Oxford named Main Street City

A non-profit wants to make Oxford a tourism destination. Main Street Alabama announced the addition of three communities, including Oxford, to its roster.  Main Street wants to help develop private-partnership to expand on the existing commercial district. A goal would be to get the community involved and create more jobs.  Oxford opened a performing arts center in 2013. According to Main Street, 20 thousand people attended a performance in its first year generating an economic impact of 650 thousand dollars. In the next year, that number is expected to grow into the millions and Main Street wants to help.  Decatur and Monroeville were also named Main Street Alabama communities.

Etowah schools undergoing energy upgrades

Etowah County Schools have begun an 18-month facilities upgrade which school officials say will eventually save the system more than half a million dollars a year and reduce its energy consumption by more than a third.  The upgrade is part of a 20-year partnership with Schneider Electric and work will begin this summer, eventually spreading to the systems' 20 campuses.  Total improvements will cost $12.2 million.  Among the planned improvements are upgrades to the school system's lighting, HVAC system replacements at four sites, a district wide power management system, installing energy meters throughout the district, and water improvements to reduce consumption by 100 million gallons.  Schneider has been involved in similar projects at school systems in Alabama and throughout the country.

Inmate escapes from Etowah County Detention Center

Vincente Castaneda

Authorities are searching for an inmate who escaped  from the Etowah County Detention Center early Saturday morning.  46 year old Vincente Castaneda, escaped from the facility around 4:30 a.m., through a nearby gate, shedding his jail clothing along the way. Castaneda, who was being held on charges of selling counterfeit items, shaved his head a few days ago, according to the sheriff's office.  His last known address is 100 Project Avenue in Collinsville. Anyone with information regarding Castaneda's whereabouts is asked to contact the Etowah County Sheriff's Office at 256-546-2825.

Suspect wanted in killing of horses arrested

Brandon Kyle Salers

An Oxford man wanted for  killing two horses in February was arrested early friday.  22 year old Brandon Kyle Salers,   was arrested early Friday morning by Weaver police, and charged with killing livestock by Oxford police.  Salers was arrested at a Weaver residence that police believe he had visited before.  Salers was later transferred to the Oxford jail, where he was being held on a $10,000 bond.  Police say The two horses were shot on McIntosh Road by a firearm, most likely a rifle. The killing of livestock is a felony, punishable by a minimum of one year in prison.  The two horses — named Twinkle and Penny — were owned by Oxford city attorney Bruce Rice. Salers is scheduled to appear in court July 8 in the Talladega County Courthouse.

Oxford police break up theft ring

Oxford police investigators have  broken up a theft ring operating in the oxford area. This ring was stealing lawn tractors and lawn equipment.  Acccording to police chief Bill Partridge, Felony warrants have been obtained for BOBBY GLEN CHARACTER and DOUGLAS DEWAYNE SPARKS from Anniston and Oxford. Partridge said that Investigators have been working the case since May 1st. These two individuals are wanted for: Theft of property 2nd and Receiving Stolen property 2nd.

Changes in store for voters Tuesday

Voters will find some changes when they arrive at the polls for Tuesday’s primary elections. Government-issued photo IDs will be required before being allowed to vote, and in many counties,  there will be new voting machines and, because of consolidation,new polling places for some voters.

The Legislature in 2011 passed the photo ID requirement for voting. According to a release from the Secretary of State’s office, voters must present one of these forms of identification, which must be valid, at the polls: an Alabama driver’s license; an Alabama non-driver ID; a photo ID issued by any agency of the local, state or federal government; a state-issued ID from another state; a U.S. passport; a student or employee ID from a public or private college or university in Alabama, including postgraduate technical or professional schools; a military ID; or a tribal card with photo.  Voters who don’t show a valid photo ID will be asked to cast a provisional ballot, then must bring the required ID to their local board of registrars by 5 p.m. on the Friday following an election.  One alternative is allowed: Two election officials can sign sworn statements saying they can positively identify the voter.  Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Runoffs, if necessary, will be July 15.