Marshall County man arrested

A Marshall County man has been arrested in Morgan County. Last Saturday, 33-year-old Joshua John McBride was stopped on Highway 231 in Union Grove by a sheriff's deputy who had received a complaint of a suspicious man in the area. A search of McBride's jackpot pockets turned up a number of items described as having been stolen from the Morgan City Salvage Store. He eventually confessed to stealing the merchandise, which included watches, knives, lighters, tools and more. McBridge was arrested and charged with third degree burglary and unlawful possession of prescription drugs.

Circuit judge candidate

An attorney from Fort Payne has qualified as a Republican candidate for the office of Circuit Judge Place 1 in Cherokee and DeKalb counties. Shaunathan Bell says he is--quote--"committed to providing the people with a courtroom where every person is treated fairly, respectfully and equally under the law."

Anniston plant purchased

A Tennessee company will soon own the Solutia chemical plant in Anniston. Eastman Chemical announced Friday that it's paying three-point-four billion dollars for Solutia, Incorporated, which has plants all over the country. According to the Anniston Star, representatives of both companies say no changes are currently planned at any of them. The Anniston facility, which makes products used in manufacturing, solar energy and commercial aircraft, employs about 85 people.

Burglary suspect quickly arrested

It didn't take long for Marshall County sheriff's deputies to find items stolen from a vehicle and the person suspected of taking them. A man who lives on Martling Gap Road said that a man walked up to his home, requesting to use the telephone. After the man left, the resident realized that a Nintendo 3DS and prescription medication were missing from his truck. Thanks to the victim's description, deputies found the suspect walking on Oak Grove Road less than 90 minutes later. 24-year-old Justin Keith Baugh of Albertville was allegedly in possession of the stolen items. He was arrested and booked into the Marshall County Jail.

Plane crash report

A preliminary report has been issued on the fatal plane crash in Etowah County earlier this month. On January 20th, North Carolina businessman Tom Coble was killed when his plane went down in a swamp in Rainbow City, just after taking off from Northeast Regional Airport in Gadsden. The National Transportation Safety Board now says the plane hit some trees before it reached the ground. A number of witnesses said they heard explosions and saw flames. The last of the wreckage was removed last Monday and, since then, Gadsden EMA has been monitoring the site to make sure jet fuel isn't flowing into the Coosa River.

Etowah star visits Auburn

A football star from Etowah High School was invited to Auburn University for a weekend visit. Darrin Peterson caught 65 passes for 13-hundred-93 yards and 10 touchdowns and also returned three kickoffs for touchdowns.

Credit Union hooked

It looks like somebody hacked into several accounts at First Educators Credit Union in Calhoun and Talladega counties. Credit union officials say they don't know how the breaches occurred but they were caught before any stolen information could be used and nobody lost any money. New cards are being issued for accounts that were hacked.

Red flag warning

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for this afternoon for all of North and Central Alabama, including Marshall, DeKalb, Etowah, Calhoun, Cherokee and Blount counties. Relative humidity values are expected to fall below 25 percent for at least four hours this afternoon. The very dry airmass in place across the region will result in critical fore weather conditions.

Roads flooded

The Mashall County Emergency Management Agencey says a couple of roads are closed by flooding. One is McVille Road, a half-mile north of State Route, and the 900 block of Floyd Drive in Albertville.

Calhoun County Animal Control

Calhoun County commissioners took action Thursday in response to recent claims of animal cruelty at the county's Animal Control Facility. They established an animal control advisory board that will meet on a regular basis to monitor operations at the facility. And they formally adopted the rules that the facility is already supposed to be following.

Child abuse conviction

An Etowah County jury found an Attalla man guilty on four counts of child sexual abuse on Thursday. 40-year-old James Alvin Hawkins of Attalla was accused of the rape and sodomy of a minor female over a two-year period. The victim eventually gave birth to a child at the age of 13. Her mother allegedly helped Hawkins flee to Florida when it was determined that he was the father. He was eventually tracked down and returned to Etowah County, where--because of prior felony convictions--he faces a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Flood warning continues

The National Weather Service is continuing the flood warning for Marshall County concerning the Paint Rock River until late tomorrow night. The river is forecast to rise above flood stage by late this evening and crest tomorrow morning. It will fall back below flood stage by early tomorrow evening.

Medical marijuana bill

A state lawmaker from Calhoun County has filed a bill in the Alabama House that would legalize medical marijuana. Jacksonville Republican K.L. Brown told the Anniston Star that his sister used medical marijuana to control her pain before she died of breast cancer 25 years ago. Brown says he wants to help others who might be suffering. He says his measure would in no way decriminalize marijuana; it would remain under control of the state health department and law enforcement. Medical marijuana is currently legal in 16 states and the District of Columbia.

Missing teen found

An Amber Alert for a Blountsville teen was canceled Wednesday when she was found safe in woods near her home. 17-year-old Nancy Nieves had gone missing Tuesday night and there was concern that medical issues might have caused her to become disoriented.

Flood watch, warning

A flash flood watch is in effect this afternoon and evening in an area including Marshall and DeKalb counties. The National Weather Service says showers and thunderstorms moving through the area are expected to bring widespread rainfall amounts of one to two inches, with locally higher amounts. Because of relatively high soil moisture from recent rains, the threat for flash flooding will be elevated.

Meanwhile, a flood warning continues for Marshall County concerning the Paint Rock River, which is currently below flood stage, but is expected to rise back above it by early tomorrow evening, cresting Saturday morning and falling back again by late Saturday afternoon.

Other areas, including Etowah, Calhoun, Blount and Cherokee counties, can expect the possibility of damaging winds, isolated tornadoes and local flooding as the rain and storms pass through today and tonight.

Securities fraud conviction

A former Blount County man has pleaded guilty to a single count of fraud in connection with the sale of securities. According to the Alabama Securities Commission, a Blount County Circuit Court judge gave David Ray Pinyan a suspended 10-year prison sentence and placed him on five years' probation. A hearing will be set in the next 60 days on how much Pinyan, who now lives in Tennessee, will have to pay in restitution. Back in 2006 and 2007, Pinyan allegedly used schemes centered on various land development opportunities and transactions involving the buying and selling of automobiles. Through those schemes, he defrauded Alabama investors of several thousands of dollars.

AC theft thwarted

Anniston police responded to a home on Sherwood Drive in Saks on Sunday after receiving reports that an air conditioning unit was being stolen. In less than an hour, statements from witnesses led to an officer stopping the suspects' vehicle on Blue Mountain Road. 23-year-old Uriel Donald Lancaster and 25-year-old Nicholas Bretty Boyer were arrested and charged with first degree theft and possession of burglars' tools. Police also receovered the stolen a/c unit.

Missing Child Alert

A Missing Child Alert has been issued for a Blount County teenager. The Alabama Department of Public Safety says 17-year-old Nancy Nieves was last seen at her home in Blountsville, between Albertville and Birmingham, around 7 o'clock last night. According to the DPS, Nancy wandered away from home, has medical issues and may become disoriented. She doesn't speak English and communication may be difficult. Nieves was wearing blue jeans and a black shirt with white roses on it. Anyone with any information concerning Nancy Nieves is urged to call Blount County 911 Dispatch or the Blountsville Police Department.

Flood warning, watch

A flood warning continues for Marshall County concerning the Paint Rock River. The National Weather Service says that, as of 6 o'clock this morning, the Paint Rock was about a foot and a half above flood stage, but it was falling. The warning continues through tomorrow morning.

The weather service has also issued a flash flood watch for an area including Marshall and DeKalb counties for tomorrow afternoon and evening. Showers and scattered thunderstorms, some of which might be heavy, will be moving into the area tomorrow. Widespread rainfall amounts of one to two inches are expected with locally higher amounts. Because of soil moisture recent rainfall, the threat for flash flooding will be elevated. Again, that is tomorrow afternoon and evening.

Plane crash site cleanup

Thunderstorms moving through Etowah County slowed down the environmental cleanup of a plane crash site in Rainbow City on Monday. The L-39 Charlie Fighter jet crashed Friday night and the remains of the pilot, 58-year-old Tom Coble, were removed from the wreckage on Sunday. Cause of the crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administation.

Probate judge candidate

A member of the Centre City Council has announced that he is Democratic candidate for the office of Probate Judge and Calhoun County Commission chairman. Sid Garrett has also served as general manager of the Cherokee County Warter and Sewer Authority for 12 years.

Flood warning

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for an area including Marshall County concerning the Paint Rock River. The warning is in effect until tomorrow afternoon. Flood stage for the river is 16 feet; as of last night, it had risen to 17 and a half feet. The Paint Rock River is forecast to continue rising to nearly 18 and a half feet by early this afternoon. It should be back below flood stage by late tomorrow morning.

Pilot identified

A small plane crashed Friday night in Rainbow City. The Etowah County Coroner's Office has since tentatively identified the victim as Thomas Coble of Burlington, North Carolina. The FAA says Coble was headed to Burlington after taking off from Northeast Alabama Regional Airport.

Crossville man busted

A Crossville man is facing charges of using methamphetamine. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office says 49-year-old Brian Keith Elwell was found holding a knife in a vacant rental house by the landlord, who managed to detain him until deputies arrived. The deputies found a syringe and a plastic baggy of meth. Elwell, who was out of jail on bond for several drug-related offenses, was charged with second degree burglary and unlawful possession of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.

Boaz bust

DeKalb County deputies showed up to serve a Boaz man with a warrant on drug charges and he wound up facing even more drug charges. Last Tuesday evening, the deputies went to the home of 29-year-old Edward Holmes Dover on DeKalb County Road 405. They say they saw Dover run behind a shed behind his house and hide underneath it. They arrested Dover on the warrants and, when drug agents found three one-pot meth labs on the property, he was also charged with manufacturing a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Immigration law benefits

The mayor of Albertville says a decline in illegal immigration means more money for the city and Marshall County. Mayor Lindsey Lyons points to a seven percent increase in sales tax over the past three months, which means another 145-thousand dollars in city coffers. Lyons says because illegals have left in the wake of the state's new immigration law, more local residents are going back to work and once again patronizing local businesses.

December unemployment

Alabama's unemployment rate has taken another big drop. Gov. Robert Bentley said today the rate declined from eight-point-seven percent in November to eight-point-one percent in December. Alabama's rate has now fallen below the national rate of eight-point-five. Unemployment was down in all local counties--Marshall at six-point-nine percent, Dekalb at eight-point-nine, Etowah at seven-point-six, Calhoun at seven-point-five, Blount at six-point-nine and Cherokee at seven percent even.

RiverFest lineup

The country headliner for RiverFest 2012 in Gadsden has been announced. The Chamber of Gadsden and Etowah County says Alabama native Jamey Johnson will perform Saturday night, June 9th. Earlier in the day, the Oak Ridge Boys will perform. On Friday night, the RiverFest rock headliner will be the band Fuel, with opening acts including former Foreigner lead singer Lou Gramm.

New van for vets

Thanks to donations from the public, Disabled American Veterans Post 18 now has a new van to drive vets from the VA Clinic in Guntersville to the VA Hospital in Birmingham. Post Commander William Brennan says the DAV has more than 20 volunteers who will be trained and transporting the vets within two weeks. They'll be available five days a week; any vet who needs a ride can call the Guntersville VA Clinic.

Guntersville mayor stepping down

By the end of the year, the city of Guntersville will have a new mayor. Incumbent Mayor Bob Hembree announced during his state of the city address that, after two terms, he is stepping down. Hembree says one of his proudest accomplishments is the renovation of downtown Guntersville. Municipal elections will be held in August and a runoff, if needed, in October. The new mayor will take office in November.

New jobs for Boaz

WAFF reports that new jobs are coming to the city of Boaz. Pinnacle Manufacturing, located off West Henderson Road, makes specialized waste equipment and tanks and company officials say demand is growing. So they are now building a new 23-thousand square foot plant behind the current facility. When it's completed in mid-April, Boaz Mayor Tim Walker says they'll be hiring 25 people.

Illegals busted

The U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI have announced the arrest of two illegal immigrants living in Boaz for distributing methamphetamine. 37-year-old Carlos Tabera Gonzalez and 34-year-old Efran Ramirez Calderon were indicted by a federal grand jury. They are alleged to have conspired to distribute meth in Marshall County from 2002 until November 2011. Authorities say a search of their residences in Boaz turned up two pounds of meth, three pistols, ammunition, scales and some 13-thousand dollars in cash. A combination of federal and local law enforcement agencies took part in the investigation and arrests.

Arrest in Xmas stabbing

A man sought for a Christmas morning stabbing in Guntersville was finally arrested this week. US Marshals picked up 37-year-old Kenneth Wayne Reed of Dolomite in Birmingham. Reed is accused of going to his ex-girlfriend's apartment on Willow Beach Road at 4:30 AM as she wrapped gifts for her children with their father, 27-year-old Kevin Horton of Michigan. Horton answered the door and Reed allegedly stabbed him multiple times. He's charged with first-degree assault.

Boaz hit and run

Boaz Police are looking for a hit-and-run driver. Two men were struck by a dark or black car while walking home Tuesday night along Highway 68 from the Y-Mart to Sundown Apartments. Police say 25-year-old Mulugeto Hagos was in critical condition at Huntsville Hospital and 24-year-old Awolt Abay was treated and released from Marshall Medical Center. searching for the driver who hit two people late Tuesday night. The hit-and-run sent both men to the hospital.

Judge won't appeal

The Marshall County Circuit Judge who was kicked off the March 13th GOP primary ballot says he won't appeal the decision. The Alabama Republican Party Steering Committee voted Tuesday to remove Judge Howard Hawk, who had switched over a year ago from the Democratic Party. Hawk also said he will not seek re-election as an independent.

Marshall County flood warning

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for an area of Alabama including Marshall County. The warning concerns the Paint Rock River, which is forecast to rise above flood stage today, cresting at 16 and a half feet, which is a half-foot above flood stage. The river will fall below flood stage by late tonight. Be especially cautious of flood waters, especially at night. If, while driving, you see water over a road--turn around, don't drown. The water depth might be too great to allow your vehicle to cross.

Bama star busted

A Gadsden native and former cornerback for the University of Alabama football team has been busted in Florida for possession of marijuana. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office says Dre Kirkpatrick was arrested early Tuesday morning in Bradenton and charged with possessing less than 20 grams of pot. He was released on 120 dollars bond. Kirkpatrick announced last Thursday that he was leaving Alabama to enter the NFL Draft, where he is projected to be a first-round pick.

Grant for local nonprofit

There was good news Tuesday for a nonprofit organization based in Anniston that helps victims of domestic violence. Governor Robert Bentley announced that 2nd Chance is getting a 10-thousand dollar grant from the U.S. Justice Department. The grant is administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, which says the money is part of the Victims of Crime Act.

Teen charged with murder

Marshall County authorities have charged a teenager with capital murder in the death of 11-month-old Gemma LaShae Moore. 17-year-old Immanuel Gage Allen is being held in the Blount County Jail without bond. Allen and the girl's mother, 24-year-old Bridgett Duncan, had been arrested last week for aggravated child abuse after Gemma was taken to the hospital, where she later died. Investigators say an autopsy showed that the child died from blunt force trauma to the head. Funeral services for Gemma are scheduled for Thursday afternoon at 2 at the Sanctuary Church in Albertville.

Judge kicked off ballot

A Marshall County Circuit Judge seeking re-election has been kicked off the Republican Party's primary ballot. Judge Howard Hawk switched from the Democratic Party to the GOP in December of 2010. At the time, the move was approved by state party officials, but the Marshall County Republican Party Executive Committee voted a month later to ask Hawk to remain a Democrat. The committee and Hawk presented their cases in Birmingham Tuesday to the Alabama Republican Party steering committee, which then voted to take Hawk off the ballot.

Neighborhood watch meeting

If you'd like to get information on forming a neighborhood watch group, you'll want to attend a meeting with Albertville police this evening. Chief Doug Pollard says it's a chance for homeowners to find out how they can help reduce crime. It's scheduled for 6 PM at the Fine Arts Center on the campus of Albertville High School.

Fatal ATV accident

An ATV accident last night near Douglas killed a teenage girl. State troopers say it happened around 6:30 last night on Welcome Home Church Road. The girl was riding with a boy who was driving the four-wheeler. He lost control. Both were taken to Marshall Medical Center South. The girl was pronounced dead; the boy is being treated for serious injuries.

Cherokee meth busts

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit has been busy making meth busts. According to Sheriff Jeff Shaver, in the last two weeks, agents have seized about a half-pound of ice, the purest form of methamphetamine. It has a street value of some 12-thousand dollars. The latest arrest came Friday. 48-year-old George Thomas Muse of Cedar Bluff was found to have two-and-a-half ounces of ice. Muse was charged with trafficking in meth and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was being held on a 500-thousand dollar cash bond.

Cherokee school candidates

A teacher at Gaylesville High School has qualified to run as a Democrat for Cherokee County Superintendent of Education. Brett Keasler is a graduate of Cherokee County High and Jacksonville State and has taught at Gaylesville for 10 years.

And a former nurse and current stay at home mom has announced she is a Democratic candidate for the Cherokee County Board of Education, Place Three. Suzanne Bishop is also a graduate of Cherokee County High and the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

Hazardous weather outlook

The National Weather Service has issued hazardous weather outlook for an area including Marshall and DeKalb counties. A strong cold front will slide across the Tennessee Valley this afternoon, with scattered thunderstorms ahead of and along the front. Some of these thunderstorms might become strong or even severe, capable of damaing wind gusts or hail. In addition, the storms might produce locally heavy rainfall.

Tornado victims memorial

Those who lost their lives in last April's tornado will be remembered in DeKalb County. The Long-Term Recovery Committee will break ground this Saturday on a marble monument that will have the victims' names engraved on it. The 17-foot tall structure will be located at the DeKalb County Coliseum in Rainsville. The committee is accepting donations at area banks to help pay for the marble work. You can give by mail or online. Find out more at the City of Rainsville's website, which is rainsville-alabama-dot.com

Tornado memorial

Those who lost their lives in last April's tornado will be remembered in DeKalb County. The Long-Term Recovery Committee will break ground this Saturday on a marble monument that will have the victims' names engraved on it. The 17-foot tall structure will be located at the DeKalb County Coliseum in Rainsville. The committee is accepting donations at area banks to help pay for the marble work. You can also give money through the city of Rainsville's website.

Cherokee remains ID

Authorities say human remains found in October by hunters on property off Alabama Highway 68 near Sand Rock have been positively indentifired as a Virginia woman. 64-year-old Shirley Ann Hodges was last seen in late August in the yard of her home, arguing with her boyfriend. Stanley David Crotts was tracked down in Texas, where he shot and killed himself as officers tried to make contact with him. Investigators say evidence confirmed Crotts as the person who killed Hodges.

Sex offender arrested

A wanted sex offender has been tracked down in Cherokee County. Sheriff Jeff Shaver says an investigation found that Corey Shane Hammonds, a registered sex offender from Floyd County in Georgia, was living in Cherokee County without registering with the sheriff's office. Hammonds was arrested at a residence in Cedar Bluff last Thursday and charged with failure to registry, a felony, and set his bond at 25-hundred dollars.

Abused child dies

An Albertville couple accused last week of child abuse will face even more serious charges now that the child has died . Gemma LaShae Moore's mother, 24-year-old Bridgett Duncan, and her boyfriend,17-year-old Immanuel Gage Allen, were arrested Wednesday after deputies responded overnight to a report of a non-responsive child. They found a child, less than one year old, suffering from injuries consistent with "shaken baby syndrome." Gemma was hospitalized in critical condition and died Thursday afternoon. Duncan and Allen are being held in the Marshall County Jail on bond of two million dollars each.

District 6 House candidates

The race for Congress in District 6 is getting crowded. State Senator Scott Beason announced on Thursday that he is a candidate for that U.S. House seat. Retired US Air Force Colonel Penny Huggins Bailey also declared her candidacy. And Blount County Probate Judge David Standridge was expected to announce his bid for the District 6 seat today. The incumbent is Spencer Bachus, who's held the job since 1993.

Calhoun arraignments

Among those who were arraigned at the Calhoun County Courthouse on Thursday:

57-year-old Preston Vaughn of Anniston pleaded not guilty to shooting and killing his wife last May by reason of mental disease.

20-year-old Nebrasker Burnhart and 19-year-old Jodeci Kejuan Sanders, charged with killing an Anniston teenager, pleaded not guilty. 17-year-old Oliver Jackson was the victim of a drive-by shooting in August.

Russell arraignment delayed

An arraignment for the man accused in the shooting death of Anniston police officer Justin Sollohub has been delayed. 25-year-old Joshua Eugene Russell was to appear Thursday morning to enter his plea. But Calhoun County Circuit Judge Brian Howell said courthouse officials were too busy to handle Russell's arraignment including transportation to and from the Etowah County Jail.

Marshall County flood warning

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Marshall County regarding the Paint Rock River. The river was expected to rise to about 17 and a half feet by this morning; that's a foot and a half above flood stage. The Paint Rock River is forecast to fall below flood stage early Sunday morning. Be especially cautious at night when it's harder to recognize flood dangers. If while driving you see water over a road, turn around--the water depthy might be too great to allow your vehicle to cross.

Child abuse charges

An Albertville couple is accused of child abuse. Marshall County Sheriff Scott Walls says 24-year-old Bridgett Duncan and 17-year-old Immanuel Gage Allen were arrested Wednesday after deputies responded overnight to a report of a non-responsive child. They found a child, less than one year old, suffering from injuries consistent with "shaken baby syndrome." The child was hospitalized in critical condition. Duncan and Allen are being held in the Marshall County Jail on bond of two million dollars each.

Escapee recaptured

A female inmate who escaped from a work release program in Jefferson County on Tuesday was captured Wednesday morning in Calhoun County. According to a news release from Sheriff Larry Amerson, Calhoun and Etowah County sheriff's deputies, along with members of the federal Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force saw her vehicle on Alabama Highway 202. They then set up road blocks to trap Shannon on Morrisville Road. She was charged with first-degree escape.

Hazardous wether outlook

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for an area including Marshall and DeKalb counties. A mixture of snow and rain could bring accumulations ranging from a trace up to a half-inch on grassy and elevated surfaces in the higher terrain locations of Northeast Alabama. Snow showers should end early this evening. The Weather Service has also issued a wind advisory for this afternoon, which also applies to Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee and Etowah counties. Westerly winds will increase to around 25 miles an hour with gusts up to 40 miles an hour possible in higher terrain locations of Northeast Alabama. Wind chill temperatures will be in the 20's this afternoon, dropping into the teens and single digits overnight.

Gadsden chief search

The list of candidates to be the next police chief of Gadsden has been narrowed to six. The Gadsden Civil Service Board announced last night that they are: acting chief Roy Harbin, Gadsden police officers Lamar Jaggears, Regina May and Jeff Wright; Former Rainbow City police chief Allan Ragan and retired Birmingham police captain Johnie Crane. They'll undergo polygraph exams and psycholgical evaluations before being interviewed.


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Fight over a woman

A DeKalb County man is recovering from severe stab wounds to his stomach suffered in a fight over a woman. Deputies arrived to the report of an altercation at a home on Tumlin Road in Shiloh to find 30-year-old Brian Scott Daniel, bleeding profusely. Daniel named 27-year-old Jonathan Calvin Herren as his atacker. Herren was expected to turn himself in this week.

Calhoun clerk candidate

There's another name in the hat for Calhoun County Circuit Clerk. Eli Henderson, a veteran of 18 years on the county commission, filed papers in Birmingham Tuesday to run in the March 13th Republican primary. Already in the GOP race is a retiree from the clerk's office, Tina Walker. They're trying to succeed Ted Hooks, who announced earlier this week that he's stepping down for health reasons

BCS good for business

Alabama's 21 to nothing shutout of LSU in the BCS National Championship game is good for local business. WAAY-TV reports that Hibbett Sports store in Guntersville almost sold out of all Alabama championship merchandise. Tuesday morning, Hibbett sold 300 championship shirts and more than 100 championship ball caps. The store has re-ordered Alabama merchandise and will have more items for customers. And game night was a good one for Jeffersons in Albertville, which sold almost five-thousand wings Monday night.

Hazardous weather outlook

Colder weather with a little bit of snow is on the way. The National Weather Service says a reinforcing surge of much colder air will move into the Tennessee Valley tomorrow. Light rain showers will begin to mix with light snow across Northwest Alabama by late tomorrow, with the transition to light snow occurring across the remainder of the area during the late afternoon. Any threat for snow will end early tomorrow evening, but strong winds will drop wind chill values into the 10 to 15 degree range by Friday morning.

Child abuse arrests

The Etowah County Sheriff's Office says an Alabama City couple has been arrested and charged with two counts of felony child abuse. 44-year-old Johnnie Edwin Fox and 24-year-old Millie Kate Fox are accused of physically abusing two children younger than seven over a two-year period. The Foxes were being held in the Etowah County Detention Center on 20-thousand dollars bond each.


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Hooks not running

The Anniston Star reports that the Calhoun County Circuit Clerk has reversed his earlier decision and will not run for re-election this year. Ted Hooks, who is 64, indicated that the stress of his job is hurting his ongoing battle with heart disease. Hooks said he'll be stepping down in just a couple of months. That will leave only Tina Walker as a candiate for circuit clerk on the Republican primary ballot in March.

Supreme Court candidate

A Calhoun County Circuit Judge is looking for a promotion. Judge Debra Jones has announced she's running for a seat on the Alabama Supreme Court. Jones qualified Monday for the Alabama Republican Party Primary after serving one year of a six-year term as circuit judge. Judge Tommy Bryan of Montgomery is also running for the seat on the high court, which is currently held by Justice Thomas Woodall, who is not seeking re-election.

Clean-up effort

If you're willing to do some spring cleaning in Marshall County, there's a group that wants to hear from you. According to the Sand Mountain Reporter, Marshall County PALS--People Against a Littered State, are seeking five-thousand volunteers to pick up litter during Don't Drop It On Alabama week. That's April 21st through the 28th. The group's chairman, Charlie McClendon, sought the support of county commissioners last week, asking them to help identify roads that are in need of clean-up.

Burglars arrested

Southside police arrested two men Tuesday night after responding to a report of a burglary at a home on South Valley Road. On arrival, officers saw a car speeding away, gave chase and eventually caught up with 23-year-old Clayton Merrill Brown and 34-year-old Julius Harris, both of Jacksonville. Police searched their car and found tools used in the break-in and evidence connected to a burglary in Jacksonville. Harris had just gotten out of prison for burglary and Brown claimed Harris was paying him 100 dollars for every house he broke into.

Escapee caught in Cherokee

An escapee from the St. Clair County Correction Facility was arrested in Cherokee County on Saturday. James Leroy Tyree Junior is charged with escape in the first degree, felony possession of a firearm, attempting to elude law enforcement and resisting arrests. Cherokee County Sheriff's Office narcotics agents were tipped off by U.S. Marshalls that Tyree might be hiding out in the county. A search turned him up in the Leesburg area where a Leesburg police officer arrested Tyree after he attempted to flee in a vehicle and on foot.

Calhoun homocides near record

The Anniston Star reports local law enforcement officials can't point to any one reason why Calhoun County saw a near-record number of homocides in 2011. The total was 18 and came after experiencing only six homicides in 2009 and eight in 2010. It included the murder of a patrol officer with the Anniston Police Department. Anniston Police Lieutenant Fred Forsythe told the Star that the year was--quote--"a hard one, especially after losing a fellow officer. But still, we'd never be satisfied unless we had zero homocides."

Assault charge filed

An Etowah County man is accused of threatening his ex-girlfriend and ramming her car with her in it on the night of January 1st. Attalla police say 37-year-old Brian Keith Winn told the 40-year-old Gadsden woman that he was going to hurt her, then drove up in his Ford Ranger behind the woman in her Pontiac, ramming her car twice. Winn allegedly threatened her again and drove off. He was found a short time later at his home on Madison Way and has now been charged with first-degree assault and leaving the scene of an accident with injuries.


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Sexual torture indictments

Charges have been upgraded against an Etowah County man accused in the alleged sexual torture of a mentally challenged woman. 26-year-old Steven William Holder was originally charged with second-degree rape, but was indicted by an Etowah County grand jury for first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy and second-degree domestic violence. 40-year-old Toni Johnson and 52-year-old Maurice Johnson Junior were also indicted for rape, sodomy and sexual torture. They were originally charged in September after Gadsden police responded in August to a call at a home on Forrest Avenue.
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Rainsville meth bust

After receiving complaints from neighbors about a chemical odor coming from a home on DeKalb County Road 447, Dekalb County and Rainsville authorities investigated. A search of the property found three one-pot methamphetamine labs and enough supplies to produce about 12 grams of meth, which has a street value of about 12-hundred dollars. 47-year-old Fred Richard Swaim was charged with second-degree manufacturing of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Landlord lawsuit

A Fort Payne woman was four months pregnant when she died in a house fire on Gault Avenue almost exactly two years ago. Now family members of Sherry Ann McCauley are suing her landlord. Tracy Haire of Attalla filed the wrongful death lawsuit in DeKalb County Circuit court on Tuesday. The suit accuses Gary Hilyer and Hilyer Properties of failing to provide a smoke detector for the home or to warn McCauley that the home was not equipped with a smoke detector.

Grave theft arrests

Three men have been accused of stealing copper vases from gravesites at the Eden Hills Cemetery and Anniston Memorial Gardens. The vases are used to hold flowers and Anniston police say many were stolen over a six-month period last year. Arrested are 34-year-old Robert Nichols of Saks, 27-year-old Kyle Bright of Wellborn and his father, 53-year-old Andrew Bright, also of Wellborn. All three are charged with receiving stolen property in the first degree.

Ruling in sheriff lawsuit

The Anniston Star reports that a federal judge has dismissed half of the allegations in a suit filed against the sheriff of Calhoun County Sheriff and one of his deputies. An Anniston woman cliams that Sheriff Larry Amerson and Deputy Wendell Ward verbally and physically assaulted her 14-year-old son while he took part in a county jail program for teens. Judge Robert Probst's ruling last month still leaves at least three complaints against Amerson and Ward.

JSU power outage

Employees at Jacksonville State University are getting an extra day off because of a power outage. Officials say the school extended its holiday break through today because of an outage that affected campus about 6 o'clock last night. The Anniston Star quotes vice president Clint Carlson as saying it's unclear what caused the problem. Students aren't due to return to school from their holiday break until next week, but university staff had been expected to return to work Tuesday.

Guntersville accident

One man was injured and traffic was tied up as two vehicles collided this morning in downtown Guntersville. Police say it happened just after 7 AM in front of McDonalds on Gunter Avenue. A Bucik LeSabre pulled out onto Highway 431 from May Street and was knocked across two lanes of traffic by a Hyundai Sonata. The driver of the Buick, identified as 81-year-old Pate Kelley of Arab, was transported to Marshall Medical Center North by ambulance.

Albertville Museum

You'll be able to catch up on the history of Albertville on a regular basis starting one week from today. A ribbon-cutting is planned next Tuesday as the Albertville Museum opens to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM to noon. They'll also accomodate private group tours by appointment. And city officials say they will likely add weekend hours in a few months. According to the Sand Mountain Reporter, the Albertville Museum Foundation is offering memberships starting at 10 dollars for seniors and students, 20 dollars for individuals and 40 dollars for families The Albertville Museum is located at 610 West Main Street in the Little Branch Primitive Baptist Church.

Anniston council interviews

The Ward One seat on the Anniston City Council has been vacant since the resignation last month of John Spain. The council will interview candidates to fill seat during an informal work session at City Hall later today. The half-dozen applicants include former Anniston Mayor Gene Stedham, former Weaver Mayor William Edwin Kimbrough, Anniston Planning Commission Chairman Jay Jenkins. No formal action is expected today.

Red flag warning

The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings for an area including Marshall, DeKalb, Etowah, Calhoun, Cherokee and Blount counties. A combination of very low humidity plus strong winds will result in a critical fire weather dangers. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

In addition, high temperatures this afternoon are only expected to reach the low to mid 30's, which means wind chill values could drop to the low to mid 20's.

Holiday trash collection

Albertville residents whose trash is usually collected today will have it picked up tomorrow. The city sanitation department is closed today, so all trash collections this week are being bumped back a day. Meanwhile, Boaz collections will stay the same.

Deer attack

A Guntersville woman was driving on Brown Valley Road Friday morning when a deer jumped in the driver's side window. Carolyn Moore sustained serious cuts to her face before the deer jumped out of the back passenger's side window. Police found the deer nearby, still alive but badly injured. An animal control officer put the deer down. Moore is expected to be OK.

Wellborn shooting

A New Year's Day shooting in Wellborn left one man in the hospital. According to Anniston police, it happened late in the afternoon at a trailer on North Marshall Street. They say 50-year-old William Cain of Wellborn allegedly fired a shotgun at an acquaintance, hitting the victim in the arm. Cain was charged with felony first-degree assault. His victim, who was not identified, was hospitalized in stable condition.

Red flag, wind advisories

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for an area including Etowah, Blount, Calhoun and Cherokee counties. It's in effect until 5 PM. Winds from the northwest at 20 to 30 miles an hour with gusts up to 40 miles an hour combined with relative humidity as low as 18 percent will produce critical fire weather conditions. Outdoor burning is not recommended. Meanwhile, Marshall and DeKalb counties are under a wind advisory until 6 PM, also expecting northwest winds of 20 to 30 miles an hour, gusting to around 35 miles an hour. You're advised to secure outdoor objects, such as patio furniture and trash cans, and to drive carefully, especially in a high-profile vehicle.