Relocating to Decatur AL

If you are planning a relocation to Decatur AL and are interested in existing homes in Decatur AL or new homes in Decatur AL, please click on the graphic above. If you are relocating to Decatur AL you can receive a FREE “Relocation to Decatur AL” relocation package, which may include a map of Decatur AL, a Decatur AL newspaper, information about homes in Decatur AL and more. This is an ideal, worry free way to ease the stress of relocation to Decatur AL by giving you a Decatur AL Relocation expert to help coordinate your move to Decatur AL. We want to help you make your search for Decatur AL Real Estate as easy and as pleasant as possible. Real Estate in Decatur AL is probably very different from your current location – trust your Decatur AL Relocation to an expert – click on the link today!

Home Buying in Decatur AL

1. Write out a list of activities your family normally likes to do. You can then look for homes that have the right kind of space for your family. The first couple of homes we bought, we just went looking and decided on what we thought was the prettiest. However, we really didn’t think about how we lived and consequently neither of these houses were comfortable for us. A relocation expert specializing in relocating to Decatur AL, can help you analyze what type of home in Decatur AL would suit your family.

2. Decide what your monthly housing budget will be once you move to Decatur AL. Qualify and get approved for a mortgage before you even arrive. If possible, schedule a house hunting trip about 6-8 weeks before you will be transferred. That way you can move right into your home when you relocate to Decatur AL without having to stay in a Hotel. When we moved we actually parked the moving van at our new home, spent 2 hours closing the loan and then moved right in!

3. Decide which features in a home you have to have, and which would be nice to have. Focus on homes that meet your “have-to” requirements and then use “would be nice” features to determine which home to buy. For example: I had to have four bedrooms but I didn’t have to have a formal dining room as long as the house had a large breakfast room. There are many homes in Decatur AL, with a great variety of price and amenities. Request a Free “Relocation to Decatur AL” relocation package (click on link above) from one of our expert Decatur AL Real Estate agents and you will be on your way to finding out how much home your budget can buy.

4. How important are schools? You may want to contact some schools in Decatur AL and surrounding areas and talk to principles. You will find out much more about schools this way. National test scores are not always an accurate indication of how appropriate the school will be for your child/children. If you have requested a FREE “Relocation to Decatur AL” real estate information package, the Decatur AL Realtor who is chosen to provide that Decatur AL Relocation information can also give you valuable advice about which schools are the best in the Decatur AL area. Our Realtor told us about one school district whose whole curriculum is built around boosting test scores, but their standard of education and extra-curricular activities were lacking. But the results looked good!

5. How important is ease of upkeep? New homes in Decatur AL are normally built with energy efficient features and low maintenance exteriors. Older homes in Decatur AL may make up in charm what they lack in ease of upkeep. My husband is extremely busy and we like to spend what little time we have on our hobbies. So we chose to buy a low maintenance home. My brother, on the other hand, just bought a house built in 1910 and is loving renovating his new home! The wonderful thing about America is that it can accommodate all tastes! Click on the link above to receive your FREE “Relocation to Decatur AL” real estate package today from one of our top Decatur AL Real Estate agents!

Finding a Realtor in Decatur AL

In cities such as Decatur AL you will find many Decatur AL Real Estate agents licensed with the state of Alabama. However not all of them are Realtors, and not all Realtors specialize in helping relocating individuals relocate to Decatur AL. It is very important to find someone who not only adheres to the ethical and professional standards laid down by the National Association of Realtors, but who has the capability to really help you when you buy a home in Decatur AL. NewQuestCity helps buyers find Decatur AL Realtors who are experienced in making the difficult experience of moving across country as stress-free as possible. Someone who can give you advice through e-mail and phone on the best areas to buy a home before you even arrive! Click on the above link to request your “Relocation to Decatur AL” real estate information package provided by one of our top Decatur AL real estate agents who is expert in providing Real Estate Decatur AL relocation materials.

Moving Successfully to a New Home in Decatur AL

There are many factors involved in orchestrating a successful move to a new home in Decatur AL.

Obviously one of the first things to do is to schedule a house hunting trip to Decatur AL in order to find the home you wish to purchase. One of the Decatur AL real estate agents can start helping you today by sending you information by e-mail on homes that might suit your needs. They can also send you useful information on Decatur AL that will help your family get excited about the move. Just click on the above link to request your FREE “Relocation to Decatur AL” relocation package today!

Once you have found a home in Decatur AL and have started the whole mortgage approval process, there are things you need to do at your current location. First, decide which furniture you will take to your new home in Decatur AL. Start inventorying your current possessions, dividing them into items to take and items to dispose of. Solicit estimates from moving companies. Make sure that you put all important documents in secure file to travel with you. Do not pack any documentation that might be needed to complete your loan application! Someone I knew recently had to spend a whole day at a storage facility going through every one of her packing boxes to find crucial documentation for her mortgage. Start making a list of all medical, dental, school records to transfer. You will need to find new medical facilities once you move to Decatur AL.

Approximately 6 weeks before your scheduled relocation to Decatur AL, start cleaning out closets and arranging yard sales. You may want to pick up change of address cards from the Post Office. Keep the address cards handy and so that you can fill them in when you think of new names. It may be useful to draw a floor plan of your new home so that you can start planning where you want your furniture to be placed once the moving van arrives. Once you are about 4 weeks away from moving to your new home in Decatur AL, START PACKING! If you are going to have movers pack your belongings, you should start cleaning out closets and drawers. You are not going to want to unpack junk, old clothes and useless items into your brand new home! If you are not going to be moving straight into your new home in Decatur AL, make hotel reservations close by to where your home is located. Clean furniture and drapes – you don’t want to hang dirty curtains in your new Decatur AL home! Start using up all your groceries.

A couple of weeks before you move to Decatur AL your BuyersUSA Relocation Decatur AL real estate agent should be calling you soon to check on Home Owners insurance for your new home and giving you last minute instructions for making your relocation to Decatur AL as smooth as possible. Check with your veterinarian about moving tips for your animals and make sure that they are all current with their shots. Your Decatur AL real estate agent should be taking care of ordering last minute inspections and surveys so you don’t have to worry.

Real Estate Lenders in Decatur AL

For most people, finding the right home in Decatur AL is just the first step. Finding the right financing to buy a home is essential to make the home purchase occur! A home buyer has a choice of local mortgage lenders and national lenders advertising on the Web. Many home buyers find that using local Decatur AL lenders (with rates very comparable to online mortgage brokers) help ease some of the stress of moving. Home buyers have more personal service, and the mortgage companies have a better relationship with appraisers and other real estate professionals. Ask about adjustable rate loans if you are guaranteed to be relocated out of Decatur AL within the next 5 years. I had a friend who found a 40 year adjustable with 5 year fixed rate. He knew that he had guaranteed relocation buy-out at the end of his assignment so he wasn’t worried about building equity. He ended up paying less than half in a mortgage payment than he would have paid in rent! Short on cash? There are many mortgage lenders in Decatur AL that now offer 100% financing – no down payment certainly helps keep moving expenses down!

Successful Relocation to Decatur AL - Real Estate Relocation

There are 5 things that are important to a successful move to Decatur AL.

Getting a Great Home Deal in Decatur AL

Home buyers involved in a relocation to Decatur AL often want both a great deal and to find the perfect new home. Sometimes it is not practical. The most important factor for most home buyers moving their families from out of town is to find a home that has all the features they need, in a good Decatur AL real estate neighborhood and to not pay more than fair market value for the home. However, when finding a good deal is more important that finding the most suitable home, home buyers need to make arrangements for temporary accommodation. Because finding a great deal AND a home suitable for your family in a short amount of time is nearly impossible. I’ve seen many families over the years live in uncomfortable temporary housing because of the desire to get a steal. Low-ball offers tend to sour negotiation proceedings and rarely end in the buyer getting a good deal. However, once you have found a suitable home for your family, you should obviously try to get the best possible deal in that situation.

Your first step is to request a FREE “Relocation to Decatur AL” relocation package (click on link above). Then, a top Decatur AL Real Estate agent will contact you and send you information on homes in Decatur AL. Your BuyersUSA Relocation Decatur AL real estate agent should be able to research the motivation of the seller, give you information about the sales prices of other homes in Decatur AL. Then you can make a fair offer towards the low end of what you know the seller would be able to take. Removing contingencies such as financing (cash offer) or selling your current home may allow the seller to be more open to lower offers.

A Decatur AL Relocation can be as easy or as difficult as you want. To make your relocation to Decatur AL as smooth as possible, request the Free “Relocation to Decatur AL” real estate information package today! It’s the first step to finding all the houses for Sale in Decatur AL, AND an agent experienced real estate!

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Alabama Home Inspections	Alabama Home Inspector Directory. Find Alabama home inspection companies near you who conduct AL home inspections. Auburn
J. Barrons, LLC - Commercial	Commercial real estate, NNN investment properties, land / development sites, offices, retail, hospitality, restaurants and other property types. Acquisitions and dispositions. REO properties / foreclosures. National commercial real estate broker referral network. Focusing on the Alabama Gulf Coast, Florida Panhandle and Mississippi Gulf Coast. Call for more information. Two decades in real e Mobile
The Buyer's Agent of Huntsville	We are Huntsville's only Exclusive Byer's Agency. We only represent buyers in the real estate transaction. We are proud of the fact that that we don't accept listings,thereby we can repsent our Buyer Clients, 100% of the time always. There are never any additional fees for our services. Madison
RE/MAX Decatur, Inc.	Search here for real estate in Smith Lake Alabama, Cullman, Arley, Curry, Crane Hill, Double Springs, Trimble, Bremen, and lker County. Decatur
VW Campervan Hire	Camperbug is a VW campervan hire service which connects people looking to rent a Campervan for their holiday with owners of Volkswagen campervans. It provides a place where hirers are able to contact campervan owners who wish to rent out their vans. Alaska
John. R. Napolitano, DDS	Innovative Dental Professionals are experts in cosmetic dentistry. Illinois based, they do tooth extractions, dental implants and more. Alaska
Sydney Accountants	Over 15 yrs of experience in accounts preparation. Business Activity Statement (BAS), GST, PAYG, Payroll ... bookkeeping services for small business. Also accounting and taxation services for individuals, companies, trusts, SMSF. Alaska
Laptop Computer Rental Australia	Short to Long Term Desktop PC Computers & Computer Accessories Rental Company Australia offering IT Hire Services for Notebooks, Laptops, Projectors, Audio Visual Equipment and Video Conference Rental Alaska
GSB Architecture	GSB Architecture: a team of Sacramento Architects and El Dorado Hills Architects that provide California architecture, planning, design and construction administration services for a greener, healthier, sustainable built environment. Alaska
Rick's Renovations	Each Richmond remodeling project we complete is as unique as our customers. Contact us for roofing in Richmond or renovations throughout Virginia. Alaska
Crowes	Crowes provide many printing related services including digital, brochure and catalogue printing for business to business purposes. Alaska
Hair Removal Cream	Collection of various Hair Removal Cream Products. Find your favorite Hair Removal Cream Cream here. Alaska
Bath and Kitchen Remodeling Contractor	Zarpas Construction is a home, bath and kitchen remodeling company offering superior quality kitchen renovations. Call us for your next bath remodel! Alaska
Musical Hearts Guitar Academy	Interested in guitar lessons? Tucson based Musical Hearts Guitar Academy offers a kids guitar lesson and music lessons Tucson students will love. Alaska

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Chances dim for abortion bills in Ala. Legislature
05/07/2012

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Two bills aimed at further restricting abortions failed to come up for debate in the Alabama Legislature Thursday, hurting their chances of passing.

Only four legislative days remain in the 2012 legislative session.

The bills would establish new rules for abortion clinics and would allow doctors to not perform a medical procedure if it violates his conscience.

The two bills were on the House work agenda Thursday, but were delayed because of debate on other issues.

The sponsor of both bills, Republican Rep. Mary Sue McClurkin of Pelham said it's a "long shot" that the bills can pass in the session's waning days. Tuesday is the final day a bill has to pass the House if it has not yet passed the Senate.

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Ann Brown Defends Her Actions
05/07/2012

Huntsville, AL- Ann Brown, owner of Ann’s Studio of Dance, pled not guilty Friday morning to charges of disorderly conduct. The charges stem from an altercation with Melissa Anderson, owner of Alabama Urgent Care. Anderson called a tow truck driver to take away several dance students' vehicles that were parked on her property despite signs warning that they would be towed.

Brown reportedly verbally assaulted Anderson and the tow trucks drivers, claims that are backed up by the driver's affidavits which say she cursed, charged at Anderson, and even ordered the dance students into the cars that were being towed.
Ann admits to raising her voice.

"Being a typical woman, as we discussed the matter my voice was raised because we think that if you don't respond in a proper way you don't hear us so we get louder and louder," explained Brown.

But says she did nothing that would justify the arrest. Police were at the altercation and did not arrest Brown at the time.

"The police were there on the scene and I feel like if I was totally out of order that they would have arrested me that night they didn't," she said.

Anderson filed a warrant Tuesday May 1st and Brown was arrested Thursday morning. She says the arrest was not the worst part of the whole experience, being accused of using foul language is.

"That has really hurt my feelings because I was raised by a mother that you didn't talk like that. I have never used the F-word in my whole life."
The issue began several years ago when Brown expanded her business and built a much larger building for her dance studio. The business has only 17 parking spaces to accommodate the students and their parents.

According to neighbors, the lack of parking has caused serious traffic woes for the surrounding neighborhood especially for the residents who live on Alabama Street.

“People couldn’t come down this way or get that way because there were cars parked on both sides of the street,” explained Kathy Biggs who lives on Alabama Street. “It’s still a problem to get out of your driveway when there are cars on both sides of the street,” she continued.

The residents of the Mayfair neighborhood have complained that the traffic caused by the lack of parking prevents them from getting to their homes on a regular basis. The group took their case before the Huntsville Board of Zoning Adjustment but Brown was granted an exemption due to the act that the city did approve the building plans. According to city code a business the size of the studio should have at least 23 parking spaces.

Biggs has lived in the neighborhood for more than 30 years and says there was no problem until the studio expanded.

“When they added their second story now they have more students and there more traffic there are more people parking on the road.”

The neighborhood group, represented by Attorney Thomas Jefferson is appealing the decision to circuit court.

Brown's court date regarding the arrest is set for June 19^th.

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Hundreds Of New Jobs Coming To Athens
05/07/2012

Hundreds of new jobs are headed to Limestone County. The job growth is expected to make a major impact on the county.

Carpenter Technology has already broken ground in Athens. The Pennsylvania based company that produces steele products will bring 250 jobs to Limestone County. 700 additional people will be employed to build the plant.

Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks says a total of 618 total jobs are coming to Limestone County as a result of several companies expanding or moving to the area.
"Well its always important as we continue to build our quality of life it helps support our education system and a way for people to feed their families" Marks says.

The Electricfill Corporation located in Elkmont is in the process of expanding and adding as many as 100 jobs. Human Resource officer Lynn Lane says providing
good jobs to the community is a good feeling. "Being Here in a small town such as Elkmont the fact that we are bake to employ so many people from the area is a benefit not only to us but for the local town" Lane said.

Electricfill produces car sensors for engines. some of their customers include: Ford and Volkswagen.

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Third man convicted in 2003 Morgan County killing
05/07/2012

DECATUR, Ala. (WAAY & Decatur Daily) - It took a Morgan County jury less than a day to find Marqueze Smith guilty of capital murder in connection with the 2003 shooting death of Jeremy Black.

He now faces the possibility of the death penalty. Judge Sherrie Paler set the sentencing phase of the trial for next Monday.

On Thursday, Christopher Smiley testified that he was with Smith and his uncle, Patrick Napoleon Smith the night of the killing. Smiley is serving a 20 year prison sentence after pleading guilty to robbery in connection with the case two and a half years ago.

Smiley told jurors that Marqueze Smith and his uncle mocked Black after the shooting, saying he was "squealing like a pig" and "squirming like a worm" after being shot.

He said he picked up the elder Smith from a gas station in the early morning hours after August 12th, 2003. Smiley testified that Patrick Smith the led him to a secluded area, where his nephew was unloading items from Black's car. Smiley says he helped unload items from the car, and was then told to drive down the road, where he first saw Black's body. Smiley says Marqueze Smith admitted shooting Black that night.

Patrick Smith was found guilty of murder in 2008.

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WAAY 31 FirstNews: Friday, May 4, 2012
05/07/2012

Today is the big day. Downtown Huntsville will be transformed into a BBQ lover's paradise. WhistleStop 2012 is about to kick off. Gates open today at 4 p.m. but many of the grill masters are already flexing their culinary muscles.

The entire show will be live from the Depot as we get a glimpse of everything this year's festival has to offer. Of course, we will talk about the professional and amateur cooking competitions, but there are so many new features to tell you about.

This year the Alabama Cornhole Competition will start this afternoon and the finals will be tomorrow. Space Camp will also be on hand for kiddos. The this evening at 6 p.m. is the first ever WAAY 31 Wing Thing.

You can still get tickets to the festival. Log on to www.rocketcitybbq.com for more on the festival. S

See you there!!!

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Relief In Store for Frustrated Hwy. 72 Commuters
05/07/2012

MADISON COUNTY, AL - Frustrated drivers who regularly commute along heavily congested roads in western Madison County may see relief in their future. A joint effort between the cities of Madison and Huntsville, along with Madison County hopes to get some of the busiest roads in North Alabama a much needed facelift. 

Madison Mayor Paul Finley says he has been pushing for a revamp of the corridor for a long time. "One of the strongest assets we have right now is an 18 minute commute to and from work. We want to keep it low so people aren't in their cars and they can be home with their families," says Finley. 

Increased growth out West means more and more cars are traveling along Highway 72 and I-565 to and from their jobs at the Arsenal and along Research Park Drive. 

"We are all for trying to figure out the corridor and the best way to get people to their jobs and back home," says Finley. 

Friday, the Madison County Commission voted in favor of issuing a contract for several traffic studies. The studies will measure capacity and traffic access along U.S. 72 between Research Park and I-565 as well as 72 between Providence Main Street and County Line Road. 

Finley says local leaders have had discussions with ALDOT. "We're told guys, do a corridor study so we don't have another 280 like down in Birmingham," he says. 

Once the studies are complete, plans can begin to widen the heavily-traveled highways. "Once you engineer it then you can secure the money for it. We're talking a few years down the line but we can shorten the time frame if we do these corridor studies first," says Finley. 

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Albertville Shuts Down A Controversial Gun Range
05/07/2012

A Marshall County gun range is shut down by order of the city of Albertville. It's the latest round in an ongoing dispute over noise. Albertville city leaders say they closed the Alabama Tactical Shooters gun range because of a 1947 city ordinance that bans the discharge of firearms within city limits.

Dennis Jones was happy to learn the gun range was shut down for now. He lives down the street. For weeks now Jones and many other residents have been complaining that the noise from the gun range is too loud. "If it's small caliber pistols it's a pop pop. And larger rifles like 50 calibers you get a bone shattering ear piercing loud boom" Jones said. "And they also shoot exploding targets".

Since the gun range sits in the county between Albertville and Guntersville, both municipalities have decided to ask the Alabama Attorney General to step in to see who has the authority to decide the gun ranges fate. Albertville City Councilor Chuck Ellis says that's the right move. "I think the big issue right now at the range is the nuisance problem. I'm a true believer of a mans tranquillity in his home. I believe in the city's sound ordinance" Ellis said.

Albertville leaders expect gun range director Barry Harbin to request permission to re open the range at Monday nights city council meeting.

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Man charged with killing wife in Lincoln County
05/07/2012

FAYETTEVILLE, Tenn. (WAAY) - Fayetteville Police have arrested and charged a man with murder after his wife was shot to death Monday morning.

Police were called to the Taylor Way Apartments around 10:20 a.m. after neighbors heard shots fired. They arrived to find 22 year old Courtney Price McKinney shot to death. Her husband, 23 year old Charles "Chaz" McKinney was arrested at the scene and charged with Criminal Homicide. He's being held on $950,000 bond.

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UNA Mourns the Loss of George Lindsey
05/07/2012

The loss of actor George Lindsey is being felt deeply at the University of North Alabama.  The man loved for his role as "Goober" passed away over the weekend.

Although 83 year old George Lindsey died in Nashville on Sunday, he will forever live on as Goober Pyle from the Andy Griffith Show.  He spent many years making people laugh and sharing his talents with the world through various film and television appearances.  However, before his fame took off, he was an unassuming student at the University of North Alabama.

"Mr. Lindsey was a 1952 graduate of UNA and for many years has been a very active alumni of the university," said UNA spokesman Josh Woods.  "He's been very supportive and a great friend to this entire university community, and it's a great loss for the entire university family."

UNA's Collier Library is the home of dozens of Lindsey's film and television scripts as well as other memorabilia.  He co-founded the George Lindsey Film Festival 14 years ago, and now has a new theater named after him on campus.

"It was very fitting to honor Mr. Lindsey in this way through the theater, especially in the final months of his life," said Woods.

Lindsey attended the 2012 Lindsey Film Festival in March where the theater was dedicated in his honor.

Magan Fromhold, a junior at UNA, said that Lindsey will always be an inspiration to students.

She said, "I think it's really inspiring to see that someone took what they learned from UNA and actually went out and followed their dreams and was successful and had money to give back to the school where obviously he believes in the education here at UNA."

Lindsey's visitation will be on Friday, May 11 from 2 until 4 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Nashville.  The funeral will follow immediately.

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WAAY 31 Concert Series : Aaron Kelly
05/07/2012

The WAAY 31 Concert Series continues with Aaron Kelly. Aaron was one of the breakout stars from season 9 of American Idol. Aaron is working on an album, writing his own songs.

He's one of several performers who'll be hitting the stage May 12th at the Lincoln County Music Festival.


If you'd like to be featured on WAAY 31's Concert Series, email Meredith Wood.

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CIA thwarts new underwear bomb plot
05/07/2012

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Associated Press has learned the CIA thwarted a plot by al-Qaida's affiliate in Yemen to destroy a U.S.-bound airliner using a bomb with a new design around the one-year anniversary of the killing of Osama bin Laden.

U.S. officials say the plot involved an upgrade of the underwear bomb that failed to detonate aboard a jetliner over Detroit on Christmas 2009. This new bomb was also built to be used in a passenger's underwear but contained a more refined detonation system.

The would-be suicide bomber was told to buy a ticket on the airliner of his choosing and decide the timing of the attack. It's not immediately clear what happened to the would-be bomber.

The U.S. officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive case.

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WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Monday, May 7, 2012
05/07/2012

The WAAY 31 crew had a great time at WhistleStop this weekend. There was tons of BBQ and lots of people out enjoying the heat! It was definitely hot!

This week will be highlighting the Lincoln County Music Festival that will be this Saturday. Today's performer will be Aaron Kelly. You may remember Aaron from American Idol Season 9. He finished in the top 5 and has gone on tour the country with his band. Aaron is working on an album, writing his own songs. Aaron will be just one of several performers at the festival including Charlie Daniels Band and Cowboy Troy. For more on the event log on to www.lincolncountymusicfest.com.

Mother's Day is this Sunday and if you can't decide what to get mom, what about a home cooked meal that she doesn't have to step foot in the kitchen to prepare. Jennifer Sherman from Dinner by Design has a way for Dad and the kids to whip up a lunch for 6 to present to mom. You will help prepare it and take home an entrée, 2 sides and a dessert. Space is limited. Check out www.facebook.com/DinnerByDesignHSV.


See you at 4!

 

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Jurors recommend death for Marquese Smith
05/07/2012

DECATUR, Ala. (WAAY) - A Morgan County jury took less than an hour to recommend the death penalty for 32 year old Marqueze Smith.

Smith was found guilty of Capital Murder last week in the 2003 shooting death of Jeremy Black. In dramatic testimony Thursday, one of Smith's former co-defendants told a chilling story about Smith laughing about shooting Black after stealing items out of the victim's car.

The jury's opinion is not binding. The ultimate decision is now on Judge Sherrie Paler, who will sentence Smith in August.

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Decatur Police arrest Attempted Murder suspect
05/07/2012

DECATUR, Ala. (WAAY) - Decatur Police have arrested and charged a man with Attempted Murder in connection with a shooting on 6th Avenue last week.

On April 29th, police and paramedics found a 33 year old man lying in the front yard of a home on the 300 block of 6th Avenue. He had multiple gunshot wounds to his back and legs.

U.S. Marshals and Decatur Police officers cornered Quincy Wilkerson at his home just a block from the scene of the crime on Monday morning. Wilkerson was arrested without incident. He's being held in the Decatur City Jail, with his bond revoked due to a probation violation.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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."

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.

"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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.”

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Actor George Lindsey Remembered by Friends in the Shoals
05/07/2012

FLORENCE, Ala. - A big loss for the Valley as one of its favorite performers passes.  Actor and comedian George Lindsey died early Sunday morning in Nashville.

 

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.

 

Florence restaurant owner Rick Elliot knew Lindsey, who frequently ate at his Trattoria di Ricatoni’s.  Referring to the appeal of Mayberry and its colorful cast of characters, Elliot says, "I think it's the simplicity, the lifestyle, I think people fantasize about the way things used to be, before there were computers or cell phones."

 

For nearly 30 years, the Jasper, Alabama native played the beloved Mayberry gas station attendant on the Andy Griffith Show, as well as Mayberry RFD, and Hee Haw.

 

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 University of North Alabama, where he contributed so much.

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.

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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!"

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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.

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