Some Birmingham City Council members will head south to Montgomery this week to ask lawmakers for a few things.
On Wednesday, the councilors will lobby in person for the city on several issues including the Jefferson County occupational tax. The council passed a resolution last week urging state legislators to either reinstate the occupational tax, or give the county limited home rule to impose its own taxes. This is all to help fill the $40-million hole in the county's general fund.
Legislators have promised action before the end of this session, but so far no bills have been considered.
City council members will later turn their focus on new construction for north Birmingham this week. Tomorrow, the council will vote on a contract to spend $389,000 on roof repairs and renovations for the North Birmingham Library. The project is supposed to take about three months once it gets started.
Also tomorrow, the council will vote on more grant money for homeowners affected by the April 27th tornadoes. The city will award another $157,000 in grants to seven homeowners looking for help with repairing homes damaged in the violent storms. This grant program was set up by Mayor Bell and the council to give homeowners extra assistance above and beyond any FEMA money they may receive.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Man wanted for two robberies
Jefferson county deputies are on the hunt for a man who robbed two businesses. The suspect robbed a Dollar General on Brewster Road. He then traveled four miles away and robbed a pizza restaurant.
The description of the suspect is the same in both cases. He is described as six feet tall with a
Slender build. In each case the suspect was wearing a dark ball cap, a tan button down shirt and blue jeans.
If you recognize him from this picture, call the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The description of the suspect is the same in both cases. He is described as six feet tall with a
Slender build. In each case the suspect was wearing a dark ball cap, a tan button down shirt and blue jeans.
If you recognize him from this picture, call the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Oak Mountain Middle School teacher arrested on sexual abuse charges
The Shelby County Board of Education says a teacher and band director at Oak Mountain Middle School has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual abuse.
The BOE names the teacher as 38-year-old Jeffrey Scott Atkins and says he has been placed on administrative leave by the school district as it conducts an investigation into the charges.
“The charges against Mr. Atkins are allegations at this point. However, the allegations are of the upmost gravity in that they implicate unprofessional conduct by a teacher towards a student,” said Superintendent Randy Fuller.
Atkins has been with Shelby County since 1999, the whole time at Oak Mountain Middle School. He has no prior incidents of misconduct and passed a criminal background check in October or 1999.
The charges listed against Atkins on the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office website read:
ELECTRONIC SOLICITATION OF A CHILD SURE
$150,000.00
SEXUAL ABUSE 1ST-CHILD FONDLING-FEMALE
$100,000.00
SEXUAL ABUSE 1ST-CHILD FONDLING-FEMALE
$100,000.00
SEXUAL ABUSE 1ST-CHILD FONDLING-FEMALE
$100,000.00
ENTICING CHILD
$100,000.00
SCHOOL EMPLOYEE HAVING SEXUAL CONTACT W/STUDENT UNDER 19
$5,000.00
Total Bond: $555,000.00
Stay with this story for more information as it becomes available.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The BOE names the teacher as 38-year-old Jeffrey Scott Atkins and says he has been placed on administrative leave by the school district as it conducts an investigation into the charges.
“The charges against Mr. Atkins are allegations at this point. However, the allegations are of the upmost gravity in that they implicate unprofessional conduct by a teacher towards a student,” said Superintendent Randy Fuller.
Atkins has been with Shelby County since 1999, the whole time at Oak Mountain Middle School. He has no prior incidents of misconduct and passed a criminal background check in October or 1999.
The charges listed against Atkins on the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office website read:
ELECTRONIC SOLICITATION OF A CHILD SURE
$150,000.00
SEXUAL ABUSE 1ST-CHILD FONDLING-FEMALE
$100,000.00
SEXUAL ABUSE 1ST-CHILD FONDLING-FEMALE
$100,000.00
SEXUAL ABUSE 1ST-CHILD FONDLING-FEMALE
$100,000.00
ENTICING CHILD
$100,000.00
SCHOOL EMPLOYEE HAVING SEXUAL CONTACT W/STUDENT UNDER 19
$5,000.00
Total Bond: $555,000.00
Stay with this story for more information as it becomes available.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Man arrested for multiple robberies in Birmingham
The Birmingham Police Department says a man has been arrested in connection to a robbery investigation.
The robberies happened between March 15th and March 27th. Warrants have been obtained for robberies at the Rite Aid on Montclair Road and the IHOP on Crestwood Boulevard. The suspect has also been identified in four additional robberies in Birmingham. He was taken into custody on March 29th.
32-year-old Leo Johnson faces two Robbery 1st Degree warrants. Additional robbery charges are expected in the investigation. He is currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The robberies happened between March 15th and March 27th. Warrants have been obtained for robberies at the Rite Aid on Montclair Road and the IHOP on Crestwood Boulevard. The suspect has also been identified in four additional robberies in Birmingham. He was taken into custody on March 29th.
32-year-old Leo Johnson faces two Robbery 1st Degree warrants. Additional robbery charges are expected in the investigation. He is currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
One killed, two injured in Jefferson County accident
The Alabama Department of Public Safety say one person was killed and two other were injured in a vehicle accident on Thursday night.
Troopers say 45-year-old Audra Renee Taylor was traveling in an ’03 Mercury Grand Prix on Warrior River Road around 7:50 p.m. in Jefferson County when she was involved in an accident with an ’06 Chevrolet Silverado. Taylor was transported to UAB Hospital, but died from her injuries.
Two people in the truck were transported to Brookwood Hospital for their injuries.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Troopers say 45-year-old Audra Renee Taylor was traveling in an ’03 Mercury Grand Prix on Warrior River Road around 7:50 p.m. in Jefferson County when she was involved in an accident with an ’06 Chevrolet Silverado. Taylor was transported to UAB Hospital, but died from her injuries.
Two people in the truck were transported to Brookwood Hospital for their injuries.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Shelby County inmates now cost less to feed
Shelby County inmates will now be fed for less, $1.75 per day. They had been eating for three-dollars a day, but Shelby County commissioners voted to bring down that figure.
Under state law, most counties are only given a $1.75 a day to feed jail inmates. Sheriff Chris Curry got that number bumped to $3 eight years ago to help pay for federal and municipal inmates.
Commissioners said that three dollar rate has actually led to excess funds in the inmate food account. It is extra money that sheriffs actually get to use.
“You’ll see that sheriffs think of this as a retirement account. The more they save the more they get to take out,” said Shelby County Finance Manager Butch Burbage.
Sheriff Chris Curry admits he has borrowed money from that $200,000 fund, but says the law gives him permission to do so.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Under state law, most counties are only given a $1.75 a day to feed jail inmates. Sheriff Chris Curry got that number bumped to $3 eight years ago to help pay for federal and municipal inmates.
Commissioners said that three dollar rate has actually led to excess funds in the inmate food account. It is extra money that sheriffs actually get to use.
“You’ll see that sheriffs think of this as a retirement account. The more they save the more they get to take out,” said Shelby County Finance Manager Butch Burbage.
Sheriff Chris Curry admits he has borrowed money from that $200,000 fund, but says the law gives him permission to do so.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Birmingham City Council backs Jeffco occupational tax efforts
Birmingham City Council members are joining in the effort to bring back an occupational tax in Jefferson County.
On Tuesday, the council passed a resolution urging lawmakers to either re-instate the tax, or give the county limited home rule to impose its own taxes. This would help fill the $40 million hole in the county's general fund.
Local legislators have promised action before the end of this session, but so far no bills have been debated.
The council members will be in Montgomery next Wednesday to lobby lawmakers on several issues, including the occupational tax.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
On Tuesday, the council passed a resolution urging lawmakers to either re-instate the tax, or give the county limited home rule to impose its own taxes. This would help fill the $40 million hole in the county's general fund.
Local legislators have promised action before the end of this session, but so far no bills have been debated.
The council members will be in Montgomery next Wednesday to lobby lawmakers on several issues, including the occupational tax.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Street to be renamed after fallen officer
Happening Tuesday in Tuscaloosa, a street will be re-named in honor of a police officer who was killed while serving as a funeral escort.
The city council will vote to rename a portion of Mill Creek Avenue after Trevor Scott Phillips.
Police Chief Steve Anderson says his department requested the honor.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The city council will vote to rename a portion of Mill Creek Avenue after Trevor Scott Phillips.
Police Chief Steve Anderson says his department requested the honor.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Wreath laying held for Trayvon Martin in Birmingham
The Birmingham NAACP will remember Trayvon Martin and all victims of hate crimes today. They will lay a wreath at Kelly Ingram Park at the Foot Soldier Statue.
Police say a neighborhood watch captain shot and killed the Florida teenager, who was walking home. They say George Zimmerman claimed self defense and has not been arrested in the case. hat has sparked protests across the nation.
Today's wreath laying ceremony is from 11:30 until noon.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Police say a neighborhood watch captain shot and killed the Florida teenager, who was walking home. They say George Zimmerman claimed self defense and has not been arrested in the case. hat has sparked protests across the nation.
Today's wreath laying ceremony is from 11:30 until noon.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
2-alarm fire erupts in Birmingham
Birmingham firefighters were called to a two-alarm fire early Tuesday morning.
It happened at a building at the corner of 9th Street North and 2nd Avenue. The fire started around 1:30 a.m.
Officials say the building was not occupied, but was being renovated.
There is no word what caused the blaze.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
It happened at a building at the corner of 9th Street North and 2nd Avenue. The fire started around 1:30 a.m.
Officials say the building was not occupied, but was being renovated.
There is no word what caused the blaze.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Former Shelby County teacher pleads 'not guilty'
He admitted to sexually abusing more than 20 girls, but a former Shelby County teacher accused of sexual abuse has pleaded ‘not guilty.’
According to court documents, Daniel Acker, Jr. Waived his arraignment. The judge has scheduled his trial for August 13th.
Acker was indicted earlier this month on eight counts of sex abuse of children under the age of 12. He had been a fourth grade teacher and school bus driver.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
According to court documents, Daniel Acker, Jr. Waived his arraignment. The judge has scheduled his trial for August 13th.
Acker was indicted earlier this month on eight counts of sex abuse of children under the age of 12. He had been a fourth grade teacher and school bus driver.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Child struck by pickup truck in Pelham
Pelham police are investigating a child hit by a pickup truck.
The 9-year-old boy was airlifted to Children's Hospital after the truck hit him in Pelham Monday. The accident happened on Hamilton Road in the Chandalar subdivision.
There's no word on the child's condition this morning.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The 9-year-old boy was airlifted to Children's Hospital after the truck hit him in Pelham Monday. The accident happened on Hamilton Road in the Chandalar subdivision.
There's no word on the child's condition this morning.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Late night road work begins soon in Birmingham area
Some road work in the Birmingham area takes place tonight.
The Alabama Department of Transportation is striping overnight. It takes place on the Red Mountain Expressway from Highway 280 to the Interstate 20-59 interchange. They will also be working on Highway 280 between the Hollywood Boulevard and Cahaba Road intersections.
The work will be finished in about two weeks depending on the weather and how fast the work progresses. All lanes will be reopened to traffic no later than 5:00 a.m. each morning.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The Alabama Department of Transportation is striping overnight. It takes place on the Red Mountain Expressway from Highway 280 to the Interstate 20-59 interchange. They will also be working on Highway 280 between the Hollywood Boulevard and Cahaba Road intersections.
The work will be finished in about two weeks depending on the weather and how fast the work progresses. All lanes will be reopened to traffic no later than 5:00 a.m. each morning.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham City Council to vote on transit routes, new fire station
The Birmingham City Council will vote on a proposal by the BJCTA to change the route system for dart buses and trolleys.
The changes would eliminate the Southside and east-west line, combine the downtown east-west line with the north-south line, and the new dart line would become a downtown and central station connection to the Southside/UAB area.
The council is also expected to approve spending another $102,000 to finish construction work on the new Legion Field-Graymont fire station.
The new station is expected to open this spring and is using an eco-friendly building design.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The changes would eliminate the Southside and east-west line, combine the downtown east-west line with the north-south line, and the new dart line would become a downtown and central station connection to the Southside/UAB area.
The council is also expected to approve spending another $102,000 to finish construction work on the new Legion Field-Graymont fire station.
The new station is expected to open this spring and is using an eco-friendly building design.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Lawmakers take spring break from Legislative Session
State lawmakers are half way through the legislative session. They will take spring break this week
Lawmakers have not officially started work on the budgets, which is expected to be a major challenge because of the state's financial problems. They also have yet to introduce a bill aimed at fixing problems with Alabama’s immigration law.
A bill that would authorize charter schools is also expected to generate debate that may dominate the session's second half.
Lawmakers return to work April second.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Lawmakers have not officially started work on the budgets, which is expected to be a major challenge because of the state's financial problems. They also have yet to introduce a bill aimed at fixing problems with Alabama’s immigration law.
A bill that would authorize charter schools is also expected to generate debate that may dominate the session's second half.
Lawmakers return to work April second.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Students return to Putnam Middle School after mercury spill cleanup
Putnam Middle School students will be back in class, for the first time in about two weeks. Environmental officials now say the school is safe.
A mercury spill in a science classroom forced officials to close the school while crews tested and cleaned the campus. School officials say areas around the science class may remain closed if mercury levels are still detected. The rest of the school will open.
Health officials say there have not been any health problems because of the mercury. The EPA conducted 136 home visits with three homes needing specialized clean-up.
The school says it will offer voluntary Saturday classes to help students catch up on lessons they missed.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
A mercury spill in a science classroom forced officials to close the school while crews tested and cleaned the campus. School officials say areas around the science class may remain closed if mercury levels are still detected. The rest of the school will open.
Health officials say there have not been any health problems because of the mercury. The EPA conducted 136 home visits with three homes needing specialized clean-up.
The school says it will offer voluntary Saturday classes to help students catch up on lessons they missed.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Jeffco Commission to consider loan for Cooper Green
This week could be a turning point for Cooper Green Mercy Hospital. Jefferson County Commissioners will consider a $3.5 million dollar loan for the hospital.
Cooper Green has needed taxpayers dollars to cover its expenses for years. This week, Jefferson County Manager Tony Petelos told commissioners the hospital has bills from vendors stacking up.
"If we don't move forward, it's going to create problems in providing services there," said Petelos.
On top of the $3.5 million dollars, the hospital also has a funding deficit from last year.
"What we have is eleven million dollars, I think 10.8 million carryover from the previous year. This is throwing negative balances to all of these operation accounts," said Commissioner Jimmie Stephens.
A report suggests the hospital should cut back on some medical services, cutting its pharmacy or even baby nursery.
"I don't want to say the nursery. That's newborn babies. We are going to have babies born for every day. That is not going away," said Commissioner George Bowman.
Commissioners will meet Monday to consider the loan which Cooper Green is pledging to pay back. Most commissioners realize it will take more than the loan to solve the hospitals funding problems.
"Efficiency that is what I'd like to see. It's a big 800 pound gorilla. It's got to be operated efficiently," said Commissioner Joe Knight.
Commissioners say there is no move to close Cooper Green Hospital at this time. Last week, the Birmingham Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference threatened massive protests if the hospital was shutdown.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Cooper Green has needed taxpayers dollars to cover its expenses for years. This week, Jefferson County Manager Tony Petelos told commissioners the hospital has bills from vendors stacking up.
"If we don't move forward, it's going to create problems in providing services there," said Petelos.
On top of the $3.5 million dollars, the hospital also has a funding deficit from last year.
"What we have is eleven million dollars, I think 10.8 million carryover from the previous year. This is throwing negative balances to all of these operation accounts," said Commissioner Jimmie Stephens.
A report suggests the hospital should cut back on some medical services, cutting its pharmacy or even baby nursery.
"I don't want to say the nursery. That's newborn babies. We are going to have babies born for every day. That is not going away," said Commissioner George Bowman.
Commissioners will meet Monday to consider the loan which Cooper Green is pledging to pay back. Most commissioners realize it will take more than the loan to solve the hospitals funding problems.
"Efficiency that is what I'd like to see. It's a big 800 pound gorilla. It's got to be operated efficiently," said Commissioner Joe Knight.
Commissioners say there is no move to close Cooper Green Hospital at this time. Last week, the Birmingham Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference threatened massive protests if the hospital was shutdown.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Birmingham PD may get new tool to track copper thieves
Birmingham's police department could soon have a new tool to track down copper thieves. Tomorrow, the Birmingham City Council will vote on a new contract to spend $60,000 a year on software from a Dallas company.
The software is part of a national database that tracks merchandise sold through participating pawn shops and secondhand dealers.
Police hope they can use it to track stolen copper and those who try to sell it.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The software is part of a national database that tracks merchandise sold through participating pawn shops and secondhand dealers.
Police hope they can use it to track stolen copper and those who try to sell it.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
It is tornado season, so a lot of people are thinking about storm safety. They had a chance to look at some of their options at an expo at the Pelham
It is tornado season, so a lot of people are thinking about storm safety. They had a chance to look at some of their options at an expo at the Pelham Civic Center on Sunday.
Dozens of vendors showed off new building ideas. One showcased a storm shelter that could be built under a garage floor. It can seat seven to ten people. The shelter was tested at Texas Tech and can withstand an EF-5 tornado.
“You don't have to get out in the weather. You and your family are safe to go right in your garage and go down in your shelter,” said David Thrasher, who sells the shelters.
Shelters range in price from $5,000 to about $75,000.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Dozens of vendors showed off new building ideas. One showcased a storm shelter that could be built under a garage floor. It can seat seven to ten people. The shelter was tested at Texas Tech and can withstand an EF-5 tornado.
“You don't have to get out in the weather. You and your family are safe to go right in your garage and go down in your shelter,” said David Thrasher, who sells the shelters.
Shelters range in price from $5,000 to about $75,000.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Visitation for Al Sharptons mother set for Monday, funeral on Tuesday
Visitation for Al Sharpton's mother will be held today.
Ada Sharpton died Thursday in Dothan. Her visitation will be held at Center Baptist Church in Newville.
Al Sharpton is expected to deliver her eulogy at her funeral tomorrow. Ada Sharpton was 87-years-old.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Ada Sharpton died Thursday in Dothan. Her visitation will be held at Center Baptist Church in Newville.
Al Sharpton is expected to deliver her eulogy at her funeral tomorrow. Ada Sharpton was 87-years-old.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Papa John's murder suspect to face preliminary hearing
Happening this Friday, the man accused of shooting and killing a Papa John's employee faces his preliminary hearing.
Brandon Hawkins is accused of shooting and killing 56-year-old Barbara Exum was during a robbery as she closed the store last September 9th.
The 21-year-old Hawkins was arrested in December and charged with capital murder.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Brandon Hawkins is accused of shooting and killing 56-year-old Barbara Exum was during a robbery as she closed the store last September 9th.
The 21-year-old Hawkins was arrested in December and charged with capital murder.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Shooting under investigation in Ensley
Birmingham police are investigating a late night shooting on Monday morning.
Shots were reported at 31st Street and Avenue P in Ensley around 10:30 Sunday night. There was a huge police presence at the scene.
Our videojournalist on the scene says it looked like shots had been fired into an SUV. Witnesses believe two people may have been shot, but police have not confirmed details.
We will release more information on this story as it becomes available.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Shots were reported at 31st Street and Avenue P in Ensley around 10:30 Sunday night. There was a huge police presence at the scene.
Our videojournalist on the scene says it looked like shots had been fired into an SUV. Witnesses believe two people may have been shot, but police have not confirmed details.
We will release more information on this story as it becomes available.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Vigil to be held for Birmingham shooting victim
On Monday family and friends will remember Victor Cunningham, a Birmingham man who was gunned down in front of his house. The shooting happened two weeks ago and no arrests have been made. Cunningham’s family is having a vigil Monday at 6 p.m. at 927 Garden Street in Birmingham.
Cunningham’s family hopes the vigil will bring out new information in the case. Cunningham’s cousin, Vanetta Mabson, said “I pray every night. I look up to him every night wanting to see him and all I can hear is him saying to me 'punch, I'm ok.'”
Mabson says around 2 a.m. on March 5th Cunningham left a party and went home. That is when someone shot him in his driveway.
“Just to see him being taken like that you know I mean it's a hurting thing,” said Cunningham’s cousin, Shervella Brown, “He was only 28 years old. He has 3 kids. Not only leaving behind family, a mother and a father, but he has kids as well.”
This isn’t the first time this family has dealt with tragedy.
Brown said, “This is our second homicide in our family. The first one we still don't have any closure on that one.”
In 2006, Cunningham’s Uncle, Joe Hollis, was killed in a hit and run accident on Warrior Road in Birmingham. That case is still unsolved and Cunningham’s family doesn’t want to see history repeat itself.
“This is a very hard situation so that's why we just want to get it out there. We don't want this case to go cold,” said Brown.
That’s why Cunningham’s family is planning a vigil. They want to remember his sweet smile and encourage the shooter to come forward.
“Even if it was an accident come forward and tell us something. It's nothing we can do. We just want justice,” said Mabson.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Cunningham’s family hopes the vigil will bring out new information in the case. Cunningham’s cousin, Vanetta Mabson, said “I pray every night. I look up to him every night wanting to see him and all I can hear is him saying to me 'punch, I'm ok.'”
Mabson says around 2 a.m. on March 5th Cunningham left a party and went home. That is when someone shot him in his driveway.
“Just to see him being taken like that you know I mean it's a hurting thing,” said Cunningham’s cousin, Shervella Brown, “He was only 28 years old. He has 3 kids. Not only leaving behind family, a mother and a father, but he has kids as well.”
This isn’t the first time this family has dealt with tragedy.
Brown said, “This is our second homicide in our family. The first one we still don't have any closure on that one.”
In 2006, Cunningham’s Uncle, Joe Hollis, was killed in a hit and run accident on Warrior Road in Birmingham. That case is still unsolved and Cunningham’s family doesn’t want to see history repeat itself.
“This is a very hard situation so that's why we just want to get it out there. We don't want this case to go cold,” said Brown.
That’s why Cunningham’s family is planning a vigil. They want to remember his sweet smile and encourage the shooter to come forward.
“Even if it was an accident come forward and tell us something. It's nothing we can do. We just want justice,” said Mabson.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Sloss Furnace may get a new visitors center
One of Birmingham’s oldest tourist attractions may get a big push this week, toward a new facelift.
On Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council is scheduled to vote on a funding agreement that would spend $4.2 million for a new visitors center at Sloss Furnace.
Sloss is the only publicly held industrial site in the world and has some if its busiest weekends in the fall when the historic grounds are turned into a haunted house in the month leading up to Halloween.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
On Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council is scheduled to vote on a funding agreement that would spend $4.2 million for a new visitors center at Sloss Furnace.
Sloss is the only publicly held industrial site in the world and has some if its busiest weekends in the fall when the historic grounds are turned into a haunted house in the month leading up to Halloween.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Governor Bentley proclaims "Fred Shuttlesworth Day"
The late Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth now has a state day dedicated in his honor.
The civil rights leader would have been 90 yesterday, so Governor Robert Bentley declared his birthday, "Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth Day."
Shuttlesworth founded the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights and co- founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Bentley's proclamation encourages Alabamians to recognize his leadership within the civil rights movement and his dedication to the cause of freedom for all people.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The civil rights leader would have been 90 yesterday, so Governor Robert Bentley declared his birthday, "Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth Day."
Shuttlesworth founded the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights and co- founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Bentley's proclamation encourages Alabamians to recognize his leadership within the civil rights movement and his dedication to the cause of freedom for all people.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Boarding house erupts in flames in Ensley
Officials are investigating a fire that broke out at a boarding house on Avenue F in Ensley on Tuesday morning around 2:30 a.m.
Eight people were inside. Two had to jump from the second story to safety. One person was hospitalized with leg injuries.
The fire chief says the fire started on a stove when someone was cooking. The structure is being called a total loss.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Eight people were inside. Two had to jump from the second story to safety. One person was hospitalized with leg injuries.
The fire chief says the fire started on a stove when someone was cooking. The structure is being called a total loss.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Monday, March 12, 2012
The Duggars bring Santorum support to Alabama
Rick Santorum’s campaign is getting some support from "Team Duggar."
The Duggar's have 19 kids and are featured on the TLC show “19 Kids and Counting.” The dad, Jim Bob and 14 of the kids were in Vestavia Hills today. The Duggar's have also campaigned for the Santorum camp in six other states.
“We ask people that are looking for the conservative family values candidate to get behind Rick Santorum. Rick has always stood for lower taxes and less government intervention in our lives. And he is somebody that I believe will really make a difference as President of the United States,” said Jim Bob.
It will be a busy day for the Duggar family. They will also be in Huntsville today and then back to Birmingham for the GOP forum at 5:30 p.m. Then they will head to Montgomery later this evening where Santorum will have a rally.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The Duggar's have 19 kids and are featured on the TLC show “19 Kids and Counting.” The dad, Jim Bob and 14 of the kids were in Vestavia Hills today. The Duggar's have also campaigned for the Santorum camp in six other states.
“We ask people that are looking for the conservative family values candidate to get behind Rick Santorum. Rick has always stood for lower taxes and less government intervention in our lives. And he is somebody that I believe will really make a difference as President of the United States,” said Jim Bob.
It will be a busy day for the Duggar family. They will also be in Huntsville today and then back to Birmingham for the GOP forum at 5:30 p.m. Then they will head to Montgomery later this evening where Santorum will have a rally.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Alabama becomes GOP battleground as primary looms
Birmingham could become a battleground for the GOP candidates. Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum have committed to a presidential forum that takes place tonight. Mitt Romney and Ron Paul have not committed to appearing at the event.
It starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Alabama Theater. The doors open at 3:30 p.m. It is "first come first serve" for the seats available.
Newt Gingrich is banking on wins in the south. He spoke at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover on Saturday where he talked about the importance of the election.
“…but I think this is the most important election of your lifetime and I think that the difference between continuing down the road towards a radically different America under Barack Obama and getting back on the right track is about this big and I think we need to take this campaign that seriously,” said Gingrich at the event.
The Gingrich campaign has focused on an all-southern strategy. His lone primary wins came out of Georgia and South Carolina. Although Mitt Romney is the front-runner in the race, Gingrich calls him the weakest Republican front-runner since 1920.
After tonight's forum, Rick Santorum will travel to Montgomery, where he will appear at a rally at 8:00 p.m. He is coming off of a win in the Kentucky caucuses Saturday, where he earned 33 more delegates. He hopes to win more tomorrow.
“We think folks here in Mississippi and Alabama are going to vote for the conservative who represents their values that can present the best contrast for President Obama and make the kind of changes that I think the people in the South would like to see,” said Santorum during a rally.
Santorum spent time rallying for votes in Mississippi on Sunday. He held a meet and greet in Tupelo. He was also in mobile on Friday where he said if he wins either Alabama or Mississippi, he feels Newt Gingrich should drop out of the race.
Mitt Romney has yet to win a Deep South state, but he still has the backing of former Governor Bob Riley. He easily won Wyoming's caucuses on Saturday. A strong showing in the South is critical to show conservatives he can win the race for the White House. He will be campaigning with Jeff Foxworthy in Mobile today. His wife, Ann will host a meet and greet for her husband in Montgomery today as well.
Ron Paul is looking past Tuesday. The Texas congressman made appearances across Missouri on Sunday. He toured "Convoy of Hope" in Springfield on Saturday. It is a non-profit organization aimed at feeding children in times of disaster and need. The group has been particularly active in recent weeks, trying to help families clean up after the Midwest tornadoes.
Alabama's chief election officials estimate that turnout for Tuesday’s primary election will be high, but that it will fall short of the record set four years ago. Secretary of State Beth Chapman estimates that 29% of voters will participate in the election. She says the Republican presidential candidates' emphasis on Alabama should ensure a good turnout.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
It starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Alabama Theater. The doors open at 3:30 p.m. It is "first come first serve" for the seats available.
Newt Gingrich is banking on wins in the south. He spoke at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover on Saturday where he talked about the importance of the election.
“…but I think this is the most important election of your lifetime and I think that the difference between continuing down the road towards a radically different America under Barack Obama and getting back on the right track is about this big and I think we need to take this campaign that seriously,” said Gingrich at the event.
The Gingrich campaign has focused on an all-southern strategy. His lone primary wins came out of Georgia and South Carolina. Although Mitt Romney is the front-runner in the race, Gingrich calls him the weakest Republican front-runner since 1920.
After tonight's forum, Rick Santorum will travel to Montgomery, where he will appear at a rally at 8:00 p.m. He is coming off of a win in the Kentucky caucuses Saturday, where he earned 33 more delegates. He hopes to win more tomorrow.
“We think folks here in Mississippi and Alabama are going to vote for the conservative who represents their values that can present the best contrast for President Obama and make the kind of changes that I think the people in the South would like to see,” said Santorum during a rally.
Santorum spent time rallying for votes in Mississippi on Sunday. He held a meet and greet in Tupelo. He was also in mobile on Friday where he said if he wins either Alabama or Mississippi, he feels Newt Gingrich should drop out of the race.
Mitt Romney has yet to win a Deep South state, but he still has the backing of former Governor Bob Riley. He easily won Wyoming's caucuses on Saturday. A strong showing in the South is critical to show conservatives he can win the race for the White House. He will be campaigning with Jeff Foxworthy in Mobile today. His wife, Ann will host a meet and greet for her husband in Montgomery today as well.
Ron Paul is looking past Tuesday. The Texas congressman made appearances across Missouri on Sunday. He toured "Convoy of Hope" in Springfield on Saturday. It is a non-profit organization aimed at feeding children in times of disaster and need. The group has been particularly active in recent weeks, trying to help families clean up after the Midwest tornadoes.
Alabama's chief election officials estimate that turnout for Tuesday’s primary election will be high, but that it will fall short of the record set four years ago. Secretary of State Beth Chapman estimates that 29% of voters will participate in the election. She says the Republican presidential candidates' emphasis on Alabama should ensure a good turnout.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
SPLC to release new info on hate groups
New numbers are expected from the Southern Poverty Law Center showing the number of hate groups across the country. The SPLC says the numbers are steadily increasing and it is not just a black and white issue.
The SPLC says there were more than 1,000 active hate groups in the U.S. last year. The current number of known hate groups in Alabama is 31, including the Ku Klux Klan, Aryan Nation and the Nation of Islam.
Today, we can expect an update to the SPLC's list. What is interesting is a spokesperson with the SPLC says the focus of some hate groups is changing because of the illegal immigration issue. He says some groups are now targeting certain immigrants.
Fox6 spoke with the FBI. Their agents are actively investigating hate crimes and hate groups in north and central Alabama. The FBI gets up to a dozen reports a month of people who are victims of hate crimes.
Expect the SPLC to release those numbers around 8:30 a.m.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Graysville councilwoman resigns during meeting
The City of Graysville has another opening on its city council. Just a couple of weeks after starting the job, Councilwoman Kay Erwin called it quits.
"Here's my $20, I cannot serve this board any longer," said Erwin with the toss of a $20 bill. Erwin resigned, telling the council she has had enough.
This is after she says she received a threatening voice message from someone claiming to be Mayor Doug Brewers' mother. The mayor tells us it wasn't her voice.
Whoever left that message talks about how Erwin turned on the Brewers. It goes on to say Erwin owed $15 for her welcome cake, and five more for the lemonade.
The news of Erwin’s resignation did not sit well with folks at the meeting.
Mayor Brewer called and told us he is sad to see Erwin leave the council. The governor had appointed her to the post in January. The process will now start to find Erwin’s replacement.
"Here's my $20, I cannot serve this board any longer," said Erwin with the toss of a $20 bill. Erwin resigned, telling the council she has had enough.
This is after she says she received a threatening voice message from someone claiming to be Mayor Doug Brewers' mother. The mayor tells us it wasn't her voice.
Whoever left that message talks about how Erwin turned on the Brewers. It goes on to say Erwin owed $15 for her welcome cake, and five more for the lemonade.
The news of Erwin’s resignation did not sit well with folks at the meeting.
Mayor Brewer called and told us he is sad to see Erwin leave the council. The governor had appointed her to the post in January. The process will now start to find Erwin’s replacement.
Church pastor recovering after hit-and-run
A church pastor is in the hospital Tuesday morning. Calera police say he is the victim of a hit and run. Now they are looking for the person who is responsible.
Despite some very serious injuries, Pastor Hal Warren hopes to leave the hospital today. The pastor of Calera Baptist Church was riding his motorcycle home after service Sunday evening when a truck turned and cut him off.
Warren suffered a broken arm, wrist, cracked ribs, torn muscle in his leg and minor bleeding in the brain.
A church member witnessed the entire thing and jumped in to help after the accident happened. He says he did not know it was his pastor of 17 years that he was helping.
"When the paramedics arrived, I moved out of the way and the fire chief who I know came across the street and told me that it was my pastor," said church member Allan Watts.
Allan was not able to get the tag number, but he says the person who hit warren was a male in his 30's driving a maroon Chevy extended cab. He says it should have damage to the front.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Despite some very serious injuries, Pastor Hal Warren hopes to leave the hospital today. The pastor of Calera Baptist Church was riding his motorcycle home after service Sunday evening when a truck turned and cut him off.
Warren suffered a broken arm, wrist, cracked ribs, torn muscle in his leg and minor bleeding in the brain.
A church member witnessed the entire thing and jumped in to help after the accident happened. He says he did not know it was his pastor of 17 years that he was helping.
"When the paramedics arrived, I moved out of the way and the fire chief who I know came across the street and told me that it was my pastor," said church member Allan Watts.
Allan was not able to get the tag number, but he says the person who hit warren was a male in his 30's driving a maroon Chevy extended cab. He says it should have damage to the front.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
IRS warns of new tax scam
The IRS warns Alabamians against a scam that promises a nonexistent education tax credit in exchange for a high fee.
Scammers claim that people can get a stimulus payment or tax credit to help pay for college, even if the applicant has never been to college or graduated decades ago.
IRS spokesman Dan Boone says the scam is similar to ones identified in Alabama last summer. The scheme is under investigation.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Scammers claim that people can get a stimulus payment or tax credit to help pay for college, even if the applicant has never been to college or graduated decades ago.
IRS spokesman Dan Boone says the scam is similar to ones identified in Alabama last summer. The scheme is under investigation.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Birmingham business legend Mickey Gee passes away
A well known retailer and UAB professor has died. "Mickey" Gee died suddenly yesterday at the age of 66. He was a frequent guest here on Good Day Alabama.
Many of you knew him as a professor in UAB's school of business for 15 years. Many more of you knew him as owner of "The Pants Store." He was also vice chairman of the Alabama Retail Association.
UAB School of Business Dean Doctor David Klock calls Gee "a great friend, an awesome mentor and an exceptional colleague."
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Many of you knew him as a professor in UAB's school of business for 15 years. Many more of you knew him as owner of "The Pants Store." He was also vice chairman of the Alabama Retail Association.
UAB School of Business Dean Doctor David Klock calls Gee "a great friend, an awesome mentor and an exceptional colleague."
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Detectives searching for robbery suspects
Detectives with the Birmingham Police Department are investigating robberies and the use of credit and debit cards taken during the robberies.
The robberies happened in Birmingham’s Southside between February 15th and February 29th. Suspects that were described in the robberies and suspects seen using the stolen card are similar and they are believed to use the same vehicle.
The vehicle is a blue, 4-door, 1980’s model, Buick, Chevrolet or similar type vehicle with a silver or white top and silver or white stripe on side door panels.
The suspects are described as black males.
There have been no arrests or charges filed in the case. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Robbery Unit @ 254-1753 or Crime Stoppers @ 254-7777.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The robberies happened in Birmingham’s Southside between February 15th and February 29th. Suspects that were described in the robberies and suspects seen using the stolen card are similar and they are believed to use the same vehicle.
The vehicle is a blue, 4-door, 1980’s model, Buick, Chevrolet or similar type vehicle with a silver or white top and silver or white stripe on side door panels.
The suspects are described as black males.
There have been no arrests or charges filed in the case. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Robbery Unit @ 254-1753 or Crime Stoppers @ 254-7777.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Two stabbed at gentleman's club in Birmingham
Birmingham police are investigating a double stabbing at the Foxx Trap Gentleman's Club in downtown.
Police say two people were stabbed there early Friday morning and transported to the hospital. They took a suspect in custody.
Investigators are still trying to piece together details from the incident. Police have not been able to talk to the victims.
Despite the incident, the club remained open.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Police say two people were stabbed there early Friday morning and transported to the hospital. They took a suspect in custody.
Investigators are still trying to piece together details from the incident. Police have not been able to talk to the victims.
Despite the incident, the club remained open.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
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