Moulton man leaps from vehicle before explosion

MOULTON — Troopers said Ronald Terry, of Moulton, escaped injury after he apparently lost control of his vehicle just after 11 p.m. Monday on Alabama 33, four miles south of Moulton.

Terry, 32, was driving a 2003 Dodge pickup pulling a recreational trailer containing propane and jet fuel.

Reports show Terry managed to leap from the truck as it went down a 20-foot embankment, just seconds before it struck a tree and caught fire.

First responders from the Moulton Fire Department, who were dispatched to the scene at 11:18 p.m., said they heard an explosion and witnessed flames shooting 75 feet into the air.

Witnesses said the trailer was being used for supplies for racing all-terrain vehicles.

Knights begin campaign

The Knights of Columbus Council No. 3989 will be collecting donations this weekend for their annual Tootsie Roll campaign.

Knights of Columbus members and other volunteers will be handing out Tootsie Rolls and accepting donations at Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Food World on Cox Creek Parkway and Belk on Friday and Saturday.

The money raised during the Intellectual Disabilities Campaign is used to assist school systems and other programs that help those with intellectual disabilities.

Past recipients include the Life Skills Center at Harlan School, Florence City Schools and Wilson, Brooks and Rogers schools, United Cerebral Palsy Center, Rolling Riders, NAMI Shoals and the Arc of the Shoals.

This year's fundraising goal is $6,000.

For details or to volunteer, call 256-366-5974.

Registration set for program

RUSSELLVILLE — Those who need help providing presents for their children this holiday season can submit applications to participate in the Helping Santa program at Russellville fire stations No. 1 and No. 2, as well as Russellville Police Department.

The program accepts toy and monetary donations, which will be distributed during the holiday season to those who qualify.

Applications can be picked up from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. They must be returned to the Police Department by Dec. 3.