Back-to-school bash. See page A2.
Community calendar. See page A3.
The Spotlight: Windows Again. See page A8.
50¢ | Vol. 144, No. 33
Hometown Newspaper of Brenda Oliver — Est. 1879 | Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Russellville woman dies in traffic crash
By Staff Reports The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reported a single-vehicle crash involving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. August 6 has claimed the life of a Russellville woman, Savannah L. Hall, 38, who was fatally injured when the 2007 Honda Recon ATV she was operating overturned. Hall was thrown from the ATV and pronounced deceased at the scene. The crash occurred on Lost Creek Rd. near Franklin County 84, approximately 10mileswestof Russellville, in Franklin County. Nothing further is available as troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
RPD reports two arrested following high-speed chase in stolen car
By Staff Reports The Russellville Police Department reported an early morning arrest Aug. 7 of two people after a high-speed chase in a car later determined to be stolen. Russellville Police said night shift patrol officers located a suspicious vehicle near a closed business, noting after an officer attempted to make contact, the driver sped away from the business and committed several traffic violations to get away. The RPD said its officers initiated a vehicle pursuit that reached speeds of 110 miles per hour and extended into Colbert County, ending near the intersection of US-72 and Wilson Dam Rd. From there, the two occupants fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit and search, both occupants were taken into custody. It was also discovered that the vehicle was stolen out of a nearby jurisdiction. Cassie Brooke Cummings and Michael Andrew Harrison are both charged with: • Receiving Stolen Property First Degree • Felony Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer • Possession of Marijuana Second Degree • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia The RPD said it would like to thank the other agencies assisting in the pursuit: • Colbert County Sheriff’s Office • Sheffield Police Department • Muscle Shoals Police Department • All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Fam ami mily i Owned and an n Opera rated a
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CONTRIBUTED CB&S Bank has announced the promotion of Jeff Daniel to senior executive vice president and chief metropolitan banking officer.
CB&S Bank announces promotion to vice president, chief metropolitan banking officer PHOTOS BY MARÍA CAMP RFD Deputy Chief Randy Seal and Firefighter Beard show off equipment from Russellville’s much earlier firefighting days.
Russellville Fire Department celebrates 100 years
By María Camp maria.camp@ franklincountytimes.com The Russellville Fire Department held
an open house Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Russellville Fire Station #1, located in downtown Russellville at 1100 South Jackson
Ave. The event included refreshments, station and apparatus tours, displays, children’s activities and a presentation by Chief
Mansell. More information and photos on the history of the Russellville Fire Department coming soon.
By Staff Reports The CB&S Bank Board of Directors recently announced Jeff Daniel has been promoted to Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Metropolitan Banking Officer. Jeff Daniel is a lifelong resident of the Shoals area. He graduated from the University of North Alabama in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance. He is also a 1990 graduate of The Graduate School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University. Daniel’s banking career spans more than 45 years with leadership roles at The First National Bank of Florence/SunTrust Bank and CB&S Bank. He joined CB&S Bank in 2019 and currently leads the bank’s efforts in growing metropolitan markets. Daniel has served the Shoals community in various capacities. He has contributed his time and financial expertise to the YMCA of the Shoals, the Shoals Symphony Orchestra at UNA, the Salvation Army, Rotary Club of Florence, UNA’s College of Business and Technology Executive Business Council and the University of North Alabama Foundation. Daniel resides in Florence with his wife, Maray Kendrick Daniel. They have two grown daughters and four grandchildren. “We’re honored to have Jeff as part of the CB&S Bank team,” said Mike Ross, President and CEO of CB&S Bank. “His expertise and knowledge are vital to the continued growth of CB&S Bank.”
Franklin County Watermelon Festival takes place this weekend By María Camp maria.camp@ franklincountytimes.com The Franklin County Watermelon Festival boasts non-stop musical entertainment, watermelon contests and more, including the presentation of the Watermelon Queen, arts and crafts vendors, an antique car and truck show, 5K and fun run, free wedges of juicy watermelon, youth performances, themed festival T-shirts for sale and more in downtown Russellville. Entertainment The opening ceremony will be Aug. 16 at 6:30
FILE PHOTO The annual Franklin County Watermelon Festival takes place Aug. 16-17. p.m. Friday performances will include Tremayne at 7 p.m. and LOVER: An Eras Tour Experience at 8:30 p.m. Saturday begins with the car show and 5K/fun
run at 7 a.m. followed by festivities all day. Main stage music amps up at 6 p.m. with Rewind, followed by Austin Bohannon at 7 p.m. and Colin Stough at 8:30 p.m.
For more information visit https://franklincountychamber.org/ festivals-2/watermelonfestival. Road closures will be in effect beginning Aug. 15 at 3 p.m. (ending Aug. 17 at 11:59 p.m.) Thursday – North Jackson Ave. from Lawrence St. to Lauderdale St. and West Franklin St. from North Jackson Ave. to North Washington Ave. Friday – 8 a.m. until Sunday morning. - North Jackson Ave. - From Lawrence St. to Cotaco St. and North Washington Ave. from West Franklin St. to West Lauderdale St.
Saturday – 6 a.m. until after the car show – South Jackson Ave. - from Lawrence St. to Marion St. The Russellville Police Department has issued a reminder not to drive around any barriers/ cones that are marking closed roadways. Parking The lot behind State Farm at North Washington Ave./West Franklin St. is only open to Watermelon Festival vendors. For questions or assistance, the Russellville Police Department can be contacted on their non-emergency line, 256-332-2230.