Mayors say curfews are in effect

Boaz Mayor Tim Walker and Albertville Mayor Lindsey Lyons urge motorists to take extra precautions when traveling. Most roads are free of debris now, but there are places without traffic lights. Those should be treated as a four way stop. Boaz and Albertville both have 10 p.m. curfews until power is restored. The only exceptions are for those commuting to and from work, emergency situations and residents checking on elderly loved ones.

Area schools closed Friday

Marshall and Dekalb County schools, Albertville City Schools, and Arab are all closed today. The districts have already used up the allotted weather days and then some, and will have to try to find a way to make it up before the end of the year. Snead State Community College is also closed today.

Dekalb County reports 36 deaths, 5 in Marshall County

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency says Tuscaloosa and DeKalb counties lead the state in fatalities from the storms. Each reports 36 deaths. Marshall county reports 5 deaths and Madison reports seven. EMA reports that more than 1,700 people have been injured. An EMA spokeswoman says the number of dead and injured is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.

Power slowly being restored after storms

Alabama Power Co. says 413,000 customers were without power at the peak of the storm damage and that's more than the blizzard of 1993, which had been the previous high mark. Thousands are still without power, but that number is being reduced as crews work around the clock to restore it to all in the state.

State lawmakers to return to districts after storm

The Alabama House will adjourn early today so lawmakers can go home and assess the damage in their districts. Speaker Mike Hubbardsaid last night lawmakers were needed more in their districts than in Montgomery. Lawmakers conducted necessary business only early this morning after establishing a quorum, and now they won't return until Tuesday at 1pm.

Tuscaloosa sees incredible damage

Albertville Assistant Police Chief Major Jamie Smith told the Reporter Albertville was lucky in yesterday's storms, for the most part. Roads need cleaned up, but the area escaped major injuries. Boaz Police Chief Terry Davis said minimal damage was done to the city. Tuscaloosa is another story, with Fox News reporter Dennis Washington saying its been rough.






The University of Alabama was affected with some damage and power outages, but the brunt of the storm took out 15th street, and flattened hundreds of businesses along that path. Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has mobilized approximately 1,400 Alabama National Guardsmen to provide emergency assistance to the Alabama counties impacted by the severe weather outbreak, meaning troops will help with search and rescue, debris removal and provide security assistance to local police.

Summer jobs program discussed in Gadsden

Gadsden City Council is working on a summer jobs program. The details haven't been completely ironed out, but a six week program could bring about 32 hours a week to students living in Gadsden. Most jobs would pay around $7.50 per hour.

Alabama budget closer to finished

The Alabama House has approved a General Fund budget, and that has gone back to the Senate for approval. The $1.8 billion spending plan is bare bones according to analysts, and cuts funding for most state agencies and eliminates state money for many tourist attractions. The spending plan for state agencies including Medicaid, state troopers and prisons has already been approved by the Senate. But now senators must review a few changes made in a House committee. The Senate can either approve the changes or send the budget to a conference committee.

School recognized for reading program

Big Spring Lake has been recognized as the 2011 recipient of the International Reading Association’s Exemplary Reading Award. The school uses what's called body-coda blending in reading, which is an innovative way of teaching children to blend consonants and vowels. School administrators credit body-coda blending with helping to close learning gaps because children learn to read faster.

Chance to drop off unused meds Saturday

If you have unused prescription drugs, you have the chance to drop those off Saturday and be part of the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. The Drug Enforcement Agency's website lists several sites in Alabama where you can take unused, unwanted and expired medications, and it's free and anonymous. One of those sites is the Douglas Police Department Parking lot on AL Highway 168.

Boaz students can attend tech school

Students wanting more hands-on education are happy about a decision by the Boaz City School Board. A one-year contract with the Marshall County School System has been approved, that will allow an unlimited number of students to take part in classes held at the Tech School. The contract will go into effect in July.

Man stabbed, police search for suspect

Albertville police are still looking for an armed robbery suspect. A man was stabbed in the abdomen Friday night after refusing to give up his wallet. The incident happened at the Malibu Car Wash on Alabama 75. The victim was able to drive himself to Marshall Medical Center South and the hospital called police. The suspect is described as a 6-foot tall white male with blonde hair and a thin build. He has a tattoo on his left forearm. Anyone with information is urged to call police.

256-891-8274.

Newton projected number one in the NFL Draft

Despite the fact that NFL players and owners are still trying to iron out thier differences, the NFL draft will go on as scheduled this weekend. Many sources are projecting Auburn quarterback Cam Newton to be drafted number one overall by the Carolina Panthers. This is the second year the start of the draft happens on a weeknight. Round One starts Thursday night, with later rounds Friday and Saturday. Twenty five potential picks will attend the draft. The start of the NFL season remains in doubt with the contract dispute between players and owners.

Etowah County rabies case confirmed

If an animal is aggressive it can be a sign the animal has rabies, and that was the suspicion when a raccoon fought with two dogs April 19th in the Coats Bend area. The tests did come back positive, making this the first confirmed case of rabies this year in Etowah County. The dogs have been quarantined for rabies observation. Public health officials urge owners to have pets vaccinated, and warn not to approach animals acting strangely. Rabies is fatal unless preventative treatement is given soon after the bite. Rabies is transmitted through saliva.

Marshall County Schools could see changes

Changes may come to four Marshall County schools. Superintendent Tim Nabors led discussion last week on proprosals to split Asbury School into two separate schools housed under one roof and the move of half the students currently attending Claysville Elementary School to nearby DAR School and the Alternative School to Claysville Elementary from the Marshall Technical School. It's expected the issue will come up for a vote during tomorrow's regular board meeting.

Snead State to remain on probation

An official appeal filed by Snead State Community College in March to the NJ-CAA has been denied. The men’s and women’s basketball programs have been placed on probation, and the appeal asked for that to be revoked. The ruling disqualified the teams from postseason play and required the forfeiture of their wins for the current season. The probation extends through the 2011-2012 season. Snead State didn't properly certify its team roster, and it's in NJ-CAA rules that disciplinary action can result. Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley said in a release there are now policies in place to prevent this from happening again, and they've revised recruiting policies.

Local Senator wants sexual consent age raised

Sen. Phil Williams of Rainbow City wants to change Alabama’s rape law. Williams has introduced a bill that raises the age of consent from 16 to 17. The law now states someone 16 years old or older can engage in sex acts without it being a crime. Sheriff Todd Entrekin said even though a change in the law puts a bigger case load on investigators, it would be an important change. The proposed legislation also would change the age of victims for sex abuse and sodomy charges.

School drug search turns up marijuana

The Dekalb County Sheriff's office conducted a random sweep of Crossville High School yesterday, and a canine search of the school and parking lot turned up drugs in a vehicle. 18-year old Derek Paul-Riley Mince of Rainsville was arrested and charged with marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphenalia. The dogs also found marijuana inside the vehicle of a 17-year old juvenile. The Dekalb County Sheriff's office plans continued random checks, as requested by Superintendent Charles Warren and the school board.

New rape crisis center opens

The new rape crisis center in Arab just opened yesterday. Debbie McWhorter is the new Marshall County rape response advocate to help women who have been victims of rape. She's now looking for volunteers to help her run the office. The center gives sexual abuse victims a safe place to get counseling and support. The new building was donated by the city of Arab.

Fraud targeted in gas prices

At yesterday's meeting in Reno, President Obama said a task force has been created to investigate high gas prices, to see if fraud or manipulation in oil markets is behind the spike. This includes the role of traders and speculators. Despite turmoil in the Middle East, there has been no significant interruption in oil production and supplies remain abundant. Most gas stations in Albertville are selling it near $3.70.

City pool to be repaired

The Albertville City Pool is getting a facelift. Local vendor, Leisure World Pools was awarded a $30,000 contract to put new coping around the edge of the pool and replace 35-year old skimmer baskets. One of the baskets currently has a leak and that leaks 3-4 inches of water per day. They'll start repairs next week and should be finished by the end of May. The pool is scheduled to open the first week of June.

Tip leads to drug arrest

A business owner in Douglas called authorities after a woman purchased ingredients for methamphetamine. He was able to give police a description of the woman's vehicle, and police were able to track it down and search with permission. 31-year old Melissa Jones of Horton posted bail at the Marshall County jail and was released. Investigators are pleased with the relationship they have with the business community and thank everyone for the tips.

Albertville schools participate in incentives package for AFEC

The Board of Education in Albertville has approved an agreement that will forfeit part of its potential sales tax revenue, in order to add to the incentive package for the American Family Entertainment Center. Officials have the big picture in mind, saying the revenue is tough to give up when education is under a crunch right now, but ultimately bringing the Family Entertainment Center to Albertville would increase sales tax revenue from other businesses that could locate near the center. The incentive will last for ten years.

Local Lawmakers take a pay cut

State legislators representing Marshall County are taking pay cuts. Sen. Clay Scofield, Rep. Kerry Rich, and Rep. Wes Long are taking a 15 percent pay cut to match the 15 percent proration in teh 2011 general fund. Half of the money cut will be returned to the general fund and the other half will be deposited into a "Teachers in Need" fund that will distribute the money among teachers across the state in August. All three also refused a 1.5 percent cost of living pay increase.

Schools could get tax revenues for teachers

A bill aimed at flexibility in spending could save teacher's jobs, according to sponsor Rep. Blaine Galliher, of Rainbow City. Beer and wine tax revenues currently are earmarked for repair and maintenance costs in schools. The bill would allow that money to go toward teachers. Etowah County Superintendent Alan Cosby has said he would like to use $250,000 to $300,000 of beer and wine tax funds to help pay for teacher salaries. That would save five or six teachers' jobs that might not be salvagable otherwise.

Ten Commandments judge could seek presidency

Former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, known as the "Ten Commandments judge," is forming an exploratory committee for a possible presidential run. Moore is a conservative Christian who posted the Ten Commandments on a wall in his courtroom in Gadsden. He was later removed from office for refusing to move a large, granite monument of the Ten Commandments from the lobby of the state judicial building in Montgomery. Moore said he is considering a run for president because he is concerned about what he called the country's "moral, economic and constitutional crisis."

Lawmakers consider making age 6 mandatory for school

Lawmakers in Alabama are considering lowering the mandatory age for children to attend school. Currently the age is seven, and a new law would lower that to six. Republican Rep. John Merrill of Tuscaloosa says children who wait until the age of seven to attend school are often behind their classmates and have difficulty learning to read. Opponents said it should be up to parents to decide when their children are ready to begin school.

Free admission to National Parks this week

As part of the Presidentially proclaimed National Park Week which started last Friday, you can get in free at any national park. According to Bill Line, National Park spokesman, that fee waiver includes entrance fees, commercial tour fees and transportation entrance fees.






Alabama has 7 national parks plus a host of natural and historic landmarks. Over 780 thousand visited last year, and it's about an $18 million boost in tourism dollars every year.

Woman dies, man arrested

A 19-year old woman was seriously injured Saturday afternoon, and died Sunday at UAB hospital. A preliminary autopsy shows Amber Davenport died of blunt force trauma to the head. 21-year old Pharrish Levon Whiteside Jr. of Gadsden has been arrested and charged with murder. Investigators say Davenport and Whiteside had an on-again off-again relationship and a small child together.

Spring Cleanup Day set for Saturday

The spring cleanup day in Albertville is coming up Saturday. About 125 volunteers have signed up so far, for the event called "Don't Drop it on Alabama." Volunteers are still needed, and they'll all get gloves, garbage bags, and t-shirts to pick up litter. It will kick off Mayor Lindsey Lyons' Pride in Property campaign in Albertville, where everyone will be encouraged to clean up and landscape in their own neighborhoods. Anyone interested in volunteering Saturday can meet at the Albertville High School football stadium parking lot Saturday at 9 a.m.

Outstanding traffic ticket? Time to pay up

If you haven't paid a traffic ticket, authorities are looking for you. Marshall County District Attorney Steve Marshall says more than $1 million in unpaid fines and tickets are outstanding in the county and he has given offenders to the end of May to pay up. Letters have been sent and warnings are out. The DA says anyone refusing to acknowledge the offense will see enforcement that could include jail time. Some of the outstanding tickets are old, even dating back to 1988.

Heisman winners get bronze statues at Auburn

Auburn will honor Heisman Trophy winners Pat Sullivan (1971), Bo Jackson (1985) and Cam Newton (2010) with statues of their likeness to be placed on the entry plaza on the east side of Jordan-Hare Stadium. The bronze statues will be one and a half times life size and will weigh more than 1900 pounds. The unveiling will happen during the 2011-201 school year. Meanwhile, NFL draft experts are projecting Cam Newton will be a top pick, perhaps the number one overall pick to the Carolina Panthers. The draft happens this month, despite the ongoing NFL labor negotiations.

Snead State to renovate

The state has approved some big renovations at Snead State College. In fact, it's an $8 million project for the Administration building that school officials say students, employees, and alumni will be able to take a lot of pride in. Last June, the building was evacuated because of electrical and safety issues. The building was built in 1921 and is currently on the National Registry of Historic places. After the renovations, the size of the building will increase by about 3000 square feet, with nine new classrooms, plus the president's offices, library services, and more. Architects estimate completion of the project by the fall of 2012.

Courthouses stay open on Fridays

Despite cuts to the court system, Marshall County plans to keep its courthouse open to the public five days a week. A memo sent out Friday clarified that the chief justice authorized a shutdown, but didn't order it. So for now, Marshall County's presiding judge says they'll continue Monday through Friday service. And Judge Howard Hawk told WAFF they will continue to operate the Guntersville and Albertville courthouses because there are no duplication of services that could be cut.

Alabama addresses dropout rate

The state wants every student in Alabama to graduate, and they've kicked off a campaign to help do it. The dropout prevention awareness campaign works to identify students at risk of dropping out and offering them programs, services and one-on-one help to keep them in school. Several programs already have been implemented, including Credit Recovery, Academic Flexibility and the placement of graduation coaches in many of the state's high schools. To support the campaign, the U.S. Army is offering to all school systems a free online tutoring program called March 2 Success.

Still time to join suit against BP

The one year anniversary of the BP oil spill is next week, and Attorney General Luther Strange along with Governor Robert Bentley say any person or business in Alabama that experienced an economic loss from the oil spill may be able to file a form and join the trial that has been set for next February against Transocean, the owner of the Deepwater Horizon oil right that exploded. You would have to file the form by April 20th, the anniversary of the spill.

The Short Form is available by calling 1-800-831-8814 or visiting www.AlabamaOilSpill.info.

Burglaries hit Arab

Police are keeping a close eye on places that have the potential for car burglaries. Several have been reported recently from Arab to south Huntsville. Arab police have already arrested Deronta Dewayne Haygood and a 16 year old, but the burglaries continue. Two dozen have been reported within the last couple of months, and that investigation continues.

Maymester cancelled

Snead State Community College has cancelled Maymester. Maymester allowed students to complete an entire class in a short time period during May. Students attended class from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday-Friday for two weeks. School officials said very little enrollment led to this year's cancellation. As they've analyzed the school calendar they've decided to cancel Maymester in the upcoming years as well. Registration is going on now for summer classes and the first session begins May 31.

Snead State cancels Maymester

Snead State Community College has cancelled Maymester. Maymester allowed students to complete an entire class in a short time period during May. Students attended class from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday-Friday for two weeks. School officials said very little enrollment led to this year's cancellation. As they've analyzed the school calendar they've decided to cancel Maymester in the upcoming years as well. Registration is going on now for summer classes and the first session begins May 31.

Deadline approaching to join oil spill lawsuit

The one year anniversary of the BP oil spill is next week, and Attorney General Luther Strange along with Governor Robert Bentley say any person or business in Alabama that experienced an economic loss from the oil spill may be able to file a form and join the trial that has been set for next February against Transocean, the owner of the Deepwater Horizon oil right that exploded. You would have to file the form by April 20th, the anniversary of the spill.

The Short Form is available by calling 1-800-831-8814 or visiting www.AlabamaOilSpill.info.

Baoz students arrested

Two Boaz students were arrested Monday in the school parking lot, but neither has been identified. One was charged with marijuana possession. Both have been released to their parents. School officials became suspicious and called police. The school has declined comment, but the handbook says the students could be suspended.

Concert at Snead State CC this weekend

The Snead State Community College wind band will hold a spring concert this Sunday at 3pm. The band includes students, adults from the area, and top high school students. They'll play some classical selections and the Star Spangled Banner. The concert is free and open to the public, at the Bevill Center Concert Hall.

Higher cigarette tax draws support

Legislation to raise Alabama's cigarette tax by $1 per pack has drawn support from state Health Officer Don Williamson, Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb and several health organizations. The bill would raise the total tax to $1.42 per pack, which would be more than any of Alabama's neighboring states. Supporters say the bill would generate revenue for the state during tough economic times and discourage people from smoking. About 20 percent of adults in Alabama smoke, and supporters of the bill estimate the revenue from a new tax could be around $205 million annually.

High price for a drug arrest

Bond amounts are increasing it appears for those who go to jail on meth charges. Prosecutors say bond schedules are changed every so often by the Alabama Supreme Court and the high end range went from 60 thousand to one point five million for extreme cases. Marshall County District Attorney Mitch Floyd told WAFF it's difficult for drug offenders to get out of jail if the judge finds the facts are sufficient. 29-year-old Scotty Joe Wright and 30-year-old Kelly Michelle Pointer remain in the Marshall County Jail on a million and a half dollar bond. Guntersville police say this is the first instance for a manufacturing charge they've obtained such a high bond.

Gadsden robbery reported

A man says he was robbed early Tuesday at a Gadsen convenience store while he was putting air in his wife's tires. While he was kneeling down, someone approached him and pulled a knife and asked for his wallet. After a slight scuffle, the man suffered a cut on his finger and was treated at the hospital.

Art on the Lake this weekend

The 21st Century Club will be holding the 50th Annual Art on the Lake this Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 5 rain or shine. They'll have food vendors, fun kids rides, and a bake sale. Admission is two bucks and ages 12 and under get in free. All proceeds go to college scholarships for high school students. It's at the Guntersville Rec Center on Sunset Drive just off Hwy 69 by the lake.

Gas prices nearing $4 threshold

Gas prices average above $3.50 in 49 states now, and many states on the coasts especially, are hovering close to the $4 mark. Chris Lafakis of Moody's Analytics says that $4 mark is when people change their habits, not to mention the way the view the economy.






Gas prices are already 41 cents higher than they were in April 2008, when gas reached its peak of $4.11 in mid-July. Prices now in Albertville are nearing $3.70, still slightly below the national average.

Snead State having concert this Friday

Snead State Community College’s Annual Spring Concert will be held this Friday, April 15, at 7 p.m. at the Bevill Center Concert Hall. The concert will feature performances by Snead State’s College Street Singers, Chorus, Jazz Band, Guitar Ensemble, and music students. The concert is open to the public, and there is no admission charge.

Justice system having budget issues

Alabama's chief justice is ordering a reduction in the number of weeks for trials in courthouses statewide and is authorizing the presiding circuit judge at every courthouse to close court offices one day per week if necessary because of budget cuts. Defendants could sit in jail longer waiting for trial, not to mention civil suits and divorce cases may face a backlog and lengthy delays getting before a judge. Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb said the court system laid off 120 workers last year because of budget cuts, and will lay off another 150 this May. If the legislature increases Alabama's cigarette tax by $1 per pack, some layoffs could be avoided.

Albertville public safety gets a boost from $1.4 million grant

Albertville public safety officials are looking to speed up response time for police and fire calls. Albertville Police Department Communications Division Supervisor Scott Lacks said a $1.4 million grant secured through U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (would pay for the new equipment. The money goes for new software as well as new laptops for all marked patrol cars, fire trucks, and ambulances. Officers will have instant access to information and they will be able to complete reports in the field, instead of having to fill out paperwork at the office. This may not have been possible without the grant.

Snead event raises scholarship money

The Snead State Alumni Association earned more than $1200 at the third annual Dinner and A Show. The alumni association gave $100 to each group that participated in the show, which included Snead State’s Jazz Band and Theatre Program, the Boaz Intermediate School Honor Choir, the Boaz Middle School Show Choir and the Boaz High School Show Choir. Leftover money will go to a scholarship fund.

Gadsden State search narrows

Members of the presidential search committee at Gadsden State Community College have said they're looking for a person who can lead the college, use workforce development opportunities in the area and help the college and community prosper. The top five candidates are being interviewed this week. A final recommedation is expected to go to the state board of education April 28.

Missing man found

86-year old Herman Myrick from Grant was reported missing by family members in January, but he has been safely located in Mississippi. Marshall County Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Heath Thomas said Myrick has Alzheimer's. He was reportedly uninjured and is on his way back to Marshall County. The Sheriff’s Office has the capability to track Alzheimer’s patients with transmitters as part of the Project Lifesaver Program, but Myrick wasn't part of it.

ICE detainees to stay

Congressman Robert Aderholt issued a statement after Immigration and Customs Enforcement decided to stay at the Etowah County Detention Center. Aderholt said after discussions with leaders at ICE, they decided to stay because Etowah County runs a tight ship, and a cost effective operation. The decision came after several months of meetings between the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama congressional delegation and ICE. Since the detainees will stay in Etowah County, programs on the chopping block will not be cut, and at least 50 jobs will be saved.

Traffic ticket Roundup is on

If you have an unpaid traffic ticket in Marshall county, you may have received a notice in the mail it's time to pay up. Marshall County's District Attorney is sending letters saying if you don't do it, you could face jail time. Some of the tickets date back to 1988, according to the DA's office. The number of people on the unpaid list is in the thousands, and in a tight budget year the ticket roundup is a way to feed the state's general fund. The money raised in court costs goes to fund the court system, but fines go to the state's general fund. You've got thirty days to pay up or face an arrest warrant.

Girl drowns in neighbor's pool

The Marshall County Sheriff's department is investigating a drowning in Grant yesterday. Investigators were called to 5110 Simpson Point Road around 9:00 Thursday morning and found that a three-year-old girl had drowned in the backyard pool. Investigators said the girl walked from her home and drowned in the neighbor's pool. The pool had a fence around it. Investigators are not releasing the girl's name until the immediate family is notified.

City Council Notes

The Albertville City Council re-appointed Bobby Stewart this week to serve five more years on the Albertville Board of Education. The city is also granting employees four hours of vacation for volunteering to work during Don’t Drop It on Alabama Spring Clean Up Day.

Chamblee sees bond lowered

Kenneth Chamblee of Albertville has been charged with attempted murder, and this week a judge lowered his bond from $250,000 to $100,000. Chamblee is accused of beating Patty Westbrook in the head with a lawn mower blade on March 5th. Meanwhile, the judge denied lowering bond for Westbrook, who's in jail accused of robbing and shooting 74-year-old Pete Batey on the same day she was beaten.

Alabama lawmakers react to potential shutdown

A federal government shutdown is pending today. Yesterday, Congressman Robert Aderholt released a statement pushing for a one week Continuing Resolution to avert the shutdown. Aderholt says it's a necessary step in getting the fiscal house in order. Senator Jeff Sessions said in a press release, years from now people will look back at the spending fight as either a turning point or a lost opportunity to change direction. Stay tuned.

Hispanic activist faces theft charges

31-year old Aylene Amato Sepulveda is facing theft charges. She used to live in Albertville, now Huntsville, and has been outspoken about Hispanic rights. According to Albertville Assistant Police Chief Maj. Jamie Smith, Albertville attorney Michael Shabani filed the charges in July 2010, alleging Sepulveda stole more than $10,000 from his office while she worked for him as a legal assistant. Shabani says she was charging clients fees and pocketing half, and giving clients generic receipts. Sepulvada claims she's being set up because of her activism in the Hispanic community.

NASA cutting jobs in Huntsville

NASA is eliminating as many as 300 contractor jobs at its Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville amid budget concerns. These folks will be laid off by the end of May. The Huntsville spot is NASA's primary rocket propulsion center.

Boaz 2nd Saturday adds features

Boaz held their 2nd Saturday night on March 12, and organizers say they've added entertainment this time around. They'll have a live entertainment and the easter bunny this Saturday. The event is scheduled from 5 to 8pm Saturday on Main Street downtown. It's free family entertainment to promote business downtown. Organizers plan to close all of downtown Main Street for the event, including a portion of Alabama 168, and that will be from 3 to 10pm. Traffic will be detoured around the event via Alabama 205, Brown Street and Lackey Street.

Gadsden State athletic programs cut

Gadsden State Community College is getting ready to phase out four athletic programs because of funding constraints. Interim President Bill Blow said the school will cut its cross country, tennis, softball and baseball programs next year. The only programs left will be volleyball, and men's and women's basketball. Intramural sports will still be offered. The school will honor its scholarship commitments to current students.

Madison County road gets work

Highway 53 in Madison County is about to undergo major changes. A widening project will take about three years to complete and will cost around $14 million dollars. The State Department of Transportation is getting ready to widen the highway between Research Park Boulevard and Jeff Road. Once this project is finished, Commissioner Strong expects the state to continue to widen to the state line.

Gadsden students participate in Government Day

The Gadsden City council meeting was a bit different on Tuesday. It was youth government day, and several students from Gadsden City High School spent the day at city hall observing the government. During a mock council meeting, the agenda included penalties for saggy pants. The group also tabled plans for a new recreation center, and voted to build a new cosmic bowling center. Students also thoroughly discussed driver’s testing for people over age 65.

Immigration bill passes House

The Alabama House has passed a controversial immigration bill similar to the Arizona law. After six hours of debate, the bill passed by a 73-28 vote, largely along party lines. Some Democrats did join Republicans in approving the bill. The bill makes it a crime of trespassing if an immigrant in Alabama cannot prove he or she is in the country legally. Police officers would have the authority to ask for documentation and business owners would have to scrutinize new hires with e-verify. The bill now moves to the Senate were numerous amendments could be removed.

Hydock coming to Snead State CC

Dolores Hydock is scheduled to perform Thursday at Snead State Community College in Boaz. She'll present a funny yet and heartfelt story of an Alabama mountain community in the 1970s called "At Home Between Earth and Sky: Voices from Chandler Mountain." Performances will be Thursday with performances scheduled at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the Bevill Center. The program is free and open to the public thanks to a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Charges filed in sexting case

48 Year old Robert Lynn Phillips faces criminal charges after allegedly sending inappropriate material toa cell phone, otherwise known as sexting. Fort Payne detectives say around 3 a.m. on Friday Phillips was caught at the home of the victim. Police did not say why Phillips was at the victim's home. The case is still under investigation and more charges could be filed against Phillips

Main Street Festival looking for sponsors

Albertville's Main Street Music Festival doesn't happen until August, but they're looking for sponsors now. Sixteen sponsors are already on board, and a spokesperson says that allows the group to move forward with plans and provide an abundance of activities and entertainment. The two-day festival will include a movie night, Albertville Idol competition, an antique car show, a 5k run and entertainment on two stages.

mwhitten@cityofalbertville.com for more information.

Heed the warnings against email scams

Financial experts are warning consumers to steer clear of emails that may be phishing attempts. Massive numbers of email addresses were recently stolen from two companies, Epsilon and RSA Security, and this affected customer data bases for stores like Best Buy, Walgreens, and Kroger. Spoof emails could be coming, that might try to trick people into giving up personal and financial information. Emails from legitimate financial institutions and businesses will not ask for passwords, card numbers or other sensitive information. Anything that does, it's best to delete it, or report it to the department of banking.

Arson charges after mobile home fire

38-year old Tony Michael Raney has been arrested and charged with second degree arson, after allegedly setting a mobile home on fire in March. The fire came after Raney had a verbal dispute with a woman who owned the house on Oakes Road in Mountainboro. The Etowah County Arson Task Force conducted the investigation. Raney was booked into the Etowah County Detention Center and later released on $5,000 bond.

Albertville keeps aviation college

Albertville is keeping it's aviation college. School officials considered moving the college due to proration and low attendance, but the city is picking up a nearly 35-thousand dollar tab that includes rent and utilities. The college needs more students, so the economic development office is assisting the college with developing a comprehensive recruitment plan.

Man drowns in Gadsden

A 24-year old man drowned early yesterday morning in the Coosa River behind Chili's in Gadsden. The man was with friends when he jumped, or fell in, and he couldn't be rescued. The Etowah County sheriff’s office along, with Gadsden police and the Etowah County rescue squad were called out, but it was too late. The sheriff's office boat is equipped with side scan sonar and was able to locate the man’s body within a minute. The rescue squad used their equipment to bring the man’s body to the surface.

Etowah county burglars arrested

Several items taken during recent burglaries have been recovered, and two people have been arrested on several theft charges. 19-year old Jeffrey Maloy Evans and 20-year old Christopher Dee Anthony Davis were caught in a stolen truck, according to a news release from Etowah county Sheriff Todd Entrekin. Evans and Davis are accused of breaking in several vehicles and a house in Glencoe. They allegedly stolen cash, a hand gun, GPS and a backpack with several items inside. Evans and Davis were out of jail on bond at the time of the thefts after being arrested in January for several burglaries in the Coates Bend community. Both men are being held now on a $25,000 bond.

Astronaut coming to Boaz

Students in Boaz will get the chance to meet an astronaut. NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock is making the rounds at schools in Alabama, discussing his recent mission aboard the International Space Station. It's a tour sponsored by Troy University’s Wiregrass Math and Science Consortium, the Alabama Education Association and the Alabama Civil Air Patrol. The tour will start on Monday, April 11, in Boaz where Wheelock will meet with about 1,000 students involved in the Civil Air Patrol’s Aerospace Connections in Education Program.

Clean-up programs could suffer when ICE inmates leave

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees are scheduled to leave the Etowah County jail June 30, and one of the programs in danger of being cut if the 350 beds can't be refilled, is the Influence Program. That includes inmates who work during the Renew our Rivers campaign, which has cleaned up 416 tons of trash and debris in the last ten years. Keep Etowah Beautiful started the Influence Program in 1993. In addition to programs being in danger, 50 employees will be laid off. At last check, state lawmakers were still working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to keep the detainees.

Convicted felons must register

Convicted felons have to register by the end of this month. In a week's time, 115 came forward and registered with the Marshall County Sheriff's office. Each person is given a registration card that they have to carry at all times and be prepared to show law enforcement officers if asked. To register, drop by the sheriff's office on Blount Avenue in Guntersville.

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Waldrop turns down County Attorney job

The Marshall County Attorney job has been turned down by Byron Waldrop. He applied, and was selected to be the new county attorney last Monday. Last Wednesday he declined the job. According to a news release, Waldrop decided he couldn't continue to represent the Department of Human Resources and act as the county attorney, and give each job the attention it deserves. The county says several local attorney's have applied, and they'll go back to the drawing board. There is no timeline to select a new one.

Man sentenced for sex charge convictions

42-year old William C Hammond is the former Navy chaplain convicted in February on rape, sodomy and sex abuse charges. Hammond has been sentenced to 40 years in prison in Etowah County. A girl who is related to him testified he forced her into sexual acts when she was fifteen. A cousin later testified that he also raped her when she was 14.

Rich's abortion bill passes committee

Kerry Rich of Albertville is the sponosor of a controversial abortion bill facing Alabama State lawmakers. A House committee has approved the measure, that would ban elective abortions at 20 weeks of pregnancy. The bill now moves on to the full House. Rich says he's optimistic about passage.

State lawmakers approve bill for state agencies

The Alabama Legislature has approved a bill that Gov. Robert Bentley wanted passed before he made a 15 percent cut in the state General Fund budget. The Senate has given an extra $156 million to a handful of state agencies, mostly to Medicaid. Other agencies, including Public Health, Ethics Commission and state auditor will also get extra funding that will shield them from the full impact of the 15 percent cut. The state court system and agriculture department have already announced layoffs because of the planned cuts.

Boza teen arrested

A police officer reportedly fired a shot in self-defense Wednesday morning during a chase Wednesday morning. A Boaz teenager is the suspect in a burglary at 1st Super Store on US 431 in Sardis City. 18-year old Skylar Alexandar Edwards was taken to the Etowah County Detention Center on charges of reckless endangerment and criminal mischief for trying to run down an officer not once, but twice, according to police. There were several hundreds of dollars worth of liquor and alcohol and cigarettes and a small amount of change stolen, and it was all recovered.