11-12-16 News

1-12-16

Burglary arrest

A Boaz man has been arrested in connection to a recent burglary, according to Sheriff Todd Entrekin.

41 year old Bert Alonzo Saylor, 41, of Boaz, is charged with one felony count of third degree burglary and one felony count of illegal possession of a credit/debit card and a felony count pf obstruction of justice by giving false information.

Saylor allegedly broke into a residence, in December 2015, on Mountainboro Road and stole several items. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of a credit card belonging to the victim.

Saylor is currently being held in the Etowah County Detention Center on $7,500 bond.

1-12-16

Attalla arrest

An Attalla woman has been arrested in connection to a recent burglary, according to Sheriff Todd Entrekin.

33 year old Ashley Carol Butler, is charged with one felony count of third degree burglary and one felony count of first degree theft of property.

Butler allegedly broke into a residence, December 18, 2015, on Carnes Chapel Road and stole items which included two guns, ammunition, a compound bow and tools.

She was booked into the Etowah County Detention Center and later released on $7,500 bond.

1-12-16

Anniston pd receives plaque

A Calhoun County-based civil rights group recognized its "partnership" with Anniston police Monday, its leader handing a plaque of recognition to the police chief and exchanging a hug in front of reporters.  Justice and Civil Rights Initiative President Ed Moore III said there are too many stories nationwide of division between police departments and civil rights activists, which is one reason why he held a press conference outside Anniston police's headquarters Monday. During the event, he said it was time for leaders around the country to pursue partnerships.  The JCRI has been involved in several projects with Calhoun County law enforcement, including working on an investigation into the 2012 murder of Army National Guard Sgt. Dequirea Royal. That work resulted in an arrest last year. The group has also been working to find those responsible for the 2014 shooting of toddler LaSarge Minnifield.  Anniston Police Chief Shane Denham said the work between the police and the JCRI began as a result of a friendship between himself and Moore. In 2011, Moore was a student reporter covering the death of Anniston policeman Justin Sollohub. It was Moore's help and willingness to talk about issues with law enforcement that led to their work together, Denham said. As for Moore, he said Anniston police has taken "major steps" to "improve public trust, public safety and relations within the civil rights community."

1-12-16

Gadsden robbery

A Gadsden man who had planned to sell a gun was robbed of it at gunpoint when he met the would-be buyer for the transaction. The 21-year-old told police he met with an unknown man who was supposed to buy his gun, a Cobra pistol. They met about 7 p.m. Sunday in a parking lot on George Wallace Drive. After they agreed on a price for the gun, the suspect asked the gun owner for a ride to another location on George Wallace Drive.  When they got there, the man pulled out a gun of his own and pointed it at the seller. He told him to give him the gun he’d offered for sale, and fled the scene after he got it.

1-12-16

Glencoe crash investigation

Glencoe police say witnesses and video from a nearby business helped them determine that two cars turned from northbound U.S. Highway 431 onto West Air Depot Road in front of a Gadsden man traveling south, causing him to swerve and strike a utility pole. Police said 61 year old Joe Clifford Ransaw, was traveling south toward Anniston just before 7:30 a.m. Monday when two cars, traveling north on U.S. Highway 431, turned across the southbound lanes of traffic,  when Ransaw swerved, he hit the utility pole with a street light on it.  Ransaw suffered serious injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. police continue to investigate, with the help of Alabama Law Enforcement Agency personnel. Video from a nearby business shows a distant image of two cars approaching the turn and the moment when Ransaw’s vehicle swerves and strikes the pole in front of Briarmeade Shopping Center. From looking at the video and trying to recreate where the cars would have been in connection to other vehicles, investigators determined the light had to have been green for Ransaw. For the other two vehicles, officers believe the light had been green with an arrow, but the arrow had cycled off, leaving a green traffic signal that required the drivers to yield before turning.  Police said they didn’t yield and didn’t stop after the vehicle hit the utility pole.  There were a couple of known witnesses to the accident. One has been interviewed and has given police some information about what she saw.  Police are looking for other witnesses to the accident as well. Anyone who saw it is asked to call 256-492-1424.

1-12-16

Ashville council

The Ashville City Council introduced an ordinance Monday to create a city planning commission.

According to city records, there was a planning commission years ago in Ashville, but it dissolved and a zoning board was created.

The council plans to adopt the ordinance at its next meeting. The nine-member commission will consist of six Ashville residents, Mayor David Thompson, Councilman Marty Crews and building inspector Randy Thompson. The six residents will be appointed at the next meeting.

1-12-16

Legislature

Alabama's 2016 legislative session does not officially start for three weeks, but lawmakers will be gearing up this week.

Tuesday will be a busy day at the State House, with the start of General Fund budget hearings and other meetings.

At 10 a.m., Rep. Alan Harper, R-Northport, and Sen. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, will hold a press conference to announce their plans to sponsor a lottery bill.

At 11 a.m., the Alcoholic Beverage Study Commission, created by the lawmakers last year, is scheduled to meet and is expected to vote on its recommendations to the Legislature.

General Fund budget hearings begin Tuesday at 1 p.m.

The Alabama Department of Corrections, Unified Judicial System and Military Department will all appear at budget hearings on Tuesday.

Also on Tuesday, the House Ways and Means Education Committee will gather at 3:30 p.m. for a general information meeting and fiscal update.

1-12-16

Controlled burns

Over the next six months, about 117,000 acres of forest land will be set on fire. It will be part of a controlled burn by USDA Forest Service fire specialists. The prescribed fires will be in Alabama's national forests as a way to improve plant and animal habitat and the resiliency of forest landscapes to withstand drought, insects and disease. At the same time, prescribed fire reduces the accumulation of hazardous fuels or forest undergrowth decreasing the threat of future wildfires.

Talladega Forest- Talladega and Shoal Creek Districts are planning to burn 40,000 acres in Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne and Talladega Counties, call the Heflin office at (256) 463-2272 or the Talladega office at (256) 362-2909.