BAY MINETTE, Ala. On December 10, 2025, forty-four-year-old Jeremy Dane Windle of Malcom, Al was arrested by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office for the charges of Electronic Solicitation of a Child, Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful Sex Act, Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (fentanyl) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
This case stems from a joint online investigation conducted by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Windle solicited sex through electronic means with an officer posing as a female child.
Windle traveled from Washington County to Baldwin County to meet with the person he believed to be a minor child to engage in sexual activity. Windle was taken into custody without incident and declined to be interviewed by law enforcement.
Both the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and HSI remain committed to protecting children from these predators, whether in person or in the online environment.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FOLEY, Ala. A shooting in Foley in the 500 Block of Linda Court sent police and emergency services to the area at around 4 p.m.
Foley police said that one person was shot and transported by ambulance to an area hospital with serious injuries.
Foley police detectives believe that both the shooting victim and the shooter knew each other and was involved in an altercation but do not have any further details at this time.
Police that the shooter fled the area before police arrived.
Police said that the community is not in danger at this time.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
DAPHNE, Ala. Have you ever come out of a store, or your apartment or maybe a nightclub and found something locked onto your tire? If you’re from a big city or gone to a university, you probably recognize what that shiny piece of metal is.
This is called a car boot, and it’s not made for walking!
Also called a “wheellock”, its an impound device that prevents you from driving off after committing a parking violation. Cities nationwide use the boot to lock your vehicle in place because you have outstanding parking tickets. Colleges, universities and even hospitals use the boots to enforce their parking rules and won’t remove the device until you pay a fine.
Private parking enforcement companies in many areas also enforce parking regulations on private properties such as apartments, shopping centers, restaurants and various other businesses with the “boot”, and yes, it is legal. The parking lot must have signage warning drivers of the consequences for trespassing or parking where they shouldn’t and must have the parking company’s phone number displayed. Instead of having a tow truck tow your vehicle across town or to the other side of the county, the vehicle remains locked in place until you come back to your vehicle and pay the booting charge.
At least two private parking enforcement companies are operating in Mobile and Baldwin Counties and are booting vehicles on private properties that do not display their apartment or business permit, or park their vehicles in handicapped spaces, fire lanes, blocking dumpsters, or in other areas where parking isn’t allowed. The boot release fee is between $60-$75. These companies are operating under a contract with the property owner or management company.
Dauphin Island recently hired parking enforcement agents to boot vehicles parked at the beach areas at both ends of the island, when the vehicle does not display a parking permit. The fee to remove the boot is $50.
Some municipalities may have a local ordinance that limits how much a company can charge the vehicle’s owner to release the boot but in general, booting is legal on private property in most of Alabama.
Attempting to remove the booting device is a criminal offense and constitutes vandalism, theft or both and depending on the value of the booting device, the charge could be a felony.
Look before you park your vehicle because those boots aren’t made for walking but you might be if you come back and find a parking boot on your tire!
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. The Eli Lilly Company has announced a new $6 billion manufacturing facility is coming to Huntsville. High level meetings and conversations have been ongoing with state and regional officials including Governor Kay Ivey and this is now a reality for Alabama.
The commitment reportedly represents the largest initial investment in Alabama’s history and will create approximately 3,450 manufacturing and construction jobs on-site.
According to the multinational pharmaceutical corporation, the Huntsville location will focus on domestic production of small molecule synthetic and peptide medicines, including Lilly’s oral GLP-1, orforglipron.
“Huntsville as access to air, rail and a port within a few hours and Huntsville’s track record of science and innovation, supported by advanced manufacturing expertise and a skilled workforce, makes Alabama an ideal location for Lilly to expand domestic manufacturing capacity for next‑generation medicines,” said David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO. “Today’s investment continues the onshoring of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production, strengthening supply chain resilience and reliable access to medicines for patients in the U.S.”
Governor Kay Ivey praised Lilly’s decision to open a facility in Huntsville, noting its historical significance to Alabama.
“Huntsville and our entire state have a proven legacy of innovation, and there is no better home for Lilly than right here in Alabama. Our roots in the biosciences industry run deep, and Alabama’s contributions to this burgeoning sector continue,” said Ivey. “We are proud to welcome Lilly’s new U.S. manufacturing facility, which we are thrilled is the largest initial investment in our state’s history.”
“No doubt, Alabamians will help Lilly do things that have never been done before, and we will ensure this great company achieves their mission of improving the health and well-being of people all around the country and globe,” added Ivey.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) called Lilly’s commitment “huge news for Huntsville and American manufacturing.”
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) said the move from Lilly “underscores President Donald Trump’s leadership” in driving American manufacturing to new heights.
Huntsville is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation and has been integral part of tech, science and space programs.
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) wrote that Huntsville is unquestionably the right place for the facility, given the city’s reputation for “cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities.”
Construction on the facility is expected to begin in 2026, with completion set for 2032.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
The Orange Beach Police Department recently announced the promotions of numerous officers including:
Corporals
Cpl. Devoe
Cpl. Clere
Cpl. Lanford
Cpl. Singleton
Sergeants
Sgt. Dixson
Sgt. McBrayer
Sgt. Cain
Sgt. Oliver
Sgt. Demers
Lieutenants Lt. Augustin
Lt. Thrift
Lt. Mote
Deputy Chiefs
Deputy Chief Kirchharr
Deputy Chief Wyatt
In addition to promotions, the department proudly presented Officer and Civilian of the Quarter Awards to recognize exceptional dedication and service.
2nd Quarter Civilian Award
CO Rutan
2nd Quarter Officer Awards
Officer David
Officer Mitchum
3rd Quarter Civilian Award
-SST Harwell
3rd Quarter Officer Awards
Sgt. Demers
Lt. Augustin
During the ceremony, Interim Chief Johnson highlighted the importance of leadership in fulfilling our department’s evolving direction, stating,
“These individuals have demonstrated the character, professionalism, and the dedication needed to support our department’s new mission — creating positive relationships through community engagement with a human-focused approach to law enforcement.”
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding members of the Orange Beach Police Department for their professionalism, leadership, and commitment to serving our community.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
GULF SHORES, Ala. A decision has been made by Gulf Shores leaders not to approve the annual Hang Out Festival event.
Mayor of Gulf Shores, Robert Craft stated during a city council meeting on December 8th the reasoning for the cancellation which included that the Hangout’s organizers failed to submit their application with enough time to book the acts the city requires them to have.
“We will refuse to let them go back to the acts that we’ve had before, so they couldn’t do it. So the organizers decided to cancel the event for 2026. They’ve got time to pursue the type of talent we want on our beaches, to invite the right audience that we want on our beaches,” Mayor Craft said.
This past year, the primarily country music “Sand in My Boots Festival” took the place of its multi-genre predecessor, selling out tickets in mere hours.
“We are already approving that event for 2027,” Mayor Craft said.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has wrapped up its seven-day Thanksgiving 2025 holiday enforcement period, from Tuesday, Nov. 25, through Monday, Dec. 1, during which ALEA Troopers investigated seven traffic deaths.
Designed to ensure the safety of all motorists during one of the busiest travel periods of the season, the critical enforcement initiative included a heavier Highway Patrol presence statewide, with all available Troopers – including those from some of ALEA’s specialized units – actively patrolling Alabama roadways to reduce traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities, as well as to deter deadly driving behaviors.
ALEA Secretary of Law Enforcement Hal Taylor said, “Tragically, the loved ones of seven individuals will never forget this extended Thanksgiving weekend. We at ALEA offer our deepest sympathies to their families and friends. Notifying the family after a fatal traffic crash is one of our Troopers’ most challenging and heartbreaking responsibilities, particularly during this time of year, when most Alabamians are gathering with those they cherish. Moments like this serve as a sobering reminder of why our work matters and why it is so important that we, as a law enforcement agency, continue doing everything within our power to save lives on Alabama’s roadways.”
The deadly crashes occurred in Chambers, Houston, Jefferson, Limestone, Lowndes, Sumter and Talladega counties. One pedestrian was among the seven individuals who were killed during the travel period, along with two passengers and four drivers. Only one of the six individuals traveling in vehicles equipped with seat belts was using one at the time of their crash.
In all, Troopers investigated 697 traffic crashes during the official travel period. They also issued 2,552 citations and 1,452 warnings; and they made 20 DUI arrests. Top contributing factors in the seven fatal crashes include speeding, driving too fast for conditions and DUI.
Colonel Jonathan Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS), emphasized that traffic safety is important year-round, but as the holiday season quickly approaches, and with possible air-travel disruptions, motorists are urged to join ALEA’s efforts to make Alabama roadways safe.
“A Trooper’s mission is to ensure Alabama roadways are safe for all; however, our mission is maximized when we have the support of the motoring public,” he said. “Buckle up, don’t speed or drive distracted, and realize that we have a zero tolerance for driving impaired. It is a reckless decision that can not only change your life, but the lives of other innocent people. ALEA will kick off its annual “12 Days of Safety” campaign Sunday, Dec. 21. Follow the Agency on social media channels @ALEAProtects and stay tuned for upcoming messages and how you can get involved.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
Daphne police have continued looking for impaired drivers in an effort to keep the city safe.
During the past week, Daphne police have made seven arrests for Driving Under the Influence and numerous arrests of people found to be intoxicated in public.
Nazario Lopez Guttierrz was arrested after a traffic stop on December 3rd at around 6:30 p.m. on US Highway 90.
Police found the driver to be impaired, and he was placed under arrest.
Jason Douglas Saucier was stopped for a driving infraction on December 5th just before 1:30 a.m.
Officers determined that Saucier was too intoxicated to be driving a motor vehicle and placed him under arrest.
Joseph Kevin Mattingly was also stopped on December 5th, 2025, while driving on US 90.
During the traffic stop, police determined that Mattingly was above the legal limit to be driving and he was arrested.
On December 6th, 2025, a Daphne police officer conducted a traffic stop and found Jason Ellis Hawkins behind the wheel. Officers determined Hawkins to be impaired and over the legal limit and placed him into custody.
Also on December 6th, 2024, Daphne police conducted a traffic stop for a driving offense and found Ava Grace Guitterrez behind the wheel of the vehicle.
Police determined that she was driving under the influence and placed her into custody.
Another driver was stopped by Daphne police in the 6000 block of US 98 at around 10:00 p.m. on December 6th, 2025, for a moving violation.
While police were addressing the infraction with the driver of the vehicle, later identified as Russell Trent Dugger police found that Dugger was also driving impaired and during the investigation he was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.
Just an hour later, police observed another driver committed a traffic infraction on US 98 and conducted a traffic stop on the driver who was identified as Henry Todd Palmer.
During the interaction with the driver, the officer conducted a DUI investigation and placed Palmer into custody for Driving Under the Influence.
During the past week, Daphne police have also arrested the following persons for Public Intoxication:
Steven Alan Miller was arrested at Lowe’s.
Richard Allan Graves was arrested on US 98.
Trevese Lamark Parker was arrested on County Road 64.
Zachary Lawrence Ard was arrested on US 90.
All persons arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FOLEY, Ala. Customers of the Burger King on South McKenzie Street in Foley were evacuated on Saturday afternoon at around 2:45 p.m. and light smoke was seen coming from the ceiling.
The Foley Fire Department was dispatched to investigate a possible electrical fire.
Firefighters could be seen on the rooftop and working inside but no flames were seen said one of the customers standing outside.
According to Fire Chief Joey Darby, a small fire was found inside a wall in the dining room. It originated from an electrical outlet that had been exposed to moisture from a leak during the rain. Firefighters opened a small section of the wall to ensure that the fire was fully extinguished and isolated the electrical circuit to prevent further issues.
Firefighters were on scene for more than an hour.
After ensuring that the fire was out and rendering the building safe, we allowed them the option to reopen for business.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
DAPHNE, Ala. We have been hearing that a new luxury hotel and retail could be coming to the Old Towne area of Daphne.
68 Ventures Investments approached city leaders with the idea and have been in talks with the city but it’s not a done deal yet. There are a lot of details, logistics and concerns that are still being hashed out according to what we’ve heard.
The project is a luxury hotel and restaurant is part of a larger mixed-use project including apartments, townhomes, retail, and offices, but it needs City of Daphne approval, including potential incentives and rezoning, with plans moving through the Planning Commission and City Council for a project that aims to revitalize the area but raises infrastructure concerns for some residents.
The downtown area of Daphne needs more retail, restaurants and hotels to attract visitors and locals to come to the core area of our city.
The project still needs city support and final approval before 68 Ventures can break ground.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Rick McCann Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News December 6, 2025
LOXLEY, Ala. A Loxley man was arrested on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, and charged with sex crimes against a child after police said the victim told someone about the alleged crimes which kicked off a two-month long investigation.
Loxley Police arrested 49-year-old Clinton Allen Ryan after an investigation which began in October. That’s when investigators said the child victim came forward and told them about the alleged abuse. Police said the child knew Ryan.
During the investigation, police said that it was clear to them that Ryan had physically and sexually assaulted the child. Police served a searched warrant on Ryan’s home and collected numerous items of evidence which has been preserved said Sgt. Zachary Kuiken with Loxley Police said.
He’s been charges with rape 1st, two counts of sodomy 1st and sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years of age.
Ryan was arrested during a felony traffic stop in town without incident. Bond has been set at $350,000, an amount prosecutor thought appropriate for the crimes he’s accused of.
“For the safety of the community, it’s good to have high bond conditions including the high amount of the bond, the condition that should he make bond, that he would be on GPS house arrest. He can have no contact with the victim. Nor can he have contact with minors,” explained Baldwin County Assistant District Attorney, Kristi Hagood.
Prosecutors said one of the reasons the alleged victim came forward when they did was over a concern for another child who often visited Ryan’s home.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FOLEY, Ala. As temperatures dip, many of us look for ways to keep warm. While some of us crank up the thermostats on the wall, others use alternative methods of heating in their homes including wood stoves, fireplaces, electric heaters also called space heaters, kerosine heaters and some use the heat from their ovens.
Many of these heat sources, including some forms of gas heat, can be potentially dangerous and even deadly.
During this time of year, hundreds of people die in house fires while using these alternative methods of keeping warm.
Deaths from “alternative” heat sources (like space heaters, generators, wood stoves) are primarily due to Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning or fires, with hundreds dying annually in the U.S. from CO (500+ hospitalizations/year) and dozens from heating fires (around 332 deaths from space heaters/stoves 2019-2023), but these figures are likely underestimated, while extreme heat itself causes thousands of deaths, often exacerbated by these devices.
Many people turn to space heaters in the colder months, but are space heaters safe?
Space heaters are a winter staple, but they come with risks if used incorrectly. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, heating is one of the leading causes of home fires, and space heaters are a big part of why those fires can spread quickly.
That doesn’t mean you can’t use one safely. It just means they require a little extra attention: keeping them away from anything that can burn, plugging them directly into the wall, and turning them off when you leave the room. When used properly, space heaters can be helpful for boosting warmth without running your whole heating system nonstop. However, space heaters should be at least three feet away from anything flammable, including furniture, curtains, bedding, and walls, to prevent fires. And placing them on a flat, stable, nonflammable surface and plugging them directly into the wall instead of an extension cord will help to lower the risk of using one. Always turn off and unplug the heater when leaving the room or going to bed and you should keep children and pets clear. Space heaters should have automatic shut-off controls when they are tipped over.
Kerosine heaters have been banned in some states due to their dangerous nature. Kerosine heaters have open flames, give off carbon monoxide, a deadly gas and can easily catch fire to items nearby.
Kerosene heaters cause around 90 deaths annually in the U.S. from roughly 2,300 fires, though they are part of a larger category of space heaters causing hundreds of fatalities yearly (around 480-500) due to fires and carbon monoxide. These deaths often stem from flare-ups, improper fuel (like gasoline), lack of ventilation leading to carbon monoxide poisoning, and using heaters too close to flammable materials, especially overnight.
The legality of using kerosene heaters in homes in Alabama is primarily determined by local ordinances, fire codes, and specific usage conditions, rather than a statewide ban. While they are not explicitly banned by state law for all uses, their use is heavily regulated and often discouraged by safety officials due to fire and carbon monoxide risks.
Fire with hot open flames have been used to heat humans almost since the start of time. Wood stoves and fireplaces have been used as a heat source in our homes for hundreds of years. While mostly safe, wood stoves with a glass front have been known to explode because of extensive heat, fireplaces can often cause chimney fires due to the build up of creosote and a lack of maintaining the chimney.
Some area homes are equipped with gas heaters which are very efficient and some users say that the heat is much warmer than electricity which often operates on a heat pump system that circulates the air.
The main dangers of gas heating are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, due to incomplete combustion or leaks, which is a silent, deadly gas; respiratory issues from nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and other pollutants (like formaldehyde) that worsen asthma; and fire/burn hazards, especially from unvented space heaters or using ovens for heat. These risks increase with poor ventilation and faulty or older appliances, necessitating regular professional checks, CO alarms, and proper venting for all gas units.
Homeowners should have several C02 detectors installed throughout their home.
Electric heat, though often a more expensive heat source is one of the safest methods used in homes and businesses today.
Maintaining all heating devices, following the manufacturers’ safety recommendations, having multiple smoke detectors and being aware of the dangers associated with their use will ultimately make their use much safer.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MONTGOMERY Ala. Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reported Thursday that ALEA’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit, working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has assisted in the detention of 82 individuals identified during Commercial Motor Vehicle inspections since the partnership began just over a month ago.
Nationwide, some big rig drivers are operating a vehicle illegally, cannot read nor speak English and have no driver’s license which puts others at a huge risk of being involved in a collision, injuries or even death.
The operation is part of a coordinated push by lawmakers and law enforcement to crack down on bad actors behind the wheel of a truck on Alabama roads.
ALEA said most detentions occurred during two Strike Force operations focused on high-crash rural interstate corridors. ALEA also reported that about 242 individuals encountered during CMV inspections were referred to ICE for immigration-status checks.
Among those detained, 12 had no driver’s license of any kind, and the rest held out-of-state licenses.
According to the Governor’s Office, ICE personnel have also been integrated into ALEA’s routine commercial vehicle enforcement assignments.
Hal Taylor, Secretary of ALEA, said his agency is dedicated to keeping Alabama’s roads and its citizens safe from anyone operating a commercial vehicle illegally.
“These results reflect the strength of our ongoing partnership with ICE and our collaboration with all federal partners committed to improving highway and public safety,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said.
The enforcement action also coincides with the Alabama Trucking Association’s participation in a nationwide initiative that is quickly earning the full backing of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Authorities working together help to keep our roads and our state safer according to the Governor.
The Trucking Association Executive Council released a plan on Thursday entitled, “The Fight for Fairness and Safety: Paving the Way for a Trucking Resurgence.”
The blueprint argues that fraudulent and illegal operators are exploiting regulatory gaps to undercut law-abiding fleets damage the reputation of professional drivers.
“Alabama’s trucking industry is built on the hard work of family-owned small businesses and professional drivers who follow the rules and operate safely, but a growing number of illegal operators and bad actors who exploit regulatory loopholes are compromising safety and undercutting hard working Alabamians who move our economy,” Alabama Trucking Association CEO, Mark Colson, said.
According to ATA, the plan identifies seven major vulnerabilities that bad actors exploit:
CDL Integrity – Closing loopholes in commercial driver licensing
MCMIS Overhaul – Fixing America’s broken trucking safety data system
Cross-Border Integrity – Assuring workforce integrity at our borders
Non-Domiciled CDL Reform – Strengthening oversight and enforcement
English Language Proficiency – Closing critical CDL safety gaps
Combating Trucking Fraud – Addressing broker and carrier fraud schemes
Electronic Log Integrity – Ending ELD manipulation and hours-of-service fraud
The action plan builds on recent federal actions, including U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s order strictly enforcing English language proficiency requirements, which resulted in more than 5,000+ drivers being placed out of service for safety violations, and another order cracking down on the issuance of non-domiciled CDLs, many of which were issued improperly or illegally.
On the heels of reporting results from ALEA and ICE’s recent operational success, Governor Ivey said Alabama is leading the way on “going after illegal bad actors in trucking.”
“I’m proud of ALEA for taking decisive action and grateful for our strong partnership with ICE. Alabama will not look the other way while illegal immigration and illegal operators threaten the safety of our communities or undermine the integrity of our trucking industry,” Ivey said.
“If you are here illegally and breaking our laws or putting folks at risk on our highways, you will be held accountable in our state.”
Alabama’s U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, as well as Governor Kay Ivey, are also backing the plan.
“These bad actors are undercutting Alabama small businesses, and I strongly support these commonsense efforts to prioritize the men and women who follow the letter of the law and make our roads safer for everyone,” Britt said.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. Every fire department in Baldwin County has experienced a rise in call volumes, especially in the fastest growing cities. Some departments have gone from a few calls a week to a few calls a day or more.
The majority of Baldwin County continues to receive much of their fire and EMS services from volunteer fire departments, though this is beginning to change with the rapid growth in cities across the county. Some of those volunteer fire departments have beefed up manpower and response times by adding paid staff to cover primary response times primarily during daytime hours and decreasing their response times.
Though the call volumes continue to rise, the types of calls that firefighters are being sent to are also changing.
In 2024 and again in 2025, most dispatched calls came under six categories for Baldwin County and other fire departments nearby. This list shows the areas of the highest volume of calls.
Most of the calls dispatched were:
MEDICAL
MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS
FIRES
RESCUES
MENTAL HEALTH and SUICIDE THREATS
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE/Non-Emergency
Nationwide, firefighters are responding to less fires, primarily because of education and alarm systems, but the volume of medical response has dramatically risen. There is a combination of reasons for this including an aging population, a shift from preventive to emergency healthcare, and fire departments expanding their EMS services. Factors like the cost of healthcare, limited mental health support, and individuals delaying care due to fear of COVID-19 have also contributed to a greater reliance on 911 for medical issues.
Baldwin County fire departments, like those nationwide are struggling to maintain an all-volunteer roster and often depend on “mutual-aid agreements” to cover their calls when no volunteers are available.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
DAPHNE, Ala. Daphne police are constantly on the lookout for impaired or reckless drivers and make DUI arrests frequently.
One of those recent arrests included Melissa Spriggs, the assistant principal at Belforest Elementary School.
Police stopped Spriggs near Daphne Elementary School in the early morning hours of November 23, 2025, after observing a traffic infraction. After conducting a DUI investigation, the officer determined that she was under the influence and transported her to the Daphne Justice Center for booking.
Spriggs was also arrested for DUI on December 30, 2024.
Officials said Spriggs was sentenced to 12 months of probation for the 2024 arrest and was ordered to attend classes.
Spriggs was serving her probation up until her arrest in November.
She has been placed on administrative leave at the school.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FAIRHOPE, Ala. Over the last few days, we have announced three new businesses that are coming to Fairhope and setting up shops along the busy State Highway 181.
Now, another business, this one headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, is also moving into Fairhope.
Pinnacle Financial Bank plans to open a branch in the downtown area at 300 Magnolia Avenue.
The company is merging with Synovus Bank, effective January 1st according to various media reports.
Pinnacle strives to be the best, and in metric after metric, our clients tell us we are. And we get there by staying true to our origins as a David up against the Goliaths of big banking.”
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MOBILE, Ala. A Bay Minette man who was previously arrested for possession of child pornography and later found guilty after he admitted to having sexually explicit videos of a 14-year-old girl has been sentenced to thirty years in federal prison.
Logan Allen Smith pleaded guilty to all charges in June including that the attempted enticement of a minor, distribution of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography. He admitted that he had been in contact with the girl, sending messages that included, “I’m coming get to get you soon,” and “We go somewhere to get u a bikini to try on and u drag me in the dressing room.”
Smith admitted that he had sexually explicit images and videos of the victim, as well as about 600 other child pornography images.
Chief U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Beaverstock also ordered Smith to pay $7,220 in restitution to the victim, a figure based on an estimate of future therapy sessions that the girl might need.
The judge also mandated that Smith receive mental health and sex offender treatment during and after his prison term. After he gets out, he will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 15 years.
The case began with an investigation by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, which arrested Smith in August 2023 and seized his cell phone. According to his plea agreement, Homeland Security Investigations agents were able to identify and contact the victim’s family.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. By now many people have noticed cameras on poles at intersections, along local roads and more are coming. Automatic License Plate Readers have been approved in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and others have already been operating in some other areas of Baldwin and Mobile Counties.
The ALPR reads the vehicles license plate and within a split-second searches numerous databases to verify if the vehicle has been reported stolen, or of the driver is wanted for a crime or suspected of other criminal activities.
During the past ten years, they have proven themselves to be invaluable in stopping crimes, apprehending wanted criminals and as an investigative tool and are a force multiplier for unstaffed police agencies.
Some police agencies also have the APLR attached to their patrol vehicles, and they also scan all license plates that pass by the camera and conduct the same searches as those affixed to a light pole.
And while it is legal to install in public areas and with permission, on private property, nationwide activists continue to push back on what they call an invasion of privacy. However, the cameras do not track people not suspected or wanted for a crime. Nor do the cameras invade anyone’s privacy while performing the task that they have been designed to do. Everyone has the right to film anything and anyone in a public space. We all it daily with cellphone cameras and other digital devices.
As our area continues to change, and not all of it is for the good, more people moving in means more crime. It’s just a fact. While many crimes committed along the Gulf Coast are property crimes such as vandalism, theft and burglaries, many other involve violence, drugs and shootings.
If the police use the technology in the manner that they’ve been created for, most area citizens will find that the technology is very beneficial to most of the community who do not commit crimes and aren’t wanted fugitives. And when police solve a crime, capture a criminal or recover someone’s stolen vehicle, most of us will be applauding.
Nationwide, police have strict laws and state requirements on the use of technology, the length that data is stored and how the equipment is used.
Private property owners from apartments to malls to office buildings have used surveillance cameras to protect their property and help prevent crimes since 1927. Technology is our friend as we have found in our homes and workplace, and law enforcement has found it to be excellent at what it does to provide law abiding citizens.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FAIRHOPE, Ala. Another new store is being proposed for the State Highway 181 corridor. Pelc Tire, a family-owned tire and repair shop has asked for approval of their newest location which would be near the WaWa store located at the intersection of State Highway 181 and State Highway 104.
If approved, the tire shop would also be near another store that is currently under construction in an outlying lot in front of the Publix. Express Oil Change and Tire Engineers is scheduled to open in about six months.
Pelc’s currently has a location on Greeno Road at the Fairhope-Barnwell communities as well as Daphne, Saraland, and Mobile, Alabama and was founded in 1965.
Copyright 2025 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
