FLORENCE- The following people have been indicted by the most recent Lauderdale County Grand Jury:

1. Christen Renea Wiley, 29, 614 High St., Florence, is charged with three counts of chemical endangerment of a child and one count of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia
2. Dylan Scott Cosby, 22, 145 Greer St., Rogersville; third-degree burglary and third-degree theft of property.
3.  Cody Carl Lowery, 22, 1205 Spring Valley Road, Tuscumbia; second-degree promoting prison contraband, second-degree possession of marijuana, driving under the influence and driving while license suspended.
4. Tina Marie White, 46, 201 West Dublin Road, Madison; unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
5. Bobby James Haddock, 20, 1313 Dayton St., Florence; obstructing justice by giving false identification to law enforcement.
6. Thaddeus Tyrone Weeden, 25, 134 Indiana Ave., Florence; first-degree possession of marijuana.
7. Shanna Ashley Jimerson, 40, 5179 Lauderdale 47, Florence; third-degree theft of property and third-degree possession of a forged instrument.
8. Clint Allen Boswell, 33, 84 Five Points Road, Loretto, Tennessee; unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, theft of property and violation of the open container of alcohol.
9. Christina Noel McCullough, 32, 148 Fairgrounds Road, Florence; unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, second-degree promoting prison contraband and traffic violations.
10. Teanna S. Bankhead, 25, 105 Davis Court, Florence; unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, second-degree possession of marijuana and second-degree promoting prison contraband.
11. Baronoski Demetrius Church, 42, 2261 Maple Ave., Florence; first-degree theft of property and attempted first-degree theft of property.
12. Christina A. Scoggins, 24, 115 Alice St., Tuscumbia; unlawful possession of a controlled substance and second-degree possession of marijuana.
13. Kandice Elaine Brinson, 28, 101 Fox Fire Drive, Florence; unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
14. Rhonda Gail Stults, 37, 25 High Ridge Drive, Tuscumbia; unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
15. Steven Lynn Keeton, 60, 1042 N. Royal Ave., Florence; third-degree burglary and fourth-degree theft of property.
16. Anton Daurel Mason, 27, 1109 E. 20th St., Sheffield; first-degree criminal mischief
17. Haleigh Grace Staggs, 22, 1049 Little Egypt Road, Tuscumbia; third-degree theft of property.
18. Layken Danielle Cassel, 22, 1202 Long Lowe Court, Sheffield; third-degree theft of property.
19. Bethany Ann Tucker, 31, 265 Bradford St., Florence; unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
20. Angela Simpson Yancey, 27, 150 Baker Ave., Bear Creek; unlawful possession of a controlled substance and traffic violations.
21. William Stanley Lanon, 54, 502 Staunton Ave., Florence; third-degree theft of property, fourth-degree theft of property and fraudulent use of a credit card.
22. Crystal Gail Lanon, 41, 502 Staunton Ave., Florence; fraudulent use of a credit card, third-degree theft of property and fourth-degree theft of property.
23. Tamra Lechele Allen, 33, 245 McConnell Road, Killen; unlawful possession of a drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of a controlled substance x 2.
24. Nathan Samuel Nixon, 33, 380 Weinbaum Lane, Muscle Shoals; unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
25. Michael Clint Fritts, 42, 213 Pine Brooke Drive, Florence; unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
26. Dewey Kendall Irons, 59, 1975 Darby Drive, Florence; unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
27.  Arthur Lee King, 57, 315 N. Crown St., Florence; unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and second-degree possession of marijuana.
28. Curtis Wayne Quinn, 45, 4481 Alabama 157, Florence; unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
29. Samuel Paul Stockman, 35, 1344 Lawrence 241, Moulton; third-degree robbery.
30. James Daniel Moss, 35, 1725 Marlborough Boulevard, Florence; second-degree assault, resisting arrest and third-degree criminal trespassing.
31. Nathan Andrew Faulkner, 30, 73 Shadow Brook Drive, Florence; possession of a forged instrument and fourth-degree theft of property.
32. Jeremy Dale Benson, 38, 17910 Alabama 20, Waterloo; domestic violence strangulation/suffocation, domestic violence second-degree assault, domestic violence third-degree assault, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
33. Theodore Shawntez Edwards, 28, 229 N. Spurr St., Florence; third-degree receiving stolen property and second-degree extortion.
34. Candace LsShea Chaney, 23, 1004 Lauderdale 74, Rogersville; unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
35. Michael Glenn Pierce, 27, 318 Graceland Drive, Florence; unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
36. Mark Thomas Derwin, 37, 6055 Craig Road, Cypress Inn, Tennessee; unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
37. Charles Bradley Montgomery, 33, Florence; first-degree theft of property.
38. Dakota Austin Heard, 24, 2500 Lauderdale 178, Waterloo; unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
39. Christopher Donald Pusser, 37, 333 Virginia Ave., Florence; unlawful possession of a controlled substance, domestic violence third-degree harassment and second-degree unlawful false imprisonment.
40. Shannon Witt Darby, 43, 110 Betsy Ross Lane, Florence; unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
41. Wendell Bryan Pitts, 35, 1224 E. Limestone St., Florence; possession of a firearm with an altered identification number.
42. Raymond Adam Moore, 39, Florence; domestic violence strangulation/suffocation, domestic violence third-degree assault and domestic violence third-degree menacing.
43. Daniel Franks Fay, 37, 2910 Lauderdale 14, Florence; unlawful possession of a controlled substance, reckless endangerment, driving while license revoked and other traffic violations.
44. Samuel Isaiah Woods, 24, 3446 Lauderdale 126, Waterloo; domestic violence strangulation/suffocation, felony domestic violence third-degree assault and inference with a domestic violence emergency call.
45. Tania Roberts Modas, 46, 1693 Anderson Ridge, Grant; first-degree theft of property.
46. Jeffrey Bernard Taylor Jr., 20, 401 E. 17th St., Sheffield; first-degree possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
47. Charlene Chantel Ayers, 28, 185 Blaze Drive, Florence; unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
48. John Jeffrey McKeon, 65, 13601 U.S. 72, Rogersville; second-degree assault, resisting arrest, attempting to elude law enforcement and disorderly conduct.
49. Tiffany Nicole Cates Sides, 31, 7425 Fairview Banner Road, Golden, Mississippi; forgery, theft of property and receiving stolen property.
50. Megan Kimberly Hacker, 24, 425 W. Tennessee St., Florence; possession of a forged instrument and theft of property.
51. David Earl Williams, 35, 380 Lauderdale 11, Florence; two counts of breaking and entering a motor vehicle and three counts of fourth-degree theft of property.
52. Jana Jernigan MacZeiwski, 44, 63 Lauderdale 587, Rogersville; unlawful possession of a controlled substance, second-degree possession of a controlled substance marijuana and three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
53. Jeremy Heath Mansell, 40, 500 Lesley Lane, Tuscumbia; breaking and entering a motor vehicle, possession of burglary tools, third-degree criminal mischief and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
54. Zmarcus Donshea Goodloe, 22, 74 Stewart St., Tuscumbia; breaking and entering a motor vehicle, possession of burglary tools, third-degree criminal mischief and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
55. Jeremy Lee Briggs, 37, 4837 Alabama 101, Rogersville; unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, second-degree possession of marijuana and illegal possession of alcohol.
56. Charles Tyrek Nixon, 20, 122 E. Lee Ave., Florence; obstruction of justice by giving law enforcement false identification.

Source: Lauderdale County Courthouse

PHIL CAMPBELL — Northwest-Shoals Community College’s (NW-SCC) Alpha Zeta Iota Chapter (Phil Campbell Campus) of Phi Theta Kappa will host an Honors Forum, A Culture in Conflict: Freedom of Speech on the College Campus, Tuesday, November 7, 2017.

The public forum will be held at 11:30 a.m. of the Lou B. Bevill Center on the Phil Campbell Campus of NW-SCC.

Each year, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society focuses on a central honors study topic. This year’s topic is, How the World Works: Global Perspectives.

The 2017 forum will explore First Amendment rights and responsibilities on the college campus and community. The panel will also discuss the divisive issues that lead to often violent confrontations between those with opposing beliefs and ideologies.

The panelists for the forum are Kenneth Brackins, Psychology Instructor at NW-SCC; Dr. Timmy James, Associate Dean of Instructional Programs; Brad Pool, History Instructor; Michael McClung, English Instructor at NW-SCC; and Kym Robinson, Speech Instructor at NW-SCC.

According to Pam Peters, advisor for the Alpha Zeta Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, forum topics are selected by the Phi Theta Kappa officers. “We are very excited about this forum,” said Peters. “Our officers have chosen this year’s topic with a hope that it will have a positive impact on our community.”

There is no charge for admission and the public is invited to attend.
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MUSCLE SHOALS, ALA. — Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) recently received a Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant of $70,168 each year for four years. The grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

The CCAMPIS program supports the participation of low-income parents in postsecondary education through the provision of campus-based child care services. The goal of the program is to increase access to affordable childcare for low-income students, provide academic support and enrichment opportunities through the NW-SCC Child Development Program located on the Shoals campus.

CCAMPIS funding will be provided to students who qualify for the federal Pell Grant, are the parent of one or more children and currently attend NW-SCC. Meeting the aforementioned qualifications does not guarantee students will be awarded CCAMPIS funding.

NW-SCC was the only college in the state of Alabama awarded 2017 CCAMPIS funding. The CCAMPIS program is 100 percent federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

Students interested in applying for the CCAMPIS program can contact Jacque Jefferys at 256-331-5245 or email jjefferys@nwscc.edu.

FLORENCE, Ala. – The University of North Alabama’s Chem-E-Car beat out scores of international competition to place third overall in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) 19th Annual Chem-E-Car Competition.

The collegiate event features cars ranging in size from shoeboxes to fire hydrants powered by alternative fuels. The competition highlights the important role chemical engineers have played in the creation of today’s existing fuels and the role they’ll play in future development.

The cars were created using a wide array of materials and fueling methods. Teams qualified by placing at various regional competitions throughout the year. One hour before the competition, the students are told the amount of water their cars must carry and the distance the cars must travel. The students must then quickly calculate the appropriate chemical reaction.

UNA’s team, which is housed in the Engineering Technology program, placed third overall with a car powered by electricity, making it environmentally friendly.

Dr. Peter Rim, UNA’s director and department chair for Engineering Technology said the third-place finish is another impressive victory for the team, who are in their first year of participating in the Chem-E-Car Competition.

“We knew, due to extensive practice sessions, the team was prepared to do well,” Rim said. “However, to maintain the poise and success the team demonstrated when matched against leading engineering schools like Cornell, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Maryland, Virginia Tech, and Georgia Tech, was remarkable”

Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember took home the $2,000 first prize, sponsored by Chevron, with a pressurized car that used oxygen, created as the result of a decomposition reaction of hydrogen peroxide and ferric chloride.

The University of California, Irvine, took home second place using a fuel source that consisted of hydrogen gas produced using solid magnesium and hydrochloric acid, which was then fed into a 20-watt hydrogen fuel cell to power the car.

This year, there were several international teams representing Greece, Hong Kong, India, China, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and Colombia.

Oakwood Cemetery in Sheffield

SHEFFIELD– More than 140 heroes of the Shoals area will be honored Sunday, Nov. 12 at Oakwood Cemetery in Sheffield.
A ceremony will pay tribute to 42 Revolutionary War soldiers who are buried in Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale counties and to 101 civilians who died in the Shoals while working for the War Department during World War I and were buried at Oakwood Cemetery. The one-hour ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m. Pre-ceremony music, by a brass quintet from the U.S. Army, begins at 2 p.m.

Oakwood Cemetery is located at 3523 N. Jackson Hwy, Sheffield, across from Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and Museum.
Joel Mize, an organizer of the ceremony, said the event will honor all of those who fight for freedom, past, present and future and bring awareness to the local American Revolution veterans and recognize the sacrifices of civilian workers in the Shoals who helped with the construction of Wilson Dam and nearby munitions plants during World War I. Mize said a monument honoring the defense workers buried at Oakwood will be unveiled on Memorial Day 2018.
Keynote speaker for the ceremony is Sue Bell Cobb, a retired Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. Other speakers include representatives of the Sons of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution, American Legion Post 31 of Tuscumbia, Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation, Preservation Heritage Inc., Franklin County Archives and local elected officials. Post ceremony music by the Army brass quintet will follow.
For more details call 256-383-0783.

Coffee & Tees at 1201 Woodward Avenue in Muscle Shoals

MUSCLE SHOALS–Today is a very special day for coffee lovers in the Shoals Area. Coffee & Tees is having their grand opening with lots of free food and door prizes. Owners Sam Fuller and Jonathan Cannon are asking all of their friends to come out and join in the excitement.

Coffee & Tees is located right next to Wendy’s Hamburgers on Woodward Avenue. Prizes and food will be given away until 6:00 pm Friday. On top of your favorite coffee, they also have an extensive screen printing operation to make t-shirts. Coffee & Tees is also a veteran-owned business.

Door prizes will be from Rattlesnake Saloon and Replays Video Games. Hours of operation are 6:30 am until 6:00 pm Monday thru Friday and 10:00 am until 4:00 pm on Saturday. They will be closed on Sunday.

Call 1-800-584-8536. or check out their website TSHIRTSGALORENMORE.COM.

Tiffin Motorhome Founder Bob Tiffin

RED BAY–Tiffin Motorhomes founder, Bob Tiffin, will be presented with the National RV Dealers Association’s (RVDA) Titan Award on Nov. 29. This award recognizes pioneering efforts of individuals whose energy and vision helped create outstanding manufacturing firms in the RV industry. The award will be presented during a special RV Industry Awards reception at 7:30 p.m. at the Mercury Ballroom in Louisville, KY, in conjunction with the National RV Trade Show.

In December 1972, Tiffin and a small production staff built the first two Allegro motorhomes in a cotton warehouse not far from the present assembly lines in Red Bay, Alabama. The first design started with a hefty steel frame on a Chevrolet truck chassis, followed by 16-gauge structural steel skirts. This was a first in the RV industry, where competitors were using plywood for the skirts covered with a fiberglass or aluminum exterior skin.

Bob’s wife, Judy, worked beside him every day from December 1972 to April 2004. They shared a large office, with Judy planning, designing, and buying the materials for the interiors while Bob oversaw the production. During their first year, Tiffin Motorhomes built one unit per day. Judy’s desk with her brass nameplate on it is still there for her occasional visits. Together, they attend nearly every Allegro Rally, dealer shows, and major industry events.

Tiffin learned the importance of customer service from his father, Alex, whose policy was, “If you don’t treat people fairly, you can’t look them in the eye.” By applying this motto every day, Tiffin has set the benchmark for top-tier customer service which has become a legend in the RV Industry and provided the company with a competitive edge. Today, Tiffin Motorhomes is one of the few privately-owned RV manufacturers. The company has over 1,800 employees in its six different plant locations.

Heroin and Meth found on the two suspects

MOULTON-Lawrence County authorities tell ShoalsInsider.com have charged two Florence men with Trafficking heroin and possession of methamphetamine or what it is more commonly known as “Ice”.

Greg Lee Riley

According to Lawrence County Sheriff Gene Mitchell, Gregory Lee Riley, 47, of 413 Roxie Drive, and Dale Alan Kujath, 49, of 1004 Sherrod Avenue, both of Florence, were each charged with drug trafficking, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dale Alan Kujath

Mitchell says the arrests came as a result of a routine traffic stop along Hwy. 157 in Lawrence County.

A drug dog was called in and indicated there were drugs located in the car. The large cache of heroin (17 grams) was found in the passenger and driver door panels. A smaller amount of meth (4 grams) was found, along with drug paraphernalia.

According to Michell, Riley, who was driving the vehicle, refused to give consent to search the automobile. Agents then obtained a search warrant to search for drugs.

Drug agents believe Kujath and Riley were purchasing heroin and meth in Birmingham to sell in the Shoals area.

The two men are being held in the Lawrence County Detention Center on $55,000 bail.

ShoalsInsider.com – Keeping You Informed

FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama Steele Center for Professional Selling is teaming up with Gold Benefits Membership program to offer a new product for the University community – Mane Benefits

Dr. Tim Butler, director of the Steele Center for Professional Selling and assistant professor of marketing in the College of Business, said he got the idea for the program from another institution.  

“I went to a conference and I spoke to a professor at Stetson University who was doing this thing called Hatter Benefits; their mascot is the Hatters,” Butler said.  “They have a school of about 3,000 students and the more I spoke with him about the program, the more I thought it would work well at UNA.”

Gold Benefits is a retail loyalty program that currently collaborates with Stetson to create a network of retailers who give some percentage off products or food to people who are members of the program.  Butler said Gold Benefits happened to be looking to expand to other schools.

“So the timing couldn’t have been better,” he said.  “The main benefit, pun intended, is an experiential learning opportunity for our advanced selling students.  Now, they can go out and work with the local community in a sales scenario, have those conversations and make a sale in real life,” Butler said.

According to Butler, the program will have many advantages, including having the program managed by students in the Professional Selling sequence.

“At the University level it’s the ability to connect with the community,” Butler said.  “But it’s also about student, faculty and staff satisfaction.  So this provides a benefit to being a part of the university since UNA is behind it.”

However, don’t go using the term discount. Butler said that tends to confuse people because it’s really a benefit.

“Our model is different.  We charge merchants a small fee to be a part of it and then we give the cards away for free, ”he said.

Butler said there are currently three different levels businesses can be a part of, with the highest level costing $249 annually.  With that you get added advertising through the Sales Center website, social media accounts and visibility on display boards around campus.  Currently, there are 13 businesses involved and that list, along with more information about the program, is located at manebenefits.com.

Butler said the current program has been in place for just over a month now, but feedback has been good so far.  And while they hope to continue to add more businesses, they’re mainly excited about the teaching possibilities.

“The main goal is to provide experiential learning and promote what we’re doing over here in the Steele Center,” Butler said.  “Everything else is just icing on the cake!”

For more information on Mane Benefits and the Steele Center for Professional Selling: http://www.unasalescenter.com/index.html

FLORENCE–Authorities are on the scene of a possible homicide at a residence in the 300 block of South Magnolia Street.

Around 11 pm Sunday, Nov 5th, police officers received a call on a welfare check on a resident on N Franklin St., in east Florence.

According to investigators, when they located an individual he advised that an incident occurred on S Magnolia St.

“Officers then went to the residence and found a deceased female,” said Detective Greg Cobb.

Authorities then established a crime scene and contacted investigators, who are currently talking with witnesses and family members to establish a timeline of events.

Cobb continued, “We do not have anyone in custody at this time,”

Crime scene investigators are searching the residence to collect any evidence that will help determine what occurred and who might be involved.

At this time police are not releasing any names until all family members are notified and they are able to determine what occurred.

Florence Police are asking for anyone that has any information to come forward with it.

You may contact Florence Police at 256-760-6610 or text a tip to 274637 using keyword FPDTIP plus your message.

Jeff Roland

ShoalsInsider.com – Keeping You Informed

FLORENCE–Authorities are investigating the murder of a Florence woman at 308 Magnolia Street. According to investigators, the female has been identified as Judy Staten, 38, from Florence.

Police say Staten was shot one time.  “Her body has been taken to the Department of Forensic Science for an autopsy,” said Florence Detective Greg Cobb.

Investigators are currently talking with witnesses and family members to establish a timeline of events.

Police do not have anyone in custody.

Police are asking for anyone that has any information to come forward. You may contact Florence Police at 256-760-6610 or text a tip to 274637 using keyword FPDTIP plus your message.

Jeff Roland

ShoalsInsider.com – Keeping You Informed

Eric Bailey

FLORENCE–Authorities have made an arrest in connection with the murder of 38-year-old Judy Staten, who was found shot to death in a home on South Magnolia Street early Monday morning.

Florence Detective Greg Cobb tells ShoalsInsider.com that 49-year-old Eric D. Bailey has been charged in the murder of Staten.

Judy Staten

“Ms. Staten’s body has been sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Huntsville for an autopsy,” said Cobb.

“From all outward appearances, she appears to have been shot once,” Cobb continued.

Some have speculated Bailey and Staten were involved romantically.

Officers learned of the shooting while doing a welfare check late Sunday night at a nearby home.

Bailey, who according to courthouse records has prior arrests and convictions, is being held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond on a single charge of murder.

Florence Municipal Judge Chris Smith has placed a hold on Bailey where he must appear in city court prior to making bond.

Jeff Roland

ShoalsInsider.com – Keeping You Informed

TUSCALOOSA – The University of Alabama football team began the new week of practice with an hour and 15 minutes of work in helmets and shorts on Monday afternoon at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields.

The Crimson Tide returned to the field for the first time following Saturday’s 24-10 win over then-No.19 LSU. Alabama will hit the road this weekend when the Tide heads to Starkville to take on the No. 16/18/18 Mississippi State Bulldogs this Saturday, Nov. 11, at Davis Wade Stadium. The divisional showdown is scheduled for a 6 p.m. CT kickoff on ESPN. Dave Pasch and Greg McElroy will call the game from the booth with Tom Luginbill on the sidelines.

The Bulldogs enter Saturday’s game with a 7-2 overall record, including a 3-2 mark in SEC play. Mississippi State is led by head coach Dan Mullen, who is now in his ninth year in Starkville. Mullen has a career record of 67-44 in Starkville but owns an 0-8 mark against the Crimson Tide.

Alabama and Mississippi State will meet for the 102nd time in a series that dates back to 1896. The Tide holds the all-time advantage, 81-17-3 (79-18-3 after vacations/forfeits) in the series, and has won nine consecutive meetings in the matchup. The Crimson Tide defeated the Bulldogs, 31-6, in Alabama’s last visit to Davis Wade Stadium in 2015 and won the most recent meeting, 51-3, in Tuscaloosa in 2016. UA holds an all-time advantage of 17-4 (16-4 after vacations) in games played in Starkville.

Nick Saban met with the media prior to practice on Monday afternoon. Following is his opening statement:

“To wrap up the last game after watching the film, I would say it was a classic rivalry game, like a lot of games that we’ve had with LSU. I think that at times we didn’t execute as well as we would’ve liked, and we certainly have a lot of things that we can clean up and work on fundamentally – technique-wise – and playing on the line of scrimmage. The players showed a lot of persistence, determination and discipline to be able to stay in the game in a tough, hard-fought game, to come out on top and win the game. It was probably a good lesson for everybody to have to deal with; I talked about it after the game, responding the right way because things don’t (always) go well. We’re playing lots of good teams right now, and we’re going to play another good team this week. There’s going to be a lot of tough circumstances and sometimes those guys are going to win, and you’ve got to be able to respond and play the next play, so that’s something we learned some lessons about in this game.

“You got the players of the week, but it’s especially nice to have a guy recognized with Ronnie Harrison as the SEC Defensive Player of the Week. JK Scott, in terms of special teams, received national Ray Guy (Player of the Week) recognition for what he did in the game. We talked about that after the game; to average 51 yards per punt and have six or seven of them land inside the 20 is pretty significant in controlling vertical field position, and that was really important in the game.

“It’s going to be really important for us to create some opportunities for some other people, as we’ve got some guys nicked up a little bit. I don’t think that this is something that anybody should sit around and say ‘Wow, I’m going to have to pick up my game now’. I think everybody should’ve been picking up their game to start with. Everybody has just got to be who they are, do what they do and be a good teammate by supporting the players that are out there and by playing together as a unit while doing their job. That’s the way we need to go about it.

“Mississippi State is a really good team as they’ve won seven games this year. (Head coach) Dan (Mullen) has done a really good job in the years that he’s been there. He’s a great offensive coach, and he always presents a lot of issues and problems for the defense to adjust to. Nick Fitzgerald has done a really good job at quarterback. He’s a very good passer, a great runner and a big, physical, strong guy that they use both ways. They’ve been very consistent in their run-pass and the mix of what they do and how they do it. Their defense has shown tremendous improvement. Todd Grantham is the new defensive coordinator there, and they’ve really done well this year as they’re one of the top-ranked defensive teams in the country. They’re really solid on special teams, as they’re highly ranked in almost every category in the SEC in special teams, and their specialists (kicker and punter) have done a really good job for them. This is all-around a really good team and a really challenging place to play, and our players need be able to respond to it the right way.

“I’m sure you all know, as I said after the game, Shaun Dion (Hamilton) had a successful surgery. This is something he’ll be able to respond to in a few months and hopefully be able to come back and have an opportunity to do some things to extend his career. Mack (Wilson) had foot injury that will probably put him out four to six weeks; we’ll just have to play it by ear and see how fast it heals. We’ve got some other guys that are nicked up that may not practice today, but we think they’ll be ready to go tomorrow and be able to do enough to be ready to play in the game.”

Source: University Athletic Dept.

FLORENCE — The University of North Alabama continues its pursuit of a possible 2017 Gulf South Conference football crown when the Lions travel to Pensacola, Fla., Saturday to take on West Florida at Blue Wahoos Stadium at 4 p.m. (Central).

North Alabama, 4-4 overall, is the four-time defending GSC champion and is part of a four-team race for the 2017 title. West Alabama is control of its own destiny at 6-1 in league play, with UNA, Valdosta State and West Georgia all at 4-2. West Alabama would need to lose at Valdosta State this Saturday and UNA would need to win its final two GSC games against West Florida and Mississippi College to earn a share of a title.

“Our players understand what’s at stake and what they are still playing for a possible conference championship,” said UNA head coach Chris Willis. “Getting up and ready to play won’ be a problem. We just have to execute what we do against a good football team and limit our mistakes. We also still have a lot of people who are questionable from an injury stand-point and some we won’t know about until game time.”

UNA enters the game with West Florida boasting one of the premier defenses in the NCAA Division II, particularly against the pass. UNA is second in the nation in interceptions with 17, fifth in total turnovers gained (24), seventh for fewest passin yards allowed (1,222), third for fewest passing yards allowed per completion (9.70), eighth in pass efficieny defense (93.63), 13th in total defense (283.9) and 19th in scoring defense (17.3). North Alabama’s defense has only allowed four passing touchdowns all season and has not allowed a single passing TD in its last three games.

West Florida counters with a passing offense led by freshman quarterback Mike Beaudry who is 26th in Division II with 254.3 passing yards per game. The UNA defense has already faced three of the top passing quarterbacks in the NCAA Division II this season. Texas A&M-Commerce quarterback Luis Perez leads Division II with an average of 331 passing yards per game – but he threw for just 179 against UNA, was picked off three times and Commerce did not score a touchdown in the game. West Alabama’s Harry Satterwhite is ranked 22nd nationally at 257.8 passing yards per game. UNA held him to 181 passing yards. Central Washington’s Reilly Hennesey averages 215.8 passing yards per game but picked up just 128 against UNA and was intercepted twice.

“West Florida is a very good football team and one that is well coached with a good up-and-coming quarterback,” Willis said. “Not only do you have to be aware of the quarterback but they also have a strong group of receivers. Their defense is also way ahead of where it was last year. They are strong up front and get after your quarterback.”

This will be the first trip for a UNA football team to Pensacola, Fla., and will be just the second meeting between North Alabama and West Florida, with the Argonauts having just begun their program in 2016. UNA dominated the only previous meeting, 51-3, last year in Florence. UNA gained 528 yards of total offense and held UWF to just 172 yards. The Lions led 34-3 after one quarter and 48-3 at the half.

After a 4-1 start, West Florida has lost two of its last three games and stands at 5-3. The Argonauts had their second game of the year against Midwestern State canceled due to the threat of hurricanes.

UNA has faced the toughest schedule in Division II this season, according to the latest NCAA statistics, with an opponents winning percentage of .682. All four teams that have defeated the Lions this season are currently ranked in the Division II Top 25 with Central Washington seventh, Texas A&M-Commerce ninth, West Alabama 23rd and West Georgia 25th.

UNA senior receiver Dre Hall needs one catch against Wst Florida to break the all-time NCAA Division II record for catches in consecutive games at 45. He has caught at least one pass in every game that he has played at UNA and is in a three-way tie for the current record at 44.

Alabama’s Death Chamber

(MONTGOMERY) – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall welcomed a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court clearing the way for the execution of Vernon Madison. Madison has been on Alabama’s death row for 32 years for the 1985 murder of Mobile police officer Julius Schulte.

“Today’s unanimous decision of the Supreme Court confirms the State’s argument that Vernon Madison is competent to be executed for the murder he committed more than 30 years ago,” said Attorney General Marshall. “The Supreme Court correctly overturned the federal appeals court ruling blocking Madison’s execution on the grounds he did not remember the crime he committed due to health reasons. Accordingly, the State will pursue a new execution date as soon as possible.”

On Monday, the Supreme Court agreed with the State court’s decision that Madison was competent to be executed. “The state court did not unreasonably apply Panetti and Ford when it determined that Madison is competent to be executed because – notwithstanding his memory loss – he recognizes that he will be put to death as punishment for the murder he was found to have committed,” the Justices wrote.

On April 18, 1985, Vernon Madison shot and killed Cpl. Julius Schulte of the Mobile Police Department while the officer sat in his unmarked patrol car. Schulte was shot twice in the back of the head at close range. Madison was subsequently found guilty of capital murder and has been on death row since 1985.

“This is but the latest example of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning an 11th Circuit Court ruling blocking an Alabama execution,” added Attorney General Marshall. “Hopefully, the Supreme Court’s wisdom will continue to prevail and allow Alabama executions to go forward.”

Attorney General Marshall commended Solicitor General Andrew Brasher and former Deputy Solicitor General Brett Talley for their exemplary work in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.

FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama is set to honor those who have served the country both past and present.  UNA’s annual Veteran’s Day Commemoration Ceremony will take place Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., at the UNA Memorial Amphitheater (Wesleyan Hall Auditorium in case of inclement weather).

Each year, the event is co-sponsored by the UNA Student Government Association, the UNA Military and Veteran Alliance, honors students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community Veterans from all branches of the military and uniformed services. 

Retired Lt. Col. Rick Cobb ’87, of the Florence Lauderdale Emergency Management Agency will be the featured speaker for the ceremony which will also include performances from the Pride of Dixie band and the University Chorale.  The entire Shoals community is invited to attend.

“Given the uncertainty in our world today, with constantly emerging and ever-increasing threats, it is important that as a nation we pause to remember and honor the less than one percent of our nation’s citizens who serve to defend it,” said retired Lt. Col. Dr. Wayne P. Bergeron, chair of the UNA Veterans Day Committee and assistant professor of Criminal Justice and Security and Emergency Management at UNA.  “This event is simply about remembering and recognizing the sacrifice of those great Americans among us.”

UNA has a long history and affiliation with military service having commissioned 1,183 Second Lieutenants from the Army ROTC program.  Additionally, UNA students, alumni, faculty, and staff have served in every U.S. conflict and in all branches of the military since the U.S. Civil War.

For information about the UNA Veteran’s Day Commemoration Ceremony or the UNA Military and Veteran Alliance:  Wayne P. Bergeron at wpbergeron@una.edu.

By Dr. Wayne P. Bergeron

The Insider is going to highlight a local team each week throughout the playoffs. This week we will take a look at the Wilson Warriors. Wilson heads into the playoffs with a 9-1 record, ranked 7th in the state in class 4A. Wilson’s only loss was to an undefeated Rogers team that is ranked 2nd in the state in 4A. Wilson faces Cordova at home this week. Wilson will have Tucker Brown at QB. He has had an amazing year so far. He is a dual threat, passing for 2000 yards and rushing for 600. They also have senior OL/DL Dalton Elam. Elam stands 6’6″ and weighs 250 LB. He transferred from Brooks where he was a 3-year starter and part of two Region 8 championship teams. One in 4A and one in 5A. Elam has had an amazing year on offense and defense. He reeks havoc on opposing offenses helping Wilson hold opponents to 12 points a game. He had 3 sacks and a blocked punt last week against playoff contender Randolph. Wilson has not won a playoff game in 20 years. This could be the year Wilson goes deep into the playoffs.

Local Playoff Schedule

Class 1A

Thursday

Woodville at Hackleburg

Waterloo at Cedar Bluff

Coosa Christian at Cherokee

Sheffield at Fyffe

Locust Fork at Colbert Heights

Lauderdale County at J.B. Pennington

West Point at Brooks

Friday

Phillips at Spring Garden

Mars Hill at Sand Rock

Colbert County at Fultondale

Haleyville at Rogers

Cordova at Wilson

Deshler at Dora

Florence at Pinson Valley

Gardendale at Muscle Shoals

BY ROBERT HAMILTON