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Funeral set for Alabama firefighter killed in Colorado wildfire (my favorite)

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Funeral set for Alabama firefighter killed in Colorado wildfire (my favorite)


Funeral arrangements have been announced for an Alabama wildland firefighter who was killed while battling a wildfire in western Colorado.

Sydney Watson, 27, of Warrior, Alabama, died June 27 while assigned to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service’s Rifle Helitack crew. She was one of three firefighters killed during a burnover event while conducting initial attack operations on the Knowles Fire near the Colorado-Utah border.

Watson’s family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at Highpoint Community Church, 185 Morris-Cobb Road in Empire. A celebration of life service will begin at 6 p.m.

Fire departments from across the region are expected to honor Watson with an apparatus detail before the service. Participating fire apparatus will stage at the church between 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. There will be no procession following the celebration of life, and all participating vehicles are asked to be in place before 4 p.m.

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In lieu of flowers, Watson’s family asks that memorial donations be made to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation or the National Park Foundation in her memory.

Watson was among three wildland firefighters killed while responding to the Knowles Fire on June 27. Federal officials said she and her crew were conducting initial attack operations when they were caught in a fatal burnover. Two other firefighters were injured and continue to recover.

The other firefighters who died were identified as Emily Barker, 38, of Clinton Township, Michigan, and Nick Hutcherson, 27, of Glendale, Arizona.

Following the incident, the Knowles Fire merged with several other fires to become the larger Snyder Fire along the Colorado-Utah border.

A serious accident investigation remains underway to determine what led to the deadly burnover.

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U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy previously said the firefighters “embodied the courage, professionalism and selflessness that define the wildland fire service” and made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting others.



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5-Star OL commits to Texas over Alabama and others

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5-Star OL commits to Texas over Alabama and others




Ismael Camara has announced a verbal commitment to the Texas Longhorns.

Camara is an extremely talented 2027 five-star offensive lineman prospect, and he currently attends Gilmer High School in Texas. His decision leaves the Tide with one offensive lineman commit in Stafford Willis.

The Longhorns beat out Alabama, LSU, Oregon, SMU, Texas A&M and others to snag a commitment from Camara. The Crimson Tide hosted Camara during the spring, and Alabama’s offensive line coach Adrian Klemm once had the Tide trending with Camara.

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“Coach Klemm has three Super Bowl rings as a player and has coached at the highest levels,” Camara said while previously discussing Klemm. “He is someone I look up to because he has been where I want to go. He runs his offensive line room like an NFL offensive line room because that is what he knows and where he is from. I think the best way to sum up our relationship is respect.”

It is likely Alabama will end this cycle with only one offensive lineman commit in what is expected to be a small class.







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Thousands attend Alabama concert at West Virginia America 250 celebration – WV MetroNews

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Thousands attend Alabama concert at West Virginia America 250 celebration – WV MetroNews


Photo: 96.1 KWS host Robb Reel

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –An estimated 30,000 fans packed the State Capitol grounds Friday night for a concert by country band Alabama, according to officials.

The band, known for hits such as “Mountain Music,” “Dixieland Delight” and “Song of the South,” headlined West Virginia’s America250 celebration.

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The band formed in Fort Payne, Alabama, in 1969 when Randy Owen and his cousin Teddy Gentry were joined by another cousin, Jeff Cook.

Earlier in the evening, West Virginia native Philip Bowen opened for Alabama.

The celebration continues through Sunday.

A full schedule can be found at wvtourism.com/america250.

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Alabama unveils the Alabama Catfish Trail

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Alabama unveils the Alabama Catfish Trail


MILLBROOK, Ala. (WSFA) – Casting a line on a hot summer day is about as Alabama as you can get. You can reel in catfish all over the state and now Alabama is hoping to capitalize on that with the new Alabama Catfish Trail.

“Summertime is the perfect time to grab the family, fishing pole, and head out to the nearest pond or lake and enjoy the season,” said Marina Childress with Alabama Blackbelt Adventures.

Alabama just unveiled its new Alabama Catfish Trail. It features 50 locations where you can fish, eat, and shop.(WSFA)

Catfish in Alabama is a big deal. If you combine the farm raised catfish industry, restaurants, and recreation, the catfish sector contributes about $92 million a year to our states economy.

“There are 50 waterways you can enjoy on the trail, from North Alabama to Central Alabama, to South Alabama.”

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Alabama just unveiled its new Alabama Catfish Trail. It features 50 locations where you can...
Alabama just unveiled its new Alabama Catfish Trail. It features 50 locations where you can fish, eat, and shop.(WSFA)

State leaders hope this is a big catch for Alabama.

“Our new Catfish Trail invites visitors to experience our beautiful state through its waterways, recipes and cultural traditions,” said Alabama Tourism director Lee Sentell.

“There’s nobody, I mean nobody, who loves a plate of Alabama catfish more than I do,” said Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville. “As a former catfish restaurant owner, I know how critical the catfish industry is to our great state. The Alabama Catfish Trail is a great opportunity to recognize and thank all of our farmers who drive this industry. It’s also a chance to bring people together, to connect with friends and family, and enjoy Alabama’s waterways.”

It’s a program that’ll surely make a big splash.

Alabama just unveiled its new Alabama Catfish Trail. It features 50 locations where you can...
Alabama just unveiled its new Alabama Catfish Trail. It features 50 locations where you can fish, eat, and shop.(WSFA)

“It goes back to years and years of generations, restaurants, recreation and catfish farming in general,” said Childress.

Along with the brand new trail, you can also show off you big catch. Alabama Blackbelt Adventures is hosting a catfish photo contest. The fish must be caught in the Blackbelt Region. The deadline to submit you picture is July 12th. The contest winner receiving a two-person, half-day guided trip with Bama Noodling in 2027.

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