Drunk driving can cost you

Ever wondered how much a drunken driving arrest can cost you? There's the cost to tow your vehicle, the bail amount to leave police custody, attorney fees, jail costs and fines, and if you lose your license you might lose your job. Not counting the potential job loss, police say all of that can set you back anywhere from $5000 to $50,000 or more depending on how many offenses you've had and if there were any accident-related injuries. Have that designated driver for your New Year's Eve celebration. Police also suggest if you're partying at someone's house, just sleep there.

Books-A-Million theft

Back on December 17th, Books-a-Million contacted the Decatur Police Department, saying an employee was stealing from the company. After an investigation, police arrested Shannon Marie Holloway of Decatur, and she has been charged with theft of property in the second degree. Holloway was booked into the Decatur city jail, and transferred to the Morgan County Jail in lieu of $2500 bond.

Gas prices up

The former head of Shell Oil predicted recently that the price of gas could approach 5 dollars per gallon by the end of 2011. That made headlines, with some already worried about the three dollar national average.






What's pushing it, is the price of crude oil near one hundred dollars per gallon and, according to the former Shell executive anyway, increased demand in Asia. For now anyway we'll deal with a local average between 2.90 and 3 dollars. As for the 5 dollar prediction, other experts predict that won't happen until the middle part of the decade.

Troopers out this weekend

Alabama State Trooper started their Take Back our Highways campaign in 2007, and dozens of lives have been saved. Trooper Curtis Summerville talked with WAFF.






Troopers will be out in force for the holiday weekend looking for impaired drivers. Summerville says have a designated driver, or spend the night at someone's home if you're partying there.

Third place game tonight

It was possible for archrivals Albertville and Boaz to meet tonight in the finals of the Holiday Classic, but both teams lost last night in their semifinal matches. Class 6A, No. 3 Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa defeated the Aggies 37-32, handing them their first loss in their new gymnasium. Greenville downed the Pirates 53-42. So, Albertville and Boaz meet tonight in the third place game. Tip off is at 6pm.

No fee increase

Albertville City Council this week discussed increasing the fees on public transportation. The city offers public transportation to elderly and needy residents, with trips of up to 5 miles costing a dollar. trips up to 10 miles cost $2, and trips up to 15 miles cost $3. Trips have to be booked 24 hours in advance. Council President Diane McClendon suggested raising the price of the shorter trips to $2 each and keeping trips of 10 to 15 miles at $3 each. She suggested adding a $4 charge to trips booked in less than 24 hours in advance. The council overwhelmingly opposed the idea.

Good time to donate

The Red Cross and Albertville’s Recovery Committee have committed to cover $17,000 in local matching funds if the city receives an Emergency Management Agency Local Hazard Mitigation Grant in 2011. The $69,000 grant would pay for natural gas generators to be installed at City Hall and the Recreation Center. Installation of the generators would allow the city to use the Recreation Center as a Red Cross shelter in the event of an emergency. The pleges could give the city an edge when grants are awarded in 2011.

Albertville and Boaz advance

It's the semifinals today in the 2010 WQSB Holiday Classic at Albertville High School. Archrivals Albertville and Boaz have both advanced to the semifinals and could meet in the finals. Albertville plays Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa tonight at 7, while Boaz plays Greenville at 8:30. The championship game will be tomorrow night at 7:30.

NY Eve party for kids

If the kids can't stay up until midnight New Year's Eve, they might want to try this. Imagination Place Children's Museum in Gadsden is having a "Countdown to Noon." The New Year's Eve party for kids is happening from 11am to 12:15pm Friday. They'll have activities like making paper lanterns and party hats, and they'll toast the new year with sparkling cider. The party is included in the cost of admission to Imagination Place, and there is no age limit. Those who want to come to the party can come as early as 10am.

New truck for Hebron VFD

A 90-thousand dollar grant is making a new fire truck possible for one Marshall County fire department. The Hebron Fire Department will get their seventh truck with grant funds, and this one will be a "quick attack" truck that could get to the scene more quickly. This is the third truck the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department has been able to obtain through FEMA's Homeland Security grants.

Still time to help United Way

With the end of the year quickly approaching, the United Way say its more than 10 percent short of its fundraising goal. That goal is 680-thousand and so far, they've raised just over 600-thousand. The United Way funds over 20 organizations in Marshall County, including Meals on Wheels, Boy and Girl Scouts, the Salvation Army and the Red Cross. Executive director Jeannie Lyle says you can still make a tax-deductible donation by calling the United Way office in Guntersville.

Holiday schedule change in Gadsden

City garbage routes in Gadsden will run a day early again this week. Thursday's route will be collected today and Friday's route will be collected Thursday, so the New Year's holiday can be observed on Friday. There are no changes to Albertville's schedule.

Best place to watch the Rose parade

Many will be watching for the Albertville High School band in the Tournament of Roses Parade New Year's Day. According to band director Chris Lindley, the best channel to view the parade will be Home and Garden Channel, HGTV, because it will not show any commercials during the parade. The parade is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Band members and chaperones are in California now and will spend the week in Pasadena seeing the sights before marching on Saturday.

Senior Center progress made

A $250,000 Community Development Block Grant will give Douglas the opportunity to build a new senior center. The announcement came yesterday by the Marshall County Commission. Commissioners have been working on the project for several years. Land has been prepped and the foundation with plumbing laid, but workers could not continue the process without this grant.

Attalla residents should boil water

Hundreds in Attalla have been dealing with the loss of water since Christmas Eve. The leak wasn't located until Sunday, and that happened by accident, by Mack Vaughan.






That's Water Works director Bobby Smith in a conversation with CBS42. Even after the repair, the water in Attalla may not be safe to drink. There is a mandatory boil order for the city until further notice.

Too much alcohol

35-year-old Ramiro Santos, of the Kilpatrick Mobile Home Park, was stopped Friday night in Albertville on suspicion of driving under the influence. When police searched the vehicle they found 14 cases of beer. Alabama law says transporting more than five gallons of alcohol is a felony offense punishable by no less than one year but no more than five years in prison.

New chief sworn in

Doug Pollard was sworn in yesterday as Albertville's new police chief. Pollard replaces Benny Womack as police chief in a few days. Along with Womack and many members of the current police force, three other former Albertville police chiefs were in attendance at the swearing-in at the city council meeting — Jerry Mitchel, Tommy Cole and Randy Amos.

AHS on their way west

It's the season for televised parades, and the Albertville High School marching band is getting ready to be in perhaps the biggest. They'll fly to California to take part in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade New Year's Day. The band has raised more than $371,000 to make the trip. The final practice has been held and the instruments have been packed and are on their way west. There will be 210 band students making the trip, with more than 425 others from Albertville -- including support personnel and parents -- in attendance.

Dangerous work the subject of a national exhibit

An honor for a local man...DynCorp International police trainer James Boyd of Albertville will be recognized in the “100 Faces of War Experience” portrait exhibit. He was nominated for the heroic support he provided during an insurgent attack on his outpost in Afghanistan last January. Boyd has supported efforts to train the Afghan border police since November 2009. His outpost was attacked in January of this year, and Boyd ran back-and-forth across the compound under heavy gunfire to get medical bags and stretchers, to give combat aid for hours. A member of the military who was present that day nominated Mr. Boyd for “100 Faces.” The national exhibit will be placed in Virginia.

Medicaid money coming

The state of Alabama is getting $55 million from the federal government for its Medicaid program. Officials say the state will receive the money as a performance bonus for its work enrolling young people in its ALL Kids health insurance program.

Historical white Christmas

It was an historical weekend with the snow in north Alabama. For the first time in recorded history, Etowah County experienced a white Christmas Saturday with about 2 inches accumulation. Snow has dusted the area before, but this is the first time there has been a measurable amount on the ground at Christmas. Any part of Alabama has less than a 5 percent chance of snow on Christmas Eve or Christmas, according to the National Weather Service.

Charitable drive a success

Many folks were very happy to see Guntersville police officers come to their door last week. The officers were part of an effort that helped give away a thousand hams last Thursday for people in Marshall County living in public housing. The ham giveaway was started three years ago by Davis Lee, the owner of Davis Lee Companies, after a trip to the grocery store. He said just did it because he felt fortunate, and wanted to help those who had a hard time putting food on the table. Three years ago it was a hundred hams, and now it's up to a thousand. All were distributed to public housing in Guntersville, Albertville, and Boaz. Lee plans to keep giving out hams each holiday as long as he's got the money.

Increased fire risk

State Fire Marshall Ed Paulk says the number of fire deaths in Alabama this year is on track to be among the highest in years. There already have been 80 fire deaths investigated by the State Fire Marshal’s office, and that does not include fires in larger cities like Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville, and Tuscaloosa, where the fire departments handle the investigation of fire deaths themselves. Those fire departments will turn in their numbers at the end of the year. Paulk says as the temperatures drop, the number of fires goes up. Many are related to small electrical heaters. Make sure there is plenty of clearance around the heater and unplug it when you're away.

Boaz cheerleader update

Several in the community are coming together for injured Boaz cheerleader, Lacey Lowery. She was injured in a car accident about a week ago, when she was on the way home from a Christmas party with her youth group when her car ran off the road on Mt. Hebron Rd. Lacey was ejected from her vehicle and suffered severe facial trauma and several broken bones in both legs and her left arm. A fund has been set up in Lacey Lowery’s name at the 1st Bank of Boaz to offset medical and travel expenses incurred during Lacey’s treatment and recovery. The St. Paul United Methodist Church is also collecting donations to help Lacey’s family.

Boaz hires new officers

Boaz City Council members unanimously voted to hire three new officers for the Boaz Police Department this week. The new officers are Jason Johnson, of Cross-ville; Joey Harnack, of Arab; and Derek Wilson, of Boaz. Johnson and Harnack are already academy-trained officers. Wilson is slated to attend the academy starting Jan. 10. Police Chief Terry Davis said the new officers are replacing two recent hires who quit and filling the void left by one officer who is out on workers compensation

Students losing scholarship

Some students enrolled in a college program through the Gadsden Job Corps Center likely will lose their scholarships. The Gadsden Times reports that an audit by the U.S. Department of Labor found that 73 of the center's approximately 300 students did not meet the low-income eligibility requirements. Most of the students affected are part of a co-enrollment program the center has with the Etowah County and Cherokee County school systems. A Labor Department spokesman says a contractor responsible for the center's outreach admitted some students weren't eligible. Now the agency is meeting with students and parents to see if other options are available for the students.

Judge changes party affiliation

Saying that his views mesh well with local Republicans, presiding Marshall County Circuit Judge Howard Hawk recently announced that he was changing party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. Hawk says he is as fiscally conservative as anyone you will meet, but emphasized the importance of a judge remaining party-neutral when deciding cases. Hawk is proud that Marshall County elected officials have historically worked together regardless of party membership and believes his decision will lead to continued cooperation.

Census trend

Census figures were released this week, showing Alabama’s growth rate to be 7.5 percent as the state gained about 730 thousand residents in ten years. Overall, there seemed to be a shift in this census, away from the northern industrial states and toward the west. Secretary of Commerce Gary Lock helped oversee the census.






Alabama’s total population now is over 4.7 million. The state with the largest population once again is California at 37 million, and the state will the fewest people is Wyoming with 536 thousand.

Woman killed in driveway

Gasden police say a woman was killed when she was run over by a pickup truck in her brother's driveway this week. Gadsden Police Lt. Paul Cody says 48-year-old Linda Hicks of Hokes Bluff drove to her brother's house early Tuesday afternoon and parked in the driveway. Gadsden Police detective Teri Farris says Hicks was walking in front of her 1992 Ford pickup when it rolled over her.
Farris says the truck will be examined to determine what kind of mechanical failure might have occurred.

Forgery arrest

Three weeks ago, Daniel Thomas reported to the Decatur Police Department that his personal checks had been stolen, forged, and cashed without his knowledge. 30-year old Eric Wayne Agner was listed as a suspect from the beginning, and yesterday Agner was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree. He was booked into the Decatur City jail and then transferred to the Morgan County jail in lieu of 2500 dollars bond.

Boaz cheerleaders recovering

A Monday night traffic accident has two Boaz cheerleaders recovering. Alabama State Troopers say Lacey Morgan Lowery was driving on Mount Hebron Road just after 7pm when her vehicle left the roadway and she was ejected. She was not wearing a seat belt. The passenger, Jordan Shirey, suffered minor injuries and was treated and released at a nearby hospital. Lowrey was flown from the scene to Huntsville Hospital where she was listed in serious condition in the surgical intensive care unit Tuesday, according to a hospital spokesman. She is reportedly suffering from numerous broken bones and facial injuries. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Scam alert

Be warned of consumer scams this time of year. The Department of Justice is aware of several. A delivery confirmation scam sends you an email that says a package could not be delivered and asks you to click a link. Free iPad pop up ads don't give you anything free, and may work their way into your bank account. And cyber thieves are posting fake vacation rentals on the cheap that don't really exist.

No vote on AFEC

There was no vote on the Albertville Family Entertainment Center at last night's city council meeting. According to Albertville Mayor Lindsey Lyons, city officials decided to postpone the vote because of a spike in interest rates from 4 to more than 6 percent. A yes vote would have issued $9.5 to $9.7 million in bonds. Lyons told the Sand Mountain Reporter he didn't know when the council would consider issuing the bonds again, but that the market would have an impact. The family entertainment center may be in delay mode until interest rates start trending down, but Lyons did say the project is absolutely viable and a progressive move for the city. The Albertville City Council did continue with the plans to have a public hearing last night, but the one scheduled for December 27th has been postponed.

Holiday schedule

There are a few changes to some city schedules during this holiday week. The Trolley and Dart schedule in Gadsden will change to 9am to 3pm Christmas Eve, and it will be closed Christmas Day. Trash pickup will happen a day early in Gadsden if you have Wednesday through Friday service. There will be no service on Christmas Eve.

Blood needed

The need for blood always seems to increase around the holidays, and this year is no exception. Lifesouth, for example inside Huntsville Hospital is critically low on O-negative. Lifesouth Community Blood Centers Marshall Region holds blood drives in Marshall and Etowah Counties regularly, and the donor center in Albertville is open 7 days per week. About 6 percent of Americans have O-negative blood, and one hundred percent of people can use it in an emergency.

Mail those letters today

As you head to the Post Office this morning to mail off those last minute cards and packages, be prepared for a line. Today is the busiest day of the year for the USPS. The Postal Service said it is prepared to handle an estimated 800 million pieces of mail today, 40% more than on an average day. FYI-As long as you get your cards and packages in the mail by tomorrow, they should be delivered by Christmas Eve.

Unemployment rate up a bit

Marshall County’s unemployment rate inched up slightly in November but remains well below the state’s 9 percent number. Marshall’s November rate is 8 percent, Etowah’s is 8.8 percent and DeKalb’s is 10.7 percent. Alabama's Department of Industrial Relations says the Employment Service Division reports more active job orders than at any time in the past three years. Wilcox County has the highest unemployment rate in the satte at 20.7 percent.

Arab coach resigns

A former assistant football coach at Arab High School could possibly face criminal charges for having an inappropriate relationship with a student. Police say Allen Long was caught in a parked car with a 17-year-old student who attends the school. Long resigned from coaching late last week after allegations of his involvement with the student. The Marshall County D-A's office plans to investigate, but so far no criminal charges have been filed.

Test scores have improved

Test scores at Albertville Elementary have improved. The results showed gains closer to the state's top standards, and other areas still need improvement according to Albertville Elementary principal Mona Sheets. Sheets said the goal of examining the scores was to see if departmentalizing fourth grade had a positive effect. The biggest increase was in ARMT math scores. In 2009, prior departmentalization, Albertville fourth graders were 21 points behind the highest-scoring schools in the state. But 2010 scores showed the students to be only eight points behind.

Phone scam

A warning about a scam in the area... The Albertville Chamber of Commerce reports that an unauthorized company from Georgia is calling businesses in Albertville claiming to solicit funds for Albertville High School. When one local business got a call from the company and got suspicious and began peppering the caller with questions, the girl on the other end hung up. The Chamber reminds all of us to refrain from giving credit card information over the phone if we're not familiar with the source. By the way, most fundraising efforts of Albertville High School are made public with notices to media outlets and letters to parents.

Catfish or manatee?

Fishing guide Mike Mitchell of Albertville says there a some enormous fish being caught in the Alabama portion of the Tennessee River. These catfish are the size of porpoises. They are some of the most enormous fish found in fresh water in North America, frequently exceeding 50 pounds and with some over 100 pounds and approaching five feet long. Mitchell's biggest fish so far was a stunning 102-pound blue catfish that went 54 inches long and had a girth of 40 inches. Biologists say these fish are more than 20 years old, and don't make a great meal. It's better to take a 15 pound catfish to the table.

Gas prices are up

Gas prices are up as many hit the road for the holidays.






Triple A's Marie Dodds says this is the first time in 26 months that the national average has topped 3 dollars a gallon. Prices are nearing 3 dollars a gallon in parts of Alabama, with the average price in Albertville about 10 cents below that. How long things stay that way, remains to be seen.

Rainfall report

Winter weather was the big concern this week, but a report also came out about the area's rainfall. During the month of November, the Albertville area averaged three inches of rainfall. Some reported slightly higher amounts. The Boaz fire department reported nearly 6 inches of rain last month. Average, according to the National Weather Service, is 4.45 inches.

Tax extension

You have a little more time to pay at least one upcoming bill. The Marshall County Commission decided at Monday’s meeting to extend the deadline to pay property taxes to Jan. 3, because commissioners voted to observe the New Year’s holiday on Dec. 31. To be clear, you'll have until January 3rd to walk in and pay, but if you mail your taxes they still have to be postmarked by December 31st. If you want to avoid a wait, the best thing to do is mail in your taxes, because the revenue office is short one employee from last year, and Revenue Commissioner Joey Masters said that has been slowing things down. To address the staffing problem, the commission also voted to pay a full-time, temporary employee $9 per hour to help in the office from Dec. 14 to Jan. 28.

Detainees stay says ICE

Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin says Alabama’s congressional delegation has reached a verbal agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that will delay the withdrawl of detainees from the county jail. ICE agreed to leave about 330 detainees in the Etowah County Detention Center until June 30. ICE had been planning to pull the detainees, which would have meant the Sheriff's Dept would be looking at job cuts.

Boaz budget

The numbers are in, and the Boaz budget looks about the same as last year. The Boaz fire and police departments received the largest dollar increases for the next fiscal year. City Council members adopted the new budget with about 3.8 percent more revenues available than in the last fiscal year. Subtracting debt service of $750,000 and a 10-percent built-in surplus of $787,480, the city’s total available revenue is estimated at $7.087 million, about $260,000 more than projected the previous year.

AFEC closer to a vote

Members from the Albertville City Council and Mayor Lindsey Lyons explained their positions on the proposed Family Entertainment Center to Albertville Rotary Club members this week. Folks wanted to know exactly how much the project would cost, why the city is backing the bonds rather than hiring the work done themselves, and what the family entertainment center would mean for the community long term. Councilman Nathan Broadhurst said Albertville needed to do something to stop the 52 percent leakage of Albertville citizens’ potential sales tax dollars to other cities. A vote is expected on the project within the month.

Truck traffic changes

Trucks weighing over 10 thousand pounds will have to find a new way around Albertville if they use streets covered by a new Albertville City Council ordinance. The city council approved amending a city ordinance that regulates truck traffic on city streets, adding restrictions to Legion Road, from Alabama 205 to the city limits... and Turnpike Road, from Alabama 75 to Walnut Street. Albertville Police Chief Benny Womack says these streets are really too narrow for truck traffic and some of the streets can't withstand all the weight. Womack said the police department would not start enforcing the new ordinance until the street department posted all of the required signs, and that could be a few weeks.

Bank robbery suspects in custody

FBI authorities say armed suspects robbed Union State Bank yesterday morning on Old Hwy 9 in Cedar Bluff and fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash. Deputies shut down Highway 35 west of Highway 78 in DeKalb County after the vehicle the suspects were traveling in wrecked near the intersection. Cherokee deputies were chasing the vehicle at the time of the crash. Three suspects were taken into custody right away and at least one more fled into the woods, which brought out an airplane and a dog team to find him. All four suspects are now in custody and will face charges.

Tax deadline extended

You have a little more time to pay at least one upcoming bill. The Marshall County Commission decided at Monday’s meeting to extend the deadline to pay property taxes to Jan. 3, because commissioners voted to observe the New Year’s holiday on Dec. 31. To be clear, you'll have until January 3rd to walk in and pay, but if you mail your taxes they still have to be postmarked by December 31st. If you want to avoid a wait, the best thing to do is mail in your taxes, because the revenue office is short one employee from last year, and Revenue Commissioner Joey Masters said that has been slowing things down. To address the staffing problem, the commission also voted to pay a full-time, temporary employee $9 per hour to help in the office from Dec. 14 to Jan. 28.

Pass through pork no more

The Alabama Senate voted unanimously Tuesday for a bill banning legislators from hiding "pass-through pork" in the state budgets. In the past, legislators have been able to put extra money in a state agency's budget without allocating it for a specific purpose. This left room for private agreements between agency directors and state legislators, for work on projects of the legislator's choosing. The governor's bill makes that a misdemeanor, punishable by up to three months in jail. The bill passed the House earlier and now goes to the governor for his signature.

Wednesday travel problems expected

Weather is top of mind today with a wintry mix in the forecast and a winter weather advisory in effect. Just slight accumulations are expected, but that could be enough to cause poor driving conditions and even some power outages. The high expected to be just above freezing, with temperatures actually warming overnight and into Thursday. Use caution today.

Cold affects the Red Kettles

The cold weather is having an impact on everybody. Charitable donations are no exception. The Salvation Army pulled its bell ringers from store fronts yesterday because it was just too cold to stay outside. Marshall County Salvation Army Director Debbie Bearden confirms that the red kettle campaign is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Salvation Army. This year, donations are down around $2,000 though. If the bell ringers aren't out because of the weather, you could always call the Salvation Army directly to donate so the group can continue to help those who need it.

Trash pickup delayed

If you live in Boaz, you're going to have to hang onto your garbage an extra day this week. The city of Boaz announced this morning that trash collection will be one day late throughout this week. Sheila Sanders with the City of Boaz said the company is in Dekalb County and they changed the dates because of the weather. Albertville schedules are normal.

Santa at the library

We see Santa in the mall this time of year, but Santa will also be out at the Albertville Public Library early next week. The library will have a Christmas Storytime on Monday, December 20th at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Children can visit with Santa and even get a complimentary photograph taken. Each child gets a surprise gift too.

Where to go for info on the family entertainment center project

Public hearings are coming up regarding the proposed Family Entertainment Center in Albertville. The first will be Monday December 20th during a regularly scheduled city council meeting at 6pm at Albertville City Hall, and the second will be a week later...Monday the 27th at 6pm. If you'd like to become more educated on the project in the meantime, the economic impact study and a powerpoint presentation are available for you to look at on the City's website, and http://cityofalbertville.com. The proposed 55,000-square-foot facility is expected to house a multiple screen movie theater, 20-lane bowling center, miniature golf and arcade.

Hearings coming up on the family entertainment center

Public hearings are coming up regarding the proposed Family Entertainment Center in Albertville. The first will be Monday December 20th during a regularly scheduled city council meeting at 6pm at Albertville City Hall, and the second will be a week later...Monday the 27th at 6pm. Mayor Lindsey Lyons, who supports the project, said the second hearing fulfills a requirement by the Internal Revenue Service since tax-exempt recovery zone warrants will be discussed. The proposed 55,000-square-foot facility is expected to house a multiple screen movie theater, 20-lane bowling center, miniature golf and arcade.

Hammond has passed away

The former mayor of Arab has died. Ralph Hammond passed away over the weekend at the Marshall County Medical Center of renal failure and pneumonia. Hammond was a writer and served as poet laureate of Alabama from 1991 to 1995. He was president of the Alabama State Poetry Society and was named Arab's Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1990. Hammond was 94.

Newton wins

It seemed to be a foregone conclusion Saturday night.






Cam Newton is Auburn's third Heisman trophy winner. Newton received 729 first-place votes and outgained runner-up Andrew Luck, of Stanford, by 1,184 points. There is already some speculation that Newton could perhaps be heading down the same path as Reggie Bush, who returned his Heisman three months ago after the NCAA ruled that he and his family received cash and gifts while he was at Southern California. To be eligible for the Heisman, a player must be in good standing with the NCAA. But for now, Newton and the Auburn Tigers celebrate. Next up, the National Championship game January 10th.

Way of the Cross grows

Way of the Cross Ministries has a daily soup kitchen in Gadsden that it uses to serve meals during the week. Way of the Cross Director Kenneth Brown said more than 45,000 meals were served in 2009, and the number of people needing meals continues to grow, so the group has partnered with MeadowBrook Baptist Church and the city of Gadsden to extend its dining hall and add handicap accessible bathrooms to the first floor. MeadowBrook Baptist Church needs to raise $50,000 to help with construction costs, and if they do the Gadsden City Council has agreed to match that amount using Community Development Block Grant funds.

Dogs up for adoptino

Forty Four dogs in Marshall County were rescued recently from poor conditions and will be spayed or neutered and then put up for adoption. The local owner surrendered the dogs when she became overwhelmed and admitted she could no longer care for them. The Humane Society took 10 rescued dogs to a shelter in North Carolina last week and others are up for adoption at Alabama shelters. The dogs haven't been used to much human contact, but shelter operators say they are warming up now.

Vampire followup

There has been a big reation to the story about Evan Francis Brown, the 20-year old Albertville man who is charged with burning a V into the forehead of a teen, claiming he is a vampire. Folks have written newspapers blaming the "vampire craze" and blogged that this is further evidence of how movies can impact culture. Brown was arrested this week in Gadsden and charged with second degree assault, which is a felony.

Cam Newton's Heisman chances

The Heisman trophy will be handed out tomorrow evening in New York City, and according to several members of the national media, Auburn's Cam Newton is the runaway favorite. Some said he could even set a record for the margin of victory. Of course all of that remains to be seen. Jesse Palmer of ESPN has high praise for Newton.







Watch for the Heisman trophy presentation tomorrow, then it's the National Championship game January 10th.

Eye out for Easley

If you know Jeffrey Easley, notify authorities if you see him in the area. Virginia Police say that 41 year old nurse Tina Smith was found dead in her home on Monday. They believe her killer was her live-in boyfriend, 32 year old Jeffrey Easley, who has ties to Marshall County. Investigators say Easley may be on his way back to the area, and he may have kidnapped 12 year old Brittany Mae Smith, the murder victim's daughter. Law enforcement agencies in DeKalb, Marshall and Jackson Counties have been put on alert and are keeping an eye out for Easley. The pair may be traveling in a 2005 Dodge neon with Virgina plates.

Drug arrests

Two have been arrested by Dekalb County deputies after drug task force agents chased them through the county. 21-year-old Kasey Joe Cormier of Horton and 32-year-old Carron Denise Peppers of Boaz now have numerous charges pending, including unlawful possession of marijuana and drug paraphenalia.

Eye out for Easley

If you know Jeffrey Easley, notify authorities if you see him in the area. Virginia Police are sounding the alarm after a woman was murdered and her daughter kidnapped. Police say that 41 year old nurse Tina Smith was found dead in her home on Monday. They believe her killer was her live-in boyfriend, 32 year old Jeffrey Easley, who is originally from the Sand Mountain area of Alabama. Investigators say Easley may be on his way back to the area. Law enforcement agencies in DeKalb, Marshall and Jackson Counties have been put on alert and are keeping an eye out for Easley.

Vote coming on the Family Center

The proposed $9.5 million American Family Entertainment Center for Albertville was discussed again at Monday night's city council meeting, and drew criticism from one in attendance, according to the Sand Mountain Reporter. Long time resident Earl Hedgepeth, said the proposed entertainment center might work for a limited amount of time “while the new is wearing off,” but urged the council to reconsider the project. The council is expected to vote on the measure at the December 20th council meeting, and may even pass out a question and answer sheet for the public at that meeting.

Congrats to Dekalb County family

Josh and Jessica Turner of Sylvania in DeKalb County were named Alabama’s Outstanding Young Farm Family during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 89th annual meeting in Mobile on Monday. Now they'll represent Alabama in the coming year as they promote agriculture. They will receive thousands of dollars in cash and prizes that includes a John Deere Gator courtesy of Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit; and a personal computer package courtesy of Valcom/CCS Wireless. The Turners' farm focuses on poultry, cattle, and hay.

Man claims to be a vampire

A 20-year old Albertville man has been charged with assault after burning a V into the face of a teenager. Evan Francis Brown reportedly told police he was a vampire when he was arrested Tuesday. Brown is charged in connection with an incident in October when he allegedly tied up a 17-year old boy, then heated a fork or a spoon on the stove and used it to burn a “V” into his forehead. The boy also had cigarette burns on his face, and police said he was tied up for about an hour. Brown has told detectives his religious belief is satanism and he is known by the nickname, “Vamp.” Brown was in Gadsden Municipal Court Tuesday on misdemeanor charges, and was arrested on the second degree assault charge then.

Etowah County sheriff's office blindsided

About 49 employees could be cut immediately at the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office after yesterday's unexpected notification that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will pull out of the county’s detention center. Officials with ICE in Atlanta met Tuesday with officials at the Etowah County Detention Center and informed them that 350 immigration detainees will be removed from the jail on Saturday, which officials said really came out of nowhere. Sheriff Todd Entrekin is trying at the very least to slow down the process.

The Heisman watch

The Heisman trophy will be awarded Saturday evening in New York City, and some say Auburn's Cam Newton is a runaway favorite. Ballots clearly state voters are supposed to make their decision based on nothing other than whether or not a player is the most outstanding in college football. So voters should make their choice for or against Cam based on his ability, not based on the allegations of pay for play that plagued him this season. ESPN's Jess Palmer highlighted Cam's season.






Newton is Auburn's first finalist since Bo Jackson in 1985.

East McKinney residents calling to complain

Some Albertville residents are still calling police to complain about having a sex offender in their neighborhood. Flyers were passed out several weeks ago telling residents along East McKinney Avenue that there was a registered sex offender in their neighborhood, and since then Albertville police have been getting calls. Overall there are 22 registered sex offenders in Albertville and as long as those folks are living in compliance, there is very little police can do.

Go-Kart thief arrested

Joshua Lee Davis of Albertville has been arrested after being accused of trying to steal a go-kart. Davis is officially charged with burglary and theft. Police say he tried to steal the two-seater go-kart from a home on Carroll Street when he was spotted by a neighbor who called police. Investigators say he already had a warrant for burglary when he was picked up.

Political signs in Arab

Political candidates can no longer sponsor Arab High School football games, and Mayor Gary Beam is set to discuss what to do about election day signs at polling places with the city council. As it is, political signs are banned from city rights-of-way, according to Arab's sign ordinance. But over the years it really hasn't been enforced, especially on election day when candidates line the rights-of-way in front of the Arab Recreation Center and Arab Community Center polling places. But because of a complaint on Nov. 2, Mayor Beam will discuss the matter with the council.

Moreno arrested

Investigators believe Ramon Moreno of Albertville raped and 11-year old female relative about a year ago. Police were called to the hospital when the girl had a miscarriage. Now Moreno has been arrested by US Marshals in Chicago on a Marshall County Grand Jury indictment. He currently is being held in the Marshall County Jail under a $250,000 bond.

Shockley arraigned

Tonya Michelle Turnmire was last seen June 4 at about 10 a.m. following her shift at the Boaz Y-Mart, then family members reported her missing. Her body was discovered nearly three weeks later in a wooded area in Etowah County. Yesterday in Marshall County Circuit Court, Ray Christopher Schockley was arraigned in the case and currently sits in the Marshall County jail on a 1 million dollar bond. According to Albertville police, the two had a relationship and there had been previous domestic violence reports at Shockley's address. No trail date has been set for Shockley.

New center in Gadsden

Domestic violence victims in Gadsden now have a new place to go. Since Rose Haven closed in 2008, Etowah County's domestic violence victims have been going to the Second Chance Agency in Anniston. Susan Shipman, executive director of 2nd Chance Inc., says it's important to have an office in Gadsden to do community outreach and for victims to explore their options. The new Gadsden office just opened in the Family Success Center at 801 East Broad Street, and has a 24-hour crisis hotline. Donations to Second Chance can also be made, and those are always tax deductible.

Christmas fundraiser this week

At Albertville Elementary and Primary schools, staff members are planning the first ever Candy Cane Village Holiday Extravaganza. The fundraiser is set for this Thursday 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. All profits will go back to classroom teachers for supply purchases.

The job rate

Nationally the unemployment rate sits at 9.3%, and could be higher as some who had been looking for jobs may have given up and are no longer active seekers. Alabama's rate is near the national average approaching 10 percent, and that's higher than it should be according to the Federal Reserve's Ben Bernanke.






The interview aired Sunday evening on 60 Minutes.

Paragon to expand

Albertville-based Paragon, which manufactures wall decor, has acquired another company which makes high end wall art, lamps, and accessories. Many of the same products will be available, and both customer bases will continue to be supported. When Paragon and Kinder-Harris begin working together fully in 2011, that will create around ten new jobs in Albertville. Kinder-Harris is expected to move their operations to Albertville by the end of the year.

Lyons' pick for Police Chief

Mayor Lindsey Lyons says his choice to replace outgoing police chief Benny Womack, is current Albertville Police Dept Assistant Chief Maj. Doug Pollard. Lyons says he believes Pollard is deserving of the opportunity and would be an outstanding leader. The city council will have to vote tonight to approve the mayor’s recommendation. Lyons said after speaking with council members individually, he believes they will support his decision.

Possible rabies attach

A Marshall County man is recovering after he was attacked by what he says was a big cat, perhaps bigger than a bobcat. Neighbors seem to back up his claim. Frank Harmes lives in the rural part of the county , and says as he was taking a stray dog through the woods to a neighbor's home near Union Grove he came into contact what he says was a Florida panther, and the animal attacked his leg. Harmes had a knife so he stabbed the animal twice and it ran off. Harmes is going through rabies treatments because he said the animal appeared sickly.

Auburn to the title game

And once again, and Alabama team is headed to the national championship game. It became official last night with the announcement of the BCS rankings that Auburn would head to Arizona January 10th to play Oregon for the National Title. After the NCAA cleared Cam Newton to play last week by declaring his eligibility, coach Gene Chizik said it was nice to have that behind them.






Cam Newton likely won't be without headlines as the national title game approaches, but it seems the controversy now is over.

Numbers on the Family Entertainment Center

The majority of the proposed $9.5 million bond issue Albertville officials are considering for the American Family Entertainment center will go to cover the construction cost of the facility. Spurlin Construction will build the center, with the construction costs estimated to be close to $5.25 million. Another $2.9 million will pay for the cost of movie screens and other equipment for the center. The construction office seems confident in the numbers and will do what they can to come in under budget.

Teen killed in Highway 69 wreck

An accident Wednesday afternoon about a mile south of Arab claimed the life of 18-year old Marcus Allen Hughes of Joppa. Hughes was not wearing a seat belt and was pronounced dead at the scene. Alabama State troopers are still investigating.

Boaz Christmas events

The Boaz Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for two major Christmas events. The Boaz Christmas Parade is scheduled for tonight at 5:30 p.m. with lineup starting at 4 at First Baptist Church of Boaz on South Main Street. This year’s theme is “Christmas in Our Hometown.” Police Chief Terry Davis said the parade route is the same as last year, starting and finishing on South Main Street. The Boaz Christmas Extravaganza will be held Saturday from 9 to 4 in the recently renovated downtown district.

Dekalb County loses money

A recent audit released last week by the state examiners shows a recent drop in revenue for Dekalb County. The audit covered much of 2009 and showed a drop in net assets of about 1.3 million dollars from an increase in operating costs and reductions in revenue. County Administrator Matt Sharp told the Sand Mountain Reporter that the drop in revenue doesn't necessarily mean there will be cuts. It just means there will be more controlled spending.

Humanitarian of the year noms

The Marshall County Interagency Council is accepting nominations for Humanitarian of the Year. The only stipulation for nominating, is the nominee must not receive any payment for their service, which rules out people such as foster parents or a staff member at a nonprofit. It must be strictly volunteer based. Nominations need to be in written form and can be sent by e-mail at martha.mcclendon@
dhr.alabama.gov. The council will present the award at the last Marshall County Commission meeting in January.

Albertville dentist's brother dies in fire

35 year old Steven Brian Kirby of Moody, was killed in an early morning house fire Sunday in Moody. Kirby is the brother of Albertville dentist, T. Allen Kirby. According to the St. Clair County Coroner, Dennis Russell, Kirby was found dead in the bed of his master bedroom. He was the only person in the home at the time of the fire. A cause of death has not been determined, but autopsy results are pending. State fire marshalls are also investigating the cause of the fire.

Time to donate

The Christmas Coalition needs your help.







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There are about a thousand children without a sponsor this year, so many groups and individuals are doing their best to raise funds and contribute to the coalition. Area fire departments are serving as toy drop-off sites. If you would like to help but can't afford a full sponsorship you can bring a new toy to the fire stations in Albertville, Boaz, Arab, or Guntersville. New unwrapped toys can be dropped off through December 11th Monday through Saturday.

Honor a loved one during the holidays

Hospice will host Marshall County's Lights of Love celebration December 14th. The tree will be erected on the front lawn of Shepherd’s Cove, the hospice's inpatient facility on Martling Road in Albertville. The evening will begin with a hospitality hour at 5:30 with music and snacks, and at 6:30 the lighting ceremony will begin with a roll call of the names honored by each light. Marshall County residents are free to purchase a light for $10 to honor a loved one or in memory of someone who has passed away. Visit hospicemc.org for more information.

Christmas lights to blame

The fire that destroyed an Arab police officer's home has officially been blamed on an overloaded circuit. The fire happened last Sunday while officer Jeff Warren and his family were at church. Investigators believe the Christmas lights plugged into the circuit Saturday night overloaded the circuit and caused Sunday's fire. Arab police and fire departments have pledged to help their fellow officer.

Impersonating an officer

Investigators say 46 year old Johhny Corbin of Boaz stole a police car while waiting to be released from jail in August. Boaz police say Corbin even made a traffic stop with the cruiser and tried to fight the victim. Corbin has been indicted on charges of impersonating an officer.

Newton will play

The NCAA says Cam Newton will be allowed to play in Saturday's SEC championship game. The NCAA concluded earlier this week that Cam Newton's father Cecil Newton and the owner of a scouting service were in violation of rules after attempting to market Cam in a pay-for-play deal. Auburn had to declare the quarterback ineligible as a result, but the NCAA reinstated him. Kevin Lennon, the NCAA VP for Academic and Membership Affairs, said there had been no wrongdoing on the part of Cam Newton or Auburn University. The SEC denounced the behavior of Cecil Newton, and Mississippi State has disassociated with the scouting agency owner involved.

Copeland is captured

Dallas Copeland is the man who escaped a meth bust two days ago wearing nothing but his boxers and a pair of handcuffs has been captured. Huntsville Police, and the Sheriff's offices of Madison and Marshall Counties assisted in the search for Dallas Copeland and found him at a home in Madison county.

Lt. Steve Watson






The woman was cooperative with police.






Copeland has been returned to Marshall county and is expected to go before the judge for a bond hearing today or tomorrow.

Drug bust

A drug bust at a home off of Highway 431 near the Marshall/Madison county line resulted in the discovery of a meth lab. One man, Dallas Copeland escaped weaing only his boxers and handcuffs and a manhunt began for him immediately. He's one of seven arrested in the drug bust. Copeland was placed into a police van with the other arrestees, but he ran off before police could officially take him into custody. That age ranges of those arrested appear to be 19 to 54.

Thefts on the rise

Marshall County law enforcement officials say it happens every year. An increase in auto and home burglaries during the holiday season. Marshall County's most recent arrest was an auto theft suspect after a stolen red dodge pickup was discovered at an Albertville scrap recyling center. For both cars and your home, Marshall County law enforcement recommends you spend the money on a security system. If you can't do that, lock your doors and hide the keys.

Lang pleads guilty to assault charge

The Albertville man who demanded a speedy trial earlier this month pleaded guilty to first degree assault and has received a 15 year sentence. 45 year old Timothy Leon Lang was originally charged with attempted murder in the stabbing of Craig Steve Bice, but pleaded guilty to the lesser assault charge. Lang was ordered to serve 30 months of the 15 year sentence.

Christmas parades this week

Christmas parades to look forward to this week...

The City of Albertville will host a Christmas parade Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Floats will be decorated around the theme “Follow the Star.” The Boaz Christmas parade will be held on Friday. Line-up will begin at 5:30 p.m. in front of First Baptist Church of Boaz on South Main Street. This year’s theme is “Christmas in Our Hometown." Guntersville will hold their parade December 11th, with a boat parade also that day. City officials need at least ten boats for that, and today is the deadline to enter.