She Said...

Yesterday we published information provided by friends of Hunter Beck, a Florence youth accused of first degree rape. Those who read us regularly know that we support swift and sure punishment for those who commit crimes of violence against women. Similarly, we hope all who bring such charges falsely receive the proper legal punishment.

Friends of the young woman who has accused Beck have also now contacted us, assuring us that she is indeed a victim and will continue to pursue her charges against Hunter Beck. In no way do we support Beck over his accuser or claim to know the facts in this case; however, we are happy to make known the support of his friends.

Hopefully, this case will see a speedy legal resolution.

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Morris Lentz, president of the Lauderdale County Volunteer Firefighters Association, invites everyone to the 32nd annual awards banquet to be held on January 30th at the Guillot Center on the campus of UNA. The banquet will begin at 6:00 p.m., and admission is $15.00. We hope all who can will attend and let our volunteer firefighters know how much we appreciate their efforts.


Note: As far as we can ascertain, the communications we have received supporting Hunter Beck have come from legitimate friends; however, we are updating the photo of Beck in order to assure accuracy.

Shoalanda

Morris Taff Lentz - Hero

Morris Taff Lentz has already done more in his 43 years than most people do in 80. Lentz, a Bank Indpendent Vice-President, is also a Rogersville volunteer firefighter and member of the small town's Chamber of Commerce.

It was in his capacity of firefighter that Lentz was injured early this morning. While fighting a fire just off Highway 101 in the Elgin community, Lentz was seriously injured when trapped by a falling wall.

Currently the firefighter is a patient at Huntsville Hospital where he has undergone the first of many surgeries to repair injuries to his leg and back. Lentz's condition remains serious, but when he improves there won't be a shortage of well-wishers. Morris Lentz is president of the Lauderdale County Volunteer Firefighters' Association and active in a multitude of community projects, including Rogersville's annual blue grass festival in which he frequently performs.

We urge everyone to pray for Morris and his family.

Thanks to our correspondent E.T. for much of the information used in this report.