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Storms possible Monday night into Tuesday
05/07/2012
Strong to even some some severe thunderstorms are again at risk for impacting the Tennessee Valley.
While most North Alabama and Southern Tennessee locations have already received some much needed rain, more showers, including a few storms that could contain heavy rain, small hail, and gusty winds, will remain a possibility through this evening and Tuesday.
A trough of low pressure to the north, presently providing us with the rain and storm chances, will ultimately usher in cooler air to the Valley by Wednesday evening when a ridge of high pressure assumes the reigns of our weather making for a more pleasant and dry mid-week.
The expected dip in temperatures will take center stage by Thursday when afternoon highs climb only to the mid-70's and offer the chance for a few locations to experience overnight lows upper 40's.
Stable and sunny weather will remain constant at least through Friday when our next rainmaker begins tracking northward into the region ushering in a Saturday rain chance.
The StormForce 31 Weather Team will closely monitor any storms that develop over the next 24 hours.
Remain on top of any severe weather threat to your location by signing up for WAAY 31 WeatherCall.
While most North Alabama and Southern Tennessee locations have already received some much needed rain, more showers, including a few storms that could contain heavy rain, small hail, and gusty winds, will remain a possibility through this evening and Tuesday.
A trough of low pressure to the north, presently providing us with the rain and storm chances, will ultimately usher in cooler air to the Valley by Wednesday evening when a ridge of high pressure assumes the reigns of our weather making for a more pleasant and dry mid-week.
The expected dip in temperatures will take center stage by Thursday when afternoon highs climb only to the mid-70's and offer the chance for a few locations to experience overnight lows upper 40's.
Stable and sunny weather will remain constant at least through Friday when our next rainmaker begins tracking northward into the region ushering in a Saturday rain chance.
The StormForce 31 Weather Team will closely monitor any storms that develop over the next 24 hours.
Remain on top of any severe weather threat to your location by signing up for WAAY 31 WeatherCall.
Wood trial will not move to Juvenile Court
05/07/2012
FLORENCE, Ala. (WAAY) - A Lauderdale County Judge has refused defense motions to move the murder trial of 17 year old Autumn Wood to Juvenile Court.
Wood is accused of stabbing 14 year old Brooklyn Hollis to death at a party in Florence in March.
She was scheduled to appear in court this morning, but the hearing was postponed until June 8th.
Wood remains free on bond.
Wood is accused of stabbing 14 year old Brooklyn Hollis to death at a party in Florence in March.
She was scheduled to appear in court this morning, but the hearing was postponed until June 8th.
Wood remains free on bond.
Savannah Hardin case playing out online
05/07/2012
GADSDEN, Ala. (AP) — Relatives and friends of the grandmother and stepmother charged with running a 9-year-old girl to death as a punishment have been defending and attacking the women on Facebook and in at least one case nearly divulging what could be considered evidence.
A judge has warned prosecutors and defense lawyers not to discuss the murder case, and so far they have obeyed. But experts say the hundreds of messages posted online since Savannah Hardin died in February show the legal system has yet to catch up with the social media explosion. They say it highlights the difficulty of making sure witnesses and jurors aren't swayed by outside influences.
Most posts are fairly innocuous, either supporting the women or honoring Savannah's memory. Others get to the heart of the case, including a few discussing how the child died. Many high-profile cases are discussed by thousands or even millions of people online, though in most cases those people aren't directly connected to the case. For instance, the Casey Anthony and Trayvon Martin cases generated immense worldwide attention on Facebook and Twitter.
Because of that, judges routinely admonish jurors not to read about a particular case online. And in Idaho, the Prosecuting Attorneys Association has advises prosecutors to avoid social media relationships that could create ethical problems — including being Facebook friends with judges — and never to talk about their cases online.
A judge has warned prosecutors and defense lawyers not to discuss the murder case, and so far they have obeyed. But experts say the hundreds of messages posted online since Savannah Hardin died in February show the legal system has yet to catch up with the social media explosion. They say it highlights the difficulty of making sure witnesses and jurors aren't swayed by outside influences.
Most posts are fairly innocuous, either supporting the women or honoring Savannah's memory. Others get to the heart of the case, including a few discussing how the child died. Many high-profile cases are discussed by thousands or even millions of people online, though in most cases those people aren't directly connected to the case. For instance, the Casey Anthony and Trayvon Martin cases generated immense worldwide attention on Facebook and Twitter.
Because of that, judges routinely admonish jurors not to read about a particular case online. And in Idaho, the Prosecuting Attorneys Association has advises prosecutors to avoid social media relationships that could create ethical problems — including being Facebook friends with judges — and never to talk about their cases online.
The grandmother of Savannah Hardin, Joyce Hardin Garrard, is charged with capital murder for allegedly making the child run and carry yard debris for hours as punishment for a lie about candy. The girl's stepmother, Jessica Mae Hardin, is charged with failing to intervene in the punishment until it was too late.
Garrard could be sentenced to death if convicted; Hardin could get life imprisonment.
Both women remain in Etowah County's jail without access to computers. But as in other high-profile court dramas, Facebook pages dedicated to the case appeared soon after Savannah's death.
The "Justice for Savannah Hardin" page includes calls for harsh sentences for the women. A "Justice for Joyce Hardin Garrard" page includes supportive posts by relatives and friends and photos of Savannah, Joyce Garrard and her husband, Johnny Garrard. Backers of the women can even order T-shirts for about $15.
Many of the posts simply express sympathy for one side or the other, but some go further. In a post last month, a person posting as Johnny Garrard disagreed with a commenter's claim about what killed the child, concluding: "I have the Death Certificate and that is not what it says."
Garrard could be sentenced to death if convicted; Hardin could get life imprisonment.
Both women remain in Etowah County's jail without access to computers. But as in other high-profile court dramas, Facebook pages dedicated to the case appeared soon after Savannah's death.
The "Justice for Savannah Hardin" page includes calls for harsh sentences for the women. A "Justice for Joyce Hardin Garrard" page includes supportive posts by relatives and friends and photos of Savannah, Joyce Garrard and her husband, Johnny Garrard. Backers of the women can even order T-shirts for about $15.
Many of the posts simply express sympathy for one side or the other, but some go further. In a post last month, a person posting as Johnny Garrard disagreed with a commenter's claim about what killed the child, concluding: "I have the Death Certificate and that is not what it says."
A few other writers suggest they have knowledge about the case that hasn't been made public in court. In one post, a person who claims to have known Jessica Hardin for two decades explains the circumstances of the girl's death and concludes that, in effect, Savannah ran herself to exhaustion by trying to finish chores too quickly.
Court files don't indicate whether Judge William Ogletree is aware of the way the case is playing out in social media. He publicly admonished lawyers during a hearing in March to keep a lid on their own comments, though.
"This case has been attempted to be tried somewhat in the court of public opinion," Ogletree said at the time.
Ogletree's warning didn't slow down the social media chatter, and law professors said it's unlikely a judge could do that anyway because Facebook posts are a bit like people talking on the courthouse steps. They said the case highlights the problem the legal system faces with social sites like Facebook, where jurors, witnesses, lawyers and even judges could be "friends" or see the latest, unfiltered gossip on cases.
Court files don't indicate whether Judge William Ogletree is aware of the way the case is playing out in social media. He publicly admonished lawyers during a hearing in March to keep a lid on their own comments, though.
"This case has been attempted to be tried somewhat in the court of public opinion," Ogletree said at the time.
Ogletree's warning didn't slow down the social media chatter, and law professors said it's unlikely a judge could do that anyway because Facebook posts are a bit like people talking on the courthouse steps. They said the case highlights the problem the legal system faces with social sites like Facebook, where jurors, witnesses, lawyers and even judges could be "friends" or see the latest, unfiltered gossip on cases.
"It's a phenomenon in society that's just starting to enter the legal field," said Don Cochran, a former prosecutor and professor at Samford University's Cumberland law school in suburban Birmingham. "I think it's a huge issue in practice, and it ought to be something we're talking about in law schools."
Steven Hobbs, a law professor at the University of Alabama, said attorneys don't generally have a duty to police comments by relatives and friends of people involved in criminal cases.
"However, a lawyer might find it useful to so advise a potential witness as the witness is being prepared for the trial," he wrote in an email. "Expressions on social media could hurt the case just like anything we say or post on Facebook, etc., could be used against us in the court of law or the court of public opinion."
Prosecutors and Joyce Garrard's attorney declined comment on the Facebook posts. A lawyer for Jessica Hardin did not return a message seeking comment.
What do you think about this story? Join the conversation on WAAY 31's Facebook page.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Steven Hobbs, a law professor at the University of Alabama, said attorneys don't generally have a duty to police comments by relatives and friends of people involved in criminal cases.
"However, a lawyer might find it useful to so advise a potential witness as the witness is being prepared for the trial," he wrote in an email. "Expressions on social media could hurt the case just like anything we say or post on Facebook, etc., could be used against us in the court of law or the court of public opinion."
Prosecutors and Joyce Garrard's attorney declined comment on the Facebook posts. A lawyer for Jessica Hardin did not return a message seeking comment.
What do you think about this story? Join the conversation on WAAY 31's Facebook page.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Older Americans Festival postponed due to weather
05/07/2012
NEW MARKET, Ala. (WAAY) - The annual Older Americans Festival at Sharon Johnston Park in New Market has been postponed until Thursday due to the threat of rain.
The event was originally set for Tuesday. The start times of the events will not change. Gates will open at 9:00 a.m., with festivities happening between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
The annual event draws hundreds of seniors from all around north east Alabama and southern middle Tennessee.
The event was originally set for Tuesday. The start times of the events will not change. Gates will open at 9:00 a.m., with festivities happening between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
The annual event draws hundreds of seniors from all around north east Alabama and southern middle Tennessee.
Laura Phillips sentenced for Carnegie Center theft
05/07/2012
DECATUR, Ala. (WAAY) - A Morgan County woman has pled guilty to two felony theft charges, and will spend six months in jail.
Laura Phillips entered the plea in Morgan County Circuit Court Monday morning. She was accused of stealing approximately $98,000 while working as the Director of the Carnegie Visual Arts Center and another $41,000 while serving as the Treasurer at the Alabama Museum Association.
Phillips was sentenced to two 15 year prison terms, which will be served concurrently. She'll be required to spend six months in the Morgan County Jail, followed by 14 and a half years of probation. She'll also be forced to repay $140,0636,94 to the two organizations.
Laura Phillips entered the plea in Morgan County Circuit Court Monday morning. She was accused of stealing approximately $98,000 while working as the Director of the Carnegie Visual Arts Center and another $41,000 while serving as the Treasurer at the Alabama Museum Association.
Phillips was sentenced to two 15 year prison terms, which will be served concurrently. She'll be required to spend six months in the Morgan County Jail, followed by 14 and a half years of probation. She'll also be forced to repay $140,0636,94 to the two organizations.
Former Ala. Gov. Candidate Bill Johnson Sperm Scandal
05/07/2012
AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Former Alabama gubernatorial candidate Bill Johnson has moved to New Zealand to be closer to the children he's fathered through sperm donation.
The New Zealand Herald is reporting that Johnson's wife says he has left her.
Kathy Hale Johnson, a former Miss America, told The Herald that Johnson, a Republican, recently returned to live in New Zealand.
She said that's where he donated sperm to at least 10 women without her knowledge.
She said Johnson plans to apply for residency there.
And intends to donate sperm to additional women.
The New Zealand Herald is reporting that Johnson's wife says he has left her.
Kathy Hale Johnson, a former Miss America, told The Herald that Johnson, a Republican, recently returned to live in New Zealand.
She said that's where he donated sperm to at least 10 women without her knowledge.
She said Johnson plans to apply for residency there.
And intends to donate sperm to additional women.
Did You Know : The Basement Pub
05/07/2012
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAAY) - You've heard of "Man Caves" or maybe a "Doll Room", but you have never seen a room in someone's house like this.
From the outside, it's just another beautiful home on a hillside in south Huntsville. But, there are some clues to give an indication that once you get inside there's something a little bit different in the basement. Hang a left before you get to the living room and go down the stairs. As you descend step by step the Irish music gets a little louder.
"I usually tell people I have a pub in the house and they don't really say much at first. Then I say NO, we really have a pub in the house and you will feel like you're in the middle of Ireland," said Lisa Bollinger of The Maggie McGuinness Pub.
"We've got several native Irish that come here and they tell us it's very authentic to what they experienced back in Dublin, Cork and the like," said Michael Bollinger of The Maggie McGuinness Pub.
The Bollingers get asked all the time about the Pubs hours, when it's open, when it's closed things like that. People easily forget when in the pub, that this is somebody's residence, it's not a bar and it's not open to the public."
" This is purely a private Irish Pub. We don't sell anything, it's all about family and community."
" Yes we have a name and it's fun and we call it the Maggie McGuinness Pub and a lot of people talk about it like it's one of the pubs in town, but really it's in our home and it's a hobby or ours."
Adult beverages are available at the pub, but they are not sold.
" People can bring their own drinks. People can also drink from the pub, they can put some money in the collection, but it's up to them. All we tell them is if we want to keep doing this, we have to be able to replace items."
From the outside, it's just another beautiful home on a hillside in south Huntsville. But, there are some clues to give an indication that once you get inside there's something a little bit different in the basement. Hang a left before you get to the living room and go down the stairs. As you descend step by step the Irish music gets a little louder.
"I usually tell people I have a pub in the house and they don't really say much at first. Then I say NO, we really have a pub in the house and you will feel like you're in the middle of Ireland," said Lisa Bollinger of The Maggie McGuinness Pub.
"We've got several native Irish that come here and they tell us it's very authentic to what they experienced back in Dublin, Cork and the like," said Michael Bollinger of The Maggie McGuinness Pub.
The Bollingers get asked all the time about the Pubs hours, when it's open, when it's closed things like that. People easily forget when in the pub, that this is somebody's residence, it's not a bar and it's not open to the public."
" This is purely a private Irish Pub. We don't sell anything, it's all about family and community."
" Yes we have a name and it's fun and we call it the Maggie McGuinness Pub and a lot of people talk about it like it's one of the pubs in town, but really it's in our home and it's a hobby or ours."
Adult beverages are available at the pub, but they are not sold.
" People can bring their own drinks. People can also drink from the pub, they can put some money in the collection, but it's up to them. All we tell them is if we want to keep doing this, we have to be able to replace items."
Breaking News: ULA Union Will Not Strike
05/07/2012
Decatur, AL- Workers at United Launch Alliance in Decatur voted Sunday not to accept a new contract from the company. However the union did not get enough votes to strike. Therefore, it was forced to accept a new, 3-year contract with the company.
The Decatur plant builds and tests the Atlas 5 and Delta 4 rockets to the launch facilities at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Union reps have been in negotiation with management for weeks.
“We are here today with the company’s final offer and the membership is voting whether to accept or reject the contract,” explained the Machinists Union’s Business Representative Gary Wills.
The group says it is not open to the company's plan to no longer offer pensions to new hires. Wills says although the current employees will not lose their pensions, they will be affected.
“If this should happen, in the future, they will be working beside new hires that come into work with reduced benefits which is something that this union tries very hard to not allow. It’s unfair, it’s unjust, and it’s unnecessary,” said Willis.
Phillip Car, the Negotiating Committee Chairman, says the change would create a wedge in the workforce.
“It causes hostility in the workplace. It just undermines everything that we stand for a as union,” he said.
Locally, ULA employs more than 400 people. 98% are members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
The new contract covers ULA union members employed in Decatur, Alabama, Cape Canaveral Air Station in Florida and Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
United Launch Alliance released the following statement Sunday:
United Launch Alliance was notified today, that the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) representing its workforce at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Decatur, Ala., and Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., has accepted the company’s new three-year contract offer. This concludes the 2012 contract negotiation process which began several weeks ago.
The new contract covers approximately 860 represented bargaining unit employees from District Lodges #75, #166 and #725 which includes Locals #44, #610, #1163, #2024 and #2786 performing work for the Atlas V, Delta II and Delta IV Programs at both east and west coast ULA Launch Operations and Decatur Manufacturing Facility. The contract will become effective at 12:01
a.m., May 7. Negotiations on the new contract officially started April 16 and ended May 2, with the ratification vote held today in all three geographical locations affected by this contract.
"We’re pleased that the employees represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers have ratified an agreement that is key to continuing ULA’s success in the future," said Michael Gass, ULA President and Chief Executive Officer. “The represented employees’ contributions have propelled ULA forward in delivering critical capabilities for our nation and our customers. The negotiating teams worked very hard to improve the pay and benefits for the represented employees and to maintain ULA’s competitiveness and operational efficiency.”
The Decatur plant builds and tests the Atlas 5 and Delta 4 rockets to the launch facilities at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Union reps have been in negotiation with management for weeks.
“We are here today with the company’s final offer and the membership is voting whether to accept or reject the contract,” explained the Machinists Union’s Business Representative Gary Wills.
The group says it is not open to the company's plan to no longer offer pensions to new hires. Wills says although the current employees will not lose their pensions, they will be affected.
“If this should happen, in the future, they will be working beside new hires that come into work with reduced benefits which is something that this union tries very hard to not allow. It’s unfair, it’s unjust, and it’s unnecessary,” said Willis.
Phillip Car, the Negotiating Committee Chairman, says the change would create a wedge in the workforce.
“It causes hostility in the workplace. It just undermines everything that we stand for a as union,” he said.
Locally, ULA employs more than 400 people. 98% are members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
The new contract covers ULA union members employed in Decatur, Alabama, Cape Canaveral Air Station in Florida and Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
United Launch Alliance released the following statement Sunday:
United Launch Alliance was notified today, that the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) representing its workforce at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Decatur, Ala., and Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., has accepted the company’s new three-year contract offer. This concludes the 2012 contract negotiation process which began several weeks ago.
The new contract covers approximately 860 represented bargaining unit employees from District Lodges #75, #166 and #725 which includes Locals #44, #610, #1163, #2024 and #2786 performing work for the Atlas V, Delta II and Delta IV Programs at both east and west coast ULA Launch Operations and Decatur Manufacturing Facility. The contract will become effective at 12:01
a.m., May 7. Negotiations on the new contract officially started April 16 and ended May 2, with the ratification vote held today in all three geographical locations affected by this contract.
"We’re pleased that the employees represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers have ratified an agreement that is key to continuing ULA’s success in the future," said Michael Gass, ULA President and Chief Executive Officer. “The represented employees’ contributions have propelled ULA forward in delivering critical capabilities for our nation and our customers. The negotiating teams worked very hard to improve the pay and benefits for the represented employees and to maintain ULA’s competitiveness and operational efficiency.”
Actor George Lindsey Remembered by Friends in the Shoals
05/07/2012
Lindsey was best known for his role on the Andy Griffith Show as ‘Goober,’ seen by many as a timeless American icon who helped make life a little lighter.
For nearly 30 years, the Jasper,
Close friend Bill Jarnigan admires Lindsey’s knack for humor: “He had that timing. He knew how to pull the most you could pull from a joke or a scene, and he was just great at it."
But Jarnigan says Lindsey was much more than a grinning goober. He explains, “He was a funny guy, but yet he had a very serious side, and that was the side that I really began to appreciate."
The loss of George Lindsey won't only be mourned by his friends and fans, but also his alma mater, the
Most notably, Lindsey co-founded UNA's film festival, now in its 15th year. Jarnigan adds, “It’s taken on a life of its own, and more importantly, people in the profession are recognizing it."
Even though he's now no longer with us, those who knew him are sure that his memory will live on.
Elliot reflects, “His legacy, it's part of our culture. He'll be with us for forever here in the Shoals community for sure."
Lindsey was 83 years old, and funeral arrangements have not yet been set.
Decatur Man Electrifies Truck
05/07/2012
DECATUR, Ala. - A quick pop of the hood release, and Dale Sebourn reveals his electrifying achievement.
"This is where all the electronics are stored," Sebourn shows WAAY 31 FirstNews what's under the hood of his 1996 Chevy S-10.
Horsepower harnessed by electricity.
"This is the controller," he points out. "These are the solenoids that operate the controller."
He raises a panel to expose a deeper look at what used to be an engine compartment. Instead of an engine, now there's an electric motor. "Underneath are four more batteries and the motor adapted to the transmission."
The electric motor is bolted to the transmission. From there on back, the truck's drivetrain is no different than any other S-10.
Sebourn added lift struts to his truck bed so he can easily raise it. Beneath the bed, there's battery after battery. "There are 16 batteries back here," he explains.
Sebourn owns Decatur Golf Carts. He labored for two years to turn his Chevy into a king-sized cart. The conversion cost him about $12,000. "This is really nothing but just a big golf cart. It's got the same electronic system. It's just a lot bigger. The motor's a lot bigger."
There's one part of this pickup that's virtually useless -- the fuel filler door. But, even it has a purpose. Sebourn uses it as a handle to lower his truck bed from the raised position.
The bed may pull down. But, passing up the pump is no let down.
"It costs about $1.50 to charge it," Sebourn says. "And you can run approximately sixty miles on that."
On the road, Sebourn's electrified pickup is quiet. You can hear creaking from the steering wheel cover. And there's a low pitched whine like you'd hear from any electric golf cart.
There's a manual stick shift on the floor. "But you don't have to shift," he tells us. "You run it in third gear all of the time."
Converting his truck wasn't easy. "You have to do a lot of trial and error to make some of the things fit."
Dale Sebourn's electric ride has put the juice to a truckload of conversations. "Wow! They say wow!"
"This is where all the electronics are stored," Sebourn shows WAAY 31 FirstNews what's under the hood of his 1996 Chevy S-10.
Horsepower harnessed by electricity.
"This is the controller," he points out. "These are the solenoids that operate the controller."
He raises a panel to expose a deeper look at what used to be an engine compartment. Instead of an engine, now there's an electric motor. "Underneath are four more batteries and the motor adapted to the transmission."
The electric motor is bolted to the transmission. From there on back, the truck's drivetrain is no different than any other S-10.
Sebourn added lift struts to his truck bed so he can easily raise it. Beneath the bed, there's battery after battery. "There are 16 batteries back here," he explains.
Sebourn owns Decatur Golf Carts. He labored for two years to turn his Chevy into a king-sized cart. The conversion cost him about $12,000. "This is really nothing but just a big golf cart. It's got the same electronic system. It's just a lot bigger. The motor's a lot bigger."
There's one part of this pickup that's virtually useless -- the fuel filler door. But, even it has a purpose. Sebourn uses it as a handle to lower his truck bed from the raised position.
The bed may pull down. But, passing up the pump is no let down.
"It costs about $1.50 to charge it," Sebourn says. "And you can run approximately sixty miles on that."
On the road, Sebourn's electrified pickup is quiet. You can hear creaking from the steering wheel cover. And there's a low pitched whine like you'd hear from any electric golf cart.
There's a manual stick shift on the floor. "But you don't have to shift," he tells us. "You run it in third gear all of the time."
Converting his truck wasn't easy. "You have to do a lot of trial and error to make some of the things fit."
Dale Sebourn's electric ride has put the juice to a truckload of conversations. "Wow! They say wow!"
Focus on Faith: Graduation Dreams
05/07/2012
Huntsville, AL -- Tina Brown never got a chance to celebrate her high school graduation and before she knew it, more than a decade had passed. Then, the mother of four realized something had to change. Her children wanted help with their homework, help that Brown couldn't provide. At 29 years old, she enrolled with the Christian Women's Job Corps of Madison. "I had no motivation, and I never knew what my next step was going to be until I got with these ladies at Christian Women's Job Corps, and everything changed. I had more faith, more motivation and actually more courage," Brown says.
The free 9-month program includes classroom work, tutoring and mentoring. In November, Brown also had the opportunity to take her GED test. The next month, the letter came with her results. Too nervous to open it, she handed it to her oldest son, who delivered the news that she had passed. Now, she's attending Drake State Technical College and making plans for the future. Brown says, "I'd say within the next year and a half to two years, I would love to own my own salon, but we'll see how far this takes me, I know God's got my side. He's got my back."
Faith is at the heart of the program. Executive Director Elaine Dickson says, "we instill in the women that God, first of all, desires a personal relationship with them, but also that He has a plan for them, and He wants them to succeed. We want them to succeed as well, and we provide them with some tools that help them do that." On Sunday, May 6th, Brown and 19 other women graduated from the Christian Women's Job Corps program. To find out how to apply as a student or a volunteer, click here.
The free 9-month program includes classroom work, tutoring and mentoring. In November, Brown also had the opportunity to take her GED test. The next month, the letter came with her results. Too nervous to open it, she handed it to her oldest son, who delivered the news that she had passed. Now, she's attending Drake State Technical College and making plans for the future. Brown says, "I'd say within the next year and a half to two years, I would love to own my own salon, but we'll see how far this takes me, I know God's got my side. He's got my back."
Faith is at the heart of the program. Executive Director Elaine Dickson says, "we instill in the women that God, first of all, desires a personal relationship with them, but also that He has a plan for them, and He wants them to succeed. We want them to succeed as well, and we provide them with some tools that help them do that." On Sunday, May 6th, Brown and 19 other women graduated from the Christian Women's Job Corps program. To find out how to apply as a student or a volunteer, click here.
George "Goober" Lindsey Dead at 83
05/07/2012
Nashville, TN - Actor and comedian George "Goober" Lindsey died early Sunday after a brief illness.
Lindsey was a native of Fairfield, AL and spent his childhood in Jasper.
He is best known for his role as Goober in the popular television show The Andy Griffith Show. He also worked for many years as a regular member of the cast of Hee Haw.
He was a graduate of the University of North Alabama and was a co-founder of the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival in 1998.
Lindsey was 83.
Lindsey was a native of Fairfield, AL and spent his childhood in Jasper.
He is best known for his role as Goober in the popular television show The Andy Griffith Show. He also worked for many years as a regular member of the cast of Hee Haw.
He was a graduate of the University of North Alabama and was a co-founder of the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival in 1998.
Lindsey was 83.
New Hospital Plans Hit Roadblock
05/07/2012
FLORENCE, AL - Plans for a new hospital in the Shoals have hit a major roadblock.
According to our news partner, The Times Daily, five health care providers have filed opposition to the $250M project.
That means Regional Care must get a certificate of need before it can build a replacement for Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital in Florence.
A hearing is set for November.
During the hearing, Regional Care will have to prove to a judge that the new building is necessary and will better serve the community.
According to our news partner, The Times Daily, five health care providers have filed opposition to the $250M project.
That means Regional Care must get a certificate of need before it can build a replacement for Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital in Florence.
A hearing is set for November.
During the hearing, Regional Care will have to prove to a judge that the new building is necessary and will better serve the community.
New Superintendent Selected This Week
05/07/2012
DECATUR, AL - The Decatur School Board will vote on a new superintendent this week.
On Monday, the board members will meet with central office staff and principals to discuss the five finalists.
The discussion will continue at a work session on Wednesday.
On Thursday, the school board will select the person who will replace Sam Houston, who is retiring June 30th.
Of the five finalists, three are from Alabama, including one who is currently an assistant superintendent with Decatur City Schools.
The superintendent candidates are as follows:
Reginald Eggleston, Assistant Superintendent, Mobile County Schools, AL
Ed Nichols, Assistant Superintendent, Decatur City Schools, AL
Gail Pope, Superintendent, Manassas City Schools, Manassas, VA
Sandra Spivey, Director of Secondary Education, Madison County Schools, AL
Elizabeth Thomas, Superintendent, Grayson County Public Schools, Independence, VA
On Monday, the board members will meet with central office staff and principals to discuss the five finalists.
The discussion will continue at a work session on Wednesday.
On Thursday, the school board will select the person who will replace Sam Houston, who is retiring June 30th.
Of the five finalists, three are from Alabama, including one who is currently an assistant superintendent with Decatur City Schools.
The superintendent candidates are as follows:
Reginald Eggleston, Assistant Superintendent, Mobile County Schools, AL
Ed Nichols, Assistant Superintendent, Decatur City Schools, AL
Gail Pope, Superintendent, Manassas City Schools, Manassas, VA
Sandra Spivey, Director of Secondary Education, Madison County Schools, AL
Elizabeth Thomas, Superintendent, Grayson County Public Schools, Independence, VA
The Tech Guy: Facebook Stock and Wasting Time on the Web
05/07/2012
NASHVILLE, TN - If you have some extra money in your pocket, and some good connections, you can own a piece of Facebook. The company’s initial public offering is expected for May 18th. Facebook says shares will begin trading at $28 to $35 each and listed on the NASDAQ.
However, it will be virtually impossible for the average person, like me, to buy some shares. Most will go to companies that manage mutual funds. But, we can dream. Back in 2004, Google went public with shares trading at $85. It closed Friday at $597 per share.
Rumors are swirling about a new iPhone coming out later this year. Some reports say Apple is working on a four inch screen, which is the common size for Android devices. It will also have a metal back, instead of the glass it has now. Apple has introduced new gadgets in the fall. The iPhone 4 was released in October 2011.
Once Target sells the Kindles it has left on the shelves, it won’t replace them.
Target will only say it’ll stop selling the Kindle because of a conflict of interest. However, Target will continue selling the Barnes and Noble Nook and the iPad. So what’s the conflict of interest? It’s most likely that Amazon is one of Target's biggest competitors.
If you’re on Facebook and love Angry Birds, you’re about to waste a lot of time.
The world’s most popular game has come to the world’s most popular social network. You can now play Angry Birds right on your timeline and challenge your friends to a game. Your score is compared to the score of your friends. To install the app, search for "Angry Birds game" and install it. And don’t blame me if you can’t get anything done.
Keeping you plugged in, I’m Jamey Tucker.
However, it will be virtually impossible for the average person, like me, to buy some shares. Most will go to companies that manage mutual funds. But, we can dream. Back in 2004, Google went public with shares trading at $85. It closed Friday at $597 per share.
Rumors are swirling about a new iPhone coming out later this year. Some reports say Apple is working on a four inch screen, which is the common size for Android devices. It will also have a metal back, instead of the glass it has now. Apple has introduced new gadgets in the fall. The iPhone 4 was released in October 2011.
Once Target sells the Kindles it has left on the shelves, it won’t replace them.
Target will only say it’ll stop selling the Kindle because of a conflict of interest. However, Target will continue selling the Barnes and Noble Nook and the iPad. So what’s the conflict of interest? It’s most likely that Amazon is one of Target's biggest competitors.
If you’re on Facebook and love Angry Birds, you’re about to waste a lot of time.
The world’s most popular game has come to the world’s most popular social network. You can now play Angry Birds right on your timeline and challenge your friends to a game. Your score is compared to the score of your friends. To install the app, search for "Angry Birds game" and install it. And don’t blame me if you can’t get anything done.
Keeping you plugged in, I’m Jamey Tucker.
Immigration Protesters March on North AL Lawmaker
05/07/2012
With little time left, Latinos are lashing out at one local lawmaker. People against
Joe Ferrazas says things have been different since
He explains, “My daughter, she was in the beta club, and as soon as that happened, many of the people there that she was on the beta club with told her that she needs to go back to
It's stories like these that led hundreds to rally against the immigration law, and against a current immigration bill that changes certain parts of the law already in place.
After sign-making and speeches, the crowd marched a mile down
Rally organizer Rosa Calderon feels he personifies a growing problem since the law has been passed. She explains, “He interchanges the words 'illegal immigrant' with 'Hispanic.' And it makes me angry because I am not illegal, I am a
Calderon hopes the march will energize and unify
Many of these letters mention families torn apart post-immigration law. It's why sixth-grader Jennifer Hernandez and her friends decided to march. She explains, “[My friends] will be sad and saying that their parents are leaving and they just want their parents together."
It's not a simple issue, but Ferrazas feels they wouldn't be in this situation, marching for justice, if gaining U.S. Citizenship was just a little bit easier.
Ferrazas says, “Many of these people here, they've been waiting 15 to 20 years to try to get their citizenship paper. What they're asking for is real reform, they're not asking to stay here for free, they just want to work, make a living, support their families."
2 bodies found in MS during search for mom, girls
05/07/2012
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - The FBI says two bodies have been found in Mississippi during the search for a missing Tennessee woman and her three children, but the identities are not known.
FBI spokesman Joel Siskovic said the bodies were found late Friday night or early Saturday morning in Guntown, Miss., in a residence associated with the man charged with abducting Jo Ann Bain and her children. The spokesman wouldn't say if the bodies were children.
The missing girls are 8-year-old Kyliyah Bain, 12-year-old Alexandria and 14-year-old Adrienne. They were last seen April 27 in Tennessee.
Siskovic says 35-year-old Adam Mayes is suspected of abducting them and is considered armed and dangerous. He was last seen Tuesday in Guntown. He's been described as a family friend.
Authorities had said that Mayes could be in Mississippi but that he has ties to other states.
FBI spokesman Joel Siskovic said the bodies were found late Friday night or early Saturday morning in Guntown, Miss., in a residence associated with the man charged with abducting Jo Ann Bain and her children. The spokesman wouldn't say if the bodies were children.
The missing girls are 8-year-old Kyliyah Bain, 12-year-old Alexandria and 14-year-old Adrienne. They were last seen April 27 in Tennessee.
Siskovic says 35-year-old Adam Mayes is suspected of abducting them and is considered armed and dangerous. He was last seen Tuesday in Guntown. He's been described as a family friend.
Authorities had said that Mayes could be in Mississippi but that he has ties to other states.
Stars Help Disabled Child
05/07/2012
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- Michael Sutterfield of Stevenson, Ala., is a fighter.
The 15-year-old is deaf, suffers from Complex Partial Seizure's and has a Hydracephulus Shunt. Michael was born premature with meningitis, cysts on the front lobe of his brain and a bacterial infection which caused damage to the ventricles and other areas of his brain.
But it’s baseball brings out the best in him.
“Michael is a huge baseball fan,” his mother Debbie Guess said. “He's played since he was four years old.”
Baseball is the one thing that he can do that makes him feel like he's not any different than all of the other kids.
When the Huntsville stars heard Michael’s story, they did not hesitate to help. Stars’ general manager Buck Rogers invited the young man to Joe Davis Stadium.
Saturday night, Michael got to meet the players and was given an official Stars jersey and batting practice cap.
“It's a good feeling to lift his spirits and get him out here,” Huntsville Stars first baseman Hunter Morris said. “We want to make him feel part of our team, our group. I hope he enjoys being out here as much as we enjoy having him.”
After given the Stars gear, Michael immediately asked Morris to autograph his new souvenirs. It was also such a thrill for Micheal to throw out the first pitch and deliver the line-up card to home plate.
“He's a pretty spectacular kid,” Guess said. “The doctors didn't expect him to live pass the first night.”
Michael spent his first three months in the hospital as a baby. Now it’s all smiles and fists bumps with professional baseball players.
The 15-year-old is deaf, suffers from Complex Partial Seizure's and has a Hydracephulus Shunt. Michael was born premature with meningitis, cysts on the front lobe of his brain and a bacterial infection which caused damage to the ventricles and other areas of his brain.
But it’s baseball brings out the best in him.
“Michael is a huge baseball fan,” his mother Debbie Guess said. “He's played since he was four years old.”
Baseball is the one thing that he can do that makes him feel like he's not any different than all of the other kids.
When the Huntsville stars heard Michael’s story, they did not hesitate to help. Stars’ general manager Buck Rogers invited the young man to Joe Davis Stadium.
Saturday night, Michael got to meet the players and was given an official Stars jersey and batting practice cap.
“It's a good feeling to lift his spirits and get him out here,” Huntsville Stars first baseman Hunter Morris said. “We want to make him feel part of our team, our group. I hope he enjoys being out here as much as we enjoy having him.”
After given the Stars gear, Michael immediately asked Morris to autograph his new souvenirs. It was also such a thrill for Micheal to throw out the first pitch and deliver the line-up card to home plate.
“He's a pretty spectacular kid,” Guess said. “The doctors didn't expect him to live pass the first night.”
Michael spent his first three months in the hospital as a baby. Now it’s all smiles and fists bumps with professional baseball players.
SNAP Playground in Hartselle, a Labor of Love
05/07/2012
HARTSELLE, Ala. - A labor of love. A playground for children with special needs is a step closer to completion.
The John Mark Stallings SNAP Playground in Hartselle is moving into its final phase. SNAP is short for special needs accessible playground.
Morgan County has about 17-hundred children with special needs.
The swing area and splash pad are just two of the main attractions already finished.
Construction on the remaining work is slated to begin in the fall.
"The next increment that we have money for is building the entry way which is really the marquis of the entire playground," SNAP project manager Bob Francis told WAAY 31 FirstNews. "And now we have a contractor who is putting together the final proposal for the rubberized playground."
The playground is dedicated to the memory of Gene Stallings' son. John Mark Stallings lived 46 years with Down Syndrome.
So far, donors have contributed about a half-million dollars for the playground.
It's a joint effort by Hartelle's Civitan, Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary clubs.
The John Mark Stallings SNAP Playground in Hartselle is moving into its final phase. SNAP is short for special needs accessible playground.
Morgan County has about 17-hundred children with special needs.
The swing area and splash pad are just two of the main attractions already finished.
Construction on the remaining work is slated to begin in the fall.
"The next increment that we have money for is building the entry way which is really the marquis of the entire playground," SNAP project manager Bob Francis told WAAY 31 FirstNews. "And now we have a contractor who is putting together the final proposal for the rubberized playground."
The playground is dedicated to the memory of Gene Stallings' son. John Mark Stallings lived 46 years with Down Syndrome.
So far, donors have contributed about a half-million dollars for the playground.
It's a joint effort by Hartelle's Civitan, Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary clubs.
Governor Bentley Signs Tax Free Holiday into Law - UPDATED
04/30/2012
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - As Alabama prepares to observe the first anniversary of deadly tornadoes last April 27, the Legislature has approved the creation of a tax-free weekend for buying disaster preparedness supplies.
The bill by Republican Rep. Bill Poole of Tuscaloosa cleared the Senate 28-0 and the House 87-0 Thursday. Gov. Robert Bentley signed the bill into law.
The bill specifies that the tax-free weekend will occur July 6-8 this year and the last full weekend in February in subsequent years. It waives the state's 4 percent sales tax on many items, including batteries, cellphone chargers, portable radios, waterproof sheeting, generators, bungee cords, duct tape, and non-electric food storage.
Legislative fiscal experts predict the bill will reduce the state's sales tax collections by $4 million annually.
The bill by Republican Rep. Bill Poole of Tuscaloosa cleared the Senate 28-0 and the House 87-0 Thursday. Gov. Robert Bentley signed the bill into law.
The bill specifies that the tax-free weekend will occur July 6-8 this year and the last full weekend in February in subsequent years. It waives the state's 4 percent sales tax on many items, including batteries, cellphone chargers, portable radios, waterproof sheeting, generators, bungee cords, duct tape, and non-electric food storage.
Legislative fiscal experts predict the bill will reduce the state's sales tax collections by $4 million annually.
Infant dies in Lauderdale Co. fire
04/30/2012
CENTRAL HEIGHTS, Ala. (WAAY & TimesDaily) - An investigation is underway after an six month old little girl was killed in a Thursday afternoon house fire in Central Heights.
Crews responded to the scene on County Road 13 around 12:15 p.m.. The house is about a half mile north of the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Authorities on the scene say the infant was trapped by the fire, which began in the living room of the manufactured home. The flames burned a 15 foot hole in the side of the trailer.
Central, Oakland, Zip City, Cloverdale and Waterloo volunteer fire departments responded to the call. By the time they arrived, the unit was engulfed in flames.
Friends of the family said that the baby's mother and three year old sister were outside when the fire started. By the time they realized, they were unable to get back inside to rescue the child.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the state's fire marshal office.
Crews responded to the scene on County Road 13 around 12:15 p.m.. The house is about a half mile north of the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Authorities on the scene say the infant was trapped by the fire, which began in the living room of the manufactured home. The flames burned a 15 foot hole in the side of the trailer.
Central, Oakland, Zip City, Cloverdale and Waterloo volunteer fire departments responded to the call. By the time they arrived, the unit was engulfed in flames.
Friends of the family said that the baby's mother and three year old sister were outside when the fire started. By the time they realized, they were unable to get back inside to rescue the child.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the state's fire marshal office.
Tech Guy : Water Charging Your Electronics
04/30/2012
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WAAY) - 70% of Earth is covered in water. So no matter where you go, with the exception of a desert, water of some kind is close. It might be water you can’t drink, but it can charge your cellphone.
The PowerTrek is the world's first water powered electronics charger. You just fill a lid and it starts to work. "When you put the water in, there’s a glorified spring in the lid, so when you end up closing the lid, the water goes in here...” explains PowerTrekk's Graeme Esarey. The water passes through an area that separates the hydrogen from the oxygen, passing the hydrogen into a port, into a fuel cell membrane, creating electricity.
The PowerTrek is the world's first water powered electronics charger. You just fill a lid and it starts to work. "When you put the water in, there’s a glorified spring in the lid, so when you end up closing the lid, the water goes in here...” explains PowerTrekk's Graeme Esarey. The water passes through an area that separates the hydrogen from the oxygen, passing the hydrogen into a port, into a fuel cell membrane, creating electricity.
Sure there’s a lot of science in here, but all you need to know is that once the water goes in, electricity comes out.
"It’s used today to power satellites." says Esarey. "It’s used today to power aid stations in remote locations.” And now, the technology is so small, it can power a cellphone. It's portable enough to be taken on hikes, mountains, boating, anywhere you can’t find a wall charger."
"I can take it from zero to 100 in the same time that it would if you were plugged into the wall - about 2 hours."
The device promises to charge anything that uses a USB connection. And if we’ve come this far with clean energy, who knows where water can take us next?
Thhe charger costs $130, the power pucks are about $3.
"It’s used today to power satellites." says Esarey. "It’s used today to power aid stations in remote locations.” And now, the technology is so small, it can power a cellphone. It's portable enough to be taken on hikes, mountains, boating, anywhere you can’t find a wall charger."
"I can take it from zero to 100 in the same time that it would if you were plugged into the wall - about 2 hours."
The device promises to charge anything that uses a USB connection. And if we’ve come this far with clean energy, who knows where water can take us next?
Thhe charger costs $130, the power pucks are about $3.
Lauderdale man killed; girlfriend questioned
04/30/2012
OAKLAND, Ala. - One man was shot and killed by his girlfriend Saturday night at a manufactured home in the western Lauderdale County community of Oakland, authorities said.
The name of the victim nor his girfriend were immediately released.
The man was apparently shot once at the trailer on Lauderdale 229. The shooting was reported just before 6:30 p.m., authorities said.
Law enforcement officials said the woman told investigators that she and her boyfriend were struggling over control on the gun when it accidentally fired.
No charges had been filed as of 7:45 p.m.
Phil Campbell Honors Lives Lost to the Storm
04/30/2012
Phil Campbell, AL- When the sun rose over Phil Campbell on April 28th, the entire landscape had changed.
“That day after it as just like a nightmare, a dream,” said storm survivor Cindy Keller.
Keller and her husband James were in their truck when an EF 5 tornado blew into town. Keller survived, her husband did not. James was one of twenty-eight victims in Phil Campbell on April 27th.
“We were in the tornado up on Broad Street and that’s when the debris came through and took his life that day,” Keller remembered.
The days that followed brought to light the true devastation the community suffered. Homes, businesses, and the school all destroyed.
“It destroyed 450 structures and did several million dollars worth of damage,” said Mayor Jerry Mays, “as a Mayor you don’t know what kind of weight you have got on you shoulders and you just ask the good Lord to give you the strength to get you through it.”
The EF 5 tornado took 28 lives in Phil Campbell on the 100th anniversary of the town’s founding; Mayor Mays says in the years to come his town will continue to recover and hopefully prosper once again.
And in the spirit of remembering the past but looking to the future hundreds from the town turned out Saturday to pay their respects to the lives lost by dedicating a park and memorial to the victims. In the center of the park, a fountain and a memorial listing the names of those lost.
And the town is beginning to recover, homes have been rebuilt, businesses have once again opened their doors and work will soon begin on the new high school.
“We are waiting on the government to get through studying the historical significance of our 1934 gymnasium and our old high school before we can start tearing them down because we are going to have a new high school,” explained Mays.
And with the new beginning for the town, a place to come and remember the day that changed Phil Campbell forever.
“That day after it as just like a nightmare, a dream,” said storm survivor Cindy Keller.
Keller and her husband James were in their truck when an EF 5 tornado blew into town. Keller survived, her husband did not. James was one of twenty-eight victims in Phil Campbell on April 27th.
“We were in the tornado up on Broad Street and that’s when the debris came through and took his life that day,” Keller remembered.
The days that followed brought to light the true devastation the community suffered. Homes, businesses, and the school all destroyed.
“It destroyed 450 structures and did several million dollars worth of damage,” said Mayor Jerry Mays, “as a Mayor you don’t know what kind of weight you have got on you shoulders and you just ask the good Lord to give you the strength to get you through it.”
The EF 5 tornado took 28 lives in Phil Campbell on the 100th anniversary of the town’s founding; Mayor Mays says in the years to come his town will continue to recover and hopefully prosper once again.
And in the spirit of remembering the past but looking to the future hundreds from the town turned out Saturday to pay their respects to the lives lost by dedicating a park and memorial to the victims. In the center of the park, a fountain and a memorial listing the names of those lost.
And the town is beginning to recover, homes have been rebuilt, businesses have once again opened their doors and work will soon begin on the new high school.
“We are waiting on the government to get through studying the historical significance of our 1934 gymnasium and our old high school before we can start tearing them down because we are going to have a new high school,” explained Mays.
And with the new beginning for the town, a place to come and remember the day that changed Phil Campbell forever.
Mother Questioned About Baby Torture
04/30/2012
Huntsville, AL-The Huntsville Police Department's Domestic Violence Unit is investigating a case of torture and willful abuse of a 5-month-old girl at a home in the 2200 block of Brookline drive.
Dr. Harry Hobbs, spokesman for HPD, says a black female brought the 5 month old to Huntsville Hospital for medical care. Doctors became suspicious of the mother’s story when the baby’s injuries did not seem to coincide with her claim. The baby had injuries to her arms and legs. Hospital officials called DHR and the baby was taken to a safe place.
The mother is being held for questioning and the investigation is ongoing.
Dr. Harry Hobbs, spokesman for HPD, says a black female brought the 5 month old to Huntsville Hospital for medical care. Doctors became suspicious of the mother’s story when the baby’s injuries did not seem to coincide with her claim. The baby had injuries to her arms and legs. Hospital officials called DHR and the baby was taken to a safe place.
The mother is being held for questioning and the investigation is ongoing.