Dickerson named to farmers’ board

FLORENCE — Otis Dickerson, of Killen, has been re-elected to the Lauderdale County Farm Service Agency, officials said.

Dickerson will represent farmers in Killen, Blackburn, Center Hill, Greenhill, Florence, St. Florian and Oakland.

He began his duties Tuesday and will serve a three-year term.

Dickerson joins Chris Thornton, Greg Haddock and Isaac Johnson on the committee.

Inmate sets fire to county jail cell

TUSCUMBIA — A 22-year-old Colbert County Jail inmate set a small fire inside his cell after officers found his girlfriend with contraband during a visit.

The woman was arrested after officers found her carrying prohibited items into the facility. Police did not provide additional details on exactly what the woman was carrying.

Police said inmate J.J. Common used a lighter to set papers inside his cell on fire after hearing his girlfriend had been arrested. Authorities said the fire was quickly extinguished and Common’s visiting rights have been revoked.

Charges have not yet been filed against Common’s girlfriend, and authorities are trying to determine how the man had a lighter in his cell.