Helena Police investigating a murder-suicide case

HELENA, AL (WBRC) - Helena Police are investigating what appears to be a murder-suicide.

Around 5:15pm Monday, police responded to a home in the 300 block of Laurel Woods Lane to perform a welfare check.

Upon arrival, police contacted a female. She then asked police to leave and closed the door.

Shortly afterwards, police heard 1 gunshot and forced entry into the residence.

Police found the female dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to her chest.

While searching the home, police found her husband slain upstairs from a gunshot wound to his torso.

Police have not released their identities pending the notification of their family.

Woman charged in connection with University of Montevallo student's death

MONTEVALLO, AL (WBRC) - A Montevallo woman faces two charges after the death of a University of Montevallo student because of an auto accident.
Montevallo Police tell FOX6 News and MyFoxAL.com that Diane Harris Stephens is charged with reckless murder and leaving the scene of an accident. Harris was arrested Thursday, November 26. Shelby County District Attorney Bill Bostick says the way Harris was driving proves that she has no regards to human life. Harris' bond is set at $150,000.
18 year old University of Montevallo student Amy Elliott died Monday, November 23 from injuries sustained in the crash.

Female firefighters pose for charity

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Some Birmingham-area firefighters are heating up the pages of a new calendar.

Several female firefighters posed for a calendar to raise money for the "Special Toys for Special Kids" charity. The calendar is produced by BraveBeauties.com, which was founded in 2004 by Nina Taylor, a full-time firefighter with the city of Birmingham.

The ladies say their calendar shows the fire department's variety.

If you want to purchase a calendar, visit www.bravebeauties.com.

Bessemer woman dies in crash

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - State troopers say a Bessemer woman died in a car crash on Sunday.

Troopers said Linda Bailey, 60, died in a four-vehicle crash that happened on Interstate 20-59 Sunday, just south of Fairfield.

The driver of another car was injured in the crash.

The cause of the crash was not yet known.

Cyber Monday compared to Black Friday

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A Birmingham economist says Cyber Monday may offer some help to retailers, but it will not turn around the bleak outlook of the holiday shopping season.

Dr. Robert Robicheaux from UAB's School of Business talked with FOX6 News anchor Janice Rogers Monday morning about Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and how both days could help retail sales in the slumping economy. Robicheaux said while retailers hope to have a good day today online, retail sales over the internet account for less than five percent of overall sales.

"This is not going to turn around the bleak outlook of the holiday season," Robicheaux said.

Robicheaux said sales traffic is down 10 percent across the nation, and with no economic stimulus, the "outlook is not good," especially for small businesses. He cited a survey which said 40 percent of households planned to spend 90 percent of their holiday money at Wal-Mart and other big-box retailers.

"Consumers have been told not to expect deep discounts, so they've stayed home," Robicheaux said.

Robicheaux said more price cuts could come soon, but he said retailers have to be careful not to cut prices too soon or too much because business inventories are down about 30 percent from this time last year.

Two more Jefferson County satellite courthouses to reopen

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Jefferson County is making plans to reopen two more of its satellite courthouses.

The county commission says it plans to reopen satellite courthouses in Gardendale and Forestdale on December 14th. The commisson said the two courthouses will handle drivers license renewals, title applications, tag renewals, business licenses and most public services.

The courthouses in Gardendale, Forestdale and Center Point were closed in August when the county placed nearly 1,000 of its workers on administrative leave without pay as part of its plan to balance its budget without money from the county's then-illegal occupational tax. The Center Point courthouse was reopened and workers were returned to work in October after the county built up enough revenue from the county's new occupational tax.

Pelham to light Christmas tree tonight

PELHAM, AL (WBRC) - The city of Pelham will kick off the Christmas season Monday night with a tree lighting ceremony.

The city will hold its tree lighting at the Pelham Civic Complex. There will be plenty of music, food, and giveaways. In addition, members of the Pelham Youth Hockey League will hit the ice along with Santa Claus on a zamboni.

Also, the Salvation Army will be at the event giving people the opportunity to adopt angels from the FOX6 Gifts for Kids Salvation Army Angel Tree program.

The fun begins at 6:30 p.m.

Mitt Romney endorses Kay Ivey for governor

MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - Former Massachusetts Governor and 2008 Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has endorsed Alabama State Treasurer Kay Ivey’s campaign for governor.

Ivey's campaign announced the news Monday morning in the following statement to FOX6 News:

"I worked closely with Kay when I ran for president,” Romney said. “Having been a governor myself, I know she’s got the experience and vision to do a good job. Some candidates may talk about being a conservative, but Kay Ivey is the real thing. I’ve seen her stay true to her conservative principles as State Treasurer, and I know they will guide her as governor of Alabama.”

Ivey served as Alabama Chairwoman of Romney’s presidential campaign and says she is honored to have his endorsement. “It says a lot when a national figure of Governor Romney’s stature supports my effort to provide Alabamians conservative leadership with effective results. Governor Romney and I share a passion for making government work better for the people it serves.

“Mitt Romney took office at a time of economic crisis and he turned things around for his state,” Ivey said. “I will do the same in Alabama. Mitt Romney was a leader in improving education as governor, and I will be, too. As a candidate for president, Mitt Romney stood up the values of faith and family and defended our cherished way of life. I will do the same here in Alabama as well.”

Forum for Birmingham mayor candidates

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A forum will be held tonight for people to learn more about the candidates running in next week's special election for Birmingham mayor.

The Birmingham Business Alliance will hold the mayoral forum at 6 p.m. at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. The focus of the forum will be economic development for Birmingham.

A second forum will be held Tuesday, hosted by "Catalyst," a civil and social organization. That forum will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at WorkPlay.

Fourteen candidates have qualified for next week's special election.

For a complete listing of candidates, visit www.MyVoteAlabama.com.

Alabama defeats Auburn 26-21

AUBURN, AL (WBRC) - The Alabama Crimson Tide narrowly defeated the Auburn Tigers 26-21 in the Iron Bowl on Friday, remaining undefeated and keeping its hopes for a national championship alive.

Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy threw a four-yard touchdown pass to Roy Upchurch with 1:24 left in the game, giving Alabama its first lead of the game. The two-point conversion attempt failed, but it was enough to give Alabama the win over an Auburn team that refused to give up and nearly defeated the Crimson Tide.

Auburn (7-5) dominated No. 2 Alabama (12-0) during the first quarter of play, scoring two touchdowns on its first two possessions and keeping Alabama from making a first down during its first two possessions.

The Tigers' first touchdown came less than five minutes into the start of the game, when Terrell Zachery rushed for 67 yards to score. The second touchdown happened six minutes later, when quarterback Chris Todd passed for one yard to Eric Smith in the endzone.

Auburn recovered an onside kick to Alabama after its first touchdown, setting up the second touchdown-scoring drive.

Alabama did not answer until the second quarter, when Alabama took control of the game and scored two touchdowns. Alabama running back Trent Richardson capped off a four-minute, 58-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run early in the quarter. McElroy threw a 33-yard pass to Colin Peek eight minutes later.

Alabama attempted at 48-yard field goal with less than two minutes before halftime, but the kick was tipped and the ball sailed right of the goal posts.

Auburn quarterback Chris Todd threw a 72-yard touchdown pass to Darvin Adams with 11 minutes to go in the third quarter, the first score by either team after halftime. Alabama responded in the third quarter with back-to-back field goals (27 and 31 yards) by Leigh Tiffin.

Late in the fourth quarter, Alabama drove the ball and scored a touchdown with 1:24 left in the game, taking a 26-21 lead. The two-point conversion failed, but the score was enough to win, as Auburn's last-second pass to the endzone was deflected incomplete.

Alabama ended its regular season 12-0, the second year in a row the Crimson Tide was undefeated in the regular season. Alabama had already secured the SEC West championship and will face Florida in the SEC Championship game in Atlanta on Dec. 5.

The winner of that game is expected to play for the national championship in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 7, 2010.

Unofficial game stats:

1st downs: Alabama 18, Auburn 15
Total yards: Alabama 293, Auburn 333
Passing: Alabama 218, Auburn 181
Rushing: Alabama 75, Auburn 152
Penalties: Alabama 4-25, Auburn 8-68
Time of Possession: Alabama 33:47, Auburn 26:13

Power rates to drop on New Year's Day

MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - Alabama Power customers are going to see rates drop on New Year’s Day.

The Public Service Commission voted unanimously on Tuesday to enact a four percent cut for Alabama Power's residential customers.

Under the new rate, the typical bill will save about five dollars a month.

The decrease stems in part from declining prices for natural gas and coal that Alabama Power uses to run its generating plants.

Sue Schmitz denied freedom during appeals

DECATUR, AL (WBRC) - Former State Representative Sue Schmitz begins her prison sentence on December 31st.

A judge denied her request to remain free while she appeals her conviction.

In February, Schmitz was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for a fraud conviction. She must also pay $171,000 in restitution.

Prosecutors say Schmitz was paid for a job with the two-year college system, but did little or no work.

Man killed after golf cart collides with pickup truck

ATHENS, AL (WBRC) - A 71-year-old man was killed on Thursday morning when the golf cart he was driving collided with a pickup truck.

State troopers say Jerry Long was killed in the accident on Mooresville Road near the Southern Gales Golf Course about five miles north of Athens.

Troopers say the driver of the truck, Richard Menefee, was not injured.

Fatal crash claims a life in Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - One person is dead after a car crash Thursday on Tarrant-Huffman Road in Birmingham

Police say it happened around 7:30 p.m.

Details on the victim were not released.

Jeffco Sheriff's Dept. says homicide rate drops in unincorporated areas

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - Jefferson County Sheriff's officials say the homicide rate in unincorporated portions of the county is on pace to decline this year.

There were seven homicides reported this year compared with 13 last year.

Sheriff’s officials attribute the decline to increased efforts by the patrol and detective divisions as well as the addition of the street crimes unit working to attack crime hot spots.

Retail experts advise consumers to buy early

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Strategy for Black Friday shopping may be important "this" year, more than ever, and it's not necessarily due to large crowds or bargain prices.

You may be looking at the ads and thinking of those crowds and deciding to sleep in Friday, but retail experts say think twice before you pass those door-buster sales up.

Retailers are promising lower inventory levels this year because they were left holding unwanted merchandise last year in the recession.

That means if you have a specific brand name or model of toy, electronic or sweater in mind, it may be worth it to fight the crowds and get your hands on the limited stock.

"If you know what you want, go get it now," said Birmingham Business Journal editor Cindy Crawford. "That's what all the retailers are saying. They're not gonna stock extra this year because they don't wanna be left hanging with it."

Shoppers saw eye-popping savings of up to 70% late in December 2008 because retailers had ordered their supplies before the recession hit.

That alone cost them billions in profits last year, and stores are vowing not to repeat that mistake this year, a strategy the BBJ says may actually help.

"In some cases undersupply might be better because consumers often like to buy things they don't think they can have," said Birmingham Business Journal reporter Ty West. "So maybe if things are more hard to come by, people will be willing to spend a little more, get out a little earlier."

"I can't compare our deals this year to last year," said Old Navy's regional manager Kimberly Horton. "What I can tell you is we have amazing product in our stores for great deals."

At the Old Navy store in Homewood, the store's manager is promising that at least where clothes are concerned, there's still plenty to choose from.

"We have plenty of product to sustain us through this shopping season," Horton said. "We have a lot of great deals throughout the store on the things people are looking for."

Old Navy will reopen at 3am Friday morning, Wal-Mart is slated to open its bargain deals at 5am.

Folks grabbing final touches of Thanksgiving dinner

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Last minute grocery shoppers filled area stores and bakeries to grasp the final touches of Thanksgiving dinner.

Store managers say the day before Thanksgiving is typically one of their busiest days.

Checkout lines at Bruno's in Hoover were busy throughout the day as people picked up pre-made dinners and all the necessary side dishes.

And lines were equally long at the HoneyBaked Ham in Vestavia Hills. Employees said they sold thousands of hams, turkeys, sides, and sauces.

"It starts back a few months ago, just planning what we need as far as hams and turkeys," said Manager Mike Mosley, adding, "And we figure out the people we need to hire so we can wait on the many customers we have."

At Savage's Bakery in Homewood, customers lined to buy rolls and sweets.

"I usually get like coconut or a different kind," said shopper Jenell Willcutt "but this year, I got a birthday cake decorated like Thanksgiving."

Regardless of the type of food, shoppers said they are most looking forward to enjoying the holiday and spending time with family.

"We are going to have a big family gathering, watching football Friday and Saturday, playing golf on Sunday," said Rick Romano, "What a good weekend."

Shoppers said between food, family and football, they have lots to be thankful for.

Tips that'll keep you away from doctor on Black Friday

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Stores aren't the only business expected to be busy Friday. Doctor's offices are preparing for a wave of customers suffering from overeating and other Thanksgiving-related infirmities.

American Family Care in Vestavia Hills is relatively quiet today, but what about Friday? Dr. Celeste Reese says that's when the post-turkey fun starts.

"I've had people come in with fish hooks in their back because they've been out trying to fish; all the way up to rashes, lots of vomiting" Dr. Reese said. "It usually is a pretty interesting day."

So how do you make sure you're a shopper and not a patient on Black Friday? First, eat little snacks before lunch.

"It is better and healthier to eat smaller, lighter meals than it is to starve yourself all day and eat a large meal," said Dr. Reese. "When you starve yourself all day you kind of put your stomach in a mode of "well, when I do intake something I've got to hold onto all these calories because I don't know when I'm going to get anymore."

And when you get to the big meal, Dr. Reese says to be smart about how you fill your plate.

"Just get a smaller portion of it, then you can go back and get more after you wait an hour or so, get up and walk around and then come back for more."

Birmingham police officer arrested

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A Birmingham police officer has been arrested for murder in connection with a deadly car crash.

Birmingham Police, in a statement Wednesday to FOX6 News, said James Kendrick, 36, of Birmingham, was arrested in connection with the death of Derric Rush, 42, of Hoover. Investigators said Rush died in a crash that happened shortly after 11 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, on Interstate 59 near the Arkadelphia exit. Investigators said the accident is believed to be alcohol-related.

Police said a murder warrant was obtained against Kendrick, who turned himself in and posted bond.

Kendrick has served with the Birmingham Police Department for 12 years and was assigned to the North Precinct. Kendrick has been placed on administrative leave pending an ongoing internal investigation.

Jeffco Meth Bust

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A big find for Jefferson County sheriff's deputies after they stop a silver SUV. Thirteen packages of ice were hidden in the car's undercarriage being smuggled to an unknown location. It weighed about seven kilos and had a street value of more than three quarters of a million dollars.
The driver of the car, Daniel Francisco Ramos, was arrested for tracking methamphetamine and was jailed with no bond.

Investigators: lack of oxygen was miner's cause of death

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - Investigators say a lack of oxygen is what took the life of a miner in Tuscaloosa County miner.

Several other workers were overcome during a rescue attempt. They were taken to the hospital.

A Jim Walter spokesperson says the employees were in a non-production area of the mine when they missed a scheduled check-in point. When the miners were located, one was responsive and the other unresponsive.

The company's president promises a full investigation into the incident.

New acting mayor of Birmingham steps away from election politics

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham's new acting mayor says he will keep mayoral election politics out of his work.

On a five-four vote Tuesday, the council selected Roderick Royal as the new council president, replacing Carole Smitherman in the position. It also makes him acting mayor until the December 8th special election.

Royal says the fact that he is not in the race allowed him to get support on the council. Both Smitherman and new President Pro Tem Steven Hoyt are in the race.

Royal says he is only interested in running an efficient city council. “At the end of the day I am council president and not mayor,” says Royal. “I have nothing to cover, nothing to hide. Whatever relationship I create in the mayor’s office I will have to take back to the council. It’s not to my benefit personally not to be more transparent.”

Mayor Royal says he will not publicly support a candidate in the special election. He says that would be disruptive.

Judge allows lawsuit against Trinity Medical can proceed

IRONDALE, AL (WBRC) - A Jefferson County judge rules a lawsuit against Trinity Medical Center can proceed, according to the Birmingham Business Journal.

Irondale is suing Trinity for breach of contract.

Attorneys for Trinity argued the suit should be dismissed because they say the hospital never agreed to build a replacement facility in Irondale.

Blount and Lapierre receive new sentencing date

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The two co-conspirators of former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford have been given a new sentencing date.

Montgomery investment banker Bill Blount and lobbyist Al Lapierre will be sentenced on corruption charges on january 20th.

The original sentencing date was January 7th.

Both men plead guilty to charges of bribing Langford with money and gifts in order for Blount to get millions of dollars in sewer bond work.

Langford was convicted in October and plans to appeal his conviction.

Big crowds expected at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - As early as five o'clock Wednesday morning, Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport was crowded with people as they boarded flights to Atlanta, Chicago and other locations throughout the country.

This year, fifty-three to fifty-five thousand people are expected to travel through the Birmingham airport. Last Thanksgiving, 71,000 people flew through the airport.

Nationwide air travel is expected to be down by six point seven percent.

If you are flying this holiday, experts suggest getting to the airport at least two hours or more before your flight departs.

As of early this morning, all inbound and outgoing flights are on time and there are no delays.

Some elementary students in Cullman get H1N1 vaccine

CULLMAN, AL (WBRC) - About 30 Cold Springs Elementary students became armed against the H1N1 virus after receiving vaccinations Tuesday. That's about one third of the student body. The vaccinations were provided by the Cullman County Health Department.

It was not too long ago that Cold Springs faced a battle of its own against the swine flu. "We had two to three days last month with several students out," said principal Phillip Gay. He says that's when the school hired a professional crew to come and clean the building. Tuesday's vaccinations were just one more step in the process to keep students healthy. "It's a proactive approach to help prevent futures sickness from our children," Gay said.

Instead of giving students a shot, they were given the live virus in a spray mist sprayed into their nose. It's a method 3rd grader Skye Knowles says she appreciates. "I'd rather have a spray then a shot," Knowles said. "Because shots hurt way more than sprays do." Hunter McDowell echoed her thoughts. "It didn't really hurt," he said.

Officials say their goal was to help parents as much as possible, by making the vaccines free and by giving them at school. And it seems to work. "They did fantastic," said Johnnie Copeland, a nurse helping out with the vaccines. ”They were better behaved without the parents actually."

Lawsuit filed over Birmingham City Council election dates

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A neighborhood president who ran against Roderick Royal for city council has filed a lawsuit over the election dates.

Leroy Bandy and former council candidate David Russell filed the suit. It alleges the city should have gotten the state legislature to amend the mayor-council act before changing election dates.

A hearing has been set for December 3rd in Judge Vance's courtroom.

Iron Bowl versus Black Friday prediction

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Go shopping Friday or watch the Iron Bowl?

It's the perfect storm as two of the biggest events of the year fall on the same day.

So which will you do?

Retail analyst Mickey Gee believes many people will map out plans to watch the game, and take advantage of some unheard of Black Friday deals.

But there are some who are choosing between shopping and the Iron Bowl.

Traditionally for malls and stores, the sales are early in the day, ending around lunch time.

"Because it's on Black Friday I have to sacrifice one of the two," said Fran Calhoun. "So we are definitely are going to have to sacrifice watching the game. I can always watch the highlights."

"I'd watch the game either way that comes first," said Keith Henley.

Mickey Gee believes sales will be higher than last year.

He believes consumers know there are some great deals to be had on Black Friday.

With more stores staying open on Thanksgiving Day, some folks may find the deals they are looking for ahead of Black Friday.

Smitherman feels betrayed as new council rejoiced at reception

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Former Birmingham acting Mayor Carole Smitherman said she feels betrayed after losing the position of council president by one vote.

She said she was promised a vote from Councilor Steven Hoyt.

"I thought coming here to the council chambers, after having a brief conversation with the councilor that I had his support," said Smitherman.

City leaders gathered to welcome newly-elected councilors at a reception at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, but Smitherman was not present.

Hoyt responded by saying they need to put their differences behind them.

"People are different, and they deal with adversity differently." said Hoyt, "My heart goes out to her, but we have a city to run. I can't talk about what I didn't get. You can't cry over spilled milk."

Newly-elected Birmingham City Council President Roderick Royal addressed the audience at the Civil Rights Institute and said he is ready to get to work to move the city forward.

"My concentration over the next month or so will be to do the best job I can as interim mayor and keep council informed," said Royal, "I intend to have a plan of action for the new mayor so he or she can hit the ground running."

Councilors said they want to focus on the positive, and getting to work improving the city.

They said any words exchanged will not cause bad blood within the council.

"Even through the process of the voting, I believe the mindset of council is we have to work together to move the city forward," said Councilor Jay Roberson.

Royal will hold the title of Acting Mayor until the election to fill the remaining two years of former Mayor Larry Langford's term on Dec. 8. Hoyt and Smitherman are among the 14 candidates in the race.

Royal is not running.

New board swears in, but can't agree on a president

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham's new school board failed repeatedly Tuesday to elect a new president just minutes after it was sworn in.

The school board was all smiles as the 4 incumbents and 5 newcomers were sworn in Tuesday afternoon. But an hour later, when they took up their first challenge of electing a board president, the smiles disappeared.

Former president, April Williams, nominated W.J. Maye, Jr., but she was his only vote because Maye had left town after the swearing in.

Virginia Volker received 4 votes, and Phyllis Wynne had 3, but it takes 5 to win the seat. The board tried again, but this time April Williams didn't vote for anyone.

"I think it's important we elect a leader who can bring this board together," Williams said. "It's obvious we have a lot of growth to do in that area."

Volker and Wynne split the votes the same way 4-3 in that round, and that's the way the votes went for 2 more rounds.

After 4 tries, the board was forced to adjourn until next week, unable to address even routine business.

Asked what message this sends to parents and voters who are expecting action on very troubling issues, new member Tyrone Belcher replied, "We know we can, we're gonna talk about it. We have some good board members coming on, we just want different things. And I think once we talk about what we all want, then we can come together."

"Really today I feel like it's best to vote with your heart, how you feel at the time with the present information you have, and not to be pressured by anyone," new board member Alana Edwards said.

"All of us do not know each other," Volker said. "But we will come to some amicable solution, I have no doubt about that."

The board will meet again next week to try again. All 9 board members are expected to be at that meeting. Everything on this week's agenda has been delayed.

This board will begin interviewing finalists for the superintendent job in a matter of weeks, and must also make a decision on what to cut out of its budget because of looming proration.

Sheriff Hale seeks help from other commissioners

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale is looking for help from county commissioners other than Commission President Bettye Fine Collins.

Sheriff Hale sent a letter to Collins asking for a meeting with Collins to discuss restoring $10 million to his budget. Collins sent a letter back to Hale saying no.

"She flat out turned us down for a meeting," Hale spokesman Lt. Randy Christian said. "Flat out turned us down for funding. The conflict we have is trying to figure out if she as president speaks for the commission or is one of five votes."

Hale put a number of deputies and civilians on leave without pay October 1 and closed the county jail in the Bessemer Cutoff after the commission cut his 2010 fiscal budget by $10 million. However, Hale has asked to get some of the $50 million from a settlement earlier this month between the county and J.P. Morgan Chase and Company over the county's sewer bond crisis.

Hale said Collins, in her letter to him, refused to give him some of the money from the settlement.

"The sheriff is in control of people," Collins said. "We didn't close the Bessemer jail and we didn't put his people on leave. He did that. We have no more money."

At least some of the five county commissioners favor giving Hale at least some of the money, if not the full 10 million.

"If he has people on furlough, not drawing a paycheck, on unemployment, I want to know how many they are and I want to try to find a way to get these people back to work," said Bobby Humphryes, Jefferson Co. Commissioner.

The sheriff said he is hoping at least three county commissioners will support his push for additional funding for his office and vote on it.

"I just believe a majority of the county commission is going to say public safety is important," Christian said.

Alabama football star Mark Ingram featured in Sports Illustrated

NEW YORK, NY (WBRC) - Alabama running back Mark Ingram is featured on this week's issue of Sports Illustrated.

SI, in a statement Tuesday to FOX6 News, said Ingram is the cover story for the issue. The story, written by Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Selena Roberts, focuses on Ingram's success while his father, former NFL wide receiver Mark Ingram, Sr., is in prison.

SI released the following quote from Roberts' article:

“Mark Jr. could have played any sport - even golf, which was his father’s preference - but his love was football. ‘I run with a purpose,’ he says. ‘I love that feeling.’ The more he played as a high school star, the more his father’s pro legacy hung over him. He was always referred to with one title: son of the former NFL player. ‘I’m proud of my dad,’ Mark Jr. says. ‘But now I’m becoming known for what I do, for being myself, and I’m not living in his shadow anymore. I’m carving out my own identity.’

The story will hit news stands on Wednesday.

Spencer Bachus predicts big things for Sarah Palin

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Alabama Congressman Spencer Bachus believes Sarah Palin will be a big part of the future of the Republican Party. Bachus says that is obvious from the energized crowd Monday night in Homewood for a Palin book signing. A thousand people lined up to meet the former Alaskan governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee.

On Good Day Alabama Tuesday morning, Bachus stopped short of saying he would support Palin if she were to stage a national campaign in 2012. “Well, its early,” said Bachus. “But let me say this, she has been exposed to more hostile scrutiny than any other political figure in the last ten years. She's held up well. She's a fighter. I wouldn't discount her. I think that would be a serious mistake.”

On the issue of healthcare reform, Bachus believes the Senate proposal is too expensive. He opposed a recent House-passed version.

FBI looking for families of civil rights victims

Baton Rouge, LA (WBRC) - The FBI is asking for help to locate relatives of victims in 33 civil rights cold cases to let them know what happened to their loved ones.

The FBI announced last week the next phase of its Civil Rights era Cold Case Initiative. It says it needs to find next-of-kin in 33 civil rights cold cases to let families know what happened to their loved ones and to possibly obtain additional investigative information.

Investigators said this next phase was the result of more than two years of exhaustive investigation into 108 civil rights-era cold cases.

A complete list of the unsolved cold cases can be seen here on the FBI's website or by visiting www.fbi.gov and searching for "civil rights cold case initiative." The list of unsolved cases where investigators are looking for relatives includes the following from the Birmingham area:

Nathan Johnson: On May 8, 1966, two police officers in Alabaster, Alabama, stopped Nathan Johnson for driving under the influence of alcohol. Johnson was transported to the station where he allegedly struggled with one of the officers and was shot and killed.

William Lewis Moore: On April 23, 1963, William Moore was shot and killed by an individual near Attalla, Alabama. Moore, a postal worker from Baltimore, Maryland, and a former Marine had begun a solo march from Chattanooga, Tennessee, en route to Jackson, Mississippi, to deliver a letter to the governor urging the integration of the University of Mississippi.

Johnny Robinson: Johnny Robinson was a 16-year-old African-American who was shot and killed by a police officer in Birmingham, Alabama, on September 15, 1963, during the aftermath of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing.

If you have any information concerning the next-of-kin in these or other cases, the FBI asks you please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American embassy or consulate.

Roderick Royal to become new interim mayor of Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – Roderick Royal was elected president of the Birmingham City Council Tuesday, replacing Carole Smitherman which means he will become Birmingham's third mayor in less than a month.

Royal was elected president of the city council by other council members shortly after the new city council was sworn in Tuesday morning.

He replaces Smitherman as president and interim mayor of Birmingham. Smitherman had served on the city council since 2001 and as city council president for the past four years. She became interim mayor of Birmingham immediately after Larry Langford was convicted on felony fraud and bribery charges earlier this month, removing him from office as mayor of Birmingham.

Steven Hoyt was elected President Pro Tempore.

Jasper leaders decide against extending police jurisdiction

JASPER, AL (WBRC) - Several Walker County residents spoke out against one plan for Jasper to raise additional revenue. The city is considering extending its police jurisdiction three miles into the county. This would increase police coverage from 26 square miles to 75 miles. This would affect several businesses at Gateway Plaza in Curry.

During an afternoon work session of the city council, many opposed the plan. The business owners say Jasper should tighten its budget like everyone else. "Absolutely. The rest of us do suck it up and a find a way and don't leech off others," Debbie Tuggle said.

Many of those who addressed the council said the extension would amount to taxation with representation, since they would pay new taxes and not vote in city elections. "I can't vote on it. There is no vote on it. I can't vote, I live in the county," Billy Bonner said.

Walker County Commissioner Dual Tubbs says there was no need for Jasper Police protection for the affected areas. "As a county commissioner, I don't want the taxpayers to pay a dime more, especially for the severe service only duplicated what we are already doing," Tubbs said.

Mayor Sonny Posey says the plan was just one of several ideas. The city fears a down turn in revenues will hurt their budget next year. "We allowed for a three percent decline for the budget for the coming year. A budget we have not even adopted. If it comes in bigger than that, we've got trouble," Posey said.

During the work session, Jasper Police Chief Bobby Cain says it would cost more to hire at least eight officers to cover the additional 75 miles than the new taxes would bring into the city."Why would we spend 420-thousand to get 400-thousand? That makes no sense. I'd say this one is off the table," Posey said.

The mayor promised the group if the plan comes up for a vote they will be notified long in advance. Posey says another revenue idea is raising garbage rates. The mayor hopes to avoid layoffs of city workers next year if it is possible.

James Armstrong to be laid to rest

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - On Tuesday, civil rights pioneer James Armstrong will be laid to rest. The 86-year-old died last Wednesday from heart failure.

Armstrong was known for his fight to end segregation in Birmingham City Schools. He also carried the U.S. flag during the Bloody Sunday March in 1965.

Visitation is at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, at Thirgood CME on Center Street in Birmingham. The funeral follows at noon with burial at Elmwood Cemetery.

Jeffco workers return to 40-hour week

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - All Jefferson County workers will go back to a full-time work schedule this week.

The workers were placed on a 32-hour work weeks back in August because of the funding problem over the job tax.

The county is using money from a settlement with J.P. Morgan to put the employees back on a full work week.

Birmingham's Christmas tree arrives

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham is gearing up for Christmas. The city's holiday tree arrived this morning, after a long trip from Newland, North Carolina.

The 40-foot Norway spruce will be placed in Linn Park.

It will be lit next week.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Representative Artur Davis found himself facing criticism last week when Jessie Jackson made the comment "You can't vote again

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Representative Artur Davis found himself facing criticism last week when Jessie Jackson made the comment "You can't vote against healthcare and call yourself a black man."

Davis released a statement saying "One of the reasons that I like and admire Rev. Jesse Jackson is that 21 years ago he inspired the idea that a black politician would not be judged simply as a black leader. The best way to honor Rev. Jackson's legacy is to decline to engage in an argument with him that begins and ends with race."

By the end of the week, Jackson had pulled back on his initial comment and both men were displaying a mutual respect for the other.

In an interview on Good Day Alabama, Davis further explained his stance on healthcare and the healthcare bill. "Healthcare is not about race," says Davis. "It is about coming up with a bill that is going to work for the American people. We've got to do 2 things. We've got to open up healthcare for those who can't afford it and we've got to make sure for people who have got healthcare to keep the coverage they've got and their costs and coverage don't get out of control."

Representative Davis also noted that he would like to see many changes to the current healthcare bill. "Rules of the Senate are very different from the rules of the House," says Davis. "Not a single House member was allowed to make an amendment to the bill on the floor. Not a single one of the 39 of us Democrats that want to fix the bill, we couldn't do it in the House of Representatives."

In closing, Davis says he is excited about the progress being made on the healthcare bill. "I've said for four months that I would like to vote on a healthcare bill,"says Davis. "What I want to see is a bill that opens up coverage and contains cost. If we fail on either one of those fronts, then we will end up worse off than before."

Court hearing to decide Jeffco refunds' fate

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A court hearing was held Friday afternoon to decide if Jefferson County workers get refunds from an illegal occupational tax or not.

Attorneys for Jefferson County filed motions saying there should be no refunds to those who continue to pay the job tax after it was declared unconstitutional in January.

Earlier this week Jefferson County Commission President Bettye Fine Collins says the county should not have to pay up to $48 million. "I'm optimistic we will come out of this. If not, we will deal with it as we have dealt with other things," Collins said.

The county commission contends the new occupational tax law was written to prevent refunds. "The law written by the legislature was intended to be retroactive," Bobby Humphryes, Jefferson County Commissioner said.

The plaintiffs who filed the lawsuit which led to the job tax being declared illegal disagrees. During an afternoon hearing, Dekalb County Circuit Judge David Rains asked questions about setting up guidelines for refunds. Rains, from the bench, expressed concern about putting too much of a burden and expense on Jefferson County employers to provide information about those who should get refunds.

"I want the county to continue to uphold its ruling and respect the opinion of the Supreme Court that says taxpayers won and Jefferson County do all it can to get the money back to the people," Jim McFerrin, plaintiffs’ attorney said.

Plaintiffs’ attorneys realize any refunds may be pushed back until sometime next year. Meanwhile, workers in Jefferson County would like to get their hands on any refund as soon as possible. "If they took it illegally from us, they should give it back to us," Scott Russell, taxpayer said.

Judge Rains indicated he is not inclined to the refunds.

Governor Riley takes on electronic bingo

MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - Governor Bob Riley and district attorneys from across the state are taking on electronic bingo.

Earlier this month, the state Supreme Court ruled the state could raid a Lowndes County bingo hall, ruling it did not appear to be in line with state laws on gambling.

White Hall closed voluntarily.

Governor Riley now contends the majority of electronic bingo machines in the state are illegal. On Monday, the governor and prosecutors are expected to outline their plan for enforcing state law.

Guilty plea expected in Hoover murder trial

HOOVER, AL (WBRC) - Jefferson county prosecutors expect a guilty plea from the teenager accused in the death of a Hoover woman.

Authorities charged Darryle Sheilds with the October 2008 death of Doris Bennett. She was killed while walking her dog at her apartment complex in Hoover. Robbery appeared to be the motive.

A second teen is also charged in Bennett's murder, which was the only homicide in Hoover last year.

Birmingham police investigate triple shooting

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham police are investigating a weekend triple shooting.

It happened Sunday at 16th Street and 5th Court North off Finley Boulevard.

Police say the shooting stemmed from an incident Saturday night at a Birmingham club.

Two of the victims were taken to the hospital for surgery. The other was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Brother arrested in October homicide

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A Birmingham man has been arrested in connection with the death of his brother.

Birmingham police, in a statement Friday to FOX6 News, said Marvin Davis, 53, was arrested and charged with manslaughter in the death of Nathaniel Davis, 48, of McMillion Avenue SW in Birmingham.

Investigators said Davis was found shot in the head at his home on October 30th. He died November 19th.

Police said the suspect and victim are brothers. The shooting happened during an altercation at the victim's birthday party. Police said the suspect was originally charged with assault, but the District Attorney issued a manslaughter warrant after reviewing the case.

The suspect has been arrested and was out on bond.

Free H1N1 vaccines available for Calhoun County

CALHOUN COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - People in part of Calhoun County can begin lining up for H1N1 vaccines.

The Health Department will hold a free clinic today at the Oxford Civic Center.

Nurses will administer the vaccine from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Off-duty Birmingham policeman involved in fatal wreck

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham police say an off-duty officer was involved in a fatal wreck. It happened before midnight on I-59 near Arkadelphia Road, Thursday.

Police say the driver of the other vehicle, 35-year-old Derric Rush of Hoover, was killed in the crash.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Siran Stacy files lawsuit against 911 board, driver's estate

DOTHAN, AL (WBRC) - Former University of Alabama football player Siran Stacy has filed a lawsuit against the Dothan/Houston County E911 Board and the estate of a drunken driver who caused a fatal 2007 crash. Stacy’s wife and four of his children were killed in the wreck.

The suit accuses the board and Adam Wayman's estate of wrongful death and negligence. The lawsuit says witnesses made multiple 911 calls to report Wayman's erratic driving, but their calls were transferred to Dale County E911. The suit claims Wayman began driving his truck at least 7 miles away from Stacy's van and the misrouted calls prevented adequate time for authorities to intercept the drunken driver.

Stacy's lawsuit calls for a jury trial to determine the damages and is filed on behalf of him and his family.

Ebsco Industries attempts to block Vincent quarry, gets accusations

VINCENT, AL (WBRC) - Ebsco Industries is trying to block a new limestone quarry in the Shelby County city of Vincent, but White Rock Quarries is making their own accusations.

White Rock held a news conference Thursday accusing Ebsco of trying to block the project to hide years of illegally dumping hazardous waste. Representatives say Ebsco's assertion that the quarry would cause sinkholes is quote "a smokescreen."

Ebsco says it is disappointed in the tactic White Rock has chosen and adds that Ebsco Industries strives to be a good corporate citizen, provide a safe working environment and operate within the law.

Fairfield Sears to close soon

FAIRFIELD, AL (WBRC) - The Sears in Fairfield is closing after 20-years.

Its 92 full and part-time employees are eligible for transfer to other Sears or K-mart stores.

The only sears now left in the metro Birmingham area is at Riverchase Galleria.

Legendary Paralympic athlete Randy Snow dead at age 50

HOMEWOOD, AL (WBRC) - The Lakeshore Foundation issued a press release on Friday to say that legendary paralympic athlete and Lakeshore staff member Randy Snow passed away on Thursday.

Snow was known as the only athlete in history to compete in three different sports and win medals in each. He won medals in basketball, track and tennis and competed in four Paralympics. Ranking up several years worth of awards and wins, Snow was the first Paralympian inducted into the Olympic Hall of Fame.

Recently, Snow worked for the Lakeshore Foundation to promote sports to athletes as well as children and the newly disabled.

“The Lakeshore Foundation family is profoundly saddened by this loss,” said Lakeshore President Jeff Underwood. “Randy exemplified the belief that every individual, no matter what their level of ability is able to achieve greatness. As a champion of the Paralympic movement, he soared past the public's expectations. Randy was a hero, an advocate, a spokesperson and more than anything else, a beloved friend. He will be greatly missed.”

Unemployment rate in AL almost double from last year

MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - New figures released by the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations show the jobless rate in October hit 10.9%. One year ago is was 5.6%.

The state reports that more than a quarter of a million Alabama residents are out of work, with an additional 3,800 jobs added last month.

Artur Davis responds to Jesse Jackson comment

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Ala. Congressman Artur Davis responded Thursday to comments made by Rev. Jesse Jackson, a day after the civil rights activist criticized Davis for voting against the health care bill.

FOX6 News spoke with Davis Thursday, saying, "I admire him as a leader who is engaged in a huge challenge."

Alex Goepfert, a spokesman for Davis' gubernatorial campaign, later released the following statement from Davis: "One of the reasons that I like and admire Rev. Jesse Jackson is that 21 years ago he inspired the idea that a black politician would not be judged simply as a black leader. The best way to honor Rev. Jackson's legacy is to decline to engage in an argument with him that begins and ends with race."

Wednesday, The Hill newspaper reported Jackson told members of the Congressional Black Caucus: "We even have blacks voting against the health care bill. You can't vote against health care and call yourself a black man." Davis was the only member of the house Congressional Black Caucus to vote against the health care plan.

Thursday, though, Jackson said he called the Alabama gubernatorial candidate to "assure him of my abiding admiration" as reported on HuffingtonPost.com.

"I offer no challenge to his integrity as a leader," Jackson said in the report. "Representatives should all vote their conscience in the interest of their constituency."

Occupational tax refunds brings Jeffco back to court

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - Jefferson County attorneys and attorneys representing taxpayers will head back to court on Friday. They remain tied up in legal arguments over whether taxpayers should receive a refund for the county occupational tax.

It was earlier this year when the occupational tax was declared illegal. Because of that ruling, the plaintiff's attorneys say the 48 million dollars that had been collected should be returned to the taxpayers.

Attorneys for the county argue that the new occupational tax passed by the Alabama Legislature in august contains a retroactive clause which allows the county to keep the money collected since January 1st. However, attorneys who filed the lawsuit filed a motion asking the judge sanction the county for refusing to refund workers money collected after the tax was declared illegal.

Commissioners say refunding that $48-million could harm county services. "We are going to look at all of our legal options so that the county doesn’t suffer anymore than it should,” says County Commissioner William Bell. “If at the bottom line we are required to pay whatever funds, we will do that."

The hearing begins at 1:30 Friday afternoon.

Jeffco employees say thanks to lawmakers

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - Jefferson County employees say "thanks" to lawmakers who helped pass the new occupational tax.

The Jefferson County Employees Association hosted a reception last night for legislators who they say supported county workers while they were put on leave without pay.

The county laid off employees after the first occupational tax was declared illegal.

Workers say if lawmakers had failed to act, they would still be out of work.

Jefferson County employees returned to a 40-hour work week last Saturday.

Hoover mayor to announce grease-powered city vehicles

HOOVER, AL (WBRC) - ‘Grease’ is the word on Friday in Hoover.

Mayor Tony Petelos will hold a news conference to announce the city's plan to take cooking oil and use it as fuel for many of the city's vehicles.

Instead of tossing it out, they want you to drop off used cooking oil at the Hoover Fire stations or the municipal building.

Final day of UAB H1N1 clinic

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Friday is the final day of UAB's swine flu clinics for students, faculty and staff.

The vaccine is given to people the CDC says need it the most, including adults up to 24 years of age, people caring for infants and people with medical conditions.

The clinics run from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Blazer Hall Residence Life Center.

If you live in Tuscaloosa County, the County Health Department hosts a free H1N1 vaccine clinic. It runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the County Health Department building on Hargrove Road East.

It will be administered to people in high risk categories.

Sentencing, guilty plea in child porn cases

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Three men were sentenced and a fourth pleaded guilty this week in seperate cases involving child pornography.

U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, in a statement Thursday afternoon to FOX6 News, announced the sentencings and guilty plea. Vance said all four cases involved images of child pornography collected and stored on computers.

Below is the statement released to FOX6 News:

Sentenced this week for receiving child pornography were:

TROY WILSON OSBORNE, 37, of Toney. U.S. District Judge R. David Proctor on Tuesday sentenced Osborne to eight years and a month in prison. Osborne pleaded guilty July 23 to receiving more than 600 images of child pornography and agreed to forfeit the computer equipment used to gather it. According to his plea agreement and his May indictment, Osborne received pornographic images from about Dec. 12, 2008, to February 2009, in Madison County. At least one of those images was of a child younger than 12.

DARRELL DWAYNE THRASHER, 50, of Northport. U.S. District Judge Karon O. Bowdre on Wednesday sentenced Thrasher to eight years and a month in prison. She ordered him taken into immediate custody. Thrasher pleaded guilty July 28. According to his plea agreement, Thrasher became a target of an ICE investigation as a result of a national investigation based in New Jersey. The images he collected via a computer and the Internet showed children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The Alabama Bureau of Investigation and the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation.

Sentenced for possessing child pornography was:

JULIUS WARREN PULLEN III, 24, of Childersburg. U.S. District Judge Virginia Emerson Hopkins on Thursday sentenced Pullen to six years and six months in prison and ordered him into immediate custody. Pullen pleaded guilty July 28. According to his plea agreement, more than 600 images of child pornography were downloaded and saved on Pullen’s computer between about Nov. 1, 2007, and March 3, 2008. The Roanoke Police Department in Alabama and the Regional Organized Crime Information Center in Tennessee assisted in the investigation of Pullen’s case.

Pleading guilty Thursday to possessing child pornography was:

BENTLEY CLARK GRIFFITH, 47, of Birmingham. Griffith entered his plea before Judge Hopkins to possessing a computer in February that contained between 10 and 150 images of child pornography. His sentencing is scheduled for 10 a.m. March 19, 2010.

Osborne, Thrasher and Pullen all are required to register as sex offenders and will be placed on supervised release after they complete their prison terms. Osborne and Pullen will be on supervised release for the rest of their lives; Thrasher will be on supervised release for 10 years.

Glencoe woman arrested for using stolen credit cards

GADSDEN, AL (WBRC) - A Glencoe woman has been arrested for stealing and using a check book and two credit cards.

Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin, in a statement to FOX6 News, said Katherine Brooke Mitchell, 26, of Glencoe, has been arrested and charged with possession of a forged instrument and fraudulent use of a credit/debit card.

“Mitchell is charged with 32 counts of second degree possession of a forged instrument and two counts of fraudulent use of a credit/debit card, which is a Class C felony,” said Investigator Fred Lasseter.

Entrekin said Mitchell stole a check book and two credit cards, cashed more than $6,000 of forged checks and charged more than $1,000 to two credit cards.

Mitchell was being held Thursday in the Etowah County Detention Center.

Montevallo man convicted of workers' comp fraud

MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - A Montevallo man was convicted by a Shelby County jury in a worker's compensation fraud case.

Alabama Attorney General Troy King, in a statement Thursday to FOX6 News, said Robert Burrows, 44, was convicted Wednesday in Shelby County Circuit Court on two counts of making a false statement to receive workers' compensation benefits and one count of theft of property.

King's office said Burrows misrepresented an injury he received while working at an auto parts store, when a board hit him and bruised his forehead. Video evidence demonstrated Burrows lied to a workers’ compensation doctor about the extent and duration of his injury. King said Burrows received approximately $2,000 in benefits in April and May of 2007.

“It is a crime for someone to misrepresent an injury in order to get workers’ compensation funds longer than he should,” said King. “I am pleased that the jury returned a guilty verdict and that this defendant will be held accountable for his crime.”

King said Burrows is scheduled to be sentenced on January 4, 2010. All three offenses are class C felonies, each punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $6,000.

Body of missing man found

GADSDEN, AL (WBRC) - The body of a missing man from Etowah County was discovered Thursday morning.

Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin, in a statement to FOX6 News, said the body of Michael Winford Williams was found Thursday in a wooded area.

Williams, 58, of Boaz, was last seen on Saturday, Nov. 7, on Thornhill Road in Boaz. He was reported missing on Tuesday, November 10th, by a family member.

Sheriff Entrekin said his body was found today in an area not previously searched.

“While speaking to family and friends, during the course of the investigation, it was decided an expanded search needed to take place,” said Chief of Investigations Mike Jones.

Bank employee shaves head in support of Smokeout

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A Regions Bank employee in Birmingham shaved his head Thursday in an event supporting the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout.

Mike Moss, the head of Regions Corporate Training, challenged people on his team last year to give up smoking. He agreed that if anyone succeeded in doing it for a whole year, he would shave his hair. Two of his employees - one here in Birmingham, and another in Nashville, took the challenge and have remained smoke-free for a year.

Moss shaved his head during a special event at the Regions Bank facility in Hoover Thursday morning.

The Great American Smokeout is held on the third Thursday of each November and is sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Birmingham men charged in murder of Mobile man

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Two Birmingham men were charged Thursday with the death of a Mobile man

The Birmingham Police Department said Taveris Allen, 18, and Daymon Bush, 19, had been charged with capital muder in the death of Ryan Thomas Glenn, 25, of Mobile. Glenn was found found shot to death Monday evening inside a car in the 7700 block of 4th Avenue South.

Police said Allen and Bush were in the Birmingham city jail.

HealthSouth CEO: Jefferson County can learn from us

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - HealthSouth's CEO says he doesn't see any signs of a dramatic recovery from this recession anytime soon, but he does believe Jefferson County can learn some lessons about recovering from what his company has experienced.

Jay Grinney spoke Thursday at the 2nd annual Economic Development Summit. He said his company has been able to show remarkable progress from the accounting scandal that almost bankrupted the company because their troubles began in 2003 and 2004, meaning HealthSouth's turnaround had already begun before the current national recession.

Grinney said good timing is just one of the lessons his company has learned that may apply to Jefferson County as well. Grinney says he doesn't see any signs of a dramatic recovery just yet.

"I think we're in for a tough time, frankly," Grinney said. "I think we're in tough times. I don't see any immediate end to the difficulties we're facing."

But Grinney said he's encourged by a new strategic plan from the Birmingham Business Alliance that he hopes can point out areas for growth, and wants to help by sharing some of the lessons his company learned during its turnaround that may apply to Jefferson County's battle to solve the sewer debt crisis and a wave of bad publicity.

"There are several things I think are important," Grinney said. "Making sure that there are checks and balances in the system, that there's a formal strategic plan, that you have the right people in the right positions, that you map out the expectations and communicate those, and expect that there are going to be some failures along the way. But I think there are definite parallels."

Birmingham City Councilor Steven Hoyt hosted Thursday's conference, saying this kind of collaboration can go a long way in overcoming negative perceptions among potential new businesses.

"When we highlight the city in this manner, I think it helps us dispel the perception we have," Hoyt said. "But I don't think we can paint with that broad of a brush because we have some good folk, good government."

Bessemer Mayor promises to shut down any new electronic bingo hall

BESSEMER, AL (WBRC) - Words of warning from Bessemer Mayor Ed Mayor: don't bring new electronic bingo halls to his town.

"I don't recall such a divisive issue," May said.

Thursday, Mayor May, who is strongly opposed to electronic bingo, said any bingo hall which opened after November 5th will be shut down. Mayor May said he would do this even if electronic bingo gaming is still legal in the Bessemer cutoff.

"We are going to enforce the law in Bessemer, Alabama," May said. "Unless the Supreme Court or some other court decides otherwise there will be no proliferation of gambling in Bessemer, Alabama."

On Nov. 3rd, at a court hearing before Jefferson County Circuit Judge Eugene Verin, District Attorney Arthur Green agreed not to close electronic bingo operations until a court hearing in January. Mayor May said Thursday this decision does not cover new bingo gaming after Nov. 5th.

Mayor May also said he considers all electronic bingo halls illegal in Bessemer because none have a proper permit. May vetoed previous bingo ordinances.

Bessemer Police Chief Nathaniel Rutledge said his office is investigating gaming operations which may have opened after the deadline date.

"As far as the operations, it's our interpretation and our understanding what is going is illegal," Rutledge said. "What's attempted to go is illegal."

The Anchor Club in downtown Bessemer has been operating before the deadline and there is a court order to keep it open for the time being. The club's general manager fears May's opposition may ultimately cost jobs.

"We do create jobs," Robert White said. "I had 140 people working for me. The spin offs, you are talking suppliers and venders."

White contends the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling which narrowly defined legal bingo will not shut the door on electronic bingo gaming. Both White and May say they believe the issue should be decided by the voters.

Judge allows sale of Scrushy yacht

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Allwin Horn ruled today that Richard Scrushy's 92-foot yacht can go up for sale. The boat has been docked in Florida for the past year.

The attorney for Healthsouth shareholders told the judge there is an interested buyer for the boat, but he would not name the potential buyer or say how much the boat could be sold for.

Attorney John Hale says the boat needs to be sold because the cost to keep the yacht is enormous.

Also in court Thursday, attorneys for HealthSouth asked Judge Horn to order attorney Jim Parkman to turn over financial information in regards to payments from Richard Scrushy. Parkman represented Scrushy in his criminal and civil trial. Judge Horn ruled against the plaintiff's request siding with Parkman saying that payments from Scrushy to Parkman is privileged information.

Irondale versus Trinity Medical Center hearing to take place

IRONDALE, AL (WBRC) - A hearing takes place on Thursday over Irondale's lawsuit against Trinity Medical Center.

The city of Irondale sued Trinity in August, alleging breach of contract after trinity abandoned plans to build a hospital in Irondale.

Trinity now plans to open a hospital at the former HealthSouth digital hospital building on Highway 280.

Trinity is asking for the lawsuit to be dismissed.

Groundbreaking to be held for Oakman Elementary School

OAKMAN, AL (WBRC) - Oakman Elementary School will hold a groundbreaking to replace their storm damaged school. In December of 2008 a tornado left the school severely damaged.

The Thursday groundbreaking kicks off work to build a new school by December 2010.

The new building will expand classes to the eighth grade.

Citizens voice concern over new Mountain Brook Village development

MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL (WBRC) - Mountain Brook city leaders will delay a vote on a proposed development.

A group of people gathered to voice their concerns Wednesday.

The Lane Parke development would demolish some old shops in Mountain Brook Village, replacing them with new office, retail and apartment space.

Those who oppose the idea claim the village will lose its charm. Developers say the opposition is based purely on personal opinion and distorted facts.

Coyotes seen roaming area neighborhoods

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Several coyotes have been spotted in neighborhoods around Birmingham. People have seen the animals roaming everywhere from Vestavia Hills, to Mountain Brook, to even near the FOX6 studio.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Experts at Critter Control in Pelham said it may have something to do with the colder weather, so coyotes are moving around to stay warm while looking for food.

Doug Hartman said it isn't an odd occurrence for people who live near wooded areas, but people should be cautious.

"Just be weary. Keep your eyes open," said Hartman, "You don't want your kids to think it is a dog and play with it. Keep your eyes open and pay attention would be the main thing."

Hartman added that often the coyotes may appear harmless. Yet, they could be ill, but strong enough to attack. So people need to be extra careful.

"In the city, they get domesticated. They are used to eating out of cat food bowls, dog food bowls, they are scavengers," said Hartman, "When they get used to being around people, they gain trust with them. They will get relatively close."

Hartman said that if you see a coyote in your neighborhood, don't approach it and try and catch it. Just call animal experts to come and trap it.

Gov. Riley and ALDOT present plans for expanding Highway 280

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Governor Riley and ALDOT are proposing a massive re-engineering of Highway 280 to try and alleviate traffic congestion.

The new plan is a mix of 2 previous plans that adds new elevated lanes to part of the roadway, adding express lanes, and paying for much of it by making the new lanes a toll road.

Here's the new plan the state backs:

Starting at Double Oak Mountain to I-459, there would be 4 elevated toll lanes.

Those lanes are elevated above the present Highway 280.

Near The Summit, those toll lanes come back down to grade continuing to Red Mountain Expressway in Homewood.

The current 6 surface lanes and 4 elevated "toll" lanes in the center makes a 10-lane Highway 280 more navigable.

On the toll road, the state thinks you could go from Birmingham to Double Oak Mountain in 10 minutes.

"The thing that's remarkable about this is it can be completely finished with construction in 3 years and be riding on it," Gov. Riley said. Adding, "Usually it takes 3 years just to get the environmental approval. Here you could be riding on it 3 years from now."

"This is really a dream come true," said Mt. Brook Mayor Terry Oden.

Oden says he supports this plan because it is almost identical to a plan his city, along with Vestavia Hills and Homewood, endorsed 6 months ago.

"I'm sure somebody will object to it, somebody will always object to everything, but this is the best we can hope for, and I'd be willing to go to the well with it," said Oden.

He was also told by ALDOT's director that the $700-800 million cost of the project would be paid for by making the new lanes a toll road.

The cost would be around $2.50 to go the length of the expressway. So would drivers be willing to pay that?

"If it was 50 cents or maybe $1, that may be easier to swallow," said frequent driver Leo Karpeles. "But I wouldn't think of anything other than that."

"I think it's needed because we have no more land," said motorist Frank Phillips. "We can't widen, so I think it's a good idea."

Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer also told FOX6 news he likes what he sees in this plan.

The governor's office tells us the cities involved will have to sign legal agreements with the state before any work can begin.

Oden says that transportation officials told him they would like to start work on this project before Governor Riley leaves office at the end of next year.

Atlanta woman killed in Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A woman from Atlanta was identified Wednesday as the victim of a shooting Tuesday afternoon in the Kingston community.

The Jefferson County coroner said Alvoida Skeen, 29, of Atlanta, was shot and killed Tuesday afternoon. She was found shot on 46th Place North in the Kingston community.

Birmingham police were questioning witnesses Tuesday evening.

Smitherman asks for details on dome

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Acting Birmingham Mayor Carole Smitherman wants details and commitments from any work on the domed stadium.

Smitherman attended her first board meeting of the BJCC board of directors Wednesday where she asked the board to give Birmingham residents 50 percent of jobs generated off of the domed stadium. Smitherman also asked for details of what parties would be interested in coming to the facility.

"I don't believe in you build it and they will come," Smitherman said.

The acting mayor also told board members the city of Birmingham cannot fund the project alone. She asked the board to look at business interests and possibly other governments as funding sources.

Board chairman Clyde Echols said none of Smitherman's concerns will derail the project.

"The project stands for itself," Echols said. "The people want this. Whoever is the new mayor is will be encouraged to accept it and go forward with it."

Echols said the board will provide information to Smitherman and he plans to meet with her.

New Bessemer courthouse may open soon

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Jefferson County Commission President Bettye Fine Collins revealed Wednesday the new courthouse in Bessemer may open later this year.

The $39 million courthouse, nearly complete, has been sitting vacant for months due to budget restraints. However, Collins said Wednesday the facility may open before the end of the year because the cost of updating the old courthouse and annex is too expensive.

"It's going to need heating. air conditioning units, it seemed reasonable to use the new facility," Collins said.

Collins said the old courthouse will be shutdown when the new one opens.

Not everyone agrees. Commissioner Bobby Humphryes, who represents Bessemer, said he believes there is enough money available to fund improvements to the older building.

Convict gets two more years for jumping bail

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A former Hoover man got two years added to his prison sentence Wednesday after jumping bail.

U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, in a statement to FOX6 News, said Dennis Lloyd Brown, 41, will now serve more than five years in prison for illegally copying and selling more than 12,000 DVD's and 300 CD's. Brown was convicted and sentenced in March 2008 to 42 months in prison for the crimes, but did not show up in April 2008 to begin serving time.

Vance said U.S. Marshals found Brown 13 months later in Florida. He pleaded guilty to the flight charge.

Wednesday, U.S. District Judge James Hancock added 21 months to Brown's sentence for jumping bail.

Vance said according to Brown's plea agreement in January 2008, Brown operated his illegal business out of a Birmingham residence in 2007, selling pirated videos and music from about noon to 7 p.m. most days. After police discovered the operation, they seized 12,750 DVDs of counterfeited movies, 330 CDs of counterfeited music, $1,119, a computer, several towers of DVD burners and surveillance equipment.

Gov. Riley proposes toll lanes for Hwy. 280

By Scott Richards

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - In an exclusive interview, Gov. Bob Riley told FOX6 News anchor Scott Richards about a new plan to add toll lanes to the busiest part of the highway.

Here is the plan as explained by Gov. Riley:

Starting at Double Oak Mountain, there would be four elevated toll lanes over top of the current free six lanes.

Then, at I-459 by The Summit, the elevated toll lanes come back down to grade and continue all the way up to the Red Mountain Expressway in Birmingham.

So, from I-459 to Red Mountain Expressway, there would be 10 lanes: the current six free lanes, plus four more toll lanes in the middle.

The total drive time from Birmingham to Double Oak Mountain would be 10 minutes.

Gov. Riley told FOX6 news the stretch through Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook and Homewood would also include "urban interchanges" to allow people to get on or off the toll road. Turns would also be made off of the free lanes.

Gov. Riley said all of this could be completed within three years.

Gov. Riley said there would be no toll booths. Instead, cars using the express toll lanes would be charged by using microchips and cameras.

H1N1 school clinics to begin the week of Nov. 30th

MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - An announcement on Wednesday morning from state health and education leaders says Alabama schools will begin clinics for the H1N1 flu vaccine the week of November 30th. This first round of clinics will be for children under the age of 10.

Nurses will use the nasal form of the vaccine.

State Superintendent Dr. Joe Morton says parents should look for a permission slip so as many children as possible can be immunized.

“We are trying everything we can to answer parents’ questions, but if you do not return the permission slip that does not mean your child cannot be vaccinated,” says Morton. “You will just have to go to the health department or your own physician. This is just a way to have immunized as many children as possible and it's free.”

Children under 10 need two doses. That will be given at another round of clinics in january.

That is also when children 10 and older will get their vaccine.

Woman escapes from burning home

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A woman was able to make it out of her burning home without injuries on Wednesday morning.

The fire happened at a Birmingham home in the 500 block of 11th Court West.


When firefighters first arrived flames were shooting out of the front windows.

Firefighters say everyone made it out of this fire okay and the exact cause is not known.

A fire investigator will be called to the scene to try to determine exactly what may have caused this fire.

Economic summit aims to increase business in Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – An economic summit will kick off on Wednesday to help boost private sector business in Birmingham.

This is the second recent business summit after the first was deemed a huge success.

The theme of this summit is “Success through Collaboration.” It is aimed at getting the private sector to collaborate with local government and get business booming in Birmingham. An example of this idea would be Interim Mayor Smitherman wanting the private sector involved in the new domed stadium.

The summit will kick off with a reception and will be headlined by HealthSouth CEO Jay Grinney. Further sessions will be Thursday and Friday at the BJCC.

Teen curfew a possibility in Tuscaloosa

TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) - Tuscaloosa City Councilors are following the lead of other area cities. They are considering enacting a teen curfew.

Tuesday the City Council Public Safety Committee heard the official pitch from the Mayor and Police Chief.

The proposed curfew states children 17 years old and younger not accompanied by an adult would have to be off city streets from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

If a child breaks curfew, they would face possible fines ranging from $100 to $500.

Tuscaloosa Police Chief Steve Anderson said juvenile crime has increased in the city over the last few years, and that is why he is hoping councilors support his plan enacting a teen curfew.

"Ever since I became chief, I've notice trend of juvenile problems," said Anderson, "They were committing not just misdemeanor crimes, but serious felony crimes."

Mayor Walt Maddox said 16 months ago, the city started the "Hope Initiative" to try to attack crime, poverty and blight in the city.

He thinks the proposed curfew would help.

"I think it will reduce juvenile crime," said Maddox, "I think it will put the community on notice, students on notice, and parents on notice, that Tuscaloosa will be a safe city."

The issue will go before the full City Council for a vote at an upcoming meeting.

Calera city leaders take office with challenges

CALERA, AL (WBRC) - Just 7 days after voters put them into office, Calera's new mayor and council took the oath of office and declared themselves ready to work.

"I think it's exciting," said incumbent council member Ernest Montgomery. "As we're looking forward to see the new mayor's agenda, his vision for the city, and we're hoping to get behind and catch hold of that vision and take our city forward."

"I'm excited, I couldn't ask for any better transition," said new Mayor Jon Graham. "I believe this is going to be a good period of time, it's been a long wait, and I think it's a good outcome."

Calera's new mayor has been getting on-the-job training for more than a year as he waited for new elections after the Justice Department declared last autumn's results invalid.

Mayor Graham said the city won't have to layoff any more workers, and he believes the budget picture will improve.

But at least 1 of the 2 new council members is still concerned about city finances.

"I think we've got to watch our spending," said new council member Ed "EZ" Gentry. "We've got to get our payroll in line. Get it down some. How we're gonna do that is up to my fellow councilmen and other ideas they might have, but we have definitely got to get in line."

"We need to be real careful, be held accountable for what's going on," Graham said. "I see light at the end of the tunnel, we've got some good things headed our way."

"I think we're growing as it is now, even though we're having revenue troubles that don't mean we're not growing," incumbent Councilor Mike Roberson said. "Our city's still growing, and the future really looks bright. I think the next 2 to 3 years you'll see new things come to our city."

The new council didn't do any official business tonight, but they did hear some words of encouragement from outgoing longtime Mayor George Roy, who said after a year of working with the incoming mayor, he's confident the city is heading in the right direction.

Smitherman: Get more private money for domed stadium

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Interim Birmingham mayor Carole Smitherman says more private money is needed to fund the construction of the proposed domed stadium.

Smitherman said Tuesday the city and the BJCC board should solicit more private funding for the project. She said without more help from private financial sources, the project may need to slow down.

The city broke ground on the new domed stadium earlier this year, which will be located in downtown Birmingham near the existing Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

Homicide, shooting one block from each other

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham police investigated Tuesday a homicide and a shooting that happened one block apart.

Officers said a person was shot in the neck around 3 p.m. Tuesday in the 7700 block of 3rd Avenue South. The victim was taken to UAB Hospital for treatment.

The shooting happened one block away from where Ryan Glenn, 25, was shot and killed Monday night. That shooting happened in the 7700 block of 4th Avenue South.

Investigators told FOX6 News they did not believe the two crimes were related.

Alabama settles lawsuit with Vonage

MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - Alabama Attorney General Troy King announced Tuesday a $3 million, 32-state settlement with VOIP phone service provider Vonage.

King, in a statement to FOX6 News, said Vonage will refund consumers and modify its cancellation and retention policies.

"This settlement protects consumers by making it easier for them to exercise their right to cancel Vonage if they wish, and by making it clearer what services are provided and at what cost," said King. "It is important also that eligible consumers will receive refunds for their claims of unauthorized charges."

The settlement addresses complaints in which consumers alleged having difficulty or being unable to cancel their Vonage VOIP, or Voice Over Internet Protocol, internet phone service. King said Vonage formerly paid incentives to customer service representatives for retaining or “saving” customers in lieu of cancellation, when consumers called to cancel. As a result, consumers reported that cancellation was extremely difficult and sometimes impossible.

King said the lawsuit agreement puts strict limitations on this practice and requires recording and verification of these telephone calls.

The settlement puts in place a broad restitution plan requiring Vonage to make refunds to eligible consumers who filed complaints regarding unauthorized charges from January 2004 to March 16, 2010, which have not been resolved. Consumers who believe they may be eligible for such refunds may contact Attorney General King’s Consumer Protection Division by calling toll-free 1-800-392-5658, by mail to 500 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama 36130, or through the webpage at www.ago.alabama.gov.

Claims must be filed by March 16, 2010.

Helena police search for Winn Dixie robber

HELENA, AL (WBRC) - Police in Helena said Tuesday they are continuing to search for a man who robbed the Winn Dixie grocery store.

Investigators, in a statement to FOX6 News Tuesday afternoon, said the Winn Dixie grocery store on Highway 17 was robbed at gunpoint around 9:45 p.m. Monday. Police said the suspect, a black male approximately 5'9" and 200 lbs., entered the store, showed a handgun and forced one of the cashiers to the store office where an undetermined amount of money was taken from the safe. The suspect then fled on a motorcycle.

No one was hurt.

Anyone with information about the robbery or suspect was asked to call the Helena Police Department at (205) 663-6499.

Sheriff Hale wants budget cuts restored

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Sheriff Mike Hale is making a case to restore $10 million to his budget.

Hale sent county commissioners letters Monday, asking them to restore the money they cut from his budget October 1st. A spokesman for the sheriff's office says the money should come from the settlement reached last week between J.P. Morgan Chase and Company and the Securities and Exchange Commission. The settlement included a $50 million payment to Jefferson County.

Lt. Randy Christian said that money could be used to bring back 46 sheriff deputies and 21 civilian employees put on leave in October.

"They are sitting at home without a way to pay their bills," Christian said. "They want to be out in the county delivering a service. That's what they were hired to do. What they were trained to do."

So far most county commissioners are saying no to Sheriff Hale's request.

"I don't think he will get the $10 million restored," said Bobby Humphryes, Jefferson Co. Commissioner, on Tuesday.

Commission President Bettye Fine Collins said the sheriff can turn to other sources for money.

"There was a big drug bust in Hueytown," Collins said. "They took some discretionary money from drug busts. As they do on others."

Humphryes said he met with Hale about his budget problem last week and believes there may be some money to help bring his workers back.

"In my mind if we can have enough money to bring them back for 40 hours, then he should be able be enough money to bring these people back from 40 hours," Humphryes said.

Commissioner William Bell also believes Hale should get some money back.

"The sheriff's office and the coroner's office should be a top priority to bet back their budget," Bell said. "I still maintain that."

Talks are expected to continue between the sheriff and the county commission.

"At the very least we would like to see it put on the agenda for a vote and have the public say a vote it up or down," Christian said. "See who is for public safety and who is not."

County refusing to refund occupational tax

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Jefferson County Commissioners are refusing to refund $48 million to people who work in the county.

Tuesday, county commissioners announced they had no plans to refund money collected earlier this year under an occupational tax that was declared illegal in January. Attorneys for Jefferson County say the new occupational tax passed by the Alabama Legislature in August contains a retroactive clause which allows the county to keep the money collected since January 1.

However, attorneys who filed the lawsuit, which lead to the old occupational tax being declared illegal, filed a motion with the judge Tuesday, asking the judge to sanction the county for refusing to refund workers money collected after the tax was declared illegal.

"It is easy to see through Jefferson County's charade... in order to delay that reality, Jefferson County will do, say, argue, or file anything -no matter how frivolous-so they can keep their illegally gotten gains for a just a few days longer," the motion states.

County commissioners say the law passed by the legislature in August made it clear the old tax was never illegal.

"I think the bill they passed clearly states that," said Jefferson County Commission President Bettye Fine Collins. "We intend to pursue that."

Jefferson County commissioners are also concerned a $48 million refund could harm county services.

"$40 million or so would make a difference," Bobby Humphryes, Jefferson Co. Commissioner said.

"We are looking at all of our legal options to make sure the county is not going to suffer any more than it should or has to," said Jefferson County Commissioner William Bell. "That is one of the areas we are looking at."

Application for unemployment extensions now being accepted

MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - Starting Wednesday, those without work can apply for unemployment extensions.

People who have exhausted their benefits on or before November 14th can go online to dir.alabama.gov or call 1-800-752-7389.

You must certify you are still out of work to qualify for an extension.

Carole Smitherman announces campaign for mayor

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - People interested in running for the mayor of Birmingham have until Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. to declare their candidacy.

Interim Mayor Carole Smitherman officially announced on Good Day Alabama that she is running for the mayor’s seat when told Janice Rogers on Tuesday morning that she has officially started her campaign.

"I have listened to some of the things that people say that they want to do, we are doing that right now, we are providing the services of government," says Smitherman

The special election is set for December eighth.

Birmingham reports double-digit decrease in crime

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The Birmingham Police Department has some encouraging news about crime in Birmingham.

Police Chief A.C. Roper says the city is experiencing a double-digit decrease in major crimes this year. This is in spite of a rough economy.

Chief Roper says the results come from more community support and the commitment of his officers.

Two burglary suspects nabbed in Vestavia Hills

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL (WBRC) - Vestavia Hills police say they have nabbed two burglary suspects following a brief foot chase.

Several over-the-mountain communities have seen a spike in home burglaries.

Two men were arrested after someone spotted them breaking into a home on Glenwood Road. Police arrived and blocked the suspects' car.

The men ran into nearby woods, but were captured and taken to the Jefferson County Jail.

Alabama woman accused of kidnapping Tennessee baby

ARDMORE, AL (WBRC) - An Alabama woman pleads not guilty to kidnapping a newborn in Tennessee.

Tammy Silas is accused of kidnapping a 4-day-old baby. His mother was stabbed several times during the kidnapping. The baby was found three days later at Silas' home in Ardmore, Alabama.

Silas has not been charged in the attack on the baby's mother.

Old Bruno's store could be getting new look

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A new look could be on the way for the old Bruno’s store on Montclair Road in Birmingham’s Eastwood community.

A Birmingham City Council committee approved $1-million for renovations. The grocery store building will be converted to climate controlled storage and three new restaurants will be built in the parking lot.

Developers estimate this will bring 100 jobs to the area and a big boost in sales tax revenue.

Main Street Birmingham and the Shopping Center Group are working together on the project that will cost a total of 3 million dollars.

The full city council has to approve the money before any official construction will begin. They will likely vote on it at the December 1st meeting.

Birmingham food drive needs your help

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham city leaders need your help to bring thanksgiving cheer to those in need. The city-wide food drive will help food banks and shelters.

Collection points will be at all local libraries, fire stations, police precincts and at city hall throughout the month.

Alabama lawmaker Linda Coleman, who also works for the city of Birmingham, hopes everyone pitches in.

Mary Moore will not seek mayor's seat

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - State Rep. Mary Moore said Tuesday she will not run for mayor of Birmingham, calling the process a "circus."

Moore held a news conference Tuesday morning to deny rumors she was running in the upcoming special election.

"The process has become a circus," Moore said.

Moore's name was mentioned as a possible candidate for the Dec. 8 special election, which was called after former mayor Larry Langford was removed from office following his felony bribery and conspiracy conviction.

Fourteen people have filed paperwork to run in the special election:

Emory Anthony
William Bell
T.C. Cannon
Patrick Cooper
Scott Douglas
Ernie Dunn
Steven Hoyt
Stephannie Huey
Edith Mayomi
Carole Smitherman
Jimmy Snow
William Sumners
Jody Trautwein
Harry "Traveling Shoes" Turner, Jr.

The deadline for candidates to file paperwork is 5 p.m. Wednesday.

For more information, visit www.MyVoteAlabama.com.

Appeals court orders 4th sentencing for former HealthSouth executive

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – The 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has ordered that former HealthSouth executive Kenneth Livesay will undergo a fourth sentencing after finding his sentence of probation to be “patently unreasonable.”

The court says that a sentence of probation on the 49-year-old Livesay would be “unreasonable given the magnitude and seriousness of Livesay’s criminal conduct.”

Livesay was a senior vice president at HealthSouth and pleaded guilty in April of 2003 of conspiring with executives to attempt to artificially inflate HealthSouth’s earnings in order for the execs to make money.

“We are pleased that the Court of Appeals agreed with our position that this key player in the $1.4 billion HealthSouth fraud deserves a prison sentence, not probation,” says U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance. “We continue to seek a sentence that provides a just punishment for Mr. Livesay’s crime, and real deterrence for other would-be criminals,” she said.

Wild animal sightings rise in Vestavia Hills

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL (WBRC) - Sandy Phillips was enjoying her weekend when around 2:00 Sunday morning, she got a fright. "I heard something walking and I looked over and saw this coyote." She was sitting on the back porch of her Vestavia Hills home. She ran inside to get her camcorder and when she returned, she found, not just one, but two coyotes. Phillips says the second was at least 30 pounds larger than the first. "I think it was the female meeting up with the male. And they didn't seem to care I was there. That this was just as much their property as ours," Phillips said.

Phillips lives in the new Cobble Hill subdivision, about half a mile from where the new Vestavia Hills Public Library is being built. James Taylor, the animal control officer for the city says for years, that area has served as the perfect breeding ground for not just coyotes, but raccoons, possums, foxes and deer. "Through all that construction and a little dynamite and all that, it done up rupped the area," Taylor says. "So now the animals are trying to find another location to either roam, feed or breed." He says since construction on the library has begun, he has gotten twice as many calls about coyote sightings. The animals are searching for food in people's backyards, garbage, even in pets like cats and small dogs. And, he adds, if their food supply becomes extremely limited, the coyotes may even try to feed on small children. "Yeah, you have to protect them. You're living in the kind of environment."

He says he's used traps to try to catch the coyotes, but he hasn't had much success, saying the animals are smart enough to avoid the traps. He also says the city hired an outside professional company to help catch the animals. But he says in three weeks time, they only caught one. And Taylor says, because they have been in the area so long, there is no way to totally get rid of them. That's a concern for Sandy Phillips. She had just let her dog, Harper, out before she spotted the coyotes. Now she says when she lets him out, she will take her gun with her. "I don't want to eradicate creatures that have been here longer than we have. I just don’t want them to eat my dog."

Smitherman: We need to support arts and entertainment

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Interim Mayor Smitherman believes more needs to be done to support the arts and entertainment. She says that sector is under represented in city government.

At the Art is Life forum, Smitherman, along with a panel of men and women in the arts got some feedback from citizens on how to improve things. Some say more needs to be done to promote the arts. Others say local artists need more support from the city. Some of the panelists said there needs to be more events and festivals in Birmingham, which could attract more people to the city and boost the economy. Folks were grateful for the opportunity to share their ideas

Another forum begins at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and will be held at the Rock Church located at 424 16th Street North.

Hoover to repair its senior center

Hoover, AL (WBRC) - City Councilors approved $552,000 at their meeting Monday night to repair the city's damaged senior center.

The center, which is located on Municipal Drive was damaged during construction in the area.

Mayor Tony Petelos said the construction caused a major crack in the floor, and one of the walls, and the building had to be shut down because it was too dangerous.

For the last several months, area senior citizens have held events in the old Berry High School.

"The seniors are anxious to move back into their home," said Mayor Petelos, "that is the community home for our seniors. Also we are anxious to get it up and running again because it is in a precarious situation on that slope."

Mayor Petelos said construction should take two to three months, and they hope seniors can return to the building quickly.

Former Bruno's building to be converted into other businesses

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The old Bruno's grocery store on Montclair Road in Birmingham is about to get a makeover.

The Birmingham City Council's Administration Budget and Finance Committee approved a developer's $1 million proposal to go towards renovations.

The building will be converted to climate controlled storage, and three new restaurants will be built in its parking lot. Developers estimate this will bring 100 jobs to the area, and boost sales tax revenue.

Main Street Birmingham and The Shopping Center Group are working together on the project that will cost a total of $3.4 million.

When Bruno's closed, developers said the area lost 130 jobs and about a quarter of a million dollars in sales tax revenue.

Developers said they are excited about this project because it will continue the revitalization effort in that area.

"We've met with neighborhood association, and they are positive about making sure this building doesn't become vacant and blighted," said Hugo Isom at The Shopping Center Group, "And create any more problems for the community."

The Birmingham City Council has to approve the money before any official construction will begin.

They will likely vote on it at their Dec. 1 meeting.

Obama Administration has questions about area stimulus claims

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Two central Alabama organizations are under a national microscope tonight.

The Obama Administration is raising questions about how many jobs were created by stimulus money in those areas.

Talladega County and Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa were cited in a national report released today.

When Congress passed the $787 billion stimulus plan, it was with the promise that the money would save or create at least 3 million jobs over the next 2 years.

In October, the Obama Administration released an early report card showing that the plan had saved or created more than 640,000 jobs with only about 20% of the money spent.

ABC News reported Monday that jobs number would've been much higher if the White House hadn't taken out a list of 12 questionable job creation claims.

On that list of 12 projects, 2 are from Central Alabama.

The White House says Talladega County claimed a $42,000 Department of Justice grant saved 5,000 jobs. But Talladega County's administrator tells FOX6 News, their only justice grant so far is $40,290 and its for computers in sheriff's patrol cars.

FOX6 News' Jonathan Hardison asked Talladega Co. Administrator, J. Wayne Hall, "Is that sheriff's department grant, in your mind, not going to create any new jobs?" "That's correct," Hall replied. "And you guys didn't report that it did either?" "That's correct. I don't know where the information is coming from. I hope it's true." "But in your mind it's not?" Hardison asked.

"That's correct," Hall replied.

Also on a list of what White House officials call "unrealistic" claims is a grant to Shelton State Community College for $27,000 that the chart says saved 14,000 jobs.

Not true, say Shelton State officials who claim a $2 million grant will only save 71 jobs this year.

"We were completely surprised," said Craig Threlkeld, Shelton State's spokesperson. "We had no idea of the numbers that were quoted in the article, we had no idea where those numbers came from."

"The numbers are very unreliable because there was no specific allocation of money in order to save those specific jobs," said Samford's Brock School of Business Professor Larry Harper.

Many economists say even with this list of questionable claims taken out, the stimulus job claims are still hard to believe.

"It's very clearly not performing as was expected," Harper said. "Promises made when the bill was passed was we'd have an unemployment rate a lot lower than it is today."