Longtime UA Band Director Dies; Severe Weather Threat For T-Town

Happy Sunday Tuscaloosa!

In today's Daily, we have the latest on more severe weather expected Sunday for Tuscaloosa County, along with area baseball and softball scores and all of the other stories we're watching as this short-lived weekend comes to a close.

First, today's weather:

Tuscaloosa can expect showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 p.m. Temperatures are also expected to fall to around 63 by noon. Chance of rain: 100%

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Patch Pick: What a scene! Egg The City was a huge hit and attended by hundreds looking to get into the Easter spirit on Saturday at the Tuscaloosa County High School football practice field. Check out more photos on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa

1. More severe weather is expected for Tuscaloosa and much of Alabama today, which could bring the potential for tornadoes, damaging wind, hail and flash flooding. We will provide updates throughout the day as the system approaches west Alabama. Click here for the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

2. If you're looking for quality local reporting, check out this heartfelt piece by Gary Cosby Jr., where he speaks with Hale County residents who provide a firsthand account of the devastating storms last Thursday. (Tuscaloosa News)

3. The Crimson Tide men's basketball team is gearing up for its Sweet Sixteen matchup against UCLA today, with tipoff set for 6:15 p.m. in Indianapolis. Erik Hall reports that as of Saturday night, Alabama is a 6.5-point favorite against UCLA. (Tide Sports)

4. Aaron Bonner wrote a in-depth feature piece about Janice Hagler, the first woman to serve as an officer with the Northport Police Department. She began her career as an officer in October 1977. (Northport Gazette).

5. The University of Alabama is currently mourning the death of longtime Million Dollar Band Director James S. "Doc" Ferguson, who died on March 17 at the age of 85. After working as the band director at the University of Mississippi, Ferguson would go on to become the director of bands and a professor at the UA from 1971 through 1983. Click here to read his full online obituary.

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Tuscaloosa Patch Notebook

- Director applications for the 2022 Black Warrior Film Festival are currently open until April 2. Applications can be submitted on the CS&I engagement portal.

- A total of 32 students and one faculty/staff member at the University of Alabama's Tuscaloosa campus tested positive for the coronavirus during the testing period of March 19-25.

- Samantha Palmer was named the overall winner of the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon on Saturday, with a time of 1:15:36. I will publish more results today, so be on the lookout.

- Five Points Baptist Church will hold an Easter Eggstravaganza today from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.

- The Arc of Tuscaloosa County held its firetruck pull fundraiser at the University Mall on Saturday. Click here to see photos of all the of different award winners and participants.

- Warrior Baseball held its Opening Day on Saturday at Kentuck Park, which was attended by hundreds as baseball season kicks off in Northport.

- Area softball scores:

• Tuscaloosa County 6, Brookwood 2
• Tuscaloosa County 3, Oakman 1
• Tuscaloosa County 9, Northside 1
• Northside 11, Holy Spirt 1

- Area baseball scores:

• Northridge 4, Sweetwater 9
• Tuscaloosa Academy 9, Ezekiel Academy 4

While you're now ready to start this Sunday on an informed note, don't miss out the rest of the day or through the week. Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more!

Also, be sure to stay weather-aware today, especially through the early hours into the afternoon.

- Ryan

About me: I grew up in Tuscaloosa. I'm a graduate of the University of Alabama, an experienced journalist, editor and columnist and the founder of Tuscaloosa Patch. You can find me at baseball games, public meetings, events in the local arts community and wherever live music is played!