Fort Payne court cases rescheduled

Barbara Freeman had been a Fort Payne Municipal Court Clerk since 1985. She passed away Friday after an extended illness. The regular session of Fort Payne city court set for today has been cancelled due to her death. Those with pending cases are being notified that their cases will be rescheduled.

Albertville seeks big revenue generator

Albertville Economic Development Director Jerry Cofield is looking for ways to bring big business to the area. He's currently working on two packages of incentives that would help entice a “major retail chain” to set up shop in Albertville. He's also working on a package for the American Family Entertainment Center. Once both packages are prepared, the public will be invited to a public hearing to offer input.

Blood drive scheduled this week

The severe winter weather of three weeks ago left the area's blood supply short of where it should be. Tracy Morris, American Red Cross account manager for donor recruitment for Etowah County, says Alabama lost 800 units of blood because of canceled blood drives and weather-related circumstances. A large blood drive is planned Friday and Saturday inside the Gadsden Mall. Red Cross staff will be collecting blood from noon until 7 p.m. both days. According to a press release, all blood types are needed, especially type O negative.

Road study nears completion

A study of the Alabama Highway 77 corridor between interstates 59 and 20 is expected to completed this spring. Officials will use study results to decide how to best use the road to fuel economic growth in the area. The route begins in Attalla and goes through Gadsden, Rainbow City, Southside in Etowah County, through Ohatchee in Calhoun County and Lincoln in Talladega County. Jacksonville State University is conducting the study.

Albertville Principal responds to controversial remarks

Albertville and Guntersville are known for their fierce rivalry. But Friday night's basketball game now has a Guntersville radio sports announcer in hot water. Raymond Weaver said that Albertville's team had three imports, two from Sand Rock and the other from Mexico during his broadcast. Albertville High's principal Paul McAbee says Weaver called him Friday saying the remark was meant to be a compliment. McAbee has written a letter to the station's owner saying the station is welcome to broadcast future sports events, but without Weaver.

Whole Backstage Theater needs kids

The Whole Backstage Children’s Theatre is looking for kids for its new spotlight Kids program. It's a one-year commitment where students serve as ambassadors for theater, perform in a small show and participate in the 2011 Alabama Conference of Theatres event in October. Students ages 9-15 with prior experience in Whole Backstage Theater are eligible to audition. Audition dates are Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. They will be held at the Whole Backstage Theatre on Rayburn Ave. in Guntersville.

Recovery of stolen property leads to meth charges too

The Marshall County Sheriff's office has solved a string of recent burglaries. On Monday, Sheriff's investigators recovered stolen property valued at $20,000 after following up on a lead at Smith Lane in Claysville. John Paul Frey of Albertville and Malori Moneik Smith of Scottsboro were arrested in connection with the recovered property, and also three active methamphetamine labs. Frey faces charges of manufacturing methamphetamines, burglary and theft of property. Smith is charged with manufacturing meth. Walls said the arrests would solve four burglaries in Marshall County and two in Jackson County.

Boaz man faces sex charges

A Boaz man is facing sex abuse and torture charges. According to Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin, Jerry Lavon Padgett, was charged with one count first-degree rape, two counts of first-degree sodomy, one count of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12 and one count of sexual torture. All the charges Padgett faces are felonies. Carroll said the victim, who lives in Marshall County, reported the incidents to her teacher who then reported the incidents to the Marshall County Department of Human Resources. The alleged incidents happened between July and October 2010, at Padgett's home and at various other locations in Etowah County. Padgett is currently housed in the Etowah County Detention Center on a $100,000 cash bond.

Marshall County woman pleads guilty in the death of her husband

A Marshall County woman charged in the murder of her husband gets ten years in prison with a chance for probation. 49-year-old Dana Renaye Williams pleaded guilty to manslaughter before Circuit Judge Tim Jolley this week. Williams was charged in the shooting death of 56-year-old Mark Williams in August 2008 at their home in the Union Grove community. A hearing is set for March 16th to determine whether probation will become a viable option.

Two men seeking youthful offender status

Two DeKalb County men are seeking youthful offender status for the capital murder of a man last year. 20-year-old Billy Ray Justice and 17-year-old Richard Sharp Shelton made the request in an arraignment hearing earlier this week. Investigators say the pair shot and killed 63-year-old Jerry Neal Burt in his home near Asbury then set the home on fire to cover the crime scene. More court dates are pending.

There's an app for that

Could you see this coming? The IRS now has an app for your smart phone that allows you to check on the status of your tax return. You do have to enter your social security number and other pertinent information, but they promise it is heavily encrypted. It's downloadable for iPhones and Droids, and it's free.

Boaz snow makeup days announced

Students in Boaz will have to make up those snow days when classes were cancelled the week of January 10th. School officials said they'll do it on lesser holidays and at the end of the year. One day was already made up on Martin Luther King day. The other days will be made up February 18th, originally a professional learning day. Also President's Day, February 21st; Good Friday, April 22nd; and May 27th, which was going to be a teacher work day. Teachers may have to attend two Saturdays to make up their days.

Snow makeup days pending in Albertville

Marshall County and Albertville City school officials are weighing options on making up their snow days. During a board meeting last week, Superintendent Tim Nabors said just over 500 employees had been given two options for making up the days, and they'll all get a vote. Option 1 includes going to school on President’s Day, the first Saturdays in March and April and tacking two days to the end of the school year. Option 2 calls for students to attend school President’s Day and Memorial Day and adding the remaining days onto the end of the school year. It probably won't be decided until the February board meeting.

Huntsville student to perform in DC

An Alabama student has advanced to the US Marine Band Concerto Competition Finals, as one of 7 finalists to perform in Washington, DC. Arekson Sunwood of Huntsville has earned a place in the final round of the annual musical competition open to high school students across the nation. Sunwood will compete against six other high school musicians in the competition finals Saturday, February 19th at the Marine Barracks Annex in Washington, D.C. The winner gets a $2500 scholarship.

Aderholt's response to the State of the Union

Congressman Robert Aderholt released a statement after last night's State of the Union address by President Obama. Aderholt says some of the President's government mandates are doing more harm than good, and the number one priority should be creating jobs. In Aderholt's press release he said the stimulus bill was called an ‘investment’ which was supposed to create jobs and keep unemployment below 8%, yet it has been 9.4% or higher for almost two years. He says the government should go beyond a spending freeze as the President suggested, and cut non-security spending to 2008 levels.

Daddy/Daughter Date night approaching

The third annual Daddy/Daughter Date Night is coming up in February in Albertville. The event is hosted by Albertville Middle School, and has grown so large it is split into two nights now. The dance is open to Albertville students in grades kindergarten through eighth grades who wants to attend with their father, grandfather, or any male relative. Tickets are available in advance and cost $40 for the daddy/daughter ticket. Additional daughter tickets may be added for $20 each. Sponsors can still get involved too.

Car train accident sends woman to the hospital

A car was struck by a train yesterday afternoon in Boaz. The driver was seriously injured. The accident happened near the intersection of Emory and Belair streets, just off Alabama 205 near downtown Boaz. A woman was extricated from a Lexus sedan and transported to Marshall Medical Center South. The crossing was marked by a crossbar sign on either side of the tracks and a stop sign mounted on a single, tall wooden post. The freight train is operated by Alabama Tennessee River Railway Company based in Gadsden. It was the second accident in less than a week involving the same rail company.

Blood drives coming up

It's crunch time for blood banks now as donations drop slightly in January and demand increases. LifeSouth Community Blood Centers in Albertville is still trying to catch up after the snowstorm that hampered operations two weeks ago. LifeSouth announced six blood drives in Albertville and Boaz during the first half of February to boost supply. The first will be Thursday February 3rd from 10 to 4 at BBVA Compass Bank on Main in Albertville.

The schedule:

• Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — BBVA Compass Bank, 300 W. Main St., Albertville

• Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Great American Loans, 7484 U.S. 431, Albertville

• Feb. 9 from 1 to 8 p.m. — Marshall Medical Center South, U.S. 431, Boaz

• Feb. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Marshall Medical Center South, U.S. 431, Boaz

• Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — The Summit United Methodist Church, 3760 U.S. 431, Albertville

• Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Walgreens, 7155 U.S. 431, Albertville

Dangerous trash on the roadways

Alabama officials are warning people who pick up roadside trash that items found in manufacturing methamphetamines have been turning up. Drug Task Forces are reporting that meth lab operators are just dumping it, and the trash requires a clean-up crew approved by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Some of the items can be toxic, and some are at risk of catching fire or exploding. Rather than pick it up, report it.

State of the Union tonight

President Obama will give his State of the Union address tonight, and is expected to focus heavily on boosting economic recovery and job creation. Also, unity and cooperation.









A series of compromises with Republicans at the end of the last legislative session has the President's poll numbers increasing according to the White House. Tonight's State of the Union can be seen on all major networks.

Sales tax increases at issue

City sales taxes could be going up across the area. Boaz Mayor Tim Walker proposed a 1 cent sales tax increase at last night's city council work session, and now it's up to the City Council to consider it. One penny in sales tax could translate to $2 million in Boaz. The extra money would go things like roads and schools.

In Albertville, a 1-cent sales tax increase could generate between $2 and $2.5 million a year. That could mean pay raises for city workers, and things like a maintenance program for city vehicles and possibly payments on a new senior center. According to the Sand Mountain Reporter, Mayor Lindsey Lyons, and council members McClendon, Amos, Broadhurst are opposed to the increase. It's presented by Councilman Chuck Ellis.

City website hacked again

The City of Albertville's website was first hacked back in March of last year, and it was hacked again within the last ten days. The city quickly turned things over to TSI, the company who handles their website, and they've charged TSI with coming up with a plan so it doesn't happen again. Mayor Lindsey Lyons says the city is confident they'll get to the bottom of it. The last attack was traced back to an IP address in North Alabama, but Lyons said this attack probably came from outside the country. The city is getting ready to roll out a brand new website in the coming weeks.

Relay for Life approaching

The annual Relay For Life will be upon us soon. Relay for Life of Etowah County invites team captains and anyone interested in learning more about Relay For Life to a meeting at 6 p.m. this Thursday Jan. 27th at First Baptist Church of Rainbow City. This year's Relay for Life will take place at 6pm May 13th at CrossPoint Community Church. It's the world's largest grassroots fundraising movement in the fight against cancer.

Tax hike could be coming

Fort Payne has a nine percent sales tax, and Albertville may follow suit soon. Albertville City Councilman Chuck Ellis says the city is hurting financially and may propose raising the sales tax from 8 to 9 percent. According to WAFF, Councilman Ellis believes Albertville is losing tax revenues to nearby Guntersville and Boaz who have large retail centers like Walmart. Stores like that can generate as much as a single one cent sales tax by themselves. Albertville's big sales tax generator could have been the American Family Entertainment Center, but that was voted down. Councilman Ellis is expected to present the tax hike to City Council in a work session tonight.

Investigation continues into church break-in

Albertville police got a call last Wednesday night about a break in at Mt. High Church off Turnpike Road. Witnesses say a man had broken a window to enter the church. When police arrived, they say they found James Mosley inside and when they asked him to comply, he did not, so police used a taser to take him into custody. Police are continuing to investigate and are in the process of obtaining more warrants. Mosely is being held without bond.

Homeless count this Thursday

The Homeless Coalition of Northeast Alabama will conduct a homeless Count this Thursday in and around Anniston and Gadsden. You can actually help very easily with the count. If you know of a homeless person or family, or if youwould like to volunteer to help with the count, you can call 256-546-4673.

Resource for prom-goers

With area proms coming up this spring, there is a new resource for you. The second Northeast Alabama Prom Fair and Fairy Godmother Project will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 30th. The event is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Centre Florist. The goal is to provide a one-stop shopping experience for prom resources, with florists, caterers, hair stylists, nail and make-up salons, dress shops and jewelers all at the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce meeting room on the campus of Gadsden State-Cherokee.

County Attorney vote coming soon

The current Marshall County attorney is Carnes and Carnes law firm in Albertville. Commissioners are expected to vote soon on whether or not to hire the law firm of Long, Flanagan and McDonald as their new attorneys. According to founding partner Wes Long, the firm has been trying to get into local government representation since 2006. The purpose of the county attorney is to draw up documents, look over contracts, answer legal questions, and advise the county on the right legal moves. Carnes and Carnes has served the commission for the past 20 years. Monday's meeting starts at 6pm and a decision could come then.

Tyson joins government to curb illegal immigration

Tyson Foods has become the first major food company to become a full memeber of the IMAGE program with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Businesses can voluntarily partner with the federal government to ensure they are employing people who are legally authorized to work in the US. Tyson employs almost 100,000 people at locations throughout the United States. To become certified, the company made all of its Form I-9 employment eligibility documents available for ICE review, cooperated with government field audits of selected plant locations and also allowed ICE to check the Social Security numbers of all company employees. Results show Tyson has solid hiring practices.

Alarm permit deadline is approaching

Alarm permit applications in Albertville were due January 1st, but the grace period extends to the 31st. Wednesday, the Albertville Police Department was awaiting responses from 141 businesses and 287 residents with registered alarm systems who had not paid their permit renewals, according to Paula Rosser, administrative assistant to the chief of police. The fee for the three-year renewal is $25 for businesses and $15 for residents. Payments after Jan. 31 are tagged with a $25 late fee. The police records office at 201 S. Broad St. accepts payments if you need to take care of it.

School makeup days set

Albertville city school Board of Education has approved the makeup days after last week's bad weather. The extra days will be President's Day, February 21st. Also April 22nd, May 31st, June 1st, and June 2nd. That extends the school year by three days. The board says if there are any more snow days they'll have to look at a Saturday of Spring Break to make up the days. They won't extend the year any further than June 3rd.

Bingo...legal or not?

CBS Supply remains interested in an electronic bingo development in Etowah County when legal questions are resolved, according to their attorney. In 2009 the firm signed an agreement with the county for a proposed $200 million development that would include electronic bingo and create an estimated 1,200 jobs. CBS Supply has been seeking a determination on the legality of the bingo machines for three years now, according to the Gadsden Times.

New exhibit in Gadsden

Linda Mitchell, an artist from Atlanta, had her work unveiled last night at the Hardin Center in Gadsden. She's giving a gallery talk today. Both of these events were scheduled for last week, but had to be cancelled because of the weather. Mitchell’s works include animals observed at Zoo Atlanta. She has both painted and collaged works.Mitchell’s exhibit is through Feb. 22 in Exhibition Hall.

Gambling vote probably a year away

Gov.-elect Robert Bentley said his campaign proposal to give Alabama citizens a yes or no vote on gambling probably won't happen in his first year. Bentley told the Associated Press he is dismantling Gov. Bob Riley's gambling task force, turning gambling matters over to new Attorney General Luther Strange and waiting to see how pending court cases play out. So down the road, voters will likely be able to decide on whether they want gambling, or want to end all forms of gambling in the state, including bingo casinos and dog tracks.

Incentive for Alabama employers to hire

Alabama has a $1.44 million grant coming that is intended to put people in Alabama back to work. It's an On-The-Job-Training National Emergency Grant from the Department of Labor, Employment, and Training. Workers who were displaced after January 1st 2008, and have been unemployed longer than 17.87 weeks. Under the program, businesses hiring these workers will be eligible for wage reimbursements up to 6 months. Generally the fewer the employees a business has, the higher the wage reimbursements. A company with 1-50 employees can get 90% of the wages back, by hiring someone who was laid off during the recession.

Chance to sample Albertville restaurants

If you can't choose just one restaurant and would like to sample foods from several, your chance is coming up. The city’s first Taste of Albertville event will happen Feb. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. Restaurants will showcase their best at the former candy shop location at 118 East Main. Tickets will be $10 per person. They will go on sale in February and will be available at Albertville City Hall, Albertville Chamber of Commerce, Catfish Cabin and Albertville Home Bakery.

Night meeting for Commissioners

The Marshall County Commission invites you to their meeting Monday night. Commissioners say they're holding a night meeting to give those who work during the day the chance to come out and get involved. They'll have more night meetings if the response is good. The meeting will be at 6pm Monday.

Race to Remember March 5th

Organizers for the 2011 Hospice of Marshall County Race to Remember are seeking sponsors. There will be a 5K and 1 mile fun run March 5th with number of fresh features, including chip timing, early packet pickup, dedicated website and new T-shirt design. The race is held on a USA Track and Field-certified course at Snead State Community College in Boaz. The race has grown every year. In 2006 there were 200 participants, and last year nearly a thousand. Early registration for the race costs $22 by Feb. 6 and $32 after Feb. 6. Student registration is $10.

Back to school in Boaz and Arab

Some questioned whether or not it was the right thing to do yesterday....using the MLK holiday as a snow makeup day. But it was back to school anyway for students in Boaz and Arab. According to state officials, only Memorial Day and Veterans Day are holidays where school must take off. Arab School Superintendent John Mullins said lesson plans for the U.S. History class at Arab High School were geared toward honoring Dr. King, so there was some focus on the holiday. Mullins said they want their seniors to graduate on May 27th, and there was no disrespect meant to Dr. King. They'll be coming back next month to make up another snow day on Presidents Day too.

Thefts down last week

It wasn't just students who took several days off last week. Local law enforcement officials report that crime was down too. Captain Regina May of the Gadsden Police Department told the Gadsden Times that there was a lower volume of theft-related called last week, because as she puts it, criminals chose to stay warm and dry and wait out the slick streets too.

New trial pending

Last October the Alabama Court of Appeals ruled that a man sentenced to death in 1994 in Marshall County deserves a new trial because his lawyer was ineffective. A Marshall County judge had already ruled that Larry Reynolds Smith deserved a new trial, but prosecutors appealed. Just last week, the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals let their ruling of a new trial stand. Smith was convicted of capital murder in August 1996. The new trial is pending.

Changes coming to school lunches

The Department of Agriculture has announced more about the changes coming to school lunch program under the Child Nutrition Act. Dora Rivas is a member of the School Nutrition Association.






It's the first major nutritional overhaul of school lunches in 15 years, and officials say it's necessary since kids get 1/3 of their daily calories at school. Changes will be implemented this fall.

Garbage collection tries to catch up

Today is a holiday for many, but one city of Albertville department is running today. With last week's weather bringing multiple closures, the sanitation department is still trying to catch up. Trucks may use a different route and the pickup could move slightly slower than usual. Officials understand two weeks of garbage put into one week of collection will make it a heavy week. If you have extra trash, you'll allowed this week to reload the can after it has been emptied and crews will empty the can again.

Fairley chooses the draft

Auburn defensive lineman Nick Fairley has announced he will enter the NFL draft. He has won a national championship and has been deemed the top defensive lineman by many analysts, and says there's not a lot left to accomplish in his college career. Skipping his senior season at Auburn could make him the top overall pick in April's draft.

How to make up the snow days in schools

With the closures last week, how will school make up the snow days? Schools in Marshall, DeKalb and Etowah counties were all closed for several days, and now school officials are looking at altering calendars. Albertville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ric Ayer said he would have a recommendation ready for board members to consider during a meeting Tuesday afternoon. It's probably going to involve adding back days on President's Day and Good Friday, plus extending the school year by two or three days.

Fairley to announce intent

Underclassmen have until Saturday to declare for the NFL draft, and Auburn's Nick Fairley will announce his decision today. He had a school record 11.5 sacks for the year, and was the defensive MVP of Monday Night's National Championship game over Oregon. He's a junior now, and if he skips his senior season he could be the top overall pick in April's draft.

School's out again

Albertville and Boaz schools are closed again today. Marshall Christian Academy is closed Friday but will be in session Monday. Boaz has already said school will be in session on Monday. LIkely with a lot of work to make up after missing an entire week due to snow and ice.

Trash collection affected by weather

The weather wrecked havoc on just about every system this week, from mail delivery to garbage collection. There was a time this week when the mail couldn't make it from Birmingham to Albertville, but those lines are running now. Your mail may be delivered a little later in the day, as the system catches up. Garbage collection in Gadsden is running on schedule, but some customers were missed Monday and Tuesday because of the weather. Workers are going back through and looking for the cans, so put them back out, or call to get yours picked up. The city of Albertville will resume garbage pickup on Tuesday with routes that are normally run on Monday. Other routes will run a day later next week. There is no garbage pickup today or Monday. Boaz will likely also wait until next week.

Blood needed

The emergency shutdowns this week have triggered a need for blood not only in Alabama, but across the southeast. Donor centers have had to close just like schools and businesses, and blood drives have been cancelled. That directly impacts the blood supply. LifeSouth’s Tammy Barnes says it's an emergency situation. Hospitals are not stocked, and LifeSouth has little or none of the specific blood products in their inventory. They're the largest supplier of blood in the state of Alabama, in need of people to donate now.

Sweets-N-Songs postponed

The weather has forced postponement of a fundraising event scheduled for this Friday and Saturday. Sweets-N-Songs, the annual program put on by the Albertville City Schools choir has been rescheduled for January 28th and 29th.

ATV's out this week

ATV's have been out over the past few days, sometimes as a necessary means of transportation with the icy streets, and sometimes just for fun. Police say the all terrain vehicles have caused a few problems and spawned several calls from concerned and annoyed residents. ATVs are not street legal on state or federal highways because they don't have the same safety equipment as cars or trucks--that means blinkers, brake lights, and horns. Police say they know 4-wheelers are out on the roads and as long as they're not causing trouble they'll probably let it slide given the circumstances. But during normal times, officers can impound the ATVs and ticket the riders.

Aderholt speaks on Giffords

Congressman Robert Aderholt gave a brief speech to honor Representative Gabrielle Giffords on the floor of the House of Representatives. Aderholt was granted the floor for two minutes to make a statement. Here's a portion.






He also prayed for counseling for those who suffer from anger like the man accused of Saturday's attack. And he noted the heroic actions of those who stepped in to help the victums.

Aderholt's outlook

Representative Robert Aderholt said in a press release, many challenges await this new Congress. Aderholt says this group will have an approach focused on cutting spending instead of increasing it, and eliminating uncertainty for the private-sector innovators and entrepreneurs who create jobs. House Republicans also have a plan to repeal and replace the new health care law with solutions that will lower costs. Overall Aderholt wants to see a Congress committed to smaller government, economic freedom, and strong national security.

National Championship merchandise a hot item

Despite the weather related closures, Auburn fans were out buying BCS National Championship merchandise Tuesday morning. Teresa Cumby, store manager of Martin’s Family Clothing in Rainbow City, said some folks were standing outside in the snow waiting for her to open the doors. Damian Tucker, store director for Academy Sports and Outdoors in Gadsden, estimated 90 percent of the purchases at the store Tuesday morning were national championship merchandise and he expects it to last several days.

Travel still hazardous

Snow totals are around six inches for most of the area Sunday and Monday, but thankfully Marshall county reports no power outages with the storm. Elden Chumley of the Municipal Utilities Board in Albertville said his chief concern was not ice on power lines, but rather motorists colliding with utility poles. Although the risk is still there, that hasn't really happened. The Marshall County Emergency Management Agency said "travel dangers" will likely continue throughout the week. Weather forecasts show temperatures near or below freezing until Friday, keeping snow and possibly ice on roads for days. The Alabama Department of Public Safety advised to drive slowly and try not to accelerate or brake on bridges and overpasses.

Auburn fans jazzed

You could say Auburn fans were excited about the win over Oregon last night.






Auburn wins the BCS National Championship over Oregon, 22-19, and finishes the season undefeated.

Relay for Life coming up

It's hard to think about warmer weather right now, let alone running outside, but the annual Relay For Life will be upon us soon. Relay for Life of Etowah County invites team captains and anyone interested in learning more about Relay For Life to a meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 27 at First Baptist Church of Rainbow City. This year's Relay for Life will take place at 6pm May 13th at CrossPoint Community Church. It's the world's largest grassroots fundraising movement in the fight against cancer.

Cold remains through the week

Governor Bob Riley said there were 960 Alabama State Troopers on the roads yesterday trying to ensure safe travel during the winter storm. Officers were working 12 hours shifts. On Sunday evening alone, there were 122 weather-related accidents during the state of emergency. The storm actually made Dekalb County history. It was one of the top ten snow events of all time for Dekalb County. Then biggest snow happened in 1993 when 17 inches fell. Seven inches came down on Sunday. The temperature is not expected to get above freezing until Friday.

Legislature to begin

Weather permitting, Alabama's new legislature begins a new short organizational session today. They'll determine the pecking order basically, but won't pass any laws just yet. The session will allow the leaders of the House and Senate to decide who will serve on each committee and who will lead each committee. The legislature is controlled by Republicans this year, the first time in 136 years.

Boaz closings

The Boaz city council meeting scheduled for yesterday was cancelled because of the weather. No word yet on when that might be rescheduled. All nonessential departments in Boaz were closed yesterday and will be closed again today. That includes City Hall, senior center, library, court and recreation center.

Winter weather update

The weather is a top concern after weekend snow and ice. Governor Riley declared a state of emergency yesterday and urged folks not to travel. Many schools are closed today (inlcuding Albertville, Boaz, and Guntersville), and even several government offices. The Alabama Department of Public Safety has officers working 12-hour shifts to assist motorists who insist on traveling. State troopers and the Alabama Department of Transportation are monitoring road and bridge conditions and are prepared to close them if it becomes necessary. The statewide emergency call center is 888-588-2848.

Albertville city council has cancelled today's work session. City Hall is also closed today due to the weather. All DeKalb County offices are closed today. The Etowah County Courthouse is also closed today.

Something to keep in mind on your tax return

For nearly two years, home sales sky-rocketed despite the economy... Thanks to the first time home buyer tax credit. But depending on when you signed the dotted line, you might have to pay all of that money back. If you you bought your home between April and December in 2008 and took advantage of the tax credit, there were some extra stipluations. There were two tax credits during 2008 and 2009. One in 2008 for 75-hundred dollars. And another in 2009 for eight thousand. The one you have to pay back is from 2008, and its 500 dollars per year over the next 15 years. The money will come out of your tax return. Accountants say if you bought your home in 2009 on that 8000 tax credit, your wallet can stay closed.

Grant approval pending

The Marshall County Commission is expected to approve a grant of nearly $60,000 for the domestic violence unit of the district attorney’s office during the Marshall County Commission regular meeting today. It's a grant renewal from the Domestic Violence Against Women Act signed in 1994. The grant is given with a 25 percent match from the DA’s office.

Chizik's focus on the field

Tonight is the night many have been looking forward to for over a month....the BCS National Championship game between Auburn and Oregon. Coach Gene Chizik says the Tigers are mentally prepared, and this season should be remembered not for the Cam Newton allegations, but for the team's effort on the field.






Kickoff is tonight at 7:30, and it's the first time either team has appeared in the title game.

Aderholt begins with momentum

Congressman Robert Aderholt has been named Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations. This Subcommittee manages about $50 billion of spending within the annual federal budget on things like border protection, immigration services, and FEMA obligations. Aderholt said this will allow him to work with many private and government homeland security
entities in Alabama, from Huntsville all the way to the Port of Mobile. In addition to being named Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee, Aderholt will serve another term on the Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee, and for the first time, will serve on the Agriculture
Subcommittee.

Housing Authority Board Looking for Volunteer Member

If you want to become more involved in the community without running for office, here's your chance. The city of Albertville is searching for someone to fill an appointment on the Albertville Housing Authority Board. It's a 5-year term, according to Mayor Lindsey Lyons, and he says there is no application process. You just need to express an interest. You can contact Melody Whitten in the mayor’s office at mwhitten@cityofalbertville.com or 256-891-8202. The deadline is Tuesday. Lyons said he would make a recommendation to the council at the next meeting on Jan. 17.

Aderholt takes oath

Congressman Robert Aderholt has been officially sworn in to represent Alabama's 4th Congressional District for another term. The new Speaker of the House, John Boehner, conducted the ceremony for Aderholt and his wife and children. Aderholt's swearing-in ceremony was historic in that he took his official oath-of-office on the very first Bible ever printed in America. This Bible, widely known as the "Eliot Bible," was published in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1663 under the title "The Holy Bible Containing the Old Testament and the New." Aderholt was the only Member of the full 435 House of Representatives body to use the Eliot Bible for his/her oath of office.

Eagle weekends beginning

Eagle Awareness weekends begin this weekend and last through February 13th at Guntersville State Park. It's a chance to see the incredible birds up close and the programs are free of charge. Friday nights have a social, with an orientation at the Lodge. There are guided field trips in the mornings and evenings on Saturdays, plus indoor programs with guest speakers and live birds. Sundays also have the guided field trips to the nexting sites. You can always go to http://visitlakeguntersville.com for more.

New discovery about the moom

Renee Weber is the lead researcher and space scientist at NASA's Marshall Space
Flight Center in Huntsville, and says NASA has now detected the moon's core. NASA used state of the art seismological techniques and the results show the moon has a core similar to earth's. According to a press release, this will allow NASA to develop accurate models of the moon's formation, and say the moon may have generated and maintained its own strong magnetic field. Weber made the discovery along with other scientists from Huntsville, plus scientists from Arizona State, the University of California at Santa Cruz, as well as researchers in Paris, France.

NASA's latest on the moon

Renee Weber is the lead researcher and space scientist at NASA's Marshall Space
Flight Center in Huntsville, and says NASA has now detected the moon's core. NASA used state of the art seismological techniques and the results show the moon has a core similar to earth's. According to a press release, this will allow NASA to develop accurate models of the moon's formation, and say the moon may have generated and maintained its own strong magnetic field. Weber made the discovery along with other scientists from Huntsville, plus scientists from Arizona State, the University of California at Santa Cruz, as well as researchers in Paris, France.

More on the Huntsville billboard stir

We brought you a story yesterday about a sign that's firing people up across north Alabama. An Atheist organization paid for a billboard in Huntsville that says "You KNOW they're all SCAMS" and displays various religious symbols. One of the men behind the billboard is Blair Scott. He's the Alabama State Director for American Atheists. Scott says his sign is working because people are signing up for the convention it promotes, the Southeast Regional Atheist Meet in Huntsville on January 29 and 30. Religious leaders are responding to the sign now and could be putting up a Billboard of their own soon. Christie Ashton is the pastor of Hope Presbyterian Church and spoke with WHNT.






Blair Scott says the response he has received from the billboard includes emails from people in Boaz and Albertville.

IRS extends tax deadline

You'll have a few extra days to file your taxes this year. Mike Dobzinski is an IRS spokesperson who shares the reason for the delay.






You can always go to http://irs.gov for the latest tax information.

Boaz Chamber offers class

This could provide a boost for your employees or your business. The Boaz Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring leadership training courses starting Jan. 13, and they'll have nationally known speaker and trainer Jenny Nolen in town to present the six-course series called Management Development Certification. The training is scheduled for the second Thursday of each month from Jan. 13 to June 9 at the Boaz Public Library. Cost is $75 per course for a total of $450 and includes lunch.

Billboard causing a stir

There's a sign that's firing people up across north Alabama. An Atheist organization paid for a billboard in Huntsville that says "You KNOW they're all SCAMS" and displays various religious symbols. One of the men behind the billboard is Blair Scott. He's the Alabama State Director for American Atheists. Scott says his sign is working because people are signing up for the convention it promotes, the Southeast Regional Atheist Meet in Huntsville on January 29 and 30. He says he's also gotten emails from people in Boaz and Albertville.

Aluminum thief caught

Minor Tire and Wheel in Decatur reported the theft of over fifty scrap aluminum and chrome rims from within a fenced area of their business Monday. A short time later a recycling business called police because someone was trying to recycle a large amount of aluminum and chrome rims. Decatur police were able to arrest David Fleener and charge him with one count of theft in the second degree. Fleener was booked into the Decatur city jail and transferred to the Morgan County jail in lieu of $2500 bond. Police say it's an ongoing investigation.

Camelot auditions this week

The Snead State Community College Department of Theatre plans to bring Camelot to the stage, and will hold auditions this week. You may know the story of King Arthur, Guenevere and Lancelot. It's a romantic musical with the Snead State Director of Theatre, Johnny Brewer, at the helm. Auditions will be at the Bevill Center Concert Hall on campus beginning Thursday and Friday at 7pm. They'll also have auditions next Thursday and Friday at 7, as well as the next two Saturdays at 10am. You'll have to sing a portion of one of the Camelot songs, dance a little, and read several short scenes. Performances of Camelot will be the last week of April.

Getting harder to make meth

A new law went into effect in Alabama on New Years Day that restricts access to pseudoephedrine. Pharmacists say using the drug to make meth is a huge issue.






That's Buddy Bunch at Bunch Pharmacy. Meth makers have grown accustomed to buying the minimum amout of meth at several different pharmacies, but now a real time database will connect the pharmacies to show meth purchases. Those wanting to buy pseudoephedrine a second time will be told no. Marshall County District Attorney Steve Marshall hopes all pharmacies in the state will be online by spring.

Problems with water in Decatur

Water problems in Decatur are causing delays and closings for schools and businesses today. Water customers with Decatur Utilities are experiencing low water pressure from an operational problem at the water treatment plant. Officials at the plant say the water supply is recovering, but things won't be fully back to normal until about 5pm today. Water quality is not affected.

Chilli cookoff coming up

If you're started your diet plan in the new year, here's a great reason to take a break from it. The 4th annual downtown chili cookoff is coming up in Gadsden February 5th. You can download your entry form at http://cityofgadsden.com and start putting together your secret recipe.

New Olive Garden could be coming

A new Olive Garden restaurant may be coming to Decatur. If approved, the restaurant would be near the northwest corner of Sixth Avenue and Beltline Road Southeast, across the Beltline from Kmart. Officials with Olive Garden's corporate office are expected to request a publicly funded incentive during a City Council work session at noon Wednesday. The Chamber expects the request to be pretty small scale, and could move forward soon.

Truck stolen, three arrested

A man who was washing this truck at an Albertville car wash was held up at knife point Sunday, and his truck was stolen. It happened in broad daylight Sunday afternoon at Malubu Car Wash on Alabama Highway 75 North. Police were notified and captured the suspects almost immediately at the Microtel Inn. Joaquin Lara Jr. and Joshua Thompson DeLeon of Albertville, along with Karen Aide Hernandez of Boaz, were charged with first-degree robbery.

Smoking risks for children

If your neighbor smokes, chances are it will affect your children. That's according to a recent study that examined smoke exposure in multi-unit housing. And now the American Academy of Pediatrics is urging parents to have smoke-free environments for their children. The study found that children who live in apartments or duplexes have a 45-percent increase in tobacco smoke contaminants, even if the child's immediate home environment is smoke-free. Dr. Michelle Arzubi with Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, says the study suggests that smoke seeps through walls or shared ventilation systems. She says the best advice is to limit smoke exposure as much as possible but realizes sometimes it is difficult.






Tobacco smoke exposure in children can cause asthma, cognitive impairments and even sudden infant death syndrome. Dr. Arzubi says the study also shows children living in a house where the previous owner smoked are at risk.






The A-A-P concluded in its study that smoking bans may be needed in multi-unit housing to reduce children's exposure to tobacco smoke. The study is in the January issue of Pediatrics.

Poacher arrested

Poaching incidents are all too common, and police have stepped up efforts to combat the problem. One illegal hunter was arrested for it last week. A Marshall County Sheriff's deputy saw 22-year old Jeremy Stewart of Union Grove flash his headlights at a group of deer last week, then shot and killed one. As the deputy approached to arrest Stewart for illegal hunting, he took off and ended up losing control of his vehicle and crashing. Stewart has been charged with DUI, illegal night hunting, hunting by aid of a motor vehicle and other related charges.

Band back in town after a great trip

It was a great adventure for the Albertville High School Marching Band. Not only did the Aggies have a great time in Pasadena last week, but it was a great showing in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day. The band received an invitation to the parade in early 2010. They then began the task of coming up with the money to pay for each member to be able to make the trip. Not only did they reach their goals they ended up getting contributions from seven other countries. In all they raised 371 thousand dollars to make the trip.

Players in trouble

Last week's WQSB Holiday Classic was more than just basketball. It also meant criminal charges for three teens. KMart loss prevention officers called Albertville police last Wednesday afternoon after one student was seen putting a pellet gun in the waistband of his pants. It turns out, two other teens did the same thing and all face shoplifting charges. 18-year old Carderecko Maye has been identified, but the other two arrested were 16 and 17 and have not been named. All are from Greenvillle. They were booked at the Marshall County Juvenile Probabtion Department before being released to their coach.