First News At Five

Officials Announce Overpass Project For Blake Bottom Road

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 18:57:34 -0500

Madison County-Relief is on the way for commuters who often use a busy section of Blake Bottom Road in Madison County.

Tuesday morning county and state officials announced their plan to build a fly-over overpass on Blake Bottom Road. Once completed cars will be able to travel above Research Park Boulevard to cross over to the other side. The project will cost five million dollars.

Some area residents like Kay Fiala are ready for a change. She and her husband battle traffic everyday. "Well we do have to time our trips because of the traffic especially on Blake Bottom road in the morning. People are just pouring onto Research Parkway at this intersection and I think they can't build it quickly enough" Fiala said.

According to Madison County Commissioner Dale Strong, the county commission working with the state has already secured one million dollars for the project. "And this overpass will assist with public safety and will allow people to get home in a more timely manner" Strong said.

Blake Bottom Road resident Kay Fiala is happy officials are taking steps to improve roads. " Ever since we moved out here we head rumors they were going to do it and it seemed to be something that was on again off again. And we are really glad they are going to do it and they put some money down towards the project. That gives us hope they are going to finish it" Fiala said.

Construction on the overpass is expected to begin in two years and could be finished as soon as 2016.

The Athens-Limestone Public Library is collecting supplies for soldier care packages

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 18:17:34 -0500

  ATHENS, AL (WAAY) --From now until the end of November, the public library in Athens is collecting items like snacks, books, stationary, and toiletries to be sent to soldiers for Christmas care packages.
  Some of the library staff came up with the idea as a way to say thank you to deployed members of the military. Athens-Limestone Public Library Director Paula Laurita says "we celebrate the 1st Amendment everyday at the public library with the freedom to read what we choose, the freedom of speech, so we wanted to thank those men and women who protect that 1st amendment right for us.
  Anyone interested in donating items can drop them off at the Athens-Limestone Public Library during operating hours or place items in the book drop after hours. Go to www.alcpl.org for a list of suggested items to donate.

Huntsville Soldiers Return Home From Afghanistan

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 19:12:21 -0500

Huntsville, AL- Hundreds of families got to welcome home their soldiers Sunday at Huntsville International Airport.

And what a homecoming it was for 130 members of the Alabama National Guard 115th expeditionary signal battalion. Its been one whole year since families have seen their loved ones.

Brittany Cisco says its a dream come true to see her husband safe and sound. "Theres seriously no words to describe it. I know my stomach jumped into my throat. When I saw him he just happened to be right in front of me and I don't think we could have gotten any luckier then that" Cisco said.

The National Guard soldiers have been based in the Kandahar Airfield since November 2011. Their job was to provide communication support in Afghanistan. Sergeant Brandon Cisco says this was a special homecoming getting to see his wife after a whole year. "You see her picture and get to skype with her, but now I can touch her. Its amazing it really is" Cisco said.

Rhonda Heath is hoping this will be her husband sergeant Mike Heaths last deployment. "Excitement and overflowing with tears and so proud of him. Just knowing the loneliness is gone now and he's here and home and I praise God for his safety" Heath said.

The Alabama National Guard unit is from Florence. But many of the returning soldiers are members of Company C which is based in Huntsville.

Parkway Place celebrates a milestone

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 22:01:03 -0500

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., (WAAY)- Parkway Place held a big birthday bash Saturday. The Huntsville shopping mall turned ten this week.

And what party is complete without cake? Peggy Ann's Bakery is still using the same recipe it used when it first opened at the original mall back in 1957. Saturday Peggy Ann's made their largest cake to date, big enough to feed 800 people.

Marketing Director Jana Kuner said the shopping center's history was a big part of today's festivities.

"From Parkway Center to Parkway City to Parkway place now, were just celebrating that long history here in Huntsville, and our shoppers that have been loyal and stood by us through all those transitions and all those changes," Kuner said.

Saturday's party was complete with door prizes and fun activities for patrons.

Jackson County restaraunt closing due to road project

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 18:08:31 -0500

SECTION, Ala. (WAAY ) - Some folks in a valley town are about to get the better highway they've wanted for a long time now. But, the road to improvement is having a negative impact on some businesses.

Since 1960 the Section Dairy Bar has served good food like hamburgers and hot dogs for folks in Jackson County. But in a few months the owners of the
business are going to shut it down.

Employee Cio Harbin says they made that decision because of a major road widening project on highway 35. "Its heart breaking to me to lose people I've worked with for so long that have become family. Its going to be missed definitely" Harbin said.

The Alabama Department of Transportation has plans to widen interstate 35 from two to four lanes. ALDOT will also purchase some properties in Section to make room.

Employee Cio Harbin has called this place home for eleven years. She will miss the family business that's loaded with 1950 posters of celebrities, singers and actors. "I am going to miss my customers, seeing them and its meant a lot to people and they are going to miss it" Harbin said.

The Section Dairy Bar will close for good in December.

Jackson County Football Player Facing Disciplinary Action

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:17:00 -0500

HIGDON, Ala. (WAAY) -- Several football players face disciplinary action for alleged sexual harassment at a Jackson County school.

The victims grandmother says the incident in question happened last week at North Sand Mountain high school. Two football players allegedly held another player down while one player dropped his pants and put his private part in the victim's face.

Many in the small community of Higdon like Tom Campbell are shocked by the allegations. " And the school leaders need to be more involved in
getting kids more educated on it as well as teaching them respect for others" Campbell said.

Jackson County resident Darell Ellis feels the school needs to be held accountable. "Bullying is a bad thing anytime, and sexual harassment too. Teachers need to be more aware of what's going on down there" Ellis said.

The victims grandmother says she's getting her grandson counciling. She says five boys were involved. Officials say several of the players were given community service as punishment; others won't be able to play football friday night.

Superintendent Ken Harding did not want to comment on camera about the incident.

Boaz Mayor Proposes Big Changes To The Outlet Center

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 17:27:12 -0500

Boaz, AL-A major economic boost in Boaz. That's what city leaders are hoping for. Mayor Tim Walker wants to build a large scale recreation and aquatic center where the Boaz Outlet Center is located. The shops there were once a thriving part of the local economy.

But now, many of the shops sit empty. That's something the mayor wants to change "We have some empty buildings and we are looking to develop recreational activities and an indoor aquatic center for this space that was once outlets and re-invent that space re-use that space for more productive things" Walker said.

Businessman Rahul Modi is excited. His motel is across the street and he's hoping the mayors project will bring him more customers. "After hearing about the recreation center we are very excited about that because right now Boaz is nothing and its almost dead. And if this thing is coming, it will help everybody in Boaz especially us. So we are excited about that news" Modi said.

City leaders secured a six month option to buy 23 acres of the Boaz outlet center. The facility would feature: basketball and volleyball courts along with indoor and outdoor pools. the project would also have a splash park, track and fitness center and a banquet facility. The proposed plan could cost as much as 20 million dollars.

The city hired a consultant to see if their plan makes good financial sense.

Prescription drugs collected by Madison County law enforcement

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 22:47:36 -0500

HUNTSVILLE Ala (WAAY) - Nearly one thousand pounds of prescription drugs were set on fire Saturday afternoon following the Madison County Drug Take Back.

Deborah Soule, director of Partnership for a drug free community said improper disposal of prescription drugs can be harmful to the environment.

“People think you can just flush them down the toilet and its harmless but its not because it gets into the water so they have to realize, no, no, no. Don’t do that," Soule said.

The Drug Take Back offered people a safe and environmentally friendly way to get rid of prescription drugs. Madison County officers joined with Partnership for a Drug Free Community in collecting pills at three drug drop off locations throughout the county.

“Its so easy that nowadays kids can go into their parents or grandparents medicine cabinets and get different drugs. The problem is that a lot times they don’t even know what the drugs are, and they take them to school and start experimenting, and when you combine certain ones it can really cause medical complications that can last them their entire lifetime,” said HPD Officer John Hollingsworth.

Prescription drug abuse is the fastest growing drug epidemic in the country. The Drug Take Back provided people with a safe way to get rid of their drugs, so they don’t end up in the wrong hands.

“We strictly take the bags. We get it down there we get it all processed into the boxes that way we can take it straight to the incinerator. There is no looking at what they are brining. We just want to get if off the streets,” Hollingsworth said.

Former Secretary of Defense speaks in Huntsville

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 23:00:21 -0500

HUNTSVILLE Ala. (WAAY) - Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates visited Huntsville Thursday evening as the honored speaker for the Leadership Huntsville Madison County 25th anniversary celebration.

Dr. Gates used his political experience and understanding to speak to the group about how leadership impacts current national and international affairs.

Out of Alabama 55 community leadership programs, Leadership Huntsville Madison County is the largest. The program hopes this evening will raise awareness of its community impact and enable them to secure future funding.

Superintendent defends system's reaction to bullying complaints

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 18:52:29 -0500

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Three incidents. Three different Huntsville schools. A brewing distrust in the school system's handling of these incidents. But is the issue being blown out of proportion? Or is the school system dismissing the incidents and sweeping a potential dangerous situation under the rug.

The first was at Grissom High School where a JROTC instructor allegedly made derogitory comments to a lesbian student about her homosexuality. Next was at Butler High when a student with a documented history of being bullied was allegedly beaten up in a school bathroom. Finally this week, a parent of a nine year old special needs student came forward to say her son was neglected on the playground and became a victim of violence.

James Robinson works for the GLBT Advocacy group in Huntsville. He has been working closely with the families involved in both the Grissom and Butler incidents. He says he's made some troubling observations.

"The big problem that I'm learning about seems to be a systemic issue with bullying and how the school system chooses to react to that when reports are made," says Robinson.

This week, Robinson filed a complaint on behalf of the family involved in the Grissom incident with the U.S. Department of Education. He also worked closely with the family's attorney to file a notice of claim, giving the family the ability to file a formal lawsuit against the school system in the coming months. He says he sees disturbing similarities between the say the Grissom and Butler situations were handled.

"When their truthfulness, their validity is questioned, they feel they have nowhere to go," says Robinson.

More and more parents are echoing Robinson's concern. Parents like Susan Wilson.

"We are told it is, its just part of growing up and kids will be kids. You just have to accept that. That is completely inaccurate," says Wilson.

WAAY 31's Shea Allen took the concerns to Superintendent Casey Wardynski.

"Are you by any means sweeping these problems under the rug and downplaying them?" said Allen.

Wardynski responded, "I take that as an insult frankly."

Allen asked, "So for anyone who would say that, you would say absolutely not?"

Wardynski continued, "Absolutely not. And what rug?" He says the issue is being blown out of proportion.

"Bullying has been going on for a long time. There was bullying when I was a kid. But I can tell you when we look at the statistics, while its about 80 percent of what you guys talk about its only about one percent of what we see," says Wardynski.

But others argue that its a real problem with real and frightening consequences.

"This is a school related issue. The schools didn't cause it. But they are not doing anything to stop it," says Wilson.

But Wardynski disagrees. "We look at statistics. We look at student discipline in our classrooms and our schools. Its gone down 60 percent in one year. So we've taken a lot of actions," he insists.

But for some, statistics aren't enough. They feel the school system isn't taking these serious issues seriously at all.

"If its important enough for these children to come forward and say that they are having problems, its important enough for adults in this community to stand up for them and speak," says Robinson.

Limestone County principal placed on leave

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 18:36:48 -0500

ATHENS, Ala. (WAAY) - A Limestone County principal has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation. Johnson Elementary school principal Dr Casey Lewis is facing accusations of wrongdoing.

Lewis was placed on administrative leave Wednesday. Superintendent Tom Sisk says its the school systems policy anytime a member of the administration is facing allegations of wrong doing.

Some parents are watching the case closely. Celena Standefers grandaughter is a student at Johnson. "And I know it's a good school, my kids went to this school.
And I love this area and I love this school. And now that things are starting to come up with Dr Lewis and the school it upsets me" Standefer said.

Superintendent Tom Sisk is being very guarded about the investigation. "I just want to simply make it clear that we are not out looking for fault. We are looking for facts. And the facts will either support the allegations or not. And I am hoping it won't, if it doesn't we will reinstate. If they do then we will cross that bridge when that happens" Sisk said.

The investigation is being conducted by human resources, the curriculum officer and the chief financial officer.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever cases on the rise

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 21:31:56 -0500

HUNTSVILLE Ala. (WAAY) - According to the Alabama Department of Health there has been a rise in cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in 2012.

The disease is brought on by a type of bacteria carried by ticks and transferred through their bites.

Lawrence County had one of the highest jumps in cases in the Tennessee Valley. This year there have already been nine cases. In 2011 Lawrence County had one case. Madison County has had five cases in 2012.

According to Health experts outdoor tick prevention is the best way to protect yourself from getting the disease.

"The most important thing people can do is, if they are going to be outdoors, to protect themselves from bites by wearing clothing to cover your extremities, and shoes, to cover your feet. That's probably the best way to protect yourself from Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever," said Huntsville Hospital E.R. Physician Swati Thotakurn.

Ashes turn up in thrift store donation

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 20:52:00 -0500

MOULTON, Ala. - Among the racks of second hand sweaters, odd curiosities and the gently used knick knacks of old is one item that stands out from the crowd at Helpful Hands thrift store in Moulton.

"Strangest thing we've ever gotten," says owner Anita Terry.

Two years ago, the Terry's were sorting through a box of donations with no real way of knowing where it came from or who dropped it off.

"It was a lot of kitchen-wares and little chalk like figurines and stuff like that. Clothes that were very vintage. You could tell they were old," says Terry.

Nestled in the bottom of the box was an innocent looking ceramic container.

"I just picked it up and I thought well that's cute. I wonder why its sealed? Then I turned it over and I said, uh oh. That's why its sealed," says Terry.

It finally got to the point that the Terry's couldn't contain their curiosity any longer. They opened up the container and came face to face with what's left of Miss Anita Garrett.

"We opened it up and I asked my daughter, do you know what this is? She said well no. I said well if I'm not mistaken this is an urn with someone's ashes," says Terry.

The Terry's contacted the local police department. They had no record of anyone named Garrett who was searching for the remains of a lost loved one. In fact, back in 1973 when the mystery woman suposedly died, the only crematorium around was more than a hundred miles away in Birmingham.

"We want somebody to come get it. The family. The ones that this is their family member. We would like for them to have it back," insists Terry.

But until somebody comes forward to claim her, "Anita" has a safe place under the register at Helping Hands thrift store.

"We've got it in a bag so it can't get spilled or turned over. We're gonna keep it until someone comes for it."

If you have any information on the urn or the Garrett family, you can call Helpful Hands on Court Street in Moulton at 256-621-2536.

Arab Mayoral Runoff Election

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 18:14:03 -0500

Arab, Ala. (WAAY) - Voters head to the polls Tuesday in Alabama's municipal runoff elections. And there are some big races including the race for Mayor of Arab.

Dianne Prestridge is making her case hoping to become the next Mayor of Arab. She's a retired high school teacher who now works in the real estate business. "I have served four years on the council and during that time I enjoyed what I was doing. I have a public servants heart and I am passionate about Arab and feel very prepared to do this job" Prestridge said.

She is in a run-off against Bob Joslin. He's a former resource manager with the Army Corps of Engineers. He says his experience makes him qualified and Joslin already has ideas to better Arab. "We need to improve our infrastructure and things like that. We haven't paved our roads in several years. And we need someone working tightly with the council and making smart business decisions to move arab forward" Joslin said.

In the August election Joslin received 43 percent of the vote, while his opponent got 35 percent. Both candidates are hoping for a strong voter turnout Tuesday.
The polls are open from seven until seven.

New Information emerges after September plane crashes

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 11:29:44 -0500

(WAAY) - The National Transportation Safety Board has issued preliminary reports on two Alabama plane crashes.

The first crash happened September 16th near Moontown Airport in Madison County. 74-year-old George Myers and 17-year-old Christian Schmitt were both killed in the accident.

While the report did not list the exact cause of the crash, it does list that while three planes were flying in formation and started to barrel roll, Myers plane did not make the roll. The plane started to drop behind trees and crashed in a nearby field.

The second crash happened the next day in Cullman County. Reports say that the plane crashed during a heavy rainstorm. The pilot tried to correct the problem before making several mayday calls.

Both the pilot and passenger were fatally injured. They were flying from Destin, Fla., to Gallatin, Tenn.

Fire Prevention Week In Huntsville

Sun, 07 Oct 2012 19:05:42 -0500

Huntsville, AL-Starting Sunday October 7th, officials in Huntsville will observe fire prevention week.

Captain Jay Gates is the commander of fire station two in Huntsville. Gates says the message of fire prevention can't be told enough. "This week we want people to be more fire safety aware. Make sure things in your house are safe and play it smart" Gates said.

The fire captain says his fire fighters are ready to help spread the message of fire safety this week. He has a few tips from homeowners. "Make sure your family has an escape route. Make sure your family choose a meeting place outside the home after escaping the fire" Gates said.

If you have a chimney make sure its clean. As for space heaters, be very careful and make sure to keep the devices away from flamable items such as curtains. Gates also said every home needs smoke detectors. "Smoke detectors are Another big part of fire safety. Having a working smoke detector in your home could save your life".

In 2010 fire crews around the country responded to more then 360 thousand house fires. Those fires caused nearly three thousand deaths and six billions
dollars in damages. Across the United States, fire fighters responded to house fires every 85 seconds in 2010.

Justice for Brandon

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 17:47:32 -0500

LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. - Friends and family of Brandon Hydrick say the release of the man who admittedly shot and killed him adds insult to injury.

"Its unfair. Its unbelievably unfair," says Jessica Hydrick Nichols.

Nichols, Brandon's older sister, says its hard for her to fathom that before she could bury her little brother, the man who admittedly took his life is out of jail and free to enjoy the things Brandon won't ever get to again.

"I wish we were on Smith Lake having a vacation. I'd give anything in this world, anything in the whole world for him to be on the water because he loved it so much," says Nichols.

Monday, Limestone County Judge Jerry Batts ordered Joel Moyers bond set at $260,000. Batts demanded Moyers turn over all of his firearms and required that he stay out of Bella Mina and instead reside at his mother's home on Smith Lake.

"I believe that the people in Cullman are now at risk. This guy should not be out, he should not be on the streets. He should be locked up where he can never ever hurt anyone like this again," says Bronwen Murray.

Murray was Brandon's girlfriend. Now she is taking her outrage over Moyer's release to Facebook and urging others to demand that authorities put him back in jail. Brandon's sister couldn't agree more.

"It was his decision. He chose to stand in that road. He chose to shoot through the back of a truck. He chose to cowardly shoot a man in the back. All I can say is thank God that he didn't shoot both of my brothers because then I might be burying both of them this week," says Nichols.

Neighbors say Moyers had a history of paranoid behavior, had threatened violence before and has no businesses roaming free now.

"I've spoken to him on numerous occasions and almost every time I've spoken with him, every time I can remember...he has talked about some sort of violence against someone else," says T.D. Murray.

Those that loved Brandon the most say the sadness can't end until someone answers for his death.

"He had his entire life ahead of him. Someone took that from him and they should pay," says Murray.

Old Hospital beds given new life in Guatemala

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 12:17:02 -0500

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAAY-31) - With the help of nearly 20 volunteers, 53 hospital beds rolled off delivery trucks Thursday morning inside a warehouse at the Huntsville airport.

The beds come from Hastselle Hospital, a $300,000 donation.

“They said if you can figure out a way to get them down there, you can have them,” said Robert Mayes.

From years of use, the beds are slightly worn. But a few tatters are nothing compared to the cots, mattresses and old beds that sick patients are treated on in Guatemala.

“It’s heart wrenching. It really is,” said Debbie Dryer.

Debbie Dryer and Robert Mayes spent their morning helping oversee the project.

The project is a collaborative effort between The Huntsville and Guatemala City Rotary Clubs, The Huntsville International Airport Authority and Panalpina.

“We’ve been working on this for months,” Dryer said.

For seven years the Huntsville Rotary club has sent supplies to Unidad Nacional de Oncología Pediátrica, a hospital that specializes in cancer treatment.

“To be able to bring these beds in, it will be a night and day difference at the hospital,” Mayes said.

The club is planning a trip in the spring to dedicate the new hospital beds.

Witness recalls Tuscumbia shooting

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 21:47:46 -0500

Tuscumbia, AL (WAAY TV) - Tuscumbia police have two people in custody in connection with the shooting that took place on Hickory Street Tuesday afternoon. Brandon Johnson was shot in the chest and is currently in critical condition. The incident happened at the home of Rashard Ricks.

Ricks was having a small get together at his mother’s house when Larry Darnell Jarmon crashed the party.

“We had a little game going on, playing a video game and some friends came over. He showed up, ain't nobody call him over,” he said.

Ricks says just a few minutes later the party was over.

“I was in the backroom just listening to music and talking to one of my friends when I heard a gunshot.”

His long time friend, 23 year-old Brandon Johnson, had been shot in the chest.

“Brandon was lying on the floor and talking about, “he was just playing he was just playing.” Everybody had left and went outside so I went outside to see what was going on and the dude, the guy who shot him or whatever, was like “ I told you I wasn’t playin’, I told you I wasn’t playin,’” he recalled.

He says at first nobody realized just how badly Johnson was injured.

“Everybody was saying ‘It was a BB gun, it was a BB gun. He is gonna be ok,’ and he was talking to me so I didn’t think much of it. Then he got up and went outside, when he went outside he fell to the ground and that’s when we called the police and I seen blood.”

Ricks says 29 year-old Larry Jarmon Jr. simply got in his vehicle and fled the scene.

Johnson was flown to Huntsville Hospital where he is currently in critical condition. Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan confirms the two men knew each other, but says what started the argument is unclear.

“It’s still early in the investigation to know a lot of details but they do know each other, it’s not like this was a issue between strangers,” Logan explained.

Police apprehended Jarmon at a traffic stop in Cherokee after an exhaustive manhunt that covered the entire Shoals area. Jarmon and another person are both in custody and are being questioned. Nobody has been charged with a crime at this time.

Sylvania student hurt in bus accident

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 18:22:57 -0500

SYLVANIA, Ala. (WAAY) - Police call it a bizarre accident. A little girl, caught between a bus and the bus crossing arm. Seven year old Julie Johnson only suffered minor bruises and cuts after nearly being run over by a school bus.

Monday morning the second grade student tried to board the bus. But before Johnson boarded, the bus began to drive away. The young girl says she had to grab onto the the bus crossing gate. "I was trying to walk to the other side of the bus with my brother. And he just took off, and then that safety arm I had to
hang onto it because it was the only thing to hang onto" Johnson said.

Samantha Johnson is the second grade students mother. She says she is grateful her daughter is ok. "I am blessed that she's here, she could have easily not be sitting beside me today. She could have been gone, her angel was protecting her" Johnson said.

A crossing gate is a safety device that swings out from the front of the bus when it stops. Police say the school bus travelled 200 feet before stopping. The bus driver did not see the little girl. Officials say he has been put on paid administrative leave and is not facing any charges.