Today, Raul Mariano Del Toro, 52, pleaded guilty to Attempted Murder and Sexual Torture and was sentenced to two life sentences.  The charges stemmed from an April, 2011 incident, during which Del Toro held a woman inside an Andalusia residence against her will and terrorized her all night long.  During the night, he repeatedly told her that he was going to kill her, and early the next morning, he forced her into a vehicle at gunpoint.  While driving down East Three Notch Street in Andalusia, the victim grabbed the steering wheel, and Del Toro fired four rounds, three of which struck the victim.  He then abandoned her and the vehicle near Dairy Queen but was found that evening after an extensive manhunt.  The case was investigated by the Andalusia Police Department.

Auburn Montgomery senior Eran Franks was selected the ninth recipient of the Army ROTC Athletic Achievement Award for the 2012-13 school year on Wednesday, for his efforts both on and off the baseball field.

Criteria for the Army ROTC Athletic Achievement Award includes being certified for eligibility and involved in participation of a varsity sport; performance on the field or court during the previous two weeks; contributions to the team's success through their individual leadership skills, their commitment to teamwork, their extra effort during practice and their demonstration of sportsmanship; and performance off the field of play, including academic success, character and exemplary community outreach.

During the two weeks of his nomination, Franks helped the Warhawks to a 5-1 mark, with all six games counting toward the Southern States Athletic Conference standings.

W. Gaines Smith, retired director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and 4-H alumnus, was inducted into the Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame March 19 at the Alabama 4-H and Youth Development Center in Columbiana. He was one of 24 inductees honored during special ceremonies at the Alabama 4-H Environmental Science Education Center. Smith was nominated by Alabama 4-H.

The Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame recognizes individuals and organizations that have had a significant effect on the 4-H Youth Development program, its members and leaders. The Alabama 4-H Club Foundation, Inc., and Alabama 4-H honors, remembers and pays tribute to those who influenced the lives of Alabama youth by their commitment "To Make the Best Better."

W. Gaines Smith is the only director of the Extension System or its predecessor, The Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, to have worked at every level of Extension in Alabama.