Friday, December 30, 2011

Arrests made in connection to Birmingham murder

Arrests have been made in connection with a Birmingham homicide.

33-year-old Alexander Carter, 29-year-old Katrina Porter and 23-year-old Kevin Porter are accused in the death of 51-year-old Barbara Freeman.

Freeman was found murdered December 21st on 12th Court North.

All three suspects are being held in the Birmingham City Jail.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Troopers continue the holiday blitz

For the second weekend in a row, Alabama state troopers will be out in force. Their focus will be on drunk and reckless driving.

Troopers think their Christmas holiday blitz worked. The number of traffic deaths was down this year. The Department of Public Safety says state troopers investigated two traffic fatalities between Friday afternoon and midnight Monday night.

Last year, five deaths were reported during the 78 hour holiday travel period.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Pell City issues water warning

The City of Pell City has issued a warning to Pell City water customers.

Officials say a number of homes in the Oak Ridge and Mill Village communities have noticed cloudy or discolored water over the last few days. Pell City residents have been advised to monitor the water in their homes and businesses for discoloration. Discolored water should not be used for cooking or drinking, but is okay for baths or showers.

Customers should report any unusual water condition to the Pell City Water Department at (205) 338-2244, (205) 945-9240 or (205) 941-0600. The City says they will provide bottled water at no charge to affected customers.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Three killed, one injured in wreck near Coker

A traffic crash in Tuscaloosa County claimed the lives of three people.

It happened around seven on Highway 82 West near Coker and involved two trucks.

Northport police say a fourth victim was taken to DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa. There is no word on that person's condition.

Officers on the scene did not say what caused the crash. They have not released the names of the victims.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

The darker side of flash mobs

You have seen the whimsical side of flash mobs choreographed song and dance routines that people learn online then spontaneously perform at a set time and place. But there's also a dark side: flash mobs causing chaos and stores and shopping malls instantly erupting with mayhem.

When someone posts something online it can quickly spiral out of control. For people like Sonya Pearson, she says social media is helping fuel the fire.

"It's even scarier than a gang activity I think because you do have more, there are more contacts available with social media so that they can draw more friends in or whoever," said Pearson.

On Christmas Day, Shannon Webster and his children felt that sense of unease at the Edge Movie Theater in Crestwood.

"There were a lot of kids at the movies. A big crowd and growing larger and it was more than I had seen before," said Webster.

It's reported a post on Facebook about a fight drew in the crowd of teenagers. Birmingham Police Sergeant Johnny Williams says there is no proof to back up that claim. He does say kids were dropped off and began theater hopping prompting managers to shut the complex down for the night.

"I didn't know what to think except that something had happened and word was going out and people were on cell phones to get everyone there that night," said Webster.

Fox 6 contacted the manager at the theater and was directed to corporate. Our message was not returned.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Capital Murder warrant issued against suspect in Leeds’ murder

A suspect in a murder in Leeds has been charged with Capital Murder.

Nickie Glenn’s body was found near the "Shops at Grand River" on October 29th. Glenn had been shot several times.

Police say they have a capital murder warrant against 28-year-old Benjamin Acton. He has been in the Jefferson County Jail since November 10th on unrelated charges.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Facebook launches suicide prevention feature

The world's top social networking has launched a new feature. It is designed to help prevent suicides.

Last year in Alabama, 676 people committed suicide. Some of those suicides are a result of bullying, in particular, bullying on Facebook. This is why Facebook is partnering with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Here’s how it works. Let’s say you see a post on a friend’s wall that concerns you. If you really think their life was in danger, you would click on the “report/mark as spam” tab. Then, you are given the option to ‘undo’ or ‘report it as abusive.’ From there, click ‘report it’ and select ‘violent harmful behavior’ and ‘suicidal content.’ Facebook would then be alerted and a counselor with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline would begin a chat

Facebook realizes that some people may use this feature as a way to play a cruel joke. People who run the site say they will filter the suicide claims. The National Prevention of Suicide Lifeline tells me they know they will get fake notifications, but they say the cost far outweighs the negative.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Bessemer police hunting for shooting suspect

Bessemer police are searching for a shooting suspect on Tuesday morning.

Officers say a man wearing a black or brown pull over ski mask robbed and shot a person on Ninth Street and Ash Avenue.

Police say the suspect ran towards downtown Bessemer.

Stay with this story for more information as it becomes available.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Police: do not advertise your gifts to thieves

You just took them out of their wrapping paper, now it's time to hide your Christmas gifts again.

Birmingham Police are warning you tonight not to make yourselves a target for thieves who may be doing their shopping by driving by the garbage on your curb.

Driving around the streets of Homewood on Monday, a FOX6 crew went looking for boxes that might make attractive targets for thieves.

“My wife is very adamant about breaking boxes down and putting them out with our recycling, but no, we do not advertise our purchases,” said John Meacham, a Homewood homeowner.

Meacham says he knows better, but one of his neighbors obviously doesn't. We found the box for a new Sony Bravia TV sitting on a corner near Central Avenue in Homewood. But Meacham pointed out, this isn't right in front of someone's home.

“This is kind of a community area to dispose of boxes so folks from the condominiums do congregate so it would be tough to tell who's TV that is,” Meacham said. “To my knowledge, I've lived in the neighborhood 22 years and I could not tell you who's TV that is.”

“Typically during this time period thefts are up however over the last few years we've done an excellent job at trying to counter that by stepping up patrols and doing measures to prevent these burglaries and thefts,” said Sgt. Alonzo Benning of the Birmingham Police Department.

Birmingham police say their patrol units are on the lookout this week for thieves and for potential victims who may be inside playing on their new Xbox or watching their new flatscreen, not knowing they've got a bullseye painted on their curb.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Dealerships offer incentives for used car shoppers

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Are you shopping around for a car? Now could be the perfect time. The last week of the year dealerships typically offer some pretty good incentives, especially this year if you are in the market for a used car. According to Kelley Blue Book, if you are looking for a used car-you may not want to wait.

It looks like used car prices could go up anywhere from 4 to 6% at the 1st of the year. According to experts, with the economy being down more people are looking to buy used cars but a lot of people are holding on to their used cars longer than they have in the past. You add in the fact that many people are no longer leasing, and basically you have a demand but fewer cars coming into the used market.

It's all dealers can do to keep the used car lots full. Some are offering incentives for trade-ins, others are advertising low rates. No matter the strategy, it's definitely getting people to their dealerships. Michelle Eastham, who was shopping at Brannon Honda, said, "They have 0.9% that's a huge factor. We are looking just seeing what we can get."

Eastham is in the market for another car and like many the used cars are drawing her attention. "The economy is a huge factor. People are more conscious now than they've ever been. I think where you can pitch a penny is where you should pitch a penny," said Eastham.

Regina Lawson and Michael Brown are also eyeing some used cars. "I think they are more practical for a person in this economy right now because the economy is very slow and everything so used cars is quite normal right now," said Brown.

Patrick Brannon with Brannon Honda is all too aware of the demand. "We are offering as much as we can for any type of trade right now. Whether it’s Honda, Toyota, Chevy, we are taking them all and immediately putting them on the used car lot," said Brannon.

Brannon says used car sales always go up in January, but since production has been slowed down due to natural disasters and the economy experts are predicting that cost to go up even higher.

For Eastham she's just hoping to take advantage of one of these deals before 2012 rolls around. "I've heard of doubling the blue book, that type of thing. I guess if they want your business, they need to sell the vehicles, they will work with you," said Eastham.

Brannon Honda also adds that they have great deals not just for used cars, but new cars as well because of course they will want to be clearing out the old cars to bring in the new.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Hit-and-run investigation shuts down I-59/20 South

State troopers in Tuscaloosa County say a hit-and-run investigation has closed off Interstate 59 at the at the Coaling-Cottondale exit.

The body was found Friday morning just past the exit on I-59 west. An examination of the remains led investigators to believe the person was a victim of a hit-and-run. The interstate was shut down and traffic re-routed through the rest stop at the exit.

We will bring you the latest information on this story as it becomes available.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Alabama/Georgia immigration hearings will not delay

A judge has said ‘no’ to delaying the legal challenges on Alabama and Georgia’s immigration law.

On Thursday, the 11th Circuit Court in Atlanta denied both states' requests to delay. Both states wanted to postpone the legal challenges until the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Arizona's immigration law.

Hearings on the laws will take place in federal court early next year.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Fire officials investigating two fires at Mountain Brook home

An investigation into a major house fire has firefighters suspicious.

Firefighters have been patrolling the home on Sterlingwood Drive around the clock to make sure flames do not flare up again. The blaze shot through the roof and neighbors could only watch as firefighters work to save the Mountain Brook home.

Firefighters kept water on two other homes to make sure the flames would not spread

On Monday, firefighters were called out to the same home for a basement fire. After the first fire, the power was shut off to the home. To get a call that the upstairs was on fire definitely surprised even firefighters.

The investigation into this fire is ongoing.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Birmingham murder suspect in custody

A Birmingham murder suspect is in custody.

Police say 27-year-old Charles Braxton faces a capital murder charge in the killing of Michael Reed.

He was shot and killed December 15th at an apartment complex in the 6700 block of Kimberly Avenue.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Birmingham police investigating new overnight shooting

Birmingham police are investigating an overnight homicide.

Officers found the victim shot to death at a home in the 1200 block of 12th Court North.

Police have not released the name of the victim, pending notification of family members.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

State troopers start up holiday blitz

Planning to hit the roads this holiday? You will have lots of company and it won't be just other travelers.

Alabama State Troopers will be out in full force. A federal grant will help cover overtime, allowing troopers to crackdown on speeders and those driving under the influence.

"But one of the other things we want to concentrate on, which some folks have labeled the new DUI, is distracted driving such as texting or talking on cell phones," says Trooper John Summerville.

Summerville also says it's important drivers be aware of lower speed limits in the numerous construction zones around the state. He says it's important to obey the lower speed limits even if construction workers aren't present. "I know it's frustrating," Summerville says. "But they are there for a reason. Maybe the project isn't done yet and is not safe for normal speeds. So obey the speed limit signs.". Summerville says the increased enforcement will start Friday afternoon and go through midnight Monday.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Rogers: UA system "player hates" on UAB

Representative John Rogers is leading the charge to separate UAB and UAB from the University of Alabama System. The idea has been growing in strength since UAB was denied permission to build an on-campus stadium by the UA System Board in early November. Rogers feels the support is strong enough that UAB and the University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH) can break away and be governed by their own boards.

“Alabama player hates,” said Rogers in an interview on Good Day Alabama. “They want to deprive UAB of their full potential… They treat them like a redheaded stepchild or something.”

According to Rogers, the students of the school are being robbed of an experience that other educational institutions freely provide.

“Everyone has a stadium. High schools have a stadium. All other colleges have a stadium,” said Rogers. “The kids have a right to an on-campus stadium.”

When asked about UAB’s lack of support for their football program, Rogers says that is not the purpose.

“It’s not about football. It’s about growing an institution,” said Rogers.

To separates the schools’ leadership, Rogers plans on introducing several bills in February to make it so. He believes that the bills will be something opponents will not be able to hold back.

“There’s 5 bills. It’s a shotgun shoot,” said Rogers. “They’re full of surprises. Surprises they can’t stop… They are going to fight it hard, but we have the surprises. This is full-scale war.”

Rogers focuses his ideas in words that will be familiar to students of the Old Testament.

“Let our people go, and let them grow,” stated Rogers.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Lawsuit claims boy was molested at Partlow Developmental Center

A new lawsuit claims a boy was molested while living at the Partlow Developmental Center. The lawsuit says the boy was molested by a known pedophile that was also living at Partlow and receiving care there. The lawsuit claims the staff knew about it.

"We have not yet been served and cannot respond to allegations communicated through the press," said John Ziegler from the Alabama Department of Mental Health.

The state is currently in the process of closing Partlow. The decision was made long before this lawsuit.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Cullman County authorities round up drug offenders

Law enforcement agents in Cullman County say they have taken 73 drug users, dealers and makers off the streets. The arrests follow weeks of investigations.

Charges range from manufacturing to trafficking and some of the suspects are relatives.

Most of the drug crimes involved meth, others were pills and pot.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Graysville needing $150K to pay gas bill

All eyes are on the city of Graysville as their financial problems are reaching past their own city limits-and into homes across Jefferson County. They have less than a month to come up with a plan to pay back Southstar Energy Services some $150,00. If they do not, the company will cut off their gas supply.

In Adamsville, they too are bracing for the cut off. Adamsville Mayor Pam Palmer is already working to make sure her city is okay. She has called the governor’s office as well as reached out to Alabama's Public Service Commission. While the PSC tells us they cannot legally step in, they are watching the situation.

Graysville's Mayor Doug Brewer did not want to go on camera, but he did say he hopes to have the issue worked out no later than close of business Wednesday.

Southstar Energy Services will have a representative in attendance of Tuesday’s meeting to hopefully resolve this matter.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Anniston holds hearing over post office closure

The city of Anniston is hosting a public hearing Tuesday on the future of its post office.

The hearing will take public input on a plan to close the mail processing center inside the post office and move it to Birmingham. They have similar plans for the centers in Huntsville and Tuscaloosa.

The hearing may also touch on whether Anniston's main postal branch on Quintard Avenue should be closed, with its services being offered at another location.

The hearing will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Anniston Meeting Center.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Shigella concerns close three Springville schools

Three Springville schools will be closed Monday after growing concerns surrounding a bacteria outbreak.

St. Clair County administrators have asked the health department to figure out if there are levels of shingella on any surface areas.

If the health officials say it is okay, school will reconvene Tuesday.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Testimony resumes in Kathy Lowe trial

Testimony will resume today in a Marshall County murder trial as the defense will call more witnesses in Kathy Lowe's trial.

Lowe testified Friday in her own defense. She is accused of killing her husband, David, in November 2008. Lowe testified her husband abused her, their son and their daughter. She says she believed David Lowe was going to kill her on the night of the murder.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Missing person's body found in Sumter County

A missing person case has come to an unfortunate conclusion in west Alabama. Officials say they have found the body of a man they believe has been missing for more than two weeks.

A fisherman found the body of Corey Murphy on the banks of the Tombigbee River in Sumter County. Murphy had been missing since December 3rd when he was seen at the Alabama Championship Barbeque Competition in Demopolis.

Murphy’s truck was found the following day, wrecked at the Greene/Sumter County line.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Former Tide player faces drug charges in Baldwin County

Former NFL and University of Alabama football player Antwon Odum is facing drug charges in south Alabama.

The Mobile Press Register reports that Baldwin County Sheriff's deputies arrested Odum Thursday for marijuana possession during a traffic stop on Interstate 10. The former Cincinnati Bengal posted his $1,000 bond.

Odum was released from the Bengals earlier this year after he was shot in the leg at his California home. His friend was charged in connection with that separate incident.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Birmingham police investigating homicide in Gate City area

Birmingham police are investigating an overnight homicide in Gate City.

Investigators say someone was shot to death a little before 10:00 p.m. on Thursday night in the 6700 block of Kimberly Avenue.

No one has been arrested.

Police have not released the name of the victim.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Wife of murdered butcher speaks about her husband

Ashely Hammett feels like she has living in a dream… or a nightmare right now. She is still trying to come to come to grips with the fact her husband, 26-year old Shane Hammett is dead.

“ My husband works at a grocery store,” she says through tears. “He’s not a fireman or a police officer. Those jobs you know you could lose your husband at any moment. This is a job where you go home and you bring groceries home.”

But it happened to her husband Wednesday. Shane Hammett was a supervisor at the Food Giant grocery store in Center Point. Authorities say Wednesday Hammett got into an argument with one of his employees, 50-year old John Boyd, Jr. After the altercation, investigators say Boyd stabbed Hammett to death.

“It takes a very, very cold hearted person to murder a man that has children and a wife and knows those people, knows those kids, has spoke to those kids, has spoke to his wife,” Ashley Hammett said Thursday.

She says Shane Hammett was a great stepfather to her four year old son and daughter, who will turn six Friday.

“He's not just some butcher supervisor that got stabbed by an employee, it’s so much more than that,” she says describing her husband as a man who took time to give great attention to any task he undertook.

John Boyd, Jr. has been charged with murder in Shane Hammett’s death. He was jailed on $75,000 bond.

Visitation services for Hammett will be Saturday, December 17th at 1:00 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville. Funeral Services will start at 2:00 p.m.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Anti-Semitism graffiti targets Vestavia Hills family

A Vestavia Hills family wants to know who spray painted graffiti on their home. Someone tried to draw a Swastika on the steps leading to their home as well as the Jewish Star and many profanities.

It is clear the "artists" behind this hate crime do not even know what an actual swastika looks like. Even though they got it wrong, it reminds the Kahn family that still in 2011 anti-semitism exists.

Elise Kahn was the first to discover the graffiti, aimed at her younger sister Erin. On top of the swastika, there are Jewish stars as well as vulgar comments and other profanity.

The Kahn's believe their daughter's classmates are responsible. Joyce Spielberger, Director of the Birmingham Jewish Federation, says she has never seen something of this magnitude in Birmingham.

"In today's world-- in Birmingham Alabama this cannot be tolerated," said Spielberger. "It's a symbol of just hate. It's a hate crime which prompted us to act as strongly as we have."

They have reached out to the Anti-Defamation League for guidance. As for the Kahns, they just hope whoever did this is caught.

"The thing is, most people in high school don't really think about that as a big deal but it kind of is."

The Kahn's say police have been working with them.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Mayor Bell continuing push for new baseball stadium

The mayor of Birmingham is ready to play ball and he's hoping baseball fans are excited about plans to bring the Barons back to the Magic City.

Mayor Bell spoke at the Birmingham Business Alliance Thursday afternoon. He says city leaders are working to finish the paperwork to buy the land around Railroad Park. He also addressed safety concerns in downtown.

“There has been a consistent effort to paint Birmingham as an unsafe place that from detractors who don't want to see this go forward,” said Bell. “I'm not going to buy into this. The proof is in the pudding and we are going to show people.”

Mayor Bell made a point of thanking UAB President Dr. Carol Garrison for working with the city on the stadium initiative.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Fire erupts at car wash in Southside

A Southside fire filled the sky with smoke on Thursday morning.

It started around 8:00 a.m. at Mike’s Car Wash on 3rd Avenue South in a small back room. The owner says he thinks it may be electrical. The Birmingham Fire Department battalion chief says the cause is still under investigation.

No one was injured and no customer's cars were damaged.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

New charge made against Papa John's murder suspect

A new charge has been issued against the man accused of the Papa John's murder in Oxford.

21-year-old Brandon Hawkins is charged in the September 19th shooting death of a Papa John's manager during a robbery. Anniston police say Hawkins has been charged with another robbery.

This time, it is for a robbery at HR's Food Mart. Police say that robbery took place September 16th, three days before the murder in Oxford.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Gadsden police investigate homicide near cemetery

Gadsden police are trying to track down new leads, after a man was found shot and killed next to a cemetery.

Police have identified the man as 63-year-old Donald Wright. His body was next to a cemetery off Tallahassee Street.

Police say someone who happened to be walking by found the man and his car. They do not know where Wright lived.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Arrest made in cold case homicide from 1992

The Calhoun County Cold Case Unit says they have made an arrest in a homicide that occurred in 1992.

51-year-old Joseph Lee Fair from Fyffe is charged with the murder of Phyllis Burdette at the Fish Net Tropical Fish Store on the corner of Saks Road and US-431. The murder happened in May of ’92.

The case was reopened by the Cold Case Unit in Spring of 2009. They announced the indictments on Friday morning.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Samford police chief reviews alert system after VA Tech shooting

Virginia Tech's shooting has many Alabama campuses taking another look at their own warning systems.

Samford Police Chief Mike Coppage's job is to keep students and staff safe.

"Unfortunately, sometimes it takes something like a Virginia Tech incident to raise the awareness and, by then, it's too late," Coppage said.

When something threatens his campus, Coppage's first task is sending out an alert through the "rave" system. It sends a message to students and staff via email, text, and voice message system. It also posts to social media.

"Even if that system fails we also have a backup system which is our bell tower system. We can activate the bells in Davis library, so if you're outside and you hear this steady bell ringing you know to go inside and see what's happening," Coppage said.

The bells are unique to Samford and Coppage says each campus must have its own security measures.

"You can't just go to a file cabinet and pull one out and say this looks good and put it into place, because that doesn't work. You've got to massage it, and tweak it and say this is what's good for our campus and our student body," Coppage said.

Whatever system is in place, Coppage says it must be tested because you never know when violence may strike.

"It can happen anywhere. Everyone says 'oh this is a nice Christian University that would never happen here' but because we are an open campus we know people can come to our campus freely," Coppage said.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Two killed in head-on crash near Jasper

The Alabama Department of Public Safety says two people were killed Thursday evening after being involved in a head-on collision.

The accident happened around 3:00 p.m. on Highway 257, one mile north of Jasper. The driver of a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder and a juvenile passenger were transported to area hospitals where they later died. Two more juvenile passengers were in the Nissan. They were transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

A 1992 Toyota 4Runner involved in the accident also had four passengers, including two juveniles. They were all taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

No identities have been revealed. The accident remains under investigation.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

More storm-damaged properties added to Tuscaloosa demolition list

Tuscaloosa leaders have added seven storm-damaged properties to the list of buildings to be condemned.

Not all of those have been approved for demolition.

The city council has approved condemning a total of 61 properties that sit largely untouched since the April 27th tornadoes.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

One killed in accident in Walker County

The Alabama Department of Public Safety is reporting that a person was killed on Wednesday after being involved in a single vehicle accident near Jasper.

64-year-old Terry Prescott has been identified as the victim.

The wreck happened around 5:20 p.m. on Brakefield Dairy Road while Prescott was traveling in a 1994 GMC pickup.

The victim was transported to Collins Burke Funeral Home.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Bentley worried over international impact of immigration law

Governor Bentley says he is reaching out to international companies to re-assure them about the state. He says he is worried the new immigration law could hurt industrial recruiting.

Bentley told reporters Monday "we are very pro-foreign companies."

The governor says he is working on getting agreements with several countries for joint recognition of international and state drivers licenses.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Monday, December 5, 2011

St. Vincent's opens new hospital in Pell City

St. Vincent's cuts the ribbon on its new hospital.

It is a 40-bed facility in Pell City. The hospital will accommodate inpatient and outpatient surgeries and more.

It will officially open Saturday.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue deals with two apartment fires

Fire ignited at two apartment complexes over the weekend.

One happened in Birmingham's Southside at the Monterey Apartments on the corner of Highland Avenue and 33rd Street. One unit was destroyed.

Residents told FOX6 News that people were evacuated from their homes because of the smoke. No one was hurt.

The other fire happened Sunday morning in Ensley. It happened at a complex on Pike Road at around 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning.

Fire officials say no one was injured. They were able to contain the fire to one unit of the complex.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

University of Alabama secures spot in BCS National Championship game

It's the re-match many people expected: LSU versus Alabama. LSU took the first game against the Tide 9 to 6 in overtime.

The BCS title game is January 9th in the Big Easy. This is the first rematch in BCS title-game history and the first time teams from the same conference will meet in the BCS' 14-year-history.

There was some speculation that the Tide could slip to the third spot, if Oklahoma State beat Oklahoma by a significant margin. The Cowboys won 44 to 10, but it was not enough to push them ahead of the Tide.

The news of the rematch came in around 7:15 p.m. Sunday night. Lots of excitement could be heard inside the Buffalo Phils in Tuscaloosa when the announcement came.

Tide fans are excited about their chance to play LSU again, but are also excited about the chance to bring home the school's 14th national championship.

The governors of both Alabama and Louisiana also expressed their excitement about the game over Twitter.

“Congrats to The Alabama Crimson Tide playing for UA's 14th National Championship. @BobbyJindal looking forward to The Rematch,” tweeted Alabama Governor Robert Bentley.

“It's official - the rematch is on. Looking forward to a great BCS championship game. Geaux Tigers!” tweeted Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal.

Nick Saban is going for his second title as coach of the Tide. That means, the FOX6 sports team gets to take a road trip. We will continue to bring you live team coverage leading up to January's rematch.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Two teens killed in accident near Jasper

The Alabama Department of Public Safety says two teens were killed on Saturday after being involved in a vehicle accident.

Troopers say it happened 8 miles North of Jasper on Sunlight Road around 8:30 p.m.

19-year-old Karlya Renee Bailey and 17-year-old Sara Anne Lane were both killed while traveling in a 2001 Acura 3.2.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Help offered to homeowners with mortgages

Starting today, there is help for homeowners with their mortgages.

Bank of America is hosting an event to put customers face-to-face with home retention specialists. Homeowners will have an opportunity to review their options for loan notifications and other alternatives to foreclosure.

The sessions will take place Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.at the JCCEO.

Bank of America customers can schedule an appointment by calling 855-201-7426.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

TVA customers may see rate hike

If you are a TVA customer, your bill is likely to start going up.

Sales for December are projected to be nearly 16% higher than November sales. TVA expects to use higher cost resources to meet the higher load.

The boost follows three straight reductions in the monthly fuel cost.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Demolition begins on partially standing Pratt City homes

On Thursday morning, Birmingham finally began demolishing houses that were left partially standing in Pratt City after the April tornados.

The question a lot of folks in Pratt City have been asking is ‘what took so long?’ The answer: a lot of red tape in Washington D.C. Mayor Bell says the city just got approval from FEMA on Monday to start tearing down about 100 homes in Pratt City that were damaged beyond repair by the storms, but were still partially standing.

The mayor was on hand Thursday morning with Melvin Love, whose house on Lacey Road was the first to come down. Mr. Love stated that some neighbors who have been skeptical of the recovery effort may feel better after seeing this. Mayor Bell says he has heard the frustration but he is glad they have made it to this milestone.

“We expected it. Oftentimes people think no one is doing anything, but in fact, here locally we were pressing them each and every day to give us that commitment to go forward and begin the demolition process. That opens us up to politics and people saying we're not doing anything, but I remain steadfast in my commitment to rebuild this community better and stronger than it was before,” said Bell.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Shooting breaks out over Iron Bowl bet

Birmingham police say a fight between an Alabama and Auburn fan led to a shooting Wednesday.

It happened in the 400 block of Second Avenue North. Police say the fight was over a $20 bet on the Iron Bowl.

The victim is expected to recover.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Attempted murder suspect leads police to gambling den during escape

The Birmingham Police Department is reporting that they have taken 15 suspects in connection to gaming, narcotics and outstanding warrants.

On Wednesday, the BPD Crime Reduction Team attempted to take a suspect into custody for attempted murder. The suspect attempted to escape and ran into a business being used for illegal gambling. The suspect and several others engaged in gambling activity were taken into custody.

Over $3,500, seven firearms, marijuana, cocaine, Tussionex and Lortab pills were seized. Three of the firearms were reported as stolen.

One suspect was arrested on the outstanding Attempted Murder and another on an outstanding Robbery warrant. Charges for Gaming, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and Violation of State Firearms Act are being sought by detectives.

All suspects are being held in the Birmingham City Jail.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

18-year-old arrested on 2nd Degree Rape charge

Tuscaloosa Police Juvenile Investigators say they have taken an 18-year-old man into custody on a 2nd Degree Rape warrant. Dementriel Quayvar Lavender turned himself into investigators at the Tuscaloosa Police Department on Monday morning.

In September, the victim’s mother discovered that the suspect was in contact with her daughter through a social network. The mother set up a meeting with the suspect while posing as her daughter. At the meeting, he was confronted and told to stop all contact with the victim.

After the meeting, the mother learned that the suspect had been sexually involved with the daughter and she reported the incident to the police department in early November. At the time of the incident, the victim was 14-years-old and the suspect was 18-years-old.

Lavender was charged with 1 count of 2nd Degree Rape and is being held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Bessemer home destroyed in early morning blaze

Bessemer firefighters are still on the scene of a house fire on Clarendon Avenue. It started around 3:00 a.m.

The home was fully engulfed when they arrived. Firefighters say the resident was not at home when the fire started. Because the blaze was so intense, they had to evacuate a woman who lives next door.

There is no word yet what started the fire.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.

Some teachers to retire in the middle of the school year

A number of experienced teachers plan to retire right in the middle of the school year due to legislated changes to future health and benefit packages

The Alabama Education Association and others had predicted a thousand or more teachers would retire to save money on their health insurance payments.

Final numbers compiled by the state pension system show that number to be less than expected with only 466 teachers retiring.

Copyright 2011 WBRC. All rights reserved.