QUAD CITIES POST – A two-vehicle crash at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2020, claimed the life of a Russellville senior adult. Milton W. Alexander, 82-year-old male, was killed when the 2013 Dodge Ram pickup he was driving was struck by a 2012 Ford Taurus, driven by 25-year-old Christian Garcia of Phil Campbell.  The crash occurred at the intersection of AL 243 and County Road 79 in Franklin County.  Alexander was unrestrained and died at the scene of the crash. The Franklin County Coroner, Charlie Adcox, pronounced Alexander deceased. Garcia was transported to the Russellville Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Nothing further is available as Alabama State Troopers continue to investigate.

ALEA_QUAD CITIES POST – A one-vehicle crash at 7:49 p.m. March 29, 2020, has claimed the life of a 2019 graduate of Phillips High School.  Andrew Wayne York, a 19-year-old male, was killed when he lost control of the 2005 Ford Mustang he was driving northbound on AL 237, a few miles south of Phil Campbell.  York was not wearing a seatbelt and died on the scene while being attended by medical personnel.  York was pronounced deceased by Franklin County Coroner, Charlie Adcox.  York’s juvenile passenger was not injured in the crash.  Nothing further is available as Alabama State Troopers continue to investigate.

MONTGOMERY – Because schools, businesses, and churches have closed indefinitely in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), more people are spending their free time on Alabama waterways.

Activity on Alabama’s lakes, rivers and other bodies of water typically increases during spring break season, but ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division Troopers have seen numbers spike during the past few days with COVID-19 closures. These Troopers are patrolling waterways daily, and they want everyone to have an enjoyable but safe time by adhering to Governor Kay Ivey’s order as it relates to combating the spread of the virus.

Alabama beaches were closed Thursday, March 19, but effective at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 28, all non-work related gatherings with 10 persons or more, or non-work related gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a consistent 6-foot distance between individuals, are prohibited.

Troopers with ALEA’s Marine Patrol remind boaters of social distancing, as well as water safety:

• The designated driver practice works just as well on the water as it does on the road. If boaters insist on having alcohol on board, make sure there is a designated driver.
• Be courteous and cautious.
• Follow boating rules. Know what to do in a head-to-head meeting and know the right-of-way rules and regulations.
• Make sure life jackets are accessible, in good condition, sized for the intended individual and U.S. Coast Guard-approved. There must be one personal flotation device (PFD) on board for each person on the boat that is sized and intended for that individual. Children younger than the age of 8 must wear PFDs.
• When boating at night, make sure the required navigation lights are on and in good working order. Operate at slower speeds and don’t venture into unfamiliar territory.
• Give other boaters plenty of room. Don’t operate too closely to private docks or the shoreline, and give skiers and swimmers a wide berth.
• Never overload a vessel. Follow the capacity plate guidelines.
• Make it a habit to check the vessel’s safety equipment before using the vessel — every time.

Sgt. Chad Pate, ALEA-Marine Patrol Division, Northern District Assistant Commander

As we are beginning to see positive COVID-19 people in our community, it is IMPERATIVE that we continue with social distancing. I realize this is an inconvenience, but it is the ONLY proven way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The CDC and the Alabama Department of Public Health are continuing to provide updates daily. We are continually revising our protocols as we receive those updates. I know we are a small community hospital, but I can tell you, we are prepared and equipped to care for our patients, you and your neighbors. The 6 ventilators, our Director of Respiratory secured is more than some larger hospitals and I’m sure you are watching the news and seeing what a valuable piece of equipment is in the treatment of COVID-19. I’d like to publicly thank Jennifer Spurgeon for the extra work and persistence to secure those ventilators. Our staff have all participated in additional infection control training and have been willing to learn and provide for the needs of our community. Our Facebook page is being updated daily, so if you have questions, please message us. In closing, if you see a health care worker out, please say a simple thank you. It means more than you know. We love our community. Stay in, stay calm, and Wash Your Hands.

Sincerely, Ashley

Winston County now has 2 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Walker County has 24, Marion 7, Franklin 3. Three deaths statewide.

Lakeland Community Hospital will be offering a Walk-In Fever & Flu Clinic beginning Monday, March 23. The clinic will be located at the Lakeland Family Practice, 42030 Highway 195 Suite C in the Professional Office Building adjacent to Lakeland Community Hospital. The hours are Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30. (205)485-7227.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 – MONTGOMERY – Following a joint press conference featuring Governor Kay Ivey, Secretary of State John H. Merrill, and Attorney General Steve Marshall, the March 31 Runoff Election will be postponed until July 14, 2020.

The Board of Education met Tuesday afternoon and approved the financial statements and expenditures for February in the amount of $1,417,114.27. The Board also approved amendments to the HHS fees, supplements and charges. Also approved was the purchase of two new full sized school buses for a total of $170,534.00. The purchase of a new lunchroom serving line for the HES for $69,908.00.

Four fundraisers were approved along with the retirement of Elizabeth Noble from the Haleyville Center of Technology.

The Board heard from Ray Forester about the upcoming 10th Annual Mark Forester Price of Freedom Race scheduled for May 16.Alabama Representative Tracy Estes was present to give an  update on the Legislature work in Montgomery. Of greatest concern was the bill which proposes to change the control of all the state school calendars from local control to Montgomery. Estes stated he was very much opposed to the change, based on his experience having served on the Winfield School Board. That sentiment was echoed by Superintendent Dr. Holly Sutherland and other members of the Board.

Dr. Sutherland stated in her report information about the school closing with plans for school to start back on April 6, but things can change. Discussions were being made about contingency plans if the school is closed longer than initially planned.

The Haleyville City Schools information can be found on its Facebook page and other social media. HBTV.us will pass along any plans or changes also.

The Haleyville City Council met Monday, March 16 at the Haleyville City Hall in an unusual setting. Everyone, including the Council members, were seated with several feet between each seat. Mayor Sunseri explained the City was simply following the basic guidelines set down by the Governor by spacing people and a sanitizing hand wash, both entering and leaving the room.

With Richard Bittinger absent Mayor Sunseri and the Council heard from Ray Forester who expressed his thanks for all the help each year and a reminder the 10th Annual Mark Forester Price of Freedom Race is scheduled for May 16. Mr. Forester stated this event has provided 25 scholarships to date.

The Council approved the general operating bills for February in the amount of $357,337.38 and a tax abatement for Gumbo and Jazz.

An award was made to Stix Contracting for pothole repair at various locations in the city. Stix had the low bid of $35,000. $9,400 was approved for a sand change in the City Pool filtration system.

The next scheduled Haleyville City Council meeting will be on Monday, April 6 at the Haleyville City Hall.