Blount County News

Blount County News We report fair and balanced news to best serve the citizens of our area.

Iranian national detained by ICE in Blount County last year has been released, family saysThe case drew local and nation...
01/15/2026

Iranian national detained by ICE in Blount County last year has been released, family says

The case drew local and national attention after the man missed the birth of his child while in federal custody.

An Iranian national who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Blount County in 2025 has been released from custody, according to statements from his family and legal representatives.

Ribvar Karimi was arrested in June 2025 during a multi-state ICE enforcement operation that resulted in the detention of 11 Iranian nationals across the country. His case gained widespread attention after it was reported that Karimi missed the birth of his child while being held by federal authorities.

According to multiple reports, Karimi has now been released from ICE custody. Details regarding the terms of his release, including whether he is under supervision or subject to ongoing immigration proceedings, have not been publicly disclosed.

Karimi entered the United States in October 2024 on a K-1 fiancé visa and married his U.S. citizen wife within the required 90-day period, according to his family. ICE previously cited national security concerns tied to Karimi’s prior mandatory military service in Iran, though the agency did not allege that he committed any criminal activity.

Background on the case

ICE confirmed at the time of Karimi’s arrest that he had served in the Iranian Army from 2018 to 2021 and stated that he was carrying an Iranian military identification card when detained. Officials said that while no criminal charges were filed, his background raised national security concerns.

Service in a foreign military is not, by itself, grounds for detention under U.S. immigration law. However, individuals with ties to governments considered hostile or sensitive from a national security standpoint may face heightened scrutiny.

Karimi’s wife, Morgan Karimi, previously shared a public statement saying she was “devastated, confused, and overwhelmed” by her husband’s detention. She stated that immigration officials acknowledged Karimi had no criminal history and emphasized that the couple had followed all requirements related to his visa. At the time, she was in the later stages of pregnancy.

What’s next

ICE has not issued an updated public statement regarding Karimi’s release. It remains unclear whether his immigration case is still pending or if additional hearings or requirements will follow.

The situation sparked both local and national discussion about immigration enforcement, national security reviews, and the impact of prolonged detention on families with pending legal status.

This story will be updated if additional information is released by ICE or Karimi’s legal team.

2026 Blount County Basketball Tournament tips off Jan. 16 at Hayden High SchoolThe brackets are officially set for one o...
01/15/2026

2026 Blount County Basketball Tournament tips off Jan. 16 at Hayden High School

The brackets are officially set for one of Blount County’s most anticipated winter traditions — the 2026 Blount County Basketball Tournament, hosted at Hayden High School from Jan. 16–20, 2026.

The county tournament, presented by Alabama Power, will feature varsity boys, varsity girls, junior varsity boys, and junior varsity girls teams from across Blount County competing for county titles throughout four days of action.

📅 Tournament dates & location
Dates: January 16–20, 2026
Location: Hayden High School
Presented by: Alabama Power
Opening-round games begin Friday, Jan. 16, with championship games scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20.

🎟️ Admission & concessions
Admission: $7 per person
Accepted: Cash or GoFan
Concessions: Cash only
Tournament shirts: Available for $20

🧢 Game operations & seating
The higher-seeded team will:
- Be designated as the home team
- Wear white uniforms
- Sit on the bench closest to the locker rooms
Exception:
Hayden High School teams will always use the Hayden bench, regardless of seeding

🏀 Varsity Boys seedings
1. Hayden
2. Locust Fork
3. Appalachian
4. Cleveland
5. Southeastern
6. Susan Moore
7. Pennington

🏀 Varsity Girls seedings
1. Susan Moore
2. Pennington
3. Locust Fork
4. Appalachian
5. Southeastern
6. Cleveland
7. Hayden

🏀 Junior Varsity Girls seedings
1. Appalachian
2. Hayden
JV Girls will compete in a championship matchup scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 3 p.m.

🏀 Junior Varsity Boys seedings
1. Hayden
2. Susan Moore
3. Appalachian
4. Cleveland
5. Locust Fork
6. Southeastern

The Blount County Basketball Tournament remains one of the most anticipated events of the winter sports season, bringing together schools and communities for five days of competitive basketball and county pride.

Heath Allbright was officially sworn in this week as the new State Representative for House District 11, proudly represe...
01/14/2026

Heath Allbright was officially sworn in this week as the new State Representative for House District 11, proudly representing Blount County.

We look forward to his leadership and service to our community. Wishing him great success as he begins this new chapter!

01/14/2026

Would you like to see our state legislature introduce a bill to create a state lottery?

Election Security Update: Blount County Among Counties Identified in Illegal Voter Registration ReviewAlabama Secretary ...
01/12/2026

Election Security Update: Blount County Among Counties Identified in Illegal Voter Registration Review

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen has released a county-by-county breakdown detailing where noncitizens were illegally registered to vote in Alabama and where illegal ballots were cast, with Blount County specifically named in the report.

According to the data released by the Secretary of State’s Office, 11 noncitizens were found to be illegally registered to vote in Blount County. Of those cases, one noncitizen in Blount County was confirmed to have illegally cast a ballot in an Alabama election.

Statewide, Allen’s office identified 186 noncitizens illegally registered to vote, including 25 individuals who also voted illegally. The findings were made using the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

“I have been clear that our elections should be decided by American citizens and only American citizens,” Allen said. “Through a cooperative effort with the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, my office used the federal SAVE database to identify the names of people who are not American citizens but who registered to vote and, in some cases, cast ballots in our elections. I will not tolerate this.”

The Secretary of State’s Office confirmed that all 186 noncitizens identified statewide — including the 11 in Blount County — have now been removed from Alabama’s voter rolls. Each individual was given the opportunity to provide documentation proving U.S. citizenship before removal.

In addition, Allen said the cases, including those tied to illegal voting activity in Blount County, will be referred to local, state, and federal law enforcement authorities for review and any potential legal action.

Wes Allen is Alabama’s 54th Secretary of State and serves as the state’s chief elections official. Alabama law assigns the office more than 1,000 statutory duties beyond election oversight.

The full county breakdown document is available on the Alabama Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.alabama.gov.

Happy Birthday, Gregg Armstrong!
01/11/2026

Happy Birthday, Gregg Armstrong!

Alfonzo Andrade is selling his Chevrolet Avalanche to help cover attorney costs connected to his ongoing legal journey. ...
01/11/2026

Alfonzo Andrade is selling his Chevrolet Avalanche to help cover attorney costs connected to his ongoing legal journey. Andrade says the decision comes after a long and difficult road, but one he remains committed to seeing through.

“This has been a long journey, and it’s really just getting started,” Andrade shared. “It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve kept my head high and kept fighting.”

In addition to selling the truck, Andrade says any donations to support him and his partner, Bralie, would be deeply appreciated as they navigate the next steps of the legal process.

Those wishing to help can donate via Cash App at $fonzie1417.

Andrade thanked everyone who has followed his story and shown support along the way, adding that he remains hopeful for the future.

“God willing, I’ll be home this time next year,” he said.

To many, Milo Hamm was a caring and devoted community leader. To me, he was Uncle Milo. He greeted everyone with a warm ...
01/10/2026

To many, Milo Hamm was a caring and devoted community leader. To me, he was Uncle Milo. He greeted everyone with a warm smile and lived his life loving his family, the Lord, his church, and his friends. He was always willing to lend a helping hand—whether to his church, the community, or local schools. Milo and the Hamm family have been treasured friends to everyone for many years, and his absence will be deeply felt by so many.

Please continue to keep the family in your prayers as he is laid to rest today.

Hayden woman arrested in connection with shooting death of 2-year-old childAuthorities have made an arrest in the invest...
01/09/2026

Hayden woman arrested in connection with shooting death of 2-year-old child

Authorities have made an arrest in the investigation into the shooting death of a 2-year-old child in Hayden.

According to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Evelyn Etress, 40, of Hayden, was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon and booked into the Blount County Jail.

Jail records show Etress is charged with:
• Reckless manslaughter
• Aggravated child abuse
• Unlawful possession of a controlled substance
• Unlawful possession of ma*****na, second degree
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

The arrest follows an incident at a residence on Orchard Circle, where a 2-year-old boy was found with a gunshot wound. The child was transported to Children’s of Alabama, where he later died from his injuries.

Investigators have previously stated that early findings indicated the child accessed a firearm inside the home and that the shooting appeared to be accidental. The case remains under active investigation.

Jail records indicate Etress was booked at approximately 3:06 p.m. Wednesday and later released from custody Friday afternoon.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

01/09/2026

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: A multi-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 11:42 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, has resulted in a roadway blockage.

The northbound lanes of Interstate 65 near the 288 mile marker in Blount County are currently closed and will remain closed for an undetermined amount of time.

Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division are on scene, monitoring the situation and will provide updates as conditions change.

Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes and use caution when traveling in the area.

Today, we proudly recognize and thank the men and women who serve and protect Blount County every single day. Your dedic...
01/09/2026

Today, we proudly recognize and thank the men and women who serve and protect Blount County every single day. Your dedication, courage, and commitment to keeping our communities safe does not go unnoticed.

We extend our sincere appreciation to:
• Blount County Sheriff’s Office
• Blountsville Police Department
• Oneonta Police Department
• Cleveland Police Department
• Snead Police Department
• Hayden Police Department
• Highland Lake Police Department
• Susan Moore Police Department

From answering calls at all hours to building trust within our communities, you stand on the front lines with professionalism and integrity. Blount County is safer because of you.

Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the people you serve. 🇺🇸👮‍♂️👮‍♀️

🚒 Trafford welcomes new fire chiefMayor Howell has appointed Brett Huffstutler as the town’s new fire chief, bringing mo...
01/09/2026

🚒 Trafford welcomes new fire chief

Mayor Howell has appointed Brett Huffstutler as the town’s new fire chief, bringing more than three decades of fire and emergency medical experience to the role.

Huffstutler has lived in Trafford / County Line for the past 15 years with his wife, Misty, and their four children—Hope, Gabe, Ian, and Evie. The couple has been married for 23 years and are also proud grandparents to 2-year-old C**t.

Chief Huffstutler’s career spans 33 years in the fire service, serving as a firefighter and paramedic with both the Hoover Fire Department and Warrior Fire Department. He worked full-time at Hoover for 25 years before retiring and also served part-time at Warrior, where he held the role of assistant chief.

With only a small number of volunteers currently serving the Trafford Fire Department, Huffstutler says a top priority will be rebuilding the roster and expanding training opportunities. Planned training will include CPR, basic EMT skills, and fire service instruction—some of which current volunteers already possess.

“I’m no stranger to answering fire and EMS calls here,” Huffstutler said, noting that he previously volunteered with the Trafford Fire Department during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Chief Huffstutler says he is eager to serve the community and hopes to earn the town’s continued support as the department moves forward.

Residents needing assistance or wishing to get in touch can email him at [email protected].

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Oneonta, AL
35055

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About Blount County News

We report fair and balanced news to best serve the citizens of our area with accurate and factual journalism.

Politically, we support who and what we believe to be the backbone of America: police, fireman, military, and all those in public service who work to protect us each and every day. We stand firm with the constitution and are proud Americans.

Altogether, it’s all about working to create an even better area for people to visit, and keeping you informed on what’s happening in around the great place of Blount County, Alabama!