Attalla to hold Clean-up day

The city of Attalla is having their cleanup day June 11 from 10 am to 2pm. The event will start at Attalla City Park off Alabama Highway 77. Everyone will pick up litter and bring it back to the park for disposal. They'll have prizes for the most litter collected, and first place will get $200.

City targets unkempt properties

If you've got tall grass and weeds in your yard, you could be getting a warning letter to take care of it. Just in April, Albertville City Council sent out 74 warnings, posted letters on 17 properties, and made 138 contacts. There were 58 compliances, according to city council. They'll be looking for yards out of compliance through the summer.

Albertville Police need additional funds to implement new tracking system

We've told you about the new software package that the Albertville Police Department hopes to use soon, that would allow them to track where patrol cars are and speed up response times in emergencies. They'll need outside help to fully utilize that package, which could cost more. The department needs help building the map that would make tracking possible. A grant covered the software and hardware, but it doesn't cover the consulting firm needed to produce the map. We'll know more in early June about the projected additional cost.

Boaz tables action on Doris Street

Boaz City Council members have tabled action on whether or not to vacate a portion of Doris Street, as requested by the Alabama State Board of Education on behalf of Snead State Community College. If the city vacates, Snead State assumes ownership and responsibility for the section between Mount Vernon Road and Usry Avenue. There was a mixture of support and opposition both from citizens who testified, and from council members themselves. They'll take up the issue again June 13.

Albertville native earns military honor

Albertville native Coty Martin has gained recogition from superiors in the National Guard. During a 12-month deployment to Iraq, Martin told the Reporter he built rank quickly from a private to a specialist and received numerous awards for his work, including Soldier of the Year for the 1200 Combat Support Sustainment Battalion in April. That's an award given out after a formal interview process called a board. During boards, soldiers go in front of a collection of high ranking military officials and answer a series of questions designed to test the soldier’s military knowledge. Winners of the boards are also decided upon by their conduct and physical training tests. Martin graduated from Albertville High School in 2007 and joined the Guard shortly after that.

Four apply for judgeship in Etowah County

Etowah County District Judge Wayne Owen is retiring, and four local attorneys have applied for the vacancy. Owen retired, effective Tuesday, after serving 28 years as district judge. His replacement now will be named by Gov. Robert Bentley, and then the race will be on the 2012 ballot. An appointment is expected to come in the next couple of weeks.

Students to receive free lunch this summer

Students across the area can get free meals this summer as part of a program sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture and the State Dept of Education. The meals are for any student up to the age of 18. Free meals start at Asbury High School June 6th, and at Douglas Middle school they start this Wednesday, June 1. The program in Albertville starts June 6th, hosted at the Albertville Elementary School cafeteria. Adults can eat with their children for a small fee. The lunch program in Boaz starts June 13th and runs through the end of July. Most of the programs will shut down over the 4th of July holiday period.

Boaz addressing its own city limits

Boaz has been conducting an audit of residents to see who is on city property and who is not. They started mailing letters to residents ten days ago, with an offer for eligible property owners to annex into the city limits. Recent annexation requests of residents in the areas of Watts Road and Double Bridges Road are partly responsible for sparking the audit, and Bethsaida Road has been highlighted since. Boaz mayoral secretary Sheila Sanders told the Reporter, residents there may very well be in the city limits, but the property tax hasn’t been going to the City of Boaz. It's all an effort to collect the right taxes in Boaz.

Stolen jet ski recovered

Perhaps you're spending the day on the water today. An Albertville man has been charged with theft of a Sea-Doo watercraft that was reported stolen last week, according to Boaz police. An officer stopped on a vehicle on Henderson Road that was towing a Sea-Doo, and when he checked the registration it came back to the victim. Danny Lang, Jr. of Albertville was charged with second degree theft.

Cherokee County inmate committed suicide

The man who died in a Cherokee County jail Saturday night has been identified as 36-year old Todd Cromer of Centre. Cromer apparently committed suicide in a holding cell at the jail, according to Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver. Shaver said Cromer was booked in at the jail about 3:30 p.m. on two theft charges — one felony and one misdemeanor. He was arrested after police in Leesburg responded to a call of a possible burglary and arrested Cromer after he was seen running from a residence. The Alabama Bureau of Investigation to handle the investigation since its customary to have an outside agency step in in cases like this.

Weekend accidents claim two lives

Two people died in separate accidents in Etowah County over the weekend. State troopers say 35-year-old Sharon Byers of Piedmont was killed in the crash along U.S Highway 278 near Hokes Bluff about 8:30 Saturday night. The driver of the car was identified as 15-year-old Addison Byers. The extent of her injuries wasn't clear. In another accident, 37-year-old Melanie Pannell Black of Altoona died in a single-vehicle crash near Boaz about 10:20 p.m. Saturday. The driver of the car, 28-year-old Anthony Jerome Fulmer of Altoona, and another passenger, 56-year-old Shakil Khan of Hoover, were injured.

Albertville High student drowns

An Albertville High School student is dead after a weekend accident. 17-year-old Bradlee Bryant was at Lake Guntersville with family and friends for a company picnic when Bryant and two other boys were playing in the water. When the other two guys swam back to shore, there was no sign of Bryant. A witness told police they saw the teenager yelling for help and that's when they dialed 911. His body was recovered about three hours later. Bryant was a junior at Albertville High school.

Lake Guntersville State Park getting back to normal after storms

Some good news at Lake Guntersville State Park. The Lodge, three boat ramps and a hiking trail are open to the public for the first time since the April 27 tornadoes. Crews worked for weeks to remove downed trees and clear the roads. Utilities were finally restored last week, and that allowed park officials to open things up to the public. The goal was June, but things moved more quickly than anticipated. The golf course, campground, and hiking trails are still closed. It's possible the golf course could be open by Memorial Day.

Enrollment open at Aviation Center

Summer classes at the Alabama Aviation Center begin May 31st. Registration is underway now, and the enrollment director says classes are filling up quickly. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. If you'd like to attend classes, you just need a high school diploma or GED and the desire to learn aviation. The average hourly pay for graduates is around $20 per hour.

State charges dropped against pediatrician

Charges have been dropped against a former Albertville pediatrician accused of raping a 15-year old patient. 66-year old Michael Roy Sharpe continues to serve a ten year sentence on related Federal charges, but the state charges were dropped after prosecutors discovered the 15-year old died in a car accident last October.

Etowah County likely to stay in 4th District

Redistricting will be the focus next week in Montgomery, as state lawmakers are expected to formally introduce legislation that would redraw congressional and school board district lines for the 2012 elections. A committee voted yesterday in favor of a plan that would keep Etowah County in th 4th Congressional District. A preliminary plan Wednesday would have sent Etowah County to the 3rd District.

Storms victims return the favor

Some in Alabama helped with Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts six years ago, and now some Katrina survivors are in Marshall County help with the tornado recovery effort. One man who usually goes shrimping during his two weeks off told WAFF he just likes to help, and he's been hauling sand bags and cutting down trees. Lifepoint Brindlee Mountain Church in Arab has been helping organize the effort.

Restaurant owner arrested in drug roundup

The Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit arrested the owner of a popular Gadsden restaurant this week. Kahn Posey, the owner of Mae Khan's Egg Roll Kitchen across from Emma Sansom Middle School, was arrested during a drug roundup yesterday. She was charged with two counts of distribution of a controlled substance. The drug involved is Lortab, the brand name for hydrocodone pain killers. Investigators learned customers would call and place an order for "three egg rolls and five specials" the order would contain three eggrolls and five Lortabs. Each pill was $10 each. Posey was one of 60 arrested Wednesday as part of the roundup.

Albertville police investigating fatal accident

An accident late Tuesday night at the intersection of Highway 431 and Edmondson Street in Albertville was fatal. Police think a vehicle ran a red light at the intersection, then hit and damaged a business before finally stopping in the woods behind it. One person was dead inside the vehicle when police arrived. The accident may have been caused by a medical condition, but police are still investigating.

Albertville police need help with burglary case

If you know anything about the burglary on May 12 at Marshall Farmers Cooperative, Albertville police could use your help. According to Albertville Assistant Police Chief Maj. Jamie Smith, a man broke into the business overnight and workers discovered it when they went to work around 7am. About $2,000 in damage was done to doors in the greenhouse area. Video surveillance captured a white male making off with about $3000 cash. We'll post the numbers to call with information.

Albertville police at 256-878-1212 or the detective division at 256-891-8274.

BancorpSouth closing an Albertville branch

Albertville is losing a bank branch. BancorpSouth has announced 23 closures, and the branch at 10-675 US 431 North in Albertville is on the list. It's about a half mile south of Lowes. The branch is expected to close by the end of August. The four employees who work there won't lose their jobs. They'll be moved to other offices in the Marshall County area. The other four branches in Marshall County - Albertville, Boaz, Guntersville and Arab - will remain open.

State offers webinar to help poultry growers

Alabama’s poultry producers were the hardest hit of the state’s farmers by the violent outbreak of tornadoes in late April, with more than 3.2 million chickens and destroyed more than 200 poultry houses. More than 500 additional poultry houses were damaged. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System, partnering with a number of other organizations, will host a webinar to update producers on all of the resources that are available to them on Friday, May 20 from 10 a.m. until noon. Farmers can ask questions about claims and filing, and agencies will outline how they can help.

Poultry producers and other farmers will be able to watch the webinar from more than 40 Extension sites. For more information on the nearest viewing site, contact your county Extension office. A complete listing can be found at http://www.aces.edu/counties/. To watch the webcast via computer, connect to this link using your web browser: http://www.aces.edu/go/155.

Gadsden creates summer jobs program

Gadsden will have a summer jobs program between June 24 and August 6, and they'll need 18 to 20 students for it. Students will work 30 hours a week, in several city departments that could include heating and air conditioning, fleet management/mechanics, public works, parks and recreation and the Gadsden Public Library. Students have to be 16 or older and a C average or better. Character and classroom effort will be considered. The program will cost Gadsden about $25,000 and is handled by the city budget. Next year they could expand the program with corporate sponsorships.

Arrests made after man held at gunpoint

Albertville police arrested four people and charged them with kidnapping after they allegedly assaulted a man on Friday and forced him into a SUV at gunpoint. 36-year old Patrick Dewayne Gilbert; 50-year old Johnny Ray Mefford; 58-year old Gary Wayne Gilbert; and 37-year old Cheryl Haynes were arrested after a fight with a 30-year old man from Boaz.

Notes from the Albertville City Council meeting

There will be no more burials in the pre-Civil War Cemetary on West Main Street after Albertville City Council moved to stop it. There are some unmarked graves there and the city council doesn't want them disturbed. Another note from this week's city council meeting, Mayor Lindsey Lyons said the city had more than 20 applicants for the building inspector position, which will become open with the retirement of Paul Thompson the end of the month. Starting salary will be between $36 and $45,000 depending on experience.

Geraldine man killed in accident

A man from Geraldine died in a weekend car accident. 24-year old Darin Scott Gilbert Jr. died after his vehicle left the roadway, US 431 near the Albertville city limits. Investigators don't know why he left the road, but they do know there were no other vehicles involved. Gilbert was thrown from the vehicle and died from massive head and internal trauma. A passerby noticed the accident about 6:15am Sunday, and it hasn't been determined what time the crash actually happened.

Accident involving a Sheriff's deputy investigated

A Marshall County Sheriff's Office deputy is recovering after a weekend accident near the Guntersville and Albertville city limits. According to police officials, a suspected drunk driver collided with a deputy's patrol car on Alabama 205, near Rabbitown Road. Since a Sheriff's office deputy was involved, Albertville and Guntersville police are handling the investigation.

Relay for Life rescheduled

After being cancelled last Friday due to the threat of severe weather, Relay for Life of Etowah County has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 12. Relay for Life will be at CrossPoint Community Church in Gadsden.

Hospital employee reports sexual assault

An employee at Mountainview Hospital has filed a report with Gadsden police, reporting she was sexually assaulted Sunday night by a patient while working at the hospital. The 32-year-old woman said she was groped by a 14-year-old patient, who allegedly pinned her against a bed and tried to rape her. Two similar incidents happened between 8:15 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. The patient is about 6 feet 2 inches, according to the police report.

Food assistance program begins Wednesday for storm victims

Application for food assistance for victims of the April 27 tornadoes will start tomorrow in Etowah County. The Etowah County Department of Human Resources has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service to operate the program, designed to provide food benefits to people who might not ordinarily qualify for the food assistance program.
To qualify for the benefits, applicants must be in Etowah county and have disaster damage to their homes, loss of food from power outage, expenses related to protecting their homes or lost income as a result of the disaster. They also must meet income limits. The center for applications will be set at First Baptist Church of Gadsden, 235 S. Fifth St., from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Ohio woman arrested for stabbing Guntersville teen

Guntersville police have arrested 24-year-old Aimee Randolph of Akron, Ohio, for the stabbing of a 17-year old. Police said Randolph was getting ready to head back to Ohio when she went to say goodbye to a relative on Pond Road. Police said she got into an argument there and a 17-year-old was stabbed in the leg. Police charged Randolph with second degree assault

The Sheriff's office among those dealing with budget cuts

Budget cuts proposed by Marshall County Commissioners last week break down this way: $147,597 from the sheriff's office; $50,686 from the jail; and $13,595 from the EMA budgets. An additional $29,230 will be cut from the probate office. The cuts will also help offset an estimated $116,400 spent thus far in tornado relief and cleanup costs. One of the immediate changes you may notice, the sheriff's office will remove school resource officers from all Marshall County schools effective today. Those officers will be reassigned to the patrol division. Assistant Marshall County Schools Superintendent Richard Ferguson told the Reporter the loss will be felt immediately. The resource officers have been part of schools for the past ten years.

Weekend traffic accidents turn serious

A Sunday morning traffic accident turned out to be fatal on Highway 431 close the the Albertville/Guntersville city limits. Albertville police and the Marshall County coroner's officer are investigating, and more details will be released as the investigation unfolds. Witnesses say the vehcle rolled over several times and one person inside was killed.

A Talladega woman was airlifted to Regional Medical Center in Anniston Friday after a collision between a 1982 Ford Grenada and a 1986 Kenworth tractor trailer. According to Alabama State Troopers, the driver of the truck, Joel Jordan of Albertville, thought the driver of the car was turning right and attempted to pass her on Alabama 77 South, just inside the Clay County line. But 53-year old Alla Taylor turned left instead. The truck was carrying scrap metal for Lay’s Transportation in Guntersville, and also spilled oil and diesel fuel onto the roadway.

Contractors see prices rise for materials

High gas prices and an economy running on less than all 8-cylinders, is impacting home repairs. Costs for materials are on the rise, and that's causing a big problem for contractors. The cost of vinyl siding and windows is on the rise. Part of the problem is higher fuel costs, but two of the five plants in the world that manufacture a material used in vinyl siding are in Japan. The earthquake and tsunami there destroyed them both. Shingles and roofing materials are also expected to rise at least 20% by the end of May - all thanks to high gas prices and the vast amount of destruction from tornadoes here in the south.

Red Cross signs stolen

Someone took magnetic American Red Cross signs from vehicles parked at the Etowah County chapter's office on South First Street. DA Jimmie Harp says if you bring them back, you won't be prosecuted. If they're not turned in, the offender will be hunted down and prosecuted. The signs specifically say Etowah County on them, and similar signs have been pulled off of all Red Cross vehicles. So if you see the signs, they've been stolen and you should report it.

Gadsden man sentenced for child porn

50-year old Barney Mostella of Gadsden has been sentenced to 30 years in state prison after he was caught watching homemade child pornography in 2009, according to a news release from District Attorney Jimmie Harp. Mostella pleaded guilty to possession of obscene material depicting a child younger than 17. Law officers used video tape footage to identify victims between 14 and 16 years old. In addition to prison, Mostella will be required to register as a sex offender.

Missed school days don't have to be made up

What happens to the school days missed with the most recent storms? Students in Albertville, Guntersville and Etowah County schools won't have an extended school year. State Board of Education officials said schools don't have to make up missed days. Etowah County school calendars will remain "as is" and students' last day will be May 27. Albertville Superintendent Ric Ayer said students will end the year June 2 and teachers and staff members will wrap up the year June 3. Marshall County has also asked for missed days to be forgiven...in fact nine days including four snow days.

Alabama river will make Endangered List

The group "American Rivers" will release the list of America's Most Endangered Rivers on May 17th. They tell us the list includes rivers in Alabama, and major issues highlighted in the report incluce gas drilling or fracking, sewage polution, and record floods. Just ten rivers in the country will be on the list.

County Commissioners amend budget

The Marshall County Commission have approved a budget amendement that reflects about $115,000 less revenue than budgeted for the 2011 fiscal year. Officials said it's largely from the probate office, which isn't uncommon during a recession. People stop buying new boats and cars. Property tax on vehicles dropped by about $75,000 for the year. Cuts will be made from the probate and sheriff's office, the jail and the emergency management agency.

State of the City luncheon set for Thursday

Albertville's state of the city talk is coming up Thursday. The event will begin at noon and will last about an hour, at the Albertville Golf and Country Club. The Albertville Chamber sponsors the event, but it's open to members and non-members. We'll post reservation info on our website. Mayor Lindsey Lyons will be there to provide updates on various city departments, and plans to highlight the economic well being of the city. He also plans to explain more about the Pride in Property campaign and the city's expected certification in the Keep America Beautiful program.



The cost of $10 can be paid at the door, but reservations should be made ahead of time by calling the chamber at 256-878-3821.

County continues to recover from storms

Over the weekend, Marshall County's Emergency Management Agency officially switched gears from "response mode" to "recovery mode." They're hauling away debris and giving individuals the help they need. Volunteer Coordinator Kevin King told WAAY TV, they're doing some bulldozing this week and getting things ready for more houses. Some folks are starting to get their approval from FEMA, and looking to get some houses in the next couple of weeks, to where they can have a home instead of a tent. If you'd like to help with donations, you can take canned goods to the Salvation Army in Guntersville, located at 1336 Gunter Avenue. Volunteer centers are located at the Guntersville and Arab recreation centers.

City Council considers zoning moves

The Albertville City Council held one public hearing last night and set another. After the public hearing to consider the request of Emmett Perry to rezone property at 909 Horton Road, the council unanimously approved the recommendation of the planning commission. Perry wants to change the appearance of his property and sell garden equipment there. A public hearing was set for June 6 to consider the request of Melissa Mason to annex her property at 78 Vickie Lane into the city limits.

Gadsden lawmaker offers bill to help small wineries

Alabama's small wineries want legislation that would allow them to self-distribute wine so they can compete against bigger operations. Rep. Becky Nordgren, of Gadsden sponsors a bill that allow them to self-distribute up to 24,000 gallons a year and cut out the middle man between them and retailers. Nordgren says its a way to help small wineries expand as businesses and tourist attractions. The bill is still in committee with the session winding down, so it's passage is anything but a sure thing.

Albertville helps tornado victims

The city of Albertville is organizing an effort to help tornado victims. City Hall is open this week each day from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to collect donations. Mayor Lindsey Lyons says the city is also providing mutual aid through the sanitation and street departments. Besides City Hall, donations can also be dropped off at the distribution center in Guntersville, located on Blount Avenue, right across from the First United Methodist Church. They're open 9 to 5 every day. Items needed include: trash bags and large trash cans, manual can openers, laundry detergent large Rubbermaid bins or containers, cleaning supplies, sturdy coolers and gas cards. There is also a need for non-perishable food items.

Aerial photography to help assess damage

Aerial photography will soon help assess tornado damage. The Marshall County Commission held an emergency vote at a work session last week to approve low-resolution aerial photography to take pictures of the county. The appraisal department can then asseess the damage. The hospital board and school boards will have access to the photos too. Commissioners said they may be able to be reimbursed with FEMA funds.

Solid Waste and Recycling to be the focus for joint board

At tonight's Boaz City Council meeting, members are expected to adopt a resolution authorizing a certificate of incorporation for the new Albertville and Boaz Recycling and Solid Waste Disposal Authority. Boaz mayor Tim Walker says its a way to better serve both communities. The formation of a board will let an individual board manage the facility in Albertville and take the management away from the two cities. The council meets tonight at the Boaz Senior Center at 6.

Some waiting on insurance adjustors

Some homeowners are still waiting on insurance adjustors to show up. One family in Ruth told WAFF this week no one has been there yet to survey the damage. The family can't start cleaning up until the damage has been assessed. The family has been able to collect personal belongings, but most of the mess remains.

State Park damage assessed

Alabama's director of state parks says looked at storm damage at Lake Guntersville State Park, and says it can be compared with the devastation from a hurricane along the Alabama coast. The total damage is still unknown and assessments are in progress. The number of trees down are too numerous to county, according to director Mark Easterwood, and there are also electrical lines, water and sewer systems that are damaged. Insurance adjustors were there this week too.

Shrimp and Crawfish part of Saturday event

Something to take your mind off tornado recovery...More than 1,300 pounds of crawfish, 600 pounds of shrimp and free music are on tap tomorrow at the Fish Market Restaurant's fourth annual Shrimp and Crawfish Boil. Food will be available from noon to 8 p.m. behind the Fish Market, 344 Albert Rains Blvd. in Gadsden, and bands will be performing from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free, but you have to pay for the food. A portion of the proceeds benefit the James M. Barrie Center for Children.

Some Red Cross shelters close

A bit of good news, that several Red Cross shelters have closed because of a diminished need. Overnight shelters in Albertville and Guntersville have closed. The Marshall County shelter is still open though at the Arab Recreation Center.

National Weather Service report released

The National Weather Service has released a report that shows a fourth tornado crossed into DeKalb County April 27th, and was the first to be on the ground. The EF-2 twister initially touched down at 6:55 a.m. just west of Guntersville Lake in Marshall County. It left a path of destruction ½-mile wide and 20 miles long, ending between Grove Oak and Buck's Pocket State Park in DeKalb County. There were three others after that.

Districts have flexibility making up lost school days

The Senate voted unanimously yesterday to approve changes made in the House to a bill that gives school systems more flexibility in making up days lost due to last week's storms. The bill allows school systems that had to cancel classes because of the storms to make up those days by adding hours to school days. The measure was amended in the House to let the state superintendent of education let some school systems not make up all of the lost days. Governor Bently has already signed the bill.

FEMA requires registration for assistance

Those affected by last week's tornado outbreak can get federal help, thanks to the disaster declaration. For help from FEMA, tornado victims must register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). A FEMA disaster assistance center is expected to open by this weekend in Gadsden, but registration must be done online or by phone first. A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center has already opened at the Tom Bevill Center, 115 Main St., Rainsville.

Complaints rise about price gouging

The Alabama Attorney General's office has reported price gouging across the state. Consumers have logged 63 online complaint forms after last week's tornado outbreak. The price gouging law is in effect following the governor's declaration of a state of emergency. Marshall County District Attorney Mitch Floyd is working with the county to follow up on complaints of people selling generators from the back of a truck in the Ruth area. Most of the online complaints have involved price gouging for gas, ice, and hotels. The state Attorney General is prepared to crack down on companies that violate the law.

Prayer celebration today at Albertville City Hall

Today is a National Day of Prayer. The City of Albertville is celebrating with a ceremony at City Hall at noon in City Council Chambers. City officials say, in light of recent events, the timing could not be more appropriate. Many across the county and state are suffering great personal loss. They encourage anyone so inclined to join them.

Snead students can opt out of final exam

Students at Snead State Community College have a unique opportunity to opt out of final exams, as a result of the April 27th tornado. The opt-out policy allows students to take their grades as of Thursday and use them as their final grades of the semester. The deadline to opt out is today, and students have to notify their professors in writing. Snead State president Robert Exley said in a release, students have been dealing with issues beyond their control, that could hinder them in studying for finals. If students to choose to take the final, there is a revised schedule to check out at www.snead.edu.

State lawmakers address weight gain lawsuits

A measure that would cut down on lawsuits against fast food companies is before state lawmakers now. The bill would prohibit lawsuits against restaurants, grocery stores or other businesses claiming that eating certain food caused a weight gain. The bill's sponsor, Republican state Rep. Mike Jones says the bill is aimed at protecting small restaurants that could be harmed financially by such a lawsuit. The bill still allows for lawsuits against restaurants who make false claims about food.

Guntersville sets guidelines for cleanup

As the cleanup effort continues, Guntersville has released some guidelines on how to go about it. All contractors have to have a current city business license, which can be obtained at City Hall on Gunter Avenue. Building permits are available there as well, and are free for contractors working on disaster relief. The contractors are also responsible for hauling off the waste they create and can be fined if caught dumping in the city.

Students could spend longer days in school to make up time

Lawmakers aren't wasting any time addressing make up days for schools after last week's storms. A bill to give school systems more flexibility in making up those days has moved a step closer to final passage. The House Education Policy Committee approved a bill that would allow schools to add hours to school days rather than adding days. The bill passed the Senate and now goes to the full House for debate.

County offers new prescription drug card

Need a break on prescription drug costs? Marshall County Commissioners have decided to offer the Coast2Coast RX drug card to area residents, which is a free prescription drug discount card that could offer 75 to 80 percent discounts on many prescriptions at 60,000 pharmacies nationwide. Commissioners say it help uninsured and underinsured, but anyone can use it. The cards will be distributed to various locations throughout the county, such as drug stores, organizations and doctor’s offices. The county gets a $1 royalty fee for every prescription filled with the card.

Missed school days may not be made up

Marshall County School Superintendent Tim Nabors says he hopes students will be able to return to class Wednesday. Power is back on in most schools, and Nabors told the reporter most everything is running properly, except for a couple of freezers. Those are being repaired now. Nabors met with Governor Bentley Sunday to survey some of the damage in Arab, and said the Governor may push for legislation so schools don't have to make up the lost days as a result of the tornados. Representative Clay Scofield also said lawmakers will work this week to lessen the burden on schools.

Scammers use bin Laden's death for cyber crime

Cybercriminals are exploiting Osama bin Laden’s death to trick people into visiting malicious websites. The phrase "Osama bin laden dead" was the most popular phrase entered into search engines Monday, and scammers used that opportunity to luring people to malicious sites. There are also infected messages circulating on Facebook with links to videos and pictures, sometimes leading to bogus ads by legitimate companies. When the ad is clicked, it leads to a malicious site. If a site promises a photo of bin Laden's dead body, it's probably a trick.

Gas prices affected by bin Laden's death

Could there be come good news for gas prices? Triple A's Jessica Brady.






The price of oil began to slide after the news of Osama bin Laden's death.






Prices now are just ten to fifteen cents away from that $4 mark.

Disaster assistance available to Marshall County, others

Federal disaster aid will come to Marshall, Dekalb, and Etowah counties, according to Governor Robert Bently. FEMA added fourteen more counties to the list, bringing the total now in Alabama to 31. Individuals and businesses affected in the designated counties should apply for assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or you can go to www.disasterassistance.gov

Alabama soldier fears retaliation after bin Laden death

As the world reacts to the death of Osama bin Laden, the US military warns of the risk for retaliation. An enlisted Air Force officer from Alabama spoke on the condition on anonymity, but told the Raycom News Network that US bases face imminent danger of retaliation. US military bases are taking precautions and have heightend security levels until further notice.

Snead state closed until Wednesday

Snead State won't be back in class until Wednesday. Classes, finals, “Camelot” and graduation will all be moved back one week, according to Shelley Smith, director of marketing and public relations.

Ag industry affected by storms

Alabama's agriculture commissioner John McMillan says last week's storms caused multi-million-dollar damage to the poultry industry in north Alabama. About 200 poultry houses were destroyed and another 180 damaged. A standard poultry house can hold about 20,000 chickens. The Department of Agriculture is assessing the situation now.

NWS officially classifies last week's tornado

The National Weather Service says the tornado last week that touched down in Limestone County and moved into Madison, was on the ground for 25 miles. It was likely an EF-4 with wind speads up to 190 miles per hour. That storm left eleven dead.

The Dekalb County tornado was also likely an EF-4, with 170 mph winds. The National Weather Service says that tornado covered 16 miles and started near the Lakeview Community, then traveled parallel to state route 75 through Rainsville.