West Alabama Wednesday Briefing
It is Wednesday May 15, 2024.
Today is National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Every May 15th Peace Officers Memorial Day pays tribute to local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice or been injured in the line of duty. The observance takes place during Police Week.
According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, more than 800,000 law enforcement officers serve in the United States today. Each year, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial adds new names to the wall. The average is 163 deaths per year. Fallen law enforcement officers represent all levels of law enforcement, including local, state, federal, tribal, and military law enforcement. They are family members, husbands, wives, parents, sons, and daughters.
We remember Officer Garrett Crumby and Officer Kennis Croom, the most recent officers with Tuscaloosa ties. Former TPD officer Crumby was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call in Huntsville. Former TPD officer Croom died when shot while also responding to a domestic disturbance call while off duty. His actions saved the lives of two children.
We remember them, their families, friends and fellow officers on this day and every day.
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There is a Slight (2 in 5) Risk for strong to severe storms across West Alabama Friday. Click HERE for the details.
The Forecast:
Day three of union voting at the Vance Mercedes Plant and Woodstock Battery Plant are underway. So far, no serious issues have been reported. However, outside the plant pro and anti-union voices continue to be raised.
Left wing former Clinton Administration Secretary of Labor Robert Reich posted on X (formerly twitter) allegations that Mercedes had conducted union busting activities. However, the claims he made actually are allowed by the National Labor Relations Act.
More state leaders continue to caution that unionization may not be all that it is claimed to be and urged employees to consider future ramifications such as job cutbacks.
The Northport police department has issued a scammer warning for area residents.
NPD reports scammers are making phone calls and claiming to be “Sgt. Landon Rosser” and saying you didn’t come to court on a subpoena.
Remember, the Northport Police Department will not call and ask you for money for any reason at all.
See: Northport Police Department Warning
Creation of the specialized school will immerse students in the training and skills needed to fill understaffed healthcare positions in the state.
The school will be free for high school students across the state who are interested in a healthcare industry career.
Prayers were offered at last night's Tuscaloosa City Council meeting in remembrance of 34-year education veteran Tuscaloosa educator Shelly Jones. She passed away Friday at the age of84.
Council President Kip Tyner called Jones a legend, not only as an educator but as a philanthropist.
A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00pm Monday at Tuscaloosa First Presbyterian Church.
The Tuscaloosa City Council has authorized the Tuscaloosa Police Department to accept a $20,802 donation from Innisfree Pub and Rounders, two downtown bars that are community oriented. The funds will be utilized to purchase a new K9 and support material.
District 4 Councilman Lee Busby told the council the new K9 will replace Diezel, a current K9 who is being retired due to medical reasons.
See: TUSCALOOSA BARS DONATE $20,000 TO REPLACE RETIRING POLICE DOG
Some 400 motorcyclists will stop briefly in Tuscaloosa next week during an 11-day ride across the country that starts in California and ends at the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
The annual Run for the Wall attracts more than 1,800 riders who take one of three routes from Ontario, California to the Wall in DC. The cross-country odyssey is to honor veterans, their families and their friends, and to raise awareness for Prisoners of War and the Missing in Action from all branches of the United States military.
Topping Sports News:
Stillman College made history, becoming the first HBCU to ever win an opening-round game of the NAIA Softball Tournament. The Tigers had nine hits that resulted in seven runs for the 7-3 win over Indiana Southeast.
On Tuesday, Stillman's historic run took a slight hit, with Stillman dropping to Jessup University 6-3. Jessup is the top seed in the NAIA Tournament.
Ivey Moreland led Stillman at the plate with two hits on three at-bats and two RBIs.
Stillman will now need to win two games today to reach Thursday's opening-round final.
Stillman (36-14) will meet Indiana University Southeast in an elimination game this afternoon at 2 p.m. The winner of that game will play again at 5 p.m. against the loser of Jessup and William Carey University.
See: STILLMAN FALLS SHORT ON NAIA TOURNAMENT DAY 2
American Christian Academy opens play this afternoon for the AHSAA 4A Baseball State Championship at 2:00 in Oxford. The Patriots face a tough Corner tea,
Tomorrow, the Hillcrest Patriots tackle Hartselle in a three-game series for the 6A high school title. First pitch is set for 2:00pm also in Oxford.
Three members of the Alabama women's tennis program were named to the College Sports Communicators' Academic All-District Team, the organization announced Tuesday.
It is the first appearance on the All-District Team for Klara Milicevic, while Anne Marie Hiser and Ola Pitak earn the honor for the second consecutive year.
To be nominated for the award, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA and must be at least a sophomore academically and athletically.
Additionally, the Tide's Sydney Orefice was named the 2023-24 Brad Davis Southeastern Conference Female Community Service Leader of the Year, Commissioner Greg Sankey announced Tuesday.
Orefice and Texas A&M tennis player Kenner Taylor were chosen by a committee of Faculty Athletics Representatives from SEC universities. Each will receive a $10,000 post-graduate scholarship, provided by the SEC.