue to fail to answer questions, we as the citizens of Alabama will demand a Congressional investigation into you and your agency. My neighbors and the entire state of Alabama deserve information.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” Weekdays 9-11 am on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

State Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Albertville) provided an update this morning on the recent sightings of several Haitian immigrants departing charter buses in Marshall County.

Last week, videos quickly began to circulate on social media causing concern among locals that illegal immigrants were being transported via bus to live in the area.

“Last week, I was made aware of concerns regarding chartered buses dropping off migrants throughout my district in Marshall County. Since then, I have been in regular communication with our local, state, and federal leaders to obtain information and guidance on the issue.”

“While I am still researching the issue at hand, I have gathered the following information:

“The buses are chartered by local industries to take employees to and from work in Marshall County to as far away as Russellville. It is not unusual for these businesses to use vans to transport employees, but they recently changed to buses which is what led to the heightened attention when people in the community witnessed migrants getting off buses downtown. I have been informed the company who chartered the buses will stop that practice immediately.”

RELATED: State lawmakers call for action following immigrant drop-offs in Marshall County

According to Colvin, the groups observed exiting the buses are in the U.S. legally.

“Regarding the immigration issue itself, the Haitian immigrants in our area claim refugee status with the federal government which allows them to enter our country legally. Immigration — legal and illegal — is not a new issue for our community.”

He emphasized his understanding of the shortfalls of illegal immigration but stressed that racist comments are not justified.

“The impact of immigration has always been a top concern of mine because I have seen first-hand the stress it causes to our schools, housing market, and infrastructure. Since I took office, I have worked with our schools and leaders in Montgomery to secure funding for bilingual aides in our schools.”

“I will continue to address this issue with local, state, and federal leaders. It is critical that a new administration is elected in November to crack down on the border and immigration.”

“‘Let me also be clear on this — while personally I am frustrated with the policy failures of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and their impact to our community, I will not tolerate the racist and hateful comments I have seen. I have been deeply disappointed by some of the comments I have read on the Internet. Racism has no place in our society, and I unequivocally condemn acts of hatred and intolerance.”

“Next week, I will be meeting with local and federal leaders to identify a solution,” said Colvin. “I will provide more information in the coming days and weeks.”

The increased level of concern from citizens comes at a time when the Biden-Harris Administration has openly bussed illegal immigrants to areas all across the country,

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

Alabama lawmakers are responding to reports that large charter buses are dropping off what appears to be Haitian immigrants at several locations in Marshall County.

Social media posts from residents in the area show pictures of the busses. According to the Albertville Police Department (APD) initially, the busses were meant to transport employees of Wayne Farms, which is a local chicken processing plant in Albertville. However, it’s now understood that the busses were transporting workers for Pilgrims, another processing plant, located in Franklin County. Pilgrims released a statement elaborating on what the public was seeing:

“A few months ago, our Russellville, Ala., facility had an expansion that resulted in increased job opportunities at the plant. Our neighboring facility that experiences low turnover has had an applicant waitlist for quite some time. Because of this, we hired many of those individuals and provide transportation to and from the Russellville plant for our team members who live in the surrounding areas, something we have been doing for months. At Pilgrim’s, we have best-in-class workforce eligibility, safety and compliance standards.”

“We’ve been notified about charter buses dropping off and picking people up throughout town,” Albertville Police Department said in a statement. “We have contacted the bus company in question, and they advised us that they have been contracted by a local company to transport workers to and from work.”

State Sen. Wes Kitchens (R-Arab) responded to questions about the incident on social media Friday.

“As a response to the many calls from concerned constituents in my district, I would like to provide an update about the Marshall County immigration issue,” Kitchens said. “I have reached out to the poultry processing companies and have been assured the charter busses will no longer be running. I have been in contact with our federal delegation relaying concerns and have requested they join local officials for a meeting in Marshall County. Since this issue is not new to Marshall County, Sheriff Sims and I had previously arranged a meeting with Texas Board Patrol which will occur in the coming weeks to continue discussions on improving this crisis from the local and state level.”

https://x.com/wes_kitchens/status/1821973189830045798

Sen. Kitchens also posted a letter he sent to the Biden-Harris administration, calling on them to fix the border crisis.

https://x.com/wes_kitchens/status/1821971633550307458

State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) also responded to the concerns Friday on WVNN’s “The Dale Jackson Show.”

“They don’t tell us what they’re going to do,” Orr said about the federal immigration authorities. “And they certainly wouldn’t want to, because they know there would be a lot of local pushback on dumping people in the community who have no resources and maybe a suitcase and that’s it and they expect the local community to pick up the slack and that’s what we see.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee

As a former state representative who held the House District 27 seat, I encourage all of my friends and neighbors in Marshall County to support Jeana Ross in the April 30 Republican runoff election.

I have known Jeana all of my life, and her strong morals, her traditional values, and her commitment to her Christian faith are apparent in the way she lives each day. Jeana is a lifelong educator who has dedicated her career to teaching our youngest Alabamians the skills and knowledge they will need to one day fill the high-paying, long-lasting jobs of tomorrow.

Her work to ensure Alabama remains the nation’s leader in early childhood education will allow us to continue recruiting new industries, attracting investments, and creating more job opportunities for decades to come.

RELATED: Jeana Ross, key leader in Alabama’s Pre-K success, enters House District 27 race

A conservative warrior, Jeana is a former chair of the Marshall County Republican Party and has helped elect dozens of Republican candidates to state and local offices. God graces a special few among us with a true servant’s heart, and Jeana is obviously one of those He has chosen.

I am going all-in to elect Jeana Ross to the Alabama House of Representatives in the Republican runoff, and I ask all of you who care about Marshall County and the future of Alabama to join me in doing the same.

Will Ainsworth is the Lieutenant Governor of Alabama

Today, voters across Marshall County are heading to the polls to decide their next State Representative for House District 27 after State Sen. Wes Kitchens (R-Arab) was elected to District 9 in a January special election. 

HD27, which covers large portions of Guntersville and Arab, has attracted a field of several Republican candidates making their case to voters in a race expected to see lower turnout than a Huntsville-area HD10 election in March that turned the district blue until 2026. 

In total, six candidates qualified, including former Alabama Secretary of Early Childhood Education and 26-year veteran educator Jeana Ross, Arab City Councilman Alan Miller, automotive salesman Bill Hancock, mainstay of Alabama politics Stacy George, former Marshall County Commissioner Bill Stricklen, as well as Billy Ray Todd, a U.S. Army veteran who chronicled his run for office to a large online following. 

RELATED: Kitchens cooks win in state Senate special election – ‘this district is my home’

Ross said her campaign has been an encouraging, grassroots effort that she and volunteers have taken a message of conservative Alabama values directly to voters. 

“I am proud to be a life-long resident of Marshall County. As one of the state’s fastest growing counties we are building wonderful communities while staying true to our values. Professionally, I’ve been a part of programs in each of our school systems and worked to ensure children and families have the highest quality education and resources available,” Ross told Yellowhammer News. 

“After 8 years in Montgomery I have learned how to get things done. I look forward to delivering results to keep Marshall County a great place to live, work and worship.” 

Ross has the support of a key constituent who previously served as the State Representative for HD27, now Lt. Governor of Alabama, Will Ainsworth. 

Bill Hancock, a 25-year small business owner of a local car dealership, says Marshall County means everything to him because he was born and raised here.

“My platform is small business and workforce development, because that’s what I’ve experienced. Being a small business owner for 25 years, the main thing that we see is finding good employees. Good, hard working people is just hard to find,” Hancock said.

”We have an opportunity with our Career Tech Center, that we have grown tremendously in the last three and a half years…What we’re seeing is in the Career Tech Center, the kids that were able to get involved in that, they’re actually able to graduate high school with a two-year trade degree from sleep state and go straight into the workforce. Being a business owner, I see how that positively impacts me.

RELATED: Jeana Ross, key leader in Alabama’s Pre-K success, enters House District 27 race

Arab Councilman Alan Miller said he ran because he wants to give back to a community that means a lot to him. 

“The voters of this district want someone with common sense to go to Montgomery and advocate on their behalf. They want their representatives to bring their tax dollars back into the district to improve their community,” Miller told Yellowhammer News. “They want someone who will stand up for their values and not allow themselves to be bought by special interest groups that don’t care about their wishes for their district. That’s the core of what this entire campaign has been about.”

Billy Ray Todd, a U.S. Army veteran and South Alabama native who made headlines for being attacked in Walmart by a “super liberal” woman enraged by views he shared while campaigning, said he was motivated by a number of political and personal reasons to run for the Alabama House.

“In November of 2022 I watched how a local Democrat councilman, NAACP and Southern Poverty Law Center falsely accused two teachers and coach of racism to push DEI in Guntersville High School. I stood up for those teachers. Even after being threatened by the local democrat councilman, he threatened to have me arrested by local police and FBI if I showed up to any town hall meetings,” Todd said. 

RELATED: Alabama political candidate attacked by ‘super liberal’ while campaigning – ‘she charged at me’

“The citizens HD27 are concerned about the quality of education and with the threat of marxism being taught in classes,” he added. 

With six Republican candidates in the race, a special runoff election would be held on April 30 if a single candidate isn’t able to secure 50% of the vote. In the case of a runoff, Hancock said he hopes all registered voters will show up and make their voice heard.

“That is your only voice to what contributes to our way of life — continuing the way it is or getting better or getting worse is based on people vote sending the right people to the right place,” he said. 

Ross, who leads the pack in fundraising by leaps and bounds, said in the case of a runoff election — the choice is clear.

“I’m the right person for the job. I have the experience, both as an educator and while working for Governor Kay Ivey to get things done in Montgomery. I’ll partner with Senator Wes Kitchens to make sure Marshall County always gets its fair share.”

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

A Republican candidate in the upcoming Alabama House District 27 special election, Billy Ray Todd of Guntersville, was reportedly attacked by a woman while campaigning in Walmart. Todd said the woman was initially pleasant, but once the conversation went to politics, education – in particular, gender – she became combative and violent.

“I’m out campaigning, talking to a few people. I’m running for office, and my spiel is about education, to make sure that we get education and get the wokeness out of our schools,” Todd said in an interview on Tuesday. “And then this one lady I approached, she told me she was a ‘super liberal.’”

“And I said, well, you know, my deal is to get the wokeness out of school and to stop supporting the idea that there’s more than two genders. And she kept trying to tell me that there’s more than two genders.”

Todd said he tried to disengage with the woman and walk away as she turned more aggressive.

“She was sizing me up. She walked up to me real close, but she backed off. And then she charged me, she was coming at my face. So, I’ve got my arms at my face up. And I was able to get her in a hold and bring her down to the ground until everybody who came around the grabbed me and grabbed her at the same time,” he said. “She scratched me real good.”

Todd said he plans to file charges against the woman. Local police responded and took pictures of his injuries, pulled security camera footage from the store, and interviewed witnesses. He posted to social media about the altercation:

I was out campaigning at Walmart and was attacked by a woman who called herself a “super liberal.”
She charged at me and scratched me after I told her I didn’t believe in trans children. pic.twitter.com/m4JKXybf58

— Dr. Interracial 🇺🇸 (@billysandytodd) March 26, 2024

According to his campaign website, Todd is a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division, served 11 combat tours and received the Bronze Star.

“I decided to run for office after having witnessed teachers and a coach being falsely accused of racism to push DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our schools. I was threatened with defending them,” his website reads.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

Another special election in Marshall County is inbound after State Rep. Wes Kitchens (R-Arab) made a successful bid for the State Senate last week.

This morning, Jeana Ross, who served as Secretary of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education under two governors, announced her candidacy for the vacancy in House District 27.

Ross, a Republican of Guntersville, who earned the state’s “First Class” pre-kindergarten program recognition as the best in the nation for the 14th consecutive year, said she’s ready to continue her leadership in the Alabama Legislature — on a wide range of pressing issues.

“As a career educator, continuing Alabama’s improvements in our public schools is a passion of mine, but I will also focus on other important issues like combatting illegal immigration, creating jobs, and protecting our traditional morals and conservative values,” Ross said.

“I believe strongly that if we begin teaching our children essential life skills at an early age, they will be prepared to fill long-lasting, well-paying, 21st Century jobs as adults, which keeps Alabama’s economy growing well into the future.”

RELATED: Legendary Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Secretary Jeana Ross to retire

A veteran of education policy, Ross pointed to her accomplishments in Alabama classrooms — noting that the availability of quality early childhood education programs grew from 217 classrooms when she took office in 2012 to 1,250 classrooms across all 67 counties when she ended her tenure in 2020 — an increase of 470 percent.

Her political acumen as a “committed Christian conservative” is also a point of pride for Ross. She served as the Chair of the Marshall County Republican Party, a member of the Alabama Republican Party executive committee, and has worked to elect dozens of GOP candidates to office on the state and local level.

Ross began her 26-year career in public education as an elementary school classroom teacher in Jackson County in 1975, and, after taking a break to start a family, later moved into administrative positions in the Marshall County, Boaz City, and Madison County school systems.

She’s a graduate of the University of Alabama in Birmingham with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, and the University of Alabama with a master’s degree in education leadership.

She and her husband, Carey, have two sons and twin grandchildren.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

With the special election to fill a sizable vacancy in the Alabama Senate left by former Majority Leader Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville) just over a month away, candidates running for the seat posted their first fundraising milestone.

Two members of the Alabama House, Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Arab) and Rep. Wes Kitchens (R-Arab) reported sizable figures, with Colvin breaking ahead of first month totals by double. Colvin’s haul in November totaled $80,507. 

“Our conservative message is clearly resonating with the people of Senate District 9, and I am incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from people right here at home for our campaign,” Colvin said in a statement after reporting totals.

RELATED: Colvin announces campaign for Senate District 9

Colvin has made his fifth-generation Marshall County roots a staple of his campaign, noting that 96% of his first-month fundraising haul came from “personal and local business donors,” indicating “unmatched” hometown support. 

“I have always been committed to the people who elected me and got me where I am today, not to special interests in Montgomery, and this report clearly shows the grassroots support behind us. Our team hit the ground running on day one of this campaign, and we will continue to work hard to earn the support of voters across Northeast Alabama.”

Rep. Kitchens, a second-term member of the House representing Marshall County, brought in $39,698 in November. His total campaign warchest sits at $134,539.71 after a transfer of $115,000 from his House campaign earlier this month. 

RELATED: Rep. Kitchens will seek Scofield seat in State Senate

“I’m going to keep talking with voters about my experience and conservative voting record which has been resonating with many people across the district,” Kitchens said. “I’ve spent the last 6 years working for North Alabama, building relationships with the Governor’s office and legislative leaders to make sure my district gets its fair share and will continue to do so as the next Senator for District 9.”

Tacking along to the pack is Alabama political mainstay and former corrections officer Stacy Lee George with roughly $3,000 in November fundraising. The special primary election will be held January 9, 2024.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Rep. Robert Aderholt are preparing to introduce a bill to name the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Guntersville as the “Colonel Ola Lee Mize Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic,” in honor of the Alabama native and Medal of Honor recipient.

The tribute has the support of the entire Alabama delegation, the Alabama chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans.

A native of Marshall County, Mize received the Medal of Honor while serving as a sergeant with Company K of the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division in the Korean War. 

RELATED: Defense industry provides 264K jobs with $50.3B impact on state

On June 10, 1953, his unit was manning Outpost Harry near Surang-ni, Korea, when the outpost came under heavy enemy attack. Mize organized defensive positions, rescued wounded soldiers, and engaged the enemy until reinforcements arrived about noon the next day. He was subsequently promoted to master sergeant and, on Sept. 24, 1954, awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Outpost Harry.

After the war, Mize joined the Special Forces and completed three tours of duty in Vietnam. He retired as a colonel in 1981.

“Colonel Ola Lee Mize was a true patriot who embodied the American ideals of courage, selflessness, and honor,” said Tuberville (R-Auburn). “He devoted his entire life to putting country ahead of self, and showed true bravery in the face of danger time and again.

“Alabama is proud to call him one of our own, and it is an honor to pay tribute to his legacy by naming the Guntersville VA facility in his honor.”

Aderholt (R-Haleyville) is sponsoring the House version of the bill.

“I am proud to introduce to the House of Representatives legislation that honors an American hero from Marshall County, Alabama,” Aderholt said. “Col. Mize embodied the long-standing American principles of service to country, dedication to family, and commitment to hard work.”

The members sent a letter to Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to officially begin the naming process.

RELATED: Lawmakers: Alabama ‘most military friendly’ for a reason

Sen. Katie Britt is also in support of honoring Mize. 

“Showing tremendous courage and remarkable valor on the battlefield, Colonel Ola Lee Mize exemplified what it means to be a true American hero,” said Britt (R-Montgomery). “A Medal of Honor recipient that served in both Korea and Vietnam, he always went above and beyond the call of duty throughout his distinguished military career.

“Naming this VA facility in his honor will ensure that Alabama’s heroes today and those in the generations to come will continue to commemorate his service.”

It’s estimated 250,000 Alabamians served in the military during the Vietnam War era. Throughout all wars of the 20th century, Alabama’s men and women showcased their commitment to duty, honor, and country. 

Stories of their bravery and sacrifice remain an essential part of the state’s proud history, including that of Mize. 

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270 

Over the years, certain counties in Alabama have bred an inordinate number of governors and state political leaders.

The three most prominent enclaves, historically, have been Tuscaloosa, Barbour and Cullman counties.

In the earlier years of statehood, Tuscaloosa was the most heralded county. They have continued, intermittently, throughout the years. The most prominent senator in Alabama history, Richard Shelby, who retired after 36 years in the Senate calls Tuscaloosa home. Indeed, the state capital was in Tuscaloosa one time in the early years. They have had a fairly recent governor in Dr. Robert Bentley.

Barbour County is called the “Home of Governors” and for a good reason. They have had more governors than any county in state history. This sparsely populated Black Belt county has had six governors hail from there. George Wallace is, of course, the most prominent Barbour County Governor but they also have Chauncy Sparks, John Gill Shorter, William Jelks, Braxton Bragg Comer and Jere Beasley.

Barbour County and Tuscaloosa both claim Lurleen Wallace. She was born and raised in
Northport in Tuscaloosa County, but married George Wallace and moved to Barbour County.
This split county claim of governors also applies to legendary Gov. James “Big Jim” Folsom. Big Jim was born and raised in Coffee County near Elba but moved to Cullman as a young man. So, Cullman gets bragging rights since he lived in Cullman when he was first elected in 1946. Cullman has indeed come on strong in the past few decades. They have had two
governors in recent years, Jim Folsom Jr. and Guy Hunt.

Today, we have two counties emerging as hotbeds for breeding state political leaders. Coffee County is percolating with political success. More particularly, though, is the growing city of Enterprise.

Our new U.S. senator, Katie Boyd Britt, was born and raised in Enterprise. She is only 40. The congressman from the second district, Barry Moore, is from Enterprise although Dothan,Montgomery and Elmore County have more population in that Congressional District. Moore is only 56. A rising popular star in the State House of Representatives, Rhett Marquis, 48, is from the Boll Weevil City. Enterprise is the home of the new state senator from that southeast Alabama hub. Josh Carnley just took the seat of retiring legend, Jimmy Holley, thus keeping that seat in Coffee County. Carnley is a Coffee County farmer and insurance broker. Enterprise has a very good mayor in William “Bill” Cooper. He has been in city politics for a good while.

Coffee County also dominates all the judicial posts in this circuit. All three circuit judges hail from Coffee County, in Enterprise. Sonny Reagan, Jeff Kelley and Shannon Clark are all
relatively young. The new district attorney, James Tarbox, is very young. Jimmy Baker, who is chancellor of the Alabama Community College System hails from Coffee County and lives in Enterprise. Enterprise has always laid claim to Fort Rucker, which has been the impetus of their growth, but they are emerging as a political powerhouse.

The other county that is set to be called an Alabama political spawning ground powerhouse is Marshall County. They currently have a cadre of the state’s most powerful and promising
Alabama leaders. The most prominent is 41-year-old Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, who may be
our next governor. State Sen. Clay Scofield is only 42 and is Majority
Leader of the State Senate. Attorney General Steve Marshall, 57, is in his second term as
Attorney General. It is rare that two of the state’s highest ranking officials, Will Ainsworth and Steve Marshall, are both from the same county.

There are two rising stars in the Alabama House of Representatives from Marshall County.
Young Wes Kitchens, an emerging leader in the House, is from Marshall. Also, the youngest
member of the House of Representatives, Brock Colvin, has just been elected at the ripe old age of 26 and is catching people’s eyes on Goat Hill.

Enterprise and Marshall County are emerging as new political breeding grounds for Alabama politicians.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers’ column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state Legislature. He may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

An election night watch party will be hosted by Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth at City Harbor, the new mixed-use lakefront development on Lake Guntersville.

The party, which is open to the public, will begin 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

“Make plans to attend our Election Night Party on Nov. 8th at one of the coolest venues in the South, the City Harbor at Lake Guntersville,” said Ainsworth. “We will have free food, drinks, and great music as we watch the election results roll in.”

The polls close 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Almost three decades ago, cattle farmers in rural North Alabama found dead livestock lying in pastures with various organs extracted from their carcasses.

The cattle were found to have been performed upon with extreme precision. The extractors left behind no evidence, as the surrounding areas of the dead cattle were absent of any tracks and forensic evidence.

Documented cases

The Fyffe Police Department in DeKalb County issued a press release on April 7, 1993, detailing the mutilations and alerted local residents that it had conducted extensive investigations into the strange occurrences.

In October 1992, cattle farmer John Strawn, who lived in the Marshall County town of Albertville, reported the area’s first mutilation case.

The rancher’s neighbor had found one of Strawn’s cattle lying deceased on its side with its entire milk sac missing and no blood at the scene. According to local law enforcement, the cow held a neat, charred incision where the phantom extractor had removed its udder.

Over the course of the two months that followed the initial incident, other farmers around the Albertville area had reported similar cases. The Fyffe Police Department noted that the organs removed from the cattle varied from case to case.

Adding to the mystique was the fact that the extracted organs held no commercial value. Just as in the cases that preceded, sex organs of both male and female cattle had been extracted in oval, bloodless precisions.

A Black Angus steer, owned by Tommy Cole, then-chief of detectives for the Albertville Police Department, had also fallen victim to mutilation.

In the weeks that followed, mutilations were reported in the Fyffe area communities of Grove Oak and Dawson. In February 1993, nine additional cases of cattle mutilation were reported on various ranches in DeKalb and Marshall Counties.

At the time, more than 30 mutilation cases had been reported in Alabama’s Appalachian region. The police departments of Albertville and Fyffe then began coordinating investigative efforts to get to the bottom of the mysterious phenomenon.

Expert analysis

Authorities sought to thoroughly examine one specific case that involved a cow whose genitals and rectum had been carved out in a neat incision, which the Fyffe Police Department noted was the size of a coffee can. The cow’s jaw and tongue were also removed. Once again, no blood was on the animal or on the ground it laid upon.

During examination, investigators found what was described as a flaky, white material on the animal’s rib cage that sat five feet away from its carcass.

“While removing the flaky particles from the cigarette wrapper, the material came in contact with the brass tip of a ball-point pen,” the police department’s release stated. “Within one second of contact with the brass, the material melted into an almost clear liquid. To reduce the risk of this happening to the remaining material, the rest was shaken out into a jar where it remained unaffected.”

The substance was then provided to a molecular biologist for testing.

“After two tests, the scientist determined that the substance was composed of aluminum, titanium, oxygen and silicon in significant amounts,” advised authorities.

The field expert noted the amount of titanium was larger than what he would have expected to see in any substance. Additionally, the biologist detailed that there was no possible explanation of how the combination of elements could have occurred in nature.

Another significant case involved a cow belonging to Crossville rancher David McClendon. A morning head count conducted on February 7, 1993, had determined that McClendon was missing a three-week-old calf from his herd.

Upon locating the animal, McClendon found that the calf was missing a portion of its right hind quarter, along with all of its internal organs. A clean, empty cavity was located in its chest area. Again, no blood was found on or around the animal.

In the height of the cases, local residents began to formulate theories behind the enigmatic surgeries. It was believed that predator animals, satanic cults or mischievous adolescents could had performed the mutilations.

However, scientists that studied the incisions ruled out the theories as examinations concluded that the surgical precisions were far too precise and comprehensive to be the work of the theorized culprits.

Further examination

According to local authorities, the surgical incision on McClendon’s calf appeared to have been conducted using extreme heat.

Dr. John Altschuler, a former University of Colorado field expert who was tapped to examine the extraction, advised that the temperature needed to make such an incision would have needed to be in the “hundreds of degrees and possibly higher.”

Upon an in-depth examination of photos, Dr. Jim Armstrong, who at the time served as an Auburn University zoology and wildlife professor, agreed with law enforcement’s determination.

“It would be obvious if a coyote had been tearing through,” stated Armstrong. “The wounds would not be similar to a smooth cut. Coyotes bite through and pull to tear away the flesh. It would have a ‘chewed on look’. There are other scavenger animals such as vultures that will eat at the softer regions of a cow, but there’s not going to be these clean, surgical-type cuts. There is no way a coyote or other predator inflicted those wounds.”

“I went over the pictures with a USDA expert along with several wildlife biologists. With the exception of one individual, we all agreed that many of the cases were not typical predatory damage,” he added. “The caution here is that we’re dealing with photos, that there is no other physical evidence for us to look at. But the USDA agent and most others agreed with my conclusion that many of the pictures were not coyote or other predator damage.”

After expert analysis, local authorities had come to the conclusion that the mutilations were not the result of predator animals.

With law enforcement ruling out the possibility that predator animals or mischievous individuals were to blame for the mutilations, locals were left with no answer as to what or who could be behind the extractions.

However, the mutilations coincided with another strange phenomenon that had occurred in the area around the same time, which left residents to form an additional hypothesis.

Unidentified Flying Objects

Fyffe, now known as the UFO capital of Alabama, holds a well-documented history of UFO sightings dating back to February 1989.

Tourists descend upon the town annually for Fyffe UFO Days, which is a festival that celebrates the area’s unique history of unexplained aerial activity.

Yellowhammer News spoke to an individual, who wished to remain anonymous, about the UFO sightings coinciding with the cattle mutilations.

While noting that there was no way to prove that the two phenomena were connected, the individual indicated that the sightings fueled speculation that UFOs could have played a part in the extractions.

“A lot of people won’t talk about it because so many people make fun of them … It’s just strange. It’s strange that both happened at the same time,” they said.

“For people that want to believe that … Yes, that has to be connected,” they added, going on to say that “when [the UFOs] left, the [mutilations] left.”

The individual then recounted their personal UFO sighting.

“The night I saw it, I lived in a little community … My friends, they lived up in Fyffe, they saw it hovering over above the football field. You could see it clearly, there was no doubt,” they recalled to Yellowhammer News. “It was within 300 yards of my house. It was very clear. There was no doubt as to what I was looking at.”

“What made it real was that all the power was off. Our little substation would go out at the coldest night of the year and the hottest night of the year — we would lose electricity,” advised the individual. “I was out of power, so I took my guitar and went out on the porch just trying to stay cool … And I saw it hovering above the trees. [It] was a round, circular saucer. It kind of stayed still for about five seconds and then it vanished away, headed north toward Fyffe.”

Similar activity across the U.S.

Cattle mutilations, such as those that took place on Sand Mountain nearly three decades ago, also took place in the 1970s in various locations across the western United States.

As recently documented by Fox Nation’s “Tucker Carlson Originals,” cattle mutilations are on the rise once again in the American West. Like Fyffe, the cases are located in areas such as Colorado and Oregon, where UFO sightings have been commonplace.

The cases mirror those of Alabama’s Appalachian region in the 1990s: Jaws removed, blood drained, with internal and reproductive organs extracted at evidence-free crime scenes. The deceased cattle, which lie victimized by unknown surgeons, rest unbothered by predator animals upon death.

More than 10,000 cases of cattle mutilations have been recorded over the past 40 years in the United States.

To date, the mutilations remain an unsolved mystery.

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

Businessman Todd Mitchem on Wednesday announced the launch of his campaign for the Alabama House of Representatives, District 26.

The seat Mitchem is seeking is currently held by State Rep. Kerry Rich (R-Albertville), who has opted to retire from his service in the legislature.

Mitchem, a Marshall County native, owns and operates multiple properties in Albertville and Gulf Shores. He formerly served as a high school and college instructor and is the son of late two-term State Sen. Hinton Mitchem.

He is a graduate of Snead State Community College, where he received an associate degree in pre-law. Mitchem obtained his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in political science with minors in history and business. He went on to obtain two graduate degrees from the University of South Alabama and Jacksonville State University.

While attending college, Mitchem served as an intern for U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) and former Alabama Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom Bevill.

“I work to do as much as I can to help the people of Marshall County,” stated Mitchem in announcing his candidacy. “I have been able to provide a lot of service through my work with CASA and Hospice. The opportunity to serve more people in an even greater capacity is the reason I decided to enter this race for State Representative.”

Over the past decade, Mitchem has served the Care Assurance System for the Aging and Homebound (CASA) of Marshall County. His duties as board member of the organization include serving as chairman of its largest fundraising committee. Additionally, Mitchem serves on the board of directors for the Shephard’s Cove Hospice Foundation.

He concluded, “As a lifelong resident of Marshall County, I know our people’s values and what our community needs to grow and prosper. I believe I can make a difference to benefit people’s lives, given the opportunity to serve.”

House District 26 encompasses southern Marshall County. The primary election will take place May 24, 2022.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

GUNTERSVILLE — State Rep. Kerry Rich (R-Albertville) on Monday formally announced that he would not seek another term in the Alabama House of Representatives.

The North Alabama lawmaker holds 20 years of service in the legislature’s lower chamber. Additionally, Rich served over two years in the administration of former Governor Fob James (R-AL) as legislative director.

Rich will complete his term serving House District 26, which currently includes portions of Marshall and DeKalb Counties and the cities of Albertville, Boaz, Geraldine and Guntersville.

“I’ve had mixed emotions,” Rich said regarding his consideration of running for reelection. “I had decided that it’s time and there’s some things that I want to be able to do. If the Good Lord will bless me with good health for a few years longer I hope I can do those things.”

After noting that 22 years of service is “long enough,” he expressed gratitude to his constituents for entrusting him to represent their interests in Montgomery.

“It’s been a real honor, I mean it really has been, to serve in the legislature from District 26,” said Rich. “I’ve built really good relationships with a lot of people in the district and [have] just been real happy to work with those people and serve those people… It’s been an honor that really I can’t even describe it.”

Rich took note of his significant accomplishments during his two-decades-long service in the legislature.

He was the sponsor of Alabama’s voter ID law, which many see as an integral reform to the state’s electoral system as a measure of combating voter fraud and ensuring integrity at the ballot box. In 2011, Rich passed a bill which was signed into law that banned abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, a major achievement for the state’s pro-life movement.

Other policy feats Rich noted related to stabilizing the funding foundation for state parks, assistance for local first responders and conservative budgetary reforms. Rich made mention of his and State Sen. Clay Scofield’s (R-Guntersville) successful efforts to keep open the Aviation Technical School at Albertville Regional Airport.

Scofield joined Rich at the press conference to pay homage to the long-serving state representative.

“Kerry has been a mentor of mine and a friend beyond just a coworker,” advised Scofield.

The senator went on to call Rich a “seasoned vet” of the legislative process and noted his experience as being “invaluable” in his service to the district.

“I have to say I have learned probably more from Kerry Rich than anybody else as far as the process, protocols, who to talk to… His district, Marshall County, DeKalb County and the entire state is better off because of his service – there’s no question,” he added.

“We’re going to miss you. I’m going to miss you. I’m just proud of you and for you, and I know you’re going to do great things,” concluded Scofield.

When asked what life after politics looks like for him, Rich said he does not plan to retire as he looked to maintain an active lifestyle. He said he aims to spend time at his property in the western United States, snow skiing, cutting wood and learning to fly fish.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

Brock Colvin on Monday announced that he will seek the Republican nomination to the Alabama House of Representatives, District 26.

The fifth-generation Marshall Countian is a graduate of Albertville High School and attended Snead Community College in Boaz. Colvin is an alum of the University of Alabama, where he double majored in finance and economics.

Colvin, an insurance industry professional, is currently employed as a financial planner at Ameriprise Financial.

If elected, the Marshall County native pledges to be a fiscal conservative, pointing to his career in finance as experience which he believes will prove beneficial as a member of the legislature’s lower chamber.

“It is exciting to announce my intention to seek the Republican nomination for District 26,” said Colvin. “I believe I bring the conservative philosophy and energy to represent the people of Marshall and Dekalb Counties. My background in finance gives me the skill I will need to roll up my sleeves and protect our tax dollars. We are taxed enough. I will work for lower taxes and better fiscal responsibility out of state government.”

Colvin outlined issues currently facing that state that he believes to be of importance and wishes to address as state representative.

“I believe in helping our farmers and our agricultural industry. I will be champion for them and property rights,” continued Colvin. “Education is vital to our area and I will work to ensure vocational and technical training is expanded in our area so we can create a more skilled workforce. Finally, it is essential that we expand rural broadband in Alabama. In today’s virtual workplace, we can only succeed with this connectivity.”

Colvin is a member of the Rotary Club of Albertville and a member of the Albertville Chamber of Commerce where he serves as an ambassador. He is also a member of the Marshall County Republican Party and attends Southside Baptist Church in Albertville.

The candidate praised current officeholder State Rep. Kerry Rich (R-Albertville) for his years of service to House District 26.

Colvin concluded, “Representative Kerry Rich has been a good public servant. With God’s grace and the trust of the voters of District 26, I hope to continue to represent them well.”

House District 26 presently includes portions of Dekalb and Marshall Counties including Albertville, Boaz, Geraldine and Guntersville. The Republican Primary will be held on May 24, 2022.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

Governor Kay Ivey (R-AL) on Tuesday joined students of Kate Duncan Smith DAR School in Marshall County to celebrate National School Lunch Week.

DAR students showcased to the governor produce that is grown on campus by the students, who then enjoy the fruits of their agriculture department product in the school cafeteria.

Chris Hicks, DAR agriculture teacher, touched on the unique opportunity students were able to experience by way of state leadership playing witness to the work his students have partaken in.

“It’s really special to have Governor Ivey and the agriculture commissioner really support our ag program, and it’s a great experience for our FFA to have them come here,” Hicks told Yellowhammer News.

“We started growing hydroponic lettuce about two years ago, and kid of just as a ‘hey, let’s see if we can grow inside’ – it’s turned into now our school business,” he added. “Our students run it, they produce the lettuce, they harvest it and bring it into our lunchroom, our lunchroom workers prepare it and we feed it farm-to-table to our own students up here on the mountain.”

Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate (R-AL) told Yellowhammer News of the efforts the state undertook to incentivize schools to utilize locally, Alabama-grown food.

“It’s really a celebration of local food grown at local schools and that’s what’s happening in Alabama,” said Pate, going on to speak of the program his office spearheaded. “Some school systems like Guntersville really took advantage of it and really started growing and finding local foods… we’d go out and find it for them, it just had to be from Alabama.”

For Pate, it is rewarding seeing the program come to fruition after years of collaboration with state and local leadership.

“I feel like this is sort of the embodiment of what we tried to start three years ago with the local food school program and it’s nice to see it all happen,” he concluded.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

United States Representative Bradley Byrne (R-Fairhope) announced Thursday that he has introduced a resolution to censure House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

Byrne said Pelosi deserves censure, because to him, the way Pelosi has withheld the articles of impeachment amounts to an abuse of power.

Pelosi and the Democratic majority have control over what bills and resolutions pass the House. As such, Byrne’s resolution stands next to no chance of seeing a vote on the floor but instead acts as a condemnation of the way House leadership is handling the impeachment process.

A Congressional Censure is the highest criticism the House can make of one of its members, short of expulsion. (more…)

A north Alabama judge says a current sheriff should get disputed jail food funds, not his predecessor.

WHNT-TV reports Marshall County Circuit Judge Chris Abel ruled that current Marshall County Sheriff Phil Sims should get the nearly $24,000. (more…)