songwriters festival

The Alabama Songwriters Festival is happening this weekend in Guntersville. The Mountain Valley Arts Council is hosting the festival at Guntersville City Harbor. Songwriters will perform for cash prizes in the categories of inspirational, country, bluegrass and pop. The festival will include a beer and wine garden.

tax relief

Alabama will be getting some relief after taking a beating from the elements earlier this year. The IRS has announced tax relief for 43 counties that have been declared federal disaster areas by President Obama. One significant benefit is that affected taxpayers have the choice of claiming any unreimbursed casualty losses on their previous year or current year tax return.

detector dogs

The detector dogs of Auburn are at it again. They're being trained at the university to sniff out a fungus in the roots of Southern Pines that can cause the trees to die off. The fungus is spread by beetles.

Riley accident

Former governor Bob Riley is mending nicely after a motorcycle accident in Alaska. The outlook for Riley's recovery is rated from "good to excellent," according to the doctors. The mishap occurred during Riley's long-planned cross-country motorcycle trek.

FEMA Funds

The deadline for those who want to apply for FEMA funds to clean up their own storm damage has been extended. FEMA will take applications until July 18th. You can apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

ag disaster declaration

The state agriculture commissioner wants a federal disaster declaration for Alabama because of the drought. The move would let farmers apply for federal aid. More than 93 percent of the state is under drought conditions right now, according to the U-S Drought Monitor. The ag commissioner says because of the drought, many crops in Alabama are predicted to produce "poor to very poor" harvests this year.

watch for AL 205

It's going to be tough for folks trying to get somewhere on Alabama 205 today...county crews are spending a chunk of the day cleaning up storm debris. The stretch of 205 between Rabbit Town Road and Red Barn Road is closed til three this afternoon.

FEMA deadline extended

FEMA is giving storm victims more time to file. The agency has extended its deadline and will be taking applications for assistance until Monday July 18. Residents who need assistance can call 1-800-621-3362 or apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

State's Chief Justice steps down

Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb is stepping down. She's the state's first female chief justice, and at age 55, she wants to step away from the court to spend more time with family. In a press conference yesterday she also cited financial difficulties facing the state’s court system and her frustration with not being able to persuade the Legislature to change the way Alabama elects judges. Cobb prefers a nonpartisan system. As for her replacement, Cobb urged Gov. Robert Bentley to appoint an experienced trial lawyer to the bench.

Boaz police make big bust

Several people have been arrested this week on different drug and theft of property charges. Boaz Police Chief Terry Davis says it started with a focus on 31-year old Jason Dewayne Akins who was suspected of being involved in several thefts and burglaries. He was arrested at the Key West Inn on Mill Street in Boaz Monday afternoon on an outstanding probation violation warrant. In addition to the theft charges, there are drug charges. Several other people staying in the same room were also arrested. Drugs were confiscated and stolen cell phones, tools, knives, and even a paint ball gun were recovered. Now the officers are going through stolen property records trying to match up the items with the victims.

Glencoe police step up patrols this weekend

Police will be out in force this holiday weekend. The Glencoe Police Department will be part of Operation Summer Blitz which starts Friday and continue through Monday. Officers will be working checkpoints set up randomly and throughout the city, and officers will work extra patrols looking for speeders and impaired drivers.

Police in Gadsden investigating counterfeit coins

Somebody passed some counterfeit coins at a pawn shop last Friday. The owner of Mal’s Pawn Shop in Gadsden bought the coins, which were sealed in a coin display book. The shop spent $1,120 on the coins, which turned out to be fake silver dollars. There are reports the man tried to sell gold coins at another pawn shop earlier that day, but was unsuccessful. He apparently used a New Jersey driver's license, which turned out to be fake too. The man is black, about 5 feet 11 inches or 6 feet tall, heavy-set and wears glasses, and is believed to have been driving an older-model white Cadillac.

Anyone who has information about the man is asked to call Gadsden Police detective John Hallman, 256-549-4645.

Church deals with flooding problems

Some parts of Marshall county are dealing with flooding right now. Members of Lifepoint Church told WAFF they're worried about the impact high waters may have on services. The field in front of the church is saturated, and any more rain could submerge the road. They've had a problem with a broken drainage pipe on an adjoining property for the past three years, and a lake forms anytime it rains. They've never had to cancel a Sunday service, but Wednesday services have been impacted. They're monitoring the situation.

Marshall County man jailed on sex charges

49-year-old Steven Scott Buckelew of Union Grove has pleaded guilty to two counts of sex abuse of a child less than the age of 12. He was taken to the Marshall County jail after his plea, where he'll spend 15 years behind bars. Prosecutors said he fondled a four-year-old an and 11-year-old girl in 2009 and 2010.

Undercover investigation leads to drug arrest

An Albertville man is in the Marshall County Jail after an undercover investigation led to drug charges. 36-year-old DeJuan Demetric Spain is facing distribution of crack cocaine charges. He was arrested after Albertville Police say they were able to make several undercover buys. Two vehicles were also seized in the operation. Spain remains in jail on $100,000 dollars bond.

American Family Entertainment Center continues to progress

The Albertville Commercial Development Authority continues to look at ways to bring the American Family Entertainment Center to the city. Development director Jerry Cofield said last week at a project at a meeting there is no timeline to have the Center up and running, but the project is moving forward. He said much has happened behind the scenes since Albertville approved an incentives package earlier this year.

Storm debris to be cleared, thanks to new agreements

If you still have debris in your yard from the April 27 storm, relief may be on the way. The Marshall County Commission has signed an agreement with the state that will allow them to enter state rights of way and clear debris along roads like Alabama 205 near Albertville and Alabama 69 in Arab. The county wanted two things from the state...to be released from liability in case the removal process causes damage to state roads. And they want to be reimbursed for some of the costs. The state said no to the liability clause, but the the county did learn liability would fall to the contractor. And FEMA will provide the reimbursements.

Boaz votes to end emergency services in areas outside city limits

The Boaz City Council has indeed voted to end emergency services for an area that extends three miles beyond the city limits. Several Boaz city leaders say cutting services is necessary because the city is looking to annex more than 40 new properties. If that happens, the police jurisdiction would be extended, and the department would be stretched too thin. Boaz City Councilman David Dyar voted against the resolution, and feels Boaz should slow down on annexing new land. If there's a major emergency, crews from Boaz are still expected to respond with mutual aid. But as of October 1, they'll stay out of the three mile area beyond city limits.

School board holds productive meeting

Albertville's Middle School Principal has resigned. The resignation of Michael Douglas was accepted last night by the board of education. Douglas had served in the position for a little more than three years and is being considered for a similar position in the Arab City Schools. His last day on the job will be Thursday. The board is expected to name a new principal sometime in July. Also at last night's meeting, approval was given for three generators. One unit will cost just over $4,000 to maintain the server, phones and intercom system at the high school. Another for $12,000 will cover the freezers. And a $16,000 will provide for the central office.

Woman charged with making terrorist threat

22-year old Kristidis Tolbert of Gadsden has been charged with making a terrorist threat after authorities say she called the juvenile probation office last week and said she needed to leave a message for the Court Referral Office. In the message, she said "tell the CRO folks they are going to burn." She was scheduled to meet with the CRO later that day. Sheriff Todd Entrekin said any threat made to an agency or county building is taken seriously and will be investigated. Tolbert was booked into the Etowah County Detention Center on a $2,500 bond.

Anniston man dies in accident

A big accident in Calhoun County over the weekend left one person dead and injured nine others. 44-year old Tony Rene Goodwin of Anniston died after leaving the roadway as he was traveling on Interstate 20 West Saturday. He crossed the median and entered oncoming traffic where he hit a Ford van head on. Goodwin was pronounced dead at the scene. The van's driver and nine passengers from Georgia in their teens and twenties from were taken to the hospital. The crash is being investigated by the Alabama State Troopers.

Boaz looks at annexation of properties, police jurisdiction

A big topic tonight for the Boaz city council is ending emergency service in the police jurisdiction. The police jurisdiction is an area outside the city limits extending 3 miles around Boaz. The police department currently services the area with emergency response. If 40 to 50 property owners do end up annexing as requested, the Boaz police jurisdiction would extend to the Kilpatrick area, and some city leaders have worried that may stretch the department too thin. A possible solution is to end service in the police jurisdiction. City Council members will consider adopting the resolution tonight at 6pm at the meeting at the Boaz Senior Center. Three property annexations are also on tonight's agenda.

Albertville approves loan extension for tornado cleanup

With the cleanup still happening from the April tornadoes, Albertville city leaders are looking back a year earlier, to the tornado April 24, 2010. The City of Albertville is still struggling with payments for those cleanup efforts, and last week the Albertville City Council approved a 90-day extension on a loan used to pay for tornado recovery. The city is waiting on reimbursement from FEMA to help pay the $488,000 it still owes. The total cost of the cleanup was about $1.8 million. So far about $18,000 interest has been charged, and the longer it goes the more interest piles up. Mayor Lindsey Lyons says that's money that could be used elsewhere.

Boaz has live music and fireworks this weekend

If you're in the mood for fireworks, you don't have to wait until the 4th of July. The City of Boaz is holding its seventh annual free concert and fireworks starting Saturday at 7 p.m. on Billy B. Dyar Boulevard. Country duo Brother Trouble will open for Ronnie Milsap. The Brothers are from South Carolina, but their grandparents live in Albertville. Carrol Sutton is the preacher at East Albertville Church of Christ. The brothers won Kenny Chesney's next big star contest in 2008. As for this weekend's concert, take a lawn chair and enjoy the free admission.

Gilley takes the stand in gambling corruption trial

Casino developer Ronnie Gilley took the stand yesterday in the state's gambling corruption trial. He'll take the stand again today to try to explain why he pleaded guilty to offering millions in bribes to legislators, and why he is now testifying against his nine former co-defendants. After the prosectution, the defense will get their chance to question him. The defense so far has described Gilley as the real crook in the gambling corruption scandal.

No injuries after US 431 wreck

No one was injured yesterday afternoon in a two car accident on US 431 at the Boaz/Albertville city limits. Boaz police say a woman was northbound on 431 when she collided with another driver who pulled out in front of her. The impact caused the woman's car to flip into the median. She was able to climb from the vehicle and walked away, and the other driver also escaped injury. One northbound and one southbound lane on U.S. 431 was closed for a time though while crews cleaned up the wreckage.

Meth bust is the second in a year

A Marshall County home has been busted for meth for the second time in one year. The sheriff's office worked off of a tip yesterday that a home on US 431 in Grant was cooking meth. Deputies said they found a meth lab and arrested four people there, including a juvenile. Two of those arrested were already out on bond from previous meth manufacturing charges. Sheriff's investigators said they will ask that bond be revoked.

Woman dies in fire

One person is dead and another person injured in a house fire in east Gadsden. It happened yesterday in a building operated by the New Liberty Tabernacle of Praise Assembly of God, which is right next door to the house. A 31-year old woman and a man in his forties were homeless, according to officials, and had been staying there for the past five weeks. Two others staying there were not home at the time of the fire. The woman's body was discovered inside. Gadsden police are investigating, along with the Etowah County Arson Task Force.

Dekalb County joins program to crack down on illegal immigration

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office is joining the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Secure Communities Initiative. The program helps U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials identify illegal immigrants who are being held in state prisons and local jails by comparing the inmate's fingerprints to those in federal immigration databases. Dekalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris told the Reporter this quickens the process of identifying illegal immigrants. This makes 30 of 67 counties in Alabama part of the program.

Albertville hires new building inspector, approves tax holiday

Albertville has a new building inspector. The city has hired Paul Gray after the retirement of former inspector Paul Thompson. Thompson served the city for 18 years.

One other note from this week's city council meeting, the council approved a resolution to participate in the state sales tax holiday on Aug 5-7. That means shoppers will not have to pay the tax on some school supplies, clothing and other items.

Boaz Fire and Rescue continues to grow

Boaz Fire and Rescue has a new ambulance. Hopefully you never have to see the inside of it, but if you do it's state of the art. It's a $172,000 custom built emergency room on wheels. Crews this week are checking it out and putting more equipment inside before putting it into service. The department had been using a loaner ambulance for the past seven months while they worked out the financing for this one. Boaz has transported an average of 72 patients per month from January through May, at about $200 per transport.

Gambling corruption trial continues

Milton McGregor is in the third week of a trial where he and eight others are accused of buying and selling legislators’ votes for pro-gambling legislation. Milton has been cited in a judicial complaint against a former state judge, who’s accused of letting a gambling lobbyist bankroll her re-election campaign while she was handling a custody dispute involving the casino owner’s grandchildren. McGregor's attorney said he did nothing wrong.

Etowah County man indicted for murdering his wife

An Etowah County grand jury has indicted 53-year old Roy Thomas "Tommy" Smith of Attalla for capital murder in the strangulation death of his wife. Carla Parton Smith's body was found Nov. 1 in the trunk of her car parked in a gravel lot on Brooke Avenue, between the Interstate 759 overpass and Alabama Highway 77. The autopsy report said she died from strangulation. The Chief Assistant District Attorney said the charge is under the statute of murder for monetary gain, but he couldn't discuss further details. The Gadsden Police investigation is ongoing.

Dekalb County chase ends in drug arrest

Two men are in jail after a police chase in Dekalb County. Randall Ordell Ginn and Jody Daniel Phillips face several charges after a routine traffic stop for an expired tag. The suspects took off and several vehicles got involved in the chase on County Road 27. A small black bag was thrown from the vehicle and that was recovered. Drug agents found items used to manufacture methamphetamine, including ephedrine and a small amount of finished meth. Both men are in jail awaiting bond.

Plane wreckage sent to Atlanta for analysis

Officials from the FAA and NTSB are still investigating Saturday's plane crash that happened after a small plane stopped to refuel in Guntersville. Three people died in the crash and a seven-year old boy is in critical but stable condition. According to Guntersville Municipal Airport management, the four were flying from Lebanon, Tennessee, to Destin, Florida. Parts of the wreckage have been sent to Atlanta, Georgia to help determine a cause.

Recovery Center open now

A new center that will those affected by the spring storms is open now in Marshall County. Any business affected by tornadoes, high winds, severe storms or flooding from April 15 through May 31 is eligible to apply for federal assistance from the Small Business Administration. The center is at 3550 Creek Path Road, in Guntersville. The filing deadline for applications for property damage is Monday while the deadline to return economic injury application is Jan. 30.

Boaz man arrested for theft

40-year old Franklin Ray Elkins of Boaz is facing 2nd degree theft of property charges for allegedly taking an outdoor wicker sofa and two cushions from Trees and Trends in Boaz. The items were valued at over $1500. Trees and Trends workers saw someone take the items and load them into a van Friday morning. Officers recovered the sofa and cushions later Friday and arrested Elkins. Elkins is still in the Marshall County jail under additional warrants issued by other departments, including a probation violation warrant.

Arab landlord accused of discrimination, found dead

The Arab landlord fined nearly $50,000 for discriminating against a tenant has been found dead. 60-year old Phillip Maze died Thursday at his residence, after shooting himself in the head, according to Arab police. The federal Housing and Urban Development office announced last week it had issued the fine against Maze for a 2009 case where he allegedly evicted a family over an interracial relationship. Maze had denied the allegation, saying he ordered the tenants to leave because there were seven people living in the mobile home, and he had only agreed to allow four.

Alabama to set up healthcare exchange

Even if President Obama's health insurance exchange is thrown out, Alabama has a backup plan. Gov. Robert Bentley has formed a commission that will create the state's own place for consumers to find affordable insurance. Governor Bentley's commission is to report back on the best way to do it by December 1. Alabama is getting public and private money to set up the exchange. Bentley says is will help Alabama manage healthcare costs and provide more choices for healthcare coverage.

Plane crash kills three, one survivor

A 4-year-old died a day after the Marshall County plane crash that claimed the life of her mother and the pilot on Saturday. 4-year old Hailee Day died Sunday at a Huntsville hospital. The girl’s mother, Tara Whitacer,and the pilot, 52-year-old Robert Tim Hatton, died in the crash Saturday morning. 7-year old Gavin Whitacer was injured and remained in critical but stable condition Sunday at the Huntsville hospital. All of those killed are from Ohio. After stopping at the Guntersville airport to refuel on Saturday, the Gadsden Times reports the pilot didn't get high enough off the ground and clipped some trees and power lines.
The plane crashed in a yard at a house on Cedar Circle near Gunters Landing, just south of the airport on U.S. Highway 431. The FAA and the NTSB are still investigating.

Operation Clean Sweep ends this week

There are just a few days left to participate in Operation Clean Sweep. That's a program with the Army Corp of Engineers that moves through the area to collect storm debris. The program has received about 45 applications so far. The office is set up in the basement of the Marshall County Courthouse, and June 24 is the last day.

Call 256-571-7865 or 256-571-7866 for more information.

Albertville to talk about joining tax holiday

The Albertville City Council is expected to talk about the sales tax holiday at tonight's meeting. The fifth annual sales tax holiday will be August 5th through 7th, and you don't have to pay tax on certain school supplies, computers and clothing items that weekend. Each city has to approve participation in the tax holiday. Tonight's meeting is at 6:30 at City hall.

Attalla sees changes and improvements

Downtown Attalla is an official historic district. Officials there hope the designation will enhance renovation efforts that are already underway. The designation includes the area from the CSX Railroad to Fifth Street and from Fourth Avenue to Seventh Avenue. In addition to renovations, several new shops are popping up too in Atalla. Johnson's Giant Food will move into the old Walmart location at Alabama Highway 77 and US Highway 411 in September. A national chain restaurant is also looking at property on Alabama Highway 77, but the deal isn't complete yet.

Police search for stolen Boy Scout trailer

Who would steal from the boy scouts? That's what Arab police are trying to figure out. A new trailer filled with camping equipment was stolen last week. It was taken from the First United Methodist Church parking lot in Arab, and police haven't released information on any leads. The local VFW post and a Sunday school class have given $350 to help replace what was stolen. The trailer has the words Trailersplus.com on a rear door. Anyone with information should contact Arab police. Summer camp is next month, and the scouts need their camping items.

Abortion bill signed into law

Governor Bentley has signed the bill banning abortions from being performed at 20 weeks or later into pregnancy. The new law will take effect on Sept. 1. The new law also establishes new record-keeping requirements for abortion providers concerning the number of and types of abortions being performed. The bill passed the state legislature at the wire, in the closing minutes of the 2011 session.

Census figures show increasing Hispanic numbers

New Census figures show Alabama's Hispanic population increasing. It jumped 145 percent in the last decade to about 185,600 total residents. The state's total population is 4.8 million. The Hispanic population has more than doubled since 2000, and the statistics show they now make up nearly 4 percent of Alabama's total population. Locally, we're higher. DeKalb County's population is 13.6 percent Hispanic, and. Marshall County's population is more than 12 percent Hispanic. These are two of three counties with the highest Hispanic population in the state.

Personnel Staffing looking for workers

Good news for job seekers. Personnel Staffing is looking for 150 employees to work in the Albertville/Marshall County area. Personnel Staffing is working extended hours to meet the needs the clients right now. They're at 8138 Highway 431 in Albertville, and they've got jobs open for varying skill levels and pay ranges between $7.25 and $8.50 an hour.

Boaz man faces charges for pulling fire alarm

You've seen those signs...only pull a fire alarm in case of an emergency. A Boaz man faces felony charges now after he allegedly pulled a fire alarm at the Manor House last fall. According to Boaz Police Chief Terry Davis, Benny Gene Boland pulled the fire alarm at the Manor House after he couldn’t get his parents living at the apartment complex to answer their door. Surveillance video shows him doing it. Residents of the complex had to be evacuated until the fire department cleared the area. A Class C felony is punishable by a jail sentence of between one and 10 years.

Good progress on Dekalb County cleanup

Debris removal is making progress in Dekalb County. 300 homes were destroyed and 33 people died during the April tornado, and since then the federal government has been overseeing the debris removal process. The Army Corp of Engineers says now it's about 50 percent completed and ahead of schedule. The next phase of the clean up is something we told you about called Operation Clean Sweep, when residents give their permission to have workers come on their private property to remove debris. The corps of engineers have 179 signatures of those hoping to qualify.

Arrest goes back to 2006 crime

A 21-year-old man arrested Sunday has been charged with a 2006 robbery at Speedee Cash in Gadsden. Tarrence Adolph Elliott was 16 at the time. Elliott was arrested Sunday at the Etowah County jail and charged with first-degree robbery. He was allegedly was one of three boys involved.

Albertville addresses grass growth on US 431

Grass growth retardant could cut down on the number of times crews have to mow along the side of the road. It's used three times a year at the municipal airport and that has reduced mowing at the airport from 12 times a year to three. That saves personnel time and reduces equipment use by 70 to 80 percent, according to the Gadsden Times. The Albertville City Council talked about doing something similar along US Highway 431. It was a work session, so they didn't make a final decision.

Boaz City Council votes to annex, approves tax holiday

The Boaz City Council has approved ordinances annexing property into the city. Those include properties on Mount Vernon Road and Bethsaida Road. Boaz has also approved a resolution for a sales tax holiday August 5 through 7, which always delights shoppers and stores alike. And another highlight from this week's meeting, it looks like Boaz will be getting a new ambulance. The council voted to borrow short-term money not to exceed $172,000 for a new ambluance.

Hokes Bluff man charged in sexual assault

Etowah County sheriff's deputies have arrested 26-year-old Clinton Knight on sexual abuse charges. Knight is charged with one count of first degree sodomy and one count of first degree sexual abuse for an incident April 12 near Souls Harbor Church in Hokes Bluff. Authorities said Knight and the 14-year old victim were acquaintances. He's in the Etowah County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond.

Two from Boaz arrested on weapons charges

Glencoe police say a Boaz man and woman were arrested after two stolen weapons were recovered. Officers got a tip the couple were outside the Big Chief restaurant on June 2 trying to sell a gun that had been stolen. The rifle was seized, along with a 9mm pistol from a woman who was with the couple at the time of their arrests. She turned over the pistol, which also had been reported stolen. Navada Shane Rhodes and Leslie Kathryn Draper were charged with second-degree receiving stolen property. Charges for being felons in possession of a stolen firearm could come later.

Costs going up for documents from Albertville Police

In less than a week, it will cost more for some services at the Albertville police department. Copies of incident reports and traffic accident reports or to have services like fingerprinting or in-house background checks run will all cost more. The department is looking for ways to cover rising manpower and supply costs. Traffic accident reports for example, will cost $15, up from $10. Fingerprinting and in-house background checks will rise to $25 each. Requesting a copy of a booking photo will also cost $25 each. If you're looking to save money, get the documents this week. Prices go up effected June 20th.

Two from Boaz arrested

Two Boaz residents are facing drug charges. Outstanding warrants were served Sunday to Michael Lee Knight and Angela Carol Alldredge-Cryar, and deputies found them in possession of methamphetamines and marijuana at the time. They were taken to the Marshall County Jail.

County Commission hears about fire hydrants lacking water

The Marshall County Commission yesterday heard from Guntersville resident Donny Oswalt, about why the nine fire hydrants there lacked water. The hydrants on Buck Island Drive were puchased by the residents to help with their fire protection and lower some of their insurance costs. He said each hydrant cost about $2,500. The commission said filling the hydrants was outside their authority, but they would make some calls and report back to residents.

Operation Clean Sweep to help remove debris

County officials are talking about Operation Clean Sweep at a meeting today. That's an Army Corp of Engineers effort to sweep clean debris from the spring storms. They're expected to open an office where property owners could go to talk about how to proceed.

The office will be open Monday through Friday beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Residents can call 256-571-7865 or 256-571-7866 for more information.

Gadsden students get iPads

More and more schools are going high tech. This fall, Gadsden City Schools will launch a pilot program at Thompson Elementary. Fourth- and fifth-grade students will be given an iPad with internet access during the school day. Students will use the iPads instead of textbooks for the most part. Gadsden City Schools will purchase the 70 iPads and equipment for a total of $46,954. If the program is a success at Thompson Elementary, it could be spread across the district.

April storms costly for the Ag industry

It's a huge tally. State officials say the April storms cost the agriculture industry almost $300 million. The forestry industry took the biggest loss, of $266 million. The Gadsden Times reports one property owner in Marshall County who lives in the Martling community, has about $100,000 in damage and debris-removal costs for his cattle operations and $50,000 for his chicken houses. The biggest problem for many appears to be finding balance. How to keep the farm going while trying to rebuild.

Judge blocks subpoena for former Gov. Bob Riley

Casino owner Milton McGregor wanted to subpoena former Gov. Bob Riley to testify in the government corruption of McGregor and eight others. Late last night a federal judge blocked the order. The judge ruled McGregor's lawyers failed to show the relevancy of Riley's testimony, but he left open the possibility that they could try for another subpoena later if trial testimony shows Riley might have relevant testimony. The judge also blocked efforts to subpoena three state police officials from Riley's administration.

Hot Weekend for Riverfest

It's going to be a hot weekend for Riverfest, and organizers say the dozens of people who line up early each day should remember the dangers of extreme heat. People have passed out in recent years. There will not be any drinks available for purchase outside the gate, so you should bring your own to stay hydrated if you plan on getting there before gates open. Gates open at 4pm today and 1pm Saturday. The Gadsden Fire Department will set up a cooling tent and a first-aid station and they'll have medical staff on hand to help with any issues.

Scammers pose as tornado victims

We've hinted at this problem before, and now it seems to be a growing concern. Gadsden police are warning about scammers posing as tornado victims. One known scam involves a couple going around the Clubview and Country Club areas in Gadsden pretending to be victims and they ask for money. Police do have an idea about who the two might be, and they're continuing to investigate. They're reportedly driving a 1998 four-door red Buick Skylark. Police say if someone comes to your door claiming to be a tornado victim, refer them to the Red Cross, shut your door, and lock it.

Tuition going up at Community Colleges

College students will have to pay even more now. Tuition at Alabama's two-year colleges is going up by about 16 percent after the hike was approved yesterday by the Alabama State Board of Education. It's expected to raise more than $30 million in additional revenue. Tuition will go up from current rate of $92 per credit hour to $107 per credit hour. The increase takes effect this fall. Area colleges that will be affected include Snead State Community College in Boaz.

Albertville lunch helps tornado victims

An event coming up in Albertville will raise money for tornado victims. The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fundraiser Lunch happens Tuesday from 11:30am to 2pm. Merrill Gardens will donate proceeds to the Red Cross. Organizers say you can eat there or get lunch to go.

County to benefit from new prescription drug plan

The Marshall County Commission helped unveil a new prescription drug program yesterday.
The Coast to Coast Rx card doesn't cost any money, and people can save from 10-90% at participating pharmacies, even if you already have a prescription plan. The program also benefits the county, giving them one dollar per prescription. You don't have to live in Marshall County to participate.

Charges filed against man who concocted child-death story

We told you about the man who lied about the death of a child as a way of trying to get his girlfriend out of jail. 21-year old Donald Edward Lowe of Albertville faces charges now. County Attorney Chirs Abel said Lowe told how the woman’s 3-year-old daughter had apparently fallen off a tractor driven by her grandfather and was subsequently run over by a Bush Hog and killed. Lowe is currently being held in the Marshall County Jail on a Class A misdemeanor charge of making a false report to law enforcement officials. He could face up to one year in the county jail if convicted.

Councilman sets up office hours

Albertville City Councilman Nathan Broadhurst want to be accessible. Broadhurst has announced his plans to hold regular office hours from 10 a.m. to noon each Tuesday and Thursday at City Hall to meet with consituents. He also plans to meet with residents at local restaurants and other establishments.

Contact him through email at Nathan@yourfarmersagent.net or through Facebook.

Boaz addresses police jurisdiction

The Boaz mayor has recommended terminating service in the city’s police jurisdiction. That affects an area outside Boaz including the circumference about three miles outside the city limits. Mayor Tim Walker said the potential boost in revenue from the new annexed properties would offset the business license and sales tax revenue generated in the police jurisdiction. Annexing all of the 40 or 50 property requests and ending service in the police jurisdiction means the city expands its city limits beyond Doubles Bridges Road without having to provide emergency police service to Kilpatrick.

Albertville pastor defends religion

An Albertville pastor has taken issue with a rock star's comments. AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson recently slammed religion as "a waste of time" in an interview with Pop Eater. He also said he thinks all religions are bad and he said Jesus was not the son of God. According to Christian Today, Pastor Drew Dixon of New Covenant Baptist Church in Albertville said, "Viewing Jesus this way is not an option. C.S. Lewis said you must view Jesus as liar, lunatic or Lord. There aren't any other options. You can't say Jesus was a clever man but not the Son of God because Jesus claimed to be the Son of God."

Man hunt ends with arrest

Jesse Paradise was captured Tuesday, about 24 hours after he attacked Rainbow City police officers then led them on a chase and crashed several miles later on Interstate 59. Rainbow City officer were attacked when they tried to take him into custody at a convenience store. He ended up forcing his way into a home where a woman was on the phone dialing 911, and pushed her to try to get the phone. He ran out of the house after getting some Gatorade, and the woman was able to help officers locate him. A $151,000 bond has been set.

Toddler's body found after apparent drowning

The body of the toddler who has been missing since Monday night has been discovered. 2-year old Ella Journey Zeigler's body was discovered near the beach of a private lake in the Mt. Laurel community. She had been with her father and a four-year-old sibling before she went missing around 6 p.m. Monday.

Arab woman in trouble after passing bad checks

An Arab woman has been charged with trying to cash a stolen check, and telling Warehouse Discount Grocery employees she was a tornado victim. Arab Police charged 44-year-old Pamela Marie Kramer last week with one count of possession of a forged instrument. Store employees knew she had tried to cash a couple of bad checks before, so they alerted authorities. She claimed she had lost everything in the tornado, including her dog, cat, and a $7500 pet fish. According to Arab Police, Morgan County is also seeking warrants against her as well.

Gambling corruption trail could include country stars as witnesses

The federal trial over gambling corruption could see country music stars as possible witnesses. In addition to former Alabama Gov. Bob Riley; the list of possible witnesses read to jurors yesterday also inludes country stars George Jones; Lorrie Morgan; and Randy Owen of the group Alabama. All three supported gambling legislation called "Sweet Home Alabama" that's at the heart of the trial. The nine defendants are accused of buying and selling votes on the legislation.

Cyclist killed in Dekalb County

A woman was killed yesterday while riding a bike on Highway 35 in DeKalb County between Rainsville and Fort Payne. Police said two people were riding bicycles on the road when the woman was hit by a car. Her identity has not been released. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The other cyclist was not injured.

Dinner planned to raise funds for Komen Foundation

A father and his son plan to ride motorcycles from Atlanta to Alaska as part of the ATL to the Arctic Ride, raising breast cancer awareness. They'll be at the Albertville First United Methodist Church tomorrow night as a special dinner for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Paul Coulombe has lived in Albertville for about 18 months and is a member of the church. The group hopes to raise $20,000 on the ride. Tyson Foods of Albertville has donated the food for tomorrow's dinner, and of course they'll be accepting donations.

Three weeks left to apply for disaster assistance

Federal and state officials have approved more than $70 million in disaster aid and inspected more than 42,000 damaged homes and properties in Alabama since the April 27 tornadoes. In Marshall County there were 86 homes destroyed, and 163 that sustained major damage. You can still call 2-1-1 for help with debris removal. Victims have until June 27th to apply for disaster assistance by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov.

ACLU to challenge immigration law

The American Civil Liberties Union is expected to challenge Alabama's new immigration law. The ACLU calls the Arizona-style bill discriminatory and extreme and will file court documents to challenge it. The bill requires Alabama businesses to use the federal E-Verify system to check the legal status of new employees or risk losing their business licenses. The bill also allows police officers to detain anyone who cannot provide legal documents if law enforcement has reasonable suspicion they're illegal.

Man claims a child died in an effort to get girlfriend out of jail

An Albertville man tried to get his girlfriend out of jail by concocting a story. Prosecutors said the man came to them in tears seeking his girlfriend's release claiming their child had been run over by a bush hog after falling from a tractor driven by his grandfather. He said he wanted to help her get out to notify her and make burial arrangements. The Marshall County DA's office said they tried to verify the claims and could not, then 21-year old Donald Edward Lowe ran and was taken into custody a short time later. He was booked into the Marshall County jail on a $6,000 bond.

Blood Bank reaches Memorial Day goals

If you donated to the Memorial Day blood drive you weren't alone. LifeSouth Community Blood Centers coordinated an effort across Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Locally the drive was at Walmart Supercenter in Boaz. The Lifesouth Blood Center based in Albertville was champ of the drive the past three years, but finished runner up this year. Overall, LifeSouth reached its goals.

Woman accused of stabbing estranged husband

22-year old Alegra Starks of Albertville has been arrested for allegedly stabbing her husband during an argument last week. 23-year old Benjamin Hawk Rice was stabbed twice in the upper body as he was served divorce papers from his estranged wife, and apparently refused to sign them. Rice is expected to recover, and Starks faces a second-degree domestic violence charge.

Prices up for used vehicles

Used-car prices are at their highest level in many years. Trade-in values of used cars have jumped significantly, especially for small cars. Someone trading in 2009 Kia Rio in good condition, for example, can expect it to fetch about $7,500 this month, up 17 percent from its value of $6,400 in May, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association Used Car Guide. That means buyers will see higher prices too, as much as 30 percent this month compared to a year ago. The supply is down because people stopped buying as many new cars three years ago during the recession. Highs may come down by August or September.

Charges could be added to woman's DUI

A woman arrested for DUI may face more charges. Gadsden police arrived at the Waffle House early yesterday after the woman called threatening suicide. A news release from police said the woman was behaving strangely and said she was in trouble. an investigation showed the woman had just been involved in a string of events where she used her car to ram and batter other vehicles. One person was injured. The woman was arrested for DUI and more charges are likely as the investigation unfolds.

Gadsden officer bitten by woman

A woman is accused of biting a Gadsden police officer's arm and had to be pried off by other officers. Officers were at the Jet Pep on West Meighan Boulevard where a man reported having chest pains, and medics were called. Public Information Officer Capt. Regina May said in a news release that officers discovered the man's female companion was an escapee from Restoration Place, where she had been ordered to live by the courts. She had left the facility without permission. Officers said she became combative after being told she needed to return, and that's when she bit the officer's arm. He was treated and released a the hospital.

State legislature down to the final few days

The Alabama legislature is down the wire. Lawmakers passed an Arizona-style immigration law and approved new congressional districts yesterday. The new immigration bill requires all businesses to verify the legal status of employees. The new congressional district lines protect all seven incumbents. Both bills go to the governor. The two chambers did not address new districts for the state school board, which will wait until the final day June 9. The final budget will also likely wait until that day.

Project Rebound to help storm victims

A new program has just been launched to help tornado victims in the state. The Alabama Department of Mental Health, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other agencies are reactivating a program called Project Rebound, and that means free counseling. There's a toll free hotline, plus outreach and eduation services. And additional workers will be hired to staff counseling centers.

Albertville requests more officers and patrol cars

The Albertville police force wants more officers and vehicles. Chief Doug Pollard and Assistant Chief Major Jamie Smith have asked city council for permission to hire three additional officers to cut down on overtime costs and bring the force to a total of 45 fully staffed. At this rate, Pollard told the council the force could spend over $227,000 on overtime by the end of the year. Pollard only needs $85,000 to hire more officers. And new vehicles would cut down on repair costs for existing ones, which Pollard says aren't in good shape. The ball is in city council's court now.

Help firefighters by clearing areas around hydrants

It may look better to you to cover a fire hydrant with landscaping, but firefighters are asking you to fight the urge. The brush hinders firefighters in an emergency, when they can't readily see the hydrants. Then the bushes make it tough to fit the hoses on. This spring, firefighters have been making the rounds testing hydrants and even in that process they've had difficulty finding some. Fire codes say each hydrant has to be clear from plants, decorations, and fencing by at least three feet.

Many report seeing black bear south of Boaz

There were numerous black bear sightings over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, mostly south of Boaz around Pleasant Hill. Resident Kristy Bailey told the Reporter the bear was looking through a garbage can, and didn't seem aggressive. It eventually strolled into the woods. Most who have seen the bear say it doesn't show aggression, but that doesn't mean you should follow it or investigate too much. The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division says killing black bears is against state law, except in cases when human life is threatened.

Clay appointed to District Judge post

Gov. Robert Bentley has appointed Gadsden attorney and former circuit judge Will Clay as district judge to succeed retiring District Judge Wayne Owen. Clay lives in Sardis City and has a law practice in Gadsden. He told the Gadsden Times it will take a couple of days to close his office. He said he could be sworn in at the end of this week. Four applied to replace Owen.

Geraldine gets landscaping grant for school

As the recovery efforts continue from the April storms, the Geraldine School is still getting over the tornado a year ago. Soon the rebuilding will be complete with a whole new landscape. Much of it was ripped out by the April 2010 storm, and now a $5,000 Education Grant for landscaping has been awarded by a foundation for Lowe's Home Improvement. They'll start working on the irrigation system this summer and planting trees and shrubs this fall.

Endeavor lands safely

The space shuttle Endeavor landed for the final time before sunrise this morning. Commander Mark Kelly.






Endeavor traveled 122 million miles during 25 trips in its lifetime.