A gunman in Tuscaloosa was apparently hit in crossfire at a Tuscaloosa apartment complex, but ran away.
Police say shots were fired at an SUV at Creekside Apartments on Monday. Later, someone returned to the apartments and fired shots into the complex. Authorities are not sure if the same shooters are responsible for both incidents.
Police say it started as an argument and that the shooters were targeting a couple inside the SUV. So far, no one has been arrested.
If you have any information, call Crimestoppers right away at 349-2121.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
University of Alabama sets A-Day and homecoming dates
The University of Alabama says they have set dates for the A-Day game and homecoming in 2012.
The Crimson Tide will hold its annual A-Day Spring Football Game on Saturday, April 14, at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Admission will be free to the public, but a kickoff time has not been set.
For Homecoming, UA plans to hold it on October 27th when the Tide hosts Mississippi State at Bryant-Denny.
Further details for both events will be released when they are finalized.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The Crimson Tide will hold its annual A-Day Spring Football Game on Saturday, April 14, at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Admission will be free to the public, but a kickoff time has not been set.
For Homecoming, UA plans to hold it on October 27th when the Tide hosts Mississippi State at Bryant-Denny.
Further details for both events will be released when they are finalized.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Junior League of Birmingham gives large sum to the community
The Junior League of Birmingham is stepping up to give back to the community.
Money from the Beeson Community Fund will be distributed among six of the group's projects. We are talking about more than $245,000.
Those that will benefit are Cornerstone School, Cahaba Valley Health Care, the Birmingham Education Foundation, Mitchell's Place, the Junior League's Storm Relief Playground and the YWCA.
Organizers are happy for the help in continuing their mission.
“We’re just excited to be able to do this and provide these funds to many needing non-profits in our community and we feel that this is an important extension of the wishes of Mrs. Beeson to expand the services provided to non profits across our community.”
The Junior League of Birmingham is one of the largest volunteer service organizations. It is celebrating 90 years of service this year.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Money from the Beeson Community Fund will be distributed among six of the group's projects. We are talking about more than $245,000.
Those that will benefit are Cornerstone School, Cahaba Valley Health Care, the Birmingham Education Foundation, Mitchell's Place, the Junior League's Storm Relief Playground and the YWCA.
Organizers are happy for the help in continuing their mission.
“We’re just excited to be able to do this and provide these funds to many needing non-profits in our community and we feel that this is an important extension of the wishes of Mrs. Beeson to expand the services provided to non profits across our community.”
The Junior League of Birmingham is one of the largest volunteer service organizations. It is celebrating 90 years of service this year.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Burglary suspect taken into custody in Tuscaloosa County
Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's deputies say they have taken a suspected burglar into custody.
It happened late Saturday night on 5th Street Northeast in Holt. When officers arrived, they found a man with cocaine, a screwdriver and an item that was taken from a car.
Michael Lucious is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of burglar's tools and unlawful breaking and entering of a motor vehicle. His bond totals $60 thousand.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
It happened late Saturday night on 5th Street Northeast in Holt. When officers arrived, they found a man with cocaine, a screwdriver and an item that was taken from a car.
Michael Lucious is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of burglar's tools and unlawful breaking and entering of a motor vehicle. His bond totals $60 thousand.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Jury selection begins in Talladega murder trial
Jury selection is expected to begin today for a Talladega man accused of murder. 69-year-old Robert Eugene Williams is charged with shooting 56-year-old Michael Littlejohn in the back.
The two men had reportedly been involved in some sort of argument last year. Authorities have not said what that disagreement was about.
If convicted, Williams could face 20 years to life in prison.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The two men had reportedly been involved in some sort of argument last year. Authorities have not said what that disagreement was about.
If convicted, Williams could face 20 years to life in prison.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Air quality study delays school construction
Completion of an air quality study is delaying the construction of a new Birmingham school.
The new building will replace Lewis and North Birmingham Elementary Schools.
Representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Jefferson County Health Department and Birmingham City Schools will take part in a community meeting today at Hudson K-8 at 2 p.m.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The new building will replace Lewis and North Birmingham Elementary Schools.
Representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Jefferson County Health Department and Birmingham City Schools will take part in a community meeting today at Hudson K-8 at 2 p.m.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Groundbreaking on new ballpark to take place this week
Birmingham will break ground on a new downtown ballpark for the Barons this week.
The ballpark will sit right across the street from Railroad Park and Mayor Bell says he believes it will spur more development between the park and UAB's campus.
The $64-million project is supposed to be finished in time for the Birmingham Barons to play ball there beginning with the 2013 season.
The groundbreaking is Thursday.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The ballpark will sit right across the street from Railroad Park and Mayor Bell says he believes it will spur more development between the park and UAB's campus.
The $64-million project is supposed to be finished in time for the Birmingham Barons to play ball there beginning with the 2013 season.
The groundbreaking is Thursday.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Storm victims grateful for open storm shelters
Some storm survivors only have a roof over their heads this morning, because of open shelters. A Red Cross shelter at First Baptist Church Center Point is housing about 12 people, including children.
At the height of the storm, there were three shelters, now two remain open.
A displaced storm survivor we spoke to only wanted to go by "Sandra". She says she cannot believe she is living in a shelter, but she is grateful it is available for people.
Some people living in the shelters had major damage to their home or their electricity is still off. Others are literally left homeless and lost everything during the tornado.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
At the height of the storm, there were three shelters, now two remain open.
A displaced storm survivor we spoke to only wanted to go by "Sandra". She says she cannot believe she is living in a shelter, but she is grateful it is available for people.
Some people living in the shelters had major damage to their home or their electricity is still off. Others are literally left homeless and lost everything during the tornado.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
One killed in two-vehicle crash in Tuscaloosa County
The Alabama Department of Public Safety says they are investigating a fatal accident on Highway 69 North, near the 156 mile marker.
Troopers say a commercial vehicle is involved and one fatality has been confirmed.
The roadway is currently partially blocked. The Alabama Department of Transportation and the DPS Motor Carrier Safety Unit are on the scene.
Stay with this story for more information as it becomes available.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Troopers say a commercial vehicle is involved and one fatality has been confirmed.
The roadway is currently partially blocked. The Alabama Department of Transportation and the DPS Motor Carrier Safety Unit are on the scene.
Stay with this story for more information as it becomes available.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Storm victims and first responders offered free tetanus shots
The Jefferson County Health Department gave storm survivors and first responders free tetanus shots.
The Health Department is trying to protect people who could come into contact with the disease while cleaning up storm debris.
The free shots were offered in Center Point and Clay Wednesday.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The Health Department is trying to protect people who could come into contact with the disease while cleaning up storm debris.
The free shots were offered in Center Point and Clay Wednesday.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Railroad crossing closes for maintenance
Today will be the first day of CSX Railroads temporarily closing one of its crossings.
The crossing on Milldale Road, also known as County Road 99, will be closed for maintenance Thursday and Friday.
Drivers will have to take a detour until that work is completed.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The crossing on Milldale Road, also known as County Road 99, will be closed for maintenance Thursday and Friday.
Drivers will have to take a detour until that work is completed.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Tuscaloosa police officer arrested domestic violence charge
The Tuscaloosa Police Department says they had to arrest one of their own after a domestic incident on Tuesday night.
Tuscaloosa PD received the domestic call around 6:00 p.m. At the scene at the 4600 block of Woodland Hills Dr., the victim stated that the suspect was highly intoxicated and destroying items inside the residence. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The Tuscaloosa Fire Department was called in to extinguish a fire the suspect had set in the garage.
Tuscaloosa County Homicide was called in to investigate the incident, due to the suspect being a Tuscaloosa Police Officer. Investigators found probable cause to arrest the suspect for Domestic Violence Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree.
The suspect was taken to DCHS for treatment for a cut on his head.
The suspect, 54-year-old Robert Ashley Fourt, is a Sergeant assigned to the patrol division. He has been employed by the Tuscaloosa Police Department since 2003. Fourt has been placed on administrative leave after the incident.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Tuscaloosa PD received the domestic call around 6:00 p.m. At the scene at the 4600 block of Woodland Hills Dr., the victim stated that the suspect was highly intoxicated and destroying items inside the residence. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The Tuscaloosa Fire Department was called in to extinguish a fire the suspect had set in the garage.
Tuscaloosa County Homicide was called in to investigate the incident, due to the suspect being a Tuscaloosa Police Officer. Investigators found probable cause to arrest the suspect for Domestic Violence Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree.
The suspect was taken to DCHS for treatment for a cut on his head.
The suspect, 54-year-old Robert Ashley Fourt, is a Sergeant assigned to the patrol division. He has been employed by the Tuscaloosa Police Department since 2003. Fourt has been placed on administrative leave after the incident.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Big changes may be coming to the Alabama School System
Governor Bentley and the Republican party leadership want to make some big changes to the state's education system this year, that includes charter schools and new tax credits for teachers.
Bentley and the leaders of the house and senate were at Wilkerson Elementary School in Birmingham this morning to lay out a 4-part education agenda for the upcoming legislative session.
Gov. Bentley says he wants to update the methods used to evaluate teachers and start a limited number of charter schools in systems that are underperforming.
He also wants to give local school boards more flexibility to change their policies, and give teachers a $300 tax credit for buying their own classroom supplies.
The governor says he knows charter schools are controversial, but it's time to try something different to help students who are struggling .
Gov. Bentley today said he'd like to see the state experiment with single-sex charter schools, career tech schools, and even a charter school with an emphasis on students with special needs.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Bentley and the leaders of the house and senate were at Wilkerson Elementary School in Birmingham this morning to lay out a 4-part education agenda for the upcoming legislative session.
Gov. Bentley says he wants to update the methods used to evaluate teachers and start a limited number of charter schools in systems that are underperforming.
He also wants to give local school boards more flexibility to change their policies, and give teachers a $300 tax credit for buying their own classroom supplies.
The governor says he knows charter schools are controversial, but it's time to try something different to help students who are struggling .
Gov. Bentley today said he'd like to see the state experiment with single-sex charter schools, career tech schools, and even a charter school with an emphasis on students with special needs.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Parents protest against state takeover of Midfield School System
The Midfield School System will know more today about the state possibly taking over the school system. A meeting will be held in Montgomery to discuss the potential takeover.
Many parents do not want to see that happen. A handful wanted to make a statement, protesting in front of Midfield's Board of Education Wednesday. They say they did not hear about the potential takeover until this week. They threaten to relocate their kids if communication does not improve. Many parents say politics is playing more of a role with their children than education.
"'There's a lot of fighting; there's a lot of gun bringing. There's rumors of boys setting girls hair on fire and it's really getting out of hand," said concerned parent James Banks.
A majority of all of this frustration stems from an incident that took place last fall when Midfield High School Principal Hance Gunn quit after he refused to put the school on lockdown from a gun incident. That situation led to the removal of Superintendent Nakita Williams.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Many parents do not want to see that happen. A handful wanted to make a statement, protesting in front of Midfield's Board of Education Wednesday. They say they did not hear about the potential takeover until this week. They threaten to relocate their kids if communication does not improve. Many parents say politics is playing more of a role with their children than education.
"'There's a lot of fighting; there's a lot of gun bringing. There's rumors of boys setting girls hair on fire and it's really getting out of hand," said concerned parent James Banks.
A majority of all of this frustration stems from an incident that took place last fall when Midfield High School Principal Hance Gunn quit after he refused to put the school on lockdown from a gun incident. That situation led to the removal of Superintendent Nakita Williams.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Moody police investigating woman's murder
Moody police are investigating a murder this morning.
FOX6 News found out that a woman was found shot dead on Scott Drive. Police have taken a man into custody.
The shooting happened around 8:00 p.m. Wednesday night.
Police say it may be a case of domestic violence.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
FOX6 News found out that a woman was found shot dead on Scott Drive. Police have taken a man into custody.
The shooting happened around 8:00 p.m. Wednesday night.
Police say it may be a case of domestic violence.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Midfield Schools facing possible state takeover
A possible state takeover could be put into effect for the Midfield City School System. The Alabama Board of Education will discuss it Thursday during a special meeting in Montgomery.
The state school board has warned the system to improve its finances and fill vacancies, including hiring a principal for Midfield High School.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The state school board has warned the system to improve its finances and fill vacancies, including hiring a principal for Midfield High School.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham Mayor Bell pledges help in storm recovery
Birmingham Mayor William Bell knows all too well what tornadoes can do after April 27th and today he said he's ready to help.
Today at the Birmingham City Council meeting, Bell said the city's fire department still has units in Clay and Trussville helping with the recovery there.
Bell also says the city's traffic engineering department is helping to remove and replace damaged traffic lights and signs in the Winewood Road area near Center Point.
Bell says he's willing to do more because of the help his city received after April 27th.
“I encourage my fellow mayors to call me with any needs they may have,” Bell said. “We believe in neighbor helping neighbor and after April 27th, we had so many of our surrounding muncipalities come to the aid of the city of Birmingham. So we want to return the support that was given to us.”
Mayor Bell also said Birmingham's planning and permits team will be out in the coming days helping to speed up the process of rebuilding.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Today at the Birmingham City Council meeting, Bell said the city's fire department still has units in Clay and Trussville helping with the recovery there.
Bell also says the city's traffic engineering department is helping to remove and replace damaged traffic lights and signs in the Winewood Road area near Center Point.
Bell says he's willing to do more because of the help his city received after April 27th.
“I encourage my fellow mayors to call me with any needs they may have,” Bell said. “We believe in neighbor helping neighbor and after April 27th, we had so many of our surrounding muncipalities come to the aid of the city of Birmingham. So we want to return the support that was given to us.”
Mayor Bell also said Birmingham's planning and permits team will be out in the coming days helping to speed up the process of rebuilding.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Some Jeffco schools to remain closed on Wednesday
A few Jefferson County Schools that will remain closed on Wednesday.
Center Point Elementary and High School and Erwin Elementary and Middle will remain closed.
The district tells FOX6 News all other Jefferson County schools will be open.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Center Point Elementary and High School and Erwin Elementary and Middle will remain closed.
The district tells FOX6 News all other Jefferson County schools will be open.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Tornado damage surveyed from the sky
Fox6 News was the first to have a crew in the air on Monday as dawn began to show us the path and the scale of this tornado's destruction. News Chopper 5 from our Raycom sister station in Memphis flew in during the early afternoon to give us fresh eyes from the sky and that is when the real scale of this became so stunning.
In Oak Grove, we saw some of the first signs of damage with a few homes in this small community damaged or destroyed.
In Center Point, homes were tossed around and Center Point Elementary, an almost brand-new school, had its center just wiped out. If you drive up Center Point Parkway regularly, you would probably recognize what used to be the strip mall. The auto repair shop just a block away where there is nothing left to repair of the cars anymore but spare parts.
Just a few miles to the east, a truck is flipped over in the driveway of a home and the roofs of numerous houses in the area are ripped off along with trees snapped down by nature's violent power.
A cul-de-sac in a newer subdivision near Chalkville shows how concentrated the winds were with every home in a 360 degree radius basically flattened by the winds and neighbors left wandering what they can salvage. Just a stone's throw away, the Department of Youth Services Chalkville Campus had several buildings destroyed, but did not report any injuries.
In Trussville, just off Deerfoot Parkway in the Pilgrim's Rest neighborhood, a mom could be seen pushing her child in a stroller and wandering down what yesterday was a calm neighborhood street. Now, she is marveling at what is left of a home and wondering what will become of this neighborhood. Just across the street is another example of the sheer power of the tornado; a partial brick home was simply shoved off its foundation like someone removing the top layer of a wedding cake.
If there was only one picture to take away from the chopper ride, maybe it should be this one: a dozen men perched on top of a roof, chainsaws in hand, already beginning to help their neighbor out. There are a lot of limbs and trees to move, but less than 9 hours after Mother Nature pushed through, these friends are already pushing back.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
In Oak Grove, we saw some of the first signs of damage with a few homes in this small community damaged or destroyed.
In Center Point, homes were tossed around and Center Point Elementary, an almost brand-new school, had its center just wiped out. If you drive up Center Point Parkway regularly, you would probably recognize what used to be the strip mall. The auto repair shop just a block away where there is nothing left to repair of the cars anymore but spare parts.
Just a few miles to the east, a truck is flipped over in the driveway of a home and the roofs of numerous houses in the area are ripped off along with trees snapped down by nature's violent power.
A cul-de-sac in a newer subdivision near Chalkville shows how concentrated the winds were with every home in a 360 degree radius basically flattened by the winds and neighbors left wandering what they can salvage. Just a stone's throw away, the Department of Youth Services Chalkville Campus had several buildings destroyed, but did not report any injuries.
In Trussville, just off Deerfoot Parkway in the Pilgrim's Rest neighborhood, a mom could be seen pushing her child in a stroller and wandering down what yesterday was a calm neighborhood street. Now, she is marveling at what is left of a home and wondering what will become of this neighborhood. Just across the street is another example of the sheer power of the tornado; a partial brick home was simply shoved off its foundation like someone removing the top layer of a wedding cake.
If there was only one picture to take away from the chopper ride, maybe it should be this one: a dozen men perched on top of a roof, chainsaws in hand, already beginning to help their neighbor out. There are a lot of limbs and trees to move, but less than 9 hours after Mother Nature pushed through, these friends are already pushing back.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Four judges recuse themselves from Acker sex abuse case
Four judges have recused themselves from the case of Daniel Acker, Jr., a former teacher accused of sexually abusing students. They say it is because Acker's father is on the Shelby County Commission.
The county commission funds the district attorney's office, so that could be seen as a conflict of interest. Shelby County District Attorney Robby Owens says he stepped down from the case because he did not want the trial to seem tainted since he's friends with acker's father.
"Our job is to avoid the appearance of an impropriety and I didn't want whatever occurred in the end result of that particular case for it to appear that I know and like his daddy or the funding that comes from the county commission had some type of bearing on the merits of that case," said Owens.
Owens says a district attorney and judge from another county will oversee the case.
Acker faces seven charges of sex abuse. Authorities say he confessed to molesting more than 20 girls during his 25 years in the Shelby County School System.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The county commission funds the district attorney's office, so that could be seen as a conflict of interest. Shelby County District Attorney Robby Owens says he stepped down from the case because he did not want the trial to seem tainted since he's friends with acker's father.
"Our job is to avoid the appearance of an impropriety and I didn't want whatever occurred in the end result of that particular case for it to appear that I know and like his daddy or the funding that comes from the county commission had some type of bearing on the merits of that case," said Owens.
Owens says a district attorney and judge from another county will oversee the case.
Acker faces seven charges of sex abuse. Authorities say he confessed to molesting more than 20 girls during his 25 years in the Shelby County School System.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Victim of sexual assault call Finebaum show
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - All week the phone lines have been lighting up at the Paul Finebaum show, callers wanting to share their thoughts on the Krystal's incident.
"It's been crazy,” said producer Daniel Entrekia. “We really couldn't believe this story has gotten as big as it has and has seemed to snowballed and gotten bigger and bigger every day."
And today was no exception. Entrekia answered a phone line. On the other end was a man he didn't expect to hear from. "The moment we thought it was about to start wrapping up Sam from Louisiana called.”
Sam who claims to be the alleged victim seen in the infamous video that shows an Alabama fan exposing himself and simulating a sexual act on an unconscious LSU fan. Here's what Sam tod Paul Finebaum.
"I just want to start off by saying I apologize to everyone for getting so out of my mind drunk that I didn't know what I was doing," said Sam. "I didn't even know it happened to me at the time."
Sam, who would not tell his last name, told Finebaum he didn't learn about the incident until a friend of his called him. Finebaum asked, "Did you feel violated, sexually violated?" Sam responded, “It pissed me off. It pissed me off."
Sam said he couldn't go into detail, but did tell Finebaum what he could remember. "I was with my girlfriend during the game. I didn't have tickets to the game so we watched it on Bourbon Street at the bar. Just the way the game was going, I drank more and more," said Sam. “I remember at the end of the game and I remember my girlfriend wanting to go to Krystal’s. She won't even talk to me now."
Finebaum tells FOX 6, "My guess is he's real, although I'd hate to put money on that."
Is it the victim? Is it not? Whoever was on the other end of the line definitely got a rise out of callers. "I think there's a serious aspect, then there's a bizarre I can’t believe that really happened aspect. Everybody wants to say that's terrible out of one side of their mouth, but they are laughing out of the other," said Finebaum.
Entrexia said, “It's always very interesting up here at the show but it's been a little extra pepper on it this week."
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
"It's been crazy,” said producer Daniel Entrekia. “We really couldn't believe this story has gotten as big as it has and has seemed to snowballed and gotten bigger and bigger every day."
And today was no exception. Entrekia answered a phone line. On the other end was a man he didn't expect to hear from. "The moment we thought it was about to start wrapping up Sam from Louisiana called.”
Sam who claims to be the alleged victim seen in the infamous video that shows an Alabama fan exposing himself and simulating a sexual act on an unconscious LSU fan. Here's what Sam tod Paul Finebaum.
"I just want to start off by saying I apologize to everyone for getting so out of my mind drunk that I didn't know what I was doing," said Sam. "I didn't even know it happened to me at the time."
Sam, who would not tell his last name, told Finebaum he didn't learn about the incident until a friend of his called him. Finebaum asked, "Did you feel violated, sexually violated?" Sam responded, “It pissed me off. It pissed me off."
Sam said he couldn't go into detail, but did tell Finebaum what he could remember. "I was with my girlfriend during the game. I didn't have tickets to the game so we watched it on Bourbon Street at the bar. Just the way the game was going, I drank more and more," said Sam. “I remember at the end of the game and I remember my girlfriend wanting to go to Krystal’s. She won't even talk to me now."
Finebaum tells FOX 6, "My guess is he's real, although I'd hate to put money on that."
Is it the victim? Is it not? Whoever was on the other end of the line definitely got a rise out of callers. "I think there's a serious aspect, then there's a bizarre I can’t believe that really happened aspect. Everybody wants to say that's terrible out of one side of their mouth, but they are laughing out of the other," said Finebaum.
Entrexia said, “It's always very interesting up here at the show but it's been a little extra pepper on it this week."
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Jeffco delegation and local mayors to meet over county problems
Members of the Jefferson County Delegation and city mayors from around the county are set to meet on Thursday. The meeting is scheduled to start at 2:00 Thursday afternoon at Fultondale City Hall.
Delegation Chairman Paul DeMarco says they will talk about ways they can work together to help the county deal with the financial troubles it is going through. Any solutions or plans that come from today's meeting will be in addition to a plan commissioners agreed to Wednesday that would bring back the .45% occupational tax. Commissioners will push for a bill to be brought up in the next legislative session to reinstate the tax that they say will raise about $60 million.
Commissioners say without a funding fix, they face hundreds of county layoffs. Commission President David Carrington says some services that are not mandated by law may be cut off soon whether they get the occupational tax or not.
"I don’t' think we want to wait around for 40 million dollars if we've identified some cuts; let's go ahead and cut,” said Carrington. “They're going to have to start picking up the tabs for things, things we used to do as a service can't be done anymore. State drivers licenses, all for cutting that off January 31st."
If the county stops providing driver's licenses that duty will fall to the state.
Commissioners say the $60 million that would come from the occupational tax would be helpful because they need to do more than just fill the $40 million hole; they need the extra funds to do things like open the Bessemer Jail.
As for other cuts, Jefferson County Manager Tony Petelos says the county will no longer help cities with their municipal elections. Petelos says because of layoffs, the county no longer has the staff to help. Employees from a number of county departments will have to help with the March 13th primary.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Delegation Chairman Paul DeMarco says they will talk about ways they can work together to help the county deal with the financial troubles it is going through. Any solutions or plans that come from today's meeting will be in addition to a plan commissioners agreed to Wednesday that would bring back the .45% occupational tax. Commissioners will push for a bill to be brought up in the next legislative session to reinstate the tax that they say will raise about $60 million.
Commissioners say without a funding fix, they face hundreds of county layoffs. Commission President David Carrington says some services that are not mandated by law may be cut off soon whether they get the occupational tax or not.
"I don’t' think we want to wait around for 40 million dollars if we've identified some cuts; let's go ahead and cut,” said Carrington. “They're going to have to start picking up the tabs for things, things we used to do as a service can't be done anymore. State drivers licenses, all for cutting that off January 31st."
If the county stops providing driver's licenses that duty will fall to the state.
Commissioners say the $60 million that would come from the occupational tax would be helpful because they need to do more than just fill the $40 million hole; they need the extra funds to do things like open the Bessemer Jail.
As for other cuts, Jefferson County Manager Tony Petelos says the county will no longer help cities with their municipal elections. Petelos says because of layoffs, the county no longer has the staff to help. Employees from a number of county departments will have to help with the March 13th primary.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Former Shelby County teacher receives two more molestation charges
The Alabaster Police Department says two more charges have been filed against a former elementary school teacher who worked for the Shelby County Board of Education.
49-year-old Danny M. Acker now faces two charges of Sexual Abuse, 1st Degree in addition to the five charges he faces.
“These charges are the result of evidence obtained in our ongoing investigation into Danny Acker” stated Deputy Chief Curtis Rigney.
Acker was a fourth grade teacher for most of his career. He worked at Thompson Elementary School, Creekview Elementary and Thompson Intermediate before retiring in 2009. In the new charges, a fourth grade student of Acker’s says she was molested in the classroom. Another victim says Acker molested her on the school bus when she was 9-years-old.
Acker is being held in the Shelby County Jail with a $745,000 bond.
Anyone with information concerning this investigation is asked to call the Alabaster Police Department at 663-7401.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
49-year-old Danny M. Acker now faces two charges of Sexual Abuse, 1st Degree in addition to the five charges he faces.
“These charges are the result of evidence obtained in our ongoing investigation into Danny Acker” stated Deputy Chief Curtis Rigney.
Acker was a fourth grade teacher for most of his career. He worked at Thompson Elementary School, Creekview Elementary and Thompson Intermediate before retiring in 2009. In the new charges, a fourth grade student of Acker’s says she was molested in the classroom. Another victim says Acker molested her on the school bus when she was 9-years-old.
Acker is being held in the Shelby County Jail with a $745,000 bond.
Anyone with information concerning this investigation is asked to call the Alabaster Police Department at 663-7401.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Langford denied Supreme Court appeal
It is another "no" for former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear his appeal of his federal fraud and bribery convictions.
Langford is serving a 15-year sentence in federal prison in eastern Kentucky. He was convicted of conspiring with a bond dealer to refinance the county's debt. The deal contributed to the massive debt and bankruptcy the county faces today.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear his appeal of his federal fraud and bribery convictions.
Langford is serving a 15-year sentence in federal prison in eastern Kentucky. He was convicted of conspiring with a bond dealer to refinance the county's debt. The deal contributed to the massive debt and bankruptcy the county faces today.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Groundbreaking announced for new baseball stadium
Mayor William Bell has announced the city is ready to break ground on a new $64-million baseball park downtown.
Mayor Bell says the big event will happen February 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at the park's planned location.
The mayor's office says they will release more details about the plan in the coming weeks.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Mayor Bell says the big event will happen February 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at the park's planned location.
The mayor's office says they will release more details about the plan in the coming weeks.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue gets new fire truck
The Birmingham Fire and Rescue Department unveils a new fire truck with special capabilities.
The Birmingham Oil Spill Co-op donated a one-thousand gallon foam pumper to the fire department. The foam is especially used to fight ethanol fires which are a potential risk for the oil companies in the co-op.
Before this donation, the department only had the ability to fight gasoline fires.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The Birmingham Oil Spill Co-op donated a one-thousand gallon foam pumper to the fire department. The foam is especially used to fight ethanol fires which are a potential risk for the oil companies in the co-op.
Before this donation, the department only had the ability to fight gasoline fires.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
New State Superintendent to visit Hoover
The new state superintendent of education will be in town tonight and he wants to hear from Hoover parents.
Doctor Tommy Bice will join Representative Paul DeMarco at Hoover City Schools central office from six to eight. It is a community Q&A and meet and greet as Bice heads into his first full year as superintendent.
Representative DeMarco will be there to discuss the financial health of the educational trust fund.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Doctor Tommy Bice will join Representative Paul DeMarco at Hoover City Schools central office from six to eight. It is a community Q&A and meet and greet as Bice heads into his first full year as superintendent.
Representative DeMarco will be there to discuss the financial health of the educational trust fund.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham police looking for fatal shooting suspect
Birmingham police are looking for the person responsible for a deadly shooting.
Officers were called to the 2300 block of 16th Street North in the North Birmingham community late Monday afternoon.
Police say 39-year-old Thomas Jenkins was lying in the yard dead from a gunshot wound.
Witnesses say the shooting happened during a dispute between the victim and another person.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Officers were called to the 2300 block of 16th Street North in the North Birmingham community late Monday afternoon.
Police say 39-year-old Thomas Jenkins was lying in the yard dead from a gunshot wound.
Witnesses say the shooting happened during a dispute between the victim and another person.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Birmingham man not dead, despite government’s insistence
A Birmingham veteran wants the president to know that he is not dead.
Freddie Jones, Jr. says in 2008 his family got a letter informing them he had died. Turns out it was a mistake, but Jones says the problem has still not been cleared up.
Jones says the mistake has hurt him financially and he says every time someone runs his Social Security number, they get a response that he is dead. He says he is fed up with the bureaucracy.
"I assure you if one of our senators or state representatives there in Washington were affected as I was, this matter would be cleared up months ago, years ago. So, I have strength enough to fight and stand for it,” said Jones.
Jones worked for the Department of Defense and says he was in Vietnam for ten years serving this country. He hopes the president will step in and help.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Freddie Jones, Jr. says in 2008 his family got a letter informing them he had died. Turns out it was a mistake, but Jones says the problem has still not been cleared up.
Jones says the mistake has hurt him financially and he says every time someone runs his Social Security number, they get a response that he is dead. He says he is fed up with the bureaucracy.
"I assure you if one of our senators or state representatives there in Washington were affected as I was, this matter would be cleared up months ago, years ago. So, I have strength enough to fight and stand for it,” said Jones.
Jones worked for the Department of Defense and says he was in Vietnam for ten years serving this country. He hopes the president will step in and help.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Anniston youths remember Dr. King's legacy
Anniston's young people spent the morning remembering the legacy of Doctor King.
The city of Anniston's Good Choices Program today presented a unity breakfast and youth participation day called "Realizing the Dream."
Young people read poetry, sang, danced and even asked trivia questions, all in support of the day.
City Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Folkes says the program began ten years ago when Anniston’s youth complained they did not have a special way to honor the Reverend King on his holiday.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The city of Anniston's Good Choices Program today presented a unity breakfast and youth participation day called "Realizing the Dream."
Young people read poetry, sang, danced and even asked trivia questions, all in support of the day.
City Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Folkes says the program began ten years ago when Anniston’s youth complained they did not have a special way to honor the Reverend King on his holiday.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
MLK Day starts off free tax prep
As part of the King Holiday, the city of Birmingham and Impact Alabama launched their free tax preparation service today.
Families making less than $50,000 a year got their chance to have free help in filing. Organizers say it is the best way to save.
If you want more information about this program and to get help, you can call this number: 888-99-TAX-AL or 888-998-2925.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Families making less than $50,000 a year got their chance to have free help in filing. Organizers say it is the best way to save.
If you want more information about this program and to get help, you can call this number: 888-99-TAX-AL or 888-998-2925.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
UA fans line up to see the Coaches Trophy
You probably remember seeing the crystal football Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban hoisted into the air after the Tide beat LSU in the BCS National Championship game. Now that same trophy is on display and you can get your picture made with it. The trophy stands 34 inches tall and weighs 45 pounds. Saturday it was on display at Academy Sports and Outdoors in Tuscaloosa. Fans started lining up early in the morning and by noon the line wrapped all the way around the building.
"We were second in line," said Jared Norris, "Had to wait almost four hours, but in my opinion it was worth every second of it." Norris left his home in Jasper around 5 a.m. and got in line by 8 a.m. He says he'll do anything for his beloved Tide. "I’m such a die hard Alabama fan. I bleed crimson and white and I’ve been an Alabama fan for just as long as I could walk," Norris said.
The Waterford crystal trophy is worth $30,000. It took 3 months to make and it’s traveled 25,000 miles this season. Alabama football fans say it’s indescribable what it’s like to be up close and personal with the trophy. "I can’t even put it in words," said Michael Evans, "It was amazing."
"It’s such a beautiful crystal trophy," said Shirley Matthews, "I mean when we won the championship back in 2009 me and my daughter stood in line for hours like this and so this year we brought the grandkids down. We wanted them to experience what it feels like to get to touch what the boys from Alabama went and brought back to the state for us."
Ray Mallouk is the trophy manager so he's responsible for keeping the trophy safe. He expects about 4,000 fans at each trophy appearance over the weekend. "The good thing about being here in Alabama is they’re huge college football fans and they really know what the trophy is all about so when we have it on display they come out in droves which is really fantastic," Mallouk said.
The trophy will be on display Sunday, January 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Publix on Highway 31 in Vestavia Hills. After that it will go to the University of Alabama where is will be permanently displayed at the Athletic Complex.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
"We were second in line," said Jared Norris, "Had to wait almost four hours, but in my opinion it was worth every second of it." Norris left his home in Jasper around 5 a.m. and got in line by 8 a.m. He says he'll do anything for his beloved Tide. "I’m such a die hard Alabama fan. I bleed crimson and white and I’ve been an Alabama fan for just as long as I could walk," Norris said.
The Waterford crystal trophy is worth $30,000. It took 3 months to make and it’s traveled 25,000 miles this season. Alabama football fans say it’s indescribable what it’s like to be up close and personal with the trophy. "I can’t even put it in words," said Michael Evans, "It was amazing."
"It’s such a beautiful crystal trophy," said Shirley Matthews, "I mean when we won the championship back in 2009 me and my daughter stood in line for hours like this and so this year we brought the grandkids down. We wanted them to experience what it feels like to get to touch what the boys from Alabama went and brought back to the state for us."
Ray Mallouk is the trophy manager so he's responsible for keeping the trophy safe. He expects about 4,000 fans at each trophy appearance over the weekend. "The good thing about being here in Alabama is they’re huge college football fans and they really know what the trophy is all about so when we have it on display they come out in droves which is really fantastic," Mallouk said.
The trophy will be on display Sunday, January 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Publix on Highway 31 in Vestavia Hills. After that it will go to the University of Alabama where is will be permanently displayed at the Athletic Complex.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrated in Birmingham
Martin Luther King, Jr's memory will continue to be honored throughout Birmingham today.
In a couple of hours, Reverend Clarence Williams will share his story on how Dr. King influenced him. Reverend Williams is an African-American priest in a predominantly white Catholic church. He also founded the Institute for Recovery from Racism.
Williams will speak at a unity breakfast Monday morning. He spoke Sunday at Saint Mary's Catholic Church. Williams says he has a special message for the city that was home to so much of the struggle and success of the movement.
“Birmingham is a light to the whole nation, and how you've taken the situation and how you've addressed it, how you continue to address it, and make that legacy live through your celebration of the holiday,” said Williams.
Williams will speak at the BJCC at 7:30 p.m.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
In a couple of hours, Reverend Clarence Williams will share his story on how Dr. King influenced him. Reverend Williams is an African-American priest in a predominantly white Catholic church. He also founded the Institute for Recovery from Racism.
Williams will speak at a unity breakfast Monday morning. He spoke Sunday at Saint Mary's Catholic Church. Williams says he has a special message for the city that was home to so much of the struggle and success of the movement.
“Birmingham is a light to the whole nation, and how you've taken the situation and how you've addressed it, how you continue to address it, and make that legacy live through your celebration of the holiday,” said Williams.
Williams will speak at the BJCC at 7:30 p.m.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham church meets to discuss immigration law
In the wake of Alabama’s controversial immigration law, one Birmingham church decided to bring folks together to take a look at the Christian perspective.
Folks gathered at Birmingham International Church Sunday night for a seminar on the topic. There was even a question and answer session after the presentation.
Organizers say it is important to stand on the side of those who do not have a voice.
“The undocumented alien is not going away. It's to everyone's benefit to have a good response,” said Reverend Ron Higey.
This group will hold another meeting next month to talk about how citizens can let their voice be heard on behalf of undocumented aliens.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Folks gathered at Birmingham International Church Sunday night for a seminar on the topic. There was even a question and answer session after the presentation.
Organizers say it is important to stand on the side of those who do not have a voice.
“The undocumented alien is not going away. It's to everyone's benefit to have a good response,” said Reverend Ron Higey.
This group will hold another meeting next month to talk about how citizens can let their voice be heard on behalf of undocumented aliens.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Man charged with assaulting two police officers
A Lincoln man faces charges of attacking two police officers.
In addition to second degree assault, police say Jeremy Owens is also charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. It follows a domestic violence call at an RV park Tuesday.
Police say Owens grabbed an officer by the neck and attacked her partner.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
In addition to second degree assault, police say Jeremy Owens is also charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. It follows a domestic violence call at an RV park Tuesday.
Police say Owens grabbed an officer by the neck and attacked her partner.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Clanton residents worried over methadone clinic opening
Some Chilton County people are fighting the opening of a methadone clinic. Clanton's mayor says the clinic will open on Holiday Inn Drive.
In case you are not familiar with a methadone clinic, clients are given the synthetic drug methadone which treats drug addiction.
FOX6 spoke to someone who lives in the neighborhood next to the site. He did not want to be identified, but says that people are scared.
"The clinic is overall going to draw in people that are, I guess, addicted to a drug... just really don’t have a good view of those kind of people coming into our community," said the person.
FOX6 tried to get more information about the clinic and why it is needed in Clanton. We tried contacting the person who wants to open it, but have not gotten a response yet.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
In case you are not familiar with a methadone clinic, clients are given the synthetic drug methadone which treats drug addiction.
FOX6 spoke to someone who lives in the neighborhood next to the site. He did not want to be identified, but says that people are scared.
"The clinic is overall going to draw in people that are, I guess, addicted to a drug... just really don’t have a good view of those kind of people coming into our community," said the person.
FOX6 tried to get more information about the clinic and why it is needed in Clanton. We tried contacting the person who wants to open it, but have not gotten a response yet.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Financial experts believe 2012 holds much rebuilding for Alabama
Some of the state's top financial experts came together to talk about what lies ahead for Alabama’s economic future.
The Birmingham Business Journal held the early morning conference. Experts said they believe 2012 will be a lot like 2011 with much restructuring.
They said the state's economy has stopped its freefall, but there will still be a lot more work to do to get Alabama back in fiscal shape.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The Birmingham Business Journal held the early morning conference. Experts said they believe 2012 will be a lot like 2011 with much restructuring.
They said the state's economy has stopped its freefall, but there will still be a lot more work to do to get Alabama back in fiscal shape.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Van der Sloot to receive sentence for Peruvian murder
Joran van der Sloot will find out today how much time he will spend behind bars for the death of a young woman in Peru.
Van der Sloot pleaded guilty to killing 21-year-old Stephany Flores last year in their hotel room in Lima. He faces up to 30 years in jail.
Van der Sloot says he attacked Flores when he found her looking at his computer reading files about missing Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway. The Dutch citizen has been considered as a major suspect in the teen’s disappearance.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Van der Sloot pleaded guilty to killing 21-year-old Stephany Flores last year in their hotel room in Lima. He faces up to 30 years in jail.
Van der Sloot says he attacked Flores when he found her looking at his computer reading files about missing Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway. The Dutch citizen has been considered as a major suspect in the teen’s disappearance.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Volunteers help rebuild damage Pratt City home
A Pratt City woman feels blessed after volunteers began rebuilding her tornado-damaged home.
Folks working in conjunction with the Birmingham Baptist Association and Metro Changers have been rebuilding houses, including Evelyn Lewis' home in Pratt City.
People from all over the country have traveled to Birmingham to take part in the process.
Many of the materials used were provided by Birmingham’s Office of Community Development.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Folks working in conjunction with the Birmingham Baptist Association and Metro Changers have been rebuilding houses, including Evelyn Lewis' home in Pratt City.
People from all over the country have traveled to Birmingham to take part in the process.
Many of the materials used were provided by Birmingham’s Office of Community Development.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Judge could declare Natalee Holloway legally dead
A Jefferson County judge could declare Natalee Holloway legally dead more than six years after her disappearance in Aruba. Both of her parents are expected at the hearing today.
Dave Holloway is the one who requested the ruling so he can pass down his daughter's $2,000 college fund to her brother. He would also be able to stop paying for health insurance for her.
Back in September, Probate Judge Alan King ruled Dave Holloway did meet the legal presumption for death of his daughter, but it was up to someone to prove she had not died during her graduation trip.
At that time, Beth Holloway opposed the effort to declare her daughter dead. Her attorney says her position has not changed.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Dave Holloway is the one who requested the ruling so he can pass down his daughter's $2,000 college fund to her brother. He would also be able to stop paying for health insurance for her.
Back in September, Probate Judge Alan King ruled Dave Holloway did meet the legal presumption for death of his daughter, but it was up to someone to prove she had not died during her graduation trip.
At that time, Beth Holloway opposed the effort to declare her daughter dead. Her attorney says her position has not changed.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Neglected Bibb County horse succumbs to malnutrition
A neglected horse in Bibb County has died.
The horse's owner had surrendered him after reports of malnutrition. Rescuers were trying to nurse him back to health, but he died Wednesday afternoon.
A vet says he was 400 pounds underweight. Because the owner surrendered the horse, he will not face any charges.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The horse's owner had surrendered him after reports of malnutrition. Rescuers were trying to nurse him back to health, but he died Wednesday afternoon.
A vet says he was 400 pounds underweight. Because the owner surrendered the horse, he will not face any charges.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Lovelady Center to appeal Zoning Board decision
The Birmingham Zoning Board will hear an appeal from the founder of the Lovelady Center.
Brenda Spahn is appealing a decision by the city that the center's move to the vacant Carraway Hospital Building does not meet zoning regulations.
Spahn said last week the center is hoping to go forward with the move despite opposition from the neighborhood.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Brenda Spahn is appealing a decision by the city that the center's move to the vacant Carraway Hospital Building does not meet zoning regulations.
Spahn said last week the center is hoping to go forward with the move despite opposition from the neighborhood.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Legal fees determined to be major expense for Jeffco
A study has found a major expense for Jefferson County: legal fees.
Commissioner George Bowman released the study results. It shows what the county paid lawyers over the past 5 years. 50 law firms billed Jefferson County about $30-million in that period and legal costs for bankruptcy is now expected to cost taxpayers a million dollars per month. Bowman says this is not fair when the county is laying off workers.
“All of this at a time we are saying to employees ‘we don't have the money for you. We cannot afford your service. We have to shut down services. We have to lay people off.’ Some people we have to terminate their employment because we don't have the money," said Bowman.
Commission President David Carrington sees it in a different way. He says attorneys for the county have saved the county millions of dollars and calls the legal costs a good investment for taxpayers.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Commissioner George Bowman released the study results. It shows what the county paid lawyers over the past 5 years. 50 law firms billed Jefferson County about $30-million in that period and legal costs for bankruptcy is now expected to cost taxpayers a million dollars per month. Bowman says this is not fair when the county is laying off workers.
“All of this at a time we are saying to employees ‘we don't have the money for you. We cannot afford your service. We have to shut down services. We have to lay people off.’ Some people we have to terminate their employment because we don't have the money," said Bowman.
Commission President David Carrington sees it in a different way. He says attorneys for the county have saved the county millions of dollars and calls the legal costs a good investment for taxpayers.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Funeral services held for Gene Bartow
Funeral services were held Monday morning for former UAB basketball coach Gene Bartow.
The former basketball coach died last week after a long bout with stomach cancer.
On Sunday, a visitation was held at the arena that bears Bartow's name andhundreds attended. Some big name coaches paid tribute to their old friend; including Kentucky's John Calipari, Ole Miss head coach Andy Kennedy and former Bama coach Wimp Sanderson.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The former basketball coach died last week after a long bout with stomach cancer.
On Sunday, a visitation was held at the arena that bears Bartow's name andhundreds attended. Some big name coaches paid tribute to their old friend; including Kentucky's John Calipari, Ole Miss head coach Andy Kennedy and former Bama coach Wimp Sanderson.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Firefighters extinguish early morning blaze
An apartment fire in Birmingham has burned through two units. It started around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning at Town Park Apartments located on Crest Green Road. Firefighters are still on the scene working on hot spots.
The battalion chief tells says the fire started in a downstairs unit then spread to an upstairs unit.
Everyone made it out safely, but those two units were destroyed. Three other apartments have smoke damage.
The fire is under investigation.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The battalion chief tells says the fire started in a downstairs unit then spread to an upstairs unit.
Everyone made it out safely, but those two units were destroyed. Three other apartments have smoke damage.
The fire is under investigation.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
