Alabama 810 news

BREAKING NEWS.... Residential area in Moody Evacuated

2011-01-19T15:03:00.002-06:00

Authorities in Moody have evacuated residents after the discovery of a a suspicious liquid this morning. Both The Moody Police Department and the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department began receiving calls about the substance, which is surrounded by hay in a residential area off of Hannah and Dragline Roads. about 9 a.m. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, are investigating the incident and are expected to detonate the substance sometime today. According to Moody Police Chief Bobby Breed , residents within 1,500 feet of the site have been evacuated with a command center set up at a Moody industrial park.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Murder Suspect Sentenced in 2 year old murder

2011-01-19T14:57:00.000-06:00

A 24 year old Ohatchee man has been sentenced to two life sentences in connection with the stabbing death of an Alexandria man two years ago. Skylar L. Allen had originally been charged with capital murder for his role in the stabbing death of 77 year old Jerry Shurbutt. Allen’s capital murder trial had been set to begin Monday when he decided to accept a plea agreement allowing him to plead guilty to separate, lesser charges of murder and robbery. Allen also pleaded guilty to the felony charges of first-degree theft of property and promoting prison contraband. Circuit Judge Malcolm Street sentenced Allen to two concurrent life sentences for the murder and robbery charges, plus an additional 30 years for the theft and prison contraband crimes.

Allen was arrested Sept. 16, 2008 for stabbing to death Shurbutt who had hired Allen to cut his lawn.
Neighbors found Shurbutt dead in his home two days earlier.
Investigators suspected Allen after Allen’s family members spotted him driving Shurbutt’s 2000 Lincoln Town Car, which neighbors had reported missing.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

First Leg of Veterans Memorial Parkway Opened

2011-01-19T14:55:00.000-06:00

The first leg of the new veterans memorial parkway, or as some know it as the eastern parkway in Anniston, was opened to traffic today from Leon Smith parkway in oxford to Iron Mountain Road at McClellan. Alabama’s newly appointed transportation director John Cooper made his first official appearance as the new transportation director at todays ribbon cutting. The new segment of the highway will allow direct access from the mcclellan industrial park to interstate 20. Access is available from hiway 21 thru mcclellan. Anniston Mayor Gene Robinson thanked the state and federal governments for funding the parkway project, but said there is one other major project that must be completed construction of a wastewater treatment facility to serve the area. Once the entire parkway project is completed it is expected to remove much of the truck traffic off of quintard avenue in downtown Anniston.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

New Calhoun Judges Sworn In

2011-01-19T14:52:00.001-06:00

Calhoun County’s newest judges were sworn in Tuesday morning at the cahoun county courthouse creating what one of the new judges called a historic event for women. Circuit Judge Debra Jones and District Judge Beth Rogers were sworn in in Jones’ new chambers at the courthouse Tuesday morning. Both women are the first in Calhoun County history to run contested races for judgeships and win.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Clay County Officials Sworn In

2011-01-19T14:49:00.000-06:00

Newly elected officials were sworn in at the Clay county courthouse Tuesday. Newly elected sheriff Ray Latham was sworn in Tuesday by retired Judge John Rochester. New Clay County circuit court judge, George Simpson, was sworn in, followed by Jim Malone, the county’s new district court judge.

Latham thanked the people of Clay County and outlined his approach to the office. The sheriff’s office will partner with every law enforcement agency as well as every volunteer department. Saying he will make Improvements to better serve the people of Clay County.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Roads Open

2011-01-12T10:39:00.002-06:00

All streets and roads in the area have been re-opened however motorists are advised to be on the lookout for patches of black ice.
From the Alabama 810 News Center

WEATHER RELATED CLOSINGS

2011-01-09T18:35:00.007-06:00

East Central Alabama and West Georgia remains under a Winter Storm Warning until 6pm Central time monday.

All area schools are closed for Monday

Jacksonville State University has cancelled classes for Monday

The Calhoun and Etowah County Courthouses and county offices will be closed monday.

The Calhoun County ACT Transportation Program will not be running monday

The Calhoun Sheriffs Department has Closed Bains Gap Road

The RAI Dialysis Centers in Oxford, Anniston, Jacksonville, and Talladega will be closed on Monday

Federal Mogul in Jacksonville, 1st shift monday will be delayed until 10:30am

Due to inclement weather, Anniston Army Depot will delay opening by three
hours for first shift employees. The depot will open at 10 a.m. on Monday
(January 10).

Tape Craft in Oxford will not work the first shift monday.

AREA POLICE ARE REPORTING HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS BECAUSE OF SNOW AND ICE. THEY ARE URGING MOTORISTS TO STAY OFF THE ROADS IF AT ALL POSSIBLE!

OXFORD POLICE HAVE CLOSED ALL STREETS IN THE CITY OF OXFORD!

JACKSONVILLE POLICE HAVE CLOSED ALL CITY STREETS!

PIEDMONT POLICE HAVE CLOSED ALL CITY STREETS!

JACKSONVILLE CITY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY. ONLY ESSENTIAL PERSONELL ARE TO REPORT TO WORK.

ALL ANNISTON CITY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY.

To report closings e-mail the alabama 810 newscenter at alabama810news@bellsouth.net

YMCA Fundraising

2010-11-09T12:40:00.000-06:00

From the Alabama 810 News Center:

The YMCA of Calhoun County has begun a major fundraising project called 60 in 60. According to YMCA president and CEO Jerry Adkins, it’s all part of a challenge grant from the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama. Adkins says the money will be used to complete renovations at the YMCA facility in Anniston. An anonymous donor gave one million dollars to the organization last year, which allowed them to move forward with infrastructure updates. Adkins says the project will take as long as it takes to raise all of the money needed to pay for it because the board of directors does not want to go into debt.

Shueing Sentencing

2010-11-09T12:36:00.000-06:00

From the Alabama 810 News Center:

Calhoun County Circuit Judge Malcolm Street will decide today whether convicted murderer Jesse Scheuing will spend the rest of his life in prison or receive the death penalty for shooting an Oxford convenience store clerk two years ago. Judge Street is scheduled to issue his ruling during a 2 p.m. sentencing hearing this afternoon.
A Calhoun County jury convicted the 24 year old Scheuing, originally from Waycross, Ga., two months ago on charges of capital murder and felony robbery in the November 2008 shooting death of clerk Sean Adam Cook at the Oxford convenience store where he worked.

Calhoun County Arrest

2010-11-05T11:25:00.000-05:00

From the Alabama 810 News Center:

A 20 year old Anniston man arrested last month on drug charges during a traffic stop is now facing additional charges of Receiving Stolen Property 1st degree. He’s being held in the Calhoun County Jail pending a $5,000 bond and has a court date of December 9, 2010. Corey Jamal Fuller was arrested by Calhoun County Sheriff Deputies on October 20th during a traffic stop in Anniston, where officers found a one gallon zip lock bag of suspected marijuana in his vehicle. It was also determined that the vehicle was a rental car from Hertz that had not been returned. The Hertz Company had listed it as stolen resulting in the theft charges being filed this week.

Calhoun County Superintendent Named

2010-11-05T11:19:00.000-05:00

From the Alabama 810 News Center:

Calhoun County School Board Thursday named the system’s next superintendant. The board held public interviews for 5 finalists thursday morning and by noon, they had announced their decision. White Plains Middle School President Joe Dyar was selected to lead the system into the future. Dyar is no stranger to the school system; he began in 1990 as a science and P.E. teacher at Saks Middle School and Saks High School, where he was also a coach before moving to White Plains Middle School as the principal. School Board Member Dale Harbin says Dyar was the right choice. Dyar will take the reins from current superintendant Judy Stiefel who announced that she will retire at the beginning of the year.

Anniston man killed in weekend crash

2010-08-23T11:33:00.000-05:00

Alabama state troopers report that a 52 year old Anniston man was killed early Saturday morning in a one car accident east of oxford on U.S. highway 78. Troopers say that Joseph Edwin Young, was traveling east on U. S. 78 three miles east of Oxford at 1:45 a.m. Saturday morning when his 1997 Buick Riviera left the highway and struck a ditch. Troopers say their investigation is continuing, but they suspect that speed was believed to be a factor in the crash.

Young was not wearing a seat belt in the crash.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Talladega declares state of emergency

2010-08-13T15:37:00.000-05:00

The Talladega City Council voted on Thursday night to declare an emergency situation and provide impacted citizens with bottled water. With the Mt. Olive well shut down, some citizens in the Forest Hills community still have discolored water. Despite best efforts to control the problem, it is more severe and has a wider scope than earlier expected. The oversight of the project will be led by Cathy Fuller, Water and Sewer Director and Personnel Officer. With water problems in the same area, a walking track has had to be rebuilt twice and there is erosion caused by water to a nearby baseball field and playground.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Attempted bank robbery

2010-07-09T09:28:00.002-05:00

Calhoun county authorities are searching today for three men who, armed with handguns attempted to rob the Noble Bank and Trust on Hiway 431 in Alexandria Thursday. According to Calhoun County Sheriff Larry Amerson, the robbery was interrupted when new safety technology at the bank detected the firearms and automatically locked the doors and sounded an alarm preventing the robbers from entering the bank. When they were unable to gain entry to the bank, they got into their dark colored ford explorer and left. Deputies located the getaway vehicle a short time later at a nearby church. Amerson says he is confident that they will be able to identify the men and close the case. Amerson said their investigation has led them to Etowah County and they are now working with authorites there in attempting to identify the suspects.From the Alabama 810 News Center.

Teens charged with throwing firecracker in church service

2010-07-09T09:26:00.002-05:00

Etowah county authorities have charged Two teenagers who threw a lit firecracker during church services on the Fourth of July with criminal charges. Authorities say The 16-year-old and 18-year-old are charged with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors. The two are accused of throwing a firecracker inside the New Bethel Church on County Road 71 in Hokes Bluff Sunday evening. The 18-year-old is from Hixson, Tenn. and was visiting the 16-year-old relative when the two went to the store. The 16-year-old was driving an older model GMC pickup truck when they stopped at the church.

The 18-year-old ran up to the church door, opened it and threw the lit firecracker inside. He got back in the truck and they sped away.

A church member ran outside and followed them, calling 911.

As police officers were responding, the teens led the church member down several roads, ending up at the intersection of Reaves Road and U.S. Highway 278, where they were taken into custody, Hill said.

Firecrackers were found inside the pickup truck.

The 16-year-old was taken to Coosa Valley Detention Center in Anniston and the 18-year-old was taken to the Etowah County Detention Center.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Lincoln Stabbing

2010-07-09T09:25:00.000-05:00

Police in Lincoln are investigating a Tuesday night stabbing that sent one victim to a hospital where he is in intensive care.

According to police, it appears two white males became involved in an argument before the stabbing occurred around 11 p.m. at Windsong Island on the shore of Lake Logan Martin.

Police said There was a verbal altercation, and one stabbed the other in the abdomen. The stabbing victim was put into surgery in the early morning hours of Wednesday to repair the wound and remains in intensive care. No arrests had been made and police have not released the names of those involved as the investigation is ongoing.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Anniston council to address noise

2010-06-22T06:55:00.002-05:00

The Anniston City Council is expected to vote on a resolution today dealing with the noise coming from a bar located on Highway 202. Anniston Councilman Ben Little held a public meeting last Wednesday at Coyote Mike’s. Little says he’s been contacted by numerous members of the community who say they are tired of the noise coming from the club. The owner is operating under a license obtained by the former owner, but is expected to receive his own license today. Council members are expected to vote on some sort of noise ordinance resolution this afternoon during their regular meeting. The council is also scheduled to address their own noise, created by the council as they will discuss whether to launch an investigation into their own harassment complaints against one other.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Local Guard Unit deployed to gulf coast

2010-06-22T06:53:00.000-05:00

Members of an area national guard unit are on the gulf coast assisting Alabamians affected by the oil spill with filing claims against BP. According to Lt. Col.Cindy Baccus is a spokesperson for the Alabama national guard, some 20 members of the 128th medical unit based in Ashland has been on the gulf coast for some two weeks assisting residents in filing monetary claims for losses due to the oil spill. Baccus said the unit will remain deployed until the job is completed. The governor deployed the unit from his hometown over concerns that few Alabamians directly affected by the spill were filing claims.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Albertville Man Charged with Murder

2010-06-22T06:49:00.000-05:00

Authorities have charged an Albertville man with murder in the death of his girlfriend, who had been missing June 4.

The remains believed to be 36 year old Tonya Michelle Turnmire, were found Saturday night in the Rockledge community of Etowah County.
31 year old Ray Christopher Shockley, was arrested Saturday night by Albertville police detectives. Shockley appeared before Judge Tim Riley Monday afternoon and a $1 million bond was set. Shockley lived with Turnmire at a home in Albertville and it is there detectives believe she was killed about 3 p.m. June 4. Shockley allegedly loaded her body in a vehicle and took her to some woods already used as a dump on Mountainview Drive, just off U.S. Highway 431 in the Rockledge community.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Pierson to keep dealership

2010-06-22T06:47:00.000-05:00

A longtime Etowah county car dealership has gotten some good news. Pierson Chevrolet has reached agreement with General Motors to be Gadsden and Etowah County’s exclusive Chevrolet dealership. Owner Gary Kilpatrick they hope to be around for at least 55 more years.

The dealership had been in negotiations for several weeks over the pending revocation of the dealership’s GM franchise announced last october. Kilpatrick thanked Gadsden Mayor Sherman Guyton and the Gadsden City Council and members of the Etowah County Commission for their support as well as friends and customers who wrote thousands of letters giving their support .
Pierson has been a GM dealership since 1955.
Kilpatrick said information about the dealership’s Buick and Jeep franchises will be released later.
Following its bankruptcy last year, GM originally announced about 1,100 dealers would lose their franchises. But in March, it told 661 dealers it would negotiate terms for them to keep their franchises.
Chrysler, which also owns Jeep, last June announced the closing of 789 dealers, including Pierson, also as the result of bankruptcy. A little more than 400 dealers are fighting that decision

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Lincoln Motel FIre

2010-06-22T06:45:00.001-05:00

Authorities in Talladega county are investigating a Friday night fire at a Lincoln motel that The Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force say seems to have originated with a methamphetamine lab in the bathroom of a guests room. the manager of the McCRaig motel contacted Lincoln fire and police late Friday night to respond to a blaze in room 128. A male and a female suffering from second- and third-degree burns were found inside the room. “The female was airlifted to University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital, where she’s still critical. The male first went to Regional Medical Center in Anniston before being transferred to UAB.” The fire damage was limited to the bathroom of the motel room. Once it was put out and the room was secured, a search warrant was obtained and executed. Several meth components were identified and seized. Officials said the task force was called out just before midnight Friday and stayed on the scene until about 6 Saturday morning. As of Monday afternoon, no one had been charged with a crime in connection with the lab.
From the Alabama 810 News Center

Judge decides not to run

2010-06-18T12:12:00.000-05:00

State democratic officials say that Calhoun County District Judge Larry Warren has indicated he wants to give up his incumbent nomination for the seat he has held for 24 years. In this year’s elections, he was facing Republican Beth Rogers, a attorney and wife of U.S. congressman Mike Rogers of Saks.

Sate democratic party officials say they will nominate someone else if it is Warren’s “final wish” not to run.

Rogers has raised $2,767 in campaign funds so far, according to government records. Warren has raised none.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Housing Authorities receive Grants

2010-06-18T12:10:00.001-05:00

U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan has announced the awarding of over $71 million to public housing authorities in Alabama. The funds will allow the authorities to make major capital improvements to their public housing units. Housing authorities will add this funding to the $4 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 they received last year to continue addressing long-standing capital improvement needs for public housing. The funding is allocated through HUD’s Capital Fund Program that provides annual funding to public housing authorities to develop, finance, and/or modernize the public housing in their communities. This funding can be used to make large-scale improvements such as new roofs and to make energy-efficient upgrades to replace old plumbing and electrical systems. The Anniston housing authority is set to receive over 1.1 million while Gadsden will receive 1.7 million. Piedmont is set to receive over 297 thousand while Jacksonville will receive over 265 thousand. The Hobson city housing authority is set to receive over 89 thousand. In Clay county, the Lineville housing authority will receive over 288 thousand while the Ashland authority will receive over 276 thousand. The city of Heflin housing authority will receive over 49 thousand while Sylacauga is set to receive over 98 thousand, Talladega, 934 thousand, Childersburg over 300 thousand and the city of centre over 240 thousand dollars.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Child Porn Conviction

2010-06-18T12:09:00.002-05:00

A federal jury in Birmingham has convicted 57 year old Phillip Ross Simmons, of Altoona, on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler ordered U.S. marshals to take Simmons into custody following the verdict. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

Simmons faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, and a maximum of 20 years, for receiving images of child pornography.

He also faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for possessing or accessing the images with the intent to view them.

Simmons was convicted on charges brought in a May indictment.

The indictment charged that he received pornographic images of children via the Internet from February 2008 until February 2009.

He also accessed other images of child pornography, intending to view them.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Munford Bank Robbery

2010-06-10T16:29:00.000-05:00

The FBI is investigating the armed robbery this morning of a Talladega County bank. FBI spokesman Paul Daymond of the bureau’s Birmingham office said three armed men dressed in black robbed the First National Bank in Munford on Alabama Highway 21 about 9:06 a.m. today. No one was injured in the robbery. The suspects fled in a stolen silver Suzuki that later was found near the bank. Daymond said it was unknown what direction they were heading.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Talladega County Sheriff’s Department at 256-761-2141 or the Gadsden office of the FBI at 256-547-0522.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Kilpatrick residents warned to be on lookout for attacker

2010-06-10T16:27:00.002-05:00

DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris is warning residents in the Kilpatrick community to be on the lookout for a man sought in a Monday home invasion in the community. The sheriff said the man forced his way inside a home Monday night and attacked a woman in the Kilpatrick area, the sheriff said the man is dangerous and residents should be cautious until he is caught.

The man had forced his way inside the home of a woman on County Road 965 in the Kilpatrick community in southern DeKalb County.
The man was armed with a knife and gun, forced his way inside the woman’s home and cut her several times before she managed to fight her way outside and run to a neighbor’s house for help.
The man was seen leaving in a white Ford F150 pickup truck. He is white, has white hair and brown eyes and was wearing green shorts and a brown shirt. He is about 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds.
The woman was transported to Marshall Medical Center in Boaz, where she was treated and released.
The man is believed to be from the area and the sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the office at 256-845-3801.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Sylacauga Jobs

2010-06-10T16:25:00.000-05:00

Alabama Industrial Development Training has established a pre-employment program for new jobs at a Sylacauga company.

Fleetwood Metal Industries a metal stamping and welding technology facility is seeking production associates.
Bobby Jon Drinkard, public information director for AIDT, said the two-week program would take 30 applicants.
On completion of training, employees’ starting wage will be $10 per hour and increase to $11.25 after one year, the release stated.
The training has been scheduled to take place at the local Fleetwood plant.
Drinkard said candidates will not be paid while going through the training process. However, trainees will be covered through workers’ compensation should an incident occur.
Information from Fleetwood said the company offers “a competitive benefits and compensation package.” It includes medical, dental and life insurance, a 401(k) and paid vacation and holidays.
Requirements include a high school diploma or GED and a minimum of one year related experience in manufacturing. Other required qualifications include good mathematical skills, strong work ethic and an ability to work to highly demanding quality standards.
Other preferred qualifications are listed on the AIDT website.
AIDT is a state funded program designed to build a healthy economy by recruiting and training a skilled workforce to attract new industries to the state and to expand existing industries, according to their website.
The deadline for applicants is June 24. For more information or to apply, go to www.aidt.edu/jobs.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Georgia hospital group to purchase randolph county site

2010-06-10T16:24:00.000-05:00

A Georgia based hospital has eyes on expanding their services into east alabama. Tanner Health System of Carrollton, Ga., is preparing to acquire a 17 acre site along U.S. Highway 431 South, inside the city limits of Wedowee. According to a press release, Tanner is working with community leaders to develop services that might be offered on this site that would best serve the long-term medical needs of the residents of Wedowee and the greater Randolph County area.

Loy Howard, president and CEO of Tanner Health System said they feel that expanding services in the Wedowee area is the next logical step following the acquisition of Woodland Family Healthcare, which joined Tanner Medical Group in 2008.
Wedowee Mayor Tim Coe, who also serves on Wedowee Hospital Board, said while he had talked with Tanner representatives about possibilities for land and knew Tanner was buying the land, he has not discussed with them the scope of services they might offer.
Randolph County Health Care Authority chairman Bob Yates said he has not had communication from Tanner officials since the word about the land got out. Yates said in a discussion about six months ago he pointed out to the Tanner officials the importance of having 24-hour services in Wedowee.
In the fall of 2008, Wedowee Hospital sold Dr. Jeff Stewart's medical practice, operating at the Woodland Clinic, to Tanner Health System. The decision came after Randolph County Healthcare Authority agreed to lease to Tanner empty property on which it could put buildings in Woodland, and it was Stewart's wish to go with Tanner.
In 2007, Tanner had looked into purchasing Wedowee Hospital, but later withdrew the offer.
No timeline has been set for construction or the opening of this location, according to Howard.
From the Alabama 810 News Center

Primary election recount next week

2010-06-10T16:22:00.001-05:00

The recount in the republican primary for governor is not expected to begin until early next week in both Calhoun and Etowah Counties. Calhoun County administrator Ken Jointer told commissioners today that the re-count in Calhoun county is expected to cost three thousand dollars. Jointer said that the county will have to receive payment for the recount before in will be conducted. State law does not provide for a taxpayer funded recount in primary elections which means the recount will have to be paid for by either the party or the candidate. Tim James requested a statewide recount of the votes in the june first primary. Meanwhile, County election officials and county Republican chairmen are getting invitations to a meeting Friday in Montgomery, where they will go over procedures for the recount.

Republican Party spokesman Philip Bryan says the party is inviting officials to the meeting because most have never been through a recount. Secretary of State Beth Chapman will be there, along with representatives of the company that provides election equipment to counties.

Tim James requested the recount in all 67 counties after finishing in third place, 167 votes behind Robert Bentley. The recount will determine whether Bentley or James advances to the runoff July 13 against first-place finisher Bradley Byrne.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

EPA seeks Warrants

2010-06-09T15:32:00.002-05:00

The U.S. Department of Justice tuesday asked a federal judge to grant a warrant that would allow the Environmental Protection Agency or contractors to go onto the properties of 115 residents in the Anniston area to take samples and, if necessary, remove contaminated soil.

The residential properties are located in the area around Anniston identified as EPA Superfund cleanup sites that are contaminated with lead and PCBs. The EPA is overseeing the cleanup involving two different settlements with two different groups of industries.

The warrant requested tuesday is based on the 2006 agreement with 11 industries.

According to the warrant request, "After using their best efforts to obtain access authorization to conduct the necessary sampling and/or cleanup at the residential properties, the owners or tenants of the residential properties failed to respond or denied requests for access.”

Officials say that Sampling the soil shouldn't take more than two days on each property. Cleanup, if necessary, would not take more than 60 days on each property.

Federal officials have had to get warrants before to get onto residential or commercial property during the cleanup.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Drowning Death

2010-06-09T15:30:00.001-05:00

The body of an 18 year old Anniston man was found overnight in the swimming pool of the city owned carver community center in Anniston. According to Calhoun County Coroner Pat Brown police found 18-year-old Mitchell McCall dead in the pool after someone phoned police to report the death just after midnite last night. Brown said it appeared McCall had snuck into the pool with others after hours to swim and apparently drowned. Foul play is not suspected in the death however,

McCall’s body will be sent to a state lab in Huntsville for an autopsy.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Anniston city council

2010-06-09T15:29:00.000-05:00

The Anniston city council heard Tuesday from Birmingham attorney Gene Rutledge who is seeking payment of over 62 thousand dollars in attorneys fees for his representation of councilmen Ben Little, Herbert Palmore and former councilman Stan Bennett in actions filed to halt development at mcclellan, including suits filed against members of the current council. Rutledge laid out the case claiming that that he was right based on Judge Joel Lairds decision to recind his earlier decision abolishing the JPA. Lairds decision, however came only after the state legislature took action to legitimize the mcclellan development authority which resolved the main issue in Lairds initial ruling that the JPA was not legally created by the legislature. The mayor and several members of the council took exception to Rutledges assessment.. The council voted 3 to 2 not to pay the fees.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Sex abuse investigations underway

2010-06-09T15:26:00.001-05:00

Investigators with The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office are conducting investigations involving two separate cases of alleged sexual abuse of children. Investigators say that A 9 year old Piedmont girl was sexually abused May 30 while fishing with siblings and acquaintances.

Investigators say the girl was allegedly abused when she found herself alone with her alleged attacker. The alleged attacker, a juvenile boy, brought her to the ground and tried to force himself on her. The girls screams alerted her brother who was nearby. Investigators say the suspect has been accused of “trying to put his hands on her” before. No charges have been filed in the case which remains under investigation. Investigators are also conducting an investigation into alleged sexual abuse against a child that occurred a year ago in Jacksonville. The incidents were alleged to have occurred last summer at a 3-year-old’s home in Jacksonville. According to investigators, the 3-year-old girl was inappropriately touched by someone known to her.

The abuse was discovered after someone close to the victim changed his hairstyle and the young girl became upset. The girl disclosed to her mother that the new hairstyle reminded her of the attacker. She told her mother that she had been abused and identified her attacker.

A suspect has been identified in the case, but officials have not released the name because an arrest has not been made.

Both victims have been forensically interviewed at the Calhoun-Cleburne Children’s Center and the investigations into their cases are ongoing.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Gadsden man pleads guilty to fraud

2010-06-09T15:25:00.001-05:00

A Gadsden man pleaded guilty Tuesday to mail fraud in connection with more than $100,000 in fake invoices for insulating blankets that were supposed to be supplied to the Tennessee Valley Authority.

40 year old Daniel Gene Sieber II, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Virginia Emerson Hopkins to one count of mail fraud.

The maximum sentence for the mail fraud charge is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

According to Sieber's plea agreement, he was the manager for a Gadsden office of Shaw Field Services, a subsidiary of Louisiana-based Shaw Group Inc., which had a contract with TVA in 2004 to provide insulating blankets for some TVA power plants. Shaw Field Services was bought and became Analytic Stress Relieving in 2005.

Between June 2005 and June 2007, Sieber and an accomplice created fraudulent invoices for insulating blankets and submitted them to Shaw Field Services/Analytic Stress Relieving.

The invoices were from a fictitious vendor in Albertville.

Sieber submitted $106,662 in fraudulent invoices to his company, which paid the straw company $91,855. The proceeds were then divided between Sieber and his accomplice.

The TVA Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Talladega commission approves tax abatement

2010-06-09T15:24:00.001-05:00

The Talladega county commission approved a tax abatement tuesay for Canada based IKO Southeast Inc., a shingle manufacturer that has announced plant to build a new shingle plant in Sylacauga.

IKO Southeast Inc. operates out of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, manufacturing asphalt roofing including raw material processing, roofing product production and warehousing and distribution. The company plans to invest $63 million in the Talladega County project, creating 50-75 jobs.

The requested tax abatement will exempt IKO Southeast from all but its educational taxes for the next 10 years. It is estimated that $163,800 in noneducational ad valorem taxes and $1.2 million in construction related transaction taxes will be abated, but the actual numbers could be more or less than those estimated. No mortgage or recording taxes are expected to be abated.

While Economic Development Authority Executive Director Calvin Miller said it is still uncertain when construction on the project will begin, he was able to shed some light on how the process has worked so far. Miller said the main reason the chosen location was so successful in the search for a construction site was the raw materials available and rail access.

The company was looking at several areas in the Southeast and two of those were in Talladega County. One was in Childersburg and one is the Fayetteville Road location adjacent to Sylacauga city limits that was chosen.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Drug arrest

2010-06-09T15:22:00.001-05:00

An Ohatchee man is being held in the St. Clair County jail today fter being arrested by Ragland Police for manufacturing methamphetamines.

57 year old John Timothy Johnson, has been charged with manufacture of a controlled substance in the first degree.

According to Ragland Police Chief James “Bubba” Brown, Johnson’s arrest came as the result of an investigation that his department had conducted over several months.

Brown said that they received a tip that Johnson was cooking crystal meth in the area and selling his narcotics in RaglandBrown called in St. Clair County Sheriff’s Narcotics Investigator Cary Ward, and together they stopped Johnson as he made his way into Ragland Tuesday. Johnson was driving a 1999 Dodge 3500 utility van.

Authorities stopped him at the entrance of Ten Island Park, where he refulsed to give consent to search his vehicle. They called in the St. Clair County sheriff’s dog team. The dog indicated there were narcotics in the vehicle.” Inside the vehicle officers found a “shake and bake” meth lab and two grams of crystal methamphetamine. Johnson is being held on $250,000 bond.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Anniston Murders

2010-06-03T07:55:00.001-05:00

Anniston police are investigating two homicides which occurred early wednesday morning on separate sides of the city. According to police, 19 year old Ferrell Christian was shot to death at his Charlette avenue home in east Anniston. Police say he was shot once in the back, and they believe the shooting stemmed from an argument with the suspects earlier in the night. Police have arrested two suspects, identified as 17 year old Keith Perry and 16 year old Camerin Thomas, both are charged with murder and are currently in the Calhoun county jail held on a one hundred thousand dollar bond each charged as adults. Police said that the second murder occurred in west Anniston.. and involved an elderly man who was shot in the back of the head. His name has not been released pending notification of his family. Police say they have no suspects in the second shooting and are asking anyone with information to contact police. Both shootings occurred near 2:30 Wednesday morning.
From the Alabama 810 News Center

JSU phone service disrupted

2010-06-03T07:51:00.001-05:00

Internet service and off campus phone service has been disrupted on the campus of Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville. University officials report that the university’s main fiber optic cable was cut Wednesday during a construction mishap and that they have no projection on when service will be restored. University officials say that on campus, students and employees may still reach each other via e mail or phone and long distance is still operational, however all off campus incoming and outgoing e-mail and phone service is not operational.
From the Alabama 810 News Center

New Dialing Rules start Saturday

2010-06-03T07:50:00.000-05:00

Beginning Saturday, making a phone call will become a bit more complicated in the 256 area code as callers will be required to dial the area code and the seven digit number even for local calls.

The change is required because of the overlay of the 938 area code in the same zone as the 256 area code.
The Alabama Public Service Commission ordered the overlay of the 938 area code to ensure that businesses and customers have access to numbers from their carrier of choice.
The PSC has projected that all available numbers with the three-digit prefix in the 256 area code will filled in 2011. Phones assigned new numbers after the 256 area code is full will be assigned the 938 area code.
• All customers in the 256 area code should dial the three-digit area code and seven-digit number when making calls. If the call is a toll call, “1” must be dialed in addition to the 10-digit number.
• Customers must use the new 10-digit dialing procedure for all calls. After Saturday, if they do not use the new dialing procedure, the call will not be completed and a recording will instruct callers to hang up and dial again.
• Dialing the 256 area code when dialing local calls, or dialing a number in the local area with the new 938 area code, does not increase the cost of the calls. Calls that are in a consumer’s toll-free calling area continue to remain toll-free.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Talladega Schools Receive Award

2010-06-03T07:48:00.003-05:00

Thirteen schools in Talladega County along with the central office were named Energy Star Leaders by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The school system vowed to reduce energy use within their school systems in 2006. Over the last four years, the schools have shaved $2.3 million off of utility costs. Students, teachers, and staff have come together to implement a plan to conserve energy on a daily basis. This includes not using lights, electronics, or central heating and air when the facilities are not in use. Talladega County is the first Alabama school system to receive the Energy Star Leader national award.
From the Alabama 810 News Center

Coosa River on Endangered list

2010-06-03T07:48:00.001-05:00

The environmental advocacy group American Rivers lists Alabama's Coosa River among the nation's 10 most endangered rivers in 2010. The group's listing cites the threat of hydropower dams as the primary danger to the Coosa which runs across much of east Alabama. Its dams are operated by Alabama Power.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Free Fishing day

2010-06-03T07:46:00.002-05:00

Alabamians will have a day in June when they just need a rod and reel to fish, not a license.

The state's Legislature approved a free fishing day on Saturday, June 12, as part of National Fishing and Boating Week. It allows for an annual day to fish in state waters without a license. The exemption applies to both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Barnett Lawley, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, says such an event provides a great opportunity for Alabama families to spend time together outdoors. Some lakes might require fees and permits, and permission is still needed to fish in private ponds.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Anniston council creates building authority

2010-05-26T06:13:00.000-05:00

The Anniston City Council Tuesday approved the creation of a public building authority, which will facilitate financing and construction of city projects for public safety, social services and infrasctucture by overseeing bonds. Councilman John Spain said that the group will help guide the city in many other ways as well. The city is planning to use bonds to finance several upcoming city projects.

The Anniston Council also wants to limit the frequency that resolutions the council has previously voted down can be brought back for another vote. This move stemmed from Mayor Gene Robinsons continuing motions to increase the city sales tax which has been placed on the council agenda every meeting for the past couple months dispite the fact it has been defeated by a 4-1 vote each time. The mayor is seeking to increase the city's sales tax from 9 to 10 cents on the dollar. The council did not vote on a limit Tuesday because the mayor was not there. Councilman John Spain said that next time, the council will consider making defeated resolutions wait six months before going on the agenda again. Under the proposal, The council would be able to override the limit if three councilmen ask the city manager to place the measure on the agenda.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Two arrested in etowah bomb threat

2010-05-26T06:11:00.000-05:00

Etowah county authorities have arrested Two men on terroristic threats charges after calling in a bomb threat at the Etowah county courthouse. 32 year old James Thomas Bowman of Attalla, and 27 year old Kenneth Michael Gilbert, of Rainbow City were arrested and each charged with one felony count of making a terrorist threat.

The arrests were the result of a threatening call made Monday afternoon to the tag office at the Etowah County Courthouse. The caller stated a bomb was in the building. Personnel in the tag office responded quickly and the phone number was recorded by Caller ID.

During the time employees were evacuating the building, the phone used by the caller was thrown into the Coosa River. Investigators tracked down the two men and soon discovered Bowman was supposed to report to the Court Referral Office, Monday afternoon, for a drug test. Sheriff Entrekin said in addition to the felony charges, the county will be seeking restitution for the time lost by employees and revenue lost by the County

Bowman and Gilbert are currently being held in the Etowah County Detention Center.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Cherokee Indictment

2010-05-26T06:10:00.001-05:00

A Cherokee Grand Jury hands down a two count indictment against a Sand Rock man. 63-year-old James Stimpson is charged with criminal solicitation. Prosecutors say Stimpson solicited the murder of Lorette Gilbert. He was arrested Friday and is free today on a 150-thousand-dollar bond. The Cherokee County DA’s Office cited a conflict of interest and turned the case over to the DA’s Office in Marshall County for prosecution.
From the Alabama 810 News Center

Childersburg shooting raises concerns

2010-05-26T06:02:00.000-05:00

A recent shooting at a Childersburg park has raised the concerns of Childersburg mayor B.J. Meeks and several citizens. Those concerns surfaced during Tuesdays Childersburg city council meeting.

Meeks expressed concerns about the number of people who gather at Pleasant Valley Park near the Sadie Lee Public Housing and thought the large crowd in the small area may have contributed to causing the Sunday shooting at the park. The mayor said he has received complaints from residents in the area about the bumper-to-bumper traffic on Front Street and loud music causing a disturbance the day before the shooting. He said the traffic in that area hampered police and an ambulance from responding in a timely fashion when the shooting occurred. Frank Wilson, with the Childersburg Recreation Department, said the trouble started when two men confronted each other in the public housing complex and then came toward the softball field. Childersburg police are still investigating the alleged gunfire exchange on Sunday between Robert Hall and Pat “Project Pat” Barkley , Hall was wounded in the shoting and police are searching for Barkley in relation to the incident.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Gadsden attorney charged

2010-05-20T16:34:00.000-05:00

State officials say the assistant district attorney for Coosa County and a Gadsden attorney arrested Wednesday at a gadsden law office, used the threat of capital murder charges in a 1995 double homicide to try and extort $1 million. Assistant D.A. Frank Selman Teel and Gadsden attorney Frank Wayne Bailey are charged with extortion, bribery and ethics violations, according to a statement from the state attorney general's office. Bailey, represented a third man who survived the incident, Roger Darrell Firestone, of Hokes Bluff, in a potential lawsuit. Teel, was associated with the case.

41 year old Charles Thomas Amberson Jr., and 39 year old Darrell Thomas Coleman, both of Gadsden, died after suffering severe burns in a fire and explosion on May 16, 1995 in the Unity community of coosa county. Teel and Bailey were arrested in a joint effort by King's office, the Etowah County Sheriff's and District Attorney's Offices, and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. Officials said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests and charges could be forthcoming.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Hokes Bluff Murder

2010-05-20T15:26:00.000-05:00

Etowah county authorities today officially charged 25 year old Jeremy Wayne Grissom, of Hokes Bluff with murder and abuse of a corpse, in the Wednesday evening death of his 28 year old girlfriend Monica Michelle Payne. Paynes body was found Wednesday evening inside a residence located at Clinton Street in Hokes Bluff.

Investigators said Payne’s body appeared to have been severely beaten. The cause of death is speculated to be blunt force trauma to the head. An autopsy is currently underway to determine the exact cause of death. Sheriff Todd Entrekin told reporters today that A motivation for the murder is yet to be determined. In the early stages of the investigation, the sheriff said it appears to be a domestic violence incident that escalated into a homicide.
District attorney Jimmie Harp said that Grissom is being charged with murder and abuse of a corpse, with The abuse of a corpse charge due to his preparation to dispose of the body.
Entrekin said that paynes body was wrapped multiple times in plastic and duct tape and was placed inside a duffle bag and he had begun cleaning the house. Grissom also took the time to move her car to another location.”
Hokes Bluff Police arrived on scene taking Grissom into custody after one of his family members called 9-1-1. Grissom is being held in the Etowah County Detention Center on $500,000 bond for each charge.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Clay County Kidnapping

2010-05-20T15:23:00.002-05:00

A 43 year old Hispanic man from Anniston is being held today by Clay county authorities on charges of Attempted Murder, Kidnapping, and theft of property. The suspect, identified only by the last name Torres, was arrested at his residence in Anniston Wednesday night by clay county sheriffs deputies, lineville and anniston police. Authorities say Torres is accused of kidnapping 36 year old Efrain Vasquez in clay county Wednesday afternoon. Vasquez was able to escape by jumping from the moving vehicle just off of fosters road. Torres then fire shots at Vasquez before fleeing the area. Sheriffs department investigators say their investigation into the incident is ongoing.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Anniston Murder Arrest

2010-05-11T16:08:00.001-05:00

Anniston police have arrested one suspect and continue to search for another in connection with the 11 month old murder of Charles Andre Jennings. 18 year old Martel Davis, of Anniston has been charged with murder. Investigators say that Davis was a suspect from the onset. Investigators say that davis confessed to the murder while he was being questioned about unrelated.

The 46 year old Jennings, was shot in the back as he was walking in the 1000 block of West 15th Street.
Prior to his death, Jennings reportedly told police he had no idea why anyone would shoot him and stated he heard what sounded like a shotgun blast shortly before he was struck. Authorities now believe the fatal shot came from a rifle.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Weaver Road project expected to move forward

2010-05-11T16:06:00.002-05:00

The Jacksonville city council is close to making a decision on wheather the city will move forward with the Jacksonville Weaver road project. The city of weaver has requested to be allowed to drop out of the project. The Jacksonville mayor and council discussed the project Monday night during their pre council meeting. The council seemed to be ready to vote to move forward and remain in the project. Mayor Johnny Smith said the problem with the project has been increasing cost.. Smith said he expects the council will vote on the cities future in the project at the next council meeting.f

rom the Alabama 810 News Center

Jacksonville soldier killed in combat

2010-05-11T16:05:00.002-05:00

A U.S. Army Ranger captain from Jacksonville has died during combat operations in Afghanistan. Authorities say that 27 year old Capt. Kyle Aaron Comfort, was killed in action Saturday by an improvised explosive device in Helmand Province. According to the Army, The combat operation he was involved in led to the discovery of a large IED factory. Capt. Comfort was a fire support officer in Company D, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Jacksonville Schools

2010-05-11T16:04:00.002-05:00

A man who was brought in to calm waters during the racial turbulence at Randolph County High School in 1994 has been suggested as the interim superintendent for the Jacksonville City school system.

Wayne Wortham was recommended by Jacksonvilles current superintendent, Eric Mackey to the city Board of Education Monday night. The board is also considering hiring a personnel search firm to aid in the search for a permanent superintendent. Wortham retired as a superintendent from Randolph County two years ago.
The board of education will meet later this month to meet with the Wortham.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Judge recuses himself from case involving McClellan

2010-05-11T16:03:00.000-05:00

Calhoun Cleburne Circuit Court Judge John C. Thomason today recused himself from hearing a case filed by Anniston city councilmen Ben Little, Herbert Palmore and former councilman Stan Bennett . In his decision to recuse himself, judge Thomason Wrote “the buffoonish Mr. Little wants to defame me and other local Circuit Judges who received campaign contributions from a donor he does not like.”

Thomason had been assigned to hear the latest case Little, Palmore and Bennett filed against the McClellan Development Authority last thursday. The case claims that the MDA was formed improperly and therefore should not be a legally recognized entity.
A similar case was filed in October, by the three is currently pending before Judge Malcolm B. Street Jr.
Little had singled out circuit judges Joel Laird, Brian Howell and Thomason as recipients of campaign donations from Donald Stewart, one of the claimants in a lawsuit involving the Joint Powers of Authority, the predecessor of the MDA.
Laird had ruled the JPA was not a legally recognized board turning the development of the mcclellan property over to Calhoun County. Laird rescinded his ruling in April, only after the alabama legislature took action to give the McClellan Development Authority the authority to re develop the former fort.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Military training in Anniston

2010-05-11T16:02:00.001-05:00

Residents in and around Anniston area will be seeing an increase in low flying military aircraft beginning wednesday as the air forces weapons schools 14th weapons squadron will be conducting military exercises in the area of the Anniston airport ,fort mcclellan and Pelham range until may 20th. The exercises will combine the forces of the army and air force in joint training designed to simulate overseas combat operations. Aircraft being used in the excersises will include the AC-130, A-10, MC-130, and UH1s. the MC-130’s and UH-1s will be operating at 500 feet and below in the area of the Anniston airport. The ac130’s and a-10,s will be operating at 10 thousand feet above the Anniston airport, Pelham range and ft. mcclellan. Military officials say the unique location, terrain and facilities offered by Anniston and the Ft. McClellan Range complex provides participants highly realistic training and significantly increased the trainees abilities to combate enemies abroad..
From the Alabama 810 News Center

Weaver Murder

2010-05-03T16:08:00.000-05:00

A weaver woman has been charged with murder in the Sunday morning stabbing death of her husband. Calhoun county Deputies responded to a report of a dispute on Maumee Boulevard in Weaver near 5 Sunday morning where the found blood in the carport, and Jacquindalyn Carr with bloody clothing. Deputies determined that the woman and her husband Demetrious Carr had been involved in a physical altercation. During that altercation, Jacquindalyn stabbed her husband in the neck with a knife. Demetrious Carr was not at the home when deputies arrived, his body was found within a few minutes several blocks from the homem in a creek next to a wooded area. Demetrious Carr was deceased inside his vehicle. An autopsy will be conducted through the Coroner Pat Brown’s Office, but Sheriff’s Office Investigator’s have determined enough facts to arrest Jacquindalyn Carr of Weaver for Murder.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

MDA meeting

2010-05-03T16:05:00.001-05:00

McClellan Development Authority board members, along with Anniston and Calhoun County officials, will work together Tuesday on planning two aspects of McClellan development. The groups will talk about the McClellan Industrial Park and the McClellan Technology Research Park. The meeting will last all day Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 pm and is open to the public. Some of the officials will be meeting at the MDA's conference room, while others will be meeting in a conference room at Intellimed. The MDA has hired the research firm 4Site to aid them on designing the plan. 4Site will put together a plan based on Tuesday's discussions and will present it Friday at 9 a.m. at the MDA's headquarters.
From the Alabama 810 News Center

Cherokee Death

2010-05-03T16:04:00.003-05:00

A Cedar Bluff man was killed following a one vehicle rollover on Alabama Highway 9 North in Cedar Bluff in front of the Enon Grove Baptist Church.

According to Cedar Bluff Police the incident occured shortly after 1pm Saturday and involved a 2000 Chevy S-10 driven by Kenneth Pittman.

Pittman had to be extricated from the vehicle by members of the Cherokee County Rescue Squad. Cherokee County Deputy Coroner Broderick Smith was called in and Pittman was pronounced dead at the scene.

That portion of 9 North was closed for an extended period of time as crews worked to clear the scene. Others responding to the scene included the Cedar Bluff Fire and Police Departments, Cherokee EMS, and the Cherokee County Sheriff`s Department.

The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Animals removed from Sylacauga shelter

2010-04-29T15:28:00.000-05:00

About 150 animals have been taken from the city shelter in Sylacauga to the Birmingham Humane Society.

Mindy Gilbert of The Humane Society of the U.S. said Wednesday that adoptable and sick animals were removed from the Sylacauga shelter because its consulting veterinarian is no longer working there.
A Sylacauga shelter employee, says animals may still be dropped off there.
Gilbert says she would speak to the shelter's board of directors to help them put the shelter back at full capacity.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Etowah woman died from natural causes

2010-04-29T15:25:00.002-05:00

Etowah county authorities say A preliminary autopsy report has been completed in the death of a 70 year-old woman found in the yard of her home Tuesday afternoon. The preliminary report states Betty Jones died of natural causes and During the course of the autopsy there were no signs of foul play. A final autopsy report is pending, waiting on results from toxicology tests.

Betty Jones badly decomposed body was found laying in her front yard, on Old Sibert Mill Road near Glencoe, by family members Tuesday evening.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Talladega Man Indicted

2010-04-29T15:24:00.000-05:00

A federal grand jury has indicted a Talladega man for stealing other people's bank cards to withdraw money from their accounts. 29 year old Bittrell Rashaun Scott, was charged with four counts of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. According to the indictment, in April 2008, Scott unlawfully obtained two different Wachovia Bank ATM cards and used them to withdraw more than $6,000 from accounts of Wachovia Bank customers. If convicted, Scott faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for each bank fraud charge, and could face an additional, mandatory two-year prison term for each count of aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors said this prosecution is part of President Barack Obama's Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Etowah county death

2010-04-28T13:26:00.001-05:00

Etowah County authorities are awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death of A 70 year-old woman who was found laying in her front yard, on Sibert Mill Road near Hokes Bluff. Authorities say the womans badly decomposed body was discovered by family members near 6 tuesday evening at approximately 6:00 p.m. tuesday. Her body was badly decomposed.
The body was sent to the Huntsville crime lab for an autopsy.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Anniston City Council

2010-04-28T13:22:00.000-05:00

The Anniston City Council Tuesday approved spending $150,000 to help people whose homes weren't properly repaired by the city's Community Development Block Grant fund program. Mayor Gene Robinson said The city is investigating the program after several residents' homes were worked on by an unlicensed contractor. The council also approved the hiring of consultants to help fix the problems in the CDBG department and hire new personnel. Anniston Mayor Gene Robinson continued his push for a 1 percent sales tax increase for the city. The proposal failed again during Tuesdays council meeting for the second time in a month. In his latest attempt to pass the tax increase the mayor invited Anniston City Schools Superintendent Joan Frazier to explain what a $1 million boost in the system’s budget could fund. Councilman Ben Little criticized the mayor for bringing the superintendent to the council's meeting. Accusing him of playing on the kids and senior citizens.

Robinson said his tax increase proposal is important for the future of the city, citing the need to upgrade and help our public school system and two create a commercial development authority and start developing retail and industry in the city.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Oxford council proposes limiting trucks on area road

2010-04-28T13:21:00.000-05:00

An Oxford area poultry farmer says action being considered by The Oxford City Council could put him out of business. The council is considering an ordinance that would limit the kind of trucks allowed to travel on County Line Road West.

The proposed ordinance would make it unlawful to drive a truck trailer or semi trailer weighing 30 tons or more on the road. The proposed ordinance was placed on first reading Tuesday, and will appear on the agenda for the next council meeting for a vote by the council. Ray Bean, owner of the Del-Ray Ranch, a poultry and cattle operation, told the council that Without the road, he could not operate, he told the council that the action would effectively put him out of business. According to Mayor Leon Smith the restrictions are needed to keep the poultry farm’s feed trucks from tearing up the road, which was recently paved by the city.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Burglary suspect arrested

2010-04-28T13:19:00.001-05:00

An 18 year old Hayneyville man is facing burglary charges and authorities say he is lucky to be alive. Jacksonville police arrested Roman Angel Salinas at Bonny Brook Veterinary Clinic Tuesday morning, when employees discovered a burglary. Officers found Salinas in the clinic’s break room. Officers found two syringes where he had apparently injected himself with Xylazine, a drug used by vets as a sedative for large animals.

Police said Salinas was still drowsy at mid-afternoon from the drug which authorities said could have potentially been deadly.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Bingo supeonas issued

2010-04-28T13:18:00.002-05:00

Legislators from both political parties and both sides of the electronic bingo issue have received subpoenas to testify before a federal grand jury in Montgomery next week.

Legislators who have confirmed they have received subpoenas include Democratic Sen. Tom Butler of Madison, Democratic Sen. Hinton Mitchem of Union Grove, Republican Sen. Scott Beason of Gardendale, Democratic Rep. Craig Ford of Gadsden, Democratic House Speaker Seth Hammett of Andalusia, Republican Rep. Mac Gipson of Prattville and Republican Sen. Paul Sanford of Huntsville.
Legislators said the grand jury appears to be looking at whether inappropriate lobbying occurred on the electronic bingo bill. Most said they recall nothing inappropriate. Some said they had been asked not to comment.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Sylacauga theft arrest

2010-04-28T13:17:00.001-05:00

Sylacauga police say they have arrested a 21 year old Sylacauga man in connection with multiple break-ins in the area.

Paul Glenn Hallman, Jr., has been charged with third degree burglary and three counts of breaking and entering of a motor vehicle.
Police say The charges involved four separate incidents that occurred in recent weeks. The victims all resided in the Lake Joy Community.
At least 15 thefts of articles from automobiles and one auto theft have been reported to Sylacauga police in April. Items including cash, purses and wallets, toolboxes and various electronics were reported stolen.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Ferry Sale

2010-04-28T13:16:00.003-05:00

The Hokes Bluff ferry soon may be headed to Sandy Island, S.C., if Etowah county officials and officials in South Carolina can get federal approval for a transfer. Etowah County Engineer Tim Graves told the Etowah County Commission during a Tuesday work session that the Coast Regional Transportation Authority in South Carolina is interested in obtaining the ferry. However, Graves has told the authority that any transfer must be approved by the Federal Highway Administration, which gave the county the grant money for the ferry.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

3 Calhoun county women missing in forest found safe

2010-04-20T13:33:00.000-05:00

Members of the Cleburne County Search and Rescue Team monday located three women who had been lost in Talladega National Forest since Sunday night. Authorities said that None of the women were injured and were in fair condition when searchers found them near Adam’s Gap Monday afternoon. The women were attached to a harness and pulled from the area by helicopter to safety. Keith Edwards with the Cleburne EMS says lost hikers are becoming more common.. The women were reported missing at 10 p.m. Sunday night and car belonging to one of the women was located at Chinabee Lake. One of the women was identified as 28 year old Celeste Hartline, of Jacksonville. According to relatives that had spoken to her sunday night by cell phone. When the phone’s battery died, family members reported her missing.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Anniston Council meets and takes no action

2010-04-20T13:31:00.002-05:00

The Anniston city council held a special called meeting Monday afternoon to discuss seeking a $6.5 million dollar bond issue funded by federal stimulus money. The meeting resulted in no action as the council voted down a motion to hire a bond underwriter. Three of the councilmen said during the meeting that the council did not need to talk about the issue in public and that they should discuss it in groups of two with the city finance director. Such action to circumvent the states open meetings law is illegal in alabama. The council is facing a May first deadline get the funding. The Calhoun county commission would also have to act on the cities formal request for the bonds, the county commission meets this Thursday. Council members and the city manager would not comment on the purpose of Mondays special meeting. Councilman Ben Little said this morning that the members of the council have met today with the cities finance director and that he expects the council will hold a called meeting either Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning to approve the selection of an underwriter and other actions necessary to complete the application for the bonds.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Two Hokes Bluff women killed in Tennessee wreck

2010-04-20T13:30:00.002-05:00

The Tennessee highway patrol reports that Two Hokes Bluff area women were killed in a wreck early Monday moring just north of Cleveland, Tenn. 57 year old Judy Dickery Pollard, and 81 year old Marie Jean Weathington, were killed in the wreck that happened just before 5 a.m. eastern time on Interstate 75 about 10 miles north of Cleveland in Bradley County. The women apparently were headed to the Smoky Mountain region. The wreck happened near the Charleston exit. Pollard was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer, northbound, when she apparently left the road on the left-hand side, overcorrected and came back onto the interstate and started to roll. Weathington was thrown from the Trailblazer and both women died at the scene.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

JSU Trustees raise tuition

2010-04-20T13:29:00.000-05:00

The Jacksonville State University board of Trustees monday approved an 8.6% increase in tuition for the upcoming fall and spring classes. Board Member Ronnie Smith said that an increase was necessary. Tuition will increase to $226 per credit hour for in state undergraduates, out of state will be $452, Graduate tuition will be $298 per credit hour for in state, while graduate out of state will increase to $596 per credit hour, Distance learning undergraduate increases to $288 per credit hour, and graduate will increase to $353 per credit hour. Smith said that JSU is not alone, that other universities in the region are facing the same problems. Board members said none of money from the increase would be used for the stadium project. The increases follow last springs tuition increase of 9.5%. The universities state budget allocation approved by the Governor is $37 million.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

RMC report not made public

2010-04-20T13:27:00.000-05:00

The public may never know the results of a probe of possible patient privacy violations an Annistons regional medical center. Officials at the hospital completed their first look into the possible violations Monday, but the hospitals legal counsel said the investigation is a peer review document and that they cannot release it to the public. The Hospitals board of directors executive committee met Monday to hear a report on the February incident where a list of patients’ names was faxed outside the hospital. The committee met behind closed doors to discuss the report Monday , then voted to pass the report on to the full board of directors.
RMC board chairman John Blue indicated the matter would likely end up in front of the hospitals medical ethics committee.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Assault arrests

2010-04-20T13:26:00.001-05:00

Two Wellington men are facing assault charges after the allegedly assaulted a man with their vehicle on hiway 431. According to officials the victim told deputies he had gone to the parking lot of a business on hiway 431 to meet with the two men to discuss a civil matter. When he arrived, on of the men blocked his vehicle from the rear and when he exited the vehicle, the second man accelerated toward him striking him with the vehicle mirror and damaging his car. Deputies stopped the vehicle a short time later arresting 21 year old Trevor Kiker and 28 year old Stephen Kiker charging both with assault second. Stephen Kiker is also charged with carrying a pistol without a permit.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Burglary Arrest

2010-04-20T13:23:00.001-05:00

A 30 year old woodland man is facing burglary charges after he was caught by Calhoun county deputies attempting to break into a Calhoun county home. A resident of Jamback road called deputies that someone was attempting to gain entry into the residence. When deputies arrived they found 30 year old David Coffey in an intoxicated state at the rear of the residence. Coffey has been charged with Burglary third.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

JSU Robbery

2010-04-16T14:52:00.000-05:00

Authorities are investigating a noon hour robbery of the Bursar’s office at Jacksonville state university. According to a statement from JSU Vice President of administrative and business affairs Clint Carlson, the office was robbed between 12:15 and 12:45 this afternoon when a majority of the office was empty during the lunch hour. No one was injured. Campus and Jacksonville police are investigating.From the Alabama 810 News Center

Search for missing Sylacauga man

2010-04-16T08:19:00.002-05:00

Sylacauga police are searching for a missing man. Matt Roper was reported missing by his wife Wednesday, but his family last saw him on April 5. Roper is 38-years-old. He stands 5-feet-9 inches tall and weighs approximately 175 pounds. He has blue eyes and reddish-blonde hair. Roper drives a 2004 Red GMC extended cab truck with the personalized license plate “MROPE.” Anyone with information about Roper’s whereabouts is asked to call the Sylacauga Police Department at 256-401-25464.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Riley responds to ethics complaint

2010-04-16T08:18:00.000-05:00

In a formal complaint filed with the state ethics commission Wednesday, Bradley Unruh of Warrior, a former member of the state GOP steering committee, accused governor Bob Riley of using his office to enrich himself and members of his family.

Unruh cited the millions of dollars in state contracts that have flowed to the Bradley Arant law firm in Birmingham where Riley's son-in-law, Robert Campbell, is a partner.

The Riley camp immediately accused Unruh of being a pawn for "casino bosses." Unruh conceded he was once a consultant to VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor, but had not worked for him for more than a year. The governor's office thursday cited an April 9, 2003 letter by Ethics Commission Director Jim Sumner as evidence that there is no wrongdoing. Sumner noted, however, on Thursday that his letter to Rep. Randy Wood, of Anniston, was only an advisory opinion, and not a formal commission ruling. In his 2003 response to Wood, Sumner said a public official would have to take affirmative steps that would result in a benefit to a family member. He said state work may continue to be forwarded to a law firm as long as the son-in-law remains at arms' length. And the letter said the son-in-law would be entitled to a bonus as long as it wasn't associated with state work. Riley said the attack is a result of his continuing battle against gambling interests in the state.
The governor said his family has realized no financial gains through Campbell's employment at Bradley Arant and that his work is not connected with the state.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Texting

2010-04-16T08:17:00.001-05:00

Texting while driving is now banned in at least two Alabama towns.In March, Jacksonville became the first to ban the dangerous practice, citing an elderly couple that was injured in January when another driver struck their car while text messaging on a cell phone. This month, Roanoke also banned texting while driving, with the law going into effect April 1.

Jacksonville Mayor Johnny Smith says so far, no one has been ticketed under the new law. The city charges $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second and $100 for the third and subsequent offenses.

More than 20 states and many cities across the country ban texting while driving.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Residents protest proposed center closing

2010-04-16T08:16:00.000-05:00

A proposal by officials in Talladega to shut down two recreation centers is facing opposition by residents who vow to save the centers. The city is proposing to close the John L. Moore Recreation Center in Talladega. Talladega resident Bobbye Trammell says the community counts on the center. With continuing declines in Sales tax revenue , To save money the city may shut the doors at two rec centers including the John L. Moore Center that has already reduced its hours. Supporters want to staff the facility with unpaid volunteers to keep it open. More than fifty people approached the Talladega city council monday speaking out in opposition to the closure. Talladega Mayor Brian York says their efforts may pay off when the council decides the future of the rec center in about a month.

Some city council members said they were unaware of the opposition to the proposed closure until Monday nights meeting.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Tea Party

2010-04-16T08:15:00.000-05:00

Several hundred people gathered on Quintard Avenue in Anniston Thursday evening for a tax day tea party to protest actions of the government. Protesters lined the street with signs saying things like "I don't want Obama care" and "We're paying enough taxes." Grandmother Helen James of Oxford said she was there for her grandchildren. Others talked about the past, and said American needs to get back to its roots. Rusty Poole, of Jacksonville, said the government shouldn't try to take so much control. Tea partiers also held rallies in Roanoake, Cullman, Trussville Montgomer and Perhaps, the biggest was in Hoover.

Tea partiers say tax day is the perfect day to register their complaints with what they say is a government heading in the wrong direction.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Drug Bust

2010-04-12T14:44:00.000-05:00

A raid of a Hobson City residence by calhoun county sheriffs deputies has resulted in the arrests of two men and the recovery of approximately 4 1/2 pounds of marijuana, a pistol, and numerous types of drug paraphernalia. Orlando Lavon Waters of Anniston was arrested for Trafficking Marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Terrell Mackey of Hobson City was arrested for trafficking in jarijuana and possession of drg paraphernalia.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Interstate work

2010-04-07T15:14:00.000-05:00

Traffic will be reduced from four to two travel lanes along Interstate 20 in the St. Clair County construction zone tonight and Thursday night at 7 for crews to re-stripe the highway surface, weather permitting.

ALDOT officials say motorists should expect slower traffic and minor delays.
A reduced speed limit of 45 mph is in effect throughout the work zone which extends from milemarker 147 to 155.
All travel lanes on both days are scheduled to reopen at 6 a.m. Thursday and Friday.
This work is part of the ALDOT’s Progress 20 project to widen the last four-lane segment of I-20 in St. Clair.The project is scheduled to be completed by Oct. 1, 2012.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

MDA completes first land sale

2010-04-07T15:12:00.000-05:00

The McClellan Development Authority this morning was able to complete sales transactions at the fort for the first time in nearly two years. The MDA recently became a legal entity, which enables it to sell land and buildings at the former fort. While land sales were suspended, the MDA had entered into lease-to-own contracts with several businesses, including Alagasco, Howard Core, the Coosa Valley CRD and Summerall properties. Those sales were ratified this morning and gave the MDA $460,000. The MDA is spending about $91,000 of that money to work on a stormwater runoff plan, as well as mapping the infrastructure of its industrial park. Board members say this will help the property sell much more quickly.
The annual Music at McClellan concert series is seeing some changes this year. Rather than having three concerts on three different Saturdays in May, the series will be a three-day event, scheduled for June 17-19. No word yet on who the acts will be. The concert also is moving from the McClellan duck pond to McClellan's Historic Warehouse District. The McClellan Development Authority this morning considered whether to donate to the concert, and decided to give a $2,600 in-kind donation by letting Music at McClellan use the McClellan properties for free. The MDA declined to donate any more money. Music at McClellan planners did not attend the meeting.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Second arrest made in Alexandria Burglary

2010-04-07T15:10:00.001-05:00

Calhoun county sheriffs department investigators have arrested a second suspect in connection with the March 26th burglary of the grub mart on hiway 421 in Alexandria. Deputies have charged 21 year old terrance Watts of Anniston with Burglary third. A 61 year old Anniston man is facing multiple drug charges after a deputy conductiong a routine business check in Alexandria observed the man sitting on the curb in front of the store. Alyn Cleveland Weldon has been charged with four counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Bingo Probe

2010-04-07T15:09:00.002-05:00

New reports are surfacing about the federal investigation at the State House and more lawmakers are talking. Two more state senators who are reportedly under investigation spoke out Tuesday about the state and federal probe into allegations of vote-buying in the state senate. The bill to regulate and tax bingo narrowly passed in the senate last week and investigators want to know if it was all legal.

The state senators the FBI and ABI are questioning all changed their votes the second time around from a 'no' vote on the bingo bill to a 'yes'.

Sen. Jim Preuitt, of Talladega, had an explanation for why he changed his. Senator Preuitt says The new bill is much more simple, he said it's not because someone paid him to change it. Pruitt said he has not received one dollar from anyone pertaining to gaming to his knowledge since the first of the year. And, that was two PAC's by Jarrod Massey which was $500."

The Jarrod Massey Preuitt is referring to has also been questioned by the FBI and ABI. He's a lobbyists for Country Crossing, a gaming center in Houston County. Preuitt said that Jarrod has not put any pressure on him or anyone else. Saying he votes his convictions."

The other senator, Larry Means of Attalla, who was also questioned spoke about his ordeal for the first time. Means said that No one in his 12 years has inappropriately lobbied him for his vote that he has taken since he has been in the legislature. Senator Means also said he put off answering the FBI's questions until he could get a lawyer but so far they have not met.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

candidate qualifying

2010-04-02T15:36:00.000-05:00

As todays qualifying deadline nears there was an unexpected announcement this afternoon from one candidate who has been campaigning for the past two years. Democrat John Segal announced on his campaign website this afternoon that he has decided not to run for the 3rd district congressional seat currently held by Republican Mike Rogers. Segal ran an unsuccessful attempt at unseating Rogers in the last congressional elections. This will mean Rogers will likely be unopposed in November. In other races, candidates qualified today against two Calhoun county commissioners. Republicans Tim Hodges and Tom Shelton qualified with the county republican party today. Hodges will challenge District 2 commissioner Robert Downing while Shelton will challenge district 5 commissioner Rudy Abbott. District 4 commissoner J.D. Hess, the only current republican on the commission is facing a challenge from democrat Geneva T.Payne. The only other contested race in Calhoun county appears to be the coronors race where Incumbent Pat Brown, a democrat is facing a challenge from Marvin Southard. In other races in Calhoun county, two state representative seats held by republicans have democratic opposition. In district 36 incumbent Randy Wood faces a November challenge from Weaver mayor Garry Bearden. And in district 40 newly elected republican representative K.L. Brown is being opposed by democrats Ricky Whaley and Lindsey Ford of Ohatchee. 7th district circuit court judge Joel Laird is facing opposition from Republican Debra Jones. District Court Judge Larry Warren is facing republican opposition from Beth Robers, Wife of third district congressman Mike Rogers. In clay county candidates have lined up to challenge incumbent Clay county Sheriff Dorothy Jean Dot Alexander. Alexander faces a challenge from Larry Bishop and Ray Latham in the democratic primary with the winner facing the winner of the Mike Brown and Doug Elder race in the republican primary. Only one other contested local race in Clay county, Wayne Creed qualified today for the district 2 post on the county board of education against Donald C. Harris.In Randolph County, Sheriff Jeff Fuller has announced he is not going to run for re-election, and Bob Fincher, chairman of the Randolph County Republican Party, announced he has qualified on the Republican ticket for House District 37. The sheriff, was first elected in 1994 and took office in January of 1995 and is now in his 16th year.

Jerry Walker of Tin Shop, had qualified for place 7 on the Randolph County School Board. Walker works for Superior Gas as a technician. Previously declared candidates for sheriff, are: Derek Farr of Roanoke, running as a Republican, and Jimmy Holmes of Wedowee, William Dillard of Roanoke and David Cofield of Roanoke, all running as Democrats. For Randolph County Board of Education Place 7 Republican incumbent John Jacobs of Woodland is running for re-election. Myrna Laws and Tammy Farr, both Republicans and Rock Mills residents, qualified for the District 5 board seat. Cindy Nelson Head Roanoke has qualified as a Democrat for the District 5 seat. Incumbent District 37 Rep. Richard Laird of Roanoke, Bob Fincher and Rodney Walker, of Wedowee are vying for the seat which includes Randolph, Clay and part of Chambers counties.
Russell Emrick of Heflin and Greg Varner of Ashland are fighting for the District 13 seat being vacated by Sen. Kim Benefield after she served one term. The seat includes all of the counties of Randolph, Chambers, Clay, and Cleburne and portions of Cherokee and Lee counties. Gerald Dial, executive director of the Alabama Rural Action Commission, said he is trying to complete three important projects but by today he will be an official candidate in that race. Following Gov. Bob Riley's rules for candidates on the state payroll he will submit his resignation letter either Friday or Monday and they will work out his notice, then he will hit the campaign trail, he said, hoping to regain his old seat he held for six terms, plus two terms in the house.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Friday is deadline to qualify

2010-04-01T16:02:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the last day for candidates to qualify for the June primary election. Calhoun County Probate Judge Alice Martin said today that her office is hoping any people with last-minute qualifying papers bring them in sooner rather than later. Judge Martin said that locally, all sitting Calhoun County Commissioners have qualified to run again. They are Rudy Abbott, Eli Henderson, JD Hess, Pappy Dunn and Robert Downing. So far, only Hess has opposition. Geneva Payne, of Alexandria, has qualified to run against him. Sheriff Larry Amerson, Calhoun County License Commissioner Barry Robertson and Coroner Pat Brown also have qualified to run again and have no opposition. Candidates wishing to run must first qualify with thier local Democratic or Republican party chairman and then file their paperwork with the probate office before 5 p.m. tomorrow. In other races in Calhoun county, two state representative seats held by republicans have opposition. In district 36, incumbent Randy Wood will face a challenge in November from Weaver Mayor Garry Bearden. And in the district 40 race, recently elected representative K.L. Brown faces democratic opposition from Ricky Whaley and Lindsey Ford of Ohatchee. 7th district circuit court judge Joel Laird is facing opposition from republican Debra Jones. District court judge Larry Warren is facing republican opposition from Beth Rogers, wife of third district congressman Mike Rogers. In Clay County a new state senator will be elected in November from among three candidates, Democrates Russell Enrick of Heflin and Greg Varner of Ashland will face off in the democratic primary with the winner to face former state senator Gerald Dial of Lineville who has qualified as a republican.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Talladega corrections officer indicted

2010-04-01T16:00:00.001-05:00

A federal grand jury in Birmingham has indicted a former corrections officer at the Talladega federal prison on charges of bribery and bringing contraband into a federal prison.

According to U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance , 49 year old Frank Dean, of Talladega was charged in a three-count indictment filed in U. S. District Court. Dean is accused of engaging in a bribery scheme by accepting money from inmates in exchange for tobacco products he illegally brought into the prison. If convicted of bribery, Dean faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Conviction for introducing contraband, a misdemeanor, carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison and a fine of $5,000.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Man killed in Piedmont accident

2010-03-31T14:04:00.000-05:00

Alabama state troopers report that A 62-year-old man from Phil Campbell was killed this morning in a two-vehicle accident on Alabama 9, 5 miles south of Piedmont . Robert Adams Jr. , was traveling southbound in a 2000 dodge ram pickup when he ran into the back of a dump truck pulling heavy equipment driven by 55 year Edward Lindsey of piedmont. Adams was pronounced dead on the scene near 7:30 this morning while Lindsey was uninjured. The accident forced the closing of both lanes of highway 9 for some two hours this morning.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Weaver man arrested on sex abuse charges

2010-03-31T13:54:00.000-05:00

A 26 year old Weaver man, already on bond for an arrest last September for the sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12 has been arrested again on another charge of the sexual abuse of a child under 12 and resisting arrest. Bobby Allen Gaddy, has been released on $30,500 bond after his latest arrest. Gaddy was arrested after The Sheriff’s Office received a report that a 2 year old white male had been the victim of a sex crime. An investigation was conducted by the Calhoun/Cleburne Children’s Center, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Calhoun County DA’s Office, The Daybreak Crisis Center and Calhoun County DHR. The investigation confirmed the crime had been committed resulting in Gaddy’s arrest.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Man charged with Attempted Murder

2010-03-31T13:51:00.001-05:00

Gadsden police have charged A man who fired shots at officers in December and then was shot when an officer returned fire with attempted murder. 24 year old Danny Christopher Lomnick Lipscomb, was arrested Friday by the Etowah County Joint Operations Group at his Holly Street home in Gadsden. The tactical team was asked to serve the warrant. It was considered a high-risk arrest because of the number of people expected to be there. There were 11 people at the Holly Street home at the time of Lipscomb’s arrest, and seven were children. Lipscomb was arrested without incident.

Lipscomb initially was hospitalized at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where he was flown soon after the shooting on Dec. 12.

Once Lipscomb was released from the hospital, he underwent rehabilitation. After he was released from rehabilitation, he was arrested.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Jacksonville Hospital names new CEO

2010-03-31T13:50:00.001-05:00

Jim Edmondson has been named as the new Chief Executive Officer of Jacksonville Medical Center effective April 19. Edmondson comes to Jacksonville Medical from Hillside Hospital, a 95-bed hospital located in Pulaski, Tenn., where he has served as CEO for the past 14 years.

With more than 20 years of healthcare experience, he has served a number of other healthcare organizations, including River Park Hospital in McMinnville, Tenn., Baptist Regional Health Center in Miami, Okla. and Baylor Health Care Systems in Dallas, Texas.

Capella Healthcare, parent company of Jacksonville Medical Center, along with the Jacksonville Medical Center Board and Medical Staff leaders, conducted a thorough search and interview process before naming Edmondson the position. Edmondson is replacing Roger Collins, who announced his retirement earlier this year and will be leaving the hospital today.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

McClellan Development

2010-03-30T08:14:00.002-05:00

The McClellan Joint Powers Authority met monday morning for the first time since August 2008, when Circuit Judge Joel Laird dissolved the development body. Judge Laird last Friday set aside his ruling so that the JPA could meet and transfer McClellan assets to the McClellan Development Authority, then dissolve itself. County Commissioner and former JPA member Robert Downing, who voted to transfer the property and dissolve the body, said the move is positive. The MDA is made up of representatives appointed by the County Commission, the city of Anniston and the governor. It has been controlling McClellan development for more than a year, but legal holdups have halted land sales. MDA members say they hope today's move helps. JPA member and Anniston City Councilman Herbert Palmore voted against dissolving the JPA and transferring MCClellan property to the MDA. Palmore, along with Anniston Councilman Ben Little, has opposed the MDA and says McClellan has been mishandled since Judge Laird did away with the JPA. Officials have said that judge Lairds Friday ruling should make any existing lawsuits involving his action

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Airport grants

2010-03-30T08:11:00.001-05:00

The St. Clair County and Talladega municipal airports have received part of $7.7 million in grant money for Alabama regional airports.

U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus announced the St. Clair County Airport will receive $81,700 in federal grant money for a drainage improvement project. The award from the Federal Aviation Administration will provide funding for airport drainage improvements to prevent surface flooding. The St. Clair County Airport, located 3 miles southeast of Pell City, provides commercial corporate and general aviation services.

U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby announced the Talladega Municipal Airport will receive $75,000 for apron rehabilitation. Ray Miller, chairman of the Talladega Municipal Airport Board, said they are in the process of bidding out the apron rehabilitation project, and anticipate letting bids in the next couple of months, most likely after the April race at the Talladega Superspeedway.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Truck driver involved in Kentucky crash from Anniston

2010-03-30T08:10:00.002-05:00

More information is emerging about the trucker who died in a cross-over crash Friday, March 26, which killed 11 people in Kentucky. 45 year old Kenneth Laymon, of Anniston, was driving for Hester Inc. of Fayette, AL. His 1999 Freightliner was pulling a dry van loaded with brake drums when it crossed the median on Interstate 65 near Munfordville, KY, early Friday morning. The truck hit a 15-passenger van carrying a Mennonite family and several friends, killing 10 of the occupants. The truck then hit a rock wall and exploded in flames.

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board say tread marks indicated Laymon may have hit his brakes just before slamming into the van. The NTSB says its investigators will interview Laymon’s family and try to reconstruct his activities leading up to the wreck.
Laymon’s sister, Lori Cook says her brother was a dedicated family man, with four children . Funeral services for Kenneth Edward Laymon, will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Anniston Memorial Funeral Home.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

REEF Report released

2010-03-30T08:09:00.000-05:00

The special master appointed to clarify the technical environmental issues in the city of Sylacauga’s civil suit against REEF Environmental Services has delivered a lengthy preliminary report of her findings.

Special master Ashley Cousins presented her findings to Judge Bo Hollingsworth and to the legal counsel for both parties.

Cousins said she believes REEF has only been receiving and treating contaminated (not hazardous) water, which is water that is not pure by having an element of oil or sediment or other type of material in it.

Cousins said there is no evidence REEF has accepted hazardous waste.

Cousins said REEF has accepted more than 3,500 shipments from approximately 200 waste generators in its time of operation. None of those came from the Anniston Army Depot. There had been preliminary discussions about starting a program to take the Depot’s wastewater, but it never came to fruition.

Speaks submitted a map of the REEF facility and explained all the wastewater is pumped to a connection with a Sylacauga Utilities Board line that flows to the board’s Earl Ham Treatment Facility, where it is treated again before being released into Shirtee Creek.

Cousins said the installation of the thicker equalization basin covers in December 2009 and the functioning air scrubber has mostly stopped the offensive odor from reaching residences and businesses outside the facility. Cousins said complaints to the city of Sylacauga, the Talladega County Emergency Management Agency and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management had significantly declined since the installment of the basin covers in December.
Cousins said that shutting down REEF would cause the odor to return because the water currently in the basins would not be treated. She also said ADEM has conducted numerous investigations in the past couple of years and has not found any serious violations.

Cousins should complete her final report in the com

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Nader at JSU

2010-03-30T08:08:00.000-05:00

Four-time presidential candidate Ralph Nader spoke monday night at Jacksonville State University. The political activist, who is concerned with consumer rights, took the opportunity to voice his disapproval of the health plan signed into law last week by the president. He said the plan will hurt more than it will help. Nader encouraged the crowd at Jacksonville State University to become their own activists by engaging in civic action.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Oxford woman receives 160 year sentence in sex cases

2010-03-26T07:51:00.001-05:00

A 39 year old Oxford woman is facing 160 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple sex crimes against her mentally disabled teenage daughter. Christina Kendall pleaded guilty to six counts of second-degree sodomy and two counts of second-degree rape before Judge Joel Laird. Investigators said she was charged with sodomy because she began committing sex acts against her daughter when the girl was 12 years old. When her daughter was 14, the woman began allowing men she had met in online chat rooms to have sex with the girl, leading to the rape charges. At least four of the men who participated in the crimes have pending rape charges against them. Two of those men are from Anniston; the other two are from Talladega and Etowah County. After interviews with the victim, investigators arrested Kendall in April 2009. Kendall is scheduled for a probation hearing in April.

From the Alabama 810 News Center

Family of shooting victim files suit

2010-03-26T07:50:00.000-05:00

The family of a Calhoun County man shot to death by police in September is moving forward with a civil lawsuit after a Calhoun county grand jury has decided the shooting was justified.

36 year old Raymond Versansky, died from multiple gunshot wounds after the chase that began in Anniston and ended on U.S. 431 just north of Alabama 144. Officers had made several attempts to stop Versansky’s vehicle during the chase and forced him to crash when he began driving north in the southbound lanes of U.S. 431. After the crash, Versansky threatened officers with a large knife and dispite two stun-gun attacks, he reached out of the truck with a knife attempting to cut the officers. Multiple officers then fired shots striking him several times. The suit names former anniston police chief John Dryden, Sheriff LaRRY Amerson and District Attorney Joe Hubbard as defendants.

From the Alabama 810 News Center