SPANISH FORT, Ala. An urgent call for help came into the Baldwin County 911 Communications Center on Thursday at around 1:25 p.m. and dispatchers quickly sent multiple agencies to the rescue.
A boat with at least two people aboard was sinking in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta south of the Meaher State Park and needed immediate assistance.
The Spanish Fort and Daphne Fire Departments, the Alabama Marine Police, EMS and other agencies were immediately dispatched to the area. The US Cost Guard was also put on stand-by but were not needed.
Rescuers located the boaters that were in distress and transported them to land.
There were no reports of injuries.
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BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. A former employee of the Baldwin County School district is now a convicted criminal and soon to be registered sex offender.
The former school IT employee arrested in a Florida child sex sting has plead guilty to federal charges, according to newly filed court documents.
Under an agreement with prosecutors, they will move to dismiss the remaining count against him after sentencing is completed.
Christopher W. Glover plead guilty to attempted sex trafficking of a minor and travel in interstate commerce for illicit sexual conduct as part of a plea agreement filed in the Northern District of Florida.
Glover was originally arrested during a child sex sting operation in Florida
Authorities stated that the attempted sex trafficking charge carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to life imprisonment, along with the possibility of lifetime supervised release and fines. The remaining charge, travelling for illicit sexual conduct, carries a maximum of 30 years.
Court records show Glover admitted there is substantial evidence supporting the charges and waived his right to trial by pleading guilty.
Court records show that sentencing has been set for July 14, 2026.
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FAIRHOPE, Ala. A missing person investigation has turned into a body recovery in Fairhope on Monday, April 20, 2026.
Fairhope police had been notified Sunday that a person driving a vehicle had gone missing from a community off State Highway 181and had taken a report and begun an investigation.
Further information led officers back to the subdivision off from State Highway 181 where evidence led to the possibility that a vehicle was in a pond on the Falling Waters Boulevard and police called in a dive team. The Fairhope Fire Department and an ambulance also responded to the scene.
An underwater recovery team responded and confirmed the presence of a vehicle with an occupant.
Police worked for several hours removing the vehicle from the pond and removed the body of one person from the vehicle. Police believe the person to be the missing 75-year-old man.
The Baldwin County Coroner’s Office also responded.
At this time, police have not released the name of the person.
The investigation is ongoing.
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PIEDMONT, Ala. Police in Piedmont Alabama say that their officers responded to a horrific murder on Friday, April 17, 2026, involving a 10-year-old girl victim, and a teenager murder suspect.
Police said that it started with a report of a missing child at around 10:51 p.m.
When officers arrived at the home, they “tragically discovered a deceased juvenile inside the home.”
The Calhoun County Coroner has identified the victim as Katheryn Bigbee, 10.
Police have since taken another juvenile into custody and charged them with murder however, because of that person’s age, their name has not been released.
Piedmont Elementary School confirmed Bigbee was a student, sharing a message of grief with the community.
“We are heartbroken to share the loss of one of our precious students, Katheryn Bigbee,” the school said. “Our entire Piedmont Elementary School family is grieving as we remember a sweet little girl who brought smiles, kindness, and a bright light to our halls each day.”
The school described Bigbee as having “a joyful, spunky personality that made her truly special,” adding that “she was an enthusiastic reader and will be remembered for the happiness she shared so freely.”
“She will always be a part of our school family, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her classmates, teachers, and all who knew and loved her,” the statement said.
School officials say grief counselors will be available for students and staff as the community copes with the loss.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing and due to the nature of the case and the involvement of juveniles, no further details can be released at this time,” officials said.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. In recent weeks, Gov. Kay Ivey has signed new bills into law. Many were addressing law enforcement and highway construction workers safety.
But she has also signed several bills intended to improve health care and emergency medical services in the state, the governor’s office announced. And now the Governor has signed another bill covering the areas of EMS treat-in-place reimbursement, and rural healthcare.
The bills were passed during the legislative session that ended Thursday.
They include SB269 by Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, which updates payments to ambulance services by health insurance plans.
SB269 will allow ambulance service operators to be paid for providing basic life support without transporting patients, which the bill defines as “treat in place” services. So if a person has a cut, sprain or other minor medical issues that can treated on scene, an EMS provider will now be able to bill for their services.
Under the previous law, EMS providers were not paid unless they transported a patient to the hospital, even if the patient did not require full emergency department or inpatient care, the governor’s office said.
Removing the patient-transport mandate for reimbursement is expected to increase the availability of EMS care and reduce patient overcrowding in hospitals, the governor’s office said.
Other health-related bills signed by the governor include:
SB57 by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, which requires the Alabama Department of Human Resources to request a federal waiver that would allow the state to ban candy and sugar-sweetened sodas from purchases that can be made with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) cards, also called food stamps. Alabama joins 22 other states that are seeking such a waiver.
SB9 by Sen. Gerald Allen, R- Cottondale, adds a vaping prohibition to the state law that bans smoking in enclosed public places.
HB300 by Rep. Frances Holk-Jones, R- Foley, requires that health benefit plans pay or reimburse for breast examinations, including mammography, without imposing a deductible, copayment, or coinsurance charge on the patient.
HB605 by Rep. Jamie Kiel, R- Russellville, helps rural healthcare providers collaborate by providing limited immunity from state and federal antitrust laws. The purpose is to maximize efficiency and to sustain and expand healthcare services in rural areas.
HB156 by Rep. Paul Lee, R- Dothan, streamlines license approval of out-of-state physician assistants to practice in Alabama, attracting more medical professionals to serve patients in the state. Alabama is the 24th state to approve the compact, joining Tennessee and Arkansas in the South.
“In December, I announced Alabama’s participation in a new Trump Administration program funded by the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ passed by Congress to expand rural healthcare delivery,” Ivey said in a press release Wednesday.
“Not wasting a moment, I worked with legislative leaders this session to remove legal barriers to ensure healthcare providers are able to work together to improve healthcare delivery in our rural areas.
“We have also freed first responders to deliver more life-saving services during ambulance calls, and we have joined other states in streamlining approval of out-of-state physician assistants to practice in Alabama.
“We are promoting healthier diets for Alabama SNAP beneficiaries by restricting the purchase of sugary foods that contribute to obesity and diabetes.
“These efforts along with several other pieces of legislation lay a solid foundation as we partner with the Trump Administration in improving rural healthcare delivery to better meet the needs of the public.”
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey’s current and final term ends in January 2027.
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MONTGOMERY, Ala. A new bill to protect workers called the Alabama Work Zone Safety Act has been signed into law by Governor Ivey on Tuesday but not before a lot of debate and controversy. Nonetheless, the Governor touted it as a safety mechanism for workers and motorists.
This new law establishes the Alabama Work Zone Safety Act as a pilot program and authorizes the Alabama Department of Transportation and Alabama Toll Road, Bridge, and Tunnel Authority to procure, install and operate an automated photographic speed enforcement system in one segment of interstate highway declared to be a work zone. The cameras would issue $250 tickets to those exceeding the work zone speed by more than 10 miles per hour over the limit.
The controversy came among legislators when some argued that a speed doesn’t identify who is driving the vehicle but that the owner of the vehicle will get the ticket regardless of who was behind the wheel when the violation occurred.
The House version of the bill, by State Rep. Mike Kirkland (R-Scottsboro), failed in March to garner the 60% support needed to pass the budget isolation resolution before a vote on the bill could occur.
The House then passed the Senate version of the bill, sponsored by State Sen. Josh Carnley (R-Ino), in April, but added an amendment removing $250 civil fines for speeding in a highway construction zone after a surprise amendment by State Rep. Jim Hill (R-Moody). The Senate voted not to concur with the House changes, and members of both bodies met in a joint conference committee. The conference committee version reinstated the $250 fine, and it passed both legislative bodies on the final day of the session.
Police can’t be everywhere one legislator stated and the cameras will remind people to slow down in these work zones and protect all of those working.
“Currently in Alabama, there is roadwork ongoing in all 67 counties, including on our major roadways. It is just critical that we all drive carefully through work zones,” Ivey said. “I was proud to put my signature on the Alabama Work Zone Safety Act that will help us improve safety around our roadwork and the enforcement mechanisms going forward. As we are rebuilding Alabama in all 67 counties, let’s keep the men and women doing the hard work, as well as our fellow motorists and ourselves, safe!”
“The Alabama Work Zone Safety Act is about protecting the men and women who work hard each and every day to keep our roads safe and functional,” Carnley said. “The Alabama Work Zone Safety Act gives us a smart, data-driven approach to improving safety in some of the most dangerous areas on our roads while holding reckless drivers accountable. I appreciate my colleagues in the Legislature for their support in advancing this measure and thank Governor Ivey for her leadership in signing this important legislation into law.”
The proceeds of the fines would be distributed evenly between the Public Safety Fund and the Public Road and Bridge Fund. The new law goes into effect immediately, and Ivey’s office said full enforcement should begin by the end of the year.
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FAIRHOPE, Ala. A controversial arrest during a protest in Fairhope has ended with all charges being dropped against Renea Gamble.
The Fairhope women was arrested on October 18, 2025, while attending a NO Kings protest on Greeno Road near Fairhope Avenue and wearing a “Penis” costume that some deemed to be vulgar.
Fairhope police asked Gamble to remove the costume because some people were offended by it and when she refused and walked away from a Fairhope police officer, she was arrested. And it was then that Gamble is accused of resisting arrest and defying a lawful order.
But on Wednesday, Gamble was found not guilty of giving officers a false name, breaking a city ordinance related to disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
“Free speech wins,” Gamble said as she made her way out of the courtroom Wednesday afternoon.
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DAPHNE, Ala. A new recreation facility will soon take shape near the entrance to Bayfront Park on the site of the old Thomas Hospital Center.
On Monday, April 6, 2026, the Daphne City Council authorized Mayor Robin LeJeune to utilize a GoMESA grant agreement to be used toward turning the old Thomas Medical Center into a new recreation center.
The $27 million project will be built in a convenient location for our citizens and offer facilities for sports such as basketball and pickleball and walking tracks and space for offices, senior center rooms and concession areas, along with a repaved parking lot.
Mayor Robin LeJeune told GCM a new recreation center will help elevate local recreational opportunities within the community.
“We currently have zero indoor sports recreation for our recreational basketball leagues,” LeJeune said. “We have to use the schools and their gymnasiums. This would be a real boost to what we’re able to do recreationally for our kids here in Daphne.”
The site is in an area where there are a lot of residences, apartments, and businesses and close to where the new Daphne amphitheater is being built which is partially funded by a $7.2 million GoMESA grant, with construction expected to be completed next year.
Daphne was awarded $4 million in Gulf of Mexico Energy and Security Act (GoMESA) funds. The grant was first announced by Gov. Kay Ivey in September of last year.
The allocated GoMESA funds will be used to cover $1 million in engineering and design work, while $3 million will be used for the actual renovations and parking lot rework.
The project is still in the early design phase, with city council needing to approve a contract with a design firm, but LeJeune told GCM construction could begin as early as 2027.
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FOLEY, Ala. A standoff ended in Foley with the arrest of two men for assault.
On April 13, 2026, at approximately 8:00 p.m., Foley Police responded to the 13000 block of McGaster Trail for a reported assault with a weapon.
When officers approached several men the two barricaded themselves inside a residence. Officers were able to talk the men into surrendering and they were later identified as Nikeyl Jones, 33, of Foley and Zackarree Robinson-Rowlan, 19, of Mississippi
Both men were arrested and charged with second-degree assault, according to police.
Authorities said the victim was treated for their injuries and released.
Police have not released any further details.
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GARDENDALE, Ala. A bizarre bank robbery has occurred in a small city just north of Birmingham and things aren’t adding up, according to local police and FBI agents.
It seems that an elderly woman walked into a bank and then drove directly to the police station and surrendered herself to officers.
According to Gardendale Police, the woman entered a Regions Bank on April 10, 2026, and passed a note demanding cash. She got an unknown amount of money, then immediately surrendered it to officers minutes later.
This has raised the issue of “intent”, an element needed to prove that a person intended to commit a crime.
Not even the FBI has been able to explain why she committed the robbery only to return the money right away.
Police confirmed that no one was injured and there is no ongoing threat. Investigators believe she acted alone, and her caregiver has been notified.
Police also didn’t mention if any type of weapon was used to commit the bank robbery.
The woman, who has not been named, was in police custody while the incident is being reviewed as police and FBI agents review the circumstances to determine if she will face any criminal charges.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
FOLEY, Ala. Two serious motor vehicle traffic collisions in Foley Tuesday evening have injured eight people including four teenagers.
At approximately 6:20 p.m., the Foley police and ALEA troopers responded to a traffic collision where one vehicle had rolled over entrapping several people.
The Foley Fire Department and EMS also responded to the area of County Road 20 near South Hickory Street.
Several people were extricated from the vehicle, and a total of four people were injured according to fire personnel.
A medical helicopter was called to the scene and transported one individual to an area trauma center.
ALEA is continuing their investigation.
While authorities were completing their investigation into this wreck, another serious traffic collision was reported just shortly after 7 p.m.
Firefighters, EMS and Foley police responded to another rollover crash. This one involved an ATV containing four teenagers. Upon arrival, firefighters assisted in the rescue of the teens and authorities said that all were injured.
Once again, a medical helicopter was called to the scene because of the serious nature of the injuries to at least two of the teens.
The condition of the people injured in both crashes is unknown.
Foley police said that they are continuing their investigation.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
DAPHNE, Ala. At least seven major projects are in the works for the Eastern Shore area of Baldwin County that will change the look and feel of that area forever.
While many of these could be an inconvenience to some, for others it’ll be a commuter’s nightmare and it’ll be the most expensive public works project in Alabama’s history with a price tag of estimated at $3.2 billion to $3.5 billion. The new I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway is now scheduled to begin construction before the end of the year and last for at least three years. The much needed six lane bridge will rise above the water and carry traffic east and west with an expectation of alleviating the frequent gridlocks during peak periods of commuter traffic as well as keeping commercial traffic, especially big rigs moving.
Meanwhile in Daphne, new businesses and residential communities continue to pop up throughout the city and the rest of Eastern Shore.
A new 900 home development is proposed for the head of Fish River along County Road 64 on 510 acres that is zoned R-1, for low-density single-family houses. The project has a final vote in May.
And just recently announced for Daphne is a new project, known as the Italian Village, being planned near Highway 181 and County Road 64 which will also include a Neighborhood Walmart and luxury apartments. If approved, this complex would be built on nearly 35-acres of what was until recently, agriculture land. This project seems destined to be approved within weeks and could start construction almost immediately.
Daphne Mayor Robin LeJeune also announced earlier this year that a new $30 million Fortuna Hotel would be coming to Old Town Daphne. The hotel, with a restaurant and shops would be built in the historic area charm and is expected to open around 2029.
The city of Spanish Fort has also seen upgrades along the causeway and a new park currently is being built near the Tensaw River Bridge. Valor Park is a 2-acre, $3.2 million waterfront park on the Causeway near Felix’s Fish Camp that honors our veterans.
Also happening on the western side of Baldwin County are the developments of two major new master-planned 18-hole championship golf communities in Spanish Fort and in Fairhope.
The Longleaf Golf Club and Residences is located on a 1,650-acre site near Highway 225, and the project features a designed-in-place course, over 1,500 residential units, a clubhouse, pickleball courts, and a large animal sanctuary.
And just a few miles away in Fairhope, The Point Clear Club is a new, exclusive 547-acre private golf community under development near Fairhope/Point Clear, featuring an 18-hole championship course designed by Tom Fazio. Located south of Fairhope just off Hwy 98, it includes 300+ residential homesites, a clubhouse designed by Nequette Architecture & Design, tennis, and pool facilities.
The Eastern Shore area of Baldwin County that was once known for its quaint small post card towns along the Mobile Bay, has grown to be a place where want to live, work and play.
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SPANISH FORT, Ala. It’s not unusual for a growing police department to hire more officers and that’s exactly what the Spanish Police Department has done. But this officer is unique and has a skill that others do not have.
According to Police Chief Barber, “Ray” is assigned a special task and as a working police K-9 officer, Ray is trained to detect a person’s cortisol levels instead of bombs, drugs or firearms.
Dogs can be trained to sniff out just about anything and Ray has been trained to detect Cortisol which is a stress hormone.
Chief John Barber said that he’ll alert to it almost like a dog would alert to a drug and that’s important because it’s an indicator that someone may be stressed which matters in this line of work.
Ray was donated to the police department by the Spanish Fort Law Enforcement Foundation and did not cost taxpayers any money.
He is trained to step in during some of life’s hardest moments, offering comfort to victims of crimes, witnesses and even the officers around him.
“I think it helps resolve a lot of the stress issues that occur with traumatic events,” Barber said. “He is a great dog, a great asset for our department in our community.”
Barber said Ray will be used with his staff and he’ll be making the rounds at the schools and during public events. What a better thing to have than a K-9 that’s out there for the community, for the officers, for our victims. If we have victims out there that need that little stress relief, I think it’s just a wonderful program and we’re so happy to have him here.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
By Rick McCann/Dale Hines Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
April 14, 2026
GULF SHORES, Ala. During the past week we have kept an eye on city streets from Gulf Shores to Spanish Fort and even across the bay into Mobile County looking for e-bike riders.
Complaints have begun coming into some local police departments about the reckless operations of the bike operators and some area residents and even visitors have been sharing their frustrations across social media.
We have talked with police in Baldwin and Mobile Counties and surprisingly, police say that they have not received many complaints, and only two wrecks involving the bikes have been reported during the past sixty days, but police also said that wrecks are happening, they’re just not being reported to law enforcement.
However, there are several hotspots where problems do exist including in the beach communities and in Fairhope. Gulf Shores Police Chief Dan Netemeyer shared with us that not only e-bikes but also “e-motos” (electric motorcycles) are the subject of frequent complaints by both residents and visitors to the city. A new ordinance in Gulf Shores passed recently addresses the responsibility of businesses who rent these electric vehicles and Chief Netemeyer hopes that will help to educate those renting these vehicles about their operations and the laws that must be adhered to.
Fairhope also seems to have a bit of an issue with e-bikes, scooters and other electric riding machines and some residents there have called for stricter enforcement after witnessing numerous reckless and careless riders who zip in and out of traffic without concerns for their safety or that of others. Police did not say whether or not they have been called to any e-bike accidents.
Police said that there have been reports of speeding, popping wheelies and riding through crowded zones which is prompting a proposed ordinance aimed at improving safety for riders and walkers. The measure would set clearer operating standards and allow the city to designate no-ride zones and establish speed limits in high-traffic areas.
Police would also be authorized to confiscate devices used dangerously. First-time violations would start at $250, with higher penalties for repeat offenses.
If passed, this ordinance would also require helmets for riders under 18. Fairhope police also noted that under Alabama law, e-bikes follow the same rules as traditional bicycles — and parents could be held responsible if their children are riding recklessly.
Fairhope Police Chief Stephanie Hollinghead told the City Council that impounding a device could create an opportunity to involve parents and reinforce safe riding expectations. “If we take or impound the bike and bring it back to the station, this gives us an opportunity to talk to parents and to educate the kids on what they can and can’t do,” Chief Hollinghead said. Chief Hollinghead said the department is also considering using school resource officers to educate students on riding safety before the school year ends. This proposed ordinance would exclude wheelchairs or mobility devices used by people with disabilities.
Police in other areas of the state and nationwide are also receiving frequent complaints about reckless riding, trespassing onto private property and disobeying traffic laws and have begun citing operators and impounding their electronic vehicles.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
Mobile County, AL. On April 11, 2026, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of two bystanders being struck by gunfire during an altercation at a horse show event in Grand Bay.
Upon arrival, deputies and emergency medical personnel located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. One adult male sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen, and one adult female sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. Both injuries are considered to be non-life-threatening.
Both victims were treated on scene and subsequently transported to local hospitals for further medical care.
The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 130 pounds. He has shoulder-length dreadlocks, a goatee, and visible tattoos on his left arm.
This incident remains under active investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office at (251) 574-8633 or submit tips online at www.mobileso.com.pril 13, 2026
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LOXLEY, Ala. Five people were injured on Sunday afternoon in a traffic collision in Loxley.
Several 911 calls to the Baldwin County Communications Center reported a wreck near County Road 64 involving an overturned vehicle and reports stated that people were possibly trapped.
The Loxley police and fire departments along with numerous ambulances were dispatched to the area of South Magnolia Street and W Union Avenue.
Firefighters reported that four children, a male adult and an elderly woman all had injuries from the wreck and that no one was currently entrapped in the vehicle.
A medical helicopter was also dispatched to the scene.
Police are currently investigating this two-vehicle collision.
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MOBILE COUNTY, AL. A single vehicle crash on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at approximately 11:23 a.m. sent emergency personnel from area fire departments, EMS and law enforcement to the scene.
The wreck located on March Road near Boe Road, 9 miles west of the Mobile city limits, in Mobile County claimed the life of a Theodore man. James S. Cross, 54, was fatally injured when the 2004 Toyota Sequoia that he was driving, left the roadway and struck a sign. After the initial impact, the Toyota struck a culvert and overturned. Cross was not using a seat belt at the time of crash, was ejected and airlifted to USA Health University Hospital for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigation revealed that prior to crashing, Cross was involved in a previous crash and fled the scene though state troopers did not release any details about the crash.
Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
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FOLEY, Ala. Another local favorite is back again this year in Foley.
The 2026 Heritage Park Music and Movies series will be held during Friday evenings with a patriotic theme celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Guests can bring a blanket or a chair and relax while watching the movie and listening to the music during each of the four Fridays and just relax with the family.
The four-week series will include a concert and a movie shown at dusk. Event organizers also noted that they have other things planned each Friday evening including a scavenger hunt.
On the last Friday night, the series will conclude with events planned around the theme of America’s 250th anniversary, including a line dance with 250 dancers and patriotic themed bounce houses for the children.
Concerts will start at 6 p.m. in the park pavilion. The movies begin at dusk. Admission is free and food vendors will be available. Parking will also be available around Heritage Park.
The dates for this four-week series are:
Friday, Apr. 17: The Koontz Band followed by the movie “Wicked for Good”
Friday, Apr. 24: MidLife Crisis followed by the movie “Zootopia 2”
Friday, May 15: Chitlin Switch followed by the movie “Lilo & Stitch (2025)”
Friday, May 22: Strickly Rivers followed by the movie “National Treasure”
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
Alabama lawmakers voted Wednesday to approve a bill further forcing regulations and expanding government overreach.
SB 361 by Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, will make it a crime to keep a dog tied or confined outside except under certain circumstances. The bill also grants broad authority to appointed investigators who are not required to be certified law enforcement officers.
The bill was passed in the House by a vote of 69 to 23 with nine abstentions April 8 despite strong bipartisan opposition.
Rep. A.J. McCampbell, D-Demopolis, raised issues with the bill’s effect on private property rights.
“I’m just trying to see how this process is going to operate and work,” McCampbell said. “Because if you come on someone’s property and you actually start messing with their dogs, in the country, that’s grounds that something needs to happen to you. So how are we going to make sure this is understood out in a rural area and enforced in a rural area?”
Alabama Farmers Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin said issues with this bill go beyond protection.
“This is another example of government stepping on private property rights and telling landowners what they must do,” Hardin said. “We support humane treatment of animals, and laws already on the books protect animals from cruel owners and abusers. This takes it a step further and opens the door for more government control.”
Several amendments were offered. Two by Rep. Joe Lovvorn, R-Auburn, updated the language of the bill, providing some owner protections. Two tabled amendments, one by Rep. Jennifer Fidler, R-Fairhope, and the other by Rep. Van Smith, R-Billingsley, would have allowed governing authorities to opt into the rule instead of being forced to adhere and outlawed tethering specifically with log chains, respectively. An amendment by Rep. Brock Colvin, R-Albertville, ensured no owner liability for unintentional injuries. Rep. Rick Rehm, R-Dothan, eventually withdrew his amendment requiring a warrant to remove a dog from a property after Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, and Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, argued against it.
The Senate concurred by a vote of 17 to 1 following House passage. Sen. Larry Stutts, R-Tuscumbia, was the sole vote against with several voting “present.”
“The Federation thanks the members of the Legislature who studied this bill and understood dogs should be and can be protected from cruelty under existing law without taking a dangerous step to erode property rights of Alabamians,” Hardin said. “In addition to voting against the bill, several representatives worked in vain to prevent this needless and flawed bill from coming to the floor and to amend it to make it less onerous — especially for those in rural Alabama.”
SB 361 awaits Gov. Kay Ivey’s signature.
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FAIRHOPE, Ala. The Fairhope police department were called to the north beach area, north of the Fairhope Municipal Pier after a person was discovered deceased early Friday morning.
According to a person on scene, the person was found at the bottom of the stairs.
Police were on scene for several hours and they stated that there was no threat to the community.
By early afternoon, the Fairhope police ruled the death a suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot.
In November of last year, police also conducted a death investigation and stated that a person committed suicide at the Municipal Pier.
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