A two-vehicle crash Thursday, May 26, has claimed the life of a Decatur woman.  Louann Jennings Speegle, 69, was killed when the 2012 Toyota Tacoma she was driving collided with a 2014 Isuzu truck driven by Tyler Jacob Pitzing, 26, of Cullman.  Speegle was transported to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where she died at 4:47 p.m. Pitzing was also injured and transported to UAB Hospital.  The crash occurred at 12:50 p.m. on Winston County 41, three miles north of Arley.  Nothing further is available as Alabama State Troopers continue to investigate.

Five years and one month after the devastating tornado on April 27, 2011, which destroyed the Hackleburg school, the first class graduated from the new facility Thursday night, May 26. Thirty-seven members of the Hackleburg High School Class of 2016 received diplomas in the auditorium/gym of the beautiful new building. The strikingly beautiful structure houses both the Hackleburg Elementary and High School and provided a stark contrast to the portable classrooms the students have utilized during the years of planning and construction of the new school. This was truly a historical event.

Congratulations to the Hackleburg High School Class of 2016 and to the faculty, staff and the Marion County School Board for providing the education and having the faith to rebuild the schools in such a beautiful way.

Jose Oreste Garcia                                    Christopher Lee Chambless

After several months of investigation. on May 24, the Winston County Sheriffs Office executed a search warrant on Jose Garcia’s residence located on Beech Grove Road in Haleyville. Found at the residence and located on the property was methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a firearm, and money.

Arrested at the scene were Jose O. Garcia, age 66, who as charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Christopher Lee Chambless, age 34 who was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawfully carrying a pistol.

Involved in the investigation were Winston County Sheriffs Office Investigators Josh Silas and Brad Curtis and Chief Deputy Bryan Kirkpatrick and Deputy Caleb Snoddy. Reserve Deputies Heather Hardy and Horace Moore. Chief Shane Whitten of the Bear Creek Police Department with his K-9 “Bama.”