Anniston selected for Livable Communities Program

Anniston is one of four cities selected for up to $250,000 in technical assistance through a federal program geared toward economic development and developing local food sources.  The Environmental Protection Agency, the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Department of Agriculture have selected Anniston for the Livable Communities program.  According to a news release announcing the award, Anniston will develop community and neighborhood gardens as part of a downtown revitalization project.  The program noted the economic impact on Anniston over the past 20 years with the closing of Fort McClellan, major iron foundries and manufacturers. According to the EPA, a team of development experts will work with the winning communities to develop plans for healthy food production and distribution. The other winning cities proposed creating or expanding farmers markets to fuel their local economies and feed needy families.

Gadsden to receive $1.2 million dollar building donation

The Gadsden City Council is expected to approve accepting property at the corner of Locust and Second streets from the Max Stinson family during their meeting next week.  The approximately 25,000-square-foot building, valued at $1.2 million, once housed Open Arms International and The Gathering churches, and includes a kitchen and restaurant that can seat almost 200. The restaurant space once housed Café Moriah.  An auditorium with a stage can seat about 2,000, or 800 to 1,000 for a meal.  City officials and officials with the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation said they are appreciative of the donation, and promised it will be put to good use by the city.  The property will be deeded to the city and one of Stinson’s businesses will get a tax deduction for the gift.

Man arrested on Child Sex Abuse Charges

Anniston police arrested an east Alabama man today on charges of child sex abuse.

 41 year old Rafael Hammond,  is charged with sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old. Police say other charges could follow.  The investigation began in August after a young girl reported being touched inappropriately on several occasions.   a traffic stop in Cleburne County. He is being held in the Calhoun County Jail.

Police arrested Hammond Tuesday during

Lincoln joins list of cities seeking sunday alcohol sales

The Lincoln City Council approved a resolution Tuesday night in support of a referendum to allow voters to determine whether the city should have Sunday alcohol sales.  Mayor Bud Kitchin said the resolution that will presumably be forwarded to the local state delegation.  Kitchin said larger businesses, specifically national casual dining chains, will not come to Lincoln unless there are seven-day sales.  The resolution Passed by the city council requests that a local bill be introduced and passed by the Talladega County legislative delegation during the 2014 regular session, allowing a referendum so voters can determine whether properly licensed retail licensees may sell alcoholic beverages on Sunday.  Kitchin said Weaver and Anniston experienced a surge in business because of Sunday sales.  He said to the east of Lincoln, there are efforts in Piedmont and Jacksonville for Sunday sales and to the west business owners in Pell City and Riverside have engaged a Montgomery lobbyist to help bring about a referendum for seven-day alcohol sales.

Gadsden woman charged wit 52 theft charges

Chasity Talbot Gibbs

A 25 year old Gadsden woman is facing 52 theft-related charges after allegedly stealing from a local orthodontist’s office.  Investigators say that Chasity Talbot Gibbs,  was arrested Friday at her home by the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force. She is charged with 36 felony counts of fraudulent use of a debit or credit card, 13 felony counts of second-degree forgery, two felony counts of second-degree theft and one felony count of first-degree theft.  Investigators say that Gibbs allegedly took $9,558.54 from her employer, Dr. Lane Smith, between March and August. Gibbs admitted to all of the charges and said she was a single mother who used all of the money to pay bills. Investigators said Gibbs had access to the company debit card, business checks and also deposited the company’s cash at the end of the business day.  She allegedly used the office’s debit card 36 times without permission, putting gas in her car, buying groceries, paying her cellphone bill and withdrawing cash from ATMs. Gibbs rang up 36 transactions for about $4,500 between March 4 and Aug. 4.  Gibbs also allegedly forged 13 checks from the company checkbook between May and August, paying for groceries and also paying her rent and power bill.

Investigators said she stole a total of nine checks for about $2,100. Gibbs also skimmed $1,840 from the company’s cash deposits when she was supposed to deposit them at the end of the day.