By Emily Luxen
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Two weeks after a woman was raped in Birmingham's southside, police are still trying to track down the suspect.
Sgt. Johnny Williams said police continue to follow leads. They've increased patrols in the area, but have not made an arrest in the case.
Police have released a composite sketch of the suspect, described as a black male who is 6'2'' tall and weighs about 180 pounds.
Police say the victim was jogging between 6:30am and 7am near Altamont Road when the suspect attacked and raped her nearby. Two days later, the suspect approached another female jogger in the same area, but she got away unharmed. Word of both incidents has spread through the area. Other walkers and joggers are concerned.
"I don't walk home from class, I get a ride home, even if it is on campus," said Katie Johnston. "Anytime after dark, get a ride if you can or walk with one person or a group. Don't do anything alone."
"It's terrible it takes something like that to keep safety in the front of your mind," said Alana Camp, "But, it's good to stay on your toes and keep someone with you at all times."
Police are warning women not to walk or jog alone, not to wear earphones, to stay aware of their surroundings, and carry mace.
If you have any information on this case, you can call
Birmingham police at (205) 254-1764 or Crimestoppers at (205) 254-7777.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Research measures driving in Birmingham
By Jonathan Hardison
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham has the 3rd worst traffic in the nation, according to a new report that measures total driving time.
The study by a group called CEO's for Cities says Birmingham is one of the worst cities for what it calls excess travel, or going farther than you have to. The study finds Birmingham drivers go an extra 1828 miles and spend an extra 85 hours in the car because of having to drive longer distances. And it's not just on the main highways.
"I know I never really, when I'm sitting around at home, think to map out alternative routes to and from work, so I guess it's something that slips everyone's minds until they're caught in traffic," said Jeremy Burgess, a Birmingham driver.
"If I go any farther than Hoover I try to go before 3:30pm, I try to go before 3pm so I can get through all of it or try to get through all of it," said local driver, Teresa Merrill. "No it doesn't surprise me because traffic is awful in Birmingham especially around whenever people get off work. It's awful."
"3rd in the country surprises me," Burgess said. "Top 10, top 20 really wouldn't surprise me what with 280 being the big one. I know that's caused a lot of problems the past several years. And even 65 and 31 can get pretty backed up at times."
As the metro area tries to grow and attract new jobs, traffic nightmares could turn off visitors to the possiblity of living here. But one driver who just moved to the area 5 months ago isn't so sure.
"I think where there's jobs, people will come," said Bernard Craig. "Where there's opportunity, people will come. Regardless of the traffic, if there's money to be made and they can make it, they'll take a bike or motorcycle by whatever means necessary."
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham has the 3rd worst traffic in the nation, according to a new report that measures total driving time.
The study by a group called CEO's for Cities says Birmingham is one of the worst cities for what it calls excess travel, or going farther than you have to. The study finds Birmingham drivers go an extra 1828 miles and spend an extra 85 hours in the car because of having to drive longer distances. And it's not just on the main highways.
"I know I never really, when I'm sitting around at home, think to map out alternative routes to and from work, so I guess it's something that slips everyone's minds until they're caught in traffic," said Jeremy Burgess, a Birmingham driver.
"If I go any farther than Hoover I try to go before 3:30pm, I try to go before 3pm so I can get through all of it or try to get through all of it," said local driver, Teresa Merrill. "No it doesn't surprise me because traffic is awful in Birmingham especially around whenever people get off work. It's awful."
"3rd in the country surprises me," Burgess said. "Top 10, top 20 really wouldn't surprise me what with 280 being the big one. I know that's caused a lot of problems the past several years. And even 65 and 31 can get pretty backed up at times."
As the metro area tries to grow and attract new jobs, traffic nightmares could turn off visitors to the possiblity of living here. But one driver who just moved to the area 5 months ago isn't so sure.
"I think where there's jobs, people will come," said Bernard Craig. "Where there's opportunity, people will come. Regardless of the traffic, if there's money to be made and they can make it, they'll take a bike or motorcycle by whatever means necessary."
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Four men arrested on copper theft charges in Tuscaloosa County
TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) – The Tuscaloosa Sheriff’s Office says they have arrested four individuals in relation to a copper theft.
According to the sheriff’s office, a representative from Black Warrior Methane reported around 4:30 a.m. on Thursday that suspects were stealing copper from a methane well site near Lock 17 Rd. in Brookwood. The suspects were observed trying to steal copper wiring before fleeing from the scene.
The vehicle description was given out and the suspects were found by Brookwood police at a residence on Lock 17 Rd. In their possession was copper and tools.
At the well site, investigators found around 100 feet of copper wire hidden in the bushes adjacent to the well.
35-year-old Michael Shane Kimbrough, 51-year-old Jerry Wayne Sellers, 46-year-old Albert Ray Hodo and 40-year-old William Paul Stephens have all been charged with 2nd degree theft of property.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
According to the sheriff’s office, a representative from Black Warrior Methane reported around 4:30 a.m. on Thursday that suspects were stealing copper from a methane well site near Lock 17 Rd. in Brookwood. The suspects were observed trying to steal copper wiring before fleeing from the scene.
The vehicle description was given out and the suspects were found by Brookwood police at a residence on Lock 17 Rd. In their possession was copper and tools.
At the well site, investigators found around 100 feet of copper wire hidden in the bushes adjacent to the well.
35-year-old Michael Shane Kimbrough, 51-year-old Jerry Wayne Sellers, 46-year-old Albert Ray Hodo and 40-year-old William Paul Stephens have all been charged with 2nd degree theft of property.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Shooting injures three in Montevallo
MONTEVALLO, AL (WBRC) - Montevallo police are investigating a triple shooting that happened at in the Scott Village area of Montevallo. Police say some people got into an argument there around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday night when the argument turned into a physical fight.
Police Chief Steve Holt says the man who was the victim of that fight tried to get away in a car but crashed while trying to escape a short distance from where the fight started. That is when the shooting occurred.
"When the gentleman who was trying to flee, who I believe was the victim of the fight, was surrounded by family members and a large group, the young man opened fire into the crowd," said Holt.
Three people were shot. The shooter was arrested and has been charged with three counts of assault in the 1st. Chief Holt says the shooting victims injuries are not life threatening.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Police Chief Steve Holt says the man who was the victim of that fight tried to get away in a car but crashed while trying to escape a short distance from where the fight started. That is when the shooting occurred.
"When the gentleman who was trying to flee, who I believe was the victim of the fight, was surrounded by family members and a large group, the young man opened fire into the crowd," said Holt.
Three people were shot. The shooter was arrested and has been charged with three counts of assault in the 1st. Chief Holt says the shooting victims injuries are not life threatening.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
New Honda Odyssey unveiled in Lincoln
LINCOLN, AL (WBRC) - The Honda plant in Lincoln unveils the new Odyssey on Thursday.
The Odyssey is one of Honda's top sellers.
The 2011 Odyssey has different outside styling, higher fuel efficiency and more interior versatility.
Workers trained for 3 years to get ready for the production of the new Odyssey.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The Odyssey is one of Honda's top sellers.
The 2011 Odyssey has different outside styling, higher fuel efficiency and more interior versatility.
Workers trained for 3 years to get ready for the production of the new Odyssey.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Fort Payne man likely facing kidnapping charges in Etowah County
HOKES BLUFF, AL (WBRC) – The Etowah County Sheriff’s Department says they have taken a man into custody on kidnapping charges. 35-year-old Billy Joe Greenleaf, Jr., of Fort Payne, was arrested shortly after midnight for the kidnapping of two teenagers in Hokes Bluff.
According to the Sheriff’s office, an 18-year-old male and 17-year-old female were walking in the Hokes Bluff City Park when they were approached by the suspect. Allegedly, Greenleaf asked the male teen to help him with his vehicle. Once the pair was near his gold 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe, Greenleaf pulled a gun and forced the teens into the SUV.
Authorities said that Greenleaf made the male drive the vehicle, but the teens made an escape when they approached a stop sign. Greenleaf was left inside the vehicle. The female teen was able to grab Greenleaf’s firearm during the escape.
Both teens were found safe and returned home.
Hokes Bluff police found the Tahoe at a residence on Rabbittown Rd. They tell FOX6 News that Greenleaf spoke to his girlfriend’s niece at the residence and she agreed to drive him to Fort Payne. The pair was stopped in DeKalb County shortly after midnight with Greenleaf at the wheel of the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Greenleaf was charged with DUI and resisting arrest during the traffic stop. He is being held in the DeKalb County Jail.
“Additional charges are pending for Greenleaf. He will be brought back to the Etowah County Detention Center,” states Hokes Bluff Police Chief Mitchell Hill. “I want to thank every agency for their involvement last night in the capture of this man. We greatly appreciate their help.”
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
According to the Sheriff’s office, an 18-year-old male and 17-year-old female were walking in the Hokes Bluff City Park when they were approached by the suspect. Allegedly, Greenleaf asked the male teen to help him with his vehicle. Once the pair was near his gold 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe, Greenleaf pulled a gun and forced the teens into the SUV.
Authorities said that Greenleaf made the male drive the vehicle, but the teens made an escape when they approached a stop sign. Greenleaf was left inside the vehicle. The female teen was able to grab Greenleaf’s firearm during the escape.
Both teens were found safe and returned home.
Hokes Bluff police found the Tahoe at a residence on Rabbittown Rd. They tell FOX6 News that Greenleaf spoke to his girlfriend’s niece at the residence and she agreed to drive him to Fort Payne. The pair was stopped in DeKalb County shortly after midnight with Greenleaf at the wheel of the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Greenleaf was charged with DUI and resisting arrest during the traffic stop. He is being held in the DeKalb County Jail.
“Additional charges are pending for Greenleaf. He will be brought back to the Etowah County Detention Center,” states Hokes Bluff Police Chief Mitchell Hill. “I want to thank every agency for their involvement last night in the capture of this man. We greatly appreciate their help.”
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Massage parlor owner, employee charged with human trafficking
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – Prosecutors say the owner of the east Birmingham massage parlor, Yoshiko Spa, and an employee there coerced three women to move to Alabama and become prostitutes.
Allegedly, the defendants harbored the women in a place of prostitution and for private financial gain.
Prosecutors call it modern day slavery.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Allegedly, the defendants harbored the women in a place of prostitution and for private financial gain.
Prosecutors call it modern day slavery.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Some U.S. postal workers across Alabama facing charges
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A federal grand jury has charged five postal employees and others with stealing or interfering with the U.S. mail.
U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, in a statement Wednesday afternoon to FOX6 News, announced the following indictments against the following postal employees:
Tameka Moore Thomas, 36, of Homewood, who worked at the Birmingham Downtown Carrier Facility. Moore is charged with stealing mail and articles contained therein, from May 2008 to March 26, 2009. Count One charges her with theft of government property; count two charges theft by a Postal Service employee.
Robin Joel Bagley, 45, of Birmingham, who worked as a mail handler in the Birmingham Processing and Distribution Center Annex. Bagley was charged with delaying mail delivery and theft of mail by a U.S. Postal employee between May 28, 2009, and Oct. 8, 2009.
Jana Kay Mustgrove, 31, of Hanceville, who was a mail carrier at the Cullman Post Office. Mustgrove was charged with delaying mail delivery and theft by a Postal employee, from December 2008 to June 23, 2009.
Jennifer Smith Jeffreys, 34, of Mount Hope, who worked as a rural carrier associate at the Dansville Post Office. Jeffreys was charged with delay and destruction of U.S. mail and theft of mail matter by Postal employee from April 10, 2010, to May 29, 2010.
Angela Denise Crummie, 51, of Tuscaloosa, who worked as a Postal carrier at the Eastside Station Post Office in Tuscaloosa. Crummie was charged with delay or destruction of mail and theft of mail by a Postal employee on March 18, 2010.
Two employees of U.S. Postal contract centers, where Postal products are sold inside other retail outlets, were also indicted:
Brenda Ann Posey, 48, of Hazelgreen, who worked contract unit in Huntsville. Posey was charged with theft of Postal Service funds exceeding $1,000, from Jan. 24, 2008, to Sept. 30, 2009.
Carol Poole Ramsey, 51, of Huntsville, who worked at a contract unit in Huntsville. Ramsey was charged with theft of Postal Service funds exceeding $1,000 between Oct. 28, 2008 to Aug. 26, 2009.
Vance said the grand jury also indicted Raymond Earl Petty, 45, of Fairfield, who did not work for the Postal Service or one of its contract centers, on nine counts of possessing personal checks which were stolen from the U.S. mail between Nov. 6, 2008, and April 9, 2009.
“The United States mail is one of this country’s most respected institutions,” Vance said in the statement. “Businesses and citizens, alike, trust and rely on the efficient operation of the mail system. Postal employees and others who abuse this system do the country a great disservice. They will be prosecuted."
Vance said theft of government property is punishable by a maximum 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Theft of mail matter by a Postal employee, delay and destruction of mail, and possession of stolen mail matter are punishable by a maximum five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Vance said the government will seek forfeiture in cases involving monetary losses, in addition to required restitution orders for victims of these alleged crimes.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, in a statement Wednesday afternoon to FOX6 News, announced the following indictments against the following postal employees:
Tameka Moore Thomas, 36, of Homewood, who worked at the Birmingham Downtown Carrier Facility. Moore is charged with stealing mail and articles contained therein, from May 2008 to March 26, 2009. Count One charges her with theft of government property; count two charges theft by a Postal Service employee.
Robin Joel Bagley, 45, of Birmingham, who worked as a mail handler in the Birmingham Processing and Distribution Center Annex. Bagley was charged with delaying mail delivery and theft of mail by a U.S. Postal employee between May 28, 2009, and Oct. 8, 2009.
Jana Kay Mustgrove, 31, of Hanceville, who was a mail carrier at the Cullman Post Office. Mustgrove was charged with delaying mail delivery and theft by a Postal employee, from December 2008 to June 23, 2009.
Jennifer Smith Jeffreys, 34, of Mount Hope, who worked as a rural carrier associate at the Dansville Post Office. Jeffreys was charged with delay and destruction of U.S. mail and theft of mail matter by Postal employee from April 10, 2010, to May 29, 2010.
Angela Denise Crummie, 51, of Tuscaloosa, who worked as a Postal carrier at the Eastside Station Post Office in Tuscaloosa. Crummie was charged with delay or destruction of mail and theft of mail by a Postal employee on March 18, 2010.
Two employees of U.S. Postal contract centers, where Postal products are sold inside other retail outlets, were also indicted:
Brenda Ann Posey, 48, of Hazelgreen, who worked contract unit in Huntsville. Posey was charged with theft of Postal Service funds exceeding $1,000, from Jan. 24, 2008, to Sept. 30, 2009.
Carol Poole Ramsey, 51, of Huntsville, who worked at a contract unit in Huntsville. Ramsey was charged with theft of Postal Service funds exceeding $1,000 between Oct. 28, 2008 to Aug. 26, 2009.
Vance said the grand jury also indicted Raymond Earl Petty, 45, of Fairfield, who did not work for the Postal Service or one of its contract centers, on nine counts of possessing personal checks which were stolen from the U.S. mail between Nov. 6, 2008, and April 9, 2009.
“The United States mail is one of this country’s most respected institutions,” Vance said in the statement. “Businesses and citizens, alike, trust and rely on the efficient operation of the mail system. Postal employees and others who abuse this system do the country a great disservice. They will be prosecuted."
Vance said theft of government property is punishable by a maximum 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Theft of mail matter by a Postal employee, delay and destruction of mail, and possession of stolen mail matter are punishable by a maximum five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Vance said the government will seek forfeiture in cases involving monetary losses, in addition to required restitution orders for victims of these alleged crimes.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham police report arrest in Project Ice investigation
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – The Birmingham Police Department is reporting they have made an arrest and conviction in a Project Ice investigation.
On Wednesday, 29-year-old Deshun Reaves pled guilty to charges of distributing a controlled substance, use/carry of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.
Reaves has received a sentence of 384 months of imprisonment.
Project Ice is an initiative by the Birmingham Police Department in conjunction with the ATF to investigate state and federal firearms violations.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
On Wednesday, 29-year-old Deshun Reaves pled guilty to charges of distributing a controlled substance, use/carry of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.
Reaves has received a sentence of 384 months of imprisonment.
Project Ice is an initiative by the Birmingham Police Department in conjunction with the ATF to investigate state and federal firearms violations.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Man arrested for targeting children in toy departments in Alabaster
ALABASTER, AL (WBRC) - In Shelby County, Alabaster police arrest a man they say was targeting children in the toy department in at least two stores.
Officers say Cornelius Atchison was caught acting inappropriately with a ten-year old girl and now faces sexual assault charges.
Officers say Atchison was targeting kids in the toy departments of target and Wal-mart.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Officers say Cornelius Atchison was caught acting inappropriately with a ten-year old girl and now faces sexual assault charges.
Officers say Atchison was targeting kids in the toy departments of target and Wal-mart.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Cullman to vote on alcohol sales again
By Emily Luxen
CULLMAN, AL (WBRC) - Residents in Cullman are preparing to once again vote on legalizing alcohol sales in the city. The city clerk has verified more than enough signatures to get the wet/dry referendum on the ballot.
The issue has sparked strong reactions from residents for many years. Since 1984, the issue has come up for a vote 6 times, defeated every time.
Supporters say alcohol sales will bring more money into the city, while opponents claimed it will only bring crime and problems into the community.
"Having lived here and raised children here, I know we have a low crime rate, we don't have all the influences alcohol brings," said opponent June Brooks.
"People go from Cullman to go to Arab to get drinks," said supporter Josh Keaton, "They are going to drink anyway. So why not make it so we can have a bar here, or alcohol stores to help the economy."
The election will be November 2.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
CULLMAN, AL (WBRC) - Residents in Cullman are preparing to once again vote on legalizing alcohol sales in the city. The city clerk has verified more than enough signatures to get the wet/dry referendum on the ballot.
The issue has sparked strong reactions from residents for many years. Since 1984, the issue has come up for a vote 6 times, defeated every time.
Supporters say alcohol sales will bring more money into the city, while opponents claimed it will only bring crime and problems into the community.
"Having lived here and raised children here, I know we have a low crime rate, we don't have all the influences alcohol brings," said opponent June Brooks.
"People go from Cullman to go to Arab to get drinks," said supporter Josh Keaton, "They are going to drink anyway. So why not make it so we can have a bar here, or alcohol stores to help the economy."
The election will be November 2.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
New program tries to ease Alabama prison population
By Melanie Posey
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Murderers, rapists, drug dealers, drug users have Alabama's prisons bursting at the foundation. The system is designed to hold 13,000 prisoners. Currently, there are more than 26,000 prisoners. Part of the problem is due to the large number of non-violent offenders who are sent behind bars when they violate their parole.
In October 2009, the Alabama Department of Corrections joined with the Board of Pardons and Paroles to start a program aimed at rehabilitating without adding to the overcrowding strain.
It's called the Restart Program.
"This is an intensive program that provides whatever programs that offender needs," said Robert Oakes, an assistant director of the Alabama Boardof Pardons and Paroles. "If the offender has a drug problem, it's intensive drug treatment. It could be educational issues, it could be job skills...all those sorts of things."
Oakes says only non-violent offenders can enter the 90-day program only if they've committed a technical violation of their parole. For example, they may have multiple positive drug screens, failed to pay restitution, or check-in with their parole officer.
It does not apply to those who've committed new offenses. And for some, officials say it can be harder than prison itself.
"It's not just a 90-day vacation at a country club. It's a really intensive program they have to work at and they'll find real quickly, it's not fun and definitely not worth doing drugs and having to do the 90 day program," Oakes contends.
While officials say the ultimate goal is public safety, they also admit there's a financial benefit as well. With almost 300 parolees that have started the program, it has saved the state upwards of $2 million.
So is the program working? Officials say out of the 290 parolees that have started it, about 85% have completed it. But in terms of the recidivism rate, or the number of those who stay out of prison on a long-term basis, officials say it will take 3 years to calculate such.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Murderers, rapists, drug dealers, drug users have Alabama's prisons bursting at the foundation. The system is designed to hold 13,000 prisoners. Currently, there are more than 26,000 prisoners. Part of the problem is due to the large number of non-violent offenders who are sent behind bars when they violate their parole.
In October 2009, the Alabama Department of Corrections joined with the Board of Pardons and Paroles to start a program aimed at rehabilitating without adding to the overcrowding strain.
It's called the Restart Program.
"This is an intensive program that provides whatever programs that offender needs," said Robert Oakes, an assistant director of the Alabama Boardof Pardons and Paroles. "If the offender has a drug problem, it's intensive drug treatment. It could be educational issues, it could be job skills...all those sorts of things."
Oakes says only non-violent offenders can enter the 90-day program only if they've committed a technical violation of their parole. For example, they may have multiple positive drug screens, failed to pay restitution, or check-in with their parole officer.
It does not apply to those who've committed new offenses. And for some, officials say it can be harder than prison itself.
"It's not just a 90-day vacation at a country club. It's a really intensive program they have to work at and they'll find real quickly, it's not fun and definitely not worth doing drugs and having to do the 90 day program," Oakes contends.
While officials say the ultimate goal is public safety, they also admit there's a financial benefit as well. With almost 300 parolees that have started the program, it has saved the state upwards of $2 million.
So is the program working? Officials say out of the 290 parolees that have started it, about 85% have completed it. But in terms of the recidivism rate, or the number of those who stay out of prison on a long-term basis, officials say it will take 3 years to calculate such.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Two former Birmingham police officers indicted for civil rights violations
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A federal grand jury on Wednesday indicted two former members of the Birmingham Police Department for using unreasonable force during a January 2008 arrest.
The U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, in a statement Wednesday afternoon to FOX6 News, said David Wayne Doran and Barrett Gene Dewitt were each charged with one count of violating the civil rights of Anthony Warren. The indictment said the officers, while acting in their official capacity, aided and abetted one another in striking Warren with fists, feet and a baton on Jan. 23, 2008. Those blows caused bodily injury to Warren, who was identified in the indictment as A.W.
“Most law enforcement officers work every day to protect us and they earn our confidence by performing their duties with honor and integrity,” Vance said in the statement. “Police officers who use unreasonable force must be brought to account so that we can all feel safe and have trust in the officers who are there to protect us.”
According to the indictment, Dewitt and Doran violated the victim’s civil rights by depriving Warren of his Fourth Amendment constitutional right to be free of unreasonable seizures, which includes the right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by someone acting under the color of law.
The arrest of the suspect gained national attention in 2008 when the arrest of Warren was captured on video by a dashcam inside a Birmingham police officer's patrol car. Prior to the arrest, officers and deputies from Birmingham, Hoover, and Jefferson County chased the suspect for 22 minutes. The chase began in downtown Birmingham and ended in Hoover when an officer nudged the suspect's vehicle as he was attempting to re-enter Interstate 459 at the Highway 31 exit, causing the vehicle to overturn. Just moments before the chase ended, the video showed the suspect's vehicle striking and injuring a Hoover police officer on foot.
The video was not released to the public until three months after the incident when the district attorney's office contacted Birmingham city officials. Five Birmingham officers were ultimately fired for their role in the incident.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, in a statement Wednesday afternoon to FOX6 News, said David Wayne Doran and Barrett Gene Dewitt were each charged with one count of violating the civil rights of Anthony Warren. The indictment said the officers, while acting in their official capacity, aided and abetted one another in striking Warren with fists, feet and a baton on Jan. 23, 2008. Those blows caused bodily injury to Warren, who was identified in the indictment as A.W.
“Most law enforcement officers work every day to protect us and they earn our confidence by performing their duties with honor and integrity,” Vance said in the statement. “Police officers who use unreasonable force must be brought to account so that we can all feel safe and have trust in the officers who are there to protect us.”
According to the indictment, Dewitt and Doran violated the victim’s civil rights by depriving Warren of his Fourth Amendment constitutional right to be free of unreasonable seizures, which includes the right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by someone acting under the color of law.
The arrest of the suspect gained national attention in 2008 when the arrest of Warren was captured on video by a dashcam inside a Birmingham police officer's patrol car. Prior to the arrest, officers and deputies from Birmingham, Hoover, and Jefferson County chased the suspect for 22 minutes. The chase began in downtown Birmingham and ended in Hoover when an officer nudged the suspect's vehicle as he was attempting to re-enter Interstate 459 at the Highway 31 exit, causing the vehicle to overturn. Just moments before the chase ended, the video showed the suspect's vehicle striking and injuring a Hoover police officer on foot.
The video was not released to the public until three months after the incident when the district attorney's office contacted Birmingham city officials. Five Birmingham officers were ultimately fired for their role in the incident.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Jefferson County man pleads guilty to child porn charges
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A 66-year-old Jefferson County man pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to distributing and possessing images of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, in a statement Wednesday to FOX6 News, said Walter D. Spruill entered the guilty please before U.S. District Judge Virginia Emerson Hopkins and acknowledged that, between May 20 and June 23, 2010, he used the internet to distribute and possess child pornography.
“Anyone who distributes images of child pornography repeats the hurt those children suffer when the awful images are made, and perpetuates the vile industry that profits from the abuse and devastation of those children,” Vance said in the statement. “The community, and those who violate the law need to know that law enforcement is on the Internet working to stop such criminal activity and prosecute those engaging in it.”
Vance said according to the plea agreement, Spruill distributed the images to undercover police officers in Indiana and Illinois. On June 23, 2010, he sent an image to an undercover officer in Indiana and told the officer the child was his granddaughter and he was going to molest her that night. The police in Indiana immediately contacted law enforcement in Alabama who obtained and executed a search warrant at Spruill's residence that same day. After additional investigation, police determined the images of that young girl were not pictures of Spruill's granddaughter.
Vance said police did not locate any such child at Spruill's residence, but did find hundreds of images of child pornography on his computer.
Spruill is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 13, 2011. Vance said he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for distribution of child pornography and 10 years for possession of child pornography.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, in a statement Wednesday to FOX6 News, said Walter D. Spruill entered the guilty please before U.S. District Judge Virginia Emerson Hopkins and acknowledged that, between May 20 and June 23, 2010, he used the internet to distribute and possess child pornography.
“Anyone who distributes images of child pornography repeats the hurt those children suffer when the awful images are made, and perpetuates the vile industry that profits from the abuse and devastation of those children,” Vance said in the statement. “The community, and those who violate the law need to know that law enforcement is on the Internet working to stop such criminal activity and prosecute those engaging in it.”
Vance said according to the plea agreement, Spruill distributed the images to undercover police officers in Indiana and Illinois. On June 23, 2010, he sent an image to an undercover officer in Indiana and told the officer the child was his granddaughter and he was going to molest her that night. The police in Indiana immediately contacted law enforcement in Alabama who obtained and executed a search warrant at Spruill's residence that same day. After additional investigation, police determined the images of that young girl were not pictures of Spruill's granddaughter.
Vance said police did not locate any such child at Spruill's residence, but did find hundreds of images of child pornography on his computer.
Spruill is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 13, 2011. Vance said he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for distribution of child pornography and 10 years for possession of child pornography.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Hoover police search for robbery suspects
HOOVER, AL (WBRC) - Hoover Police are searching for two men wanted in connection with two recent robberies at the Ridge Crossings Apartment Complex on Highway 150.
Hoover Police, in a statement Wednesday to FOX6 News, released a composite sketch of what they believe one of the suspects looks like. He is described as a white male in his early to mid 20s, approximately 5'10" tall and weighs 150 to 165 lbs. He is described as skinny, wearing baggy clothing, and wore a ball type cap turned to the side.
The other suspect is a black male in his early to mid 20’s. He is approximately 6’ tall and weighs over 200 lbs. He is described as having a heavier body type.
Investigators said the two men are wanted in connection with two robberies that have occurred within the last 10 days at the Ridge Crossings Apartment Complex on Highway 150. The first robbery occurred on Sunday, September 19, at about 7:00 p.m. near the 2700 building when a white male suspect and a black male suspect robbed a take-out food delivery driver at gunpoint.
Detectives said the second robbery occurred on Friday, September 24, near the 2600
building when a white male suspect and a black male suspect again robbed a victim at gunpoint.
Detectives said they believe the same individuals likely committed both robberies. The suspects were seen in the area in a newer, silver Honda Civic or similar vehicle.
If any has information about these crimes or suspects, they are asked to call Hoover Police Detective Todd Henningsen at 205-444-7534 or Detective Clint Blackmon at 205-444-7582.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Hoover Police, in a statement Wednesday to FOX6 News, released a composite sketch of what they believe one of the suspects looks like. He is described as a white male in his early to mid 20s, approximately 5'10" tall and weighs 150 to 165 lbs. He is described as skinny, wearing baggy clothing, and wore a ball type cap turned to the side.
The other suspect is a black male in his early to mid 20’s. He is approximately 6’ tall and weighs over 200 lbs. He is described as having a heavier body type.
Investigators said the two men are wanted in connection with two robberies that have occurred within the last 10 days at the Ridge Crossings Apartment Complex on Highway 150. The first robbery occurred on Sunday, September 19, at about 7:00 p.m. near the 2700 building when a white male suspect and a black male suspect robbed a take-out food delivery driver at gunpoint.
Detectives said the second robbery occurred on Friday, September 24, near the 2600
building when a white male suspect and a black male suspect again robbed a victim at gunpoint.
Detectives said they believe the same individuals likely committed both robberies. The suspects were seen in the area in a newer, silver Honda Civic or similar vehicle.
If any has information about these crimes or suspects, they are asked to call Hoover Police Detective Todd Henningsen at 205-444-7534 or Detective Clint Blackmon at 205-444-7582.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
JeffCo Commission approves revised budget
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A majority of the Jefferson County Commission voted Wednesday to approve a $763 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, one day after voting down a similar budget.
The commission held a special meeting Wednesday and, by a 3-1 vote, approved the $763 million budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Commissioner Bobby Humphryes voted no, saying he still had serious concerns about the county's ability to sustain itself under this new budget. Humphryes wanted to extend the current budget into the new fiscal year, which begins Friday.
Commissioner Sheila Smoot abstained, but said she would switch her vote to 'yes' once she received additional information about the budget.
The budget passed Wednesday included $53.8 million for the sheriff's department, which was not enough to allow the sheriff to open the county jail in Bessemer.
Jefferson County commissioners were trying to find a budget they could all agree on. There were several issues that kept most of the commissioners from voting yes to the proposed budget in Tuesday's meeting, including the salary for a court-appointed sewer receiver and transparency in spending.
Commissioners initially said they had to budget about $2 million to cover the $500 per hour salary for John Young, the man appointed by the court to fix the county's sewer debt crisis. Commissioner George Bowman said that was too much and wanted that number reduced. Ultimately, the commission agreed to reduce that to $1 million.
Other issues brought up with the budget included questions of transparency and concerns the budget was not sustainable.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The commission held a special meeting Wednesday and, by a 3-1 vote, approved the $763 million budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Commissioner Bobby Humphryes voted no, saying he still had serious concerns about the county's ability to sustain itself under this new budget. Humphryes wanted to extend the current budget into the new fiscal year, which begins Friday.
Commissioner Sheila Smoot abstained, but said she would switch her vote to 'yes' once she received additional information about the budget.
The budget passed Wednesday included $53.8 million for the sheriff's department, which was not enough to allow the sheriff to open the county jail in Bessemer.
Jefferson County commissioners were trying to find a budget they could all agree on. There were several issues that kept most of the commissioners from voting yes to the proposed budget in Tuesday's meeting, including the salary for a court-appointed sewer receiver and transparency in spending.
Commissioners initially said they had to budget about $2 million to cover the $500 per hour salary for John Young, the man appointed by the court to fix the county's sewer debt crisis. Commissioner George Bowman said that was too much and wanted that number reduced. Ultimately, the commission agreed to reduce that to $1 million.
Other issues brought up with the budget included questions of transparency and concerns the budget was not sustainable.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Two arrested for stealing copper from active power station
HOOVER, AL (WBRC) – Two suspected copper thieves avoided the worst possible outcome for their activities when they were arrested on Sunday. 29-year-old Michael James Bell and 23-year-old Joshua Neal Lee were charged with 2nd degree theft of property after police say they found them trying to steal copper from an active power station.
The incident happened around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday on Data Drive in Hoover. Hoover police say they were alerted to a theft in progress by a witness. The officers set up a perimeter and took the suspects into custody after they tried to escape into the woods. The copper was recovered.
Officers say the suspects were greatly endangering their lives by stealing from an active power station.
Both men are being held in the Jefferson County Jail.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The incident happened around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday on Data Drive in Hoover. Hoover police say they were alerted to a theft in progress by a witness. The officers set up a perimeter and took the suspects into custody after they tried to escape into the woods. The copper was recovered.
Officers say the suspects were greatly endangering their lives by stealing from an active power station.
Both men are being held in the Jefferson County Jail.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
City leaders in Tuscaloosa have agreed on a new budget that will leave them with a surplus.
TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) - City leaders in Tuscaloosa have agreed on a new budget that will leave them with a surplus.
The $110 million budget covers the cost of health insurance for city employees while funding the back end of a 4% cost of living raise initiated in April.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The $110 million budget covers the cost of health insurance for city employees while funding the back end of a 4% cost of living raise initiated in April.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Five arrested on home invasion charges in Pickens County
PICKENS COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - In Pickens County, five people have been arrested in connection with a recent home invasion. It happened last Tuesday in Aliceville.
Investigators say the suspects tied up a husband and wife, ransacked their home and forced the husband to withdraw money from an ATM.
We will have more on this story coming up on FOX6 News at 5:00 p.m.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Investigators say the suspects tied up a husband and wife, ransacked their home and forced the husband to withdraw money from an ATM.
We will have more on this story coming up on FOX6 News at 5:00 p.m.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Wet/dry referendum will be on ballot in Cullman
CULLMAN, AL (WBRC) - The voters of Cullman will see another wet/dry referendum on the ballot this November.
The Cullman city clerk said Wednesday afternoon 1,196 people had signed a petition to get the referendum on the November ballot. Only 1,022 were needed.
A developer wants to build a large shopping complex in Cullman. He says the site could double in size if the city of Cullman allows alcohol sales.
Cullman voters have said "no" to alcohol a number of times in the past.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The Cullman city clerk said Wednesday afternoon 1,196 people had signed a petition to get the referendum on the November ballot. Only 1,022 were needed.
A developer wants to build a large shopping complex in Cullman. He says the site could double in size if the city of Cullman allows alcohol sales.
Cullman voters have said "no" to alcohol a number of times in the past.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Gubernatorial candidate Bentley tours Trinity hospital site
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – A candidate for Alabama’s governor’s seat took the time to tour the site of the new digital hospital on Highway 280 on Wednesday morning. Dr. Robert Bentley toured the site of the Trinity digital hospital to see what an economic impact the medical center would have on the area.
Trinity Medical Center was recently given the green light to move their operation to Highway 280 from Montclair Road by the State Certificate of Need Board. Trinity hopes the move to the newer facility will create a large economic impact for the state.
Bentley may give a statement on the tour after it is done.
Stay with this story for more information as it becomes available.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Trinity Medical Center was recently given the green light to move their operation to Highway 280 from Montclair Road by the State Certificate of Need Board. Trinity hopes the move to the newer facility will create a large economic impact for the state.
Bentley may give a statement on the tour after it is done.
Stay with this story for more information as it becomes available.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Former Commissioner Gary White to report to prison
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - Former Jefferson County Commissioner Gary White reports to prison on Wednesday.
White was sentenced to ten years for convictions stemming from the federal investigation of the county sewer system.
In late August, a judge gave White an extra month of freedom while considering his motion for bond while appealing his case.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
White was sentenced to ten years for convictions stemming from the federal investigation of the county sewer system.
In late August, a judge gave White an extra month of freedom while considering his motion for bond while appealing his case.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Country Crossing owner asking to be arrested
DOTHAN, AL (WBRC) - The bingo battle is heating up again, this time in south Alabama.
The owner of Country Crossing Casino near Dothan has called on Governor Riley to arrest him. The governor's task force on illegal gambling tried raiding the facility three times saying the electronic bingo machines are illegal. Country Crossing shut down and managed to avoid a raid.
Country Crossing’s owner, Ronnie Gilley, says the machines are legal and wants to be arrested to get the issue resolved in court.
Gilley says he plans to reopen the casino early next year. That is around the same time Governor Riley leaves office.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The owner of Country Crossing Casino near Dothan has called on Governor Riley to arrest him. The governor's task force on illegal gambling tried raiding the facility three times saying the electronic bingo machines are illegal. Country Crossing shut down and managed to avoid a raid.
Country Crossing’s owner, Ronnie Gilley, says the machines are legal and wants to be arrested to get the issue resolved in court.
Gilley says he plans to reopen the casino early next year. That is around the same time Governor Riley leaves office.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
JeffCo treasurer forced to turn money over
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A judge has decided the Jefferson County treasurer must turn over more than $20 million she has been holding from giving to the county commission.
Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Boohaker issued a ruling Tuesday afternoon, demanding county treasurer Jennifer Champion turn over more than $20 million she had withheld from the county commission.
The Jefferson County Commission sued Champion to force her to release the money. Champion refused to do so because she wanted to first know how the commission planned to spend it.
Attorneys representing the commission and treasurer Jennifer Champion met Monday morning for a hearing before Judge Boohaker. Attorneys for the commission claimed Champion was illegally holding up almost $25 million due to the county.
Champion claimed she has the right to question how the commission spends the money.
Before Tuesday's ruling, Champion did release $3 million to help the county make payroll as requested in Monday's hearing.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Boohaker issued a ruling Tuesday afternoon, demanding county treasurer Jennifer Champion turn over more than $20 million she had withheld from the county commission.
The Jefferson County Commission sued Champion to force her to release the money. Champion refused to do so because she wanted to first know how the commission planned to spend it.
Attorneys representing the commission and treasurer Jennifer Champion met Monday morning for a hearing before Judge Boohaker. Attorneys for the commission claimed Champion was illegally holding up almost $25 million due to the county.
Champion claimed she has the right to question how the commission spends the money.
Before Tuesday's ruling, Champion did release $3 million to help the county make payroll as requested in Monday's hearing.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham goes pink Friday
By Ashley Nix
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Birmingham will “go pink” once again this year.
City Hall, the fountains at Linn Park, and other city facilities will be lit up at night with pink lights. In addition, UAB Hospital will participate and a normally yellow cab is painted pink too!
Birmingham city leaders will wear pink and turn city hall into a lighter shade on the color wheel, too.
The hope is to bring awareness to mammograms and other preventative measures for both men and women.
Doctors say one in every eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Birmingham will “go pink” once again this year.
City Hall, the fountains at Linn Park, and other city facilities will be lit up at night with pink lights. In addition, UAB Hospital will participate and a normally yellow cab is painted pink too!
Birmingham city leaders will wear pink and turn city hall into a lighter shade on the color wheel, too.
The hope is to bring awareness to mammograms and other preventative measures for both men and women.
Doctors say one in every eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham amnesty program to start Friday
By Ashley Nix
An amnesty program in Birmingham will start in October for parking tickets and library fines.
Birmingham Mayor William Bell said he hopes the plan will give people a break on fines and also bring in revenues for the city.
The amnesty program will change in November. Residents then will be able to pay off other municipal fines, like business license fees, occupational taxes, sales tax and lease tax, without penalty.
When residents are paying, any overdue fines will not be counted... only the original amount for the ticket or fine will be charged.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
An amnesty program in Birmingham will start in October for parking tickets and library fines.
Birmingham Mayor William Bell said he hopes the plan will give people a break on fines and also bring in revenues for the city.
The amnesty program will change in November. Residents then will be able to pay off other municipal fines, like business license fees, occupational taxes, sales tax and lease tax, without penalty.
When residents are paying, any overdue fines will not be counted... only the original amount for the ticket or fine will be charged.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
City allocates up to $600,000 in legal fees
By Ashley Nix
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham’s city council voted Tuesday to allocate up to $600,000 in legal fees for attorneys who don’t work for the city.
The fees will be used for outside legal counsel to help the city in several legal cases the city is involved in.
Some councilors expressed concern over the amount of money, but the council went into an executive session to discuss why the outside attorneys were necessary.
Councilor Steven Hoyt said using in-house attorneys is sometimes inappropriate.
"I realize, after I was given information, there is sometimes a conflict of interest," Hoyt said. "If there's a conflict of interest we wouldn't want to do that."
The money will come out of the legal department’s budget and Hoyt hopes the full allocated amount will not be spent.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham’s city council voted Tuesday to allocate up to $600,000 in legal fees for attorneys who don’t work for the city.
The fees will be used for outside legal counsel to help the city in several legal cases the city is involved in.
Some councilors expressed concern over the amount of money, but the council went into an executive session to discuss why the outside attorneys were necessary.
Councilor Steven Hoyt said using in-house attorneys is sometimes inappropriate.
"I realize, after I was given information, there is sometimes a conflict of interest," Hoyt said. "If there's a conflict of interest we wouldn't want to do that."
The money will come out of the legal department’s budget and Hoyt hopes the full allocated amount will not be spent.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Former corrections officer arrested for assault
GADSDEN, AL (WBRC) - A former employee with the Etowah County Sheriff's Office has been arrested for assault.
Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin, in a statement Tuesday afternoon to FOX6 News, said Alfonso Horatio Kimble, 39, of Gadsden, was arrested and charged with one count of second degree assault.
Sheriff Entrekin said the incident occurred September 18 at a residence in Glencoe when Kimble apparently assaulted the victim after the two individuals got into a verbal argument.
Sheriff Entrekin said Trimble was employed by the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, as a corrections officer, and has since resigned from his position.
Kimble was booked into the Etowah County Detention Center and released on $2,500 bond.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin, in a statement Tuesday afternoon to FOX6 News, said Alfonso Horatio Kimble, 39, of Gadsden, was arrested and charged with one count of second degree assault.
Sheriff Entrekin said the incident occurred September 18 at a residence in Glencoe when Kimble apparently assaulted the victim after the two individuals got into a verbal argument.
Sheriff Entrekin said Trimble was employed by the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, as a corrections officer, and has since resigned from his position.
Kimble was booked into the Etowah County Detention Center and released on $2,500 bond.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Two arrested on meth and theft charges
ETOWAH COUNTY, AL (WBRC) – The Etowah County Sheriff’s office says they have charged two people with meth manufacturing and receiving stolen property.
25-year-old Stephen Aaron Jones and 37-year-old Kenneth James Bishop were arrested after an anonymous call came into the sheriff’s office. The caller said there was a stolen vehicle at a residence on Oakes Road in the Carlisle Community. Deputies arriving on the scene found that neither Jones nor Bishop could prove ownership of the suspected stolen 1997 Infinity Q-45. After receiving consent to search the vehicle, deputies found a working meth lab in the trunk.
Jones and Bishop have each been charged with one count of first degree manufacturing and one count of receiving stolen property. They are being held in the Etowah County Detention Center.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
25-year-old Stephen Aaron Jones and 37-year-old Kenneth James Bishop were arrested after an anonymous call came into the sheriff’s office. The caller said there was a stolen vehicle at a residence on Oakes Road in the Carlisle Community. Deputies arriving on the scene found that neither Jones nor Bishop could prove ownership of the suspected stolen 1997 Infinity Q-45. After receiving consent to search the vehicle, deputies found a working meth lab in the trunk.
Jones and Bishop have each been charged with one count of first degree manufacturing and one count of receiving stolen property. They are being held in the Etowah County Detention Center.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Ribbon cutting ceremony set for Tuesday for Corner High School
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - On Tuesday, Jefferson County cuts the ribbon on the last of four new schools to open this year.
At 1:30 p.m., a ceremony is scheduled at Corner High School.
Other new schools to open this year in Jefferson County include: McAdory Middle, Brighton K-8 School and Pleasant Grove High School.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
At 1:30 p.m., a ceremony is scheduled at Corner High School.
Other new schools to open this year in Jefferson County include: McAdory Middle, Brighton K-8 School and Pleasant Grove High School.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham police investigating possible drive-by shooting
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Officers are looking into a possible drive by shooting at Ninth Avenue and Huron Street in Wylam.
Officers say a female victim was shot. She was taken to the hospital. There is no word on her condition or any suspects.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Officers say a female victim was shot. She was taken to the hospital. There is no word on her condition or any suspects.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
JeffCo Commission votes against budget proposal
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A majority of the Jefferson County Commission voted against a budget proposal Wednesday, forcing them to continue debate on the county's operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The commission, by a 4-1 vote, refused to approve the 2011 fiscal budget set to take effect Friday. Commission President Bettye Fine Collins was the only commissioner who voted in favor of the budget proposal.
Collins immediately called a special meeting for Wednesday to reconsider the budget proposal.
Commissioners began debating the budget proposal Tuesday morning when commissioner George Bowman objected to spending $2 million to cover the cost of John Young, the receiver appointed by a judge to fix the county's sewer debt crisis. Bowman wanted the money taken out of the budget until county attorneys could ask the judge to lower the receiver's $500 per hour salary, but commissioners refused.
Commissioner Sheila Smoot also objected to the budget proposal, saying there were too many unanswered questions, including legal fees, and Commissioner Bobby Humphryes said he did not like spending so much money with a lawsuit still pending over the county's occupational tax.
Commissioner Jim Carns also voted against the budget.
In addition to the budget vote, commissioners were also scheduled to cast a second vote whether or not to give Sheriff Mike Hale almost $5 million to open the new Bessemer Jail, but that vote did not occur. Not every commissioner agreed with the plan. Some said Hale should hire civilian correction officers instead of more expensive deputies and other commissioners questioned whether it is wise to dip into reserve funds to get the extra money for the sheriff's department.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The commission, by a 4-1 vote, refused to approve the 2011 fiscal budget set to take effect Friday. Commission President Bettye Fine Collins was the only commissioner who voted in favor of the budget proposal.
Collins immediately called a special meeting for Wednesday to reconsider the budget proposal.
Commissioners began debating the budget proposal Tuesday morning when commissioner George Bowman objected to spending $2 million to cover the cost of John Young, the receiver appointed by a judge to fix the county's sewer debt crisis. Bowman wanted the money taken out of the budget until county attorneys could ask the judge to lower the receiver's $500 per hour salary, but commissioners refused.
Commissioner Sheila Smoot also objected to the budget proposal, saying there were too many unanswered questions, including legal fees, and Commissioner Bobby Humphryes said he did not like spending so much money with a lawsuit still pending over the county's occupational tax.
Commissioner Jim Carns also voted against the budget.
In addition to the budget vote, commissioners were also scheduled to cast a second vote whether or not to give Sheriff Mike Hale almost $5 million to open the new Bessemer Jail, but that vote did not occur. Not every commissioner agreed with the plan. Some said Hale should hire civilian correction officers instead of more expensive deputies and other commissioners questioned whether it is wise to dip into reserve funds to get the extra money for the sheriff's department.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Meeting could push Birmingham leaders' plans forward
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A specially called meeting on Tuesday could impact Birmingham city leaders’ plans to revive the Magic City.
The BJCC Board will meet to discuss plans to fund a 300-room four star hotel in downtown Birmingham. This hotel would be the centerpiece of the new entertainment district city leaders are hoping to build. It would also include bars and restaurants.
The new Westin would make a total of a thousand hotel rooms within walking distance of the BJCC. It would be a big draw for potential convention customers.
Money for the Westin hotel would come from an increase in the city's lodging tax. It is a vote that Mayor William Bell has been working toward for months now and hopes the meeting will see the vote passed. Just last Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council approved language that said they intended to raise the tax from 3% to 6.5% per cent.
Birmingham's proposed downtown baseball park would also be funded by the lodging tax, but separate from the Westin hotel development
Mayor Bell meets with the BJCC Board at 6:00 p.m. FOX6 News will be there to bring you the latest developments.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The BJCC Board will meet to discuss plans to fund a 300-room four star hotel in downtown Birmingham. This hotel would be the centerpiece of the new entertainment district city leaders are hoping to build. It would also include bars and restaurants.
The new Westin would make a total of a thousand hotel rooms within walking distance of the BJCC. It would be a big draw for potential convention customers.
Money for the Westin hotel would come from an increase in the city's lodging tax. It is a vote that Mayor William Bell has been working toward for months now and hopes the meeting will see the vote passed. Just last Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council approved language that said they intended to raise the tax from 3% to 6.5% per cent.
Birmingham's proposed downtown baseball park would also be funded by the lodging tax, but separate from the Westin hotel development
Mayor Bell meets with the BJCC Board at 6:00 p.m. FOX6 News will be there to bring you the latest developments.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Police name suspect in weekend killing
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – The Birmingham Police Department has identified the suspect in a shooting that left a woman dead over the weekend.
25-year-old Herbert Nelson is charged with the murder of 23-year-old Erika Hall. The shooting took place just before 3:00 p.m. Saturday on 49th Street in Ensley.
Nelson is in the custody of the Birmingham City Jail.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
25-year-old Herbert Nelson is charged with the murder of 23-year-old Erika Hall. The shooting took place just before 3:00 p.m. Saturday on 49th Street in Ensley.
Nelson is in the custody of the Birmingham City Jail.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Jeffco Commissioners pondering budget vote for 2011
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A big vote will be made Tuesday morning for Jefferson County commissioners. They will decide whether to approve an $814 million budget for the new fiscal year.
Commissioners began debating the budget Tuesday morning when commissioner George Bowman objected to spending $2 million to cover the cost of John Young, the receiver appointed by a judge to fix the county's sewer debt crisis. Bowman wanted the money taken out of the budget until county attorneys could ask the judge to lower the receiver's $500 per hour salary, but commissioners refused.
Commissioner Sheila Smoot also objected to the budget proposal, saying there were too many unanswered questions, including legal fees, and Commissioner Bobby Humphryes said he did not like spending so much money with a lawsuit still pending over the county's occupational tax.
In addition to the budget vote, commissioners were also scheduled to cast a second vote whether or not to give Sheriff Mike Hale almost $5 million to open the new Bessemer Jail. Not every commissioner agrees with the plan. Some say Hale should hire civilian correction officers instead of more expensive deputies and other commissioners question whether it is wise to dip into reserve funds to get the extra money for the sheriff's department.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Commissioners began debating the budget Tuesday morning when commissioner George Bowman objected to spending $2 million to cover the cost of John Young, the receiver appointed by a judge to fix the county's sewer debt crisis. Bowman wanted the money taken out of the budget until county attorneys could ask the judge to lower the receiver's $500 per hour salary, but commissioners refused.
Commissioner Sheila Smoot also objected to the budget proposal, saying there were too many unanswered questions, including legal fees, and Commissioner Bobby Humphryes said he did not like spending so much money with a lawsuit still pending over the county's occupational tax.
In addition to the budget vote, commissioners were also scheduled to cast a second vote whether or not to give Sheriff Mike Hale almost $5 million to open the new Bessemer Jail. Not every commissioner agrees with the plan. Some say Hale should hire civilian correction officers instead of more expensive deputies and other commissioners question whether it is wise to dip into reserve funds to get the extra money for the sheriff's department.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Shelby County passes 2010-2011 budget
By Emily Luxen
COLUMBIANA, AL (WBRC) - The Shelby County Commission unanimously passed an $81.8 million budget for fiscal year 2010-2011. The budget is about 3% smaller than last year's.
The budget includes reduced operating expenses for several county departments including the sheriff's department.
Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry said he will not have to layoff any employees, but he cannot hire. There will also be reduced funding for the Shelby County Drug Task Force.
"It's very frustrating," said Sheriff Curry. "It's frustrating when you have professional people who know what we need. We know what the solution is, but we can't get there."
Sheriff Curry said the population in Shelby County continues to grow, and crime is on the rise. So he is asking citizens to help deputies. "We're going to have to work with citizens to look after the county. There are steps they can take within their community, like cameras, and neighborhood watch patrols. We are going to encourage those kind of things."
The budget goes into effect October 1.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
COLUMBIANA, AL (WBRC) - The Shelby County Commission unanimously passed an $81.8 million budget for fiscal year 2010-2011. The budget is about 3% smaller than last year's.
The budget includes reduced operating expenses for several county departments including the sheriff's department.
Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry said he will not have to layoff any employees, but he cannot hire. There will also be reduced funding for the Shelby County Drug Task Force.
"It's very frustrating," said Sheriff Curry. "It's frustrating when you have professional people who know what we need. We know what the solution is, but we can't get there."
Sheriff Curry said the population in Shelby County continues to grow, and crime is on the rise. So he is asking citizens to help deputies. "We're going to have to work with citizens to look after the county. There are steps they can take within their community, like cameras, and neighborhood watch patrols. We are going to encourage those kind of things."
The budget goes into effect October 1.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Tuscaloosa to get 3D IMax movie theater
By Kelvin Reynolds
TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) - Tuscaloosa will get a movie theater makeover in coming months.
Birmingham-based Cobb Theaters announced that Tuscaloosa's Cobb Hollywood 16 will be converted to a 3-D Imax theater. There are about 400 Imax theaters in the world. The company is installing 4 new Imax theaters in the southeast.
Tuscaloosa's Imax is scheduled to be completed by March of 2011.
Imax movie screens are much larger than normal movie screens. It will also come with digital audio. Teresa Lewis, economic development coordinator for the city of Tuscaloosa says, "There are only 3 in Alabama. The McWane Science Center, the Space and Rocket Center in Hunstville, and the Imax in Mobile. So for Tuscaloosa to be able to offer this for our region and visitors in Tuscaloosa is just going to be a tremendous economic boost."
Imax theater tickets are more expensive than other movies. It's unclear how high those ticket prices will be.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) - Tuscaloosa will get a movie theater makeover in coming months.
Birmingham-based Cobb Theaters announced that Tuscaloosa's Cobb Hollywood 16 will be converted to a 3-D Imax theater. There are about 400 Imax theaters in the world. The company is installing 4 new Imax theaters in the southeast.
Tuscaloosa's Imax is scheduled to be completed by March of 2011.
Imax movie screens are much larger than normal movie screens. It will also come with digital audio. Teresa Lewis, economic development coordinator for the city of Tuscaloosa says, "There are only 3 in Alabama. The McWane Science Center, the Space and Rocket Center in Hunstville, and the Imax in Mobile. So for Tuscaloosa to be able to offer this for our region and visitors in Tuscaloosa is just going to be a tremendous economic boost."
Imax theater tickets are more expensive than other movies. It's unclear how high those ticket prices will be.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Southwest says airfare will lower if major purchase is approved
By Jonathan Hardison
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Southwest Airlines is acquiring AirTran. Southwest say it means lower fares for you.
Southwest is the largest airline flying from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, serving an average of 3500 passengers a day. The main reason they pulled the trigger on the $1.4 billion AirTran deal, airline officials say, was to get access to Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport.
So with their eyes on a major hub just a couple of hours away, Southwest promises to continue serving Birmingham, but whether that's more or less service is a question they're not yet ready to answer. With the Atlanta hub only a half-hour flight away, some local travelers are worried the merger could mean fewer direct flights from Birmingham to other cities in the southeast, and more flying through Atlanta to get almost everywhere else like Delta travelers have to do now.
"We have a very strong successful route network in and of itself, including Birmingham," said Linda Rutherford, a Southwest spokesperson. "So it would be way too premature to be worried about what service levels might or might not look like."
Dr. Larry Harper is a Samford University business professor who studies the airline industry. He said, "I don't see the routes to New Orleans or Louisville, the ones that are successful, disappearing."
Dr. Harper says there may be a benefit for Southwest fliers out of Birmingham. "Adding the AirTran schedules to that gives us as consumers from Birmingham better options to get to international places on low-cost airlines."
Rutherford said, "We see that our current destinations are going to have access to markets they haven't been able to fly to before. We see that as a way we can be able to offer more low-fare destinations, extend the network."
Despite Southwest's reassuring sound bites Monday, one frequent flier isn't so sure this will help.
"It'll probably mean prices go up, which isn't good because I don't make that much money," said Justin Stokes
Stokes said he thinks there could be some benefits if Southwest ends up adding routes to Birmingham because of this merger.
The airline thinks it will take months for federal regulators to approve the deal. If it's approved, it could take up to 2 years to complete.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Southwest Airlines is acquiring AirTran. Southwest say it means lower fares for you.
Southwest is the largest airline flying from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, serving an average of 3500 passengers a day. The main reason they pulled the trigger on the $1.4 billion AirTran deal, airline officials say, was to get access to Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport.
So with their eyes on a major hub just a couple of hours away, Southwest promises to continue serving Birmingham, but whether that's more or less service is a question they're not yet ready to answer. With the Atlanta hub only a half-hour flight away, some local travelers are worried the merger could mean fewer direct flights from Birmingham to other cities in the southeast, and more flying through Atlanta to get almost everywhere else like Delta travelers have to do now.
"We have a very strong successful route network in and of itself, including Birmingham," said Linda Rutherford, a Southwest spokesperson. "So it would be way too premature to be worried about what service levels might or might not look like."
Dr. Larry Harper is a Samford University business professor who studies the airline industry. He said, "I don't see the routes to New Orleans or Louisville, the ones that are successful, disappearing."
Dr. Harper says there may be a benefit for Southwest fliers out of Birmingham. "Adding the AirTran schedules to that gives us as consumers from Birmingham better options to get to international places on low-cost airlines."
Rutherford said, "We see that our current destinations are going to have access to markets they haven't been able to fly to before. We see that as a way we can be able to offer more low-fare destinations, extend the network."
Despite Southwest's reassuring sound bites Monday, one frequent flier isn't so sure this will help.
"It'll probably mean prices go up, which isn't good because I don't make that much money," said Justin Stokes
Stokes said he thinks there could be some benefits if Southwest ends up adding routes to Birmingham because of this merger.
The airline thinks it will take months for federal regulators to approve the deal. If it's approved, it could take up to 2 years to complete.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Carbon monoxide found to be cause behind Hueytown deaths
HUEYTOWN, AL (WBRC) – The cause of death has been released for three people whose bodies were found on Sunday in Hueytown. The Jefferson County coroner says they died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The bodies were found inside a home in the 3200 block of White Oak Lane on Sunday night. Police say there were no signs of foul play at the scene.
Authorities have not released any names yet.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The bodies were found inside a home in the 3200 block of White Oak Lane on Sunday night. Police say there were no signs of foul play at the scene.
Authorities have not released any names yet.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Two people were able to help an elderly man to safety after his home caught fire in Fultondale on Sunday.
FULTONDALE, AL (WBRC) - Two people were able to help an elderly man to safety after his home caught fire in Fultondale on Sunday.
The fire started around noon at a home near the intersection of Wilson Way and Decatur Highway. The man could not walk, so two men picked him up off of his front porch and carried him away. Another person inside the home jumped out of a window to safety.
“When we went up there and got him, you could feel the heat because the front of it was already on fire,” said witness Reggie Bland.
Fire investigators have not released a cause.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The fire started around noon at a home near the intersection of Wilson Way and Decatur Highway. The man could not walk, so two men picked him up off of his front porch and carried him away. Another person inside the home jumped out of a window to safety.
“When we went up there and got him, you could feel the heat because the front of it was already on fire,” said witness Reggie Bland.
Fire investigators have not released a cause.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Jefferson County sues its treasurer
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The Jefferson County Commission is suing the county's treasurer over millions of dollars she is refusing to release.
Attorneys representing the commission and treasurer Jennifer Parsons met Monday morning for a hearing before Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Boohaker. Attorneys for the commissioner claim Parsons is illegally holding up almost $25 million due to the county.
Parsons claims she has the right to question how the commission spends the money. Commissioners say she doesn't have that right and want the judge to force her to release the money.
Judge Boohaker heard testimony Monday morning, then adjourned the hearing until Tuesday afternoon to give the county commission time to pass a resolution asking Parsons to release the money. A person representing Parsons said the treasurer still wants an explanation about how the money will be spent before releasing the money.
Jefferson County Chief Financial Officer Jeff Hagler said Monday morning the county needs $3 million from Parsons by the end of the week in order to make direct deposits for payroll. Hagler testified if the money is not released, the county would have to take the money from a high-interest rate account and the county would lose that additional interest money.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Attorneys representing the commission and treasurer Jennifer Parsons met Monday morning for a hearing before Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Boohaker. Attorneys for the commissioner claim Parsons is illegally holding up almost $25 million due to the county.
Parsons claims she has the right to question how the commission spends the money. Commissioners say she doesn't have that right and want the judge to force her to release the money.
Judge Boohaker heard testimony Monday morning, then adjourned the hearing until Tuesday afternoon to give the county commission time to pass a resolution asking Parsons to release the money. A person representing Parsons said the treasurer still wants an explanation about how the money will be spent before releasing the money.
Jefferson County Chief Financial Officer Jeff Hagler said Monday morning the county needs $3 million from Parsons by the end of the week in order to make direct deposits for payroll. Hagler testified if the money is not released, the county would have to take the money from a high-interest rate account and the county would lose that additional interest money.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Trussville police dealing with murder/suicide
TRUSSVILLE, AL (WBRC) - A double-murder suicide took place in Trussville on Friday.
Police have identified the victims as 59-year-old Larry Pierce; his wife, 59-year-old Sharon Pierce and his brother, 61-year-old William Pierce.
Police say they found one body in the main house, one in the guest house and one in a car by the garage. All of the victims were shot.
Neighbors say the Pierce family was always very friendly. “They were always great neighbors, always there for you when you needed them,” said neighbor Tom Foster. “Just a real loss to the neighborhood, real loss to the family.”
Police are still unsure of the motive. “It’s a very nice neighborhood, of course, you know, domestic incidents you never know any number of things can trigger something like that,” said Trussville Police Chief Don Sivley. “Anytime you have something like this, it’s shocking.”
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Police have identified the victims as 59-year-old Larry Pierce; his wife, 59-year-old Sharon Pierce and his brother, 61-year-old William Pierce.
Police say they found one body in the main house, one in the guest house and one in a car by the garage. All of the victims were shot.
Neighbors say the Pierce family was always very friendly. “They were always great neighbors, always there for you when you needed them,” said neighbor Tom Foster. “Just a real loss to the neighborhood, real loss to the family.”
Police are still unsure of the motive. “It’s a very nice neighborhood, of course, you know, domestic incidents you never know any number of things can trigger something like that,” said Trussville Police Chief Don Sivley. “Anytime you have something like this, it’s shocking.”
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Jeffco sewer receiver begins new job
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - The man who has been given legal control of the Jefferson County sewer system begins his new job on Monday.
A county circuit court judge appointed John Young as the receiver of the county's sewer department. Young is a New Jersey water utility executive and his controversial pay is set at $500 an hour.
Young says he wants make the department more efficient. He is also planning to raise sewer rates.
Young wants to increase revenues so the county will be able to pay off its $3 billion sewer debt.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
A county circuit court judge appointed John Young as the receiver of the county's sewer department. Young is a New Jersey water utility executive and his controversial pay is set at $500 an hour.
Young says he wants make the department more efficient. He is also planning to raise sewer rates.
Young wants to increase revenues so the county will be able to pay off its $3 billion sewer debt.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Birmingham firefighters sue city, mayor over pay cuts
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Firefighters in the city of Birmingham filed a lawsuit Friday against the city and Mayor William Bell over unannounced pay cuts.
Firefighters filed the lawsuit Friday after they received their paychecks Friday morning, which they say were 20 percent lower than usual.
An attorney for the firefighters said the lawsuit was filed because Mayor Bell cut the salaries illegally. The attorney said the mayor did not consult with and get approval from the city council before implementing the cuts, a move the attorney said was required under an ordinance passed by the city council in 2008.
The firefighters said they did not know the pay cuts were coming until they received their paychecks Friday morning.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Firefighters filed the lawsuit Friday after they received their paychecks Friday morning, which they say were 20 percent lower than usual.
An attorney for the firefighters said the lawsuit was filed because Mayor Bell cut the salaries illegally. The attorney said the mayor did not consult with and get approval from the city council before implementing the cuts, a move the attorney said was required under an ordinance passed by the city council in 2008.
The firefighters said they did not know the pay cuts were coming until they received their paychecks Friday morning.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Jeffco Sheriff's deputies rock "Don't text and Drive" bumper stickers
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - Jefferson County’s sheriff's office is joining the fight against distracted drivers.
Authorities will place bumper stickers reading "Don't text and drive" on 300 sheriff's patrol cruisers starting this week.
It is part of an education initiative sponsored by Alabamians Against Distracted Drivers.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Authorities will place bumper stickers reading "Don't text and drive" on 300 sheriff's patrol cruisers starting this week.
It is part of an education initiative sponsored by Alabamians Against Distracted Drivers.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Wife released from custody after shooting husband
CLAY, AL (WBRC) – A woman who admits to shooting her husband on Friday morning has been released from custody according to a spokesman at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
Chief Deputy Randy Christian says deputies found 39-year-old Karen B. Durbin at her residence in the 6100 block of Old Springville Road around 6:30 a.m. Her 42-year-old husband, Byron Keith Durbin, was found dead on the scene with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Karen Durbin was taken into custody and questioned by investigators. Christian said Friday afternoon Karen Durbin told them she was in fear for her life as her husband had made threats to her over the last few weeks. Durbin felt it was because of the divorce they were going through. She said she was retreating at the time when the shot was fired.
Durbin was released after questioning, but the investigation is ongoing. Christian said facts in the case will be brought before the district attorney to conclude whether or not charges will be filed.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Chief Deputy Randy Christian says deputies found 39-year-old Karen B. Durbin at her residence in the 6100 block of Old Springville Road around 6:30 a.m. Her 42-year-old husband, Byron Keith Durbin, was found dead on the scene with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Karen Durbin was taken into custody and questioned by investigators. Christian said Friday afternoon Karen Durbin told them she was in fear for her life as her husband had made threats to her over the last few weeks. Durbin felt it was because of the divorce they were going through. She said she was retreating at the time when the shot was fired.
Durbin was released after questioning, but the investigation is ongoing. Christian said facts in the case will be brought before the district attorney to conclude whether or not charges will be filed.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Judge Dan King to serve 60-day suspension
MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - A Jefferson County circuit judge now faces 60-days suspension for ethics violations.
The Alabama Court of the Judiciary agreed Judge Dan King violated judicial ethics after he set aside the rape conviction of Ronnie Ashford, a man he had represented when King was a lawyer 15 years ago.
As punishment, King will serve a 60-day suspension without pay and receive a public censure from the court. King will return to the bench in late November to serve out the remainder of his term.
That term ends in January since King was not re-elected to his seat.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The Alabama Court of the Judiciary agreed Judge Dan King violated judicial ethics after he set aside the rape conviction of Ronnie Ashford, a man he had represented when King was a lawyer 15 years ago.
As punishment, King will serve a 60-day suspension without pay and receive a public censure from the court. King will return to the bench in late November to serve out the remainder of his term.
That term ends in January since King was not re-elected to his seat.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Visitation service to be held for mother and children
HOMEWOOD, AL (WBRC) - Visitation services will be held Friday night for a woman and her two children who were killed in a huge apartment fire in Homewood.
Firefighters found Claudia Dukes and her children's bodies huddled in their bathroom at Beaconview Apartments. The fire destroyed all three floors of that unit.
Visitation is tonight at the Guiding Light Church from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Firefighters found Claudia Dukes and her children's bodies huddled in their bathroom at Beaconview Apartments. The fire destroyed all three floors of that unit.
Visitation is tonight at the Guiding Light Church from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham School Board meeting over former student's grades
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – The Birmingham City School Board is holding a special meeting Friday at 4:00 p.m.
They will review the findings of an independent law firm looking into Eric Bledsoe. He is the basketball player from Parker High School who played one year at Kentucky, then jumped to the NBA.
Questions arose from a New York Times article alleging educators changed grades to make him eligible to play in college.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
They will review the findings of an independent law firm looking into Eric Bledsoe. He is the basketball player from Parker High School who played one year at Kentucky, then jumped to the NBA.
Questions arose from a New York Times article alleging educators changed grades to make him eligible to play in college.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
High school football coach accused of child molestation
SULLIGENT, AL (WBRC) - An Alabama high school football coach has been named in a federal indictment.
Sulligent coach Dwight Bowling faces charges of child molestation. Prosecutors also accuse bowling of trying to get a victim to lie to authorities investigating the alleged incidents.
A grand jury in Oxford, Mississippi issued the indictment. Bowling coached in Mississippi for 28 years, retired there and took a similar job in Sulligent five years ago.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Sulligent coach Dwight Bowling faces charges of child molestation. Prosecutors also accuse bowling of trying to get a victim to lie to authorities investigating the alleged incidents.
A grand jury in Oxford, Mississippi issued the indictment. Bowling coached in Mississippi for 28 years, retired there and took a similar job in Sulligent five years ago.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Gubernatorial candidates brush off latest poll results
MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - Results are in from a new poll on the Alabama governor's race. The latest Rasmussen Reports poll has Republican Robert Bentley leading Democrat Ron Sparks by 20 points, 55% to 35%.
FOX6 News Anchor Scott Richards spent Thursday covering Sparks and delivered the news to the candidate about the poll.
“The poll I saw was from the AEA and it didn't mirror that,” said Sparks when asked his thoughts on the results. “The Rasmussen poll is done for Republicans by Republican consultants and the majority of the people they poll are Republicans.”
In the most recent presidential election, Rasmussen was actually one of the most accurate polls. "Time" magazine has described it since then as "conservative leaning."
The Bentley campaign responding to the latest poll saying: "The only poll that matters is when the voters make their choice on November second."
As we get closer to the November 2nd election, look for Scott Richards' profiles of both candidates. He will be on the campaign trail with Dr. Bentley on Monday.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
FOX6 News Anchor Scott Richards spent Thursday covering Sparks and delivered the news to the candidate about the poll.
“The poll I saw was from the AEA and it didn't mirror that,” said Sparks when asked his thoughts on the results. “The Rasmussen poll is done for Republicans by Republican consultants and the majority of the people they poll are Republicans.”
In the most recent presidential election, Rasmussen was actually one of the most accurate polls. "Time" magazine has described it since then as "conservative leaning."
The Bentley campaign responding to the latest poll saying: "The only poll that matters is when the voters make their choice on November second."
As we get closer to the November 2nd election, look for Scott Richards' profiles of both candidates. He will be on the campaign trail with Dr. Bentley on Monday.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Woman says she shot husband
PINSON, AL (WBRC) – Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies have taken a woman into custody after finding her husband dead on Friday morning.
Randy Christian with the Sheriff’s office says deputies responded to a shooting call in the 6100 block of Old Springville Road around 6:30 a.m. A 39-year-old woman at the scene told the deputies she shot her husband.
Deputies found the 42-year-old man dead on the scene with a gunshot wound to the chest.
The wife is in custody and is being questioned.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Randy Christian with the Sheriff’s office says deputies responded to a shooting call in the 6100 block of Old Springville Road around 6:30 a.m. A 39-year-old woman at the scene told the deputies she shot her husband.
Deputies found the 42-year-old man dead on the scene with a gunshot wound to the chest.
The wife is in custody and is being questioned.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham leaders lay out plan to grow metro area
By Johnathan Hardison
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham’s government and business leaders laid out a five year plan to grow the Birmingham metro area Thursday in a proposal called “Blueprint Birmingham.”
The new Blueprint for Birmingham sets out 7 areas where it thinks this region can help create jobs or build on companies that are already here. All of it requires a lot of cooperation between all the different city and county governments.
The blueprint includes 4 key goals of public and private leadership, workforce development, economic prosperity and community and regional stewardship.
To achieve those, it lists 44 actions the region needs to take and to realize the plan's dream, the number one key will be cooperation.
“Companies and entrepreneurs don't know where the city limits are or county line,” said Mac Holliday, CEO of Market Street Services, the consulting firm hired by the Birmingham Business Alliance to draft the strategy. “They want to know where the market is and how it works.”
Holliday's company helped put together the plans that guided growth in Austin and Nashville, and says Birmingham could see the same kind of growth if the metro area works together. That is something he knows has not happened in the past, but he is hopeful for this time.
“There is a real commitment this time across the board,” Holliday said. “One of the reasons is the private leadership reached out to the public leadership, it's a team sport. That's the only way community and economic development happens.”
Thursday night was proof of at least good intentions by the mayors of the metro's 2 biggest cities, as Birmingham Mayor William Bell joined hands with Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos.
“I want to join hands with Tony and pledge to you that we're going to work together to make this region the premier region not only in the Southeast, but all throughout this country and we can do it,” Bell said.
“I think your presence here tonight continues to reinforce the fact that this region is open for change, and is willing to embrace a new way of working together,” said HealthSouth CEO Jay Grinney, one of the blueprint’s steering committee co-chairs.
Will the taxpayers support it? Birmingham Business Journal reporter Ben Piper says maybe.
“There's not a lot of buy-in from the taxpayer, there's not a sales tax increase like in the past,” Piper said. “So in that way there could be a lot of quick buy-in from the community and from business owners. I think the key is going to be how long does that buy-in last.”
To see the plan for yourself, check here: http://www.blueprintbirmingham.com
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham’s government and business leaders laid out a five year plan to grow the Birmingham metro area Thursday in a proposal called “Blueprint Birmingham.”
The new Blueprint for Birmingham sets out 7 areas where it thinks this region can help create jobs or build on companies that are already here. All of it requires a lot of cooperation between all the different city and county governments.
The blueprint includes 4 key goals of public and private leadership, workforce development, economic prosperity and community and regional stewardship.
To achieve those, it lists 44 actions the region needs to take and to realize the plan's dream, the number one key will be cooperation.
“Companies and entrepreneurs don't know where the city limits are or county line,” said Mac Holliday, CEO of Market Street Services, the consulting firm hired by the Birmingham Business Alliance to draft the strategy. “They want to know where the market is and how it works.”
Holliday's company helped put together the plans that guided growth in Austin and Nashville, and says Birmingham could see the same kind of growth if the metro area works together. That is something he knows has not happened in the past, but he is hopeful for this time.
“There is a real commitment this time across the board,” Holliday said. “One of the reasons is the private leadership reached out to the public leadership, it's a team sport. That's the only way community and economic development happens.”
Thursday night was proof of at least good intentions by the mayors of the metro's 2 biggest cities, as Birmingham Mayor William Bell joined hands with Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos.
“I want to join hands with Tony and pledge to you that we're going to work together to make this region the premier region not only in the Southeast, but all throughout this country and we can do it,” Bell said.
“I think your presence here tonight continues to reinforce the fact that this region is open for change, and is willing to embrace a new way of working together,” said HealthSouth CEO Jay Grinney, one of the blueprint’s steering committee co-chairs.
Will the taxpayers support it? Birmingham Business Journal reporter Ben Piper says maybe.
“There's not a lot of buy-in from the taxpayer, there's not a sales tax increase like in the past,” Piper said. “So in that way there could be a lot of quick buy-in from the community and from business owners. I think the key is going to be how long does that buy-in last.”
To see the plan for yourself, check here: http://www.blueprintbirmingham.com
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Two arrested on theft charges after pursuit
ETOWAH COUNTY, AL (WBRC) – The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office says they were able to make a theft arrest after the suspects led deputies and state troopers on a pursuit.
42-year-old Charles Lance Bowles and 35-year-old Dorothy Michelle Tucker are both charged with one count of second degree theft of property. Bowles has the additional charges of attempting to elude a police officer and reckless driving. Tucker faces the charge of giving false information to a police officer.
The incident happened on September 22nd when a witness reported someone stealing an air conditioner. The witness also gave a description of the vehicle and noted a Florida license plate.
Deputies located the vehicle and were able to stop it with the help of state troopers after the driver led them on a chase. A search of the vehicle revealed the air conditioner to be inside the SUV.
Bowles and Tucker are now being held in the Etowah County Detention Center.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
42-year-old Charles Lance Bowles and 35-year-old Dorothy Michelle Tucker are both charged with one count of second degree theft of property. Bowles has the additional charges of attempting to elude a police officer and reckless driving. Tucker faces the charge of giving false information to a police officer.
The incident happened on September 22nd when a witness reported someone stealing an air conditioner. The witness also gave a description of the vehicle and noted a Florida license plate.
Deputies located the vehicle and were able to stop it with the help of state troopers after the driver led them on a chase. A search of the vehicle revealed the air conditioner to be inside the SUV.
Bowles and Tucker are now being held in the Etowah County Detention Center.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Domed stadium plans on hold for now
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Despite talks of growth in Birmingham, there has been one setback. Birmingham's proposed domed stadium is back on hold for now.
The city, under Mayor Larry Langford, had agreed to direct $8 million a year to the project. Mayor William Bell plans to terminate that agreement because of the city's finances and the economy.
Outgoing BJCC Executive Director Jack Fields says he hopes city leaders will take a new look at the project within the next five years.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The city, under Mayor Larry Langford, had agreed to direct $8 million a year to the project. Mayor William Bell plans to terminate that agreement because of the city's finances and the economy.
Outgoing BJCC Executive Director Jack Fields says he hopes city leaders will take a new look at the project within the next five years.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Friends and family take time to remember lost miners
BROOKWOOD, AL (WBRC) - It was a time to remember a dark day for the Alabama mining community on Thursday.
Friends and family paused to remember the 13 miners killed back in 2001 at the Jim Walter mine number five in Brookwood.
A pair of explosions caused by ignited methane gas ripped through the mine. It is one of the deadliest tragedies in Alabama’s mining history.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Friends and family paused to remember the 13 miners killed back in 2001 at the Jim Walter mine number five in Brookwood.
A pair of explosions caused by ignited methane gas ripped through the mine. It is one of the deadliest tragedies in Alabama’s mining history.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Thousands expected for bike races at Barber
By Sherea Harris
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - College football won't be the only sport with a huge following this weekend.
Motorcycle enthusiasts will get their fix when Barber Motorsports Park hosts a series of races for the AMA Pro Superbike Championship.
Forty-thousand fans are expected to attend and bring a large economic impact to the area.
It's a season-ending event. So there's a lot more interest in these races.
Locals and tourists are expected to generate more than $12 million into the local economy. Tickets have been sold in more than 30 states for this event. Most of the out of town fans will arrive Friday. "I love watching it. The sound of it is exciting. The people.... everyone here with a common thing ...we all enjoy makes it fun," said Chad Jatko.
The manager of Hampton Inn in Leeds, Patrick Brankin, said, "We had a really slow summer being a brand new hotel in a kind of struggling economy. It's a huge weekend. We are going to sell-out actually two of the next three weekends just because of events at Barber."
Qualifying is Friday and races are Saturday and Sunday.
Two series champions could be crowned this weekend and that's what the fans want to see.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - College football won't be the only sport with a huge following this weekend.
Motorcycle enthusiasts will get their fix when Barber Motorsports Park hosts a series of races for the AMA Pro Superbike Championship.
Forty-thousand fans are expected to attend and bring a large economic impact to the area.
It's a season-ending event. So there's a lot more interest in these races.
Locals and tourists are expected to generate more than $12 million into the local economy. Tickets have been sold in more than 30 states for this event. Most of the out of town fans will arrive Friday. "I love watching it. The sound of it is exciting. The people.... everyone here with a common thing ...we all enjoy makes it fun," said Chad Jatko.
The manager of Hampton Inn in Leeds, Patrick Brankin, said, "We had a really slow summer being a brand new hotel in a kind of struggling economy. It's a huge weekend. We are going to sell-out actually two of the next three weekends just because of events at Barber."
Qualifying is Friday and races are Saturday and Sunday.
Two series champions could be crowned this weekend and that's what the fans want to see.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Hoover's mayor discusses Mayor Bell's plans for new ballpark
By Emily Luxen
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - This week, Birmingham city councilors voted to support Mayor William Bell's plan to increase the lodging tax to help fund a new ballpark downtown. They also reviewed a study that found a downtown ballpark would bring $500 million to the city over the next 30 years. Mayor Bell said the city won't spend any tax dollars on a ballpark without a team.
"We're not going to spend one penny on building a park unless we know we have a tenant," said Bell. "That tenant has to go through certain procedures both nationally and locally to get to a point to be able to make a commitment."
Hoover hopes the new stadium proposal isn't for the Barons. Mayor Tony Petelos and some Birmingham Barons are hoping the team stays in Hoover.
Petelos says the Barons' contract expires Dec. 31, but since there will be no new park, they will likely renew with the city of Hoover and Regions Park.
"We've had a great experience with the Barons and we hope they stay," said Petelos. "We have a great working relationship with Barons. I would be surprised if they move."
Fans in Hoover would like to see the team stay, while Birmingham fans hope the Barons move. Everyone agrees the team brings a big economic impact to whichever city they call home.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - This week, Birmingham city councilors voted to support Mayor William Bell's plan to increase the lodging tax to help fund a new ballpark downtown. They also reviewed a study that found a downtown ballpark would bring $500 million to the city over the next 30 years. Mayor Bell said the city won't spend any tax dollars on a ballpark without a team.
"We're not going to spend one penny on building a park unless we know we have a tenant," said Bell. "That tenant has to go through certain procedures both nationally and locally to get to a point to be able to make a commitment."
Hoover hopes the new stadium proposal isn't for the Barons. Mayor Tony Petelos and some Birmingham Barons are hoping the team stays in Hoover.
Petelos says the Barons' contract expires Dec. 31, but since there will be no new park, they will likely renew with the city of Hoover and Regions Park.
"We've had a great experience with the Barons and we hope they stay," said Petelos. "We have a great working relationship with Barons. I would be surprised if they move."
Fans in Hoover would like to see the team stay, while Birmingham fans hope the Barons move. Everyone agrees the team brings a big economic impact to whichever city they call home.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Large fire destroys part of Harpersville business
HARPERSVILLE, AL (WBRC) - The SCS building on Highway 280 westbound in Harpersville was partly destroyed by fire. The fire started around 4pm Thursday.
Westover, Cahaba Valley, Four Mile, and Vincent helped Harpersville extinguish the blaze, which lasted for about 3 and a half hours. And for a while, traffic was completely stalled while firemen worked their way to the scene.
The owner's niece, Misty Vaughan Potts, says no one was in the building at the time of the blaze as her uncle had just recently departed.
There were no injuries and there's no word on how the fire started.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Westover, Cahaba Valley, Four Mile, and Vincent helped Harpersville extinguish the blaze, which lasted for about 3 and a half hours. And for a while, traffic was completely stalled while firemen worked their way to the scene.
The owner's niece, Misty Vaughan Potts, says no one was in the building at the time of the blaze as her uncle had just recently departed.
There were no injuries and there's no word on how the fire started.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Community and business leaders unveil plans for regional growth
By Jonathan Hardison
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham's government and business leaders laid out a 5-year plan to grow Birmingham's metro area in proposal called "Blueprint Birmingham."
The new blueprint for Birmingham sets out 7 areas where this region can help create jobs or strengthen companies that are already here. All of it requires a lot of cooperation between all cities and counties.
The blueprint includes 4 key goals of public and private leadership, workforce development, economic prosperity, and community and regional stewardship.
To achieve those, it lists 44 actions the region needs to take and to realize the plan's dream. The number one key will be cooperation.
"Companies and entrepreneurs don't know where the city limits are or county line," said Mac Holliday, CEO of Market Street Services, the consulting firm hired by the Birmingham Business Alliance to draft the strategy. "They want to know where the market is and how it works."
Holliday's company helped put together the plans that guided growth in Austin and Nashville. He says Birmingham could see the same kind of growth if the metro area works together. That's something he knows hasn't happened in the past, but he's hopeful.
"There is a real commitment this time across the board," Holliday said. "One of the reasons is the private leadership reached out to the public leadership, it's a team sport. That's the only way community and economic development happens."
Thursday night was proof of at least good intentions by the mayors of the area's 2 biggest cities as Birmingham's Mayor William Bell joined hands with Hoover's Mayor Tony Petelos.
"I want to join hands with Tony and pledge to you that we're going to work together to make this region the premier region not only in the Southeast, but all throughout this country.... and we can do it," Bell said.
HealthSouth's leader, Jay Grinney, is also one of the blueprint's steering committee's co-chairs. He said, "I think your presence here tonight continues to reinforce the fact that this region is open for change, and is willing to embrace a new way of working together,"
Will the taxpayers support it? Birmingham Business Journal's Ben Piper says, "maybe." Adding, "There's not a lot of buy-in from the taxpayer. There's not a sales tax increase like in the past." Piper said. "So in that way, there could be a lot of quick buy-in from the community and from business owners. I think the key is going to be how long does that buy-in last."
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham's government and business leaders laid out a 5-year plan to grow Birmingham's metro area in proposal called "Blueprint Birmingham."
The new blueprint for Birmingham sets out 7 areas where this region can help create jobs or strengthen companies that are already here. All of it requires a lot of cooperation between all cities and counties.
The blueprint includes 4 key goals of public and private leadership, workforce development, economic prosperity, and community and regional stewardship.
To achieve those, it lists 44 actions the region needs to take and to realize the plan's dream. The number one key will be cooperation.
"Companies and entrepreneurs don't know where the city limits are or county line," said Mac Holliday, CEO of Market Street Services, the consulting firm hired by the Birmingham Business Alliance to draft the strategy. "They want to know where the market is and how it works."
Holliday's company helped put together the plans that guided growth in Austin and Nashville. He says Birmingham could see the same kind of growth if the metro area works together. That's something he knows hasn't happened in the past, but he's hopeful.
"There is a real commitment this time across the board," Holliday said. "One of the reasons is the private leadership reached out to the public leadership, it's a team sport. That's the only way community and economic development happens."
Thursday night was proof of at least good intentions by the mayors of the area's 2 biggest cities as Birmingham's Mayor William Bell joined hands with Hoover's Mayor Tony Petelos.
"I want to join hands with Tony and pledge to you that we're going to work together to make this region the premier region not only in the Southeast, but all throughout this country.... and we can do it," Bell said.
HealthSouth's leader, Jay Grinney, is also one of the blueprint's steering committee's co-chairs. He said, "I think your presence here tonight continues to reinforce the fact that this region is open for change, and is willing to embrace a new way of working together,"
Will the taxpayers support it? Birmingham Business Journal's Ben Piper says, "maybe." Adding, "There's not a lot of buy-in from the taxpayer. There's not a sales tax increase like in the past." Piper said. "So in that way, there could be a lot of quick buy-in from the community and from business owners. I think the key is going to be how long does that buy-in last."
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Commission votes on future of Bessemer's county jail next week
By Alan Collins
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - It will be a big vote next week by the Jefferson County Commission.
Today, the county's finance committee passed a $814 million operation budget. The commissioners will vote on the budget and a separate vote on Sheriff Mike Hale's request for $4.6 million to hire 80 deputies in order to reopen the Bessemer Jail.
The county jail has been shutdown since last year because of budget cuts. Some county commissioners questioned the increase. Some believe Hale can hire civilian correction officers at a cheaper rate than deputies. The sheriff says the correctional officers do not have liability coverage.
Other commissioners say it's wrong to dip into reserve funds to prop up Hale's and other county department's budget.
"I don't think I can. Like I said in there, the numbers aren't sustainable. They are not going to be able...We can take $5 million out of the reserve.... what are we going to do next year?" said Commissioner Bobby Humphryes.
If the commissioners reject the increase, the jail will not reopen.
"We proposed to them what we need to operate. It's up to the them to give us whatever they are going to give us. We are through negotiating. We are going to live with whatever they are going to give us," Chief Deputy Randy Christian said.
Christian says if the commission says no, the sheriff will ask the incoming county commission for the money.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - It will be a big vote next week by the Jefferson County Commission.
Today, the county's finance committee passed a $814 million operation budget. The commissioners will vote on the budget and a separate vote on Sheriff Mike Hale's request for $4.6 million to hire 80 deputies in order to reopen the Bessemer Jail.
The county jail has been shutdown since last year because of budget cuts. Some county commissioners questioned the increase. Some believe Hale can hire civilian correction officers at a cheaper rate than deputies. The sheriff says the correctional officers do not have liability coverage.
Other commissioners say it's wrong to dip into reserve funds to prop up Hale's and other county department's budget.
"I don't think I can. Like I said in there, the numbers aren't sustainable. They are not going to be able...We can take $5 million out of the reserve.... what are we going to do next year?" said Commissioner Bobby Humphryes.
If the commissioners reject the increase, the jail will not reopen.
"We proposed to them what we need to operate. It's up to the them to give us whatever they are going to give us. We are through negotiating. We are going to live with whatever they are going to give us," Chief Deputy Randy Christian said.
Christian says if the commission says no, the sheriff will ask the incoming county commission for the money.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
New controller of sewer system starts next week
By Alan Collins
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The man leading the Jefferson County's Environmental Services Department will be on the job Monday. Russell County Circuit Judge Albert Johnson appointed New Jersey water utility executive, John Young, as receiver of the sewer department.
"I don't know all of the challenges here. I have a very good grasp on what needs to be done. I think the judge has given me the tools to get things done," said Young.
Young has total control of the department. He can cancel contracts, hire, and fire personnel.
Young says he wants to make the department more efficient and to raise sewer rates to generate revenue to pay off the county's massive $3 billion sewer debt.
"There is going to be some sort of rate increase. Frankly, there hasn't been a rate increase in environmental services for three years," he said.
Some Jefferson County commissioners are worried about how high sewer rates could go.
"You got people who can't pay their water bill and sewer bill. Now they are looking at increases in rates and all. I just hate it," Jefferson Co. Commissioner Bobby Humphryes said.
Young will be paid $500 an hour. Young says he will be retiring from his old jobs and moving to Jefferson County. Still, some county commissioners question the salary.
"I don't know how that salary was negotiated. I don't know anyone who should be making that kind of money to monitor us. That is extremely excessive." said Commissioner Shelia Smoot.
"It's going to be a multifaceted job, and frankly at the end of the day, if I can pull this thing off.... I certainly hope I can. It's going to be well worth the money," Young said.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The man leading the Jefferson County's Environmental Services Department will be on the job Monday. Russell County Circuit Judge Albert Johnson appointed New Jersey water utility executive, John Young, as receiver of the sewer department.
"I don't know all of the challenges here. I have a very good grasp on what needs to be done. I think the judge has given me the tools to get things done," said Young.
Young has total control of the department. He can cancel contracts, hire, and fire personnel.
Young says he wants to make the department more efficient and to raise sewer rates to generate revenue to pay off the county's massive $3 billion sewer debt.
"There is going to be some sort of rate increase. Frankly, there hasn't been a rate increase in environmental services for three years," he said.
Some Jefferson County commissioners are worried about how high sewer rates could go.
"You got people who can't pay their water bill and sewer bill. Now they are looking at increases in rates and all. I just hate it," Jefferson Co. Commissioner Bobby Humphryes said.
Young will be paid $500 an hour. Young says he will be retiring from his old jobs and moving to Jefferson County. Still, some county commissioners question the salary.
"I don't know how that salary was negotiated. I don't know anyone who should be making that kind of money to monitor us. That is extremely excessive." said Commissioner Shelia Smoot.
"It's going to be a multifaceted job, and frankly at the end of the day, if I can pull this thing off.... I certainly hope I can. It's going to be well worth the money," Young said.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Jeffco Commissioners unsure over 2011 budget
By Alan Collins
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) – The new budget for the Jefferson County Commission has passed out of committee, but the final form of the budget will depend on two votes next week.
On Wednesday, the commissioners could not agree on the budget. Some commissioners complained they did not get enough information about the $815 million spending plan.
In Thursday’s meeting, Commissioners were able to pass the main budget informally, but the divisive factor is the amount of money that Sheriff Hale is asking for. Some commissioners are very wary of giving Hale the full amount as they feel the county needs to be watching its pennies.
Sheriff Mike Hale is asking for an addition $4.6 million to reopen the county Jail in Bessemer. Hale closed it because of money problems last year. The sheriff plans to open the expanded section of the jail. Commission President Bettye Fine Collins says without the jail, there is a threat of lawsuits about overcrowding with all in the inmates housed at the Birmingham jail.
Some county commissioners say Hale does not need to hire 80 deputies for the Bessemer jail. 65 out of 67 counties use less expensive correctional officers. Hale says his biggest concern with correctional officers they do not have the same level of immunity against lawsuits as deputies would.
The commission will be making two different votes to decide the 2011 budget. The first vote will be on the main budget without the extra money for Hale to reopen the Bessemer Jail. The second vote will decide if the sheriff will be getting that money.
At this point, Commissioner Bobby Humphryes says he feels he cannot vote for the plan. “The numbers aren’t sustainable,” said Humphryes after the Thursday meeting. “We can take the five million out of reserves this year. What about next year? You’ve got to work within our budget and we’re not working within our budget.”
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) – The new budget for the Jefferson County Commission has passed out of committee, but the final form of the budget will depend on two votes next week.
On Wednesday, the commissioners could not agree on the budget. Some commissioners complained they did not get enough information about the $815 million spending plan.
In Thursday’s meeting, Commissioners were able to pass the main budget informally, but the divisive factor is the amount of money that Sheriff Hale is asking for. Some commissioners are very wary of giving Hale the full amount as they feel the county needs to be watching its pennies.
Sheriff Mike Hale is asking for an addition $4.6 million to reopen the county Jail in Bessemer. Hale closed it because of money problems last year. The sheriff plans to open the expanded section of the jail. Commission President Bettye Fine Collins says without the jail, there is a threat of lawsuits about overcrowding with all in the inmates housed at the Birmingham jail.
Some county commissioners say Hale does not need to hire 80 deputies for the Bessemer jail. 65 out of 67 counties use less expensive correctional officers. Hale says his biggest concern with correctional officers they do not have the same level of immunity against lawsuits as deputies would.
The commission will be making two different votes to decide the 2011 budget. The first vote will be on the main budget without the extra money for Hale to reopen the Bessemer Jail. The second vote will decide if the sheriff will be getting that money.
At this point, Commissioner Bobby Humphryes says he feels he cannot vote for the plan. “The numbers aren’t sustainable,” said Humphryes after the Thursday meeting. “We can take the five million out of reserves this year. What about next year? You’ve got to work within our budget and we’re not working within our budget.”
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Alabama under fire alert say forestry officials
MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - Starting today, the State Forestry Department has placed the entire state under a fire alert.
Forestry officials say it was issued because of extremely dry weather conditions.
While under the Fire Alert, outdoor burning is restricted.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Forestry officials say it was issued because of extremely dry weather conditions.
While under the Fire Alert, outdoor burning is restricted.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Governor Riley visits Selma to help open new facility
SELMA, AL (WBRC) - Governor Riley traveled to Selma on Thursday for the grand opening of the new Alabama Criminal Justice Training Center.
The $24.6 million facility is located on the campus of Wallace Community College and was built in 18 months. It is where new state troopers, corrections officers and police recruits will get their training and replaces the facility at the former Craig Field.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The $24.6 million facility is located on the campus of Wallace Community College and was built in 18 months. It is where new state troopers, corrections officers and police recruits will get their training and replaces the facility at the former Craig Field.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham police release sketch of rape suspect
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – The Birmingham Police Department has issued a composite of a suspected rapist on Thursday.
The composite comes as Birmingham police continue to investigate two crimes against women on Birmingham's Southside last week. One woman was raped and the other had a gun pointed at her.
Police have concentrated their forces in the area where the two incidents happened. The alleged rape was on Thursday morning on Altamont road with the victim being a female jogger. Then just two days later, police say another female jogger was approached by a man as she ran near the Highland Golf Course. He was in a car and pointed a gun at the woman but never left the vehicle. She was able to run away.
Police have previously released descriptions of the suspects in both cases. In the rape case, police say they are looking for a black male who is 6'2" tall and weighs about 180 pounds. In the case near the Highland Golf Course, police are looking for a black male driving a mid size gold vehicle.
Police say, at this time, it is possible that there are two different suspects involved in these cases.
Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper warns that joggers should avoid the area for now and try to run in well-populated areas with a partner.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The composite comes as Birmingham police continue to investigate two crimes against women on Birmingham's Southside last week. One woman was raped and the other had a gun pointed at her.
Police have concentrated their forces in the area where the two incidents happened. The alleged rape was on Thursday morning on Altamont road with the victim being a female jogger. Then just two days later, police say another female jogger was approached by a man as she ran near the Highland Golf Course. He was in a car and pointed a gun at the woman but never left the vehicle. She was able to run away.
Police have previously released descriptions of the suspects in both cases. In the rape case, police say they are looking for a black male who is 6'2" tall and weighs about 180 pounds. In the case near the Highland Golf Course, police are looking for a black male driving a mid size gold vehicle.
Police say, at this time, it is possible that there are two different suspects involved in these cases.
Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper warns that joggers should avoid the area for now and try to run in well-populated areas with a partner.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Jefferson County citizens react to new sewer receiver
By Johnathan Hardison
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - The people who will be impacted the greatest by Wednesday's decision to appoint John S. Young as the Jefferson County sewer system receiver are all of the Jefferson County sewer customers. So how are they reacting to this news?
By the time we got a chance to talk to sewer customers, Young was already technically in charge of the sewer system they get a bill from every month.
The news that he will make $500 an hour for up to 10 hours a day plus expenses, all while having the power to raise rates to whatever a judge considers reasonable was almost too much for some sewer customers to bear.
“I think it's crazy,” said septic tank user Tony Ladue. “That's the kind of mistakes we've made in this county before. When you have a bunch of dingbats running it, that's what you get. You put bad people in you get bad return, and that's what's happened and the people of Jefferson County are suffering for it right now.”
“Yeah that makes me mad, you're mighty right,” said sewer customer James Henson. “Because I ain't got no job, so that do make me mad. But what can we do about it, that's what I say, what can we do about it?”
“I'm very unhappy about it,” said fellow sewer customer Maxine Moore. “But now, I'll ask you a question, what can I do about it? Cry? Or look very closely at the people I vote for. I'm thinking about that.”
Moore plans to express her anger in the voting booth this November, but she thinks sewer customers could vote even sooner with their feet.
“I'll tell you what a lot of families are doing, they're moving out of the city,” Moore said. “Is that really what we want to happen? No. I think we really need to go back to the scratch board and see, I think it's probably too late. We just made some dumb moves for a long time.”
“I'm not going to do it, not going to pay it,” Ladue said. “I suggest, if you don't like it, move out of here. That's we need to do, shrink the county whatever, it's unfair.”
Ladue is one of several septic tank users who are worried this receiver might try to start charging them a fee for not being on the county's sewer system, known as a “non-user fee”.
But Jefferson County officials we spoke to this afternoon tell us they do not believe the receiver will have that power.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - The people who will be impacted the greatest by Wednesday's decision to appoint John S. Young as the Jefferson County sewer system receiver are all of the Jefferson County sewer customers. So how are they reacting to this news?
By the time we got a chance to talk to sewer customers, Young was already technically in charge of the sewer system they get a bill from every month.
The news that he will make $500 an hour for up to 10 hours a day plus expenses, all while having the power to raise rates to whatever a judge considers reasonable was almost too much for some sewer customers to bear.
“I think it's crazy,” said septic tank user Tony Ladue. “That's the kind of mistakes we've made in this county before. When you have a bunch of dingbats running it, that's what you get. You put bad people in you get bad return, and that's what's happened and the people of Jefferson County are suffering for it right now.”
“Yeah that makes me mad, you're mighty right,” said sewer customer James Henson. “Because I ain't got no job, so that do make me mad. But what can we do about it, that's what I say, what can we do about it?”
“I'm very unhappy about it,” said fellow sewer customer Maxine Moore. “But now, I'll ask you a question, what can I do about it? Cry? Or look very closely at the people I vote for. I'm thinking about that.”
Moore plans to express her anger in the voting booth this November, but she thinks sewer customers could vote even sooner with their feet.
“I'll tell you what a lot of families are doing, they're moving out of the city,” Moore said. “Is that really what we want to happen? No. I think we really need to go back to the scratch board and see, I think it's probably too late. We just made some dumb moves for a long time.”
“I'm not going to do it, not going to pay it,” Ladue said. “I suggest, if you don't like it, move out of here. That's we need to do, shrink the county whatever, it's unfair.”
Ladue is one of several septic tank users who are worried this receiver might try to start charging them a fee for not being on the county's sewer system, known as a “non-user fee”.
But Jefferson County officials we spoke to this afternoon tell us they do not believe the receiver will have that power.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Sexual abuse arrest made in Gadsden
GADSDEN, AL (WBRC) - The Etowah County Sheriff’s Department says they have made an arrest in connection to a sexual abuse case.
33-year-old Eric Jayson Davenport has been charged with one count of sexual abuse against a 13-year-old female. Authorities say the incident happened at a residence in Altoona.
Davenport’s arrest comes after an investigation into the matter that has been ongoing since July. He is being held in the Etowah County Detention Center.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
33-year-old Eric Jayson Davenport has been charged with one count of sexual abuse against a 13-year-old female. Authorities say the incident happened at a residence in Altoona.
Davenport’s arrest comes after an investigation into the matter that has been ongoing since July. He is being held in the Etowah County Detention Center.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Car accident claims a life in west Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Police have reported a deadly car accident on Birmingham’s west side on Thursday morning.
One person died in the crash in the 400 block of First Avenue North just west of I-65. The car smashed into a power pole.
There was a small outage in the area.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
One person died in the crash in the 400 block of First Avenue North just west of I-65. The car smashed into a power pole.
There was a small outage in the area.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
State troopers are trying to find a car that struck an Ohatchee police officer.
OHATCHEE, AL (WBRC) - State troopers are trying to find a car that struck an Ohatchee police officer.
The hit-and-run happened overnight on Highway 144 near the intersection of Big Oak Road.
Officer Joshua Howell was airlifted to UAB Hospital where he was treated and released.
Troopers say they cannot confirm a make or model, but they are looking for a car that has damage to the passenger side including a missing side mirror and a shattered window.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The hit-and-run happened overnight on Highway 144 near the intersection of Big Oak Road.
Officer Joshua Howell was airlifted to UAB Hospital where he was treated and released.
Troopers say they cannot confirm a make or model, but they are looking for a car that has damage to the passenger side including a missing side mirror and a shattered window.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Another large park coming to Birmingham
By Emily Luxen
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Plans are underway for Birmingham's newest urban park. Officials say it will bring something totally different to the city.
Red Mountain Park will be located along Lakeshore Drive in the southwest side of the city. The 1200 acre mega-park will feature walking and running trails, lakes, and rope courses and zip lines.
Planners say it will also feature information on the history of mining on the mountain.
"It's going to have a huge impact," said David Dionne, the park's executive. "It will impact people's quality of life. They will be able to come in here and start a walking program, and find a way to get healthy. There will be all kinds of great activities."
Dionne said the first phase of the park costs $52 million and he estimates it will bring $22 million a year back into the local economy. He also said it will complement the existing parks in the city.
"Red Mountain Park will also complement Vulcan Park and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute," said Dionne, "This will be one of many venues in the city that gives people options of things to do, and reasons to visit and stay for several days."
Red Mountain Park is scheduled to open in 2012.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Plans are underway for Birmingham's newest urban park. Officials say it will bring something totally different to the city.
Red Mountain Park will be located along Lakeshore Drive in the southwest side of the city. The 1200 acre mega-park will feature walking and running trails, lakes, and rope courses and zip lines.
Planners say it will also feature information on the history of mining on the mountain.
"It's going to have a huge impact," said David Dionne, the park's executive. "It will impact people's quality of life. They will be able to come in here and start a walking program, and find a way to get healthy. There will be all kinds of great activities."
Dionne said the first phase of the park costs $52 million and he estimates it will bring $22 million a year back into the local economy. He also said it will complement the existing parks in the city.
"Red Mountain Park will also complement Vulcan Park and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute," said Dionne, "This will be one of many venues in the city that gives people options of things to do, and reasons to visit and stay for several days."
Red Mountain Park is scheduled to open in 2012.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Cullman County Fair starts Thursday
By Katie Herrera
CULLMAN, AL (WBRC) - The Cullman County Fair kicks off Thursday, September 23. And for the first year, will last ten days. It's one of the last old-fashioned fairs. It's all about winning a blue ribbon.
Wednesday, contestants started bringing in their goods for judging. The Cullman County Fair has competitions for anything from hand-made quilts and crafts, to farmed goods and livestock.
"There's vegetables like okras and peas and carrots. There's lots and lots of tomatoes this year. We have jellies and jams and we even have nuts," explained president of the Cullman County Fair Association, Steven Murphree. He was showing off this year's winners in the canned goods contest that was judged Wednesday morning.
"I know they look at color, clarity, whether or not it's presented well. And in some cases, I think they open them up and taste them a little bit," said Murphree.
Murphree said at the Cullman County Fair, there are rides, but most people come out in hopes of a blue ribbon. He added that they spend all year growing the biggest and the best of everything.
"We have people that have been entering things into the fair for years, and this is our 56th year," said Murphree.
From a 146-pound watermelon, to a plate of perfectly round grapes, the agriculture exhibit hall houses the toughest competition.
Paula Grace from Corner entered chestnuts from a tree in her front yard. This is her first year of competing.
"Years before when we brought our children, I thought our chestnuts are much nicer than those, so I decided this year to bring them and see."
Hanceville's Suzanne Allred won a blue ribbon in the past for her flowers, but she's taking on produce this year by entering a variety of peppers, hoping for more chances at a prize ribbon.
She believes there's a secret to the perfect crop, "Good dirt. If you don't have good dirt, you might as well hang it up. So we put barn dirt, leaves, coffee grounds, egg shells and anything we find we put back to the garden and plow it back in."
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
CULLMAN, AL (WBRC) - The Cullman County Fair kicks off Thursday, September 23. And for the first year, will last ten days. It's one of the last old-fashioned fairs. It's all about winning a blue ribbon.
Wednesday, contestants started bringing in their goods for judging. The Cullman County Fair has competitions for anything from hand-made quilts and crafts, to farmed goods and livestock.
"There's vegetables like okras and peas and carrots. There's lots and lots of tomatoes this year. We have jellies and jams and we even have nuts," explained president of the Cullman County Fair Association, Steven Murphree. He was showing off this year's winners in the canned goods contest that was judged Wednesday morning.
"I know they look at color, clarity, whether or not it's presented well. And in some cases, I think they open them up and taste them a little bit," said Murphree.
Murphree said at the Cullman County Fair, there are rides, but most people come out in hopes of a blue ribbon. He added that they spend all year growing the biggest and the best of everything.
"We have people that have been entering things into the fair for years, and this is our 56th year," said Murphree.
From a 146-pound watermelon, to a plate of perfectly round grapes, the agriculture exhibit hall houses the toughest competition.
Paula Grace from Corner entered chestnuts from a tree in her front yard. This is her first year of competing.
"Years before when we brought our children, I thought our chestnuts are much nicer than those, so I decided this year to bring them and see."
Hanceville's Suzanne Allred won a blue ribbon in the past for her flowers, but she's taking on produce this year by entering a variety of peppers, hoping for more chances at a prize ribbon.
She believes there's a secret to the perfect crop, "Good dirt. If you don't have good dirt, you might as well hang it up. So we put barn dirt, leaves, coffee grounds, egg shells and anything we find we put back to the garden and plow it back in."
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Trial continues for daughter accused of abusing mother
By Melanie Posey
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - In June 2008, 90-year old Mary Moore died at Princeton Hospital.
Three months later, Moore's daughter and primary caregiver, Patricia Ford, was charged with her death. Ford's reckless manslaughter and reckless abuse and neglect trial started this week.
Wednesday, paramedics testified about arriving at the home on Baggett Hills Rd in Adamsville where Ford and Moore lived along with several other relatives, including Ford's children. One EMT recalled smelling gangrene and rotting flesh similar to that of a dead animal along the long road on a summer day.
Inside, they found the elderly woman in a hospital bed with open sores, roaches, maggots, feces, and urine…so bad that Moore was stuck to the sheets. He told jurors as he lifted her, his hand went through a bed sore on her backside so large and deep it was like sticking his hand through a rotting cantaloupe.
Also testifying Wednesday was Dr. Robert Brissie, the medical examiner that performed the autopsy on Moore's body. He told jurors Moore died of malnutrition, but mainly from an infection from bed sores so bad that the infection had reached her bones. Her arms and legs could barely be moved.
Brissie said considering Moore's condition, it was hard to believe someone didn't recognize something was wrong with the elderly woman. In a videotaped statement, Ford told investigators that since her mother had gotten older, she'd been harder to move. She fiercely denied the filth saying she'd be stupid to not have her mother's room clean. As for the horrible smell, Ford said the whole house had a mold and mildew odor. And she said she had no idea how bad her mother's sores were.
Through tears, she said she struggled with the idea of putting her mother in a nursing home, but felt it was her obligation to care for her instead.
"I thought I had all the knowledge I needed," Ford cried. "I never thought it would be too much for me."
Testimony continues Thursday.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - In June 2008, 90-year old Mary Moore died at Princeton Hospital.
Three months later, Moore's daughter and primary caregiver, Patricia Ford, was charged with her death. Ford's reckless manslaughter and reckless abuse and neglect trial started this week.
Wednesday, paramedics testified about arriving at the home on Baggett Hills Rd in Adamsville where Ford and Moore lived along with several other relatives, including Ford's children. One EMT recalled smelling gangrene and rotting flesh similar to that of a dead animal along the long road on a summer day.
Inside, they found the elderly woman in a hospital bed with open sores, roaches, maggots, feces, and urine…so bad that Moore was stuck to the sheets. He told jurors as he lifted her, his hand went through a bed sore on her backside so large and deep it was like sticking his hand through a rotting cantaloupe.
Also testifying Wednesday was Dr. Robert Brissie, the medical examiner that performed the autopsy on Moore's body. He told jurors Moore died of malnutrition, but mainly from an infection from bed sores so bad that the infection had reached her bones. Her arms and legs could barely be moved.
Brissie said considering Moore's condition, it was hard to believe someone didn't recognize something was wrong with the elderly woman. In a videotaped statement, Ford told investigators that since her mother had gotten older, she'd been harder to move. She fiercely denied the filth saying she'd be stupid to not have her mother's room clean. As for the horrible smell, Ford said the whole house had a mold and mildew odor. And she said she had no idea how bad her mother's sores were.
Through tears, she said she struggled with the idea of putting her mother in a nursing home, but felt it was her obligation to care for her instead.
"I thought I had all the knowledge I needed," Ford cried. "I never thought it would be too much for me."
Testimony continues Thursday.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Conflict delays Jeffco budget proceedings
By Alan Collins
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Jefferson County Commissioners did not discuss the $815 million budget for the next fiscal year. Commissioners departed a finance committee meeting after a disagreement over the budget that includes giving more money to Sheriff Mike Hale for reopening the county's jail in Bessemer.
As Commissioner Collins said, "Listen I want to call for civility. I would like to call," Commissioner Smoot interrupted, "No, we can adjourn this meeting and the budget won't pass."
Hale says if he gets $4.6 million, he can hire 80 deputies to open the jail including the expanded section.
The Bessemer facility has been closed since last year because of cuts to Hale's budget. "We believe and are committed to $5 million dollars we can open up the Bessemer jail," Hale said.
But some commissioners questioned why Hale needed to hire deputies instead of less expensive civilian correctional officers.
"I never understand why we used certified deputies in a jail when we need people on the street and we could have people at a lot less money," said Commissioner Bobby Humphryes.
Hale says the cost savings would only be $100 thousand and there would be a cost. "Yes we can hire correctional officers. However, we lose qualified immunity on that and that puts county tax dollars at risk," Hale said.
Also on hand was Hale's political opponent, Willie Hill. Hill urged the commissioners to delay the vote. "There are lot more issues that need to be addressed. The county commission needs to look into these things before they approve it," Hill said.
At least 3 county commissioners were not ready to vote for Hale's budget without more study of other proposed budgets.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Jefferson County Commissioners did not discuss the $815 million budget for the next fiscal year. Commissioners departed a finance committee meeting after a disagreement over the budget that includes giving more money to Sheriff Mike Hale for reopening the county's jail in Bessemer.
As Commissioner Collins said, "Listen I want to call for civility. I would like to call," Commissioner Smoot interrupted, "No, we can adjourn this meeting and the budget won't pass."
Hale says if he gets $4.6 million, he can hire 80 deputies to open the jail including the expanded section.
The Bessemer facility has been closed since last year because of cuts to Hale's budget. "We believe and are committed to $5 million dollars we can open up the Bessemer jail," Hale said.
But some commissioners questioned why Hale needed to hire deputies instead of less expensive civilian correctional officers.
"I never understand why we used certified deputies in a jail when we need people on the street and we could have people at a lot less money," said Commissioner Bobby Humphryes.
Hale says the cost savings would only be $100 thousand and there would be a cost. "Yes we can hire correctional officers. However, we lose qualified immunity on that and that puts county tax dollars at risk," Hale said.
Also on hand was Hale's political opponent, Willie Hill. Hill urged the commissioners to delay the vote. "There are lot more issues that need to be addressed. The county commission needs to look into these things before they approve it," Hill said.
At least 3 county commissioners were not ready to vote for Hale's budget without more study of other proposed budgets.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Judge appoints receiver in Jefferson County sewer debt case
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A judge has appointed a receiver over Jefferson County's sewer system, effectively taking control of managing the sewer system from the county.
Russell County Judge Albert Johnson appointed John Young Wednesday. Young previously served as a special master in the county's federal case involving a receiver.
The exact powers of the receiver are unknown at this time. Jefferson County Commissioners fear that a receiver would try to increase sewer rates to pay off the sewer debt. The Bank of New York Mellon sued the county, saying the county is not doing enough to pay of the $3.2 billion obligation.
Watch FOX 6 News at 6:00 for more information on this story.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All Rights Reserved.
Russell County Judge Albert Johnson appointed John Young Wednesday. Young previously served as a special master in the county's federal case involving a receiver.
The exact powers of the receiver are unknown at this time. Jefferson County Commissioners fear that a receiver would try to increase sewer rates to pay off the sewer debt. The Bank of New York Mellon sued the county, saying the county is not doing enough to pay of the $3.2 billion obligation.
Watch FOX 6 News at 6:00 for more information on this story.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All Rights Reserved.
Jeffco Commissioners frustrated over budget concerns
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - The Jefferson County Commission exchanged heated words over next year’s fiscal budget on Wednesday at a finance committee meeting.
Two different budget plans are being considered. One budget tops out at $815 million and includes money from the occupational tax. The second budget comes to $638.6 million and excludes the occupational tax money.
Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale attended the budget meeting. Hale is asking for $4.6 million to reopen the Bessemer Jail and to hire 80 new deputies to run it.
Commissioners balked at Commission President Bettye Fine Collins as she urged them to pass the budget including the money for Sheriff Hale. Commissioners Humphryes, Smoot and Carns all said they needed more time to study the plan.
The Commission has rescheduled the finance meeting for Thursday at 10:00 a.m. to return to the Hale budget and other spending plans.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Two different budget plans are being considered. One budget tops out at $815 million and includes money from the occupational tax. The second budget comes to $638.6 million and excludes the occupational tax money.
Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale attended the budget meeting. Hale is asking for $4.6 million to reopen the Bessemer Jail and to hire 80 new deputies to run it.
Commissioners balked at Commission President Bettye Fine Collins as she urged them to pass the budget including the money for Sheriff Hale. Commissioners Humphryes, Smoot and Carns all said they needed more time to study the plan.
The Commission has rescheduled the finance meeting for Thursday at 10:00 a.m. to return to the Hale budget and other spending plans.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Trial begins for Judge Dan King
MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - The trial starts Wednesday for Bessemer Cutoff Circuit Court Judge Dan King. King is charged with setting aside the conviction of a sex offender, Ronnie Ashford.
The complaint against King alleges that, while in private practice before becoming a judge, King represented Ashford and negotiated a plea deal for him. The complaint says Ashford’s mother approached king to see if there was anything the judge could do to keep her son from having to register as a sex offender.
The Judicial Inquiry Commission" says King handled the case improperly and failed to uphold the integrity of the judiciary.
King denies that he has done anything unethical.
The trial is scheduled to be held through Friday in the Alabama Supreme Court courtroom.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The complaint against King alleges that, while in private practice before becoming a judge, King represented Ashford and negotiated a plea deal for him. The complaint says Ashford’s mother approached king to see if there was anything the judge could do to keep her son from having to register as a sex offender.
The Judicial Inquiry Commission" says King handled the case improperly and failed to uphold the integrity of the judiciary.
King denies that he has done anything unethical.
The trial is scheduled to be held through Friday in the Alabama Supreme Court courtroom.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Free Gulf concert tickets release delayed
GULF SHORES, AL (WBRC) – The release of free concert tickets to promote tourism to the Gulf Coast has been delayed.
Originally, the tickets were set to be released on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Now, the release has been pushed back two day to Friday morning at 10:00 a.m.
The purpose of the concerts is to get more people to visit the Gulf Coast after the BP oil spill caused several vacationers to cancel their yearly plans. Officials hope the extra incentive will help business in the area to thrive despite the meager summer income.
When the tickets become available, they can be obtained at frontgatetickets.com.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Originally, the tickets were set to be released on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Now, the release has been pushed back two day to Friday morning at 10:00 a.m.
The purpose of the concerts is to get more people to visit the Gulf Coast after the BP oil spill caused several vacationers to cancel their yearly plans. Officials hope the extra incentive will help business in the area to thrive despite the meager summer income.
When the tickets become available, they can be obtained at frontgatetickets.com.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Charges upgraded for suspect after child's death
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A Birmingham man is now charged with killing his girlfriend's son.
Demarcus Williams is being held in the Jefferson County Jail without bond. Williams was originally charged with assault, but the charge was upgraded to capital murder.
Two-year-old Antauan Palmore was taken to Children's Hospital with head injuries on Thursday and died Monday.
Palmore’s mother, Erin Wills, has also been charged with child abuse. There has been no word on whether Wills’ charge will be upgraded.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Demarcus Williams is being held in the Jefferson County Jail without bond. Williams was originally charged with assault, but the charge was upgraded to capital murder.
Two-year-old Antauan Palmore was taken to Children's Hospital with head injuries on Thursday and died Monday.
Palmore’s mother, Erin Wills, has also been charged with child abuse. There has been no word on whether Wills’ charge will be upgraded.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham councilors show intention to gain baseball park and hotel
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham is one step closer to getting a new baseball stadium and a 4-star hotel. City councilors okayed the two projects on Tuesday with the intention of raising the lodging tax to pay for them.
If it happens, the baseball park would be an extension of Birmingham’s brand new Railroad Park that opened over the weekend.
Mayor William Bell is not going into specifics just yet over who will play at the park, but he says the city will not spend any money to build the park without securing a team.
The purpose of Tuesday’s vote was for councilors to agree to intend to increase the lodging tax to pay for the new stadium and a Westin Hotel. They voted unanimously to more than double that tax, bringing it to 6.5%.
Councilors say it is all in the name of progress.
"We will build something and be remembered for generations for bringing baseball back to Birmingham," said Councilor Johnathan Austin.
"I look forward to the day I can buy popcorn, hotdog and watch 9 innings in downtown Birmingham with my son," said Councilor Jay Roberson.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
If it happens, the baseball park would be an extension of Birmingham’s brand new Railroad Park that opened over the weekend.
Mayor William Bell is not going into specifics just yet over who will play at the park, but he says the city will not spend any money to build the park without securing a team.
The purpose of Tuesday’s vote was for councilors to agree to intend to increase the lodging tax to pay for the new stadium and a Westin Hotel. They voted unanimously to more than double that tax, bringing it to 6.5%.
Councilors say it is all in the name of progress.
"We will build something and be remembered for generations for bringing baseball back to Birmingham," said Councilor Johnathan Austin.
"I look forward to the day I can buy popcorn, hotdog and watch 9 innings in downtown Birmingham with my son," said Councilor Jay Roberson.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
More shopping centers coming to area
By Emily Luxen
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Despite numerous shopping centers around the Birmingham area, more continue to open. The Shops of Grand River in Leeds is scheduled to open Oct. 28. And plans are also underway for a new shopping center in Cullman.
The Shops of Grand River will include 54 outlet stores, and developers believe it will be successful because it is different from anything else in the area.
"This center is unique to the area," sad Doug Neil, the Vice President of Development for Daniel Corporation. "The outlet center format allows the brands to communicate with consumer, and offer savvy shoppers great value, great brands, and great prices."
UAB's retail expert, Mickey Gee, said the market can still absorb some new shopping centers, and that it is not surprising to see all the new development in the current economy because costs are low. However, he said consumers are still guarding their money and store owners will have to target people who value convenience.
"In the retail business, it's all about product, price, promotion, and place," said Gee. "The first three P's have been taken care of. So now, it's all about place. Retailers are trying to move goods to consumer with hopes they will become the most convenient retailer."
Gee said he remains hopeful the economy will pick up in the 4th quarter of the year, and that will bring an additional boost to these new shopping centers.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Despite numerous shopping centers around the Birmingham area, more continue to open. The Shops of Grand River in Leeds is scheduled to open Oct. 28. And plans are also underway for a new shopping center in Cullman.
The Shops of Grand River will include 54 outlet stores, and developers believe it will be successful because it is different from anything else in the area.
"This center is unique to the area," sad Doug Neil, the Vice President of Development for Daniel Corporation. "The outlet center format allows the brands to communicate with consumer, and offer savvy shoppers great value, great brands, and great prices."
UAB's retail expert, Mickey Gee, said the market can still absorb some new shopping centers, and that it is not surprising to see all the new development in the current economy because costs are low. However, he said consumers are still guarding their money and store owners will have to target people who value convenience.
"In the retail business, it's all about product, price, promotion, and place," said Gee. "The first three P's have been taken care of. So now, it's all about place. Retailers are trying to move goods to consumer with hopes they will become the most convenient retailer."
Gee said he remains hopeful the economy will pick up in the 4th quarter of the year, and that will bring an additional boost to these new shopping centers.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Realtors learning to counsel troubled homeowners
By Jonathan Hardison
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A small, but growing group of Birmingham-area realtors are training to counsel distressed homeowners about how to unload their house without going into foreclosure.
The certification as a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) makes these realtors as much of a life counselor as a realtor. The help they provide troubled homeowners may also help rescue their industry.
Realtor and CDPE, Jeffrey Klinner, sells homes priced from $50,000 to $5 million. He says it doesn't matter which neighborhood you're in, some of your neighbors are in trouble.
"If you walk down the street and you count 7 houses, one of those houses is in distress," Klinner says.
"We cut prices 6 times trying to find that sweet spot where a buyer would actually pay us what we wanted," said Carl Haynie, who wants to sell his Homewood residence.
Haynie was never a distressed homeowner because he and his wife had enough equity in their house to be flexible on price. But iwhat if you're trying to sell, but you don't have any established equity?
"Good luck," Haynie said. "I mean, when you don't have the wiggle room that we had, and I'm grateful we had it, you just have to cut your cost."
Klinner said, "I've seen homeowners go home and literally go to bed for 6 months because they don't know what to do, they didn't know which direction to take."
That's where CDPE's like Klinner come in.
"I am hired by the homeowner to help facilitate this to the point of getting this off their books. ...to get them to a point where they no longer are in danger of losing the house or prevent foreclosure."
If you qualify, CDPE's can help turn a possible foreclosure into a short sale.
Klinner says the counseling isn't just psychological help for families in trouble, it's a lifeline to the real estate market as a whole.
"This is a national problem and if we don't address this as professionals. We're going to see a further decline in our market and the banks are aware of this. So it's a goal for the entire country to help everyone."
If you're a distressed homeowner and think you may qualify for help from a CDPE, you can check out Klinner's website for help and contacts.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A small, but growing group of Birmingham-area realtors are training to counsel distressed homeowners about how to unload their house without going into foreclosure.
The certification as a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) makes these realtors as much of a life counselor as a realtor. The help they provide troubled homeowners may also help rescue their industry.
Realtor and CDPE, Jeffrey Klinner, sells homes priced from $50,000 to $5 million. He says it doesn't matter which neighborhood you're in, some of your neighbors are in trouble.
"If you walk down the street and you count 7 houses, one of those houses is in distress," Klinner says.
"We cut prices 6 times trying to find that sweet spot where a buyer would actually pay us what we wanted," said Carl Haynie, who wants to sell his Homewood residence.
Haynie was never a distressed homeowner because he and his wife had enough equity in their house to be flexible on price. But iwhat if you're trying to sell, but you don't have any established equity?
"Good luck," Haynie said. "I mean, when you don't have the wiggle room that we had, and I'm grateful we had it, you just have to cut your cost."
Klinner said, "I've seen homeowners go home and literally go to bed for 6 months because they don't know what to do, they didn't know which direction to take."
That's where CDPE's like Klinner come in.
"I am hired by the homeowner to help facilitate this to the point of getting this off their books. ...to get them to a point where they no longer are in danger of losing the house or prevent foreclosure."
If you qualify, CDPE's can help turn a possible foreclosure into a short sale.
Klinner says the counseling isn't just psychological help for families in trouble, it's a lifeline to the real estate market as a whole.
"This is a national problem and if we don't address this as professionals. We're going to see a further decline in our market and the banks are aware of this. So it's a goal for the entire country to help everyone."
If you're a distressed homeowner and think you may qualify for help from a CDPE, you can check out Klinner's website for help and contacts.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Local American Idols in town
By Katie Herrera
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The hit FOX TV show “American Idol” is gearing up for its tenth anniversary season and, as a special promotion, FOX crews are heading to all of the past winners’ hometowns to see where they came from and what they are up to now.
FOX6 was on the set Tuesday as both local American Idols Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard filmed their segments.
“It means a lot to come back,” said Hicks about returning to Birmingham.
For Studdard, he still calls Alabama home.
“Even though I’ll go away and work and come back, I’ve always kept Birmingham my home. And I’m so happy and thankful that God has continued to bless me here in this city.”
TOURING THE TOWN
Both men took the crew to some of their favorite local spots. Hicks visited Boutwell Studios, Alabama Theater, a guitar store, Oasis Bar and made sure to stop in for his favorite barbeque sandwich.
“Golden Rule Barbeque on Highway 31! The location is key,” explained Hicks.
Studdard visited Work Play, the 4th Avenue district and his alma matter Alabama A&M University.
“It’s just a wonderful thing to get to showcase Birmingham. And to bring ‘American Idol’ and the people from all around the world who watch the show, they get a chance to see the great city that I’m from and the way it impacted my life,” said Studdard.
“I come from this area, and I’m very proud of it. And I think Alabamians in general are very prideful folks. So to be here, and be representing my state and my area, it’s a blessing,” said Hicks.
THANK YOU TO HOMETOWN FANS
Both Idols agreed the hometown fan base is second to none.
“They were kind of my support system for many years. The people around here and the support that I’ve garnered, it’s very special to me,” explained Hicks.
“The fans have been great here in Birmingham. They’ve always been my backbone, my rock. So thank you everybody in Birmingham,” said Studdard.
WHAT’S NEXT?
“I’m going to an Auburn game, and I’m going to an Alabama game. I’m looking forward to seeing some friends and family. I’m getting ready to start working on a new album. Also, I’ve been given some movie and TV scripts. So I’m pretty excited about readying my first TV and film stuff,” said Hicks.
“I’m actually in the process of recording another album. I’m getting ready to go on tour with David Foster. I’m doing a PBS special with David Foster in a couple of weeks,” explained Studdard.
Studdard’s new movie “Lifted” is playing at Birmingham’s Sidewalk Film Festival, Saturday September 25.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The hit FOX TV show “American Idol” is gearing up for its tenth anniversary season and, as a special promotion, FOX crews are heading to all of the past winners’ hometowns to see where they came from and what they are up to now.
FOX6 was on the set Tuesday as both local American Idols Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard filmed their segments.
“It means a lot to come back,” said Hicks about returning to Birmingham.
For Studdard, he still calls Alabama home.
“Even though I’ll go away and work and come back, I’ve always kept Birmingham my home. And I’m so happy and thankful that God has continued to bless me here in this city.”
TOURING THE TOWN
Both men took the crew to some of their favorite local spots. Hicks visited Boutwell Studios, Alabama Theater, a guitar store, Oasis Bar and made sure to stop in for his favorite barbeque sandwich.
“Golden Rule Barbeque on Highway 31! The location is key,” explained Hicks.
Studdard visited Work Play, the 4th Avenue district and his alma matter Alabama A&M University.
“It’s just a wonderful thing to get to showcase Birmingham. And to bring ‘American Idol’ and the people from all around the world who watch the show, they get a chance to see the great city that I’m from and the way it impacted my life,” said Studdard.
“I come from this area, and I’m very proud of it. And I think Alabamians in general are very prideful folks. So to be here, and be representing my state and my area, it’s a blessing,” said Hicks.
THANK YOU TO HOMETOWN FANS
Both Idols agreed the hometown fan base is second to none.
“They were kind of my support system for many years. The people around here and the support that I’ve garnered, it’s very special to me,” explained Hicks.
“The fans have been great here in Birmingham. They’ve always been my backbone, my rock. So thank you everybody in Birmingham,” said Studdard.
WHAT’S NEXT?
“I’m going to an Auburn game, and I’m going to an Alabama game. I’m looking forward to seeing some friends and family. I’m getting ready to start working on a new album. Also, I’ve been given some movie and TV scripts. So I’m pretty excited about readying my first TV and film stuff,” said Hicks.
“I’m actually in the process of recording another album. I’m getting ready to go on tour with David Foster. I’m doing a PBS special with David Foster in a couple of weeks,” explained Studdard.
Studdard’s new movie “Lifted” is playing at Birmingham’s Sidewalk Film Festival, Saturday September 25.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute gets hurried funding
By Ashley Nix
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A scare at Birmingham City Council Tuesday after Mayor William Bell shocked the council when he told them the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute was about to close their doors.
Bell said he was told the city-owned non-profit would close if the BCRI did not get $240,000. Councilors then asked BCRI President and CEO Dr. Lawrence Pijeaux to confirm Bell's statement.
"Is the civil rights institute about to close?” Roderick Royal asked Pijeaux.
"No, it isn't, but we're at a point where we really need the money," PIjeaux said. “We need the funds. We are not going to close but we do need the money.”
Bell quickly asked, “Mr. Pijeaux, what did you tell me if you didn't get those funds?”
“Mayor," Pijeaux responded, "We talked about the possibility of closing down the road if we didn't get the money from the city over an extended period of time."
In the past fiscal year, the city cut funding for the BCRI by more than 60%. That, Pijeaux said, equaled more than $600,000 not coming to the institute.
Councilor Kim Rafferty asked Tuesday why money was going to the BCRI and no other non-profit.
"Kid One got zero, Literacy Council got zero, Kids House Ministry got zero,” Rafferty said. “What we do for one we must do for all. That's all I have to say."
In the end, the council voted to allocate $240,000 to the BCRI. Rafferty was the only no vote.
Pijeaux said he will be back to ask for more money to keep the institute alive.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A scare at Birmingham City Council Tuesday after Mayor William Bell shocked the council when he told them the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute was about to close their doors.
Bell said he was told the city-owned non-profit would close if the BCRI did not get $240,000. Councilors then asked BCRI President and CEO Dr. Lawrence Pijeaux to confirm Bell's statement.
"Is the civil rights institute about to close?” Roderick Royal asked Pijeaux.
"No, it isn't, but we're at a point where we really need the money," PIjeaux said. “We need the funds. We are not going to close but we do need the money.”
Bell quickly asked, “Mr. Pijeaux, what did you tell me if you didn't get those funds?”
“Mayor," Pijeaux responded, "We talked about the possibility of closing down the road if we didn't get the money from the city over an extended period of time."
In the past fiscal year, the city cut funding for the BCRI by more than 60%. That, Pijeaux said, equaled more than $600,000 not coming to the institute.
Councilor Kim Rafferty asked Tuesday why money was going to the BCRI and no other non-profit.
"Kid One got zero, Literacy Council got zero, Kids House Ministry got zero,” Rafferty said. “What we do for one we must do for all. That's all I have to say."
In the end, the council voted to allocate $240,000 to the BCRI. Rafferty was the only no vote.
Pijeaux said he will be back to ask for more money to keep the institute alive.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Man convicted in Oxford clerk slaying
By Dixon Hayes
ANNISTON, AL (WBRC) - It took a jury an hour and a half Tuesday to vote to recommend death by lethal injection for a man convicted of killing an Oxford convenience store clerk.
Jesse Scheuing was convicted last Friday in the capital murder of Sean Adam Cook. Jurors last week spent exactly nine minutes deliberating his guilt after watching a video of the shooting and robbery and seeing Scheuing's later confession on another video.
Tuesday, jurors voted 10-2 in favor of recommending the judge sentence Scheuing to death by lethal injection.
Sean Adam Cook was shot to death at the Express Mart on Highway 78 in Oxford on November 28, 2008, the day after Thanksgiving. Testimony indicated Cook and Scheuing had met each other a few days earlier and, according to the surveillance video, Scheuing even engaged in friendly conversation with Cook just before shooting him in the head.
During the guilt phase of the trial Monday, witnesses testified Scheuing had a tough childhood, having been given up for adoption, taken back by the birth mother then given up again. Jurors also heard from a Calhoun County Jail inmate who said Scheuing stabbed him 87 times with a ballpoint pen while he was on the phone at the jail. Jurors also saw video of that incident.
Calhoun County Circuit Judge Malcolm Street will formally sentence Scheuing November 9th at 2 p.m.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
ANNISTON, AL (WBRC) - It took a jury an hour and a half Tuesday to vote to recommend death by lethal injection for a man convicted of killing an Oxford convenience store clerk.
Jesse Scheuing was convicted last Friday in the capital murder of Sean Adam Cook. Jurors last week spent exactly nine minutes deliberating his guilt after watching a video of the shooting and robbery and seeing Scheuing's later confession on another video.
Tuesday, jurors voted 10-2 in favor of recommending the judge sentence Scheuing to death by lethal injection.
Sean Adam Cook was shot to death at the Express Mart on Highway 78 in Oxford on November 28, 2008, the day after Thanksgiving. Testimony indicated Cook and Scheuing had met each other a few days earlier and, according to the surveillance video, Scheuing even engaged in friendly conversation with Cook just before shooting him in the head.
During the guilt phase of the trial Monday, witnesses testified Scheuing had a tough childhood, having been given up for adoption, taken back by the birth mother then given up again. Jurors also heard from a Calhoun County Jail inmate who said Scheuing stabbed him 87 times with a ballpoint pen while he was on the phone at the jail. Jurors also saw video of that incident.
Calhoun County Circuit Judge Malcolm Street will formally sentence Scheuing November 9th at 2 p.m.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Jefferson County prepares budgets
By Alan Collins
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Jefferson County Commissioners are set to vote out of committee two sets of budgets Wednesday.
The commissioners are set to approve a budget to start the new fiscal year October 1. There will be $4 million in Sheriff Mike Hale's budget, if he agrees to open up the expanded Bessemer jail which has been closed because of money problems.
The commissioners will also have another set of budgets which will not include millions of dollars from the occupational tax. Commissioners say they want the new county commission to have a separate budget in case the county loses the latest battle over the new job tax.
The commissioners are scheduled to vote on the budgets next Tuesday.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Jefferson County Commissioners are set to vote out of committee two sets of budgets Wednesday.
The commissioners are set to approve a budget to start the new fiscal year October 1. There will be $4 million in Sheriff Mike Hale's budget, if he agrees to open up the expanded Bessemer jail which has been closed because of money problems.
The commissioners will also have another set of budgets which will not include millions of dollars from the occupational tax. Commissioners say they want the new county commission to have a separate budget in case the county loses the latest battle over the new job tax.
The commissioners are scheduled to vote on the budgets next Tuesday.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
A small but growing group of Birmingham-area realtors are training to be specialists in counseling distressed homeowners about how to unload their hou
By Johnathan Hardison
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A small but growing group of Birmingham-area realtors are training to be specialists in counseling distressed homeowners about how to unload their house without going into foreclosure.
The certification as a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) makes these realtors as much of a life counselor as a realtor, and the help they provide homeowners in trouble may also be saving their industry.
Realtor and CDPE Jeffrey Klinner sells homes priced from $50,000 to $5 million and says it does not matter which neighborhood you are in, some of your neighbors are in trouble.
“If you walk down the street and you count 7 houses, one of those houses is in distress,” Klinner says.
“We cut prices 6 times trying to find that sweet spot where a buyer would actually pay us what we wanted,” said former FOX 6 Producer and homeowner Carl Haynie.
Haynie was never a distressed homeowner because he and his wife had enough equity in their house to be flexible on price. But what if you are trying to sell and you do not have any equity built up?
“Good luck,” Haynie said. “I mean, when you don't have the wiggle room that we had, and I'm grateful we had it, you just have to cut your cost.”
“I've seen homeowners go home and literally go to bed for 6 months because they don't know what to do, they didn't know which direction to take,” Klinner said.
That's where CDPE’s like Klinner come in.
“I am hired by the homeowner to help facilitate this to the point of getting this off their books. To get them to a point where they no longer are in danger of losing the house or prevent foreclosure.”
If you qualify as distressed, CDPE's can help turn a possible foreclosure into a short sale. Klinner says the counseling isn't just psychological help for families in trouble, it's a lifeline to the real estate market as a whole.
“This is a national problem and if we don't address this as professionals, we're gonna see a further decline in our market and the banks are aware of this, so it's a goal for the entire country to help everyone.”
If you are a distressed homeowner and think you may qualify for help from a CDPE, you can check out Klinner’s website for help and contacts.
http://www.avoidforeclosureal.com
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A small but growing group of Birmingham-area realtors are training to be specialists in counseling distressed homeowners about how to unload their house without going into foreclosure.
The certification as a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) makes these realtors as much of a life counselor as a realtor, and the help they provide homeowners in trouble may also be saving their industry.
Realtor and CDPE Jeffrey Klinner sells homes priced from $50,000 to $5 million and says it does not matter which neighborhood you are in, some of your neighbors are in trouble.
“If you walk down the street and you count 7 houses, one of those houses is in distress,” Klinner says.
“We cut prices 6 times trying to find that sweet spot where a buyer would actually pay us what we wanted,” said former FOX 6 Producer and homeowner Carl Haynie.
Haynie was never a distressed homeowner because he and his wife had enough equity in their house to be flexible on price. But what if you are trying to sell and you do not have any equity built up?
“Good luck,” Haynie said. “I mean, when you don't have the wiggle room that we had, and I'm grateful we had it, you just have to cut your cost.”
“I've seen homeowners go home and literally go to bed for 6 months because they don't know what to do, they didn't know which direction to take,” Klinner said.
That's where CDPE’s like Klinner come in.
“I am hired by the homeowner to help facilitate this to the point of getting this off their books. To get them to a point where they no longer are in danger of losing the house or prevent foreclosure.”
If you qualify as distressed, CDPE's can help turn a possible foreclosure into a short sale. Klinner says the counseling isn't just psychological help for families in trouble, it's a lifeline to the real estate market as a whole.
“This is a national problem and if we don't address this as professionals, we're gonna see a further decline in our market and the banks are aware of this, so it's a goal for the entire country to help everyone.”
If you are a distressed homeowner and think you may qualify for help from a CDPE, you can check out Klinner’s website for help and contacts.
http://www.avoidforeclosureal.com
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
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