Arrest in an apparent copper theft

Two men have been arrested two men on burglary charges after an incident Saturday night. Marshall County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the site of the former Willow Brook Golf Course and noticed that copper wiring had been cut from the building and utility pole. After a brief chase deputies were able to apprehend Jerry Chad Bearden and Dana Paul Bearden near the Marshall and DeKalb county line. Both men were charged with third-degree burglary and transported to the Marshall County Jail. Both have since posted bond and have been released.

Boaz sales and use tax shows small increase

Revenues from sales and use tax in Boaz have been depressed since 2006, but have spiked slighly in the past six months. Boaz is expected to collect 6.5 million dollars this fiscal year. The sales and use tax in Boaz is 7 percent, still the lowest in Alabama. The state collects 4 percent and the city 3 percent. One percent of the city's share goes to schools.

Vote coming on the entertainment center

The date is not definite, but some Albertville city officials are expecting the final vote on the proposed entertainment center to come December 20th. Albertville mayor Lindsey Lyons says no matter when the vote happens, there will be a public hearing immediately before. The city is waiting on final financial outlines and bond ratings, and once all of that is complete it will be placed on the city council's agenda. December 20th is likely.

Martin indicted

A Marshall County grand jury has indicted 24-year-old Tabitha Martin for vehicular homicide, for the accident that killed her toddler in May. Albertville Police and state troopers investigated the wreck on Section Line Road and determined Martin was speeding and driving under the influence. The Marshall County Sheriff's Office says Martin posted bond late Monday morning.

Hollis arrested again

Jackson County investigators arrested a suspect for the break-in at Dutton School...and it's not the first time. Michael Anthony Hollis of Albertville was arrested in DeKalb County and charged with third degree burglary and first degree theft. Investigators say he stole several laptops and a television from the school. Most of those items have been recovered. Jackson County deputies also arrested Hollis in February for a January break-in at the same elementary school.

Police officer's house burns

Firefighters received a call yesterday around noon about a house fire on Friendship Road in Union Grove. It turns out the home belonged to Arab police officer Jeff Warren. No word yet on the official cause of the fire, but Warren suspects it might have been the Christmas tree lights the family put up Saturday night that sparked it.

Cyber Monday

There were two big shopping days over the weekend with Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Saturday's shopping idea was started by American Express as a way to support local businesses. Today is the biggest online shopping day of the year, with economic analysts expecting us to spend 107 million dollars today, up from 96 million on last year's Cyber Monday. Authorities say with a spike in online shopping comes the increased risk for fraud, so if you don't trust a particular site don't shop there.

Guntersville man out on bond

A Guntersville man is now out on bond after his arrest last week. 43 year old Jonathan Lynn Havis allegedly chased his girlfriend around a home with a knife. The incident happened Tuesday afternoon on Jordan Street in Guntersville. Havis was charged with domestic violence and resisting arrest.

Auburn's big win

With a big comeback win over rival Alabama on Friday, Auburn has vaulted to the number one spot in the BCS rankings. Oregon is number two, so if things stay the way they are those two teams would meet in the National Championship game in January.

Etowah County DHR moving

The begining of a new month Wednesday marks the begining of something for the Department of Human Resources in Gadsden. The Etowah County Department of Human Resources has been at 741 Forrest Ave. for many years will move to 210 Hoke St. in East Gadsden. Except for a brief interruption to transfer the telephone system, calls still will be received. If there are any problems getting through to report child or adult abuse or neglect, use 911 that day. The office doors will reopen to the public on Thursday.

Christmas Coalition needs help

The Marshall County Christmas Coalition says 500 area children still need sponosors. Organizers say time is of the essence, and the shopping really can't be put off until later in the season. The gifts are due back by December 6th, one week from today. For most of the children on the list, this IS their Christmas...and there are 2400 of them signed up. Monetary donations are accepted in addition to gifts, if you would like to organize an effort at your business. $100 per child is a typical sponsorship. Volunteers will use donated money to buy gifts for the children who remain without a sponsor.

Iron Bowl is on

Auburn is on the hunt for a national title. Alabama is the defending national champion. The heated rivalry between the Tigers and the Crimson Tide may not need an extra boost, but it has one today. All eyes are on the Iron Bowl played this year in Tuscaloosa. Auburn has already made it to the SEC championship game and will be pitted against South Carolina. But this game today could be tougher for them. Alabama is a four point favorite in the game this afternoon.

Small business Saturday

It's the biggest shopping weekend of the year, and many organizations are encouraging us to shop locally. American Express is encouraging holiday shoppers to support local businesses by offering American Express cardholders $25 if they use their card at a locally owned retail store. Melody Whitten, the executive assistant to the mayor in Albertville, says “Albertville has many locally owned small businesses that would appreciate any extra traffic this promotion may generate.” Boaz Mayor Tim Walker says they appreciate the support for local businesses as well. As American Express puts it on their Facebook page, “November 27th is the first-ever Small Business Saturday, a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country.

Guntersville arrest

A Guntersville man faces domestic violence charges following an incident observed by Marshall County Sheriff’s Office deputies earlier this week. Deputy Robert Fann reportedly saw a man clutching a knife chasing a woman on Jordan Street in Guntersville. Fann began pursuing the man on foot. When the suspect entered a home on O’Brig Avenue, deputies followed and arrested Jonathan Lynn Havis, 43, of Guntersville. The Sand Mountain Reporter says Havis was taken to the Marshall County Jail, charged with third-degree domestic violence and resisting arrest. Havis posted a $2,000 bond Wednesday and was released from the jail.

Family Entertainment Center specifics

Don Spurlin, an Albertville developer and businessman owns the property where the new Family entertainment center will be built, and runs the construction company that is going to build it. Spurlin says once the facility is complete it will be sold to the city, but leased out and the city will be the landlord. The city of Albertville will not be involved in running the center and will not be hiring employees, according to Spurlin. Spurlin said he was not aware of any money coming out of the city, because the bond issue will cover the costs.

Thanksgiving Classic results

Albertville came up a little short in the Columbia Thanksgiving Classic. The Columbia Eagles held on for a 41-37 win over Albertville in the championship game. It was Albertville's first loss of the season and their record now stands at 4-1.

Weapon arrests

Several men have been arrested on federal gun violations after an investigation that began last year when guns were among items stolen and the house set on fire, Deputy State Fire Marshal Ray Cumby said. Among those...Charles Tooley Jr., 27, of Gadsden, and Bobby Ragan, 41, of Boaz. The men were arrested and each charged with one count of felony possession of a firearm and one count of a stolen firearm.

Class ring turns up after twenty years

The Albertville library has had a class ring sitting in their money drawer for twenty years, and say they have no idea how it got there. The ring belongs to 1989 Albertville HS grad Christy Diviney. In 1993 the home of Diviney and her husband was robbed, and both of their class rings were stolen, among other things. Her husband got a call out of the blue about 10 years after that saying his ring had been found. This week at the Albertville library, Diviney got her ring back too. Diviney lives in Texas now, but is back in Albertville for Thanksgiving. She says the ring still fits.

Unemployment rate holds steady

New numbers have been released in the past week from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and our area is faring pretty well. Marshall County remains well below the state’s 8.9 percent unemployment rate for October, according to the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations. Marshall’s October rate is 7.9 percent, Etowah’s is 8.9 percent and DeKalb’s is 10.5 percent. The national unemployment rate hovers around 9 percent. Alabama's unemployment rate has not increased for 9 straight months.

Gas prices up

Today is the busiest travel day of the year and Triple A expects 94 percent of those traveling to do it by car. That's the highest travel share Triple A has ever seen. Gas prices in Albertville seem to average in the 2.50's to 2.70's. At the beginning of October the average gallon of gas nationally cost 2.73, and now that number is up to 2.87. We're up twenty five cents from last year at this time.

Iron Bowl

There are several big college football games coming up this weekend, but perhaps none bigger than the Auburn-Alabama game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. With all of the allegations swirling around Auburn quarterback Cam Newton regarding his eligibility, Alabama remains focused on one thing and that's beating the Tigers. Auburn is currently number 2 in the BCS, and getting past Alabama would bode well for their national title hopes. The Iron Bowl kicks off Friday afternoon at 1:30.

The case of the missing bible

When burglars broke into an Albertville woman's home in September, they took a computer, coins, and jewelry. The most disturbing thing though, according to homeowner Patsy Carroll, was the family bible. The bible was given to her by her mother decades ago. Last week, Christopher Gerald Lacey was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property, but police haven't recovered the bible. Lacey is reportedly being uncooperative and won't lead police to the stolen items. He remains in jail on a 150 thousand dollar bond.

Child abuse allegations

Iyana Spencer is 5 years old from Gadsden, and remains in Birmingham in critical condition with injuries stemming from alleged child abuse. The girl’s stepfather, Steven Jamar Jackson, was arrested Saturday and booked in the Etowah County Detention Center. Jackson has been charged now with has been charged with aggravated child abuse, marking the second time he has been arrested and charged with child abuse. Doctors are watching swelling in the girls brain and multiple other injuries. Jackson has been indicted by an Etowah County grand jury and released on bond.

Madison County Fire Leads to Explosive Find

Fire investigators in Madison County spent the night investigating a house fire right next door to a pyrotechnics plant. Fire fighters from Owens Crossroads and New Hope responded to a 911 call around 9:30 p.m. last night on Richard Brannum Drive which is right next to Ultratech. When they got to the scene, flames were shooting out the front of the home. Rescue workers also found one person with second degree burns. WHNT-TV reports That person was rushed to Huntsville Hospital in serious condition.

Fire fighters battled the house fire for the next 45 minutes. Crews found explosive materials inside the home and called in the Huntsville Bomb Squad along with several other fire investigators. They say they found explosive materials used to make pyrotechnics. Investigators say they plan to destroy the material without taking it to a bomb range.

Temperature changes affect drivers

We'll have mild weather for the next couple of days, but things will turn drastically cooler by Friday.

David Cox, the director of the Bridgestone Winter Driving school says with drastic temperature changes come changes in driving conditions as well.






Cox says over-inflated tires can happen in the spring as temperatures warm, but it's much worse to have tires that are too low on pressure.

Vendors being accepted now

At Albertville Elementary and Primary schools, staff members are planning the first ever Candy Cane Village Holiday Extravaganza. The fundraiser is set for Dec. 9 from 2 to 7 p.m. Principal Mona Sheets said the event is a way to raise money for teacher supplies, without imposing on parents and students to sell items door to door. Vendors are needed, so if you have crafts or beauty items to sell for example, the school will accept applications through Dec. 3. It will cost 25 or 35 dollars for venders to rent booths. All profits from the sale will go back to classroom teachers for supply purchases. You can go to www.albertk12.org to download a vendor application.

One-vehicle accident claims life

A Crossville man died Sunday afternoon in an accident about 6 miles north of Albertville. It was a one-vehicle accident on Old McVille Road near the Marshall-DeKalb County line. Johnny Scott McKee was pronounced dead at the scene after attempting to negotiate a left-hand curve at a high rate of speed. ADPS says his vehicle left the roadway, struck a culvert, and overturned. Coroner Marlon Killion said that spot is notorious for one-vehicle accidents with two previous wrecks in the past year.

Tax revenues up

Sales tax revenue is up in Albertville. Revenues collected from sales and use taxes totaled about 8.6 million dollars for the city, an increase of about 600 thousand dollars. Albertville Mayor Lindsey Lyons is expecting around a 3 to 4 percent increase in sales and use tax revenues for fiscal year 2011.

Child abuse charges in Gadsden

Alleged abuse has put a 5-year-old Gadsden girl in the hospital in critical condition.









VO TEXT- The girl’s stepfather, Steven Jamar Jackson is being held in the Etowah County Detention Center after his bond was revoked on a previous child abuse charge from 2008. Iyana Spencer was flown to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham after medics received a call that a child had fallen in her bedroom at a house in the 1300 block of Kentucky Avenue. Medics called the police department. Doctors say the girl has a skull fracture and a lacerated liver.

Jury Convicts Russell of Killin 11-year Old Former Boaz Resident

It took a jury only an hour Friday to decide Ryan Gerald Russell did kill former Boaz resident Katherine Gillespie. The 37-year old Russell was found guilty of capital murder, jurors believing prosecutors' case placing the blame for Gillespie's shooting death on him. Gillespie was 11 on the date of her death -- June 16, 2008. Her body was found stuffed in a trashcan in the rear of Russell's SUV parked in his rental home’s garage.

Russell was Gillespie’s second cousin who had pledged to adopt the girl following the death of her mother. Gillespie had lived in Boaz for a while with a grandmother and attended Boaz Intermediate School. In August 2007, she moved to Inverness to live with Russell.

Prosecutors will seek the death penalty in the case.

Two from Boaz indicted

Two people have been indicted on capital murder charges in the death of a New Harmony man. A Dekalb county jury indicted two people from Boaz in the case, one of them a teenager. DeKalb County officials say Billy Ray Justice and Richard Sharp Shelton went to Jerry Neal Burt's home on the night of June 12 to rob him of cash and prescription medications. Burt was shot multiple times that night. Dekalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris says Shelton is the son of Burt's housekeeper.

Airport security

There is a loosely organized movement gaining some momentum as we approach the Thanksgiving travel weekend. Many are upset about the new TSA regulations that include full body scans and pat downs at airports, and now there is talk of a National Opt Out Day Wednesday. If travelers refuse the new measures, the TSA says they could face up to an 11 thousand dollar fine. One woman who went through the pat down process at the Huntsville airport said it wasn't as intrusive as she had imagined. President Obama is sympathetic to travelers.

Dekalb Amublance Services gets new space

You're invited to stop by a grand opening celebration Tuesday for Dekalb Ambulance Services. Fro the last 10 years the DeKalb Ambulance Service has operated the Collinsville station from a space near town hall and kept the ambulance in a bay the town allowed it to use. The new ambulance station is located on North Valley Ave., and became possible when the CW McClain family donated the land. They also donated adjacent property for a new fire station.

Flu outlook

Last year much of the buzz about flu season had to do with the H1N1 outbreak, but a year makes all the difference. Not only have there been no cases of H1N1 reported locally, but zero swine flu cases have been reported in the state. Officials say the decrease is likely due to the large number of folks who have sought out preventative flu shots, plus those who have already had that strain of flu are now immune. Officials with the health department say if we do have problems they will most likely come in January or February.

Thanksgiving closures

A reminder about closings this week...








VO TEXT-
City offices will be closed this Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving...that includes Albertville, Boaz, and Douglas. Marshall county offices will also be closed. Post offices will close at 2 p.m. Wednesday and won't open again until Saturday. Marshall County schools will be closed Wednesday through Friday. Garbage collection in Albertville will be delayed one day. Most banks will close Thursday, but will reopen Friday. I'm Jen Austin.

Tax refunds returned to sender

Did you forget you had a refund check coming from the IRS? For a variety of reasons, several tax refund checks were returned to the IRS as undeliverable and the IRS is waiting to send the checks again. They just need to know where to send them. Marshall County had 22 undelivered refunds totaling $28,463. In DeKalb County, 22 refund checks totaling $23,149 were undelivered. The average outstanding refund was about 1400 dollars.

Assault leads to arrest

Guntersville police say 21-year-old Travis Latrey Banks assaulted his girlfriend so badly bones in her face were broken. The incident happened November 13th in the yard of her home on Wiggs Street. Banks is charged with second degree assault. He's being held in the Marshall County Jail on just over $67,000 dollars bond.

Accusations of stealing from a relative

Timothy Dewayne Britt of Albertville was arrested and charged with one count of second degree theft of property this week. The charge is a felony. The incident occurred October 19th, when he allegedly took a hunting bow from a family member's residence. Britt told investigators he sold the bow at a pawn shop because he needed money. The hunting bow was located by the investigator at a pawn shop in Guntersville. It has been returned to the rightful owner. Britt has been released on 2500 dollars bond.

FBI involved in Cam Newton investigation

The FBI has gotten involved in the Cam Newton allegations. In past "improper benefit" cases the reason for the FBI involvement has been to trace money. New reports surfaced this week saying a Mississippi State booster received a text message from Cecil Newton outlining a payment plan. Eighty thousand on signing day, a fifty thousand dollar payment a month after that, and anothe rfifty thousand a month later.

Former player Kenny Rogers has already mentioned a similar amount. This from an interview with KESN in Dallas.






Mississippi State is confident none of their boosters ever actually paid Newton or his family. There are no specific allegations against Auburn, although the school seems to be part of the investigation. Newton is expected to be on the field as Auburn takes on Alabama in the Iron Bowl the day after Thanksgiving.

Firefighter appreciation

This is Albertville Firefighter appreciation month. The City Council voted to recognize firefighters with the proclamation is in response to the department’s efforts to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association through the “Fill the Boot” event.

Black Saturday event this weekend

The biggest shopping day of the year is next week, but the Albertville Chamber of Commerce gives us an excuse to get out shop this weekend. It's a Black Saturday event this Saturday to encourage us to shop locally. Many local merchants will be offering special deals, and the chamber will offer free gift wrapping from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for any ten dollar or above item purchased from an Albertville business. Chamber president Jennifer Palmer pointed out to the Sand Mountain Reporter, it's the first day of deer hunting season in Alabama and with guys doing that it might be the perfect opportunity for women to think Christmas.

Paving projects coming

Paving projects in Albertville are about the begin. The Albertville City council approved spending $200,781 Monday night to pave portions of eight roads throughout the city. Among the streets to be paved: Rose Road from Drum Creek Bridge to Bluebird trail...and Powell Blvd from Fulton to Hickory.... A new traffic light will also be installed at Mitchell Avenue and US 431.

Meth arrest

A man was arrested in Hanceville this week after police there received information that he might be manufacturing methamphetamine. A search of George Thomas Handley's home turned up drug paraphenalia and supplies used to manufacture meth. Handley is being held at the Cullman County Detention Center, but also has outstanding unrelated warrants in Marshall and Jackson counties.

Trial delayed for Guntersville man

The case of a Guntersville man accused of attempting to kidnap a 12-year-old girl has been delayed. The suspect's attorney asked to withdraw from the case and the judge allowed him to. No new date has been set, but enough time will be given to Jason Eric Limbaugh to find a new attorney. Limbaugh is facing attempted first degree kidnapping charges after he allegedly attempted to abduct the girl from her Circle Drive home in January. He remains in the Marshall County jail.

Pancake breakfast Saturday

Applebee’s and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Alabama are teaming up Saturday for a pancake breakfast fundraiser to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. The breakfast will be from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m. Saturday at Applebee’s, 1722 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden. A $5 donation per plate includes pancakes and all the fixins.

Four Loko will reformulate

The FDA was to consider a ban today on the caffeinated alcoholic beverage Four Loko, but now the manufacturer has said its products will be reformulated.

Texas high school student Gustavo Gonzalez on what the effects of the drink feel like.







Five states have banned Four Loko in its current form. Alabama has yet to do so.

Meth Bust

Another meth bust in the area...Law enforcement officials made the bust at a mobile home in Guntersville yesterday morning. Ten people were arrested on drug charges from the home on Highway 79 at Oakwood Village Drive. Three of the suspects have previous warrants. Two dogs were removed from the home after the residents were taken into custody. Police said a tip led them to the mobile home.

Facotry Connection expands

The Clothing store Factory Connection is based in Albertville but continues to expand. The company has been in business for over 35 years with 245 stores and growing. A grand opening will be held later this month at a store in Kentucky. Overall Factory Connection operates in 11 states.

Smoking study

The University of Alabama-Birmingham recently released study results that say despite being free of cigarettes for 15 years, former heavy smokers are still at an increased risk of heart failure. The analysis focuses on about 1300 former smokers. The date for the Great American Smokeout is tomorrow the18th, when the American Cancer Society encourages smokers to make a plan to quit, or at least quit for the day. 46 million Americans smoke currently.

Albertville Chamber offers free gift wrapping

It's the biggest shopping season of the year, and this Saturday the Albertville Chamber of Commerce is offering free gift wrapping for your purchases. Just present your receipt of 10 dollars and over from Albertville businesses and provide a box. You can find a complete listing of participating businesses at albertvillechamberofcommerce.com.

Pride in Property program to start soon

The April tornado was a setback for many, including the mayor who has been waiting to roll out some initiatives that were pushed to the backburner.







VO TEXT -
Albertville Mayor Lindsey Lyons plans to roll out the Pride in Property campaing soon. Lyons told the Sand Mountain Reporter the main focus of it is to instill in the community, whether it be residents or business owners, the importance of well maintained and attractive properties. Lyons is currently in the process of meeting with officials from the Albertville Municipal Utilities Board, Albertville City School System and Marshall County People Against a Littered State to formulate a program. There will be a monthly award. I'm Jen Austin.

Newton's effect on Chizik

USA Today took a closer look at Auburn coach Gene Chizik's contract and said the allegations against quarterback Cam Newton could have a financial impact on Chizik. Auburn could suspend one of both of the 60 thousand dollar payments it makes to Chizik in a month "in the event an investigation is instituted into alleged major rules violations involving coach Chizik and/or the football program." Also, Chizik's bonuses are subject to a clean slate. Right now there are lots of allegations, but very few proven facts as the NCAA investigates.

Man robs elementary school

Who would break into an elementary school? That's exactly what investigators are wondering in Jackson county. Surveillance photos captured shots of a man in the halls of Dutton elementary November 4th, and police need your help in identifying him. Chief Deputy Chuck Phillips believes the suspect is 18 to 25 years old and was in the school between 10:30 and 11:30 the night of November 4th. He took three laptop computers, a flat screen TV, video camera, DVD/VCR combo, and an Auburn college football book titled, "War Eagle." In all, the stolen items are valued at around $4,400.
If you have any information about the robbery or the identity of the alleged robber, please call the Jackson County Sheriff's office.

Gdsden basketball teams win

The Gadsden City Titans improved to 2-0 on the season Monday night with an 89-55 win over the Boaz Pirates. The Gadsden City girls beat Boaz in their game too, 52-35.

Step closer for f

The Albertville city council held a regular meeting last night and moved a step closer on the American Family Entertainment project. The council granted Morgan Keegan approval to begin the process of issuing the recovery zone facility warrants necessary to fund the project. Predictions are that the center would open about a year from now. Diane McClendon, council president, said the city will have up to $9.5 million at its disposal through the warrants. The center will include a movie theater and bowling center, among other attractions. The city is looking at a location on State Route 75, east of U.S. Highway 43 to build.

Albertville aquatic center gets its beginnings

Albertville may be getting a new aquatic center...









VO TEXT - The city of Cullman has an aquatic center that Albertville is watching. Officials from Albertville want to learn what Cullman has done with its center and how it has paid for itself. A nonprofit has just formed to seek support for a new center in Albertville, and they seem to have the support of Councilmen Nathan Broadhurst and Randy Amos in exploring the venture. The initial investment might be as high as 15 million dollars. In addition to a pool, the Cullman aquatic center has rented space to vendors including a massage therapist and a nail salon. An Albertville aquatic center would likely be different, but similar.

Failure to register as sex offenders

Two Marshall county men have been arrested and charged with failing to register as sex offenders when the moved. Daniel Kyle Franks of Woodville, and Norman Anthony Pate of Albertville, were booked into the Marshall County Jail on charges of failure to provide a notice of a change in address. The charges are Class C felonies.

Date set for the Christmas parade

The City of Albertville is partnering with the Albertville Civitan Club to host the Albertville Christmas Parade and Christmas tree lighting this year. It's been set for December 2nd at 5:30 p.m. The theme this year is 'Follow the Star' and we encourage all community, civic, faith-based and school groups to participate. Registration forms may be picked up at City Hall, Vantage Bank or MDA Profession Group.

Angel tree

The Salvation Army angel trees are up in malls across the area. Each angel tree is filled with the names and wish lists of local children and senior citizens. If you'd like to help, just pick a name off the tree and shop for items on the wish list. You just need to return the gifts by December 13, unwrapped. The angel tree program started about 25 years ago and helps thousands of local families each year.

One dies in weekend wreck

A Madison county man has died in a weekend wreck. Huntsville police say 24-year old Clayton Lewis died Saturday night just before midnight when he lost control of his vehicle, hit a curb, left the road, and flipped several times. Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene. Blood alcohol tests are pending.

Alternate routes for road project

Alabama Dept of Transportation officials have asked engineers working on the extension of Interstate 759 to U.S. Highway 431 and U.S. Highway 278 to look at possible additional routes. Much is to be considered, including historic structures, residences, environmentally sensitive areas, schools and churches, and so on. ALDOT Engineer Johnny Harris says all routes will have negative impacts, and all must be studied. Harris adds, it's too early to tell if looking at alternate routes will delay the project.

Dekalb County Commission news

The Dekalb County Commission has set a date for a special election. They'll fill a vacant seat in a March 22nd general election. Potential candidates must qualify by December 5th for a February 8th primary. This will fill the vacancy left by Ricky Harcrow who was elected to serve as commission president.

Charges dropped

Marshall County Sheriff's deputies arrested Jesse Mealer back in 2008 amid speculation she had something to do with a fire that killed several kittens. She's accused of setting a porch on fire at t home in the Ruth community with more than a dozen kittens in a laundry basket on the porch. Charges against Mealer were dropped this week after the court decided she is not competent to stand trial. She is no longer able to care for herself, and therefore not a threat to herself or the community according to court documents.

Graham Park ceremony well attended

Albertville held it's first ever Veteran's Day ceremony yesterday and a good crowd turned out for it. The event was held at Graham Park, named for World War II vet Joel Graham who was at the ceremony. Graham was one of several veterans to receive a commemorative gift for their service. A Liberty tree was also planted at the park during the ceremony. Albertville Mayor Lindsey Lyons was in attendance and said it's veterans like Graham that should make us all feel thankful.

New Boaz police officer

The Boaz city council hired a new full-time police officer this week. Victor Scott Wade fill an existing slot in the department and is tentatively expected to start this month. Wade is a former chief at Geraldine, and the second former police chief employed by Boaz in the past two weeks. Council members hired former Lockhart chief John David Davis on Oct. 28.

Boaz building inspector

Boaz has a new building inspector. In a city council meeting earlier this week, Boaz officials tapped Jimmy Hanson to fill the building inspector position after Don Bouldin retires at the end of November. According to the Sand Mountain Reporter, Hanson, started his new job Tuesday. He is appointed until the end of the current term of office of the mayor and council, which is 2012. Hanson worked previously for Duke's Contracting in Albertville.

Pay for play allegations

The NCAA continues to investigate Auburn quarterback Cam Newton on allegations that he or a member of his family asked for money to play at Mississippi State during the recruitment process. ESPN reports that the NCAA is asking for help from state and local officials during the investigation as they compile documents.

ESPN's Mark Schlabach talked this week about the problems overall with pay for play.








The Heisman trophy will be presented in less than a month, and the talk now is how the allegations will affect voting, for or against Cam Newton.