Arrest made in hit and run

Alabama State Troopers arrested a man late last week they suspect is responsible for the hit and run death of a Crossville man. 21-year old Marcos Grabe Fernandez of Collinsville, was arrested Friday morning at his home in DeKalb County. According to Marshall County Coroner Marlon Killion, 46-year old Christopher L. Davis was struck and killed Tuesday night while he was walking down Double Bridges Road in front of the Union First Congregational Methodist Church and Cemetery toward Alabama 168. Court dates are pending for Fernandez.

Gadsden sting nets arrests

The Gadsden Police Department has been getting lots of complaints about public lewdness and indecent exposure in parks, especially in areas where children are. They launched an undercover operation and arrested at least a dozen. The arrests came after a variety of things, from writing obscenities on a bathroom wall, to sexual acts between two parked cars. The sting operation is not over. Gadsden Police are continuing their watch on parks and other public places.

Boaz may revise school attendance policy

Boaz City Schools officials met last week to talk about revising their attendance policy. Currently, students living within the Boaz city limits are eligible to enroll, while those outside the city limits but within the police jurisdiction are eligible to pay tuition to become a student if room is available. Tuition is $250 per household The school is looking at making the residency requirements more firm, and only accepting students within the city limits. Current students would be grandfathered in. Any changes will not affect Pre-Kindergarten registration that will be held in early April.

Marshall County shows population increase

New U.S. Census figures show Alabama’s Hispanic population more than doubled in the past decade. Marshall County's Hispanic population nearly tripled to 11,238 from 4,656. Isabel Rubio, executive director of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama, said her group believes the increase comes from births, not immigration. Albertville’s total population now is 21,260, which is an increase of over 3900. Marshall County’s population is up almost 11,000 to 93,019.

DEA cuts funding for cleaning meth labs

The Drug Enforcement Administration has seen their funding cut for cleaning up meth labs. That could cost the area more, perhaps $250,000 in Etowah County. The cleanup for labs always has been provided through the DEA because so many strict requirements are in place for proper disposal of the remnants. Those funds are depleted, however, and additional federal funding is not included in the 2011 budget submitted by President Barack Obama. These cuts affect all agencies across the United States. The quarter million dollar figure is based on last year's 116 arrests, and agents say that could be a low figure.

Funeral Home owner dies while driving

Rick Kent, who owns a Marshall County funeral home, was killed this week while driving his business van. It appears he suffered a medical condition, likely a heart attack, and that caused him to crash into an 18-wheeler. A passenger said Kent slumped over the wheel while the van was moving near the intersection of US Highway 431 and Alabama Highway 79. When the van reached the intersection it veered across four lanes of traffic and in a Texaco parking lot where it struck another vehicle. Two suffered injuries, and investigators said Kent was likely dead before impact.

Albertville PD looking for tech upgrade

The Albertville police department is getting a big technology upgrade. That would be 27 new laptops and new 911 dispatch equipment. The Albertville City Council this week authorized the police department to seek bids this week. The technology upgrades will be paid for by a $1.4 million grant the city received for the police department and municipal court. The city also wants bids for a new audio/video surveillance system at the city jail.

Byrne takes on new rols

Former candidate for Governor Bradley Byrne is taking on a new role. He and others have created a nonprofit organization called Reform Alabama that will focus on several issues, including requiring more disclosure of candidates' campaign contributions, bringing more openness to the Legislature's budget-writing process, and legalizing charter schools. In the governor's race, Byrne was criticized in campaign ads run by a new group called the Conservative Coalition for Alabama. That group was under federal law not state, and didn't have to disclose until after the runoff that it was funded by the Alabama Education Association. Byrne wants reporting before elections.

Local agencies looking for bath salt violaters

After Attorney General Luther Strange moved to ban bath salts this week, the local crackdowns have begun. Agents with the Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit and area law enforcement officers have already seized the drug from local stores shelves. These bath salts aren't the type sold in bath and body stores, but instead refer to the chemicals they contain. Rusty Payne with the Drug Enforcement Agency says its a nationwide problem.






Area convenience stores and other retail stores were given a warning by Etowah County District Attorney Jimmie Harp to immediately stop selling bath salts. There were no arrests or citations issued on the day of the ban (Tuesday), but now those caught will face felony charges.

Infant dies in fire

Police and fire officials are investigating a fire yesterday at 507 Jones St. in Attalla. The body of a 4-week-old infant was found inside the house after the fire was brought under control, Etowah County Coroner Michael Gladden said.

Sardis teen killed

A Sardis teenager died in a three-vehicle accident early yesterday on Sardis Drive, according to Etowah County Coroner Michael Gladden. Investigators said 19-year old Caleb David Jamil Thomas might have been blinded by the sun and his car clipped a yellow Hummer that was stopped and waiting to turn left. The impact caused Thomas' car to flip onto its side and into oncoming traffic, and it was struck in the roof by a late-model Cadillac.

Gas prices on a steady climb

Gas prices continue to climb. Jessica Brady with Triple A says it's likely to continue into the summer.






Unrest in other parts of the world takes some of the blame, but Brady says that can be an overreaction.






Gas prices in Albertville in the past 24 hours have hovered right around the $3 mark.

Gadsden students recovering

Four Gadsden City High School students were in a car accident yesterday, but it appears they sustained no major injuries. Three female students and one male were taken to a Jacksonville area hospital for treatment. The Gadsden City Titans basketball teams played Tuesday morning in the Class 6A Northeast Regional semifinals at Jacksonville State University.

Domestic Violence Coalition helps teens

February is National Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month and the Marshall County Coalition Against Domestic Violence is bringing the message and awareness to teens in several schools in Marshall, DeKalb and Cherokee counties. According to the coalition, one in three adolescents in the U.S. will be a victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse from a dating partner. Two-thirds never tell anyone. Clubs, church groups, and school classes can bring the coalition in for a session. We're posted the number on our website for you.


256-891-9864.

Newton preparing for the NFL draft

Auburn quarterback Cam Newton plans to enter the NFL draft, so he'll take part in the NFL combine workouts this week in Indianapolis. Before he accepted the Davey O'Brien award last night that honors the nation's top quarterback, Newton said he doesn't have anything to hide and will answer any questions the media might have for him about pay for play allegations that haunted him last season. He's projected to be one of the top 10 picks in this year's NFL draft.

Georgia man arrested in DeKalb County

DeKalb County sheriff's investigators have arrested a man for being in possession of items used to manufacture methamphetamine. 53- year old William Allen Crane has a history of meth charges, according to the sheriff's office. He was served a search warrant at a camper located in the Higdon area off of County Road 962, where drug agents also found an undisclosed methamphetamine, pills and drug paraphernalia. Crane was also wanted out of his home state of Georgia for violating his probation in another meth case. DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris says he'll be exradicted back to Georgia.

Senators to focus on job creation

With job creation on the minds of many, two senators have been tapped to focus on that. Lt. Governor Kay Ivey announced the appointments of Senators Clay Scofield and Shadrack McGill to the Workforce Investment Board. The focus of the Workforce Investment Boardis on economic development and providing jobs for the the state. Scofield is still a member of the Arab Chamber of Commerce.

Local men arrested on drug charges

Christopher David Allen of Albertville, and William Francis Adams of Arab, were arrested on possession of drug paraphernalia charges after Albertville Narcotics Unit agents executed a search warrant at Allen’s home last week. A $24,000 John Deere skid steer and trailer that had been reported as stolen earlier this year was discovered in the search. Agents also recovered several items believed to be stolen during a recent string of thefts. Since the investigation is ongoing, additional charges may be filed.

Tide fans helping Auburn after Toomer's tree poisoning

Auburn fans are busy raising funds to repair or replace trees at Toomer's corner. And Alabama fans are chipping in. The new group Tide for Toomers has raised around $10,000 so far and has had tens of thousands of hits on their Facebook page. Organizer Clay Loftin spoke with WAFF.






62-year old Harvey Updyke has been arrested on charges related to applying a lethal dose of herbicide to the 130 year old trees. He has been charged with criminal mischief, and has been ordered to stay away from Auburn University. Updyke's court-appointed attorney has requested to be removed because of his connections to Auburn.

Hearings on incentive packages set for Monday night

The city of Albertville will hold three public hearings tonight, beginning at 5 p.m. at City Hall. One centers around The Randall Group, a developer looking to bring a retailer to Albertville. The company would employ a total of 10-15 workers, with six of them being full-time positions, eight part-time positions and one salaried position for the first year and then they expect to expand after that.
The other incentive package discussed at a hearing is the Albertville Investment Partners, LLC, which is looking to build an American Family Entertainment Center in Albertville. Public input will also be welcome over the alcohol license request for Sebastian’s, which is expected to open under new ownership.

Bingo machines being removed

Bingo machines are on their way out this week. International Gaming Technology, Bally Technologies and Multimedia Games will remove all of their machines and equipment from VictoryLand, Country Crossing and the White Hall Entertainment Center. Attorney General Luther Strange says he has met with all sides to discuss the state's legal position regarding electronic bingo. The machines are slot machines that are illegal in Alabama. He offered the casinos an opportunity to have their day in court through a forfeiture action and sent letters to the gaming machine manufacturers giving them a window of opportunity to remove their machines from the state. They'll be taking the machines away between now and the next 60 days. Strange hopes this puts an end to the electronic bingo controversy.

Man arrested after Marshall county assault

50-year old Kenneth Lamar Jones has been charged with assault after he allegedly struck another man with a vehicle in the Asbury area Thursday night, according to a release from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office. He has been charged with first-degree assault. The injured man was not identified, but was flown by helicopter to a hospital.

Sessions comments on effects of stimulus package

Alabama's U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, commented on the second anniversary of the enactment of President Obama’s stimulus package. Sessions made his remarks at a hearing with the Treasury Secretary, saying the nearly $1 trillion package that was intended to fuel the economy still has us lagging behind.






Sessions said the debt still stifles job growth today and threatens future prosperity.

Toomer's tree poisoned, the latest

Many are outraged about the poisoning of Toomers tree at Auburn University. This is the spot where thousands of Auburn fans gathered to celebrate the recent national championship, following tradition by putting toilet paper streamers all over the tree. This is Harvey Almom Updyke telling the world what he did on Paul Finebaum's syndicated sports talk show. This courtesy of AP Radio.






The call came on January 27th. Yesterday, Auburn police arrested 62-year old Updyke from Dadeville and charged him with criminal mischief for applying herbicide to oak at Toomer's corner. Despite the Auburn-Alabama rivalry, many Tide fans are reportedly sickened by the vandalism too.

Hearings Monday to weigh in on incentive packages

You'll have a chance to weigh in on incentive packages proposed for two businesses possibly looking to relocate in Albertville. The Randall Group is a developer looking to bring a retailer to Albertville that would employ 10-15 workers and has estimated gross sales around $1.8 milion. The second possibiliity...Albertville Investment Partners is looking to build the American Family Entertainment Center. The incentive package for the project includes a donation of 6 acres of land, and the city would build a road to create street access. The city council set the two public hearings for 5 p.m. on Feb. 21 at City Hall.

Albertville City Council addresses budget

The Albertville City Council is in a four hour retreat today, ahead of Monday night's city council meeting where they're expected to approve a budget for fiscal year 2011. Council President Diane McClendon says the council is working on a plan to address some issues with the city’s finances, and today's retreat will help iron out some of those. Monday's night's budget could include a hiring freeze and other cost cutting measures.

The Albertville City Council is in a four hour retreat today, ahead of Monday night's city council meeting where they're expected to approve a budget for fiscal year 2011. Council President Diane McClendon says the council is working on a plan to address some issues with the city’s finances, and today's retreat will help iron out some of those. Monday's night's budget could include a hiring freeze and other cost cutting measures.

Boy injured at hostpital

A 12-year-old boy who is a patient at Mountain View Hospital was seriously injured this week after an attack from two other patients, according to a police report. The boy suffered a broken jaw and had several cuts that required stitches. According to the report, the 12-year-old patient and the other patients, 15- and 16-year-old boys, were in a lounge between 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. when the attack happened. In July, another patient at the hospital, who was 10 years old at the time, was injured during an assault by a 16-year-old patient, according to a police report.

Sierra Club hosts Park Ranger

Little River Canyon Park Ranger Larry Beane will be the guest speaker tonight for the Coosa Valley Group of the Sierra Club. He will be talking about the archeology of North Alabama and the Little River Canyon area. He is a ranger involved with interpreting the natural resources in the area, including ancient life. It's free and open to the public tonight at 6:30 at the Joe M. Ford Center in Gadsden.

Statewide tornado drill set for Severe Weather Week

Next week has been proclaimed Severe Weather Awareness Week by Governor Robert Bentley. It's a week of education and awareness to help prevent injuries and deaths from tornadoes, damaging winds, flash floods, lightning, and hail. A statewide tornado drill will be conducted on Wednesday, February 23rd to test warning times and responses. Sirens will be activated for the drill. It will be postponed to Friday, February 25th if bad weather should happen. Alabama’s statewide drill is conducted jointly with a number of other southeastern states.

Etowah County Road Work to bid soon

About a year ago a portion of Steele Station Road was heavily damaged by extreme cold weather. Work should begin this summer on rebuilding and repaving a portion of the road. The Etowah County Commission has approved an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for the project that involves a 2.8-mile stretch of Steele Station Road from Pleasant Valley Road to the St. Clair County line. The project will be bid Feb. 25 by the state, and work will begin 75 to 90 days after that. It will take about two months to complete.

Etowah County commits to Goodyear

The Etowah County Commission has made a major commitment to Goodyear. The commission pledged $3 million to Goodyear over the next 10 years if the plant in Gadsden continues to employ at least 1,400. The money is part of a local commitment for the plant’s 2007 expansion, according to commission President Tim Choate, and not any potential future expansion. The county will pay Goodyear $150,000 annually in years one through five of the agreement, and $450,000 annually in years six through 10. The commission hopes that Goodyear will consider Gadsden for future capital investment.

Gambling corruption trial delayed

A judge has delayed Alabama's gambling corruption trial until June to give defense attorney's more time to prepare. The trial of the 10 defendants had been set for April 4 in Montgomery, but now it will begin June 6. .Attorneys said it could last six to eight weeks. Ten defendants were arrested Oct. 4 on charges accusing them of buying and selling votes on pro-gambling legislation.

Nominations open for Chamber awards

The Albertville Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for Citizen of the Year. Candidates must be a resident of Albertville or the immediate vicinity or have a business in Albertville, and they must have made a “significant contribution to the growth, prosperity and welfare of the area,” according to the Chamber. Nominations must be submitted by Feb. 18 and can be sent via e-mail to albertvillechamber@charter.net or delivered to the Chamber at 316 East Sand Mountain Drive. The award will be presented at the Chamber of Commerce Banquet on March 24.

Huntsville space center gets support from Aderholt

Congressman Robert Aderholt is chair of the Appropriations Committee, and has a hand in money that is dealt to various agencies. Aderholt released a statement this week on NASA's request for $1.8 billion for the next fiscal year, saying continued support for NASA is crucial. NASA has requested a heavy lift vehicle, which Aderholt supports, and he also says he believes the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville has the proven track record and experience needed to build a rocket that will take man beyond Earth's orbit. Only by continuing to support NASA's development of a heavy launch vehicle can we maintain our dominance in space and return to the Moon.

Meth problem grows

According to the Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit, the cost of an ounce of methamphetamine has more than doubled in five years. Commander Rob Savage says in 2005, an ounce cost $1,000,and now it's not uncommon to see it for $2,400 an ounce. Savage told the Gadsden Times, meth labs have grown smaller. There were more than 500 meth labs seized last year and 99 percent of those were one-pot labs, sometimes in a two-liter bottle. There 116 meth arrests last year in Etowah County alone, and although there has been a huge crackdown, the problem is still prevalent. An FBI task force is now involved in investigations in this area.

City Council awards bids

The Albertville City Council has awarded bids to get a couple of projects going. The council awarded a bid in the amount of $148,130 to Lower Bros. Co. Inc., a company who builds mostly tennis courts, tennis complexes, running tracks and multi purpose sport courts, for the construction of three tennis courts at the Albertville Recreation Center. The council also awarded a bid for a Styrofoam recycling unit to be used at the Albertville Boaz Recycling Center to Recycle Tech Corp. of Elmwood Park, N.J. in the amount of $26,500.

Aderholt responds to President's budget

The President's fiscal year 2012 budget was released yesterday.






Congressman Robert Aderholt released a statement criticizing the budget, saying he had hoped
the budget cycle would have started with something that does not rely on a supplemental bailout
and a hypothetical increase of fees on aviation passengers. He says the Administration is claiming a nearly $650 million offset from unauthorized aviation security fee collections that don't yet exist, and creates a a significant shortfall in FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund. Aderholt seeks to spend money on security that is absolutely necessary, and not a penny more he says.

Hearings coming up on incentive packages for businesses

You'll have a chance to weigh in on incentive packages proposed for two businesses possibly looking to relocate in Albertville. The Randall Group is a developer looking to bring a retailer to Albertville that would employ 10-15 workers and has estimated gross sales around $1.8 milion. The second possibiliity...Albertville Investment Partners is looking to build the American Family Entertainment Center. The incentive package for the project includes a donation of 6 acres of land, and the city would build a road to create street access. The city council set the two public hearings for 5 p.m. on Feb. 21 at City Hall.

Chamber seeking nominations now

The Albertville Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for Citizen of the Year. Candidates must be a resident of Albertville or the immediate vicinity or have a business in Albertville, and they must have made a “significant contribution to the growth, prosperity and welfare of the area,” according to the Chamber. Nominations must be submitted by Feb. 18 and can be sent via e-mail to albertvillechamber@charter.net or delivered to the Chamber at 316 East Sand Mountain Drive. The award will be presented at the Chamber of Commerce Banquet on March 24.

Push for high speed wireless by 2016

If you're in a rural area and you don't have the fastest internet service, changes could be coming. There's a big push happening to bring high speed wireless access to 98 percent of the county. Led by President Obama.






His administration wants high speed wireless in place by 2016.

Boaz band gears up for opportunity

The Boaz High School Band has a big opportunity coming up this spring. Director Alex Stephenson says the 60-member band has been chosen to participate in a parade through Universal Studios May 11-13. Each student has to come up with about $350 to cover the costs, so fundraising will follow. The band has Krispy Kreme and Coca-Cola fundraisers going on through next Thursday. And on the 14th and 17th anyone eating at Frizzle's can put their receipt in a special bucket at the registers. A band will given a portion of those receipt totals.

Aderholt involved with budget cuts to Homeland Security

Congressman Robert Aderholt, Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, has discussed funding issues with Homeland Security. Aderholt's subcommittee funds the department's budget items. The broader House Appropriations Committee Republicans released a budget proposal to cut $100 billion from President Obama's budget, so Homeland Security will not be immune to cuts. Aderholt says in addition to the fight against terrorism, another threat to national security is the ballooning federal deficit. Core responsibilities of protecting the homeland will remain funded, according to Aderholt, but non-security cuts are necessary.

Students working to improve railroad crossing

Marshall Christian Academy students want to improve a dangerous railroad crossing about a half mile from the school. A man was killed at the crossing last October when he was struck by a train, and investigators have said Joseph Carmley apparently didn't see or hear the train approach. Students and teachers cross the tracks on their way to and from school, and worshippers at Brashers Chapel Church cross there as well. So far students have written a letter to the editor. That appeared in the Reporter January 3rd. They also have plans to contact the railroad or legislators.

Anti-litter campaign gears up for spring

Marshall County People Against a Littered State, or PALS, has elected new officers. Among those, Micky Hunt as President. PALS is a nonprofit anti-litter agency looking to educate and change attitudes. The mayor's clean city forum will happen March 18th, with a big push in April. The Don't Drop it on Alabama campaign will last April 16 through 23. The group will send speakers out to events, and they're always taking new members. Just stop by their office inside the Marshall County Courthouse.

Amnesty month for bad check writers

February is amnesty month at the Marshall County DA's office. That's means bad check writers have a chance to pay up before the police show up with an arrest warrant. This month, bad check writers can contact the Worthless Check Unit at the Marshall County District Attorney's office and clear things up. If you pay the amount of the bad check in full, you'll avoid additional court fines, a court appearance, a criminal record, and a possible jail sentence. Just call the Marshall County DA's office. We've posted that number on our website for you.

256-505-0960

Whooping Crane apparently shot, tests pending

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating the death of a whooping crane reported by an Alabama conservation officer at Weiss Lake, in Cherokee County, midway between Birmingham, Atlant, and Chattanooga. Investigators believe the crane was shot, but a necropsy is being performed to be sure. Wildlife officials have asked for the support of the public, especially the fishing, hunting, and boating community who may have seen or heard about the killing on Weiss Lake to help prosecute whoever shot this crane. A $6,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to a conviction.

Pollard and Smith get new salaries

The Albertville City Council has approved wage hikes for the police chief and the new assistant chief. Neither Doug Pollard nor Jamie Smith had received a pay increase since they received their promotions in January. The council was not really considering a raise for the two, but trying to set a salary that would reflect they had been promoted. Pollard will get about a ten percent increase, to $53,000. Smith's new salary as the assistant chief will be around $47,000. The new salaries are retroactive to when the two took their new positions in early January.

Blood drive Wednesday and Thursday

Winter weather makes it especially tough on blood banks, with drives cancelled and regulars not making it in to donate. Officials at LifeSouth Community Blood Centers hope a two-day blood drive this week helps them ramp up supply. The Valentine’s Blood Drive happens today from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the physicians’ office building classroom at Marshall Medical Center South in Boaz. All donors get a box of Valentine’s candy and are entered to win one of five prizes.

Former volunteer football coach sentenced

A former Geraldine volunteer football coach was sentenced to prison on two rape charges earlier this week. 44-year old Christopher Todd Richey, of Grove Oak, entered a guilty plea Monday to second-degree rape and first-degree sexual abuse. In exchange he received a 20-year sentence on the rape charge and a 10-year sentence on the abuse charge. The sentences will run concurrently. The charge stemmed from a report made by a woman who said Richey had raped her in 1990 when she was 16 years old. In April, Richey was charged with two counts of first-degree rape after a 16-year-old female friend of Richey and his family confided in her mother an incident concerning Richey.

Pedestrian killed

A pedestrian was struck and killed Sunday on Highway 431 near Beulah Cut-off road. Albertville police say 37-year old Carlos Willacort was attempting to cross the highway when he was struck by a Fort Expedition heading south. The accident is still under investigation, but no charges are expected to be filed.

March trial for man claiming to be a vampire

The man who claimed to police he was a vampire, will stand before a grand jury in March. 20-year old Evan Francis Brown is charged with second-degree assault after he used a fork or a spoon to burn a “V” into a 17-year-old’s forehead in December. Detectives said there were what appeared to be Satanic symbols spray painted on the walls, along with the words “The Homeless Crew” and the letters “THC.” Those symbols and words also have been seen at other locations in the Gadsden area. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Monday, but that was waived. Proceedings will pick up again in March.

City council meets today

The Albertville city council cancelled it's meeting yesterday, and will meet today instead. The council decided to give its members the chance to attend the "Get Motivated" seminar in Birmingham. The city was able to purchase 100 tickets for the event for a total of $9.98, according to City Clerk and Treasurer Phyllis Webb.

Boaz couple arrested

A Boaz couple was arrested over the weekend in connection with the theft of another resident’s truck and credit cards. According to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, 21-year old Robert Michael Parr Jr. of Georgia, and 30-year old Kelly Mae Berger of Boaz have been charged with first-degree theft of property and fraudulent use of a credit card. The victim announced a $500 reward for information about the theft of the credit cards last Thursday. The two were arrested Friday and Saturday.

Peppers captured

Boaz resident Barney Adam Peppers has been captured. He eluded police on Sunday, but now sits in jail in Guntersville after a manhunt yesterday. Boaz police say he is wanted there on several charges as well.

Police looking for Peppers

Law enforcement across the Tennessee Valley are searching for Barney Peppers, saying he escaped from a standoff in Boaz on Sunday. Peppers is wanted for having felony warrants. He managed to make it out of a house while the Special Operations Team had a perimeter around it. It may have happened while the perimeter was being set up. Chief Davis says anyone with information about where Peppers might be is asked to call the Marshall County Sheriff's Office. The number is (256) 582-2034

Huff family credits school fire safety program with saving their lives

A school fire safety program is being credited with saving a Boaz family. As 6-year-old Colt Huff and his older brother, Austin, were getting ready for bed December 27th, Colt insisted he smelled something burning, but it was very faint. When his mother turned off the celing fan it went away, then came back. A few minutes later, a fire started in the attic with a big whoosh. The fire chief told mom Cindy Huff that had she not listened to her son, things could have been much worse. The house is a loss, but lives were saved.

An Albertville man sentenced to life

An Albertville man has been sentenced to life in prison, plus twenty years. Dennis Lee Smith was charged with three counts of capital murder in connection with the death of his father, Robert Westmoreland, back in March of 2009. Albertville firefighters and Beulah volunteer firefighters discovered Westmoreland's body in a recliner inside the home while they were trying to put out a fire that had engulfed the home. Smith has been held in the Marshall County Jail without bond since March 31, 2009. He pleaded guilty to murder and arson charges last week.

Traffic delays possible this week

You may run into some traffic problems this week. The northbound lane of Interstate 59 is scheduled to be closed for repairs to the shoulder, according to the Alabama Department of Transportation. Traffic will be detoured in Attalla, at the 183 exit, to U.S. Highway 11 to Alabama Highway 68 in Collinsville. The repairs should start tomorrow, weather permitting, and they will take two or three days. Crews have done as much as they can without closing a lane, but they'll have to close it to finish the job. The interstate will close at 8 a.m. and is expected to reopen about 5 p.m. each day until the repairs are complete.

Anti-litter group has events coming up

Marshall County People Against a Littered State, or PALS, has elected new officers. Among those, Micky Hunt as President. PALS is a nonprofit anti-litter agency looking to educate and change attitudes. The mayor's clean city forum will happen March 18th, with a big push in April. The Don't Drop it on Alabama campaign will last April 16 through 23. The group will send speakers out to events, and they're always taking new members. Just stop by their office inside the Marshall County Courthouse.

Boaz man recovers after accident

A Boaz man is still recovering from major injuries after a two-car head-on wreck Monday afternoon in Albertville. According to Albertville Assistant Police Chief Maj. Jamie Smith, Cole Powell of Boaz, crossed the center line in his 2000 Nissan Maxima, striking a 1997 Ford Explorer head-on. Two others were treated and released, including a 4-year old child. Powell's condition has improved this week, and is listed in good condition. The accident is still under investigation.

Now is the time to apply for nursing program

Applications for the registered nursing program at Snead State Community College will be available from Feb. 7 to Feb. 11. Snead State has made more spots available for the RN program, and they say demand for registered nurses is great. The deadline to apply is April 2nd.

Grant money goes to a local fire department

Some good news for a local fire department. Congressman Robert Aderholt has announced that the New Union Volunteer Fire Department, in Boaz, has been awarded $56,644 in federal grant funds. Aderholt says the fire grants are necessary to help departments provide fire and emergency safety with well-trained staff and up-to-date resources. The New Union VFD can use the money for training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to fire stations and facilities. The firefighters Grant Program awards one-year grant money directly to fire departments and EMS organizations.

Toddler wanders into road, Grandfather charged

An Albertville toddler was found playing in the middle of the road on First street earlier this week. If it hadn't been for passerby Gaye Rains, things could have turned out much worse.






Rains is a co-owner at Bee Gees Restaurant, and took the boy there, then called police.






Police found the child's grandfather, Salvador Guitierrez asleep at the mobile home park off of first street. He has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

Bad check writers have a chance to clear up issues

Bad check writers...now is your chance to clear the record. The Marshall County District Attorney's office has declared February as Amnesty Month. Anyone who has bad check cases pending with the Marshall County District Attorney’s Office Worthless Check Unit, can take advantage. Warrants will be cleared, which will help avoid the embarassment of being arrested in front of family, friends, or co-workers. And the case can be resolved without additional fines, a court appearance, a criminal record, or a possible jail sentence. The number you need to call is (256) 505-0960 to get the issue resolved.

Gadsden man killed after argument

A Gadsden man was shot and killed Monday night following an argument, apparently over money, according to a release from the Gadsden Police Department. 30-year old Ian Brandon Taylor was shot in the face about 7 p.m. Monday at 1500 Tuscaloosa Ave. Taylor was treated on the scene by Gadsden Fire medics and transported to Gadsden Regional Medical Center, but later died from his injuries. The suspect fled the scene, but later was captured and placed in the Etowah County Jail. Gadsden police have not yet released the suspect’s name. The Gadsden Times says case remains under investigation.

Etowah County Industrial Park in the planning stages

The Etowah County Commission is continuing with plans for an industrial park. The access road was addressed this week. The firm designing the road into the Little Canoe Creek Industrial Park from U.S. Highway 11 said the road will cost between $1.2 million and $1.5 million, depending if its three or four lanes. It's a fact finding mission now, with the park and the road just in the planning stages. The money is not there yet and much needs to be worked out before final decisions can be made.

Boaz school board faces a lawsuit

A Boaz Elementary School kindergarten teacher and her husband are suing the Boaz City Board of Education and former superintendent Leland Dishman. Lisa and Donnie Tarvin filed the lawsuit Jan. 5 in Marshall County Circuit Court, for slander and four other charges. In the suit, the couple alleges Dishman struck Lisa Tarvin with a wooden paddle on or about Dec. 18, 2009. She claims Dishman’s actions were done maliciously or willfully, and that there have been severe emotional consequences. A court date has yet to be determined, and the Boaz school board has not commented.

Smith returns to TV

Brooke Smith, originally from Albertville, has joined CBS 42 as a co-host on the show "Wake Up Alabama." Smith became a reality-show star when she finished as a runner-up during the 2002 season of "The Bachelor." The next year, she joined NBC 13 in Birmingham as a morning traffic reporter. Today was her first day at CBS42.

GPS raising rates?

Did you know that using GPS could make your home insurance rates go up? Some in Marshall County say that's the case. The Insurance Service Organization is using GPS to better track where people live, and then rates are assigned based on which fire district you live in. Arab fire chief Ricky Phillips talked to WAFF about rates.






Once the residence is tracked by GPS, a house could prove to be in a different fire district.






The Insurance Service Organization, or ISO, has also updated Jackson County.

Students raising awareness over railroad problem

Marshall Christian Academy students want to improve a dangerous railroad crossing about a half mile from the school. A man was killed at the crossing last October when he was struck by a train, and investigators have said Joseph Carmley apparently didn't see or hear the train approach. Students and teachers cross the tracks on their way to and from school, and worshippers at Brashers Chapel Church cross there as well. So far students have written a letter to the editor. That appeared in the Reporter January 3rd. They also have plans to contact the railroad or legislators.

Alabama Attorney General praises health care ruling

A federal judge in Pensacola ruled yesterday that President Obama's healthcare law is unconstitutional. Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange praised the ruling, and says the state was a plaintiff in the case, but owes gratitude to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi who led the charge.






26 states had sued to block the healthcare package, and US District Judge Roger Vinson accepted their argument without a trial. It's likely the case will end up in the US Supreme Court.

Snead kickoffs for student success, happening soon

Snead State Community College is kicking off two big initiatives next week. The Student Success and Career Center and the College Completion campaign. Both focus on the success of students, and will have their initiation next Wednesday, Feb. 9th at 10:30am in the McCain Student Success Center. That's 102 Elder Street in Boaz.

Assault investigated at The Learning Center

An Etowah County teacher was assaulted last week by a 17-year-old student. Rainbow City police were called to the Learning Center, which is a division of special education for the Etowah County Board of Education. It's near the intersection of Alabama Highway 77 and Rainbow Drive in Rainbow City. According to police, the 17-year-old special education student assaulted a female teacher in the greenhouse at the school, and she was taken to the hospital for treatment. The boy was released to his parents. Etowah County school officials are investigating.

Boaz storefronts to get an upgrade

The Boaz mayor said the city is forming a plan designed to reimburse building owners whose storefronts were affected by last year’s downtown revitalization project. A resolution would pay for 20 percent of the improvements to the cost and repair of the storefront. The city is looking at reimbursing building owners up to $2,000, according to the mayor. But the current plan is in the draft stage and subject to change.

Avery to share his story tonight

Robert Avery made the trek to Washington DC when he was 15 years old, to march on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. He'll show a documentary about his journey today and will stick around the answer questions from the audience. As you may know, Avery, serves as the Gadsden City Council representative for District 3. He'll share his story at 5:30 p.m. today in the Lena Martin Room of the Gadsden Public Library.