Alex Derencz

Multimedia Journalist for Alabama’s News Leader ABC 33/40. Follows and retweets are not endorsements.

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“Everybody’s got to work together to make this thing work.” That’s what one superintendent told me when it comes to the success of winter sports. More at 6.

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“Unless were extremely fortunate, we’re headed to a level of hospitalization due to COVID-19 that we never imagined in this state.” That was from Don Williamson, the president of the Alabama Hospital Assoc., with roughly 1,600 COVID patients in hospitals.

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Back in August, we introduced you to Woody and Vanessa Salter. They lead this church in Odenville. Vanessa spent nearly a month in the hospital with COVID-19, and today, they are sharing a special Thanksgiving. Hear her progress at 5.

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“We all should learn from Brandon to love family and enjoy life.” Those words are from a man who shared the Hayden High broadcast booth with Wesley Brandon Stedham. Stedham passed away Tues. after a fall in the Smoky Mountains. More on his life at 5. (Photo from Robert Bradford)

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“If we act now, we can bring numbers down in January.” That is from Don Williamson of the Alabama Hospital Association. Williamson says we’re on a track right now that can be problematic as we get into December and possibly worsen in January. More at 5.

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Applications for the Revive Plus grant have been live for an hour now. Many business owners I’ve talked to today had alarms set on their phones for 12 p.m. so they could get started. Applications are open until Dec. 4 at noon. More at 4.

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“If the pandemic hasn’t stopped us, this fire wont stop us.” Those are words from Pastor Lawrence Jackson of Greater Grace Baptist Church. They have been doing church outside since March, and they hope to still do that on Sunday.

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A battalion chief with Center Point F&R says the call came in a little after 11. When crews arrived, there was heavy smoke and flames. No one was inside at the time. Partial collapse on the left rear of the building. They haven’t been able to go inside yet.

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This was the view from I-59 North on the way to the scene.

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Just arrived on scene here at Greater Grace Baptist Church where Center Point Fire and Rescue crews are battling a fire. Will update with more information when it becomes available.

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I’d like for you to meet Ms. Ashley DeRamus. Ashley just opened up her own boutique at the Shops of Grand River. Ashley has Down Syndrome, and at 6, you’ll meet her and learn where all her shop’s proceeds will go to. She is a remarkable woman who lives by the motto next to her.

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This is Shay Garrison. She’s a nurse at Cullman Regional. She’s one of the many healthcare heroes on the frontlines right now, but in her words, she’s just doing her job. Hear her story about the fight against COVID-19 at 6.

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Meet Crystal Evans. She’s in her 20th year of teaching, and she is one of the many great teachers across Alabama helping to make education possible this year. At 5, hear from Evans and other educators about the challenges this school has brought #ThankALTeachers

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That is the intersection of 14th St S and 5th Ave S. Were told BPD is conducting a traffic collision investigation involving a fatality. No other details at the moment

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The clock is ticking on spending the rest of Alabama’s CARES Act Funding. The state was allocated a little more than $1.7 billion, and just over $859 million has been spent. More at 6.

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10 square miles! Soon, any Jefferson County student within 10 square miles of six specific high schools will have access to free wireless internet. At 5, I’ll tell you which ones and when this project could be up and running.

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When you walk into a Birmingham City School, you will see markers like this on the ground. Today marked the return of students that opted for in-person learning. Coming up at 5, you’ll hear from school leaders about what they were able to learn during their virtual start.

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“There is hope.” On the right, that is Daphne O’Rear. She spent three months in the hospital with COVID-19. Hear her remarkable story at 6 and the new addition happening at her home that will make things a lot easier for her in her path to recovery.

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Just got word that Lashaundra Crumb has been found within the last 30 minutes. She is safe and unharmed. She has been in contact with her family as of a little while ago. No details as to where or how she was found.

[Alex Derencz @AlexDerencz]

Talked with Cullman County Superintendent, Dr. Shane Barnette this morning who shared the great news of Good Hope High School Principal, Dr. John Hood being released from the hospital on Tues. Hood was in the hospital being treated for blood clots cause by COVID-19.