Weekend Roundup: New Principals | DCH Lawsuits | Veteran Of The Year

TUSCALOOSA, AL — It was another busy week across Tuscaloosa and West Alabama, with no shortage of headlines.

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Every Saturday we will bring you a roundup of the biggest stories we covered over the last week, just in case you might've missed something important.

Scroll through the links below to catch up on the events that shaped the news cycle over the last week in the Tuscaloosa Patch coverage area.

Tuscaloosa Leaders Break Ground On Major Expansion At Belk Center

Tuscaloosa city leaders and parks officials broke ground Thursday on a major expansion project at the Belk Center that will add new recreational and therapeutic amenities to the longstanding community facility at Bowers Park.

Former Alabama Basketball Standout Mikhail Torrance Dead At 37

A native of Eight Mile, Torrance played three seasons for the Crimson Tide from 2006-09 and was known for his playmaking ability at point guard.

Decorated Navy Vet, Shelton State Admin Named Alabama Veteran Of The Year

A Shelton State Community College administrator who has spent more than two decades helping military veterans navigate higher education has been selected as the 2026 State of Alabama's Veteran of the Year.

Family Of Slain DCH Nurse Ada Doss Sues Hospital, Security Company

The family of a DCH nurse and case manager who was killed during a shift change in the hospital's parking lot in May has filed a civil wrongful death lawsuit against DCH Health Care Authority and its contracted security company.

Family Of Man Who Killed DCH Nurse Sues Hospital, Alleges Psychiatric Care Was Denied

The family of the man charged with capital murder for killing a DCH Health System nurse in May has filed a civil lawsuit against DCH Healthcare Authority, alleging the hospital failed to provide emergency psychiatric treatment during a mental health crisis hours before the fatal shooting.

TCS Names New Principal For Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary

Board members on Tuesday approved the appointment of Dannon Bedwell as principal of MLK Elementary, where he has served as assistant principal since 2020.

TCS Touts Record 99.3% Of Graduates Leaving With Post-Secondary Plans

Tuscaloosa City Schools says nearly every member of its Class of 2026 graduated with a confirmed plan for life after high school, setting a new district record.

Fire Truck Hit By Vehicle At Crash Scene In Tuscaloosa County

The Sipsey Valley Volunteer Fire Department says one of its fire engines was struck by a vehicle while firefighters were working a crash scene last week on U.S. Highway 82.

Drinkard Promoted To Principal At Holt High School

The Tuscaloosa County Board of Education earlier this month appointed Carmen Drinkard as the new principal of Holt High School. Drinkard previously served as assistant principal at Holt High after relocating to Alabama from Texas.

Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's K9 Charlie Retires After Six Years Of Service

Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office K9 Charlie is officially retiring after six years of service and will now spend his time enjoying treats, playtime and the company of his canine siblings.

Sentencing Next Week For Tuscaloosa Man Convicted Of 2023 Murder

A Tuscaloosa man convicted of murder in the 2023 shooting death of Rufus Tyrone Carter IV is scheduled to be sentenced next week in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court.

Multi-Vehicle Crash Kills McCalla Man, Injures Child In Tuscaloosa County

The crash happened at approximately 2:51 p.m. Saturday on Eastern Valley Road near Foster Road, about three miles north of Woodstock.

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