1-22-16 SCHOOLCLOSINGS

• Etowah County and Gadsden City schools will dismiss at 1pm.

  ANNISTON CITY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT 11:30AM

  ATTALLA CITY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT 1PM

  BLOUNT COUNTY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT NOON

  CLEBURNE COUNTY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT 1PM

  COOSA COUNTY SCHOOLS: CLOSING at 11AM

  CULLMAN CITY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT NOON

  CULLMAN COUNTY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT NOON

  DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT 11:30AM

  FAYETTE COUNTY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT 11:30AM

  FIRST DONOHO SCHOOL: CLOSING AT 11:30AM

  GADSDEN CITY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT 1PM

  GRANNY'S LITTLE ANGELS LEARNING MINISTRY: CLOSING AT 1PM

  GREATER LOVE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY: CLOSING AT NOON

  HALEYVILLE CITY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT 11:30AM

  HOUSE OF LEARNING DAYCARE FORESTDALE: CLOSING AT NOON

  JACKSONVILLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY: CLOSING AT 11:30AM

  JACKSONVILLE CITY SCHOOLS: CLOSING EARLY; Elementary at 11:30 am, High School at 12:00 pm

  JASPER CITY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT 12:30PM

  KIDS ARK CHILDCARE: CLOSING AT 12:30PM

  MARION COUNTY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT 11:30AM

  OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT 1PM

  PELL CITY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT NOON

  PICKENS COUNTY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT 11:30AM

  PIEDMONT CITY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT 11:30AM

  R.A. Hudson Christian Academy: CLOSING AT 2PM

  SHAPING DREAMS MINISTRY DAYCARE: CLOSING AT NOON

  ST CLAIR COUNTY HEAD START: CLOSING AT NOON

  ST CLAIR COUNTY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT NOON

  SUMITON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL: CLOSING AT NOON

  TALLADEGA CITY SCHOOLS: CLOSING EARLY; elementary closing 12pm, secondary12:30pm

  TALLADEGA COUNTY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT NOON

  TERRY'S DAYCARE: CLOSING AT NOON

  VICTORY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL - PELL CITY: CLOSING AT NOON

  WALKER COUNTY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT 11:30AM

  WALLACE STATE COLLEGE - HANCEVILLE: CLOSING AT NOON

  WINFIELD CITY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT 11AM

  WINSTON COUNTY SCHOOLS: CLOSING AT 11:30AM

  Albertville City Schools – dismissing at 11:30 a.m.
• Boaz City Schools – dismissing At 12:00 noon
• DeKalb County Schools – dismissing at 11:30 a.m.
• Fort Payne City Schools – Dismissing at 11:30 a.m.
• Guntersville City Schools – dismissing at 11:30 a.m.
• Marshall County – dismissing at 11:30 a.m.
  
• Scottsboro City Schools – Elementary and intermediate schools dismissing at 12:30, Secondary schools closing at 1:15 p.m.
• Wallace State Community College – dismissing at noon

01-18-16 News

1-18-16

Calhoun fatal

Alabama State Troopers are investigating a two-vehicle crash that left one person dead and several injured. The collision occurred on U.S. 431 two miles south of Glencoe.  51 year old David Lyle Lefler, of Jacksonville was driving his 1993 Toyota pickup truck when it collided with a 1994 Ford pickup driven by 18 year old Johnathan Keith Guilbert, of Weaver. Neither Lefler or Guilbert were wearing their seatbelt at the time of the collision. Lefler was pronounced dead at the scene and Guilbert was transported to Gadsden Regional Medical Center.  State troopers said that two occupants were injured in Guilbert's vehicle. 18 year old Suni Li Labor,  of Weaver, and 18 year old Winter Jewel Westbrooks, of Anniston, were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. They were transported to Anniston Regional Medical Center.

1-18-16

Rbc shooting

A Hokes Bluff man is dead following an officer-involved shooting Sunday near Dogwood Trace Apartments in Rainbow City.nn38 year old Joshua Tate Fielding, was pronounced dead at the scene. Fielding had been taken into custody twice by Rainbow City police for violation of a domestic violence protection order, and once for the same alleged offense by Gadsden officers. The most recent Rainbow City arrest was in October 2015.  When Gadsden police arrested Fielding in April, he also was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and resisting arrest.  Police responded to a call about an altercation about 11:30 a.m. Sunday at the apartment complex, just off Christopher Street. An armed man ran from the scene, and police engaged in a brief foot chase before the man was shot by an officer.  Details of the shooting were not available, but the man was dead on the scene.  The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Department of Forensic Science are investigating the shooting.

1-18-16

Anniston shooting

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has released information about a fatal shooting that took place Friday in Anniston. The incident happened in the 400 block of Permita Court in Anniston and involved an off-duty employee of the Anniston City Jail. 42-year-old Deatrice Marquiste Barclay was fatally wounded during the shooting. Another person, 23-year-old Joel Evan Abbott, was also injured and is currently listed in stable condition. The State Bureau of Investigation was called in to work the case at the request of the Anniston Police Department.

1-18-16

Etowah fatals

Two men were killed in a fiery crash on U.S. Highway 278 Friday afternoon.  22 year old Gino Lane Fiaccato, died at UAB Hospital about. Saturday morning. He was a passenger in a Pontiac Grand Am that went off U.S. Highway 278 near Carnes Chapel Road, traveled 255 feet down a 30-foot embankment, striking trees and bursting into flames. Fiaccato suffered burns over 63 percent of his body.  The driver of the car Steve Allen Steele of Altoona was pronounced dead at the scene Friday afternoon.  Steele was traveling east on U.S. 278 West near the intersection with Carnes Chapel Road when the crash occurred. the Pontiac Grand Am veered off the shoulder of the road and traveled 255 feet, going down a 30 foot embankment, striking trees on the way down and bursting into flames.

1-18-16

Landslide

The westbound lane of Alabama Highway 68 between Leesburg and Sand Rock remains closed because of a landslide at Mile Marker 27. The section of highway has been closed since Dec. 28.  Heavy rains during Christmas week caused the landslide, which extends 125 feet in length and 3 feet into the westbound lane along the mountainside highway. A ravine more than 100 feet deep lies below the highway’s guard rail — which is now suspended and connected only at ends beyond the landslide. State Troopers — with their cars’ blue lights continuously flashing — have been stationed along the closed highway 24 hours a day, seven days a week to warn motorists of the danger. The official detour from Leesburg to Collinsville is via U.S. Highway 411 South to Gadsden, west along U.S. Highway 431, and north along Interstate 59 North to Exit 205.

1-18-16

Savage retires

Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit Commander Rob Savage has retired, according to the unit's board of directors.  With 29 years of law enforcement experience and 10 years as the commander of the Etowah drug unit, Savage is retiring for personal reasons according to a statement from the board said. Savage also led the Etowah County Joint Special Operations Group.  Savage commanded the drug unit and JSOG since its formation in 2005. From 1997 to 2005, he commanded the Marshall County Drug Task Force. Under Savage's command, the Etowah County Drug Task Force conducted more than 9,000 felony drug investigations resulting in arrest. The unit was recognized by the FBI as one of the outstanding task forces in the Southeast. Savage's retirement is effective immediately.

1-18-16

Gadsden murder

Gadsden police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened outside a convenience store. It happened Friday night at Age Fuel Stop, located on Ewing Avenue at the intersection of Eastlake Drive. Store employees say the man was found shot in the neck and lying next to a kerosene pump at the front of the store. It all happened around 6:15 p.m. Friday night when one employee said a crowd of people appeared to be arguing over something.  Etowah County Coroner Michael Head did not release the name of the victim but described him as 26 years old and from Gadsden. He says the man's body was taken to the state department of forensic sciences for an autopsy.

1-18-16

I 59 arrest

DeKalb County authorities arrested a North Carolina man Friday morning after getting a 911 call that someone was on Interstate 59 near the Collinsville exit, waving a gun, and had traffic stopped.

Sheriff Jimmy Harris said Collinsville police, deputies, Drug Task Force agents and State Troopers arrived to find 53 year old Adam Eugene Finch, of Oxford, North Carolina, sitting in his vehicle. When deputies and drug agents got consent to search the vehicle, they found a gun and two meth pipes in the back seat.

DeKalb Ambulance Service was called to make sure nothing was wrong with Finch, and medical personnel determined that he was under the influence of a controlled substance. Finch then was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and DUI of a controlled substance.

1-14-16 News

1-14-16

Dekalb arrests

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office received a tip leading to the arrest of 19-year-old Donald William Thomason and 18-year-old Renae Wynn Kenyon. Both suspects are from Fort Payne.  Thomason and Kenyon were both charged with sodomy in the first degree. This investigation is still ongoing, but more victims and charges could be brought forward.  Sheriff Harris says “We would like to thank the Child Advocacy Center and DHR for their help with this case.”

1-14-16

Gadsden man pleads guilty

A Gadsden man plead guilty to charges of sodomy and sexual abuse Monday from a case that happened over the course of two years.   31 year old Robert Dale Kitchens, was charged with two counts of sodomy in the first-degree and sexual abuse of a child under 12 years of age.

On Monday, Kitchens was sentenced to 30 years for each sodomy charge and 20 years for the sexual abuse charge.   In attempt to minimize trauma to the child and their family, a multidisciplinary team was formed. This team included law enforcement from the Gadsden PD, the Department of Human Resources, the James M. Barrie Center for Children, medical and mental health officials.  

1-14-16

Gadsden home invasion plea

A Gadsden man pleaded guilty Wednesday to several charges related to a 2015 home invasion robbery.District Attorney Jody Willoughby said Seth Moore Williard, 38, was sentenced to 25 years in prison by Judge Allen Millican. Williard pleaded guilty to first degree robbery, first degree burglary and illegal possession of a credit card.  During the home invasion, which occurred in a home on Tabor Road in March 2015, the victim told police she was alone when two masked men forced open her screen door. One was armed with a shotgun and held her at gunpoint where she was forced to the floor and her hands and legs tied with tape.  The two robbers took the victim's cell phone, purse and television. The victim later received information from her credit card company that several attempts had been made to use her credit card at local convenience stores. Investigators from the Etowah County Sheriff's Department obtained video from the stores, and identified Seth Williard as holding the card.  Willoughby said Williard gave a detailed statement confessing to the crimes which he later recanted before his guilty plea.  The other person involved in the robbery has not been positively identified, but Willoughby said the investigation is still open.  "We fully expect that anyone else involved in this crime will be found and will be prosecuted," Willoughby said.

1-14-16

Oxford man sentenced in murder

An Oxford man will likely spend just more than a year behind bars for his part in a 2011 shooting death under a deal with prosecutors and credit for time served.

22 year old Donquavious Russell,  originally was charged with capital murder. He pleaded guilty in December to the lesser charge of felony murder after agreeing to testify in a co-defendant's trial for the 2011 shooting death of Barbara Exum, a Papa John’s assistant manager.

1-14-16

Anniston councilwoman proposes changes to animal control ordinance

An Anniston councilwoman wants to move forward on a year-long pet project to improve the lives of the city’s four-legged friends.

City Councilwoman Millie Harris plans to introduce an overhaul of the city’s animal control ordinance during the council’s meeting Tuesday. City officials and some animal rights and control experts say the proposed updates could help animals and improve public safety and are similar to other city ordinances around the state.

1-14-16

Sylacauga appoints acting chief

  Newly promoted Sylacauga police Capt. Rondell Muse is acting chief of the Police Department while Chief Kelley Johnson attends the FBI Police Academy in Virginia.

Johnson promoted Muse to captain late last week from lieutenant. Muse is a 24-year law-enforcement veteran with 20 of those years with Sylacauga and four as a Talladega County sheriff’s deputy.

Muse said he was completely taken by surprise by the promotion, and then by his appointment as acting chief.

Muse will be acting chief while Johnson attends training with the FBI Academy for 10 weeks.

1-14-16

Cherokee county arrest

Cherokee County authorities have arrested a Gaylesville man they say had not obeyed the state's sex offender notification act.

Sheriff Jeff Shaver said Michael Shane Moore, 39, was arrested Monday. Shaver said Moore's registered address was on County Road 120 in Gaylesville. However, investigators learned he was staying at another address he had not reported.

Convicted sex offenders are required by law to notify the sheriff's office when they move, change addresses or begin staying at another location.

1-14-16

Trial date set in st. clair murder

St. Clair County Circuit Judge Phillip Seay set the criminal trial date for Jennifer Battles, who is accused of strangling her roommate to death in 2013.

Battles is charged with killing 47 year oldLiana Stanghellini, of Steele. Seay set her trial date for 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 25 at the St. Clair County Courthouse in Ashville.

Stanghellini was beaten and strangled to death, and her body was placed in a plastic storage bin that was filled with lime and concrete.

Authorities found the bin on the front porch of the residence where both women had lived in Steele.

Authorities said a tip led to the discovery of Stanghellini’s body and Battles’ eventual arrest.

Battles has been held without bond in the St. Clair County Jail since her arrest in December 2013.

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.

1-11-16 News

1-11-16

Anniston fatal

An Anniston woman died in a two-vehicle crash Friday morning in Talladega County, according to Alabama State Troopers.

The accident happened at 7:25 a.m. on Priebes Mill Road six miles south of Oxford.

38 year old Faleica Renay Moore,  died when her 2004 Chevrolet Impala collided head-on with a 2014 Honda Odyssey driven by 75 year old Joan Ward Eason, also of Anniston. Moore was pronounced dead on the scene.

Eason, along with an 11-year-old, was taken to Anniston's Regional Medical Center. The accident is under investigation.

1-11-16

Sylacauga robbery

A Sylacuaga man is being held on a $50,000 bond after being charged with robbery in the first degree.

20 year old Matthew Morris Carr,  was arrested Friday morning, according to Talladega County Sheriff Jimmy Kilgore. Carr is accused of robbing Lucky’s Food Mart on Alabama 21 South with a machete.

The robbery was reported Oct. 18 just after 7 p.m. In addition to the machete that he threatened the cashier with, Carr was allegedly wearing a black hood, dark sunglasses, a multicolored bandanna and gray glove.

After committing the robbery, which netted him around $200, he fled into a wooded area, where investigators recovered the clothing items listed above as well as a black backpack and a pair of binoculars allegedly belonging to the suspect.

The investigation remained ongoing until deputies located Carr on Friday morning and took him into custody.

According to Talladega County Jail records, Carr was also being held for failure to appear in a theft of property in the second degree case. Records indicate Carr lived just up the street from Lucky’s.

1-11-16

Law enforcement grants

The DeKalb County Drug Task Force and the Cherokee County Major Crimes Unit received law enforcement grants from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Gov. Robert Bentley recently announced.

The awards total $50,000 to each agency.

Mike O’Dell, district attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, said it was the only circuit in the state to receive multiple grants.

O’Dell said competition for the grants was intense among similar units across the state, and involved in-depth discussions on personnel, goals, policies and procedures.

1-11-16

Auto theft suspect arrested

Attalla police arrested a man Saturday who probably should have checked the backseat before he tried burglarizing a vehicle.  A Preston Avenue woman had placed her 9-year-old daughter and her purse in her vehicle Saturday afternoon, then went back inside to get her younger son. While she was gone, the little girl heard the car door open and assumed it was her mom. However, when she looked up, she saw a man going through her mother’s purse. She yelled at him and he withdrew from the car. The mother came out, and saw the suspect walking away.  Police were called and 18-year-old Colton Gibbs was arrested. He’s been charged with unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle. Gibbs was released from the Etowah County Detention Center on $2,500 bond.

1-11-16

RMC expansion

Annistons Regional Medical Center has submitted an application to the Alabama State Health Planning and Development Agency for a $34.8 million project to expand its intensive care and surgery services.  Officials say that once complete, the project will help the hospital serve more patients and increase revenue.

1-11-16

Talladega coach killed in wreck

A Sylacauga man was killed early Saturday morning when his pickup left the roadway and struck a tree.

33 year old Andrew "Andy" Miles Blair wasn't wearing a seat belt and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Alabama state troopers.

Blair was the baseball coach at Talladega High School.

The crash occurred at around 4:30 a.m. on Old Fayetteville Road, four miles southwest of Sylacauga. Blair was driving a 1990 Chevrolet pickup truck.

1-11-16

Sylacauga man arrested

A Sylacuaga man is being held on bonds totaling $90,000 in connection with a variety of charges stemming from a series of crimes in the Fayetteville area.

29 year old Brandon Scott Acklin, has been charged with criminal mischief in the first degree, criminal trespass in the first degree, breaking into and entering a motor vehicle, and at least three counts of misdemeanor criminal trespass. He has also been charged with public intoxication and has more charges pending.

The felony criminal mischief charge involves an incident Sept. 20 on Southview Road. According to Talladega County Sheriff Jimmy Kilgore, Acklin allegedly began beating on the door of a residence there and, when the resident responded, Acklin is accused of pointing a flare gun at her. The flare gun was recovered by deputies that night.

1-11-16

Blue bell fires back

Blue Bell Creameries is hitting back at what it is calling media misstatements regarding Listeria in its ice cream manufacturing plants.  The announcement comes as the company is still working to overcome a Listeria outbreak that killed three people and brought its production to a halt last summer.  On Thursday, Blue Bell released a statement on heightened safety procedures in its plants. The statement said Blue Bell has "identified locations where suspected Listeria species may be present, and they continue to extensively clean and sanitize those areas and make additional enhancements to the facility and our procedures based on the environmental test results."  The company went on to say that no products had tested positive for Listeria. The company maintains that it tests "every single batch of ice cream" before it is sold.  According to an agreement last year with the Alabama Department of Public Health, state officials will have full access to all testing of Blue Bell products, and will be notified if any test results show Listeria in ingredients or test samples. The state also will be notified of how the company expects to respond to any positive test results, and regular product testing will take place before anything is shipped or sold. Blue Bell signed similar agreements in Texas and Oklahoma, the other states where it has production plants.The Justice Department is currently investigating what management at Blue Bell knew about potential hazards at its plants prior to the Listeria outbreak last year. Blue Bell, which is currently rolling out a return to markets in 15 states over the next month, has not commented on the story.

The reported illnesses stretch back to January 2010. Three of the victims died, all in Kansas. None of the documented cases involved ice cream manufactured in Sylacauga.

1/8/16 news

1-8-16

Ethics investigation

According to a high-ranking government official, State Sen. Phil Williams (R-Rainbow City) is under investigation by law enforcement for possible ethics violations and other related activities.  On Williams’ latest ethics Statement of Economic Interests, he lists 43 professional or consulting clients. When elected in 2010 he listed no such clients.  Phil Williams’ Senate Republican Caucus spokesperson said, the 43 clients listed were reoccurring litigation clients. A search of court records on ALACOURT shows only three reoccurring clients and these are related to debt collection.  The clients are Butler Electrical Contractors, which is owned by State Rep. Mack Butler (R-Gadsden), Servpro, and Advanced Imaging of Gadsden.  Jon Jones, who Williams appointed to the Community Development Board for District 29, 30, and handles around $700,000 in State development funds, owns Servpro of Etowah in Williams’ District.  Williams’ large client list has raised questions among his Senate colleagues, and now, law enforcement has entered into the fray.  Williams, who campaigned on ethics reform to defeat Sen. Larry Means (who was charged but acquitted in the bingo trials), now appears to find himself a person of interest.

1-8-16

Lottery bill

State Sen. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, said today he would sponsor a lottery bill during the legislative session that begins Feb. 2. McClendon said details of the proposal would be announced at a press conference on Tuesday. He estimated it would raise about $300 million a year.McClendon said this morning that the legislation is still being finalized.  For Alabama to have a lottery, three-fifths of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives would have to approve a bill proposing an amendment to the state Constitution, which prohibits lotteries. The proposal would then go to voters in a statewide referendum.

1-8-16

Murder suspect pleads not guilty

A man accused of killing the brother of NFL star Kwon Alexander pleaded not guilty this week, according to court documents.  24 year oldJerald Aubrey Bailey was charged with the murder of 17 year old Broderick Lashawn Taylor II,  on Oct. 30. Authorities said at the time that Taylor was shot in the chest following an argument on West 16th Street.  Bailey surrendered to authorities the following day.  That Sunday Alexander played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and spoke of losing Taylor after playing the Atlanta Falcons, finishing the game with 11 tackles and an interception.  In court documents, Bailey also waived his right to an arraignment.

1-8-16

Childersburg tax vote

On Jan. 26, the residents of Childersburg will vote on a proposed mill tax increase for the city.The current property tax rate for Childersburg is three mills, and if the proposed increase passes, that rate would rise by 2 percent to five mills. Building a new football stadium at Childersburg High School, improving the baseball and softball fields, renovating the gym at Childersburg Elementary and also renovating the cafeteria at Watwood Elementary have been discussed as proposed projects that could be funded by the tax revenue. If the mill tax is passed, plans call for the the proposed stadium to be complete in time for the 2017 season and include upgrades such as a track around the field. The proposed improvements to the city’s baseball and softball fields would be projected to be complete by March 2016. The five-mill tax would cost homeowners living in a $50,000 home $10 a year, which is roughly three cents per day.

Those exempt from the tax include non-homeowners, churches or other exempt nonprofit organizations; residents who live in federal housing; homeowners over the age of 65 who have an annual income of less than $7,500; homeowners totally disabled with less than a $7,500 annual income; and homeowners over the age of 65 who bring in less than $12,000 (single) or less than $24,000 (jointly) each year.

1-8-16

Dekalb shooting

A Kilpatrick man reported that two men forced their way into his home Tuesday night and shot him in the leg, according to Sheriff Jimmy Harris.  DeKalb deputies, Geraldine and Crossville police and Alabama State Troopers responded to the scene about 8 p.m. Tuesday. The victim had been shot in the upper left thigh area. He told deputies two Hispanic males, wearing hoodies, with black and white bandanas over their faces, knocked on his door. When he went to answer the door, the men tried to push it open, scaring the victim’s wife. She went to the bedroom to try to find a weapon.  The two men shoved the door open, came into the house and shot the victim. He was transported to Marshall Medical Center South by DeKalb Ambulance Service, then airlifted to UAB.  According to Harris, deputies, police officers and drug task force agents were out all night looking for the suspects. In a statement, he said his office has contacted the FBI and the DEA to ask for their confidential informants’ help with the investigation. The sheriff’s office has a $1,000 reward for the information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call 256-845-3801.

1-8-16

Gargus parole

A Gadsden man is slated for a parole hearing Jan. 13 to ask for release more than four years before the end of the 20-year sentence he received for reckless manslaughter in the death of his young bride.  19 year old Kandice Johnson Gargus,  was shot and killed by her husband on Thanksgiving Day in 1996 in what police said was a game of Russian roulette.  Doyce Wade Gargus was denied parole in 2011. His scheduled release date is Feb. 28, 2020.  Kandice Gargus’ mother, Beverly Burns, said she and other family members will be there to oppose his bid for parole, just as they have been at previous hearings.  Burns said the hearing will be difficult as for the first time, her granddaughter — Kandice’s daughter — will have to speak to the parole board.  She’s now 20 and Burns said the parole board will want to hear from her.  Gargus was convicted of shooting his wife after he had put the barrel of his .44-caliber revolver in his own mouth and pulled the trigger “two or three times,” according to a witness in his trial.  Gargus cocked the hammer again, aimed it at his wife 3 feet away and pulled the trigger. When police went to the hospital to investigate, she was dead. Gargus had been drinking and had been slapping his wife around, ordering her to slap him, which she did once, a witness said.  The shooting occurred Nov. 28, 1996, while Gargus and a cousin were playing pool in a utility building behind the Gargus’ Tidmore Bend residence.

1-8-16

Talladega man killed in Montgomery crash

A Talladega man died on Wednesday as the result of injuries he suffered in a Saturday night traffic crash on Eastern Boulevard in Montgomery.  69 year old Michael Spurlin,  suffered what was first believed to be non-life threatening injuries in a two-vehicle crash on Eastern Boulevard around 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, according to Montgomery police.  The crash involved a 1999 Lincoln Continental, driven by Spurlin, and a 2011 Dodge Nitro. Spurlin's condition was downgraded on Wednesday, and he died at a Montgomery hospital. The driver of the Dodge Nitro also suffered non-life threatening injuries.  accident investigators are working to determine the cause of the crash.

1-8-16

Rogers wager

Congressman Mike Rogers and Congressman Kevin Cramer (R-ND) made a friendly wager today over Saturday's FCS Championship game in Frisco, Texas between Jacksonville State University and North Dakota State University.  The loser will provide lunch for the winners congressional staff.

12-9-15 NEWS

12-9-15

Murder victims identified

Lincoln police have identified two murder victims in a Saturday night shooting at a mobile home park.  In a news release from Chief Darren Britton  Tuesday, the two victims were identified as Eustacio Alonso Castillo and Oscar Humberto Aguilar. Police said the two men were shot to death as they were returning home from work Saturday night to their trailer at the Blue Eye Mobile Home Park just off U.S. Highway 78.  Britton said the two were shot before they could even get out of their car. Police declined to release any further information about the case, including whether or not they think this was a random act or if they believe the two men knew their assailant or were otherwise targeted.  Lincoln Police want anyone who may have any information in the case to contact the investigative division at (205) 763-4063.

12-9-15

Etowah burglary arrests

A man and a woman are facing felony burglary and theft charges in Etowah County.  39 year old Jeremy Allen Murray,  of Rainbow City, and 27 year old  Brandy Michelle Duncan, of Attalla, were arrested and are each charged with one felony count of third-degree burglary and one felony count of first-degree theft of property.  Both were booked into the Etowah County Detention Center. Duncan remains detained on a $7,500 bond but Murray was released on a $7,500 bond.  The two are accused of breaking into a residence on Bachelor Chapel Road on Nov. 29.  Deputies say Hokes Bluff Lieutenant Richard Garmon noticed their blue vehicle parked beside the residence while he was patrolling the road.  Garmon turned around to check the residence as the vehicle left the driveway. He performed a traffic stop and called investigators to the scene.  Investigators found items in the back seat that had been taken from the residence.  Both suspects told investigators they did not know whose home they had just left and that they took the items from the yard.  Officials returned the stolen property to the owner and the home owner asked for extra patrol in the area due to several recent thefts.

12-9-15

Talladega election suit

While the winners in this years Talladega city elections have already been sworn and seated, it would appear that Talladega’s 2015 municipal elections are not quite over.

Retired Talladega fire Chief K.D. Dickerson ran for the City Council seat for Ward 2 against incumbent Jarvis Elston. Elston was re-elected.  Dickerson has filed a suit alleging misconduct and violations by Elston and people working for Elston’s campaign. Represented by attorney Rod Giddens, Elston filed a motion laying out why the case should be dismissed. Circuit Judge Julian King held a hearing Monday on the motion to dismiss but said he would reschedule it without ruling to allow Elston to file an affidavit saying he had not been served by Dickerson with the proper paperwork.  King also told Dickerson, who is representing himself, “election contests are terribly complicated in Alabama, and he has to make sure that everyone strictly adheres to the mandates set by the Legislature.

As in several other close elections in Ward 2, the primary issue comes down to complaints regarding absentee ballots, particularly in the Knoxville Homes and Curry Court public housing projects. Dickerson provides specific allegations from four people and lists the names and addresses of several others.

Elston not only denies any wrongdoing, but in the motion to dismiss, also points out that if all of the absentee ballots cast in the election were to be thrown out, Dickerson still would have lost. The motion to dismiss also says the laws governing election contests were not followed properly, which is what prompted King to reschedule the hearing.

12-9-15

Waitress injured

A waitress at Albertville’s El Sol King Pollo restaurant was airlifted to UAB after one vehicle hit another vehicle and knocked it into the front dining room Tuesday morning,.  According to police,  a vehicle was backing out of a parking space in front of the restaurant about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday when another vehicle, traveling east on Main Street, hit it from behind and the impact sent the vehicle crashing into the dining room.  A waitress and both drivers sustained injuries, with the waitress receiving the worst of the crash.

12-9-15

Etowah burglary arrest

An Attalla man has been arrested and charged in connection to a recent burglary in Etowah County.

52 year old Barry Lane Conner,  of Attalla, was charged with one felony count of third-degree burglary and one felony count of second-degree theft of property.

Conner allegedly broke into a residence on Mountainview Road in Attalla, on two separate occasions. Conner admitted to stealing a 9mm, Ruger handgun during the first burglary. The weapon was recovered and returned to the owner.  His second attempt to burglarize the residence was unsuccessful when the homeowner called 911 and Conner fled on foot. He was taken into custody a short distance from the home by Sardis police officers.  Personal identification from Conner’s wallet was found at the scene of the burglary.  Conner was booked into the Etowah County Detention Center and later released on $5,000 bond.

12-9-15

Credit card fraud arrest

A Piedmont man has been arrested and charged in connection to fraudulent use of a credit card.  37 year old Christopher Lee Sims,  of Piedmont, is charged with one felony count of fraudulent use of a credit/debit card.  A video camera inside a convenience store recorded Sims using the card. The victim provided investigators with a copy of the credit card statement that showed the amount charged to the card, $456.98.  Sims was booked into the Etowah County Detention Center and later released on $2,500 bond.

12-9-15

Albertville stabbing

A 23-year-old Albertville man is in critical condition at Huntsville Hospital after being stabbed Monday afternoon.  Albertville police said an argument at a residence on Fleming Drive led to the young man being stabbed in the chest by a male acquaintance. The victim was airlifted to Huntsville for treatment of a punctured lung.  24 year old Ernest Desourcces, of Albertville, was taken into custody Tuesday morning and has been charged with attempted murder.

12-9-15

Anniston council approves incentives for Kmart developer

The Anniston city council has approved a $3 million tax incentive plan to help a developer bring new retail activity into a closed department store building in the city.

Under the plan, the city will rebate up to $3 million in sales taxes over a 10-year period to Mississippi-based Second Street Plaza, which plans to repurpose the former Kmart on McClellan Boulevard. The developer will use the rebate to cover part of the approximately $6 million cost of renovating the 42-year-old building.

During the first five years of the plan, the city will retain 25 percent of the sales taxes collected from the retailers in the building and the developer will keep the rest. The city will keep 50 percent of the tax money collected over the following five years.

City officials announced last month Second Street Plaza’s intentions to buy the Kmart building, and put in new tenants. The developer has had success repurposing other former department stores in recent years across the state, including in Pell City. Second Street is expected to close on the building’s purchase and have new retailers in place next year.