Tag: United States

Following are criminal trials to be heard at the Covington County Courthouse the week of Oct. 16, 2023, with Judge Charles A. Short presiding.

• Tonya LaFaye Clayborne, possession with intent to distribute, second degree possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, Attorney Chris Sledge
• Darryl James George, criminally negligent homicide, Attorney Corey Bryan
• Dameki Rashun Smith, trafficking, Attorney Rod Sylvester
• Jessica Foley, attempted exploitation of elderly, Attorney Meredith Peters
• Meatta Boyd, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, Attorney Meredith Peters
• Demarco LaShawn Robinson, fourth degree receiving stolen property, Attorney Bill Alverson
• Jimmy Lee Bulger, second degree arson, Attorney David Harrison
• Patricia Henderson Bulger, second degree arson, Attorney Stephen McGowan
• Jimmy Lee Bulger, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, Attorney David Harrison
• Jeffrey Clyde Thames, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, Attorney Trey Burgess
• Dorsey Jose Gerseal Tillis, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, Attorney Benton Persons
• Bridget M. Napier, second degree theft of property, Attorney Rod Sylvester
• Tyquise Jamal Jenkins, second degree assault, resisting arrest, Attorney David Baker
• Alexis Kenya Adkins, three counts of second degree assault, Attorney Manish Patel
• Rodney LaVaughn Cauley, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, Attorney Joe Sawyer
• Joseph Garrett Taylor, possession of a controlled substance, second degree possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, Attorney Trey Burgess
• Jennifer Kay Kohler, third degree theft of property, Attorney Chris Sledge
• Jennifer Kay Kohler, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, Attorney Chris Sledge
• Gavin Kyle McCurley, third degree burglary, first degree theft of property, first degree criminal mischief, two counts of breaking and entering a vehicle, Pro Se
• Jonathan Lee Wallace, seven counts of possession of obscene matter, Attorney Larry Grissett
• Kenneth Higdon Jr., first degree theft of property, Attorney William Alverson
• Heath Gerald Adkinson, first degree receiving stolen property, first degree theft of property, Attorney Larry Grissett
• Kevin Stanley McFarling, first degree receiving stolen property, first degree theft of property, Attorney Rod Sylvester
• Amber Nicole Griggs, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, second degree possession of marijuana, attempt to elude, improper lane, driving with an expired driver’s license, Attorney Bill Alverson
• Johnathon Smith, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, second degree possession of marijuana, Attorney Leslie Moore
• Troy Adam Jackson, discharge firearm in occupied vehicle, Attorney Diana Mock
• Chassidy Marie Padgett, second degree promote prison contraband, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, Attorney Meredith Peters
• Brenda Ann Kelley Gulledge, first degree theft of property, Attorney Chris Sledge
• Brenda Ann Kelley Gulledge, first degree theft of property, Attorney Chris Sledge
• Stephen Charles Cender, distribution of a controlled substance, Attorney Bill Alverson
• Amanda Louise Cosby, possession of a controlled substance, expired tag, driving under the influence, Attorney Trey Burgess
• Eddie Kenneth Letner, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, Attorney David Baker
• Kali Siler, murder, felony murder, Attorney David Baker
• Andrew Karl Halford, electronic solicitation of a child, two counts of transmitting obscene matter to a child, Attorney Diana Mock
• John Paul Williams, first degree rape, attempted murder, first degree unlawful imprisonment, Attorney Diana Mock
• Jonathan Brock Wooten, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, Attorney Corey Bryan
• Claudia Lynn Dubose, first degree theft of property, Attorney Bill Alverson
• Timothy Dubose, first degree theft of property, Attorney Benton Persons
• Lekelyus Dishay Horstead, second degree domestic violence, Attorney Manish Patel
• Courtney Lee Porter, first degree burglary, murder, felony murder, Attorney Riley Powell
• Brittany Erin Nicole Head, first degree burglary, murder, felony murder, Attorney Riley Powell
• Tyquise Jamal Jenkins, first degree burglary, murder, felony murder, Attorney Riley Powell
• Frank Cortez McQueen, first degree burglary, murder, felony murder, Attorney Chris Sledge
• Odesius Lacharles Bryant, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, first degree possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest, Attorney Riley Powell
• James Harold Morris, first degree kidnapping, third degree domestic violence, second degree assault, menacing, Attorney William Alverson

The above criminal motion cases were filed by the clerk’s office on Sept. 21, 2023. A pre-trial docket call to determine the order in which cases will be tried is set for Oct. 10, 2023, at 8:30 a.m.

LBW Community College and the U.S. Forest Service have partnered to increase awareness and knowledge of natural resource career opportunities.

Through a challenge cost share agreement, the College has hosted career fairs and exploration events for local high schools and job corps institutes. Current students continue to experience updated Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA) curriculum, in-depth career tours, and mentorship from Forest Service personnel.

“This partnership is not only in place to help our current students but to create awareness about the field and the job opportunities,” said LBW President Dr. Brock Kelley.

The partnership focuses to better aid students from diverse and underserved communities on a regional level. The agreement promotes employment opportunities in Forest Service operations.

“Forestry has such an impact on our community, and we feel obligated to help increase the talent pipeline into the natural resource field,” President Kelley added.

Forest Service Grant Specialist Kara Foreman will soon introduce the LBW Forestry Program to advanced students at an event in North Carolina. The event is hosted at Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center in Cherokee, N.C. where 33 students will participate in introductory FIA implementation.

“I look forward to sharing the opportunities the LBW Forestry and Wildlife Sciences program has to offer potential students,” Foreman said. “This partnership has aided in exposing our students to the public sector of Forestry, promoting an expansive level of job opportunities.”

In addition to career fairs and informational events, both parties are working together to find new ways to remove barriers, increase awareness to the Natural Resource career field, and allow better opportunities in Forestry.

About LBW Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Program
The Forestry and Wildlife Sciences program, the only two-year degree available in Alabama, trains students for the position of forest technician. The curriculum emphasizes the development of practical field skills. Students often have the opportunity to participate in forestry field operations such as control burning, stand description, running land lines, and development of forest management plans.

About USDA Forest Service
Grounded in world-class science and technology and rooted in communities–the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. As a Federal agency in service to the American people, the Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. In doing this, the agency supports nature in sustaining life.

The City of Andalusia received positive news following an audit of the fiscal year 2022 financial report.

Gail Hayes of Rabren, Odom, Pierce and Hayes accounting firm told the city council during its workshop meeting on Tuesday that the audit consisted of no negative findings in regard to internal control processes and the financial standing of the city remains strong.

For FY 2022, Hayes said the city’s asset outflow exceeded its liability intakes by over $42 million, an increase of over $3.5 million year-over-year.

The total cash intake was about $31.3 million, an increase of over $21 million, which is a bit inflated due to a bond issue where some funds were earmarked for future projects. Unrestricted cash increased over $1 million year-over-year, leaving the city with unrestricted funds of just under $10 million.

The city purchased several assets during the 2022 fiscal year and invested in several economic development projects at a cost of about $2.7 million, including the Prestwood Building and Covington Casket projects. Equipment purchases put into service during the fiscal year included $1.5 million for mowers, a Freightliner truck, and other items.

Total revenue for the city was over $25 million for FY22, up about $240,000 from the prior year. Of that, sales tax yielded about $11.7 million, an increase of about $775,000 from FY21.

“When I came on the council our total budget was $11 million. Now, we have sales tax collections of that amount. We’re doing something right,” said Councilman Terry Powell.

Providing additional perspective on the growth of the city’s sales tax revenue, Hayes stated that in FY19 the city’s sales tax revenue was at $9.3 million. “It’s been increasing every year,” Pierce said.

The net position for the city is $42.3 million in equity, up from $38 million in FY21.

“What that means is that for FY22, our net income was over $3.5 million. We have had a positive net change every year since 2013. The city isn’t in the position of making money, but to provide services. In order to do that, we have to have the profits to pay for it. The city is in great financial position. That’s what these financial statements tell us,” Hayes said.

The council will review the documents and the audit will placed on a future meeting agenda for consideration to approve.

Matters discussed during the regular portion of the council meeting included:

• discussing a property known locally as “The Boarding House,” located at S. Cotton and Watson streets. Following a state inspection in 2019, the state cited the property for code violations. Recently, the city’s municipal court ruled that the property owner was not licensed to run a boarding house and that the property is still not up to code. The property owner has appealed the decision, meaning it will be heard in circuit court. According to city officials, the property was grandfathered in as a boarding house, but after not being used for that purpose for over a year, and a change in ownership, it no longer qualifies for “non-conforming use” under the city’s zoning ordinances. The city council authorized City Attorney Mark Christensen to seek a court injunction to stop operation of the boarding house, citing safety concerns.
• approving a change order for the city’s sidewalk and street project on Henderson Street and Coleman Avenue, behind Andalusia High School. The council approved paying an additional $60,000 from the city’s capital improvement fund to extend curb and gutter improvements by about 270 feet.
• approval of board members. Ed Short, John Taylor and Mike Ward were each re-appointed to the city’s Industrial Development Board to fill six-year terms. Also, the city extended by one year the term of current IDB member Beth Woodard in order to create correct staggered terms among the board’s members. The city is taking applications for another IDB seat previously held by Jim Smith who has resigned.

The city also re-appointed Billy Joe Stallworth and Emma Locke to the city’s recreation board. A new member — Billy Bergfield — was appointed to fill a vacant seat previously held by Randy Wahl.

The next city council meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 17, 6 p.m., at city hall. A work session begins at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

“Drought conditions continue to expand,” a recent AL.com headline states. “Many locations…. have not seen measurable rain in nearly 20 days. Combine that with plenty of early fall warmth and the result has been expanding drought concerns,” says WSFA Meteorologist Tyler Sebree.

According to another WSFA report, “Covington, Conecuh, Monroe, Clarke, Washington, Escambia, Geneva and Mobile counties are experiencing severe to extreme conditions, which have affected the ability to produce crops.”

“Citing widespread and worsening drought conditions, starting Friday (October 13) the Alabama Forestry Commission will stop issuing permits for outdoor burning,” the Alabama Daily Mail published. ‘“The fire alert is not going away until we receive significant precipitation, meaning several inches of rainfall,” State Forester Rick Oates said in a statement Wednesday. ‘“Unfortunately, there is no rain in sight, so the restriction must remain in effect indefinitely. With this extremely dry weather, any fire can quickly spread out of control threatening lives and livelihood, not to mention destroying our forests.”’

The grass in our yard crunches when we walk on it. Our shrubbery’s shriveling. It’s struggling to survive. The drought, coupled with record-breaking high temperatures in the mid to upper 90’s for months, have parched the south Alabama soil.

If you believe the old sayings, then let’s all wash our cars and we should get rain. I posted a picture on Facebook showing someone walking down a dry street holding a red umbrella. The message on the picture read, “Prayer is asking for rain. Faith is carrying an umbrella.” I keep an umbrella in my car. I think I’ll start keeping it nearby at work, home, church, wherever I go.

I’ve talked to people who are praying for rain. I thought of the Old Testament prophet Elijah who prayed for rain because it had not rained for three and a half years. He told King Ahab to get ready for a downpour for he could hear the sound of an abundance of rain.

Now he wasn’t speaking as a meteorologist, but as a man of faith. Elijah went up to the top of Mt. Carmel and began to pray. He would pray and then send his servant to look toward the sea. After the seventh time, the servant saw a little cloud the size of a man’s hand. Then, more clouds filled the sky and there was a great rain (1 Kings 18:41-45).

Have you ever experienced a drought in your soul? At times, my soul seems parched and dry. That’s the way David felt when he wrote, “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips shall praise you.” (Psalm 61:1-3 NKJ).

Best-selling author Ann Voskamp writes, “When we lay the soil of our hard lives open to the rain of grace and let joy penetrate our cracked and dry places, (and) let joy soak into our broken skin and deep crevices, life grows. How can this not be the best thing for the world? For us?”

Let’s pray for rain for our land and in our lives!

— Jan White has compiled a collection of her columns in her book, “Everyday Faith for Daily Life.”

Dorothy Black Powell, 89, of Sanford, Alabama, passed away at Andalusia Manor on Oct. 6.

She leaves behind her loving husband, James Forest Powell, with whom she shared 68 years together. She is also survived by her daughter, Sheri D. Powell of Sanford; son, Gregory F. Powell, Ph.D. (Dr. Cheryl Blanck) of Andalusia; and brother, John Frank Black (Phyllis) of Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward E. Black and Leosia Maughon Black, and her brother, Edward E. Black Jr.

Dorothy Powell, or “Dot’ as many called her, had a passion for education and was an educator for over 40 years. After graduating from Straughn High School, she obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Troy State University now Troy University. She was also awarded a post-secondary degree from Auburn University for those working in the education field.

She began her teaching career at Springfield Elementary School in Panama City but soon moved back to Alabama where she spent most of her 40-year career teaching the first grade in Opp, Alabama. She retired in June 1995 from South Highlands Elementary School. For years after her retirement, there were still people who would come up to her and say, “You taught me in first grade” or “you taught my son” or “you taught my daughter.” This was usually followed by the person saying how much she meant to them for being such a caring and thoughtful teacher.

While one of her greatest joys came from helping children learn to read, her other passion was fishing. She considered fishing as her way to relax and would often fish for hours even if nothing was biting but the mosquitoes.

Dorothy Powell was also devoted to her community in Sanford. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Sanford and played piano there for more than 50 years. During those years, she taught Sunday school for all age groups.

She will be sorely missed by her loving family and extended family of former students and friends. For those of you who want to participate in the celebration of her life, visitation with the family will be held at Foreman-Brown Funeral Home on Monday, Oct. 9, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Graveside services will follow at the First Baptist Church of Sanford Cemetery at noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Sanford.

Family and friends may sign the online register at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.

A two-vehicle collision on Tuesday resulted in three people being injured and transported to the hospital.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the crash occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m., on U.S. Hwy. 29, about a mile north of Gantt.

ALEA reported that a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria driven by Anthony O’Riley Tillis, 19, of Andalusia crashed head-on with a 2019 Nissan Altima driven by Amanda Nicole Lewis, 24, also of Andalusia. A 3-year-old passenger was riding with Lewis. All three were injured and transported from the scene to an area hospital.

Tillis was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was transported to Southeast Health, according to ALEA.

No further information will be provided as state troopers continue its investigation.