Local News

Fire Destroys Home on Fairmont Road

Wed, 30 May 2012 20:22:13 -0500

Huntsville, Ala. (WAAY) - Firefighters responded to a blaze on Fairmont Road in Huntsville at around 3:40 p.m.

The homeowners, Dr. Howard and Patty Miller, were not home when the blaze began. Dr. Miller is an Orthopedic Surgeon. He and his wife also own a dance wear shop called Bloom and The Matrix, a gym that caters to cheerleaders. According to reports the smoke alarm alerted the authorities.

Firefighters fought the flames well into the evening, but the fire did not slow, eventually shooting flames through the roof and billowing smoke into the air. People who live in this prominent neighborhood are in shock.

"It's something you don't believe will happen to you in this neighborhood in Huntsville, but it did,” said neighbor Martha Pullen.

With temperatures in the high 80’s and intense heat from the blaze there was a high risk that the firemen would become overheated. HEMSI responded in order to keep a close eye on the first responders.

"It's very hot as you know the humidity and the temperature is very high. So right now we are trying to take care of the firefighters,” said HEMSI Chief Operating Officer Don Webster.

Crews kept cool by rotating shifts and staying hydrated.

Although no human lives were lost during the fire the Millers did lose three family pets, two puppies and a parrot.

Neighbors say this could not have happened to nicer people.

"I cannot tell you what they have given to this community what they have contributed. They make Huntsville a much better place to live and have for many years,” said Pullen.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

BREAKING: Huntsville Police respond to robbery at Eds Discount Food Mart

Wed, 30 May 2012 21:35:15 -0500

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAAY) - Huntsville Police are on the scene of a robbery at Eds Discount Food Mart on Triana Boulevard.

The robbery happened just after 9:00 p.m.

No other details were immediately available.

Severe weather possible Thursday

Wed, 30 May 2012 13:57:00 -0500

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAAY) - The threat for severe storms arrives in the Tennessee Valley Thursday.

A trough of low pressure will track into the Ohio Valley tomorrow setting off showers and storms from the Kentucky boarder to Texas.

Some storms Thursday evening and Friday morning in North Alabama and Southern Tennessee could be severe by producing hail, strong winds, and heavy rains.

Atmospheric conditions are geared more toward a thunderstorm event however a lower-end threat will loom for an isolated tornado during tomorrow's storms.

After a generally stable Spring, area residents should exercise caution when threatened by any from of severe weather including thunderstorms.

Safety tips on severe thunderstorms can be found by following this link.

With the best possibility for storms arriving tomorrow evening into Friday morning, it's highly advisable for those in the area to make sure weather radios are in proper working order with fresh batteries and are operating on the correct channel.

Don't forget that WAAY 31 is a proud provider of WeatherCall. WeatherCall is a subscribtion based service designed to alert you at home or on the go if severe weather is an immediate threat to your location.

Stay with the StormForce 31 Weather Team for the latest updates on the forecast at 4, 5, and 10.

Focus on Faith: Praying for Ava

Wed, 30 May 2012 20:37:07 -0500

Priceville, AL -- Last fall, Erica Campbell, of Trinity, noticed her 21-month old daughter, Ava Brooke, seemed tired. The little girl was also bruising easily. Campbell shared her concerns with their pediatrician. The decision was made to send Ava to Children's Hospital in Birmingham, where doctors diagnosed her with rare type of leukemia. Since then, Ava has undergone weekly chemotherapy treatments, along with blood and platelet transfusions.

On Saturday, June 9th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a blood drive will be held in her honor at Anthony Dental Services at 466 Highway 67 in Priceville. Kattie Buttram is organizing the effort. She says, "I just encourage people to come and donate blood to save another life... to where when you look at your child, you can think, 'well there's another parent, that's looking at their child now that can have another day of life,' because of what you've contributed."

Anthony Dental Services is offering free exams and x-rays to anyone who donates. If you'd like to participate, you can register by clicking here. Those who don't wish to give blood can still help, by purchasing "Pray for Ava" t-shirts and bracelets at the event. Contributions will also be accepted to help the family pay for medical and travel expenses.

The family is currently with Ava in Birmingham, as she begins a new course of treatment, but Erica Campbell wanted to share this letter with the community:

"Ava Brooke was diagnosed on November 17, 2011 at 21 months old with a very high risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Her type of Leukemia has a genetic mutation which causes it to be more resistant to chemo and easier to relapse. She has been going through chemo treatments at Children's Hospital in Birmingham now for six months, and with her high risk protocol, she has two and a half more years of chemotherapy.

She has been getting very strong chemo every week at the hospital, and we give chemo at home, and she also gets blood transfusions when she becomes anemic from the chemo. She is an amazing two-year-old little girl who has not let cancer get her down. She loves to dance, swing, play with her baby dolls, sing, play with her sister and do arts and crafts.

We always knew God had an amazing plan for our daughter, and even through the most difficult days, she continues to smile and show us her fighting spirit. I remember telling Ava's doctors the first day we met them at Children's Hospital that I trust they will do everything medically in their power to help our daughter, but I know her Healer is God, and this is where I find my comfort. Our faith is strong, and we have been tested along the way, but we have not faltered, and we will fight for our daughter's life with everything we have.

We are so blessed to have such amazing doctors and nurses that love our sweet Ava bug so much! We are standing and believing in Ava's miracle of being cancer free, and what a beautiful testimony she will have to share when she grows up! We are so blessed to have such loving family and friends that have stood by us since the beginning.

Mike and I would like to say thank you to everyone who has hElped to make life easier for us by donating financially, cooking meals for our family, cleaning our house, selling Ava bug t-shirts, fundraising, sending cards and well wishes, and the biggest donation of all - giving the gift of "life" for our daughter and so many other children by giving blood. Words can't express our gratitude for blessing our daughter with the gift of life. You never know how crucial it is to receive blood until your child is desperate for it.

We are so thankful for the American Red Cross and what they do for Children's Hospital of Alabama. If you could please take the time on Saturday, June 9th to come to Priceville and give the gift of life in honor of Ava and so many other children who are in the fight of their life, we would be honored by your precious life-giving gift."

- Erica Campbell

Decatur man tries to ‘shoot out’ aching tooth

Wed, 30 May 2012 18:12:06 -0500

DECATUR, Ala. (WAAY and Decatur Daily) - A man suffering from a toothache shot himself in the jaw with a gun in an effort to remove the troublesome tooth, Decatur police said.

Officers called to a home in the 2800 block of Locust Street Southeast at about 4:15 p.m. Monday arrived to find the man bleeding heavily from his mouth and his brother trying to stop the bleeding with a towel, said Lt. John Crouch, a police spokesman.

“The man was conscious and alert when officers arrived,” Crouch said. “He told them that he was tired of his tooth hurting and attempted to shoot it out.”

The victim’s brother told officers that the 61-year-old had been drinking beer and complaining of the toothache before going into his bedroom and closing the door.

The brother said he heard a loud pop and went into the bedroom to find his brother sitting on the bed holding a .22-caliber handgun and bleeding, Crouch said.

Police said the man wounded the right side of his jaw. He was taken to Decatur General Hospital by ambulance.

Video shows bikes riding past face-mauling attack

Wed, 30 May 2012 15:02:23 -0500

MIAMI (AP) - Newly released surveillance video shows three bicyclists pedaling past a naked man as he attacks a homeless man, biting into his face in broad daylight alongside a busy causeway.

The nearly 18-minute attack was captured by The Miami Herald's security cameras.

Police have released few details about Saturday's attack on the causeway that connects downtown Miami with Miami Beach. It's not clear what led Rudy Eugene to attack the homeless man, Ronald Poppo.

In the Herald video, Eugene pulls Poppo from the shade, strips off his pants and pummels him. He hunches over Poppo and appears to lie on top of him. Three bicyclists pedal through the scene before a police officer drives up.

The officer fatally shot Eugene, but the shooting is obscured from view.

NASA announces plans for Saturn V repair

Wed, 30 May 2012 17:27:00 -0500

The Space and Rocket Center said they now have a plan in place to repair the Saturn V Rocket that was struck by gunfire earlier this month.

The Davidson center is working with the Smithsonian, who owns the rocket, to find out how much it will cost to repair the damage and how long the process will take. But, for now, they are taking bids from contractors with aerospace experience.

The Saturn 5 was struck by two bullets after a person shot three times into the Davidson Center on the morning of May 3rd.

Police are still seeking the gunman.

State Farm sends children to Space Camp

Wed, 30 May 2012 16:59:00 -0500

HUNTSVILLE Ala. (WAAY)- Space Camp is filled every summer with thousands of kids from around the world who come to Huntsville to learn about space exploration. This year thanks to a grant from State Farm Insurance, more than 20 local children will get to explore the place they have always seen growing up but only dreamed about until now.

"Me being young growing up in Jackson county near here in a small town community like so many other kids wanted to come to space camp could not afford to come to space camp because of the financial commitment, being able to provide this opportunity for kids who otherwise would not be able to come because of that financial commitment is a huge thing for us at state farm," said Huntsville State Farm Agent, Brian Bellomy

State Farm agents in the Tennessee Valley were able to coose one child each to sponsor for space camp this Summer through grants. Brian Bellomy sponsored 5th Grader Madison Brown, whose essay on space exploration won her the once in a lifetime experience.

"I was really excited because I was happy to know that a lot of people enjoyed my essay that I wrote for the contest. I think its really cool to know that there are a lot more planets that we have never been to but we can learn a lot about,” Brown said.

This summer's space camp is the first summer camp since the NASA Shuttle Program was shut down last August, but Michael Flachbart, Vice President of Operations with NASA Space Camp, said the focus this year is not on the past, but on the future of space exploration.

"These are the kids that in 20-25 years will be leading the space progrom in any number of fields, so we want to focus on not what has been going on right now, but what is to be in the future," Flachbart said.

Huntsville fire crews respond to Fairmont Road blaze

Wed, 30 May 2012 16:45:09 -0500

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAAY) - Huntsville firefighters were called to a serious fire in the Covemont neighborhood late Wednesday afternoon.

Flames and smoke were shooting through the roof of the home at 2004 Fairmont Road, which is just off Governor's Drive.

The home belongs to Dr. Howard and Patty Miller. No one was home at the time of the fire.

Crews remain on the scene battling the blaze. We'll bring you more on this developing story as it becomes available.

Athens Police arrest man for trafficking Oxycodone

Wed, 30 May 2012 16:26:08 -0500

ATHENS, Ala. (WAAY) - Athens Police investigators arrested and charged a man for allegedly trafficking Oxycodone.

Officials say John Vaughn was arrested on West Market Street after investigators discovered he had sixty tablets of Oxycodone.

Vaughn is charged with trafficking in Oxycodone, possession of a forged instrument, obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and possession of forged Instruments third degree.

Vaughn is being held in the Limestone County Jail.

84 year old beaten and robbed in Lauderdale Co. home invasion

Wed, 30 May 2012 16:58:00 -0500

Edwina Sherow found it hard to focus on working at her convenient store on Wednesday, when she knew her great uncle had been brutally attacked just down the road.

"I couldn't believe it. I mean this is a safe place to us around here," said Sherow. "Something like this happens, it kind of stirs everything up."

The 84 year old man was at his home on Highway 20 in Waterloo when a man wearing a mask broke through his door around 11 a.m. on Monday and attacked him.

Lauderdale Co. Sheriff Ronnie Willis said that the man beat the victim with a gun and kicked him several times. He then bound the 84 year old with electrical tape, cut the phone line then left with around $400.

"We just want to get these people put in jail that's involved in this, because it's scary," said Willis. "People get scared when something like this happens in their community, and we want to help them and get these people in jail."

The victim was able to make it next door to call 911 and was rushed to ECM Hospital where he is recovering.

Sherow said that until the home invader is behind bars, the community will continue to be on edge and keeping an eye out for anything suspicious.

"I hope they catch this guy so we don't have to worry about our families," said Sherow. "I mean, I have a dad too, and I don't want that to happen to him."

If anyone has any information about this case, call the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department at (256) 760-5757.

Albertville Police release victim's name in death investigation

Wed, 30 May 2012 15:49:40 -0500

ALBERTVILLE, Ala. (WAAY) - Albertville Police released the identity of the victim from a weekend death investigation.

Police identified the victim as 28 year old Ansheka Radford, of Albertville. She was a resident at 2600 George Wallace Drive where the incident took place.

Radford's body was found in an upper level apartment in Unit B of the Governor's Place Apartments on Saturday. Police say they were conducting a check on Radford at the request of someone else, who hadn't heard from her in a while.

The preliminary autopsy was completed at the Forensic Science Lab in Huntsville and an exact cause of death has yet to be determined.

Saturday night, police announced they were conducting a homicide investigation, but have since backed off and are now calling the situation a "death investigation".

The investigation is still ongoing.

Shoals kids spice things up in Florence Culinary Camp

Wed, 30 May 2012 16:14:16 -0500

Dozens of Shoals kids are getting the chance to spice up their cooking skills this week at a culinary camp.

Around 50 students ages 6 to 12 are participating in the camp that's being held at Florence High School on Wednesday through Friday.

The children are learning to make "eggs in a nest", fruit smoothies and kabobs, to name a few.

At the end of the week, they'll leave with a chef's hat and apron along with a recipe book of their creations.

"When I take the recipes home, I use them all the time," said Clark Vick, who's been attending the camp for several years. "They're really simple too, and I make them for my parents sometimes just as a surprise."

This is the third year in a row the camp has been hosted by Florence.

Etowah County man sentenced to 30 years on Rape charges

Wed, 30 May 2012 15:48:45 -0500

GADSDEN, Ala. (WAAY) - An Etowah County man has been sentenced to 110 years in prison after being convicted on Rape and Sexual Abuse charges last month.

61 year old Thomas Russell Reilly received thirty years imprisonment on the charge of Rape in the First Degree, and twenty years as to each of the four charges of Sexual Abuse.

The sentence was handed down Wednesday by Judge Allen Millican.

During the trial, witnesses indicated that Reilly allowed young girls to spend the night with him, then took them to the Tabernacle Church the next day. The girls were between the ages of 5-10 at the time. During the sleepovers, the girls said he touched them inappropriately. One of the girls claimed she had sexual intercourse with Reilly when she was only 7 years old.

During sentencing, Millican had choice words for several local supporters of Reilly, who had complained about the handling of the case : “Ladies and gentlemen, I notice there are a lot of folks here this morning that came and watched this trial, and I received some mail from some of the elders in the church that watched this trial." Millican said. "Some of the mail made reference to an overzealous district attorney and the fact that if they were on the jury they would find reasonable doubt.”

Quoting Matthew 22:21, the judge said, “I am here to tell you that I heard a wise man once say, ‘Render unto Caesar those things that are Caesar’s and unto God those things that are God’s.’ I pray about my cases, every one I have to try and rule about. I don’t appreciate somebody trying to second guess me on something like that and sending me stuff from the House of the Lord. Ya’ll need to tend to your business, and I’ll tend to mine.”

District Attorney Jimmie Harp indicated that he supported Judge Millican’s statements to those who were present in the audience on behalf of the Defendant. “These are hard cases and emotions run high. Judge Millican is an exceptional judge who works very hard to make sure that the cases that are before him are conducted in a manner that is fair to both sides throughout the process. I believe that a fair trial was had in this case. Our office will continue to zealously prosecute crimes against children.”

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Wed, 30 May 2012 15:45:00 -0500

Today on WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4....

We will talk to Dr. Landon McLain about some of the procedures at BLUE Cosmetic Surgery. They offer a wide variety of plastic surgery, injectables and salon services at BLUE. Call 256.428.2339 for more or log on to www.bluemedhuntsville.com.

New college grads are ready to enter the working world, but are they ready for all the responsibility that comes with managing their own finances? There are three new apps geared at helping them keep track of their money. We will have a guest from Verizon to give us the details of the apps that could be helpful to just about everyone. Check out www.mint.com for a way to keep track of your finances, Billski Bill Tracker to know when to pay up and Debt Payoff Planner for tips on which bills to pay sooner.

And if you want to learn how to clip coupons like the pros, there are a couple of classes next weekend to help you save. Saturday, June 9th at Harbour UMC in Meridianville you can learn the ins and outs of couponing. The first class from 10 a.m. to noon is free and teaches coupon basics. The advanced class starts at 1 p.m. and costs $10. For more information http://theharbourumc.com.

See you at 4!

Morgan City boy remains critical

Wed, 30 May 2012 15:43:16 -0500

MORGAN CITY, Ala. - Devin Grady turned 11 not even a week before he suffered an accidental shotgun blast to his face.

Family members and investigators say birdshot from a .410 gauge shotgun took out Devin's right eye and has done damage to his brain.

For schoolmates at Union Hill School, it'll be a long summer. Both Devin and the best friend who accidentally shot him were finishing fifth grade there.

Devin was visiting his friend when the two decided to take a shotgun behind the house to shoot snakes.

Molly Jett, Devin's grandmother, tells us both families remain close. Jett says they are leaning on one another to cope with the ordeal.

The community is sticking together, too.

"Pray for Devin." That's the post on his Dad's facebook page.

As he recovers from his second surgery to relieve pressure on his brain -- family, friends and neighbors in Morgan City and beyond are indeed keeping Devin in their prayers.

Medical bills are mounting for Devin Grady's family. If you'd like to help, there's a fund set up. You can make a donation to the "Devin Grady fund" at Peoples Bank.

Police: Teen who fled in stolen car charged with theft

Wed, 30 May 2012 15:09:18 -0500

DECATUR, Ala. (WAAY and Decatur Daily) - Decatur police charged a 15-year-old with first-degree theft after he allegedly fled from investigators in a stolen vehicle Tuesday afternoon.

The silver 2005 Chevrolet Impala was reported stolen earlier that day from a residence in the 1000 block of Sixth Avenue Southwest.

Detective Joe Renshaw spotted the car on Third Street Northwest at Seventh Avenue at about 3:50 p.m., police said.

Renshaw tried to stop the car, but the driver wouldn’t pull over and led police on a short pursuit until he wrecked in the 200 block of Fifth Avenue Southwest, police said.

The teen was taken to the Tennessee Valley Juvenile Detention Facility in Tuscumbia.

Investigators were looking for a similar car believed to be involved in a drive-by shooting early Sunday in the 200 block of Eighth Avenue Northwest, said police spokesman Lt. John Crouch.

Two 18-year-olds injured in the shooting told police the shots came from a newer-model silver Chevrolet Impala, Crouch said.

Investigators said the car in the chase was not the same vehicle.

Judge pushes Harvey Updyke's trial back a week

Wed, 30 May 2012 14:47:49 -0500

OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) - A Lee County judge has agreed to push back Harvey Updyke Jr.'s trial date by at least a week.

The Opelika-Auburn News reports (http://bit.ly/LTbsq8) that Circuit Court Judge Jacob A. Walker III moved it from June 11 to as early as June 19 on Tuesday.

Updyke is accused of poisoning Auburn's two Toomer's Oak trees. Prosecutors are scheduled to videotape the deposition of a key witness, who won't be available during the trial because of a scheduling conflict, on June 18. The witness is a Mississippi State University analyst who studied samples from the trees for signs of poisoning.

Defense attorneys had requested more time to consult with independent experts on the analysis.

Updyke was not in court Tuesday. He has pleaded not guilty to charges including felony criminal mischief.

3 arrested in Decatur drug search

Wed, 30 May 2012 14:54:12 -0500

DECATUR, Ala. (WAAY and Decatur Daily) - Narcotics agents made three arrests and seized marijuana and drug-sale paraphernalia during a raid Tuesday, Decatur police said.

The search took place at 1209 Arbor Ave. S.W.

Agents arrested Brandon Lee Allen, 27, of that address, on charges of first-degree possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was to be taken to Morgan County Jail and held in lieu of $3,000 bail.

Police also arrested two people wanted on misdemeanor warrants who were at the residence.

Cordarel Lamon Harris, 24, of 514 Monroe Drive N.W. was arrested on eight warrants for failing to appear in court and five revoked bonds.

Amanda Beth Dutton, age and address unavailable, was arrested on one warrant for failure to appear and two warrants for failure to pay.

Krystal murder suspects enter pleas

Wed, 30 May 2012 09:46:09 -0500

DECATUR, Ala. (WAAY) - Jordan Creque, Ezekiel Gholston and Cassandra Eldred, the three people accused in last year's double murder in a fast food restaurant, made an appearance in the Morgan County Courthouse Wednesday.

The three are each facing two counts of Capital Murder.

Eldred entered a not guilty plea. Creque pled not guilty due to mental disease or defect. Gholston applied for a youthful offender status. The judge ordered hearings for Creque and Gholston in the next 60 days, but did not set a hard date for those.

Defense attorneys tell our news partner, the Decatur Daily, that they want the judge to suppress statements made by Gholston after his arrest. Officials say he, and the other two suspects, all confessed their roles in the crime. Attorneys say Gholston's comments are self-incriminating and should be thrown out of the evidence on the basis that they were obtained illegally.

According to the statements, released in prior court documents, the three suspects planned to rob the Krystal with defined roles. Creque would lead the group and carry the gun, and Gholston would back him up. Creque allegedly paid Eldred, his girlfriend, $200 to drive the getaway car.

Sources say the trio arrived at Krystal sometime after midnight. Creque and Gholston then allegedly rushed in, and held manager Jeffrey Graff and employee Jessie Aguilar at gunpoint.

According to Creque's confession in affidavits, after he demanded Graff open the safe, the robbers took an undisclosed amount of cash. Then Creque said he forced Graff and Aguilar into Krystal's walk-in cooler, where he shot and killed them both.

Gholston told police he was there when Creque pulled the trigger; Eldred said she was waiting in the getaway car when the shots were fired.

An early-shift Krystal worker arrived at 5 am Wednesday, discovered Graff's body and immediately called 911. Aguilar's body was later found in the cooler where he was shot.

Defense attorneys at Wednesday's hearing will ask the judge to force the District Attorney's office to reveal evidence that they're holding for the trial. The case will have to be assigned to a circuit judge before a hearing can be set for the motions.

All three are being held in the Morgan County Jail without bond.

WAAY 31's Tim Reid was in the courtroom and will have more details today at 4 and 5.

Huntsville grocery store evacuated

Wed, 30 May 2012 12:20:55 -0500

HUNTSVILLE, Ala (WAAY) - The Kroger grocery store on Drake Avenue in Huntsville is closed until further notice, as investigators try to pinpoint the cause of a late morning fire.

Around 11:40, Huntsville fire crews responded to a call of smoke and flames in the rear of the store. When they arrived, they found the back loading area engulfed in smoke. Huntsville Utilities crews arrived a short time later to cut the power to the store. Customers and employees were evacuated from the building as the firefighters brought the situation under control.

Moulton couple busted for hosting open house party

Wed, 30 May 2012 14:12:37 -0500

MOULTON, Ala. (WAAY) - A Moulton couple was arrested and charged with hosting an illegal open house party.

Lawrence County Sheriff's deputies responded to a noise complaint call and discovered an ongoing party at a residence on County Road 87 in Moulton.

Deputies encountered around 50 people at the party, most of whom were underage. Most of the party goers attempted to flee authorities. The homeowners also tried to flee.

Deputies apprehended Terina Hembree Self behind the home and arrested her. Her husband, Paul Self, was also arrested.

The couple is charged with hosting an illegal open house party. Terina Self is also charged with attempting to elude police.

Both of the suspects were booked into the Lawrence County Jail before being released on bond.

WAAY to Grow : Fire blight on fruit trees

Wed, 30 May 2012 10:08:21 -0500

We're seeing more and more fire blight around the Tennessee Valley. It's a bacterial disease that targets fruit trees and makes the end of the plants look like they're scorched, as though they've been hit by a blow torch. It's most often seen on flowering pears.

The best way to combat trees that have been afflicted with the bacteria is to literally cut your losses. There isn't really anything you can do to treat the issue. All you can do is prune back 6-8 inches behind the rot, into the green and living wood. You'll need to carefully destroy the rotted piece of plant to make sure it doesn't spread to other plants. The year after fire blight is spotted, you should put a bacteriacide on when the plant is flowering.

Harvey's Tips for the Week :

• Apply second application of turf fertilizer in warm season grasses – using one pound of actual Nitrogen/1000 sq. ft.
• Water lawns deeply and irregularly to encourage deep rooting – apply at least ½” of water at one time before 10:00am. How should the soil feel? Harvey likes to put a screwdriver into the ground, and see it go in easily at least four inches.
• Deadhead annuals regularly to encourage flowering throughout the season

Artur Davis considering party swap

Wed, 30 May 2012 11:39:00 -0500

RICHMOND, Va (WAAY) - Artur Davis, one of the most well known Alabama Democratic candidates in recent memory - has all but fled the party.

Following his unsuccessful run for the Governor's office in 2010, Davis moved to Virginia and has been working there as a freelance writer and advocate.

After leading the polls through most of the lead up to the 2010 Primaries, Davis was upset by Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, who went on to lose to Republican Robert Bentley in the General Election. After the loss, Davis said he'd never run for public office again.

In recent weeks, however, several political insiders have noted that the former Congressman is becoming increasingly active in Virginia politics, and mostly falling on the Republican side of issues.

Davis issued a statement about the rumors on his blog Tuesday. He says "The short of it is this: I don’t know and am nowhere near deciding. If I were to run, it would be as a Republican." Davis says that he didn't change his view, but the party he was a member of has. "parties change. As I told a reporter last week, this is not Bill Clinton’s Democratic Party." he adds.

Huntsville Summer Slim-Down

Wed, 30 May 2012 10:50:00 -0500

HUNTSVILLE, Ala- (WAAY-31) - As part of the Healthy Huntsville Initiative the “Huntsville Summer Slim-Down” kicked off Wednesday morning.
It’s an 8-week weight loss challenge for Huntsville families.
It’s pretty similar to Scale back Alabama. The program is geared toward getting parents and children off the couch and into making healthy food choices.
Huntsville Hospital officials announced the program Wednesday morning at the Huntsville Hospital’s Medical Mall.

“Ages 12 and up can participate in this, so we really are trying to encourage the families to work together. You guys know if you've got a buddy, if you've got someone there supporting you; you are only going to be more successful. So it's really a community wide effort, that is why we got a family focus,” said Kevin Ready with Huntsville Hospital.

Saturday, June 8th, a “Healthy Huntsville Fitness and nutrition Expo” will be held in Big Spring Park from 8am until 12pm to help jump start the event.

Two arrested for Quiznos robbery

Wed, 30 May 2012 10:46:41 -0500

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAAY) - Huntsville Police have arrested and charged two men in connection with a Tuesday night robbery at a University Drive sandwich shop.

24 year old Robert Allison was charged with Robbery and Drug Possession. 23 year old Gregory Forbes was charged with Robbery.

Police say the men entered the Quizno's brandishing a handgun and demanded money. They got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Fatal Memorial Day wreck shows tire blow out dangers

Tue, 29 May 2012 22:37:21 -0500

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAAY) - A simple automotive failure led to the death of a young woman in Hartselle on Monday. She was killed driving on Highway 31 when her tire blew out, flipping her vehicle into a ditch.

This wreck demonstrates just how dangerous tire blow outs can be. Even though many vehicles now have tire pressure sensors, Wheel Fix It Owner Luke Odem says it's important to check your tire pressure as summer approaches: “It causes more heat to collect in the tire, and it'll cause the sidewalls of the tire to blow out, and that's mainly what causes blowouts is low tire pressure."

Blow outs can also be caused by contact. He explains, “We have some customers come in, they've hit a pretty good pothole, and they hit it going pretty fast it will blow out a tire."

Then, there's general wear and tear. Experts say an easy way to test the tread on your tires is to turn a penny upside down and put it between two of the treads on a tire. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the tire is too worn, and needs to be replaced.

If your tire does blow, State Trooper Curtis Summerville says slamming on your breaks won't stop the swerving. He recommends, “The first thing you want to do is if not increase your speed, certainly maintain the speed you're going and gradually allow the vehicle to slow down itself."

Experts recommend checking your tires for wear and tear once a month, along with getting them rotated and balanced every 6,000 miles.

Huntsville Police investigate restaurant robbery

Tue, 29 May 2012 19:50:29 -0500

HUNTSVILLE, AL - Huntsville Police are investigating a robbery at the Quizno's located at 4314 University Drive.

Witnesses say a man armed with a silver handgun held up the restaurant at 7:30PM Tuesday.

He was reportedly wearing a grey hoodie, a white t-shirt and black pants.

Witnesses say two men in a van were waiting outside for him.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Huntsville Police Department at (256) 722-7100.

Citizens say enough is enough

Tue, 29 May 2012 21:32:43 -0500

Twenty six reported robberies last week alone and people around the city say they have had enough. A group of concerned citizens have banded together with the hopes of turning this trend around. Make Huntsville Safe Again originated on Facebook and is now 900 members strong. The goal is simple, to find a solution to the rash of robberies and other crimes plaguing the city.

“I have never been personally robbed but I support all the movement to increase crime prevention around here and raise awareness for it,” said Scott West. He attended the meeting not only in support of the movement but also his close friend Tony Cannizzo who started the group after being robber twice.

State representatives, law enforcement officials, and concerned citizens discussed the problem and possible solutions.

“We want people to know that the police department is here for them and we have a plan and we are going to provide public safety to all the citizens in the community,” said Police Chief Lewis Morris.

People say they are simply tired of sitting back and doing nothing about the problem that is sweeping through the city. Many discussed forming community watch organizations or joining those already established. Lewis says that is not a bad idea.

“The community’s involvement is critical to our success.”

To get involved visit Make Huntsville Safe Again on Facebook. You can also visit Hsvpolice.com for tips on crime prevention.

Lawrence County woman charged with providing alcohol to minors

Tue, 29 May 2012 17:37:12 -0500

HATTON, Ala. (WAAY) - A Lawrence County woman is behind bars after allegedly providing minors with alcohol at a graduation party.

Wanda Trapp Rutherford was arrested and charged with endangering welfare of a child.

Investigators said they received a complaint of a possible graduation party at her residence, where underage alcohol consumption was taking place. Agents made contact with Ian Hane Taylor who had been drinking at the residence. Taylor told investigators Rutherford threw the party in his honor.

Agents seized a large quantity of alcoholic beverages at the residence.

Taylor was also arrested and charged with minor in possession of alcohol.

Rutherford and Taylor were booked into the county jail and later released on a $300 bond.

Homemade security system kills homeowner

Tue, 29 May 2012 17:13:36 -0500

GILES COUNTY, Tenn. (WAAY) - The Giles County Sheriff's Department says a homemade security system cost a 76 year old man his life late last week.

Deputies were called to the scene of a possible shooting on Davis Hollow Road in Minor Hill Thursday. When crews arrived, they found the body of Jerry Bryan Simpkins - dead from a head wound. They determined he had been shot, but by a gun rigged as part of a homemade security system.

The Giles County Sheriff tells WAAY 31 that Simpkins had several previous thefts at his Davis Hollow Road home. They say Simpkins had rigged several guns to the electric outlets in his home so that a light switch could trigger them to fire. They say Simpkins accidentally activated the system and shot himself in the head.

After talking to family members, investigators learned there were several other homemade devices around the property, with unknown trigger mechanisms. Crews from several other nearby police agencies were called to the scene to deal with the devices. Neighbors were moved back as the experts studied and deactivated the explosives. No further injuries were reported.

Simpins' body was sent to Nashville for an autopsy. No charges have been filed and the death has been ruled an accident.

UPDATED May 30, 2012 at 10:37 AM with additional information

Did You Know : Greenmaid

Tue, 29 May 2012 22:10:00 -0500

Who doesn't like to have their house cleaned for them? Well, one local company is cleaning houses, but they're doing it in a way unlike any other in the area.

" Using micro-fiber clothes instead of paper towels, using micro-fiber pads instead of dirty cotton mops. Using triple filtered hepa filtration vacuum cleaners instead of the standard off the store shelf vacuum cleaners."

Maidgreen Clean of Madison offering an alternative to standard cleaning services. They are Green Clean certified, which means they follow very specific steps and procedures to make sure your house is free from chemicals, allergens and irritants.

" Probably twenty percent of our clients hire us because we're green. Because somebody in their family has allergies or asthma or cancer or something like that. We come in and eradicate those allergens and so on and so forth when we come in," said Tim Mardis of Maidgreen Clean in Madison.

Another unique aspect of this company is the products they use in your house were developed and our produced by and for this local business.

" We are actually the only cleaning service in the United States right now that manufactures its own cleaning products."

Bentley signs bill giving Ala. new investing rules

Tue, 29 May 2012 20:33:02 -0500

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - (AP) - Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has signed into law legislation that gives the state treasurer's office more flexibility in investing the state's money;

The bill was sponsored by Republican state Sen. Bryan Taylor of Prattville. It expands the kinds of investments that can be made with state funds.

State Treasurer Young Boozer said the changes were long needed. The changes allow the deposit of state money in all interest-bearing bank products and eliminate a 20 percent restriction for investment in Treasury and agency securities.

Boozer said the changes give the treasurer's office the flexibility it needs to improve investment strategies.

Before Taylor's bill passed, he said Alabama had the most restrictive investment guidelines in the nation. He said the new guidelines give the state the ability to pursue better investment options.

Two sentenced in May 2011 carjacking

Tue, 29 May 2012 18:00:48 -0500

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAAY) - A federal judge sentenced two men to prison for a May 2011 car-jacking in Huntsville Tuesday.

U.S. District Judge Karon Bowdre sentenced 19 year old Cameron Byrd, of Birmingham, to 33 years and three months in prison, and 27 year old Ernest Starks, of Huntsville, to 15 years in prison.

A federal jury in January convicted the two men of a car-jacking at Liquor Express in May of 2011. The jury also convicted Starks of brandishing a gun during a crime of violence and convicted Byrd on separate counts of brandishing and carrying a firearm.

Evidence presented at trial established that Starks and Byrd car-jacked a victim’s vehicle from the Liquor Express lot on May 11, 2011. Byrd forced the victim to drive the vehicle away while holding a gun to his head from the backseat. Byrd and Starks threatened the life of the victim while brandishing firearms.

On the same evening, Starks drove Byrd and others in a different vehicle to the Victory Food Mart on Pulaski Pike in Huntsville, where Byrd used the handgun to commit a robbery by holding the gun to the cashier’s head while he emptied the register.

19 year old Thomas Omar Flowers, of Brundidge, who also participated in the car-jacking and the Food Mart robbery, pleaded guilty in January before U.S. District Judge C. Lynwood Smith Jr.

Tech Guy : Facebook & criminals

Tue, 29 May 2012 17:06:00 -0500

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WAAY) - Facebook security means a lot more than just checking your privacy settings. You also need to think before you post.

Case in point - Recently, an Australian girl posted a picture of a wad of cash she found inside her grandmother’s home, and within hours two masked men broke into her house and tried to steal it. The 17 year old girl had been helping her grandmother, count money she had been hiding in her home. The girl thought it would be cool to snap a picture and upload it to Facebook.

It’s a good reminder to us all, to think before you post. Especially in the summer when people travel. Posting that you’re leaving for a vacation, or checking in on Facebook or foursquare when you’re at a restaurant or hotel out of town lets everyone know your home is empty.

Posting pictures of the beach or looking out over your toes into the water, may not be the wisest move either - at least until you get home.

Sure, your post might only be seen by your friends, but police say you’re still taking a chance that your post or pictures might be seen by someone else. If, for example, one of your friends comments on the status update or photo, anyone who is friends with them, can see the post too. And there's always that increasingly pesky "Share" button you have no control over.

Social media experts once again are warning Facebook users that nothing is completely private, and any information you post anywhere on the Internet could be found, no matter how you have set your privacy and security settings. Even hitting the "delete post" button really only hides the update or tweet. It doesn't erase the fact that you posted it.

Changing gears - Check out the new LG Internet ready Google TV. They come with motion controlled remote controls, similar to the technology we’ve seen in the Nintendo Wii. You point the remote at the tv, and you select from a rather large menu, any of the things you want to watch, apps you want to use, websites you want to visit, or games you want to play.

I spotted the technology at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, where I found dozens of people lined up to play Fruit Ninja on a high definition tv, slicing the watermelon’s and pineapples simply by moving their hands.

LG will start selling the Google TVs this week. The starting price for a 47 inch HD set is $1,700

Lawrence County investigation leads to drug bust

Tue, 29 May 2012 17:04:08 -0500

MOULTON, Ala. (WAAY) - A six month investigation in Lawrence County has resulted in one person being arrested, along with a large quantity of marijuana.

Sheriff Gene Mitchell said agents arrested Johnathan Dwight Key of 1452 Co. Rd. 249, Moulton and charged him with one count of drug trafficking and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Agents executed a search warrant at Key's residence and located more than five pounds of marijuana that was prepackaged in one pound bags for sale. Investigators also found a large amount of currency believed to be from the sale of marijuana.

Investigators say Key was selling marijuana from his home and utilized several vehicles to sell the drug. Several vehicles were seized along with a firearm Key used for protection.

Key was booked into the county jail. Bond has not yet been set.

Decatur bans fishing from public harbor dock

Tue, 29 May 2012 17:00:00 -0500

DECATUR, Ala. (WAAY) - Craig Sams has been getting his boat ready for a deep sea fishing trip in the Gulf for weeks now. So, when he decided to take it for a test drive at Ingalls Harbor in Decatur, he was relieved to see the new "No Fishing" signs around the boat ramps.

"A lot of times you come in here and people have lines out and you can get them tangled up in your motor," said Sams. "You've then got to cut it out and it messes up the footing and you have to tear it all apart and re-do it just for a fishing line."

The city has banned all fishing from the dock after several arguments arose between fishermen and boaters.

Officials said that the no fishing zones around boat ramps across the state protect both those on land and in the water.

"It's easy to come out here and fish when they don't have a boat," said Sams. "But you've got boats coming in and out all the time, and you've got lines, so it causes a lot of problems."

However, some fishermen are upset because the city's harbor is public property. Decatur spent around $5.5 million converting the old shipyard into a public harbor.

David Toland fishes multiple times a week and said that he understands the reasons behind the new rule, but said that it's becoming harder for bank fishermen to find places to fish.

"I can't find places. I know there's the beautiful lake and everything, but there's no fishing areas," said Toland, who was fishing from the bank about a mile from the harbor. "I see people fishing over here all the time, so I thought I'd come over here and try it. At least you can get to the water and everything."

Marine Police said that the city will be responsible for enforcing the new ban, but wants to remind everyone that it's always illegal to interfere with the navigation of a boat at any time.

Fire destroys 100-year-old Hillsboro landmark

Tue, 29 May 2012 16:59:00 -0500

HILLSBORO, Ala. - The heartbeat of Hillsboro. "It's really kind of the cornerstone of the community," Rita Blaxton told WAAY 31 FirstNews. "I think when it closed, that's part of what -- this town closed."

Blaxton is heartsick.

For as long as anyone can remember, the J.P. Gibson grocery store stood as a proud historic landmark on Main Street near the railroad tracks.

It was more than a hundred years old.

"The people who live here, I'm sure, they know more about it than anything else in the town," Blaxton told us.

The talk of the town now? All those vintage treasures consumed by flames.

About 2 o'clock Tuesday morning, firefighters from Hillsboro, Chalybeate, Courtland and North Courtland responded to a call that the historic store building was going up in flames.

All that's left: memories.

Memories of the days a cash register rang out. On top of a heap of ashes -- an old Coke chest. Not far away, a Meadow Gold Dairies cooler. Milk crates. A pot-bellied stove.

The only thing still standing -- the outhouse out back.

But, in front, charred porch posts have fallen across the front steps.

For Rita Blaxton, seeing the old store building reduced to ashes hurts. "It's just a big part of the town. It's just sad. Sad. Really sad to see it go."

Dekalb County Sheriff's Office investigating a shooting

Tue, 29 May 2012 16:38:33 -0500

KILPATRICK, Ala. (WAAY) - The Dekalb County Sheriff's Office responded to a domestic shooting Sunday.

At around 9:30 p.m., the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic violence call on County Road 926 in the Kilpatrick area involving a brother and a sister.

Sheriff's officials say a weapon was involved and discharged, striking the brother in the chest.

Sheriff's investigators plan on interviewing the victim at Huntsville Hospital as soon as he is able.

No arrests have been made and no names are being released at this time.

Jim 'N Nick's barbecue opening Morgan County processing plant

Tue, 29 May 2012 15:59:20 -0500

MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. (WAAY) - Jim 'N Nick's, a Birmingham based barbecue restaurant chain, plans to turn a Morgan County abandoned meat processing plant into their own pork processing plant.

The chain will reopen a plant in Eva that will process hogs raised by farmers Jim 'N Nick's is recruiting as partners.

The plant has not been used since 2005. The state gave Morgan County a $650,000 grant to redo the facility and Jim 'N Nick's signed a deal to turn it into their own plant.

The Morgan County Industrial Development Board has been working on redoing the plant for the last two years and operation is planned to start in July.

The board expects ten new jobs to be created at the start of the project.