Thursday, August 11, 2011

Doesn't William Edwards Deserve More?


William Edwards was 72 years old and lived alone. Authorities know that Claude P. Riddle Sr. struck Edwards at 12:57 a.m. yesterday morning and left the scene. The 50 year old Riddle is a tractor-trailer driver from Russellville. Sources say Riddle lives with his mother Mary Katherine Riddle at 1830 Bailey Lane off County Road 55. Authorities theorize the evidence shows Riddle left the roadway and struck Mr. Edwards in the median.

Why would anyone suggest no charges might be filed? Riddle not only knew he hit someone, he knew the exact time and apparently had lost control of the vehicle when he did so. Mr. Edwards' family deserves more...

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We have received several inquiries regarding Kimbery Bynum Garner, the Vina teacher charged with second degree rape, and Sgt. Jeremy Shane Hall, the former Russellville police officer charged with rape and several sex crimes against city jail inmates as well as possibly one other underage person. Neither of these has been indicted. The next Franklin County grand jury is in September, but we have not been able to ascertain if either or both these individuals is on the docket.

Anyone seeking information is being referred to the Franklin County District Attorney's office. The number to call is 256-332-8886.

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If you're a fan of Hillbilly Deluxe, you'll probably love the Happy Goat Band. Here's a little of their music. Our favorite? For some reason Mississippi National Guard...if Johnny Horton were still with us, we could picture him performing it.