Local News
Dave Fitz
May 8, 2008
The National Weather Service is warning of severe storms in the Gadsden area this afternoon and tonight. There could be damaging winds of up to 60 miles an hour as well as large hail. There is also the potential for tornadoes . A tornado watch was issued this morning for Northwest Alabama until 2 pm. There could be another round of severe weather on Sunday as a cold front moves into the area.
Etowah County Commissioner Tim Choate says the commission is still working on a $9.9-million bond issue and will move forward on that if the interest rate can be reduced. The commission has been talking about such a bond issue for months with the revenues being used for road improvements. If the bond issue goes through soon, Choate said work on some roads could begin this summer or fall.
A Glencoe mother and child have been injured in a three vehicle accident on I-59 at the Alabama 77 interchange. State Troopers said Betina Pierce, 34, was trapped in the wreckage of her auto for almost an hour. She was taken to University Hospital in Birmingham by helicopter. Her five-year-old son, Ethan, was injured and was taken to Riverview Regional Medical Center.
A former undercover narcotics officer for the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department, has pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to possess a controlled substance. Jason Kelley was given 18 months in prison but he will not have to serve it if he completes and Drug Court program. In addition, his record will be clear but his police certification has been permanently suspended.
May 7, 2008
The Gadsden Board of Education has become the latest to approve a drug policy for students. It will go into effect when the new school year begins in August and will involve high school and middle school students. A total of 75 will be randomly tested. All will either be involved in extra-curricular activities or drive their vehicles and leave them parked on campus. The vote was unanimous.
Etowah County District Court Judge Bill Russell has ordered house arrest for a 61-year-old convicted sex offender who was charged last week with trying to lure an 11-year-old girl into his car in Walnut Grove. Donald Holcomb of the Aurora Community was released on $2500 bond. He will wear an ankle bracelet with GPS monitoring. D-A Jimmie Harp asked for the house arrest and ankle device.
Anniston Police have mailed out notices to residents of East Anniston, warning them there may be a sexual predator in the area. There have been three sexual assaults in the area since last November and police say there are many similarities. In addition, there are a number of other cases that may be linked. The man, who is armed and wears a ski mask, has forced some of his victims to go to ATM's and get money for him.
The founder of the Eagle Rock Ranch says his facility should be moving to a new location this summer that will allow for an expansion. Scott Hilton told the Gadsden Lions Club he has acquired 32 acres of land near the old Advance Auto Parts plant from the city of Gadsden. At the present time, the ranch is home to nine boys but Hilton says that will be increasing to 24 following the move.