Grants boost 'Click it or Ticket' enforcement over Memorial Day holiday

Monday, May 27th, 2013, 2:22pm

MONTGOMERY, AL- Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded nine grants to support the "Click It or Ticket" traffic safety campaign now underway. The effort continues over the Memorial Day weekend through Sunday, June 2.

Law enforcement agencies across the state are working overtime to enforce Alabama's seat belt laws and remove dangerous drivers from the roadways as part of the enforcement campaign. The grants, totaling $200,000, pay overtime for officers to conduct seat-belt safety checkpoints and extra patrols in areas where a high number of vehicle crashes have occurred.

Jim Byard Jr., director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, said the goal of the campaign is to save lives and reduce injuries. "The extra patrols and increased visibility of law enforcement officers should remind motorists that seat belts and safe driving are especially critical during major holidays," Byard said.

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Employee of Butler Truax arrested on theft charge

Submitted by John Shryock

Friday, May 24th, 2013, 8:41pm

Employee of Butler Truax arrested on theft charge

SELMA, AL (WSFA) - Selma police have arrested and charged an employee of Butler Truax with theft following a report filed on May 22 by the business.

The company said the employee, Daniel Mielke, took more than $2,500 from the store.

Mielke, who repaired jewelry and other items, is said to have ordered repair parts through the Truax Company but once the items were delivered, he would then take the items home and repair them.

Police say the Truax company reports that the employee would keep the money for the repaired items and did not reimburse the business for the parts or any money collected on behave of the company.

Mielke was charged with Theft 1st Degree, with a bond set at $150,000.

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Selma asking citizens to take a moment to observe Memorial Day

Submitted by JoBeth Davis, Community Web Producer

Friday, May 24th, 2013, 5:26pm

Selma asking citizens to take a moment to observe Memorial Day

This Memorial Day, at 3:00 pm, honor those who madethe ultimate sacrifice with a minute of silence. Whetheryou join us at 2:30 in front of City Hall or take a minuteat the beach, river or BBQ, please stop to remember thebrave men and women who died in service of this greatRepublic. Respect the fallen heroes with a minute ofsilence at 3:00 pm this Memorial Day, May 27th. Listen for the sirens and pray for the heroes and thosethey left behind. Selma & Dallas Counties Moment ofRemembrance: 3:00 to 3:01 pm. Information Source: City of Selma

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Former Selma Police Chief laid to rest

Submitted by WSFA 12 News Staff

Friday, May 24th, 2013, 3:20pm

SELMA, AL (WSFA)- Former Selma Police Chief Melvin "Slim" Summerlin was laid to rest today in Selma after he passed away from complications from heart surgery earlier this week.

Chief Summerlin was with the Selma Police Department form 1952 when he started as a patrolman all the way up to Chief of Police when he retired in 1991.

Summerlin passed away on Tuesday, May 21, at home with his family following complications from heart surgery. He is survived by two sons and several grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Friday, May 24 at 11 a.m. at the Selma Funeral Home Chapel.

For more information, see Chief Summerlin's obituary on the Selma Funeral Home website.

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Missing Selma man's body found; suspect arrested for murder

Submitted by WSFA 12 News Staff

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013, 2:57pm

Ronald Mitchell (Photo Source: Selma PD)

SELMA, AL (WSFA)- A 19-year-old Selma man is under arrest charged with murder after he admitted to police that he shot missing person Micah Dewayne Johnson to death.

Police say 22-year-old Johnson was last seen by his mother on Monday, May 20 in the 500 block of Woodrow Ave.

Johnson was reported missing on Tuesday after family members became concerned that he did not return home or call.

During the investigation, police spoke to 19-year-old Ronald Mitchell after it was determined that he was the last person to have a conversation with Johnson early Tuesday morning.

Mitchell admitted to police that he shot Johnson to death. He then led investigators to Johnson's body in a wooded area below the 100 block of Old Montgomery High.

Mitchell also admitted to hiding Johnson's vehicle.

At this time, the investigation into the case in ongoing. Mitchell has been charged with murder. His bond has been set at $3 Million.

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Air Force Maj. Gen. Walter D. Givhan talks value of education with TROY grads

Submitted by JoBeth Davis, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013, 3:54pm

Air Force Maj. Gen. Walter D. Givhan talks value of education with TROY grads

MONTGOMERY—U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Walter D. Givhan, a Troy University alumnus, told TROY graduates that education will help them deal with new challenges and demanding situations as they move forward with their careers.

Givhan delivered the keynote address to graduates during spring commencement for the Montgomery Campus on Monday, May 20, inside the Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. Some 140 students took part in the 7 p.m. ceremony.

In all, 192 students earned undergraduate and graduate degrees this spring at the Montgomery Campus.

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