By Emily Luxen
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Thousands are in Birmingham for the 69th Magic City Classic at Legion Field, and that means a big financial boost the local economy.
Organizers say the game between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University brings an estimated $15 million to the local economy. Last year, ticket sales were down and rain kept people away from the game. This year, organizers say ticket sales are up, and they are expecting a big crowd.
Many fans said they watched their spending last year, but this year they plan to make up for it.
"When family and friends come here from different states, they come and they spend money," said Alabama A&M fan Joseph Jones. "They go to the hair dresser, restaurants, hotels, they spend a lot of money. It's great for the entire area."
Many fans will be spending that money in downtown Birmingham thanks to events like the Triple Set. The owners of The Wine Loft, Parthenon, The Compound, and Steel Urban Lounge teamed up to host one big party.
One ticket allows people to visit all four bars on First Avenue North.
"It really brings the city back to life for the weekend," said the owner of The Wine Loft, Mike Dunnavant. "I live downtown, and I have a business downtown. I try and get people downtown. And this is one thing that helps do that."
Kickoff for the game between Alabama A&M and Alabama State is at 2:30pm Saturday at Legion Field. Tickets are still available through Ticketmaster.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Homeland Security Center trains 100,000th resident trainee
ANNISTON, AL (WBRC) - The Homeland Security Center for Domestic Preparedness is celebrating another milestone: its 100,000th resident trainee.
The center has actually trained more than 500,000 first responders (which it celebrated last year, in fact). But this week marked the 100,000th time a student lived on campus during that training.
The student in question, Jenni Goodman, is an administrator and instructor from Providence/St. Vincent's Medical Center in Portland, Oregon. She's a native of Alaska who was once a neighbor of the late Alaska Senator Ted Stevens. This trip was her fifth to Anniston, and she credits the staff with the impressive milestone.
"It's all the staff, and the people and the instructors, the administrators, the people that brought this to us," she told Fox6 News.
The CDP was conceived in the wake of the Tokyo Subway nerve gas attacks, and opened in 1998. It is located at what used to be the chemical school of the former Fort McClellan army base. Police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other first responders from all over the world come to the CPD at the federal government's expense. They learn to deal with crises ranging from 9/11 style terror attacks to tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, even earthquakes.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The center has actually trained more than 500,000 first responders (which it celebrated last year, in fact). But this week marked the 100,000th time a student lived on campus during that training.
The student in question, Jenni Goodman, is an administrator and instructor from Providence/St. Vincent's Medical Center in Portland, Oregon. She's a native of Alaska who was once a neighbor of the late Alaska Senator Ted Stevens. This trip was her fifth to Anniston, and she credits the staff with the impressive milestone.
"It's all the staff, and the people and the instructors, the administrators, the people that brought this to us," she told Fox6 News.
The CDP was conceived in the wake of the Tokyo Subway nerve gas attacks, and opened in 1998. It is located at what used to be the chemical school of the former Fort McClellan army base. Police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other first responders from all over the world come to the CPD at the federal government's expense. They learn to deal with crises ranging from 9/11 style terror attacks to tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, even earthquakes.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Break-in at GOP headquarters could be politically motivated
MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - Is it Alabama’s version of Watergate or just a simple burglary?
On Friday, staffers of the Alabama Republican Party discovered someone broke into their headquarters office off of Vaughn Road in east Montgomery. They say laptop computers were stolen.
Philip Bryan, the state GOP Communication Director says those laptop contained polling information which could be important for turning out Republican votes.
Bryan is not saying if this was political break-in, but he is calling for an investigation to determine if it was more than a simple burglary.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
On Friday, staffers of the Alabama Republican Party discovered someone broke into their headquarters office off of Vaughn Road in east Montgomery. They say laptop computers were stolen.
Philip Bryan, the state GOP Communication Director says those laptop contained polling information which could be important for turning out Republican votes.
Bryan is not saying if this was political break-in, but he is calling for an investigation to determine if it was more than a simple burglary.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Convicted Club Zen murderer sentenced to life
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – The man convicted in the murder of another at Club Zen has been sentenced to life in prison.
Harold Williams was convicted of the stabbing murder of Kelvyn Felder in September.
Williams had to face members of his own family as well as members of Felder’s family at the sentencing. Williams could be seen crying throughout the sentencing, especially while Felder’s mother took the stand. Felder’s mother called Williams both a “monster” and a “coward” and said she did not believe or accept his apologies.
After the emotional testimony, the judge handed down the life in prison sentence.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Harold Williams was convicted of the stabbing murder of Kelvyn Felder in September.
Williams had to face members of his own family as well as members of Felder’s family at the sentencing. Williams could be seen crying throughout the sentencing, especially while Felder’s mother took the stand. Felder’s mother called Williams both a “monster” and a “coward” and said she did not believe or accept his apologies.
After the emotional testimony, the judge handed down the life in prison sentence.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Bentley hearing over, ruling to come soon
MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - A court hearing over that lawsuit seeking to pull Robert Bentley's name off Tuesday's ballot has been concluded. Judge Nicole Still says she will have a ruling soon, possibly before the day is over.
Former Birmingham City Councilman Jimmy Blake claims Bentley, the Republican nominee for governor, failed to disclose help from the Alabama Education Association in his runoff campaign with Bradley Byrne. Blake says Bentley broke state Fair Campaign practices and accepted over-limit campaign contributions.
The defense in the case says the judge has no jurisdiction in this matter and any question over Bentley’s eligibility should be made in an election challenge filed after the vote.
Both plaintiffs, Blake and businessman Stan Pate, say they will file the election challenge if Bentley wins the election on Tuesday.
Attorney for the defense, Al Agricola, says he believe the case is frivolous and is an effort to get publicity.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Former Birmingham City Councilman Jimmy Blake claims Bentley, the Republican nominee for governor, failed to disclose help from the Alabama Education Association in his runoff campaign with Bradley Byrne. Blake says Bentley broke state Fair Campaign practices and accepted over-limit campaign contributions.
The defense in the case says the judge has no jurisdiction in this matter and any question over Bentley’s eligibility should be made in an election challenge filed after the vote.
Both plaintiffs, Blake and businessman Stan Pate, say they will file the election challenge if Bentley wins the election on Tuesday.
Attorney for the defense, Al Agricola, says he believe the case is frivolous and is an effort to get publicity.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Early morning fatal fire ruled homicide by investigators
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – An early morning fire that left three people dead is not being treated as a homicide says the Birmingham Police Department.
The fire happened around 5:15 a.m. on Friday at 1297 44th Street North. Firefighters pulled three victims, two children and one female adult from the blaze. The children were declared dead at the scene. The adult died on the way to the hospital.
Lieutenant Williams with the Birmingham Police Department says they are now treating this incident as a homicide. Police are not yet saying what led them to rule the case as a homicide.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The fire happened around 5:15 a.m. on Friday at 1297 44th Street North. Firefighters pulled three victims, two children and one female adult from the blaze. The children were declared dead at the scene. The adult died on the way to the hospital.
Lieutenant Williams with the Birmingham Police Department says they are now treating this incident as a homicide. Police are not yet saying what led them to rule the case as a homicide.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Two dead in early morning fire in Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham firefighters are on the scene of a deadly fire on 44th Street North. The location is on the east side of the city, near the Tallapoosa Street exit on Interstate 20/59.
The call went out around 5:15 a.m. On the scene, firefighters pulled three victims from inside the burning building. Two of them died.
We will continue to bring you the latest details as we get them.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The call went out around 5:15 a.m. On the scene, firefighters pulled three victims from inside the burning building. Two of them died.
We will continue to bring you the latest details as we get them.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Hearing on Friday over Bentley lawsuit
MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - A court hearing will be held Friday over that lawsuit seeking to pull Robert Bentley’s name off Tuesday’s ballot. Is it a political stunt or a real assault on the campaign?
Former Birmingham City Councilman Jimmy Blake claims Bentley, the Republican nominee for governor, failed to disclose help from the Alabama Education Association in his runoff campaign with Bradley Byrne.
A judge will hear arguments calling for a temporary injunction. Blake wants the election postponed, Bentley's name taken off the ballot and he does not want to see Bentley certified if he does win..
Secretary of State Beth Chapman announced the election would not be delayed.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Former Birmingham City Councilman Jimmy Blake claims Bentley, the Republican nominee for governor, failed to disclose help from the Alabama Education Association in his runoff campaign with Bradley Byrne.
A judge will hear arguments calling for a temporary injunction. Blake wants the election postponed, Bentley's name taken off the ballot and he does not want to see Bentley certified if he does win..
Secretary of State Beth Chapman announced the election would not be delayed.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Video released of gas station robbery suspects
TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) - In Tuscaloosa, police have released video of a gas station robbery. They are hoping the public can help identify the suspects.
It happened October 8th at the EZ Stop on Greensboro Avenue.
During the holdup, one robber pulls a gun while the other one jumps over the counter to clean out the register and take some cigarettes.
Police say the pair could be responsible for a string of recent business robberies.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
It happened October 8th at the EZ Stop on Greensboro Avenue.
During the holdup, one robber pulls a gun while the other one jumps over the counter to clean out the register and take some cigarettes.
Police say the pair could be responsible for a string of recent business robberies.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
West Alabama Narcotics Unit looking for remainder of drug suspects
TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) - The West Alabama Narcotics Unit is asking for your help in locating some drug suspects.
We showed you exclusive video of the drug round up from Tuscaloosa earlier this month. Authorities arrested more than 20 people on drug related charges.
Now, the task force is releasing pictures of 22 more suspects they are still trying to find.
"`They've given ample time for a lot of those guys to turn themselves in,” said Officer Brent Blakely. “People knew they were wanted and after enough time passed, they said OK let's turn up the heat on them and get their pictures out."
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
We showed you exclusive video of the drug round up from Tuscaloosa earlier this month. Authorities arrested more than 20 people on drug related charges.
Now, the task force is releasing pictures of 22 more suspects they are still trying to find.
"`They've given ample time for a lot of those guys to turn themselves in,” said Officer Brent Blakely. “People knew they were wanted and after enough time passed, they said OK let's turn up the heat on them and get their pictures out."
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Drivers respond to good samaritan's tragic death
By Sherea Harris
HOOVER, AL (WBRC) - Brent Mitchell, 42, died crossing I-65 in Hoover Wednesday night.
He was trying to help a truck driver, whose 18-wheeler was on fire.
Mitchell did not realize he was on a bridge, and jumped over a barrier and fell to his death.
Mitchell's story might make you think, "What would I do?"
Would you stop on a busy interstate to help someone in a life or death situation?
Authorities say doing so is someone's personal choice, but you need to evaluate the situation first.
Responding to an accident on the interstate is dangerous for trained emergency personnel. So authorities say people need to understand the risk they are taking in that situation.
There are signs prohibiting pedestrians from being on the interstate because it's too dangerous.
Shea Ludgood says, "It does cause you to think twice, but then you always want to be helpful to somebody."
"If you are going to try to save someone else's life consider your own safety first, your own ability to get it done," said Ethan Patton
Authorties say calling 911 is the safest thing you could do if you see someone in trouble on the interstate.
Sakari Jarvela said, "I've been in situation where you don't have time to think."
Brent Mitchell's tragic death wouldn't stop Sakari Jarvela from doing exactly what Mitchell did… trying to help someone in trouble on the interstate.
He's a truck driver of 37 years and he says he's rescued accident victims without ever considering his own safety first.
"An 18-wheeler flipped right in front of me," said Jarvela. "I kicked the windshield out of the truck and dragged him out of there. I think your blood gets flowing. You get excited and do what you have to do."
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
HOOVER, AL (WBRC) - Brent Mitchell, 42, died crossing I-65 in Hoover Wednesday night.
He was trying to help a truck driver, whose 18-wheeler was on fire.
Mitchell did not realize he was on a bridge, and jumped over a barrier and fell to his death.
Mitchell's story might make you think, "What would I do?"
Would you stop on a busy interstate to help someone in a life or death situation?
Authorities say doing so is someone's personal choice, but you need to evaluate the situation first.
Responding to an accident on the interstate is dangerous for trained emergency personnel. So authorities say people need to understand the risk they are taking in that situation.
There are signs prohibiting pedestrians from being on the interstate because it's too dangerous.
Shea Ludgood says, "It does cause you to think twice, but then you always want to be helpful to somebody."
"If you are going to try to save someone else's life consider your own safety first, your own ability to get it done," said Ethan Patton
Authorties say calling 911 is the safest thing you could do if you see someone in trouble on the interstate.
Sakari Jarvela said, "I've been in situation where you don't have time to think."
Brent Mitchell's tragic death wouldn't stop Sakari Jarvela from doing exactly what Mitchell did… trying to help someone in trouble on the interstate.
He's a truck driver of 37 years and he says he's rescued accident victims without ever considering his own safety first.
"An 18-wheeler flipped right in front of me," said Jarvela. "I kicked the windshield out of the truck and dragged him out of there. I think your blood gets flowing. You get excited and do what you have to do."
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Fatal accident in Walker County
By Emily Luxen
WALKER COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - Three children were rushed a hospital, and their mom is dead after a crash in Walker County Thursday afternoon.
State Troopers say the accident happened around 3:15pm on Old Highway 78 near the Warrior River Bridge. State Troopers arrived at the scene and found a Jeep Cherokee stuck in an embankment just off the highway. The driver, 43-year-old Elizabeth Brandon from Jasper was pronounced dead at the scene, while her three children were taken to Children's Hospital in Birmingham with non-life threatening injuries.
State Troopers say they believe the car left the road to avoid hitting another car, and then overturned several times.
Troopers say a man witnessed the wreck, but left the scene before they could get his contact information. They are hoping he will contact them at (205)322-4691 to help finish the investigation.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
WALKER COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - Three children were rushed a hospital, and their mom is dead after a crash in Walker County Thursday afternoon.
State Troopers say the accident happened around 3:15pm on Old Highway 78 near the Warrior River Bridge. State Troopers arrived at the scene and found a Jeep Cherokee stuck in an embankment just off the highway. The driver, 43-year-old Elizabeth Brandon from Jasper was pronounced dead at the scene, while her three children were taken to Children's Hospital in Birmingham with non-life threatening injuries.
State Troopers say they believe the car left the road to avoid hitting another car, and then overturned several times.
Troopers say a man witnessed the wreck, but left the scene before they could get his contact information. They are hoping he will contact them at (205)322-4691 to help finish the investigation.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Man arrested after shooting son repeatedly with BB gun
TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, AL (WBRC) – A man has been arrested after authorities say he shot his 8-year-old son multiple times in the buttocks with a BB gun.
The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office says the abuse was discovered by the child’s counselor at Lakeview Elementary School when the child mentioned it. Reportedly, the child has several marks on his buttocks and thighs and some of the BB’s had broken the skin.
The child’s father, 28-year-old Lewis T. Brown, has been charged with torture and willful abuse of a child.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office says the abuse was discovered by the child’s counselor at Lakeview Elementary School when the child mentioned it. Reportedly, the child has several marks on his buttocks and thighs and some of the BB’s had broken the skin.
The child’s father, 28-year-old Lewis T. Brown, has been charged with torture and willful abuse of a child.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Sovereign Citizens Group members served with grand jury indictments
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says they have arrested two men after an investigation by several local law enforcement offices.
62-year-old Donald Joe Barber and 34-year-old Donald Jason Barber face charges stemming from actions made against law enforcement officers and criminal law officials during routine encounters. Investigators say the suspects would use threats and intimidation in the form of false liens, arrest, trial and imprisonment of the law enforcement officers.
The Jeffco Sheriff’s Office says the tactics are known to be used by a group called the Sovereign Citizen’s Group. The Group is known to believe all forms of government as invalid and believe they are immune to laws as ambassadors of their own personal government and country. The Sheriff’s Department says Sovereigns are known to engage in “paper terrorism” whenever laws are enforced against them.
The investigation is ongoing and more arrests may be made.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
62-year-old Donald Joe Barber and 34-year-old Donald Jason Barber face charges stemming from actions made against law enforcement officers and criminal law officials during routine encounters. Investigators say the suspects would use threats and intimidation in the form of false liens, arrest, trial and imprisonment of the law enforcement officers.
The Jeffco Sheriff’s Office says the tactics are known to be used by a group called the Sovereign Citizen’s Group. The Group is known to believe all forms of government as invalid and believe they are immune to laws as ambassadors of their own personal government and country. The Sheriff’s Department says Sovereigns are known to engage in “paper terrorism” whenever laws are enforced against them.
The investigation is ongoing and more arrests may be made.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Attalla City Councilor arrested on witness tampering charges
ATTALLA, AL (WBRC) – The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office says a city councilor in the city of Attalla has been arrested on witness tampering charges.
51-year-old Rhonda Hill West was found guilty of the charge on Monday, October 26th. Investigators say West falsified her identification to gain access to a home where a rape victim was living. Her son is the suspect in the rape case.
“For the justice system to work, cases need to be investigated and victims should be able to come to court without fear of intimidation from other parties,” states District Attorney Jimmie Harp. “We feel the verdict in this case was the correct outcome and we applaud the Judge for his decision.”
West was elected to the Attalla City Council in 2008.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
51-year-old Rhonda Hill West was found guilty of the charge on Monday, October 26th. Investigators say West falsified her identification to gain access to a home where a rape victim was living. Her son is the suspect in the rape case.
“For the justice system to work, cases need to be investigated and victims should be able to come to court without fear of intimidation from other parties,” states District Attorney Jimmie Harp. “We feel the verdict in this case was the correct outcome and we applaud the Judge for his decision.”
West was elected to the Attalla City Council in 2008.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham school leaders break ground on new elementary school
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham city school leaders break ground on a new elementary school. Administrators are planning to build a $9.5 million facility on the site of the old Brown Elementary School.
The new school will be able to hold 500 students. It will have a computer lab, art and music rooms and a gym with room to seat 300 people.
The groundbreaking was Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m.
Construction is scheduled for completion by December 2011.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The new school will be able to hold 500 students. It will have a computer lab, art and music rooms and a gym with room to seat 300 people.
The groundbreaking was Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m.
Construction is scheduled for completion by December 2011.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Report released on traffic chokepoints in Alabama
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – A non-profit organization that focuses on transportation research has found Birmingham to be the site of several traffic chokepoints. Officials at TRIP released their report, titled “"Alabama's Transportation Chokepoints: The Top 40 Chokepoints and Remedies for Relief,” on Thursday morning.
Of the top 10 traffic chokepoints in Alabama, Birmingham has claimed seven of the spots. These places include two different sections of Highway 280 and two different sections of I-65.
TRIP suggests in the report that something be done to fix the congestion. They add that the situation will only get worse if it is not relieved.
Several officials from various agencies attended the meeting including the Birmingham Business Alliance, AAA and the Regional Planning Commission.
TRIP is based in Washington, D.C. More info can be found on them at tripnet.org.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Of the top 10 traffic chokepoints in Alabama, Birmingham has claimed seven of the spots. These places include two different sections of Highway 280 and two different sections of I-65.
TRIP suggests in the report that something be done to fix the congestion. They add that the situation will only get worse if it is not relieved.
Several officials from various agencies attended the meeting including the Birmingham Business Alliance, AAA and the Regional Planning Commission.
TRIP is based in Washington, D.C. More info can be found on them at tripnet.org.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham police nab suspects in two separate robberies
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – Two suspects have been arrested in connection to two separate robberies, say officers at the Birmingham Police Department.
20-year-old Clarence Hill was arrested for a convenience store robbery that occurred on October 18th in the 9900 block of Parkway East. Hill faces a 1st degree robbery charge.
In an unrelated case, 39-year-old Christopher Brown was picked up for the robbery of a restaurant in the 2200 block of Bessemer Road. The robbery happened on October 22nd. Brown also faces a 1st degree robbery charge.
Both subjects are being held in the Jefferson County Jail.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
20-year-old Clarence Hill was arrested for a convenience store robbery that occurred on October 18th in the 9900 block of Parkway East. Hill faces a 1st degree robbery charge.
In an unrelated case, 39-year-old Christopher Brown was picked up for the robbery of a restaurant in the 2200 block of Bessemer Road. The robbery happened on October 22nd. Brown also faces a 1st degree robbery charge.
Both subjects are being held in the Jefferson County Jail.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Man arrested in attempted murder investigation
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – The Birmingham Police Department says they have arrested a man in connection to an attempted murder investigation.
According to the report, a mother and son were both stabbed on Tuesday around 10:00 p.m. in the 1000 block of 2nd Court West during a domestic dispute with the mother’s live-in boyfriend. 49-year-old Bernard Knight is now charged with attempted murder and 1st degree assault.
Knight is being held in the Jefferson County Jail.
Both victims are expected to recover.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
According to the report, a mother and son were both stabbed on Tuesday around 10:00 p.m. in the 1000 block of 2nd Court West during a domestic dispute with the mother’s live-in boyfriend. 49-year-old Bernard Knight is now charged with attempted murder and 1st degree assault.
Knight is being held in the Jefferson County Jail.
Both victims are expected to recover.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Thousands expected for Leeds' mall opening
LEEDS, AL (WBRC) - Thursday is a big day for the city of Leeds. Thousands of shoppers are expected to converge on the city's newest mall, the Shops at Grand River.
The Shops at Grand River is the biggest mall project this area has seen in years. It features more than 50 stores like Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach Factory and GAP.
On Wednesday, workers put the finishing touches on the outlet center. Many of the stores underwent their final inspections for certificates of occupancy.
Shoppers and Leeds residents say they are excited about the new shopping opportunities and the revenue it will bring to the city.
"This is going to bring in revenue to the area. It's going to increase the population. It's going to be a plus for the kids to hand out so they don't have to go across town to get into mischief," said resident Rhonda Ryan.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The Shops at Grand River is the biggest mall project this area has seen in years. It features more than 50 stores like Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach Factory and GAP.
On Wednesday, workers put the finishing touches on the outlet center. Many of the stores underwent their final inspections for certificates of occupancy.
Shoppers and Leeds residents say they are excited about the new shopping opportunities and the revenue it will bring to the city.
"This is going to bring in revenue to the area. It's going to increase the population. It's going to be a plus for the kids to hand out so they don't have to go across town to get into mischief," said resident Rhonda Ryan.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Police identify rape and murder suspect in Tuscaloosa
TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) - From our Tuscaloosa newsroom, police have identified a man they believe raped two women and killed one of them.
Investigators are searching for 30-year-old Ellis Patton. He is wanted for murder, rape, sodomy, and kidnapping.
The crime happened Tuesday at University Manor Apartments.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Investigators are searching for 30-year-old Ellis Patton. He is wanted for murder, rape, sodomy, and kidnapping.
The crime happened Tuesday at University Manor Apartments.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Sex offenders banned from rec areas in Locust Fork
By Ashley Nix
LOCUST FORK, AL (WBRC) - The small town of Locust Fork passed an ordinance Tuesday night, banning sex offenders from parks or recreational areas. In Locust Fork, it’s only one park, the only one in the town. But it’s a popular, busy place on any given evening or weekend, full of families and children. "A lot of parents like to come walk and let their children play,” Kim Wood, a parent said. “You don’t wanna be worried someone is going to approach your children."
Which is exactly why Locust Fork’s town council unanimously passed a ban on sex offenders. What does it mean? Sex offenders are not welcome in the popular park.
"It was a no brainer,” Mayor Joe Hughes said. “It was the right thing to do." Hughes says there aren’t any known safety problems in the park, but this is a proactive step, according to Hughes.
"If you wanna go buy groceries, go buy groceries..if you wanna go get gas, go get gas, but don't be hanging around where children are," Hughes said.
Wood says she’s in total support. “It gives you the willies to think someone is lurking when your kids are there, because the playground is right there," Wood said.
Linda McMillan, who uses the park for exercise appreciates the step to keep her and children safe. "We don't want it to happen, so don't give them the opportunity to let it happen,” McMillan said.
Hughes says the bottom line is, "Were not trying to police anybody, we’re just trying to do the right thing."
The fine for anyone who violates the new law is $500.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
LOCUST FORK, AL (WBRC) - The small town of Locust Fork passed an ordinance Tuesday night, banning sex offenders from parks or recreational areas. In Locust Fork, it’s only one park, the only one in the town. But it’s a popular, busy place on any given evening or weekend, full of families and children. "A lot of parents like to come walk and let their children play,” Kim Wood, a parent said. “You don’t wanna be worried someone is going to approach your children."
Which is exactly why Locust Fork’s town council unanimously passed a ban on sex offenders. What does it mean? Sex offenders are not welcome in the popular park.
"It was a no brainer,” Mayor Joe Hughes said. “It was the right thing to do." Hughes says there aren’t any known safety problems in the park, but this is a proactive step, according to Hughes.
"If you wanna go buy groceries, go buy groceries..if you wanna go get gas, go get gas, but don't be hanging around where children are," Hughes said.
Wood says she’s in total support. “It gives you the willies to think someone is lurking when your kids are there, because the playground is right there," Wood said.
Linda McMillan, who uses the park for exercise appreciates the step to keep her and children safe. "We don't want it to happen, so don't give them the opportunity to let it happen,” McMillan said.
Hughes says the bottom line is, "Were not trying to police anybody, we’re just trying to do the right thing."
The fine for anyone who violates the new law is $500.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
135th welcomed home from Afghanistan
By Melanie Posey
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - It was a happy homecoming for 250 Alabama National Guard troops on Wednesday. Members of the 135th Expeditionary Sustainment Command returned home after serving a year in Afghanistan.
Before heading overseas, however, the group went through training at Ft. Hood. They were there when a deadly shooting happened on base that left 13 people injured and dozens others wounded, including Major Randy Royer of the 135th. He was honored by one of his commanding officers when Lt. Col. Bradley Tanksley gave him a combat patch earned by serving in war.
“He’s part of us. He didn't get to go. So I wanted him to have one." Royer chose not to talk about his injuries but instead, focused on his comrades. "Today's about them,” Royer said. “I'm so glad they're back.”
The 135th was responsible for moving people, mail, currency, cargo, unit equipment for more than 30-thousand soldiers while serving overseas.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - It was a happy homecoming for 250 Alabama National Guard troops on Wednesday. Members of the 135th Expeditionary Sustainment Command returned home after serving a year in Afghanistan.
Before heading overseas, however, the group went through training at Ft. Hood. They were there when a deadly shooting happened on base that left 13 people injured and dozens others wounded, including Major Randy Royer of the 135th. He was honored by one of his commanding officers when Lt. Col. Bradley Tanksley gave him a combat patch earned by serving in war.
“He’s part of us. He didn't get to go. So I wanted him to have one." Royer chose not to talk about his injuries but instead, focused on his comrades. "Today's about them,” Royer said. “I'm so glad they're back.”
The 135th was responsible for moving people, mail, currency, cargo, unit equipment for more than 30-thousand soldiers while serving overseas.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Man dies while trying to help truck driver
HOOVER, AL (WBRC) - A man fell from I-65 into the Cahaba River when he tried to assist truck driver whose cabin was ablaze.
The good samaritan was traveling southbound about a half-mile north of the Valleydale Road exit when he saw the truck fire. He jumped over the retaining wall to get to the fire unknowing of the waterway below. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hoover Police say all lanes of I-65 northbound have been closed, and only 1 lane of I-65 southbound is open near the accident.
The truck driver was not injured in the incident.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The good samaritan was traveling southbound about a half-mile north of the Valleydale Road exit when he saw the truck fire. He jumped over the retaining wall to get to the fire unknowing of the waterway below. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hoover Police say all lanes of I-65 northbound have been closed, and only 1 lane of I-65 southbound is open near the accident.
The truck driver was not injured in the incident.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Doctor wants Bentley removed from election
By Jonathan Hardison
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Former Birmingham city councilor Dr. Jimmy Blake has filed a lawsuit seeking to have Dr. Robert Bentley removed from the ballot because Blake says Bentley violated campaign finance laws.
The lawsuit alleges Dr. Bentley's campaign sent out robocalls in July that were actually coordinated by the AEA, but says Bentley's campaign didn't report that help as a contribution, a violation of campaign law.
Blake says Bentley's name should be taken off next Tuesday's ballot as the result.
"Everybody who runs for office are told the rules to play by," Dr. Blake said. "He's to be the chief executive officer of the state of Alabama, he's run a campaign that he's going to clean up politics and bring in new ethics laws. Well, what's the point of new laws if Dr. Bentley thinks he's above the laws we currently have?"
"That's just all politics, that's all it is," Dr. Bentley said. "It has no merit whatsoever, we're letting our attorneys handle all that, it's just politics, it has no merit."
Campaigning in Shelby County Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Bentley said the only robocalls he knew about were positive ones his campaign was doing.
"We did not know who was actually paying for the ones they're talking about," Bentley said. "It turns out Stan Pate was supposed to pay for them, he didn't pay for them, AEA paid for them. When we found out about it, it was reported as in-kind contribution, we immediately reported it and followed the law, and that's all there is."
The attorney general's office also sent Bentley's campaign a letter this week asking the return of 6 contributions from corporations that the government says were over the legal limit.
Bentley said his campaign wasn't trying to hide anything and in fact, found 2 more questionable checks after going back over its records that it is also returning. So is the man leading most polls worried?
"I've traveled this state, people, they really do not care about robocalls," Bentley said. "What they care about right now is their job, they're caring about things that really affect them. No one is talking to me about these except the news media, so it's really not an issue."
Dr. Blake is hopes to get a hearing on the lawsuit later this week. The election is Tuesday.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Former Birmingham city councilor Dr. Jimmy Blake has filed a lawsuit seeking to have Dr. Robert Bentley removed from the ballot because Blake says Bentley violated campaign finance laws.
The lawsuit alleges Dr. Bentley's campaign sent out robocalls in July that were actually coordinated by the AEA, but says Bentley's campaign didn't report that help as a contribution, a violation of campaign law.
Blake says Bentley's name should be taken off next Tuesday's ballot as the result.
"Everybody who runs for office are told the rules to play by," Dr. Blake said. "He's to be the chief executive officer of the state of Alabama, he's run a campaign that he's going to clean up politics and bring in new ethics laws. Well, what's the point of new laws if Dr. Bentley thinks he's above the laws we currently have?"
"That's just all politics, that's all it is," Dr. Bentley said. "It has no merit whatsoever, we're letting our attorneys handle all that, it's just politics, it has no merit."
Campaigning in Shelby County Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Bentley said the only robocalls he knew about were positive ones his campaign was doing.
"We did not know who was actually paying for the ones they're talking about," Bentley said. "It turns out Stan Pate was supposed to pay for them, he didn't pay for them, AEA paid for them. When we found out about it, it was reported as in-kind contribution, we immediately reported it and followed the law, and that's all there is."
The attorney general's office also sent Bentley's campaign a letter this week asking the return of 6 contributions from corporations that the government says were over the legal limit.
Bentley said his campaign wasn't trying to hide anything and in fact, found 2 more questionable checks after going back over its records that it is also returning. So is the man leading most polls worried?
"I've traveled this state, people, they really do not care about robocalls," Bentley said. "What they care about right now is their job, they're caring about things that really affect them. No one is talking to me about these except the news media, so it's really not an issue."
Dr. Blake is hopes to get a hearing on the lawsuit later this week. The election is Tuesday.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
New Leeds outlet mall almost ready
By Alan Collins
LEEDS, AL (WBRC) - Despite pouring rain Wednesday, workers putting the finishing touches on the $127 million dollar Shops of Grand River at Leeds.
Marketing director Jamie Robinson said preparations may take until the last moment before the Thursday grand opening.
"All of the stores are getting their last minute merchandize in," Robinson said. "Getting everything ready for tomorrow's opening."
Many of the 64 stores are undergoing inspections to earn their certificate of occupancy license.
"It's going to be busy," Robinson said. "We expect a lot of people to come out. We are arranging for traffic control."
The developer, the Daniel Corporation, is planning a series of activities Thursday and through the weekend. Area shoppers are excited.
"Yeah, I'm excited," Rhonda Ryan, Irondale shopper said. "We are going to be here in the morning, once it opens up."
Ryan has children who work at the Shops of Grand River. Ryan expects to catch some deals on the very first day.
"One shoe store has buy one get two free. Another store has 50 percent off. Another store has a two 99 rack." Ryan said.
Certainly the folks out here at the Shops of Grand River to show up for the grand opening Thursday morning. If you come out here they have a bit of advice for you.
"Get here early and stay as long as your want." Robinson said.
A private VIP party is planned Wednesday night. The shopping center is expected to pour more than $100 million into Leeds and the region over the next 30 years.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
LEEDS, AL (WBRC) - Despite pouring rain Wednesday, workers putting the finishing touches on the $127 million dollar Shops of Grand River at Leeds.
Marketing director Jamie Robinson said preparations may take until the last moment before the Thursday grand opening.
"All of the stores are getting their last minute merchandize in," Robinson said. "Getting everything ready for tomorrow's opening."
Many of the 64 stores are undergoing inspections to earn their certificate of occupancy license.
"It's going to be busy," Robinson said. "We expect a lot of people to come out. We are arranging for traffic control."
The developer, the Daniel Corporation, is planning a series of activities Thursday and through the weekend. Area shoppers are excited.
"Yeah, I'm excited," Rhonda Ryan, Irondale shopper said. "We are going to be here in the morning, once it opens up."
Ryan has children who work at the Shops of Grand River. Ryan expects to catch some deals on the very first day.
"One shoe store has buy one get two free. Another store has 50 percent off. Another store has a two 99 rack." Ryan said.
Certainly the folks out here at the Shops of Grand River to show up for the grand opening Thursday morning. If you come out here they have a bit of advice for you.
"Get here early and stay as long as your want." Robinson said.
A private VIP party is planned Wednesday night. The shopping center is expected to pour more than $100 million into Leeds and the region over the next 30 years.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Apartment fire may have been caused by meth lab explosion
TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) - An early morning apartment fire left more than a dozen people homeless and led to a police investigation in Tuscaloosa.
Fire erupted at Graceland Apartments just after 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning.
Members of the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force were at the scene. Captain Jeff Snyder confirms they are looking into the possibility that the fire could be the result of a meth lab.
Many in the complex are upset that the fire affects so many families. "Yeah I'm concerned, I'm concerned about everybody,” said Jermaine Whitehead, who witnessed the fire. “It's kind of messed up how the apartment caught fire, you know."
No one has been charged with a crime.
One person suffered second degree burns to their hands and face and was rushed to the hospital. Three others were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Fire erupted at Graceland Apartments just after 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning.
Members of the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force were at the scene. Captain Jeff Snyder confirms they are looking into the possibility that the fire could be the result of a meth lab.
Many in the complex are upset that the fire affects so many families. "Yeah I'm concerned, I'm concerned about everybody,” said Jermaine Whitehead, who witnessed the fire. “It's kind of messed up how the apartment caught fire, you know."
No one has been charged with a crime.
One person suffered second degree burns to their hands and face and was rushed to the hospital. Three others were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Bettye Fine Collins brings gifts on last committee meeting
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) – Jefferson County Commission President Bettye Fine Collins decided to make Wednesday’s committee meeting a special one. During the meeting, Collins gave gifts to her fellow commissioners.
This meeting is the last committee meeting for the current group of commissioners.
The final full commission meeting will take place next Tuesday before the new commissioners take over.
The new commissioners will take office on November 10th.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
This meeting is the last committee meeting for the current group of commissioners.
The final full commission meeting will take place next Tuesday before the new commissioners take over.
The new commissioners will take office on November 10th.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham businessman Hall Thompson dead at 87
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – The founder of Thompson Tractor Company and developer of the Shoal Creek Country Club died on Wednesday morning.
Hall Thompson died at the age of 87.
Thompson was known for founding the Thompson Tractor Company in 1957. The heavy equipment company eventually became one of the leading companies of its kind.
He also helped to develop the Shoal Creek Country Club, which hosted the PGA Championship in 1984 and 1990. Thompson was the subject of a strong controversy after he was quoted as saying the golf club could not be forced into accepting black members. Thompson has denied the quote and the club now accepts black members, former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice being one member of note.
Recently, Shoal Creek announced the hosting of the Regions Tradition, a golf championship with the Champions Tour.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Hall Thompson died at the age of 87.
Thompson was known for founding the Thompson Tractor Company in 1957. The heavy equipment company eventually became one of the leading companies of its kind.
He also helped to develop the Shoal Creek Country Club, which hosted the PGA Championship in 1984 and 1990. Thompson was the subject of a strong controversy after he was quoted as saying the golf club could not be forced into accepting black members. Thompson has denied the quote and the club now accepts black members, former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice being one member of note.
Recently, Shoal Creek announced the hosting of the Regions Tradition, a golf championship with the Champions Tour.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Escaped fugitive re-captured by U.S. Marshalls in Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – A fugitive who escaped from a hospital in Anniston has been located and arrested, says the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office.
David Andrew Hunt was captured in an apartment in Birmingham by U.S. Marshalls. Marshalls had determined Hunt to be staying there and were able to enter and arrest him without any injuries. Hunt was taken to the Calhoun County Jail.
Hunt escaped from Anniston Police on the 19th of this month when he was taken to RMC Anniston for treatment for injuries sustained in a car wreck. A manhunt for Hunt began and he was able to elude law enforcement for over a week.
The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office says citizen information was invaluable in the investigation into Hunt’s whereabouts.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
David Andrew Hunt was captured in an apartment in Birmingham by U.S. Marshalls. Marshalls had determined Hunt to be staying there and were able to enter and arrest him without any injuries. Hunt was taken to the Calhoun County Jail.
Hunt escaped from Anniston Police on the 19th of this month when he was taken to RMC Anniston for treatment for injuries sustained in a car wreck. A manhunt for Hunt began and he was able to elude law enforcement for over a week.
The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office says citizen information was invaluable in the investigation into Hunt’s whereabouts.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham Police issue guidelines for Magic City Classic
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – The Birmingham Police Department says they are expecting a high fan turnout for this year’s Magic City Classic. As such, they have released some guidelines to help fans make their arrival and departure at the game a smoother experience.
Parking at the stadium is very limited, so a free shuttle will be offered from three different locations around Birmingham. Within the perimeter of the stadium, vehicular traffic without the proper permit will not be allowed after 9:00 a.m.
Officers encourage fans to pick up tickets ahead of time to reduce congestion at the stadium. On the day of the game, fans should also arrive as early as possible.
FREE SHUTTLE LOCATIONS
ALABAMA STATE FAIRGROUND
2331 Bessemer Road
9 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
20 minute estimated shuttle ride
SHERATON HOTEL – BJCC COMPLEX
2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard
12 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
15 minute estimated shuttle ride
7th AVENUE NORTH & 23rd STREET NORTH – DOWNTOWN
12 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
15 minute estimated shuttle ride
PARKING AND TRAFFIC CONCERNS
- We strongly suggest that fans use the FREE shuttle service.
- Message boards will be set up displaying when the stadium is full.
- Police Officers will be assigned to all major intersections within a half mile radius of the stadium and in some cases farther.
- There will be continuous police patrols in the area before, during and after the game.
ENTERING THE STADIUM
- You can not bring camcorders or zoom lenses for cameras unless you have a media pass. You also can not bring coolers, umbrellas, hand-held radios/boom boxes, food, drinks or weapons of any kind into the stadium.
- Large bags are subject to search.
- Fans can expect a longer wait in line due to the added safety precautions.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Parking at the stadium is very limited, so a free shuttle will be offered from three different locations around Birmingham. Within the perimeter of the stadium, vehicular traffic without the proper permit will not be allowed after 9:00 a.m.
Officers encourage fans to pick up tickets ahead of time to reduce congestion at the stadium. On the day of the game, fans should also arrive as early as possible.
FREE SHUTTLE LOCATIONS
ALABAMA STATE FAIRGROUND
2331 Bessemer Road
9 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
20 minute estimated shuttle ride
SHERATON HOTEL – BJCC COMPLEX
2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard
12 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
15 minute estimated shuttle ride
7th AVENUE NORTH & 23rd STREET NORTH – DOWNTOWN
12 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
15 minute estimated shuttle ride
PARKING AND TRAFFIC CONCERNS
- We strongly suggest that fans use the FREE shuttle service.
- Message boards will be set up displaying when the stadium is full.
- Police Officers will be assigned to all major intersections within a half mile radius of the stadium and in some cases farther.
- There will be continuous police patrols in the area before, during and after the game.
ENTERING THE STADIUM
- You can not bring camcorders or zoom lenses for cameras unless you have a media pass. You also can not bring coolers, umbrellas, hand-held radios/boom boxes, food, drinks or weapons of any kind into the stadium.
- Large bags are subject to search.
- Fans can expect a longer wait in line due to the added safety precautions.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Damage reported across Alabama from storms
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - After a string of storms raged across central Alabama on Monday and Tuesday, many Alabamians are cleaning up the damage left behind.
In the Roebuck Gardens community, a tree landed on a house in the 500 block of Orchid Road. Nearby, severe damage was reported near the intersection of Five Mile Road and Huffman Road. Some in the area say they even saw a funnel cloud in the area.
In Geraldine in DeKalb County, there have been several reports of storm damaged homes, downed trees and powerlines.
Our Huntsville sister station, WAFF, received reports of a tornado in Madison County. So far, there has been no damage reported from this storm.
People in Walker and Winston Counties will spend the day cleaning up from storms that struck Tuesday night and Sunday night. A tornado tore through the roof of a mobile home in Double Springs early Monday morning. Pieces of the roof were found in nearby trees.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
In the Roebuck Gardens community, a tree landed on a house in the 500 block of Orchid Road. Nearby, severe damage was reported near the intersection of Five Mile Road and Huffman Road. Some in the area say they even saw a funnel cloud in the area.
In Geraldine in DeKalb County, there have been several reports of storm damaged homes, downed trees and powerlines.
Our Huntsville sister station, WAFF, received reports of a tornado in Madison County. So far, there has been no damage reported from this storm.
People in Walker and Winston Counties will spend the day cleaning up from storms that struck Tuesday night and Sunday night. A tornado tore through the roof of a mobile home in Double Springs early Monday morning. Pieces of the roof were found in nearby trees.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
One killed in single vehicle accident in Jasper
JASPER, AL (WBRC) – The State Department of Public Safety says a man was killed in a vehicle accident on Tuesday night.
49-year-old James Rucker was fatally injured after being involved in a single vehicle wreck while driving a 2003 Toyota Celica. The accident occurred around 10:00 p.m. on AL-269 in Walker County.
Rucker was transported to Collins Burke Funeral Home.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
49-year-old James Rucker was fatally injured after being involved in a single vehicle wreck while driving a 2003 Toyota Celica. The accident occurred around 10:00 p.m. on AL-269 in Walker County.
Rucker was transported to Collins Burke Funeral Home.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Deputies suspend search for a man in Narrows community
By Katie Herrera
CHELSEA, AL (WBRC) - Residents in the Narrows area were still a little concerned Tuesday, after the search for a suspect ended Monday night without an arrest.
“My, I turned on my front lights, my back lights. I locked my door. And we made sure everything was okay,” said Cynthia McKenzie, remembering her actions from Monday night.
McKenzie was one of many Shelby County residents who got word that the Sheriff’s Office was asking folks to secure their homes because a suspect was on the run in the Narrows community.
That suspect was Johnathan Earl Baker, 23, of Columbiana.
Baker was pulled over for a traffic stop at Highway 280 and Shelby County 41. During the stop, Baker fled on foot.
FOX6 spoke with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday. They said because Baker fled and they did not know why, it was standard procedure to activate a search and alert the community.
A few hours later the search was called off, without Baker in custody. Many residents were left concerned.
“The call I got was, it’s flashing on the web for the Sheriff’s Office. Well, okay. Then the next thing we hear is it’s being called off. We’re like wait a minute, what about us,” explained McKenzie.
Sheriff’s officials said based on Baker’s history, he is not considered violent. They also do not believe Baker is in the area anymore.
“It doesn’t bother me too much, because I figure if somebody was out running around, he’s probably long gone by then,” said Barney Schmidt, a Narrows resident.
Some neighbors, however, are still a little nervous.
“It makes me nervous because anybody could just push the door in on me. What am I going to do?” said Tonya Pharo, a Narrows resident.
Baker is wanted on probation violation and other misdemeanor warrants.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
CHELSEA, AL (WBRC) - Residents in the Narrows area were still a little concerned Tuesday, after the search for a suspect ended Monday night without an arrest.
“My, I turned on my front lights, my back lights. I locked my door. And we made sure everything was okay,” said Cynthia McKenzie, remembering her actions from Monday night.
McKenzie was one of many Shelby County residents who got word that the Sheriff’s Office was asking folks to secure their homes because a suspect was on the run in the Narrows community.
That suspect was Johnathan Earl Baker, 23, of Columbiana.
Baker was pulled over for a traffic stop at Highway 280 and Shelby County 41. During the stop, Baker fled on foot.
FOX6 spoke with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday. They said because Baker fled and they did not know why, it was standard procedure to activate a search and alert the community.
A few hours later the search was called off, without Baker in custody. Many residents were left concerned.
“The call I got was, it’s flashing on the web for the Sheriff’s Office. Well, okay. Then the next thing we hear is it’s being called off. We’re like wait a minute, what about us,” explained McKenzie.
Sheriff’s officials said based on Baker’s history, he is not considered violent. They also do not believe Baker is in the area anymore.
“It doesn’t bother me too much, because I figure if somebody was out running around, he’s probably long gone by then,” said Barney Schmidt, a Narrows resident.
Some neighbors, however, are still a little nervous.
“It makes me nervous because anybody could just push the door in on me. What am I going to do?” said Tonya Pharo, a Narrows resident.
Baker is wanted on probation violation and other misdemeanor warrants.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Criminals won't deter Railroad Park visitors
By Emily Luxen
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - As Birmingham Police investigate an armed robbery at Railroad Park, residents said they will continue to visit the downtown landmark.
Police said the incident happened around 9:45pm Monday evening. Three young men approached another group of men, one pulled out a gun, and got away with a cell phone. No one was hurt. Police are reviewing surveillance tape from the 20 security cameras positioned throughout the park, and urge residents to use the emergency phones if they see anything suspicious.
"We need to catch these guys," said Capt. Henry Irby, "We need the quality of life to stay good around the railroad park and in the city of Birmingham itself."
Birmingham Mayor William Bell said the park's security system is state of the art, but after this incident the city will be reviewing the system to make sure it is as effective as possible. Tuesday afternoon, the walking paths and playgrounds at Railroad park were still filled with people. Residents said they were surprised to hear about the robbery, and while they were disappointed, they hope this is a reminder for people to be cautious.
"As a woman, you have to be careful," said Alberta Taylor. "You can't trust anyone. You have to be protective of your own safety."
"I really hope the park doesn't get a bad label," said Latoya Hayes. "We want to keep the Railroad Park beautiful and full of people."
Birmingham Police continue to investigate the case, and urge anyone with information to give them a call.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - As Birmingham Police investigate an armed robbery at Railroad Park, residents said they will continue to visit the downtown landmark.
Police said the incident happened around 9:45pm Monday evening. Three young men approached another group of men, one pulled out a gun, and got away with a cell phone. No one was hurt. Police are reviewing surveillance tape from the 20 security cameras positioned throughout the park, and urge residents to use the emergency phones if they see anything suspicious.
"We need to catch these guys," said Capt. Henry Irby, "We need the quality of life to stay good around the railroad park and in the city of Birmingham itself."
Birmingham Mayor William Bell said the park's security system is state of the art, but after this incident the city will be reviewing the system to make sure it is as effective as possible. Tuesday afternoon, the walking paths and playgrounds at Railroad park were still filled with people. Residents said they were surprised to hear about the robbery, and while they were disappointed, they hope this is a reminder for people to be cautious.
"As a woman, you have to be careful," said Alberta Taylor. "You can't trust anyone. You have to be protective of your own safety."
"I really hope the park doesn't get a bad label," said Latoya Hayes. "We want to keep the Railroad Park beautiful and full of people."
Birmingham Police continue to investigate the case, and urge anyone with information to give them a call.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Barber shop talk with Mayor Bell
By Jonathan Hardison
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Fresh off a victory for his downtown baseball stadium proposal, Birmingham's mayor got an earful from downtown business owners and residents this afternoon. Mayor William Bell sat down with them in a barber shop.
The city council's vote Tuesday to raise the lodging tax means the money is in place to build a downtown baseball stadium and the site is likely to be right next to or near the new Railroad Park, assuming the Birmingham Barons want to play there. Tuesday afternoon, Bell made some news when asked how soon we will know if the Barons are coming over the mountain.
"Probably have some announcements next week as it relates to the Barons and then shortly after that we'll probably have some other announcements related to the actual construction of the stadium itself," Bell said.
The idea of several thousand fans flooding that part of downtown is appealing to a lot of business owners, but one man who owns a business near Railroad Park is concerned he hasn't heard directly from the city about the potential new stadium.
"Is there a plan to work with the existing business owners with how they area's going to move forward?"
Bell promised to reach out to surrounding businesses moving forward, that's music to the ears of Vancey Williams who owns a new club several blocks away from the park on 20th street.
"I'm glad to see the Railroad Park and the Westin Hotel, all of it will help the inner city programs and faciltiies and business downtown, so 1 will help another," Williams said.
But developers want to see the city encourage growth in other parts of downtown, not just the area around Railroad Park.
"I have a number of calls on a daily basis, people wanting to put bars and restaurants down here, and it's just real difficult. Is the city doing anything to promote an entertainment district downtown like we are out by the civic center?"
Bell replied, "Yes."
The mayor fielded another question, "If the stadium happens, how soon could we see baseball at the stadium?" Bell said he hopes the stadium could be complete by the spring of 2013.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Fresh off a victory for his downtown baseball stadium proposal, Birmingham's mayor got an earful from downtown business owners and residents this afternoon. Mayor William Bell sat down with them in a barber shop.
The city council's vote Tuesday to raise the lodging tax means the money is in place to build a downtown baseball stadium and the site is likely to be right next to or near the new Railroad Park, assuming the Birmingham Barons want to play there. Tuesday afternoon, Bell made some news when asked how soon we will know if the Barons are coming over the mountain.
"Probably have some announcements next week as it relates to the Barons and then shortly after that we'll probably have some other announcements related to the actual construction of the stadium itself," Bell said.
The idea of several thousand fans flooding that part of downtown is appealing to a lot of business owners, but one man who owns a business near Railroad Park is concerned he hasn't heard directly from the city about the potential new stadium.
"Is there a plan to work with the existing business owners with how they area's going to move forward?"
Bell promised to reach out to surrounding businesses moving forward, that's music to the ears of Vancey Williams who owns a new club several blocks away from the park on 20th street.
"I'm glad to see the Railroad Park and the Westin Hotel, all of it will help the inner city programs and faciltiies and business downtown, so 1 will help another," Williams said.
But developers want to see the city encourage growth in other parts of downtown, not just the area around Railroad Park.
"I have a number of calls on a daily basis, people wanting to put bars and restaurants down here, and it's just real difficult. Is the city doing anything to promote an entertainment district downtown like we are out by the civic center?"
Bell replied, "Yes."
The mayor fielded another question, "If the stadium happens, how soon could we see baseball at the stadium?" Bell said he hopes the stadium could be complete by the spring of 2013.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Missing Gadsden woman found dead
LEESBURG, AL (WBRC) - A Gadsden woman missing since Thursday was found Tuesday in the backwaters of Weiss Lake.
Leesburg Police and the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office said the body of Ashley Rebecca Taylor was found at about 3 p.m. after a search by a team of cadaver dogs.
Taylor, 23, was reported missing Saturday by her mother. Taylor and her husband, 54-year-old Benny Taylor, had went camping last Thursday at Leesburg Landing. Police said Benny Taylor was arrested Friday for public intoxication and was cooperating with authorities in the search.
Sunday, Ashley Taylor's car was found submerged in about 16 feet of water at a landing on Weiss Lake near Leesburg near the campsite. A forensics expert was examining the vehicle on Monday for clues.
Monday, Taylor's family held a vigil at the lakeside landing. They told FOX6 News they hoped, if the truck did crash, Taylor had managed to escape. They said she had experienced issues with depression in the past but hoped someone may find her and help her.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Leesburg Police and the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office said the body of Ashley Rebecca Taylor was found at about 3 p.m. after a search by a team of cadaver dogs.
Taylor, 23, was reported missing Saturday by her mother. Taylor and her husband, 54-year-old Benny Taylor, had went camping last Thursday at Leesburg Landing. Police said Benny Taylor was arrested Friday for public intoxication and was cooperating with authorities in the search.
Sunday, Ashley Taylor's car was found submerged in about 16 feet of water at a landing on Weiss Lake near Leesburg near the campsite. A forensics expert was examining the vehicle on Monday for clues.
Monday, Taylor's family held a vigil at the lakeside landing. They told FOX6 News they hoped, if the truck did crash, Taylor had managed to escape. They said she had experienced issues with depression in the past but hoped someone may find her and help her.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Storms threaten people across Alabama
JASPER, AL (WBRC) - Severe thunderstorms threatened people across Alabama on Tuesday, sparking numerous tornado warnings.
The most dangerous weather occurred in north Alabama. Numerous people reported seeing a funnel cloud move across the Huntsville area. No damage nor injuries were initially reported with that storm.
Several other thunderstorms also caused meteorologists at the National Weather Service to issue tornado warnings Tuesday afternoon. The storms created heavy rain, gusty winds and lightning, but no damage was initially reported.
The storms were associated with a storm system that produced severe weather from Alabama to the Ohio Valley. FOX6 Meteorologist J-P Dice said cooler, drier air would begin to arrive in Alabama on Wednesday as the storms moved off to the east.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The most dangerous weather occurred in north Alabama. Numerous people reported seeing a funnel cloud move across the Huntsville area. No damage nor injuries were initially reported with that storm.
Several other thunderstorms also caused meteorologists at the National Weather Service to issue tornado warnings Tuesday afternoon. The storms created heavy rain, gusty winds and lightning, but no damage was initially reported.
The storms were associated with a storm system that produced severe weather from Alabama to the Ohio Valley. FOX6 Meteorologist J-P Dice said cooler, drier air would begin to arrive in Alabama on Wednesday as the storms moved off to the east.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Host of Birmingham’s longest-running religious show passes at 74
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – The minister of Roebuck Parkway Church of Christ and host of Birmingham’s longest running religious television program, The Living Word, passed away on Monday night.
The church said Jerry Jenkins died after an extended hospitalization. He was 74 years old.
Jenkins served as the pastor of Roebuck Parkway Church of Christ for 43 years. He was well known in central Alabama for hosting The Living Word during that time, a television program shown on Birmingham television stations for 43 consecutive years. The show was also shown around the world on the Gospel Broadcast Network and on TV stations in Belize.
Visitation for Jenkins will be held at Roebuck Parkway Church of Christ on Wednesday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m and again on Thursday from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the church.
Jenkins, a native of Huntsville, was a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University and wrote numerous books on personal evangelism. He also helped begin Maywood Christian Camp in Hamilton, Alabama, and Jefferson Christian Academy in Irondale. He served on several boards including Rainbow Omega.
Jenkins was married to the late Mamie Frame Jenkins for 49 years and was currently married to Dr. Mona L. Jenkins. He had four children and nine grandchildren.
In Lieu of Flowers, The family has asked that donations be made to Jefferson Christian Academy, Freed Hardeman University, Maywood Christian Camp or Rainbow Omega.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The church said Jerry Jenkins died after an extended hospitalization. He was 74 years old.
Jenkins served as the pastor of Roebuck Parkway Church of Christ for 43 years. He was well known in central Alabama for hosting The Living Word during that time, a television program shown on Birmingham television stations for 43 consecutive years. The show was also shown around the world on the Gospel Broadcast Network and on TV stations in Belize.
Visitation for Jenkins will be held at Roebuck Parkway Church of Christ on Wednesday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m and again on Thursday from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the church.
Jenkins, a native of Huntsville, was a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University and wrote numerous books on personal evangelism. He also helped begin Maywood Christian Camp in Hamilton, Alabama, and Jefferson Christian Academy in Irondale. He served on several boards including Rainbow Omega.
Jenkins was married to the late Mamie Frame Jenkins for 49 years and was currently married to Dr. Mona L. Jenkins. He had four children and nine grandchildren.
In Lieu of Flowers, The family has asked that donations be made to Jefferson Christian Academy, Freed Hardeman University, Maywood Christian Camp or Rainbow Omega.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Governor Riley to attend psychiatric hospital groundbreaking
TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) - Governor Bob Riley will be in Tuscaloosa on Tuesday to break ground on a new psychiatric hospital. The new facility will replace the old Bryce Hospital.
The new hospital will be located on property at the Partlow Development Center. It will hold 268 beds. Plans have it opening in 2013.
The University of Alabama plans to buy the current Bryce Hospital property.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The new hospital will be located on property at the Partlow Development Center. It will hold 268 beds. Plans have it opening in 2013.
The University of Alabama plans to buy the current Bryce Hospital property.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Your dog may be sensitive to thunderstorms
By Karen Church
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Humans are not the only ones who can be frightened by thunderstorms. Dogs can be literally scared to death by them. Almost any breed is susceptible to the fright caused by lightning and thunder.
Dr. Andy Sokol with Caldwell Mill Animal Clinic says herding dogs may be particularly sensitive. They are bred to herd cows and sheep in to a safe area when storms approach, so they are more acutely aware of sounds that signal danger.
Dr. Sokol suggests people practice behavior modification with a frightened animal. Make one room in your house a ‘safe’ room, where the dog feels comfortable. He says to give the animal treats. As a last resort, consider medications, including Benadryl.
Always consult with your vet first.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Humans are not the only ones who can be frightened by thunderstorms. Dogs can be literally scared to death by them. Almost any breed is susceptible to the fright caused by lightning and thunder.
Dr. Andy Sokol with Caldwell Mill Animal Clinic says herding dogs may be particularly sensitive. They are bred to herd cows and sheep in to a safe area when storms approach, so they are more acutely aware of sounds that signal danger.
Dr. Sokol suggests people practice behavior modification with a frightened animal. Make one room in your house a ‘safe’ room, where the dog feels comfortable. He says to give the animal treats. As a last resort, consider medications, including Benadryl.
Always consult with your vet first.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Woodlawn High School on lockdown
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Woodlawn High School was put on lockdown Tuesday after police chased two burglary suspects into the school.
Birmingham Police told FOX6 News they were chasing two burglary suspects Tuesday morning when the suspects entered the school building. The school was immediately placed on lockdown as officers began a search of the classrooms and the building, looking for the suspects.
Birmingham Police did say they were not certain if the two suspects were still in the building.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham Police told FOX6 News they were chasing two burglary suspects Tuesday morning when the suspects entered the school building. The school was immediately placed on lockdown as officers began a search of the classrooms and the building, looking for the suspects.
Birmingham Police did say they were not certain if the two suspects were still in the building.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham passes lodging tax hike
By Ashley Nix
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The increase of Birmingham's lodging tax passed by majority vote Tuesday.
The Birmingham City Council voted to increase the city's lodging tax by 3.5 percent. Councilors said the increase sets the groundwork to build a baseball stadium downtown.
Birmingham Mayor William Bell is in negotiations with the Birmingham Barons, hoping to get them to agree to move from Hoover to downtown.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The increase of Birmingham's lodging tax passed by majority vote Tuesday.
The Birmingham City Council voted to increase the city's lodging tax by 3.5 percent. Councilors said the increase sets the groundwork to build a baseball stadium downtown.
Birmingham Mayor William Bell is in negotiations with the Birmingham Barons, hoping to get them to agree to move from Hoover to downtown.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Jeffco Commission endorses road plan, opts out of healthcare plan
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - The Jefferson County Commission voted to endorse a billion dollar road program and voted to opt out on the Federal Healthcare plan on Tuesday morning.
The plan will cost $100 million a year for the next ten years with money that would be borrowed from the Alabama Trust Fund.
Governor Bob Riley and the head of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, David Bronner, have been very vocal about their opposition to the roads plan. They say they do not like taking money out of oil and gas trust and they do not like the fact that the legislature will be in control of executing the plan as opposed to the Alabama Department of Transportation. Bronner has also shown concern over the impact that the borrowed money could have on the state’s investments.
The Commission voted four to zero to endorse the plan. Voters will vote on it as “Amendment 3” on November 2nd.
The Jefferson County Commission also voted to opt out of part of President Obama’s federal healthcare plan. The majority of the Commission that voted to opt out say they were worried about the financial impact of the plan. The county says it would have to increase mental and substance abuse benefits from $50,000 to $2 million.
The final vote was three to zero with Commissioner Shelia Smoot abstaining. Smoot objected to voting on the issue with little information.
Commissioners were told they had to act before October 31st.
The Retirement Systems of Alabama is the primary lender to Raycom Media, the owner of FOX6 News and MyFoxAL.com.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The plan will cost $100 million a year for the next ten years with money that would be borrowed from the Alabama Trust Fund.
Governor Bob Riley and the head of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, David Bronner, have been very vocal about their opposition to the roads plan. They say they do not like taking money out of oil and gas trust and they do not like the fact that the legislature will be in control of executing the plan as opposed to the Alabama Department of Transportation. Bronner has also shown concern over the impact that the borrowed money could have on the state’s investments.
The Commission voted four to zero to endorse the plan. Voters will vote on it as “Amendment 3” on November 2nd.
The Jefferson County Commission also voted to opt out of part of President Obama’s federal healthcare plan. The majority of the Commission that voted to opt out say they were worried about the financial impact of the plan. The county says it would have to increase mental and substance abuse benefits from $50,000 to $2 million.
The final vote was three to zero with Commissioner Shelia Smoot abstaining. Smoot objected to voting on the issue with little information.
Commissioners were told they had to act before October 31st.
The Retirement Systems of Alabama is the primary lender to Raycom Media, the owner of FOX6 News and MyFoxAL.com.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Walker County schools closing early
JASPER, AL (WBRC) - Schools in Walker County will be closing early Tuesday due to the threat of severe weather.
Dr. Vonda Beaty, superintendent of Walker County schools, said the decision to close early was made after consulting with emergency managers and the National Weather Service. She said meteorologists at the National Weather Service told her and emergency managers there was rotating storms in Mississippi that could arrive in Alabama earlier than originally expected.
"We are closing schools early just to be on the safe side," Beaty said.
Much of northern Alabama was placed Tuesday morning under a tornado watch through the evening hours. FOX6 weather anchor Mickey Ferguson said isolated tornadoes were possible, mainly north of I-20, between 3:00 p.m. and midnight.
For instant severe weather updates, please visit www.MyFoxStorm.com. For school and business closings, visit www.MyFoxClosings.com.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Dr. Vonda Beaty, superintendent of Walker County schools, said the decision to close early was made after consulting with emergency managers and the National Weather Service. She said meteorologists at the National Weather Service told her and emergency managers there was rotating storms in Mississippi that could arrive in Alabama earlier than originally expected.
"We are closing schools early just to be on the safe side," Beaty said.
Much of northern Alabama was placed Tuesday morning under a tornado watch through the evening hours. FOX6 weather anchor Mickey Ferguson said isolated tornadoes were possible, mainly north of I-20, between 3:00 p.m. and midnight.
For instant severe weather updates, please visit www.MyFoxStorm.com. For school and business closings, visit www.MyFoxClosings.com.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Double rape in Tuscaloosa leaves one dead
TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) - Police are investigating a double rape in Tuscaloosa on Tuesday morning.
It happened around 5:00 a.m. at University Manor Apartments. The authorities were alerted after one of the victims ran to a neighbor’s apartment for help.
Police found one woman dead. The second woman was rushed to a hospital.
The neighbor told FOX6 News that he heard the murdered woman had been strangled.
Police are looking for a suspect.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
It happened around 5:00 a.m. at University Manor Apartments. The authorities were alerted after one of the victims ran to a neighbor’s apartment for help.
Police found one woman dead. The second woman was rushed to a hospital.
The neighbor told FOX6 News that he heard the murdered woman had been strangled.
Police are looking for a suspect.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
One injured, one killed in 2 vehicle accident in Walker County
CARBON HILL, AL (WBRC) – The Alabama Department of Public Safety says one person was killed and a 1-year-old was injured in a 2 vehicle wreck outside of Carbon Hill on Monday. The accident happened on AL-118 around 11:15 a.m.
28-year-old Julie Ray Norris was killed when the 1998 Acura 2.3 she was driving collided with another vehicle. Her passenger, a 1-year-old whose name was withheld, was transported to Children’s Hospital for its injuries.
The driver of the other vehicle was uninjured.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
28-year-old Julie Ray Norris was killed when the 1998 Acura 2.3 she was driving collided with another vehicle. Her passenger, a 1-year-old whose name was withheld, was transported to Children’s Hospital for its injuries.
The driver of the other vehicle was uninjured.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham City Council to vote on ballpark funding again
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Another vote will be made by the Birmingham City Council to fund a proposed baseball stadium. A lodging tax increase has been put into place to pay for a proposed hotel and entertainment district at the BJCC.
Approval of the baseball stadium did not clear last week because it failed to get a unanimous vote. Council President Roderick Royal was that no vote, citing too many unanswered questions about the downtown ballpark proposal.
The vote today only needs a simple majority.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Approval of the baseball stadium did not clear last week because it failed to get a unanimous vote. Council President Roderick Royal was that no vote, citing too many unanswered questions about the downtown ballpark proposal.
The vote today only needs a simple majority.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
As Red Ribbon Week approaches in Etowah County, Sheriff Todd Entrekin will be looking to spread his anti-drug message in an impressive way.
ETOWAH COUNTY, AL (WBRC) – As Red Ribbon Week approaches in Etowah County, Sheriff Todd Entrekin will be looking to spread his anti-drug message in an impressive way.
The Sheriff’s Office, along with the Alabama National Guard Counterdrug Program, will be flying to county and city schools in helicopters to encourage children to stay drug free.
Entrekin says he feels Red Ribbon Week has a special meaning for him after local Drug Task Force Commander Chris McCurley lost his life in the fight against drugs in 1997.
“Officer McCurley’s death is a particularly painful example of how drug use and trafficking has impacted Etowah County,” said Entrekin. “Unfortunately there are many more, and Red Ribbon Week gives us an opportunity to bring awareness to just how much drugs negatively impact individuals, especially young people, and the community as a whole.”
Helicopters Schedule
Tuesday, October 26th
8:30 a.m. – Hokes Bluff Elementary School
9:00 a.m. – Donehoo Elementary School
10:00 a.m. – Glencoe Elementary School
11:30 a.m. – Southside Elementary School
1:00 p.m. – Striplin Elementary School
Wednesday, October 27th
10:00 a.m. – Ivalee Elementary School
11:30 a.m. – John Jones Elementary School
12:30 p.m. – West End Elementary School
1:00 p.m. – Oscar Adams Elementary School
Thursday, October 28th
10:00 a.m. – Highland School
11:30 a.m. – Gaston School
1:00 p.m. - Floyd Elementary School
Friday, October 29th
8:30 a.m. – Duck Springs Elementary School
10:00 a.m. – Whitesboro Elementary School
10:00 a.m. – Walnut Park Elementary School
11:30 a.m. – Carlisle Elementary School
1:00 p.m. – Mitchell Elementary School
Drug Awareness Programs
Tuesday, October 26th
9:00 a.m. – Donehoo Elementary School
1:00 p.m. – Striplin Elementary School
Wednesday, October 27th
1:00 p.m. - Mitchell Elementary School
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The Sheriff’s Office, along with the Alabama National Guard Counterdrug Program, will be flying to county and city schools in helicopters to encourage children to stay drug free.
Entrekin says he feels Red Ribbon Week has a special meaning for him after local Drug Task Force Commander Chris McCurley lost his life in the fight against drugs in 1997.
“Officer McCurley’s death is a particularly painful example of how drug use and trafficking has impacted Etowah County,” said Entrekin. “Unfortunately there are many more, and Red Ribbon Week gives us an opportunity to bring awareness to just how much drugs negatively impact individuals, especially young people, and the community as a whole.”
Helicopters Schedule
Tuesday, October 26th
8:30 a.m. – Hokes Bluff Elementary School
9:00 a.m. – Donehoo Elementary School
10:00 a.m. – Glencoe Elementary School
11:30 a.m. – Southside Elementary School
1:00 p.m. – Striplin Elementary School
Wednesday, October 27th
10:00 a.m. – Ivalee Elementary School
11:30 a.m. – John Jones Elementary School
12:30 p.m. – West End Elementary School
1:00 p.m. – Oscar Adams Elementary School
Thursday, October 28th
10:00 a.m. – Highland School
11:30 a.m. – Gaston School
1:00 p.m. - Floyd Elementary School
Friday, October 29th
8:30 a.m. – Duck Springs Elementary School
10:00 a.m. – Whitesboro Elementary School
10:00 a.m. – Walnut Park Elementary School
11:30 a.m. – Carlisle Elementary School
1:00 p.m. – Mitchell Elementary School
Drug Awareness Programs
Tuesday, October 26th
9:00 a.m. – Donehoo Elementary School
1:00 p.m. – Striplin Elementary School
Wednesday, October 27th
1:00 p.m. - Mitchell Elementary School
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Gardendale Police warn residents of car burglaries
By Sherea Harris
GARDENDALE, AL (WBRC) - Lock your car doors and remove your valuables. That's the message for people living in one part of Gardendale.
A series of vehicle burglaries were reported in Magnolia Ridge between 4am and 4:30am Saturday morning.
Gardendale Police put out an alert to folks on Twitter and Facebook.
Curtis Smith says several of his neighbors have been victims.
He says car burglaries have been a problem at times for the past two years.
Smith says he moved into this neighborhood because it's quiet and crime free. He's learning times are changing.
Curtis Smith says, "It's just the time we live in. It doesn't matter where you live, crime doesn't discriminate."
Valerie Green heard there were police in her neighborhood in the Magnolia Ridge this weekend and she was upset to know why.
Green says, "It's just no where that's safe. It's really sad that we have to live like this. It does really concern me," said Green. "It's a violation, it's not a good feeling to live where you know that someone is watching you or your property."
An officer spotted a suspect in the area who fled on foot.
If you have any information about these crimes call police at 631-8787.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
GARDENDALE, AL (WBRC) - Lock your car doors and remove your valuables. That's the message for people living in one part of Gardendale.
A series of vehicle burglaries were reported in Magnolia Ridge between 4am and 4:30am Saturday morning.
Gardendale Police put out an alert to folks on Twitter and Facebook.
Curtis Smith says several of his neighbors have been victims.
He says car burglaries have been a problem at times for the past two years.
Smith says he moved into this neighborhood because it's quiet and crime free. He's learning times are changing.
Curtis Smith says, "It's just the time we live in. It doesn't matter where you live, crime doesn't discriminate."
Valerie Green heard there were police in her neighborhood in the Magnolia Ridge this weekend and she was upset to know why.
Green says, "It's just no where that's safe. It's really sad that we have to live like this. It does really concern me," said Green. "It's a violation, it's not a good feeling to live where you know that someone is watching you or your property."
An officer spotted a suspect in the area who fled on foot.
If you have any information about these crimes call police at 631-8787.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Crestwood community hit hard by Sunday's storm
By Emily Luxen
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Several Birmingham area homeowners will be cleaning up for quite some time after all the damage left behind from Sunday's strong storms. The Crestwood neighborhood was hit especially hard as several trees snapped and one landed on a house.
Mavis Scully and her husband, Shea, awoke to find a tree crashed into their home. The tree not only destroyed the roof, but their newly remodeled kitchen also.
"We looked around, and it was something out of a strange Alfred Hitchcock movie," said Mrs. Scully.
As the Scullys begin their cleanup efforts, their neighbor, Rodney Spann, was doing the same. Two trees snapped in his front yard barely missing his home.
"By the time I looked out the window the trees were already snapping and breaking," said Spann. "We didn't know what to do."
Clean-up crews visited Crestwood Monday to help restore power, and pick up tree limbs and leaves. Neighbors say there is a lot of work to be done, but they are all working together to get everything back to normal.
"It's an adventure, but because of where we live, our neighbors, and friends, we are completely supported, we will be ok," said Mrs. Scully.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Several Birmingham area homeowners will be cleaning up for quite some time after all the damage left behind from Sunday's strong storms. The Crestwood neighborhood was hit especially hard as several trees snapped and one landed on a house.
Mavis Scully and her husband, Shea, awoke to find a tree crashed into their home. The tree not only destroyed the roof, but their newly remodeled kitchen also.
"We looked around, and it was something out of a strange Alfred Hitchcock movie," said Mrs. Scully.
As the Scullys begin their cleanup efforts, their neighbor, Rodney Spann, was doing the same. Two trees snapped in his front yard barely missing his home.
"By the time I looked out the window the trees were already snapping and breaking," said Spann. "We didn't know what to do."
Clean-up crews visited Crestwood Monday to help restore power, and pick up tree limbs and leaves. Neighbors say there is a lot of work to be done, but they are all working together to get everything back to normal.
"It's an adventure, but because of where we live, our neighbors, and friends, we are completely supported, we will be ok," said Mrs. Scully.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
More storms expected Tuesday
By James-Paul Dice
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The FOX6 StormWarn Center will be watching the weather again Tuesday. We are expecting a good round of strong to severe storms ahead of a robust cold front.
While we may see a few storms during the morning hours, I think the best chance of severe weather will occur after 3pm and last into the evening. The primary threats will be damaging winds, heavy rain, lightning, and isolated tornadoes.
The highest risk of severe storms will include areas north of I-20 and into the Tennessee Valley.
The tornado threat should remain minimal thanks to wind shear profiles being a bit less directional. This means straight-line wind damage will be more likely.
However, these situations on occasion produce small spin-up tornadoes.
A few showers and storms will continue through Wednesday before temperatures will turn sharply colder behind the front.
Stay tuned for a weather alert through Tuesday night. The FOX6 StormWarn team will provide updates on-air, online, and via mobile devices.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The FOX6 StormWarn Center will be watching the weather again Tuesday. We are expecting a good round of strong to severe storms ahead of a robust cold front.
While we may see a few storms during the morning hours, I think the best chance of severe weather will occur after 3pm and last into the evening. The primary threats will be damaging winds, heavy rain, lightning, and isolated tornadoes.
The highest risk of severe storms will include areas north of I-20 and into the Tennessee Valley.
The tornado threat should remain minimal thanks to wind shear profiles being a bit less directional. This means straight-line wind damage will be more likely.
However, these situations on occasion produce small spin-up tornadoes.
A few showers and storms will continue through Wednesday before temperatures will turn sharply colder behind the front.
Stay tuned for a weather alert through Tuesday night. The FOX6 StormWarn team will provide updates on-air, online, and via mobile devices.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Deputies search for a man in Narrows community
SHELBY COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - Shelby County Sheriff's deputies are searching for a man who is believed to have multiple warrants for his arrest.
The chase was on when a deputy performed a traffic stop near Highway 280 and County Road 41 when the suspect fled on foot.
The suspect is described as a white male with facial hair and wearing a dark blue t-shirt with blue jeans.
Residents are encouraged to secure property and call 911 if anything suspicious is noticed.
Drivers are asked to avoid the Narrows community as the search is ongoing along the Old Highway 280 corridor.
Law enforcement is witholding his identity.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The chase was on when a deputy performed a traffic stop near Highway 280 and County Road 41 when the suspect fled on foot.
The suspect is described as a white male with facial hair and wearing a dark blue t-shirt with blue jeans.
Residents are encouraged to secure property and call 911 if anything suspicious is noticed.
Drivers are asked to avoid the Narrows community as the search is ongoing along the Old Highway 280 corridor.
Law enforcement is witholding his identity.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Hail pounds and damages property during storm
By Ashley Nix
DORA, AL (WBRC) - "It sounded like something similar to being under some kind of heavy artillery fire." That's how a hail storm in Dora is described by two people. Storm chasers, Brett Adair and Eric Parker, were caught in the middle Sunday night.
Imagine, it's barely raining, and all of the sudden you hear pounding on your car.
"It was intense for a few minutes, we didn't know if we were going to be safe in the vehicle," Brett Adair said. Especially when they saw holes and cracks in their windshield. "Then, when the windshield starts cracking and it shows no signs of stopping," Eric Parker said. "You start to get a little bit worried."
Adair and Parker are professionals and took post on Corridor X near Dora. They've been storm chasing together for years, but the severity of the hail surprised the seasoned duo.
"It started out with hail the size of dimes, golf balls," Adair said. "Then we had even larger, up to baseball size."
A day later, their SUV shows plenty of evidence. "It looks like a bunch of golf balls fell on the hood at 100 mph just making dents all over the place, the roof looks the same."
Dozens of dents all over the truck, a huge gash on the side. Another surprising sight was cars driving through the hail storm. Parker believes it could've been deadly. "Not only scary for someone on Corridor X, but also life threatening, because going at 60(mph) down the highway instead of being parked, they can come through the windshield," Parker said.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
DORA, AL (WBRC) - "It sounded like something similar to being under some kind of heavy artillery fire." That's how a hail storm in Dora is described by two people. Storm chasers, Brett Adair and Eric Parker, were caught in the middle Sunday night.
Imagine, it's barely raining, and all of the sudden you hear pounding on your car.
"It was intense for a few minutes, we didn't know if we were going to be safe in the vehicle," Brett Adair said. Especially when they saw holes and cracks in their windshield. "Then, when the windshield starts cracking and it shows no signs of stopping," Eric Parker said. "You start to get a little bit worried."
Adair and Parker are professionals and took post on Corridor X near Dora. They've been storm chasing together for years, but the severity of the hail surprised the seasoned duo.
"It started out with hail the size of dimes, golf balls," Adair said. "Then we had even larger, up to baseball size."
A day later, their SUV shows plenty of evidence. "It looks like a bunch of golf balls fell on the hood at 100 mph just making dents all over the place, the roof looks the same."
Dozens of dents all over the truck, a huge gash on the side. Another surprising sight was cars driving through the hail storm. Parker believes it could've been deadly. "Not only scary for someone on Corridor X, but also life threatening, because going at 60(mph) down the highway instead of being parked, they can come through the windshield," Parker said.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Couple under investigation surrounding treatment of mentally ill
By Melanie Posey
TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - Two homeowners in Tuscaloosa County are under investigation after two men who are believed to be in their care were found living in the woods behind their residence.
The house is located in the 2200 block of Heritage Drive in McCalla.
The couple is accused of receiving state funding to care for two men who authorities say have mental illnesses. An investigator with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's office was first alerted to the situation Friday afternoon when he saw a suspicious man.
As the investigator gave chase, the man ran into woods where a second man was found lying on the ground. Authorities learned the two men, one 46 years old, the other approximately 60 years old, had been living in the woods for some time. They were reportedly being cared for by the couple living inside the just a few feet from the woods.
Some neighbors report seeing one of the men digging through the trash and walking the streets.
"It doesn't surprise me, but it kind of scares you," said James Kirkpatrick. He's lived in the area four years. "We have nine children from ages 21 to 4. And you're always worried about who your neighbors are. And it just makes you scared to let them out in the yard to play," Kirkpatrick added.
The couple had once run a group home in Birmingham and reportedly taken care of the men then as well. The men were taken to DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa to be evaluated.
The Tuscaloosa County District Attorney's Office assists the sheriff's office with the investigation along with DHR and mental health officials.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - Two homeowners in Tuscaloosa County are under investigation after two men who are believed to be in their care were found living in the woods behind their residence.
The house is located in the 2200 block of Heritage Drive in McCalla.
The couple is accused of receiving state funding to care for two men who authorities say have mental illnesses. An investigator with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's office was first alerted to the situation Friday afternoon when he saw a suspicious man.
As the investigator gave chase, the man ran into woods where a second man was found lying on the ground. Authorities learned the two men, one 46 years old, the other approximately 60 years old, had been living in the woods for some time. They were reportedly being cared for by the couple living inside the just a few feet from the woods.
Some neighbors report seeing one of the men digging through the trash and walking the streets.
"It doesn't surprise me, but it kind of scares you," said James Kirkpatrick. He's lived in the area four years. "We have nine children from ages 21 to 4. And you're always worried about who your neighbors are. And it just makes you scared to let them out in the yard to play," Kirkpatrick added.
The couple had once run a group home in Birmingham and reportedly taken care of the men then as well. The men were taken to DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa to be evaluated.
The Tuscaloosa County District Attorney's Office assists the sheriff's office with the investigation along with DHR and mental health officials.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Man hits trailer with bulldozer, girlfriend inside
ASHVILLE, AL (WBRC) - A man in St. Clair County used a bulldozer to damage his trailer home with his girlfriend inside, then killed himself.
The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office said the incident happened at a home on Clear Creek Lane near Ashville. Authorities said the man drove a front loader into his trailer home, then committed suicide.
His girlfriend was inside the trailer home at the time of the incident. She was not injured.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office said the incident happened at a home on Clear Creek Lane near Ashville. Authorities said the man drove a front loader into his trailer home, then committed suicide.
His girlfriend was inside the trailer home at the time of the incident. She was not injured.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Storm cleanup in Cullman
CULLMAN, AL (WBRC) - People in Cullman spent their Monday cleaning up from severe overnight thunderstorms.
The owner of Village Furniture and Gifts on 3rd Avenue Southeast received a phone call from Cullman Police at about 3 a.m. telling him his business had been damaged. When he arrived, he found an entire corner of his building damaged by the storm.
Most of the damage in Cullman was confined to the area around the intersection of Highway 278 and 3rd Avenue Southeast. Windows were blown out of and roofs were damaged in several buildings.
Authorities said no one was hurt.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The owner of Village Furniture and Gifts on 3rd Avenue Southeast received a phone call from Cullman Police at about 3 a.m. telling him his business had been damaged. When he arrived, he found an entire corner of his building damaged by the storm.
Most of the damage in Cullman was confined to the area around the intersection of Highway 278 and 3rd Avenue Southeast. Windows were blown out of and roofs were damaged in several buildings.
Authorities said no one was hurt.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Search continues for missing Gadsden woman
LEESBURG, AL (WBRC) - Cherokee County sheriff's investigators are continuing to search for a missing Gadsden woman.
Ashley Rebecca Taylor, 22, was reported missing on Saturday. Investigators say Taylor was camping at Leesburg Landing with her husband, 54-year-old Benny Taylor, who was arrested Friday for public intoxication and is cooperating with authorities.
Taylor's mother filed a missing person's report on Saturday. On Sunday, Taylor's car was found submerged in about 16 feet of water at a landing on Weiss Lake near Leesburg.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Ashley Rebecca Taylor, 22, was reported missing on Saturday. Investigators say Taylor was camping at Leesburg Landing with her husband, 54-year-old Benny Taylor, who was arrested Friday for public intoxication and is cooperating with authorities.
Taylor's mother filed a missing person's report on Saturday. On Sunday, Taylor's car was found submerged in about 16 feet of water at a landing on Weiss Lake near Leesburg.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Domestic violence vigil to be held in Talladega
TALLADEGA, AL (WBRC) - A vigil for a victim of domestic violence will be held on Monday.
Shalanda Pope was shot and killed in late August. Investigators say the shooting at the Blue Bell Plant in Sylacauga was an attempted murder suicide. Pope's ex-husband, Michael Milliner is charged with her murder.
The candle light vigil at 5:00 p.m. is in memory of Shalanda Pope and all murder victims resulting from domestic violence. The vigil will be held at the Talladega County Courthouse.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Shalanda Pope was shot and killed in late August. Investigators say the shooting at the Blue Bell Plant in Sylacauga was an attempted murder suicide. Pope's ex-husband, Michael Milliner is charged with her murder.
The candle light vigil at 5:00 p.m. is in memory of Shalanda Pope and all murder victims resulting from domestic violence. The vigil will be held at the Talladega County Courthouse.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Man arrested on robbery and attempted murder charge
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The Birmingham Police Department says they have taken a suspect into custody in connection to a robbery where the victim was also shot.
18-year-old Kevin John Donaghy has been charged with robbery 1st degree and attempted murder. Police say he robbed an individual on October 15th in the 2800 block of University Boulevard. The victim was shot in the arm during the robbery.
Donaghy is being held in the Jefferson County Jail.
The victim is expected to recover.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
18-year-old Kevin John Donaghy has been charged with robbery 1st degree and attempted murder. Police say he robbed an individual on October 15th in the 2800 block of University Boulevard. The victim was shot in the arm during the robbery.
Donaghy is being held in the Jefferson County Jail.
The victim is expected to recover.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Tennessee woman dies in Trussville crash
TRUSSVILLE, AL (WBRC) - A Tennessee woman died Monday morning in a car crash in Trussville.
The Jefferson County Coroner's office said the woman died when her car crashed on Interstate 59 near the I-459 interchange. The crash happened at about 6:30 a.m.
Neither the cause of the crash nor the identity of the victim was immediately known.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The Jefferson County Coroner's office said the woman died when her car crashed on Interstate 59 near the I-459 interchange. The crash happened at about 6:30 a.m.
Neither the cause of the crash nor the identity of the victim was immediately known.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
West Alabama takes damage from overnight storms
WINSTON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - Folks waking up in west Alabama on Monday morning got quite a bit of rain and heavy rains overnight.
Several places in Winston County are reporting damage. A residence and a chicken house on County Road 15 have been reported as taking heavy damage.
EMS in the area says Haleyville appears to have taken the worst of the storm.
In the Macedonia community, fallen trees have been reported to be blocking some roads.
Power outages have been reported in the Vernon area.
The areas near County Roads 30, 32, 409 and 55 have been reported as having taken damage as well.
No injuries have been reported so far.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Several places in Winston County are reporting damage. A residence and a chicken house on County Road 15 have been reported as taking heavy damage.
EMS in the area says Haleyville appears to have taken the worst of the storm.
In the Macedonia community, fallen trees have been reported to be blocking some roads.
Power outages have been reported in the Vernon area.
The areas near County Roads 30, 32, 409 and 55 have been reported as having taken damage as well.
No injuries have been reported so far.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Combined police force being considered for Etowah County
By Dixon Hayes
ETOWAH COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - Etowah County has a Sheriff's Office and police departments in Gadsden, Rainbow City, Attalla, Southside, Glencoe, Hokes Bluff and Altoona. But there is talk of all that changing radically.
Ever since an off-hand remark from Gadsden Councilmember Ben Reed during a council meeting, the idea of a metro police force covering much or all of the county is suddenly under serious discussion.
The mayor of Gadsden and Etowah County sheriff actually met over the idea, and even the district attorney has weighed in.
"We're trying to spend the resources, the limited resources we've got in the county, the best that we can," says the county's district attorney, Jimmie Harp. He points out the success of the county's Drug Enforcement Unit--which just this past week held a successful roundup--as well as that of the county's dive team, special response unit and one-of-a-kind arson task force. All of those units comprise members from multiple law enforcement agencies.
Council member Ben Reed first brought up the idea during a council meeting, expressing concern that police officers could not answer a call quickly enough in his district due to being tied up on other calls. Reed mentioned possibly bringing the sheriff into the situation.
"It wasn't that I planned it, it was just something that came about and it caught on, everybody said 'Wait, that's not a bad idea,'" says Reed. He says response has been overwhelming positive, even from residents who contact him.
"When something happens to them, they want to know that they're going to be taken care of, I do. Somebody's breaking in my house, I want to know if that policeman's going to be there pretty quick to help me out," says Reed.
A committee is working out details, like the roles of the current police chiefs in the cities, and whether the metro force would swallow just Gadsden or all the other surrounding suburbs like Attalla and Rainbow City. Public input is also being sought.
Sheriff Todd Entrekin used the Drug Enforcement Unit and this week's Operation Quick Strike roundup as an example that the idea could work in the county. "(The officers and deputies) work well together, they play well together. It can work, but you know, there's a lot of stuff that's got to be done before we can put this together."
Harp also points out the idea is "a young, young young child that we're looking at right now," but Reed says he'd like to see the idea come to be as quickly as this time next year.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
ETOWAH COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - Etowah County has a Sheriff's Office and police departments in Gadsden, Rainbow City, Attalla, Southside, Glencoe, Hokes Bluff and Altoona. But there is talk of all that changing radically.
Ever since an off-hand remark from Gadsden Councilmember Ben Reed during a council meeting, the idea of a metro police force covering much or all of the county is suddenly under serious discussion.
The mayor of Gadsden and Etowah County sheriff actually met over the idea, and even the district attorney has weighed in.
"We're trying to spend the resources, the limited resources we've got in the county, the best that we can," says the county's district attorney, Jimmie Harp. He points out the success of the county's Drug Enforcement Unit--which just this past week held a successful roundup--as well as that of the county's dive team, special response unit and one-of-a-kind arson task force. All of those units comprise members from multiple law enforcement agencies.
Council member Ben Reed first brought up the idea during a council meeting, expressing concern that police officers could not answer a call quickly enough in his district due to being tied up on other calls. Reed mentioned possibly bringing the sheriff into the situation.
"It wasn't that I planned it, it was just something that came about and it caught on, everybody said 'Wait, that's not a bad idea,'" says Reed. He says response has been overwhelming positive, even from residents who contact him.
"When something happens to them, they want to know that they're going to be taken care of, I do. Somebody's breaking in my house, I want to know if that policeman's going to be there pretty quick to help me out," says Reed.
A committee is working out details, like the roles of the current police chiefs in the cities, and whether the metro force would swallow just Gadsden or all the other surrounding suburbs like Attalla and Rainbow City. Public input is also being sought.
Sheriff Todd Entrekin used the Drug Enforcement Unit and this week's Operation Quick Strike roundup as an example that the idea could work in the county. "(The officers and deputies) work well together, they play well together. It can work, but you know, there's a lot of stuff that's got to be done before we can put this together."
Harp also points out the idea is "a young, young young child that we're looking at right now," but Reed says he'd like to see the idea come to be as quickly as this time next year.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
New shopping center brings outlets, new jobs
LEEDS, AL (WBRC) - It won't open until later this week, but shoppers are ready to spend money at the Shops at Grand River in Leeds. It opens this Thursday.
The massive new outlet mall is the biggest mall project in this area in a while. Homeowners in Leeds say they are eager to see the revenue and tax dollars at work in their city.
The new shopping center has hired more than 650 workers. If you are looking for a job, there are dozens still available at the Shops of Grand River. 75 positions are available at various restaurants.
You can send resumes to resume@sevenhillsinc.com. Interviews are this Thursday and Friday at the Leeds Chamber of Commerce.
The Retirement Systems of Alabama is providing 100% of the funding for the Shops of Grand River. RSA is the primary lender to Raycom Media, parent company of FOX6 WBRC."
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The massive new outlet mall is the biggest mall project in this area in a while. Homeowners in Leeds say they are eager to see the revenue and tax dollars at work in their city.
The new shopping center has hired more than 650 workers. If you are looking for a job, there are dozens still available at the Shops of Grand River. 75 positions are available at various restaurants.
You can send resumes to resume@sevenhillsinc.com. Interviews are this Thursday and Friday at the Leeds Chamber of Commerce.
The Retirement Systems of Alabama is providing 100% of the funding for the Shops of Grand River. RSA is the primary lender to Raycom Media, parent company of FOX6 WBRC."
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Friday, October 22, 2010
WorkPlay facing foreclosure
By Janet Hall
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A jewel in Birmingham's entertainment community is facing foreclosure.
The owners of WorkPlay say a bank has begun foreclosure on the holding company that owns the building. Hugh Hunter, one of the four brothers who co-own WorkPlay, explains that efforts to find partnerships for the entertainment venue have fallen through due to problems with financing.
Hunter says they are still hopeful that a partnership might be found before a foreclosure sale in mid November. In the meantime, WorkPlay is still open and operating.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A jewel in Birmingham's entertainment community is facing foreclosure.
The owners of WorkPlay say a bank has begun foreclosure on the holding company that owns the building. Hugh Hunter, one of the four brothers who co-own WorkPlay, explains that efforts to find partnerships for the entertainment venue have fallen through due to problems with financing.
Hunter says they are still hopeful that a partnership might be found before a foreclosure sale in mid November. In the meantime, WorkPlay is still open and operating.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Gabe Watson attorney: Troy King 'desperate'
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Attorneys representing Gabe Watson, the man convicted in Australia of manslaughter in the 2003 death of his newlywed wife from Helena, said an Alabama grand jury investigation into their client is a "desperate attempt at attention."
Attorneys for Gabe Watson talked to reporters Friday afternoon outside the Criminal Justice Center in downtown Birmingham where they criticized a decision by Alabama Attorney General Troy King to convene a grand jury investigation into the death of Tina Watson. Brett Bloomston, one of Gabe Watson's attorneys, said the grand jury case is a "sad day in Alabama."
"Trying to turn this case into a murder is a desperate attempt at attention," Bloomston said.
Gabe and Tina Watson were on their honeymoon in Australia in 2003 when she died while scuba diving. Gabe Watson pleaded guilty to manslaughter and is currently being held in jail in Australia.
Investigators from the Attorney General's office began presenting evidence today in front of a Jefferson County grand jury as they look for a murder indictment.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Attorneys for Gabe Watson talked to reporters Friday afternoon outside the Criminal Justice Center in downtown Birmingham where they criticized a decision by Alabama Attorney General Troy King to convene a grand jury investigation into the death of Tina Watson. Brett Bloomston, one of Gabe Watson's attorneys, said the grand jury case is a "sad day in Alabama."
"Trying to turn this case into a murder is a desperate attempt at attention," Bloomston said.
Gabe and Tina Watson were on their honeymoon in Australia in 2003 when she died while scuba diving. Gabe Watson pleaded guilty to manslaughter and is currently being held in jail in Australia.
Investigators from the Attorney General's office began presenting evidence today in front of a Jefferson County grand jury as they look for a murder indictment.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Movement seeks death penalty for convicted killer
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A movement has formed to encourage a Jefferson County judge to sentence a convicted killer to death for the murder of four people in Hueytown.
Randy Syx is leading a letter-writing and petition effort against Judge Mac Parsons, the judge in the capital murder case of Scott Lamar Abbott. Abbott was convicted October 8 of killing four people in a Hueytown home in 2009.
The jury in the case recommended Abbott be sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Syx has started a petition, asking Judge Parsons to overturn the recommendation and sentence Abbott to death. In the petition, Syx said there are plenty of legal reasons for Judge Parsons to do so.
Judge Parsons is scheduled to hand down his sentence on December 1, 2010.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Randy Syx is leading a letter-writing and petition effort against Judge Mac Parsons, the judge in the capital murder case of Scott Lamar Abbott. Abbott was convicted October 8 of killing four people in a Hueytown home in 2009.
The jury in the case recommended Abbott be sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Syx has started a petition, asking Judge Parsons to overturn the recommendation and sentence Abbott to death. In the petition, Syx said there are plenty of legal reasons for Judge Parsons to do so.
Judge Parsons is scheduled to hand down his sentence on December 1, 2010.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Truck crash, fire closes I-65 North in Hoover
HOOVER, AL (WBRC) - A truck and a car collided Friday morning on I-65 in Hoover, causing one of the vehicles to catch on fire and close some of the northbound lanes.
Hoover Police told FOX6 News a car and a truck collided on I-65 North between I-459 and the Valleydale Road exit. A FOX6 News employee witnessed one of the vehicles catching on fire after the collision.
All northbound lanes were closed for about 30 minutes after the wreck as emergency crews put out the fire and cleared debris from the roadway.
Police did not immediately know if there were any injuries. The cause of the crash was not yet known.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Hoover Police told FOX6 News a car and a truck collided on I-65 North between I-459 and the Valleydale Road exit. A FOX6 News employee witnessed one of the vehicles catching on fire after the collision.
All northbound lanes were closed for about 30 minutes after the wreck as emergency crews put out the fire and cleared debris from the roadway.
Police did not immediately know if there were any injuries. The cause of the crash was not yet known.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Many showing confusion over Halloween celebration date
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - With Halloween falling on a Sunday this year, the toughest decision you is not which costume to wear, it is whether to trick or treat on Saturday or Sunday.
FOX6 News talked with people all over the Birmingham metro area and opinions were mixed. Some said Saturday is better because it is not a school night and it is better for religious reasons. Others said the holiday falls on Sunday, so that is the day everyone should trick or treat.
The bottom line is that either is acceptable and you should be prepared to see trick or treaters both nights.
Officials in several area cities are recommending their pick for trick or treating. You can check the list below or you can call your individual city hall to see what most people in your area are doing.
Halloween plans in each city, as reported to FOX6 News:
Vestavia—Sunday
Hoover—Sunday
Birmingham--Sunday--can trick or treat at police precincts
Homewood--Sunday--can trick or treat at police dept.
Trussville--Your choice, but city recommends Saturday--can trick or treat at police dept.
Alabaster—Sunday
Pelham--Your choice
Tuscaloosa--Your choice
Cullman—Saturday
Anniston—Saturday
Gadsden—Saturday
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
FOX6 News talked with people all over the Birmingham metro area and opinions were mixed. Some said Saturday is better because it is not a school night and it is better for religious reasons. Others said the holiday falls on Sunday, so that is the day everyone should trick or treat.
The bottom line is that either is acceptable and you should be prepared to see trick or treaters both nights.
Officials in several area cities are recommending their pick for trick or treating. You can check the list below or you can call your individual city hall to see what most people in your area are doing.
Halloween plans in each city, as reported to FOX6 News:
Vestavia—Sunday
Hoover—Sunday
Birmingham--Sunday--can trick or treat at police precincts
Homewood--Sunday--can trick or treat at police dept.
Trussville--Your choice, but city recommends Saturday--can trick or treat at police dept.
Alabaster—Sunday
Pelham--Your choice
Tuscaloosa--Your choice
Cullman—Saturday
Anniston—Saturday
Gadsden—Saturday
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Evidence against Gabe Watson going before U.S. grand jury
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - The case of a local woman's drowning on her honeymoon in Australia will go before a grand jury in the U.S.
The death of Helena resident Tina Watson has been under investigation since she died in 2003. Her husband, Gabe Watson, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and is currently behind bars in Australia.
Investigators from the Attorney General's office will present evidence in front of a Jefferson County grand jury today as they look for a murder indictment.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The death of Helena resident Tina Watson has been under investigation since she died in 2003. Her husband, Gabe Watson, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and is currently behind bars in Australia.
Investigators from the Attorney General's office will present evidence in front of a Jefferson County grand jury today as they look for a murder indictment.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Deadline to register to vote for November election nears
MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - If you are planning to vote in the November election, Friday is the last day to register.
Alabama's chief election official, Secretary of State Beth Chapman, is reminding voters of the upcoming deadline to register to vote November 2nd.
Information about polling places and registration status is available from each county's board of registrars.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Alabama's chief election official, Secretary of State Beth Chapman, is reminding voters of the upcoming deadline to register to vote November 2nd.
Information about polling places and registration status is available from each county's board of registrars.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Restaurants looking to fill positions in Leeds
LEEDS, AL (WBRC) - Interviews are being conducted for jobs at some of the new restaurants coming to Leeds. They are located at the Shops of Grand River that is set to open next week.
In all, the restaurants are looking to hire about 75 people. If you would like to apply, send your resume to resume@sevenhillsinc.com.
Interviews are Friday at the Leeds Chamber of Commerce.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
In all, the restaurants are looking to hire about 75 people. If you would like to apply, send your resume to resume@sevenhillsinc.com.
Interviews are Friday at the Leeds Chamber of Commerce.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham city hall will reopen Friday after a bomb scare on Thursday turned out to be nothing.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham city hall will reopen Friday after a bomb scare on Thursday turned out to be nothing.
A city employee found luggage on the 19th and 20th Street sides of City Hall. Police say a note was attached to one bag, but it is not clear what the note said.
No one was hurt and there are not suspects.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
A city employee found luggage on the 19th and 20th Street sides of City Hall. Police say a note was attached to one bag, but it is not clear what the note said.
No one was hurt and there are not suspects.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
36 individuals arrested in "Operation Quick Strike"
ETOWAH COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - Agents in Etowah County rounded up dozens of street dealers during Operation Quick Strike on Thursday.
Deputies fanned out across the county looking for more than 70 suspects, most of them wanted for either selling or buying drugs.
The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office says the final tally was 36 individuals arrested on more than 50 warrants.
Authorities say the arrests are ongoing.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Deputies fanned out across the county looking for more than 70 suspects, most of them wanted for either selling or buying drugs.
The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office says the final tally was 36 individuals arrested on more than 50 warrants.
Authorities say the arrests are ongoing.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
FDA considering expanding celery recall
WASHINGTON, AL (WBRC) - The Food and Drug Administration is considering expanding a recall on tainted celery. The agency says it is once again looking into a Texas processing plant linked to the contamination.
Health officials shut down the San-gar produce and processing company plant in San Antonio earlier this year.
Four people died because of the tainted celery.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Health officials shut down the San-gar produce and processing company plant in San Antonio earlier this year.
Four people died because of the tainted celery.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham says goodbye to local music legend Matt Kimbrell
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham said goodbye to a local music legend on Wednesday night. Hundreds turned out to celebrate the life of Matt Kimbrell.
Through the years, Kimbrell played with countless groups including the Hurlers, the Primatons, Ryan Rearden and the Levee Breakers and the list goes on. He most recently toured in Taylor Hicks' band.
Kimbrell died at his home last week.
Area musicians remember him as a talented multi-instrumentalist and a good friend. Those who knew him well now rely on his common saying: "’preciate you, man."
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Through the years, Kimbrell played with countless groups including the Hurlers, the Primatons, Ryan Rearden and the Levee Breakers and the list goes on. He most recently toured in Taylor Hicks' band.
Kimbrell died at his home last week.
Area musicians remember him as a talented multi-instrumentalist and a good friend. Those who knew him well now rely on his common saying: "’preciate you, man."
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Fire destroys home in Mulga
MULGA, AL (WBRC) - Fire destroyed a home Thursday morning in Mulga.
Firefighters were called at about 9:30 a.m. to the 100 block of 1st Avenue. They discovered the house to be engulfed in flames.
Crews from both Minor and Sylvan Springs worked to extinguish the blaze, which destroyed the house.
The cause of the fire was not yet known.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Firefighters were called at about 9:30 a.m. to the 100 block of 1st Avenue. They discovered the house to be engulfed in flames.
Crews from both Minor and Sylvan Springs worked to extinguish the blaze, which destroyed the house.
The cause of the fire was not yet known.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Personnel board ponders Birmingham firefighter pay changes
By Ashley Nix
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The Jefferson County Personnel Board met Thursday to discuss whether or not to approve changes to pay rates for Birmingham firefighters.
Board members must decide if they will approve pay rates the city council passed on Tuesday, which reduces firefighter pay by 20 percent.
Attorneys for the city of Birmingham said firefighters were overpaid for two years. They said the city council was simply trying to right a wrong.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The Jefferson County Personnel Board met Thursday to discuss whether or not to approve changes to pay rates for Birmingham firefighters.
Board members must decide if they will approve pay rates the city council passed on Tuesday, which reduces firefighter pay by 20 percent.
Attorneys for the city of Birmingham said firefighters were overpaid for two years. They said the city council was simply trying to right a wrong.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham City Hall reopens after bomb scare
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham City Hall was locked down Thursday morning due to a bomb threat.
Birmingham Police said at least three suspicious packages were discovered at two entrances to City Hall. One of the packages, a piece of luggage, was found at the 19th Street entrance to City Hall, and the other two were found on the opposite side of the building. The bomb squad checked all of the suspcious pieces and found them to be empty.
City Hall officials said no one was allowed in nor out of the building during the incident. No one was hurt.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham Police said at least three suspicious packages were discovered at two entrances to City Hall. One of the packages, a piece of luggage, was found at the 19th Street entrance to City Hall, and the other two were found on the opposite side of the building. The bomb squad checked all of the suspcious pieces and found them to be empty.
City Hall officials said no one was allowed in nor out of the building during the incident. No one was hurt.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Cherokee County Sheriff’s investigator passes unexpectedly
CHEROKEE COUNTY, AL (WBRC) – The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of their own.
Investigator Mark Hicks passed away at the age of 53 when he suffered an aneurysm while on vacation in Texas.
Hicks began working at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office in 1995 and was promoted to investigations in 2003. He also served as a city councilman in Cedar Bluff.
The Sheriff’s Office says they have lost a close friend and beloved co-worker.
The funeral will be held on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. at Perry’s Funeral Home in Centre. The burial will follow at Weiss Lake Memorial Gardens in Cedar Bluff.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Investigator Mark Hicks passed away at the age of 53 when he suffered an aneurysm while on vacation in Texas.
Hicks began working at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office in 1995 and was promoted to investigations in 2003. He also served as a city councilman in Cedar Bluff.
The Sheriff’s Office says they have lost a close friend and beloved co-worker.
The funeral will be held on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. at Perry’s Funeral Home in Centre. The burial will follow at Weiss Lake Memorial Gardens in Cedar Bluff.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Jeffco Sheriff's deputies make $5.4 million cocaine bust
By Melanie Posey
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - Members of the Jefferson County Highway Safety Unit made a major drug bust Tuesday night. They discovered 90 kilos of cocaine stashed in the roof of a tractor trailer rig. It happened along 1-20 East near Leeds.
Deputies stopped the rig for a traffic violation and found the drugs in a hidden compartment. Authorities arrested 34-year old Juan Rios of McAllen, Texas for trafficking cocaine. But Sheriff Mike Hale says Rios will not tell officials the name of his supplier.
“But I must admit, we do enjoy hitting them where it hurts. And I am guessing 5.4 million dollars worth of street value is painful,” Hale said during a news conference Wednesday. He says he believes the drugs are connected to Mexican Cartels and that Rios was headed to the east coast.
Rios is being held in the Jefferson County jail on no bond.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - Members of the Jefferson County Highway Safety Unit made a major drug bust Tuesday night. They discovered 90 kilos of cocaine stashed in the roof of a tractor trailer rig. It happened along 1-20 East near Leeds.
Deputies stopped the rig for a traffic violation and found the drugs in a hidden compartment. Authorities arrested 34-year old Juan Rios of McAllen, Texas for trafficking cocaine. But Sheriff Mike Hale says Rios will not tell officials the name of his supplier.
“But I must admit, we do enjoy hitting them where it hurts. And I am guessing 5.4 million dollars worth of street value is painful,” Hale said during a news conference Wednesday. He says he believes the drugs are connected to Mexican Cartels and that Rios was headed to the east coast.
Rios is being held in the Jefferson County jail on no bond.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Police investigate parking meter theft, find bloody-handed man
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Birmingham police caught a man red-handed, literally.
Birmingham police were investigating a parking meter theft in the 2200 block of 5th Avenue South on Wednesday when they came across a possible suspect with bloody hands.
Police are questioning the man.
Nine meters were damaged.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham police were investigating a parking meter theft in the 2200 block of 5th Avenue South on Wednesday when they came across a possible suspect with bloody hands.
Police are questioning the man.
Nine meters were damaged.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Woman shot in head over parking space fight
JACKSONVILLE, AL (WBRC) - A woman from Jacksonville was charged Wednesday with attempted murder after authorities said she shot another woman during a fight over a parking space.
Jacksonville Police Chief Tommy Thompson said Shirley Hollingsworth, 60, was charged with the attempted murder of 31-year-old Sherlita Bennett. Detectives said Hollingsworth shot Bennett in the head Tuesday morning during a fight at the Pheasant Run apartments in Jacksonville.
Chief Thompson said the incident began when Bennett noticed Hollingsworth was in the parking lot writing down tag numbers of parked cars. The two argued until Hollingsworth pulled out a gun and fired through the rear window and driver's side window of Bennett's car, wounding Bennett in the temple.
Bennett was flown to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for treatment. She was listed Wednesday in critical condition.
Hollingsworth was being held Wednesday in the Calhoun County jail on $40,000 bond.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Jacksonville Police Chief Tommy Thompson said Shirley Hollingsworth, 60, was charged with the attempted murder of 31-year-old Sherlita Bennett. Detectives said Hollingsworth shot Bennett in the head Tuesday morning during a fight at the Pheasant Run apartments in Jacksonville.
Chief Thompson said the incident began when Bennett noticed Hollingsworth was in the parking lot writing down tag numbers of parked cars. The two argued until Hollingsworth pulled out a gun and fired through the rear window and driver's side window of Bennett's car, wounding Bennett in the temple.
Bennett was flown to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for treatment. She was listed Wednesday in critical condition.
Hollingsworth was being held Wednesday in the Calhoun County jail on $40,000 bond.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Loss of cabin pressure frightens air passengers above Birmingham
By Jonathan Hardison
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Have you been inside a plane when the cabin suddenly loses pressure and those yellow oxygen masks drop?
Passengers on a Southwest flight to Birmingham last week found out firsthand. The video is on YouTube.
Southwest Flight 1777 from Orlando to Birmingham was at about 27,000 feet last Thursday when the cabin lost proper pressure.
A passenger whipped out his cell phone and started recording those anxious moments.
As the plane continued its rapid descent towards Birmingham, the flight crew tried to keep passengers calm.
"We're under 10,000 folks, we should be landing shortly into whatever airport we're closest too," says a flight attendant over the intercom. "We're rapidly descending, keep your mask on until we're parked at the gate. Folks you notice the slight smell, it smells a little bit like a burning, scorch. That is normal, that is the oxygen generators operating and that is completely normal."
A couple of minutes in, the pilot was on the intercom telling passengers of the plane's pressure system had malfunctioned.
He credited his crew with helping the flight react quickly and managed to wrap up his message with a return to the normal end-of-flight greeting you hear on every flight.
"Good training and good practice," the pilot says over the intercom. "Pressurization-wise, it wasn't any different than being up on a tall mountain or anything like that. Currently Birmingham is reporting the clear skies you see out there and 70 degrees. We'll be on the ground in about 10 minutes. On behalf of Southwest Airlines, thank you for flying with us."
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Have you been inside a plane when the cabin suddenly loses pressure and those yellow oxygen masks drop?
Passengers on a Southwest flight to Birmingham last week found out firsthand. The video is on YouTube.
Southwest Flight 1777 from Orlando to Birmingham was at about 27,000 feet last Thursday when the cabin lost proper pressure.
A passenger whipped out his cell phone and started recording those anxious moments.
As the plane continued its rapid descent towards Birmingham, the flight crew tried to keep passengers calm.
"We're under 10,000 folks, we should be landing shortly into whatever airport we're closest too," says a flight attendant over the intercom. "We're rapidly descending, keep your mask on until we're parked at the gate. Folks you notice the slight smell, it smells a little bit like a burning, scorch. That is normal, that is the oxygen generators operating and that is completely normal."
A couple of minutes in, the pilot was on the intercom telling passengers of the plane's pressure system had malfunctioned.
He credited his crew with helping the flight react quickly and managed to wrap up his message with a return to the normal end-of-flight greeting you hear on every flight.
"Good training and good practice," the pilot says over the intercom. "Pressurization-wise, it wasn't any different than being up on a tall mountain or anything like that. Currently Birmingham is reporting the clear skies you see out there and 70 degrees. We'll be on the ground in about 10 minutes. On behalf of Southwest Airlines, thank you for flying with us."
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Funeral plans finalized for murdered toddler
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – Plans for the funeral of a murdered toddler have been made.
3-year-old Israel Owens’ funeral will take place on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the Wren Funeral Home on Finley Boulevard in Birmingham.
Police say Owens died Saturday after being delivered to UAB by 26-year-old Marcus Smith. Medical personnel found the boy to be unresponsive and were not able to revive the child.
Investigators were informed by the Jefferson County Coroner that Owens died from internal injuries and the case was declared a homicide. Officers have charged Smith with capital murder.
Smith is being held in the Birmingham City Jail.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
3-year-old Israel Owens’ funeral will take place on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the Wren Funeral Home on Finley Boulevard in Birmingham.
Police say Owens died Saturday after being delivered to UAB by 26-year-old Marcus Smith. Medical personnel found the boy to be unresponsive and were not able to revive the child.
Investigators were informed by the Jefferson County Coroner that Owens died from internal injuries and the case was declared a homicide. Officers have charged Smith with capital murder.
Smith is being held in the Birmingham City Jail.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Board refuses to reconsider Trinity move
MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) – The Alabama Certificate of Need has refused a request to reconsider their decision to allow Trinity Medical Center to move to a new site. The Board voted 4-1 on the issue.
At the meeting in Montgomery, Trinity executives argued against efforts to stop the move to Highway 280.
Other hospitals in the Birmingham metro claim Trinity's plan would hurt medical care by taking patients from them.
It has been a little more than a month since the State Certificate of Need Board gave its approval to Trinity's plans to move to the digital hospital site on Highway 280.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
At the meeting in Montgomery, Trinity executives argued against efforts to stop the move to Highway 280.
Other hospitals in the Birmingham metro claim Trinity's plan would hurt medical care by taking patients from them.
It has been a little more than a month since the State Certificate of Need Board gave its approval to Trinity's plans to move to the digital hospital site on Highway 280.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Hearing underway over Trinity digital hospital move
MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - Another hearing is being held on Trinity Medical Center's plans to move to a new site.
At the meeting in Montgomery, Trinity executives are arguing against efforts to stop the move to Highway 280.
Other hospitals in the Birmingham metro claim Trinity's plan would hurt medical care by taking patients from them.
It has been a little more than a month since the State Certificate of Need Board gave its approval to Trinity's plans to move to the digital hospital site on Highway 280.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
At the meeting in Montgomery, Trinity executives are arguing against efforts to stop the move to Highway 280.
Other hospitals in the Birmingham metro claim Trinity's plan would hurt medical care by taking patients from them.
It has been a little more than a month since the State Certificate of Need Board gave its approval to Trinity's plans to move to the digital hospital site on Highway 280.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Mining plan approved for Walker County
WALKER COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - A controversial mining plan has been approved for Walker County.
The Surface Mining Commission voted to allow work on the Shepherd Bend Mine. It will be along the Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River just south of Cordova.
Opponents say it will be too close to a Birmingham Water Works Board tank and could hurt the quality of drinking water.
The permit is only for 34 acres out of the 1700 acres the company wants to mine.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The Surface Mining Commission voted to allow work on the Shepherd Bend Mine. It will be along the Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River just south of Cordova.
Opponents say it will be too close to a Birmingham Water Works Board tank and could hurt the quality of drinking water.
The permit is only for 34 acres out of the 1700 acres the company wants to mine.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Funeral held for Pinson Valley teen
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A funeral will be held Wednesday for a teenager who was killed in a crash on Interstate 59.
Amanda Ellis was a student at Pinson Valley High School. The 17-year-old was killed Saturday when a vehicle crossed the median of Interstate 59 and crashed into another car. It happened at the 1st Avenue North exit. Her funeral will take place in Guntersville.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Amanda Ellis was a student at Pinson Valley High School. The 17-year-old was killed Saturday when a vehicle crossed the median of Interstate 59 and crashed into another car. It happened at the 1st Avenue North exit. Her funeral will take place in Guntersville.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Funeral planned for teen killed in Hoover car wreck
HOOVER, AL (WBRC) - Funeral arrangements have been announced for a teen killed earlier this week in a crash.
16-year-old Gabriel Thomas was killed Monday in a crash on Highway 150 in Hoover. His funeral is Saturday afternoon in Ensley.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
16-year-old Gabriel Thomas was killed Monday in a crash on Highway 150 in Hoover. His funeral is Saturday afternoon in Ensley.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Deputies find hidden cocaine compartment on tractor trailer
JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC) – The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man after they discovered a hidden compartment full of cocaine in his tractor trailer.
34-year-old Juan Oziel Rios’ tractor trailer rig was pulled over for a traffic violation on Tuesday night after 10:00 p.m. near mile marker 142 on I-20. The deputy obtained a consent to search and discovered a hidden compartment in the roof of the trailer that held around 90 kilograms of cocaine. The street value of the drugs was estimated at $5.4 million.
Rios has been arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
34-year-old Juan Oziel Rios’ tractor trailer rig was pulled over for a traffic violation on Tuesday night after 10:00 p.m. near mile marker 142 on I-20. The deputy obtained a consent to search and discovered a hidden compartment in the roof of the trailer that held around 90 kilograms of cocaine. The street value of the drugs was estimated at $5.4 million.
Rios has been arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Ole Miss fan hit by Alabama student dies
By Kelvin Reynolds
TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) - A University of Mississippi football fan struck Saturday in a hit and run by an Alabama student died Tuesday night at a hospital in Tuscaloosa.
Authorities said Greg Smith, 35, died late Tuesday night at DCH Regional Medical Center. Smith was struck at 1:30 a.m. Saturday. Capt. Loyd Baker of the Tuscaloosa Metro Homicide Unit said Michael Kahlolokula, 23, was charged with hitting the student with his car, then leaving the scene of the accident.
Shane Dorrill with UA Media Relations confirmed Monday Kahlolokula is a student.
Capt. Baker said the victim and friends were crossing the street at University and 4th Avenue when the victim was struck. Detectives determined what kind of car he was driving and later learned where Kahlolokula lived.
Kahlolokula was charged with felony leaving the scene of an accident. According to Baker, the suspect may have kept going after hitting the victim because alcohol was involved in the accident.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) - A University of Mississippi football fan struck Saturday in a hit and run by an Alabama student died Tuesday night at a hospital in Tuscaloosa.
Authorities said Greg Smith, 35, died late Tuesday night at DCH Regional Medical Center. Smith was struck at 1:30 a.m. Saturday. Capt. Loyd Baker of the Tuscaloosa Metro Homicide Unit said Michael Kahlolokula, 23, was charged with hitting the student with his car, then leaving the scene of the accident.
Shane Dorrill with UA Media Relations confirmed Monday Kahlolokula is a student.
Capt. Baker said the victim and friends were crossing the street at University and 4th Avenue when the victim was struck. Detectives determined what kind of car he was driving and later learned where Kahlolokula lived.
Kahlolokula was charged with felony leaving the scene of an accident. According to Baker, the suspect may have kept going after hitting the victim because alcohol was involved in the accident.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Prescription forging operation busted in Huffman
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) – Two people have been arrested after the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office busted a prescription forging operation in Huffman.
50-year-old Brenda Floyd and 54-year-old Larry Collins were arrested when the Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant in the 1300 block of High Point Terrace. Deputies found firearms, marijuana, prescription drugs and suspected stolen computers.
The deputies also found evidence of an extensive forged prescription operation and several stolen identities. The victims of the identity theft range as far as New York.
Copyright 2010 WBRC. All rights reserved.
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