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15 Alabama moments that made headlines 50 years ago

The year 1975 was a big one for news and entertainment. Sure, we still used telephones attached to walls and looked up phone numbers in a giant book, but some groovy things happened, too. “Jaws” terrified movie audiences. “Wheel of Fortune” debuted. Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft. Space Mountain opened at Disney World.

Alabama had plenty of newsworthy stories, too. We listed a few of them below, focusing on the lighter side of things rather than crime or disaster.

How many do you remember?

Shug Jordan retires after 25 years coaching the Auburn Tigers

After 25 years at Auburn University, legendary football coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan retired following the 1975 season. While Jordan was coach, the Auburn Tigers won the 1957 National Championship and appeared in the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl, according to the Encyclopedia of Alabama. Jordan was named National Coach of the Year in 1957. He was inducted into the first class of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1969 and, in 1973, became “the first active coach in America to have a stadium named after him,” the EOA article said.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ‘Stay Hungry’ is filmed in Birmingham

In June of 1975, Birmingham residents got an eyeful of bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger in his first major film role (he’d played small roles as Arnold Strong). “Stay Hungry” was filming in in the streets of downtown Birmingham for a release in 1976. The plot involves a young man (Jeff Bridges) buying a gym as part of a shady real-estate deal. He meets the receptionist (Sally Field) and a bodybuilder training to be Mr. Universe (Schwarzenegger) and shenanigans ensue. Schwarzenegger won a Golden Globe for Best Acting Debut.

Century Plaza mall opens in Birmingham

The opening of Century Plaza was a big event in August 1975. The enclosed mall opened on Crestwood Boulevard near Interstate 20 to great fanfare with more than 100 stores and four anchor stores: Loveman’s, Sears, Rich’s and JCPenney.

The mall was a popular shopping, dining and gathering place until the 2000s, when business declined. The mall closed in 2009 and was demolished in 2020. Read more here.

Von Braun Center opens in Huntsville

On March 14, 1975, a ball was held for the opening of Huntsville’s first major events and entertainment venue, the Von Braun Civic Center (today it’s known as the Von Braun Center). Named for legendary rocket scientist Wernher Von Braun, the $15 million complex included an 8,000-seat arena, exhibit halls, a concert hall, a playhouse and facilities for meetings and exhibitions. It has been expanded numerous times since then.

Johnny Cash was the first artist to perform in the arena on March 24. The VBC is hosting numerous events in 2025 to commemorate the 50th anniversary.

Elvis Presley performs at the newly opened Von Braun Center

Perhaps the biggest event to occur at the Von Braun Center was a concert series by Elvis Presley, who would return to play in Huntsville in 1976. From May 28-June 1, 1975, Elvis performed five sold-out shows in the newly opened arena. Tickets cost $10 each and the show closed with “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” according to Matt Wake on AL.com.

University of Alabama football stadium is renamed ‘Bryant-Denny’

In 1929, the 12,000-seat Denny Stadium was built for the University of Alabama football team coached by Wallace Wade, according to the Encyclopedia of Alabama. It was named for former UA president George Denny. In 1975, the stadium was renamed Bryant-Denny Stadium in honor of Paul “Bear” Bryant, who was at the time the “winningest coach” in college football history. He retired in 1982 after 25 years with a record of 232-46-9.

In 2024, the stadium was renamed in honor of retired Coach Nick Saban. It is now Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Vice President Nelson Rockefeller visits Mobile

In August 1975, then-Vice President Nelson Rockefeller (under President Gerald Ford) visited Mobile for a meeting of lieutenant governors. Time magazine covered the event with an article that began with the line: “’This is not exactly Rockefeller country,’ Alabama Governor George Wallace wryly observed on the eve of the Vice President’s trip to the South.” Read the article here.

The Sipsey Wilderness becomes Alabama’s first federal wilderness area

The Sipsey Wilderness, located in Lawrence and Winston counties inside the Bankhead Forest, was dedicated in May 1975 as Alabama’s first federally designated wilderness site. In fact, it was the first such area east of the Mississippi River, according to the 2006 book “Amazing Alabama: Waterfalls” by Priscilla Lister. The area was expanded in 1988 and now includes 24,922 acres, making it the largest in Alabama. It is known for its beautiful waterfalls.

Truman Capote publishes story that some claim ended his career

A short story called “La Cote Basque 1965,” written by legendary author Truman Capote and published in Esquire magazine Nov. 1, 1975, isolated Capote from the New York society crowd and proved ruinous to his career. Capote was raised in Monroeville, Ala.

The spicy “fictional” story told the dirty little secrets of a circle of society matrons whose identities were so thinly disguised that they were easily recognizable to the public. Vanity Fair wrote in 2012: “‘La Côte Basque 1965,’” the first installment of Truman Capote’s planned roman à clef, Answered Prayers, dropped like a bomb on New York society…”

It was to be part of the book “Answered Prayers,” which Capote promised would be his masterpiece. The book was never completed.

Birmingham Vulcans professional football team is formed … and disbanded

The Birmingham Vulcans was a professional football team in the fledgling World Football League. The team was reformed and renamed from the 1974 WFL team, the Birmingham Americans, according to BhamWiki.com. The Vulcans played in the league’s second and last season.

The Vulcans had a record of 9-3 and was the No. 1 team in the league. Top players included running back Johnny Musso, who played for the University of Alabama, and defensive back Larry Willingham, who had played for Auburn and the St. Louis Cardinals. Both men were later inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

The Birmingham A’s minor league baseball team disbands

Rickwood Field, the oldest baseball field in the nation, was once home to the minor league team the Birmingham Athletics (Birmingham A’s), according to BhamWiki.com. Named for its major league affiliates, the Kansas City Athletics, the team was founded in 1967 and disbanded in 1975. Players included Reggie Jackson and Rollie Fingers, who would go on to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Auburn’s James Foy named national Dean of the Year

Dr. James Foy, longtime dean of students at Auburn University, received a top honor in 1975 when he was named Outstanding Student Personnel Administrator in the USA by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (informally known as the “dean of the year” award. Foy, who died in 2010, was a beloved figure at Auburn who was instrumental in restarting the Iron Bowl after a long hiatus. The Iron Bowl trophy is named in his honor.

Louise Fletcher wins Oscar for ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’

Birmingham-born actress Louise Fletcher had the role of a lifetime in the 1975 movie “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Playing opposite the legendary Jack Nicholson, Fletcher was so good in her role as Nurse Ratched that she won the Oscar for Best Actress. The film follows a Korean War veteran and criminal who ends up in a mental institution with the tyrannical nurse. Fletcher went on to have a long acting career in TV and films. She died in 2022. Read more here.

Famed Alabama-born ‘Robin Hood’ archer Howard Hill dies

Howard Hill, the only archer in his time who could split an arrow with another arrow, was born in Wilsonville, Ala., in 1899. He would grow up to become so accurate with a bow and arrows that he earned the unofficial title “World’s Greatest Archer” and doubled for Errol Flynn in the 1938 film “The Adventures of Robin Hood.”

After graduating from Auburn in 1923, he set a record by winning 196 archery competitions in a row. He mastered dozens of mind-boggling tricks, such as shooting a plum or apple off someone’s head from a distance of 60 feet. Hill died Feb. 4, 1975.

The largemouth bass is named the state fish

Alabama has a lot of state symbols – you can find a list here – and plenty of lakes so it shouldn’t be surprising that it has a state fish: The largemouth bass. Alabama lakes are known for bass fishing and big-money competitions are often held here. Alabama has a second state fish – the tarpon. The tarpon was designated as the official saltwater fish in 1955 so the largemouth bass is officially known as the state’s freshwater fish.

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Alabama girl feels the heat with first baking challenge on reality TV: ‘It’s a little burnt’

Alabama’s Ellvie Smith faced her first challenge on Monday’s episode of “Kids Baking Championship,” and found that cooking on reality TV was not an easy task.

Ellvie, 11, from Attalla, is one 12 young bakers chosen for Season 13 of the Food Network series. All of them are competing for a $25,000 prize, bragging rights and a feature in Food Network Magazine.

“I started making my own cakes since I was 6,” the girl said, introducing herself to the TV audience and judges Duff Goldman and Kardea Brown. “I’ve always preferred watching Food Network over cartoons. It just kind of escalated from there.”

On the hourlong program, the bakers were asked to create an animal-themed tart from scratch, adorning the treat with a texture reminiscent of the animal’s scales, feathers, fur or fins. In an twist, they were required to add an edible tail — and they had two-and-a-half hours to complete the entire dessert.

This season of “Kids Baking Championship” will focus on animal challenges, and Monday’s episode included guest appearances by a parrot named Chicken and a cockatoo named Teva. (All 10 episodes of Season 13 were filmed in advance.)

Ellvie chose to make a mango tart with vanilla shortbread crust, inspired by a betta fish. (“My mom has one at her office, and his name’s Carl,” she said.) She decided on a coconut cookie for the tail, and used rice paper to create textured fins.

The kitchen was not kind to her during the challenge, however, or perhaps nerves got in her way. She’s clearly a talented baker — see the yummy cupcakes, cream puffs, muffins and other goodies showcased on her Facebook and Instagram pages — but she burned the crust and curd of her tart on the episode.

“Oh, my God. I can’t believe I did that,” Ellvie said. “I don’t know what to do. It’s not looking good.”

Although she didn’t have time to prepare a new crust, Ellvie managed to whip up another mango curd for the tart, and was pleased with the result. She seemed satisfied with the edible scales and fish tail, too.

“Thank goodness,” Ellvie said. “That second curd looks pretty amazing. I need to work on my decoration. I’m gonna use this really cool technique where you put rice paper and water with a little bit of dye that’ll give it, like, this really wavy texture.”

When it came time to face the judges, however, Goldman and Brown gave the tart an overall thumb’s down. The two were gentle but firm, pointing to where Ellvie went astray.

“I definitely see where you were going with this,” Goldman said. “(It’s) really watery, looks very fluid. I’m not sure if I want to eat it. Also, your crust looks a skosh dark … we’ll see how it tastes. … To be a tart, you really gotta have some filling. I wish I had a little more curd.”

“I definitely get the mango, but everything is very, very thin, almost like a thin pizza,” Brown said. “The crust, I think if it was a little thicker and (cooked for) a little less time, it would have been delicious. A little burnt. It’s a little burnt.”

“I think your cookie’s great,” Goldman said. But he agreed that the tart needed more filling and the crust was scorched.

Several other contestants struggled with their tarts, as well, but Ellvie was placed in the bottom two and eliminated from the series. She began to cry when her name was called, and received a hug from Brown.

“Ellvie, it’s OK,” Brown said. “This is just the beginning for you. You have so much to offer.”

“I’m sad to go home,” the girl said as she made her exit. “I made some good friends that really support me. … I’m gonna keep baking. I’m gonna be back on TV soon.”

Ellvie echoed those sentiments and thanked her supporters in a Tuesday video post on Instagram.

“Thank you for believing in me and supporting me and following me through my journey with Food Network,” she said. “Just all the encouraging words and kind words you say just make me feel really happy. Tom Brady says, ‘Life is not about how we succeed. It’s when you fail and the losses makes us who we are.’ … The competitor in me wishes I’d have stayed longer, but the experience has made me want to push myself and learn more and do more.

“I’m super grateful that I was able to step foot into that amazing kitchen with 11 other talented bakers. But when we weren’t baking, we were outside the studio, and I’m super excited to share all the fun things we did together, and it was the best time. I’m really excited to cheer them on,” Ellvie said.

“Scripture states that everything works out for your good, so I’m excited to see what God has planned for me in my future. One of my favorite chefs of Birmingham told me, ‘The things you do mean something to people,’ and I truly believe that. And this is not the end for me. This is just the beginning.”

Contestants remaining on Season 13 of “Kids Baking Championship” are:

• Pierce Sario of Atlanta, Georgia
• Brooklyn Barrett of Orlando, Florida
• Micah Parsons of Stephenville, Texas
• Ella Hayek of Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Aria Karayil of Danville, California
• Piper Lowe of Kansas City, Kansas
• Carter Siporin of Perkasie, Pennsylvania
• Carly Van Pelt of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
• Jack Whalen of West Richland, Washington
• Arielle Yang of Sandy, Utah
• Noah Azeez of Toronto, Canada

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Troy’s Tayton Conerway honored by Sun Belt Conference

Troy’s Tayton Conerway is the Sun Belt Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week, it was announced Tuesday.

Conerway, a senior guard from Burleson, Texas, averaged 18.0 points, 5.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 3.5 steals in road victories last week at Appalachian State and Marshall. This season, he is second on the Troy team in scoring at 10.6 points per game, but leads in assists (4.3 per game) and steals (a Sun Belt best 2.9 per game).

Troy (10-4, 3-0 Sun Belt) hosts Texas State at 6 p.m. Thursday. The Trojans are tied atop the Sun Belt standings with South Alabama, which is 11-4, 3-0.

• On the women’s side, Troy’s Zay Dyer was also named Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week on Tuesdsay.

Dyer averaged 18 points, 16.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in wins last week over Coastal Carolina and Marshall. Against Coastal, she posted 25 points and 21 rebounds, the first Trojan women’s player in two years to hit the 20-20 mark in a game.

Troy (8-7, 2-1) hosts Appalachian State at 11 a.m. Thursday.

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3 dead after being struck by train in Mobile, police say

Three people are dead after being struck by a train Tuesday night, according to the Mobile Police Department.

A spokesperson for the department said that at about 11:40 p.m. officers responded to the area of Cherokee Street and Rickarby Street after receiving a call regarding two dead men.

Officers discovered two men dead near the railroad track after arriving. A third individual was subsequently found dead near an area of Emogene Street and Florida Street.

Investigators determined that three individuals were struck and killed by a train, according to the spokesperson.

The incident continues to be investigated by Mobile police.

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3 people suspected to have died of hypothermia in Jefferson County in 24 hours

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office issued a public warning after three suspected hypothermia deaths.

Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates on Wednesday said the medical examiner’s office has begun investigations into the deaths, all of which happened over the past 24 hours.

Hypothermia is a condition where the body’s core temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). It occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, typically due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.

Yates said all of the victims are adults and were in settings that could lead to hypothermia. He said he did not want to release additional information since the cause of death has not yet been determined.

It will take six to eight weeks to complete the additional laboratory studies, he said.

A “significant” winter storm is increasingly likely for parts of Alabama starting late Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters issued winter storm watches for north and part of central Alabama that will go into effect at midnight on Friday.

The city of Birmingham and Jimmie Hale Mission, a local homeless shelter, has opened its nightly warming station Monday, Jan. 6 through Thursday, Jan. 9, from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Pathways, located at 409 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. Monday, Jan. 6 through Thursday, Jan. 9 from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.

A free shuttle service will be available from 6 to 7 p.m. for those needing transportation to the warming stations. The pickup location will be at the main entrance of Linn Park at the intersection of Park Place and 20th Street North. Return transportation will be provided each morning.

Jimmie Hale Mission is also accepting donations of twin-sized washable blankets, fresh fruit, paper plates, napkins, plastic flatware, soft breakfast bars or snacks.

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Quarterback Mac Jones: ‘Eventually it’s going to even out and go my way’

Mac Jones played his first 42 and his most recent five NFL regular-season games as a starting quarterback. They’re two distinct episodes in his career.

The first 42 came after the New England Patriots chose the former Alabama All-American at No. 15 in the 2021 NFL Draft and chose to go with him as the starting QB instead of incumbent Cam Newton.

The past five came for Jacksonville, including a 26-23 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the Jaguars’ regular-season finale on Sunday, what Jones termed “a tough ending to a tough season.”

In between, the Patriots benched Jones for the final six games of the 2023 season and traded him in March to Jacksonville, where he became the backup for Trevor Lawrence.

Injuries to Lawrence allowed Jones to start seven games in the final season of his rookie contract. Unless the Jaguars sign Jones to a contract extension, he will become an unrestricted free agent on March 12.

“I love this game,” Jones said. “I put a lot of time into it, and so do the people around me. I know the coaches and players felt that this year. Whether I was starting or not, tried to be the first guy in and study and learn the offense and learn the people and all that. I love football, I know that, and eventually it’s going to even out and go my way. I’m looking forward to that.”

Lawrence was the No. 1 pick of Jones’ draft class.

“I learned a lot from Trevor this year,” Jones said. “He’s a great leader and person. For him to get injured was unfortunate. But I do feel like the guys on the team have a lot of respect for me, and, hopefully, I earned everyone’s respect. That’s all I care about – for them to say I was tough, and we were in every game. Wish it could have gone the other way sometimes, I do believe I put my best foot forward, and so did they.”

Lawrence will resume his spot as the Jacksonville’s starting quarterback next season on a five-year, $275 million contract. But Jones did not rule out returning to the Jaguars next season while speaking with reporters in the Jacksonville locker room on Monday.

“I think everything’s on the table,” Jones said. “I think that’s part of the evaluation. I want to put myself in the best position to be a great quarterback and help the team, whether that’s as a starter or not. So I learned a lot this year in being in that backup role, and I’ll continue to learn regardless of the role.”

Jones started a 12-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 1 and a 52-6 loss to the Detroit Lions on Nov. 17. Lawrence’s return to the lineup lasted less than one half, and Jones took the rest of the snaps for the Jacksonville offense after entering a 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans on Dec. 1.

Beginning with that game, Jones completed 134-of-202 passes for 1,395 yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions and ran for 77 yards on 21 carries. Over the final six weeks of the regular season, Jones ranked eighth in the NFL in passing yards.

The Jaguars won two of Jones’ final five starts – both against the Tennessee Titans – to finish the season with a 4-13 record. The largest final margin in any of the games was seven points.

“I think I just want to evaluate the season,” Jones said on Monday, “and I feel like we had some good momentum on offense the last couple games, even though it went different ways, and a lot of one-score games, but we improved on third down, improved in short yardage, and just being in the games at the end of the year. So that was something that I was going to look back on and see what I can do better and study those one-score situations and see where that leads me.

“But at the end of the day, everything’s been done, and I just know that I can play in this league, and I’m looking forward to just learning how to get better.”

Jones’ return to regular playing time allowed him to become the seventh former Alabama player to surpass 10,000 NFL passing yards. He follows Ken Stabler, Joe Namath, Bart Starr, Richard Todd, Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts as Crimson Tide passers who have reached the NFL milestone.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.

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The delicious Dove x Crumbl bath and body collection is finally here

The unlikely collaboration of Dove and Crumbl as finally arrived and includes an array of sweet bath and body products now available for purchase.

According to a recent news release, the Dove x Crumbl Collection, available exclusively at Walmart, delivers the fan-favorite flavors of Crumbl desserts, paired with the superior body care that Dove is known for that is meant to indulge one’s senses and skin.

The Dove x Crumbl product lineup includes a Body Wash, Body Scrub, Deodorant and Liquid Hand Wash, each available in three expertly crafted gourmand scents, and inspired by Crumbl classics:

• Confetti Cake – with notes of a warm sugar cookie topped with pink buttercream frosting.
• Lemon Glaze – with notes of a lemon sugar cookie topped with a sweet buttery glaze.
• Strawberry Crumb Cake – with notes of a rich strawberry cookie topped with vanilla glaze & buttery crumbs.

With this new launch, Dove will change the color of its packaging for the first time ever with pink packaging across the entire collection – a nod to the signature Crumbl pink box.

RELATED: We found the best online deals Walmart is offering this week

“The excitement of unboxing a Crumbl dessert isn’t just about a sweet treat – it’s about taking a break from the everyday hustle and savoring something special,” Crumbl Co-founder Sawyer Hemsley said. “Because Dove shares our passion for delighting customers and helping them embrace life’s little indulgences, we knew they would be the perfect partner.”

Those interested in the Dove x Crumbl Collection can checkout all available products on Walmart’s website here.

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‘The Challenge’ season 40 finale: How to watch, where to stream free

Part two of the highly anticipated season finale of MTV’s The Challenge 40: Battle Of the Eras is set to premiere on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 8/7c.

During this season’s final episode, the epic two-part finale comes to a close as the finalists battle for their chance at a share of one million dollars.

Also, an epic twist could see someone’s dream taken away from them.

Where can I watch The Challenge season 40 finale?

Those without basic cable can still live stream the season finale of The Challenge 40: Battle Of the Eras on Wednesday with either Philo, Fubo or DirecTV Stream, all of which offer free trials for new subscribers.

However, Philo is the cheapest live streaming option at $28 a month after its 7-day free trial.

What is Philo?

Philo is considered one of the cheaper live streaming services available as it allows users to stream over 70 live TV channels for just $28 a month after itsfree trial.

Popular channels offered with Philoinclude the Hallmark Channel, MTV, AMC, HGTV, History Channel, Discovery Channel, CMT, TLC, BET and more.

The streaming service also offers unlimited DVR along with various movies and TV shows users can watch on-demand.

What is Fubo?

Fubois also an alternative to basic cable, but with better channel options that Philo does not offer such as ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS and much more.

Fubo considers itself a sports-focused streaming service, but overall, its standard package comes with over 100 live channels for $79.99 a month after its free trial.

Fubo also comes with a variety of shows and movies users can watch on-demand along with the option to record your favorite TV shows.

What is DirecTV Stream?

DirecTV Stream is similar to Fubo in that it offers many of the same channels and features. At $101.98 a month after its free trial, the base package comes with a little over 90 live TV channels.

Those interested can check out all of DirecTV Stream’s channel packages here.

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Decatur councilman gets into heated exchange in City Hall parking lot over police chases

Decatur Councilman Hunter Pepper returned Monday for a City Council meeting after a three-month absence and immediately stirred up controversy when voicing his support of police in high-speed pursuits.

The controversy then led to a conflict after the meeting between some attendees and Pepper in the City Hall parking lot on a frigid night.

Pepper has been absent for all but one meeting for about the last three months. An emergency medical technician, he has been serving in disaster relief since Hurricane Helene went through Florida, Georgia and North Carolina in late September.

He said Tuesday that he is working on a temporary assignment for the federal government that he expects to last until May.

“I can’t say specifically what I am doing. I am working in the medical field for the government,” Pepper said.

Council President Jacob Ladner said state law requires a council member to attend at least one meeting every 90 days.

The previous City Council passed a resolution in February 2020 that a council member’s pay is cut $200 a meeting if he or she misses three or more scheduled meetings in a month. The only exceptions for absences are a member must be in the hospital or recovering from a hospital stay.

Ladner admitted to being unhappy with Pepper’s attendance and with the controversies he creates when he does show up.

“It is frustrating when we’re there every Monday and we’re kinda taking the lumps,” Ladner said. “He kind of comes occasionally and stirs things up, and then who knows when he will be back. I don’t have any control over him, so all we can do is care about what we can control and continue to move things forward.”

Ladner said that a council meeting is meant to be a professional meeting where they do city business.

“Whether it’s council members or anybody else disrupting that and making it what it’s not supposed to be, it is frustrating,” he said.

Councilman Carlton McMasters said council members have obligations that they must meet and, if they don’t meet the attendance requirements, a change has to be made.

“I wish things were different but, unfortunately, nothing surprises me,” McMasters said.

The controversy began when Sixth Avenue Northwest resident Stephen Hampton returned to the council meeting to get an update on his complaint about how the Police Department handled the theft of his car by three teenagers that led to a chase and wreck on Nov. 28.

“I came in about two weeks ago, and I need to see what y’all are going to do about the high-speed chases,” Hampton told the council.

“If people would stop running from the police, we wouldn’t have that problem — that’s my suggestion,” Pepper responded.

Hampton accused Pepper of “running your mouth when you wasn’t over there.”

Several people began yelling at Pepper from the audience while Ladner tried to regain control of the meeting with his gavel.

Police chases have been a source of controversy in the Decatur area since the Sept. 4, 2023, death of teenager Jaiden DeJarnett after police attempted a traffic stop on Beltline Road because his headlights were out. Decatur police said the 16-year-old from Madison County died in a wreck at the end of a 35-mile police pursuit that went through Decatur and Lawrence County during the early morning hours.

Decatur, Hartselle, Priceville and Athens police and Morgan and Lawrence county sheriffs’ deputies have all been involved in chases in which speeds were over 100 mph in the last six months.

The U.S. Department of Justice commissioned a study on police pursuits, the results of which were released in September 2023.

Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, which compiled the study, writes in his report that police chases “are high-risk events that put the lives of officers, suspects, and the public at risk. Furthermore, the costs of property damage and litigation can be substantial.”

Wexler also points out that “when pursuits go wrong and innocent, uninvolved people are injured or killed, public trust in the police is undermined.”

However, Wexler writes that “some view police pursuits as a necessary tool for stopping and apprehending dangerous criminals who threaten our communities.”

The report concludes that “pursuits should take place only when two very specific standards are met: (1) A violent crime has been committed and (2) the suspect poses an imminent threat to commit another violent crime.”

Pepper said Tuesday he felt he had to speak out about his stance on police chases “because I am afraid we have council members who will want to enact an ordinance or policy that does not allow police chases, which would make this a lawless community.”

Pepper said “I will fight tooth and nail” against any attempt to end police pursuits.

“I will reach out to the state and federal delegations to make sure there are laws that prevent individuals like ourselves from creating laws that prevent the police from doing their job. Police chases are part of the job,” he said.

Pepper said it is the individuals who attempt to elude the police, not the police themselves, who are creating the danger.

“That means they’re probably already a danger to the public, and I would assume the police would not chase without good reason,” Pepper said.

After the meeting, DeJarnett’s grandfather, Larry DeJarnett Sr., met Pepper at the steps to the council dais for a heated conversation.

Pepper said DeJarnett Sr. was obviously upset but the conversation was respectful. He said he told the grandfather that, if police have a legitimate reason to make a traffic stop, then the driver becomes automatically guilty by running.

“I can’t blame him for being upset and I sympathize with him. He lost his grandson,” Pepper said. “He tried to defend his grandson as not being a criminal, but I told him I strongly disagree with him. The very minute you run from the police you are guilty — there’s no if, ands or buts about it.”

The conversation between Pepper and DeJarnett Sr. ended when City Clerk Stephanie Simon declared the council chambers closed and told everyone to leave. The exit was orderly, but about a half dozen people angrily confronted Pepper in the parking lot as he tried to drive off.

One man was cursing him while a woman stood in front of his car trying to stop him from leaving.

“I continued to slowly press on the gas and the young lady chose to move out of the way when I picked up my phone to call (police) dispatch,” Pepper said.

— [email protected] or 256-340-2432

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(c)2025 The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.)

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