Gardendale

Driver held after crash

A truck driver who had reportedly been on a five-day methamphetamine binge crashed his truck into a guardrail on Interstate 65 south Monday afternoon, near the Fieldstown Road exit. The wreck snarled traffic on the southbound lane while officers worked the wreck. Lt. Chuck Denham did not release the driver’s name because the man had not been formally charged, pending a blood test and a psychological evaluation. The man told officers he was trying to commit suicide by crashing his truck.

Gardendale

Chamber banquet to be held Thursday

The Greater Gardendale Chamber of Commerce will host its annual banquet Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Gardendale Civic Center. A presentation, will be given by Greg Powell, president and CEO of fi-Plan Partners.

Several Gardendale residents and business owners will also receive awards for their service to the chamber and the community at the banquet. Announced award winners include: Gina Childers, chamber member of the year; Sheldon Haygood, Gardendale citizen of the year; Grayson Phillps, Gardendale’s own award; Charlotte Reach, the Ava Grimmitt award; Catherine Davis, Gardendale Chamber appreciation award; and Jeff Dennis, chamber president’s award.

Tickets to the banquet are $18 each or $250 for a corporate table. Tickets can be reserved by calling 631-9195 or by visiting the chamber’s Web site at www.gardendalechamberofcommerce.com.