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[View JPEG Photo, 1046 KB] Over 50 bags of hashish litter the deck of the dhow intercepted in the Arabian Gulf. A U.S. Navy boarding team operating from the guided missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) discovered an estimated two tons of narcotics with a street value of around eight to ten million dollars aboard a 40-foot dhow intercepted in the Arabian Gulf. The dhow's 12 crewmembers were taken into custody and transferred to USS Decatur, and Decatur sailors are in control of the dhow. DoD photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Sandberg, U.S. Navy. (Released) 031216-N-4374S-030

A large ape-like animal has been seen over the last several days in and around Decatur. Police Chief Coy Hendrix says he received two calls last week and another call Monday from people reporting that they have seen the animal. The first sighting was on Hill Street in Decatur; the second caller said the animal was headed north toward Crystal Lake, about a quarter mile away. Monday`s caller said the animal was on Benning Road, several miles east of town. An employee at the Wild Wilderness Drive-Thru Safari in Gentry said no animal matching the description had escaped from...

4 students fail nicotine part of city drug testsNone fail alcohol or drug portionsBy Bayne Hughes DAILY Education Writerhughes@decaturdaily.com · 340-2432Decatur City Schools had their first drug test failures during November's random tests, but not for drugs or alcohol.According to Supervisor for Safety and Alternative Education Phil Hastings, four students failed the tobacco portion of the random tests given to students participating in competitive extracurricular activities."All of the students admitted to it (smoking cigarettes or using smokeless tobacco), and are taking steps to stop using it," Hastings said.The penalties for positive nicotine use are not as harsh as the penalties...