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The city of Gadsden is the county seat of Etowah County, northeastern Alabama, United States, which is located approximately 60 miles northeast of Birmingham. It is the principal city of the Gadsden Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a population of 103,459. As of the 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 37,291. It was at one time the state's second most important industrial center, trailing only Mobile. The two cities were important shipping centers: Gadsden for riverboats and Mobile for international trade. Up until the 1980s, Gadsden was almost totally dependent on heavy industry, including Goodyear Tire, and Republic Steel. After virtually crumbling in the 1970s and 1980s, Gadsden decided its best course of action was to stop being dependent on industry, and shedding its "company town" image.

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You’re only minutes away from completing your request for a FREE custom relocation package for Gadsden, AL. You’ll then be sent information on Gadsden that may include maps, school information, and local newspapers. Just like you would receive from the local chamber of commerce. More importantly, you will receive up-to-date listings of homes for sale by e-mail in Gadsden, AL. Homes that are in your price range and in the areas you want – no more wading through thousands of home listings! This is an excellent source of information on Find your next home here!.

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Gadsden, AL - Find homes for sale
Alabama


Gadsden Alabama United States
Population 38,978 4,447,100 281,421,906
Median age 39 35.8 35.3
Median age for Male 35.5 34.4 34
Median age for Female 42 37.2 36.5
Households 16,456 1,737,080 105,480,101
Household population 37,548 4,332,380 273,643,273
Average household size 2.28 2.49 2.59
Families 10,253 1,215,968 71,787,347
Average family size 2.91 3.01 3.14
Housing units 18,797 1,963,711 115,904,641
Occupied units 16,456 1,737,080 105,480,101
Vacant units 2,341 226,631 10,424,540


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What People are Saying!

“The agent you connected to us was very helpful and was very good at staying in touch with us. He sent us all kinds of "stuff" about the location to which we might have been transferred. I would have had no trouble working with him to find just the right home in the new location. Thank you. Should a possible move come up again, I would not hesitate to contact you again.”
Edward A.

“Gene has been most helpful in providing us information. We have yet to make our decision as to whether we are definitely going to move, based on an offer of a business opportunity in the area. Gene is friendly yet professional and follows up on his committments. It is a pleasure working with him!”
Donna M.

“The relocation package really helped me a lot. It was sent right away. John is my kind of REALTOR.”
Barbara M.

“Your relocation package contained maps that made it easier to get acquainted with the area. Thanks for your assistance and thanks to Pat for her assistance in helping us locate our new home.”
Ronnie K.

These are actual success stories obtained from routine feedback from relocating home buyers who requested assistance from our program. We have removed the last names of the relocation counselors and their company names and the names of the individuals providing the information. This has been done for the purpose of confidentiality.

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Relocating to Gadsden AL


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


Free Home Buyer Relocation Packet for Gadsden, AL

Home Buying in Gadsden 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 Gadsden AL, can help you analyze what type of home in Gadsden AL would suit your family.


2. Decide what your monthly housing budget will be once you move to Gadsden 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 Gadsden 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 Gadsden AL, with a great variety of price and amenities. Request a Free “Relocation to Gadsden AL” relocation package (click on link above) from one of our expert Gadsden 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 Gadsden 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 Gadsden AL” real estate information package, the Gadsden AL Realtor who is chosen to provide that Gadsden AL Relocation information can also give you valuable advice about which schools are the best in the Gadsden 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 Gadsden AL are normally built with energy efficient features and low maintenance exteriors. Older homes in Gadsden 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 Gadsden AL” real estate package today from one of our top Gadsden AL Real Estate agents!


Free Home Buyer Relocation Packet for Gadsden, AL

Finding a Realtor in Gadsden AL


In cities such as Gadsden AL you will find many Gadsden 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 Gadsden 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 Gadsden AL. NewQuestCity helps buyers find Gadsden 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 Gadsden AL” real estate information package provided by one of our top Gadsden AL real estate agents who is expert in providing Real Estate Gadsden AL relocation materials.


Free Home Buyer Relocation Packet for Gadsden, AL

Moving Successfully to a New Home in Gadsden AL


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


Obviously one of the first things to do is to schedule a house hunting trip to Gadsden AL in order to find the home you wish to purchase. One of the Gadsden 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 Gadsden AL that will help your family get excited about the move. Just click on the above link to request your FREE “Relocation to Gadsden AL” relocation package today!


Once you have found a home in Gadsden 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 Gadsden 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 Gadsden AL.


Approximately 6 weeks before your scheduled relocation to Gadsden 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 Gadsden 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 Gadsden 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 Gadsden AL home! Start using up all your groceries.


A couple of weeks before you move to Gadsden AL your BuyersUSA Relocation Gadsden 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 Gadsden 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 Gadsden AL real estate agent should be taking care of ordering last minute inspections and surveys so you don’t have to worry.


Free Home Buyer Relocation Packet for Gadsden, AL

Real Estate Lenders in Gadsden AL


For most people, finding the right home in Gadsden 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 Gadsden 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 Gadsden 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 Gadsden AL that now offer 100% financing – no down payment certainly helps keep moving expenses down!


Free Home Buyer Relocation Packet for Gadsden, AL

Successful Relocation to Gadsden AL - Real Estate Relocation

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


  • Find a real estate agent who is experienced in helping people move to Gadsden AL from out of town. Our Gadsden AL BuyersUSA Relocation real estate agents will help make the move to your new home go as smoothly as possible. They can communicate with you by e-mail while you are still in the process of planning your house hunting trip, sending you information about the area as well as listings of suitable homes. They can advise you about the areas which would be the most suitable for your family’s needs and help you buy the best home for you.
  • Find a good mortgage company with a loan processor who will be readily available to work on any difficulties with you. Some national mortgages have good customer support, others don’t. Many Gadsden AL mortgage companies have excellent customer support as they rely heavily on referrals.
  • Find a good moving company to help transport your belongings. They will be able to give you advice about packing your belongings so that when you actually move into your new home you will be able to unpack and adjust to your new life here in Gadsden AL as quickly as possible.
  • Once you have closed on your home in Gadsden AL, start getting to know your new community. Buying a home is just the first step in making Gadsden AL your new home. Ask your real estate agent about different activities for your family. Possibly joining music clubs, joining museums, finding out about Little League, visiting different churches or synagogues. Get involved. Once you have made friends in Gadsden AL you will have started a new support system.
  • Don’t forget your old friends. Send out change of address cards giving your new contact information here in Gadsden AL. Plan trips for your friends to visit you here in Gadsden AL once you have settled in. You can show off your new home and your new Gadsden AL.


Free Home Buyer Relocation Packet for Gadsden, AL

Getting a Great Home Deal in Gadsden AL


Home buyers involved in a relocation to Gadsden 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 Gadsden 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 Gadsden AL” relocation package (click on link above). Then, a top Gadsden AL Real Estate agent will contact you and send you information on homes in Gadsden AL. Your BuyersUSA Relocation Gadsden 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 Gadsden 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 Gadsden AL Relocation can be as easy or as difficult as you want. To make your relocation to Gadsden AL as smooth as possible, request the Free “Relocation to Gadsden AL” real estate information package today! It’s the first step to finding all the houses for Sale in Gadsden AL, AND an agent experienced real estate!




Business Directory


To add a listing to this city Click Here. To add a national listing, international listing, or for other cities Click Here. For all listings Click Here.

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


Check out what's happening in the NewQuestCity Forums for Alabama .

Practice Report: Spring Practice #8
04/03/2012

The University of Alabama football practiced on Friday in their final preparation for the first scrimmage of the spring on Saturday. The practice was held in shells and inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility.

Here's what you need to know:



Practice Report: Spring Practice #7
04/03/2012

The University of Alabama football team had its seventh practice of the 2012 spring session on Wednesday. The full pads practice was held outside in the bright sunshine of a beautiful spring day in Tuscaloosa.

Here's what you need to know:



Practice Report: Spring Practice #6
04/03/2012

The University of Alabama football team had its sixth practice of the 2012 spring session on Monday. The practice was in full pads and, according to Coach Saban, was not a particularly good one.

Here's what you need to know:



WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4 : Thursday, March 29, 2012
04/02/2012

It has been a great week, but many people are still suffering with allergies and some rain would be welcomed.

Today at 4 pm we will be talking about Earth Day. Megan from Nexus Energy Center will be here to tell us about a lot of events going on to celebrate. There will be an event at UAH on April 20th and the next day, April 21st going green will be continued at Hays Nature Preserve. Check out www.nexusenergycenter.org for more.

The Huntsville Botanical Garden is ready to help you fill your gardens. The plant sale is coming up in just a few weeks. April 19-22nd at the Garden will be transformed for the sale. Members get a preview day on April 19th and the public is welcome the 20-22nd. Log on to www.hsvbg.org for the details.

Burritt on the Mountain is calling all kids to come participate in an Easter Egg Hunt. April 7th starting at 10:30 kids of all ages will get search for eggs filled with goodies. Tickets are $2 for members and $1 extra on admission for non-members. Check out www.burrittonthemountain.com for more.

See you at 4!



Limestone Residents Prepare For Dump Day
04/02/2012

ATHENS, Ala (WAAY) - As the Limestone County Commission continues to try to find a way to pay for storm cleanup, residents are being urged to make this weekend a D-I-Y debris removal event. 

The County Transfer Station on Highway 72 is allowing storm victims to bring their debris to the center, free of charge this Saturday. Items will be sorted. Anything that's salvageable will be donated to local thrift stores, the rest will be either recycled or placed in the dump. 

Residents are asked to bring photo I.D. to move the process along. There are some items that cannot be accepted, however. That list includes appliances with compressors (such as freezers, refrigerators, air conditioners and air compressors) and each visitor is limited to just four tires.

The transfer station is located on Hwy. 72 West, just before reaching 7-Mile Post Road on the north side of the road. The Transfer Station is a tan metal building set back from Hwy. 72.

It'll be open at 7:00 a.m. on March 31st.



Animal Shelter Searching For Stolen Puppies
04/02/2012

A local animal shelter fears for the safety of two stolen puppies.

Earlier this week, a couple that looked to be in their 20's showed up at the Florence-Lauderdale Animal Shelter and claimed to be interested in adopting two puppies.  Shelter officials let them take the animals for a walk, but they never brought them back.

"My first thought was maybe time got away from them and they would come back," said Debbie Rappuhn, the volunteer pet care director at the shelter.  "But they never returned and we still have not heard from them."

Now Rappuhn fears that the puppies might be used for dog-fighting or sold to a research company.

"If the person absolutely fell in love with the dogs and couldn't afford an adoption fee, I'd rather them talk to me about it and we'll see what we can work out," said Rappuhn.  "They might can do a foster until they have the money, but to just walk off with the dogs and us not know about the dogs, that concerns us a lot and we will find them."
Rappuhn said that now they will have to start taking precautions and will be using security cameras to prevent this from happening again.

"We've never had this happen ever," said Rappuhn.  "Now, we're going to be leery of everyone who comes in to try to help, which is unfortunate.  We really shouldn't have to worry about someone coming down to help us, but now it causes us to take a second look."

She said that they plan to start asking for people to leave their driver's license if they want to take a dog for a walk.

The puppies stolen go by the names of Hans and Sans.  If anyone has seen them or has any information, please call the shelter at (256) 760-6676.



Shoals FFA Students Compete in 10th Annual Ag Day
04/02/2012

Some Colbert County students celebrated the simpler life on Thursday.

Nearly a hundred students representing three chapters of Future Farmers of America gathered for the 10th annual Ag Day.  

During the event at Longhorn Arena in Tuscumbia, students from Colbert County, Cherokee and Colbert Heights high schools showed off some of the skills they've learned in their agriculture programs.  The students competed in building construction, safe tractor driving, livestock judging, forestry and ag computers.

"There's a huge skills shortage," said Colbert County Career Tech Director Steve Stayton.  "We're not producing enough people in the workforce with marketable skills, and we want to explain to these students and future students that this is very important."

The winners of Thursday's events will go on to compete in the District FFA Competition at Wallace State next month.



Opry Mills Reopens Almost Two Years After Floods
04/02/2012

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Opry Mills shopping mall in Nashville formally reopened Thursday after being shuttered for almost two years because of flooding from the nearby Cumberland River.

The 1.2-million-square-foot mall at the site of the old Opryland USA theme park has been closed since May 2010. A dispute over insurance coverage delayed restoration work at the venue adjacent to the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center and the Grand Ole Opry House.

An estimated $200 million in repairs have been done. A few tenants have already reopened or, like Bass Pro Shops, never closed or shut down briefly. There are a dozen or so new stores.

The mall means nearly 3,000 jobs for Middle Tennessee. It draws some shoppers from nearby counties, and gets some business from Nashville's 1 million yearly tourists.

The 12-year-old mall, with 140 retailers, is owned by Simon Property Group. There are three other major shopping malls in or near Nashville; two others have failed.



Pigg Appears Before Judge, Bond Set
04/02/2012

ATHENS, Ala (WAAY) - Accused murdered Jamie Pigg made his first court appearance on Thursday, in front of Judge James Woodroff. 

Pigg is accused of attacking his grandmother, 69 year old Barbara Delaney, with a hammer in the backyard of the home the two shared. Delaney was also shot during the attack. Pigg reportedly ran to Decatur, where he was captured about an hour after the attack. Delaney survived and was air lifted to Huntsville Hospital, where she later died.

Pigg appeared on a closed circuit video hookup from the Limestone County Jail inside Judge Woodroff's chambers. The judge set Pigg's bond at $100,000 and appointed attorney Harlan Mitchell to represent Pigg. No plea was entered Thursday. That may come during Pigg's next court appearance on April 10th.



Second Florence Man Charged With Rape, Sodomy
04/02/2012

FLORENCE, Ala (WAAY) - Florence Police have arrested and charged a 21 year old man with Rape and Sodomy, two weeks after his brother was arrested for the same crime.

Investigators say 21 year old Keith Lamar Beckwith-Boddie was found hiding in a restaurant bathroom Wednesday when they went to serve an arrest warrant on him. Boddie is accused of sexually abusing a 7 year old girl several times beginning in June of 2006. 22 year old Brian Beckwith was arrested on March 16th. The attacks reportedly happened at the Beckwith home on Fairgrounds Road.

The victim is 12 years old now, and didn't report the abuse until last year. Florence Police were notified of the accusations and began an investigation, turning their findings over to a Lauderdale County Grand Jury.

Bail was set at $130,000 for Beckwith-Boddie, who was still in the Lauderdale County Detention Center.



Arthur Court Battle Not Over
04/02/2012

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A Thursday execution was halted for a man set to die for the 1982 murder-for-hire of a Muscle Shoals businessman, but his legal battle is far from over.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday denied Alabama's request to reconsider the stay of execution for Thomas Douglas Arthur, who has maintained his innocence for more than 29 years on death row.

The stay was granted after a three-judge panel overturned a judge's ruling to stop Arthur's appeal, which contends Alabama's lethal injection procedure is cruel and unusual.

The court has yet to rule on a motion to have the full 11th Circuit re-examine the decision to allow the appeal.

If the court declines, Arthur will be allowed to appeal his death sentence.



Havoc Regrouping After Game 1 Loss
04/02/2012

HUNTSVILLE, Ala (WAAY) - The Huntsville Havoc are in a do or die situation Friday night.

The Southern Professional Hockey League's current format has the #8 seeded Havoc playing the #1 seeded Augusta Riverhawks in a best of three series. Wednesday night, the Havoc put up a tremendous effort in Georgia, leading the game 3-2 in the last minute of the game. However, Augusta Neil Graham was able to tie the score with just 12 seconds remaining, sending it to overtime. Captain Matt Auffrey won the game for Augusta with about 5 minutes left in overtime.

Havoc captain Glenn Detulleo wasn't deterred by the loss. "Going on the road in that situation, facing the first place team, if you'd said going into the game we'd have one shot to win the game in overtime, I think we'd all take it." Detulleo told WAAY 31 on Thursday. "So, that's the attitude we had. Obviously, we're a little disappointed but between periods we just set it aside and got ready to go to the overtime period."

Goalie Mark Sibbald agrees. "We played well all game." he said. "We definitely had changes to put them away, we had a little bit of a breakdown and they capitalized. It was defiitely a shock, and it was heartbreaking at first, but I think if you look at the bigger picture, we played with them for 60 minutes. We dominated a lot of the game. If we lost by three or four goals, I think we'd be in a lot different mindset."
Now, the Havoc must come out on top Friday night, or their season will come to an end. 

The teams will meet at 7:30 at the VBC with the Havoc's season on the line. Win, and they go on to a third and final game in Augusta. Lose, and it's all over.

"Players at this level love pressure." Detulleo said. "I think our team is that kind of team and these guys are looking forward to the opportunity to send the series back to Augusta. We want the crowd to be loud. If we played the game we played Wednesday night, if we do that in our building, the crowd would love it. I think if we get the crowd behind us, I think we have a great chance."

Sibbald says that this season has been a roller coaster, but they're playing with a purpose now. "We're playing for a new coach who we believe in." he said. "If you look back a couple of years ago, we lost our first game of the playoffs the year we won, and we rattled off some really big wins. I know our group has the confidence in each other and looking forward, I think were just going to build on last night."



Alabama The 3rd Most Religious State in US
04/02/2012

PRINCETON, NJ (WAAY) -  A new study produced by Gallup shows Mississippi is the most religious state in America, with Utah and Alabama not far behind.

The study was conducted throughout 2011, asked 353,492 adults in all 50 states and the District of Columbia how they'd describe themselves. Their options were "Very Religious", "Moderately Religious" and Nonreligious".

In Mississippi, 59% of respondents said they were "very religious", with another 30% falling under the "moderately religious" category, and only 11% saying they were nonreligious. In Utah, 57% said they were very religious, 15% moderately so, and 28% not religious. And in Alabama, 56% put themselves in the "very religious" category, 29% said they were moderately religious and 16% were non-religious. Louisiana and Arkansas rounded out the top five.

The nation as a whole was 40.10% very religious, 28.30% moderately religious and 31.50% nonreligious.

The five least religious states were (from 46-50) : Alaska, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. The full survey can be viewed here. 



Tech Guy : Keyless Home Entry
04/02/2012

Keys : we’ve all got them. Keys make us feel safe, we like to think they're the difference that protects us from the bad guys who’d love to get inside.

But what if I told you that you can throw away your house keys...and be more secure than ever?

"It’s a platform that allows you to control your doorlocks, your lights, your thermostat, your cameras all logged into a PC on a website. Or for your iPhone or iPad." Matt McGovern from Nexia Home Security says the concept isn't new. We've had keyless entry for cars for decades now. What is different, is the smartphone interface.

It's set up where if a homeowner puts their code in, it sends you a text or email. So you always know who's coming and going in your home.
There's also a video display that will give you a chance to physically see whois there. It can be set up so anytime you put a code on a door lock, it will trigger the video to record for 10-15 seconds. There's a screen that shows which doors are locked or unlocked, and you can control the locks through a laptop or smartphone.

"A mom who wants to know when her kids get off the bus and put their code in. or someone who travels a lot they have that piece of mind of what’s going on. "

The system can also control a thermostat... and blinds if you want to make it look like someone’s home.

This high-tech home security system is a trend among all of the major lock companies. And if you still want the security of using keys, the system does offer a backup that uses traditional house keys.

Would you want something like this? Tell us about it on our Facebook page.



Charter Schools up for Discussion in AL Legislature
04/02/2012

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - State legislators return to Montgomery this week following their spring break.  They face a laundry list of controversial issues, from the prepaid college tuition program to health insurance coverage for abortions.  Also on the table is a bill on charter schools, which some lawmakers have been trying to implement for years.

 

Alabama is one of ten states where charter schools are illegal.  These are schools that are publicly funded but don't have to go by public school rules, including teacher tenure.  The purpose is to give families more schooling options beyond zip-code-based school zones. 

 

Nationally, charter school performance has been mixed, but here in Alabama, a group of lawmakers feel legalizing them could help education in the state, which by some statistics ranks 49th overall. 

 

We spoke with the bill's sponsor, State Representative Phil Williams of Madison.  He addressed some criticisms of charter schools, including the argument that they'll snatch funds from public schools.  He says, "Charters are just public schools, so when you hear they're taking money away from the public schools, the money follows the student."

 

Last week, the legislature held a public hearing on the bill.  Generally, Williams says many parents support it, while a number of educators are opposed.  The Ways and Means Education committee plans to vote on the bill this Wednesday.



Salon Offers Free Cuts for Kids
04/02/2012

HUNTSVILLE, AL - With Easter a week away, one Huntsville salon is once again donating its services to underprivileged children.

From 2PM until 6PM on Monday, April 2nd, Black Pearl Select Salon will offer free  haircuts to boys who are 12 and under.

This is the 16th year the salon has provided free cuts for the community.

Black Pearl Select Salon is located at 2908 Meridian Street in Huntsville.
       
For more information, call (256) 536-3133.



NWS to Test New Tornado Warnings
04/02/2012

KANSAS CITY, MO - The National Weather Service hopes to raise awareness about the importance of heeding weather warnings by testing out a new kind of alert that's aimed to scare people into seeking shelter.

NWS officials say studies conducted after deadly tornadoes in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in April 2011 and Joplin, Missouri in May 2011 found that most people didn't heed the initial warnings about the oncoming storms.

They also say people in tornado prone areas have become desensitized by frequent false alarms and don't always pay attention to the first warnings.
 
Now, NWS offices in Missouri and Kansas will start sending out what they call "impact-based" warnings.

These warnings describe how much damage a storm could cause.

Among the messages in the new warnings: "COMPLETE DESTRUCTION OF ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOODS IS LIKELY" and "MASS DEVASTATION IS HIGHLY LIKELY MAKING THE AREA UNRECOGNIZABLE TO SURVIVORS."



Easter-themed Train a big hit in Huntsville
04/02/2012

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The spirit of Easter was in the air Saturday as hundreds of kids got to take a train ride with the Easter bunny.  The festive one-day event was hosted by the North Alabama Railroad Museum, which offers rides on its historic, 1940's era train throughout the year.

 

On each of the train's five trips Saturday, kids got to meet two Easter bunnies, one outside and one on the train.  They also received a small gift once the ride was through.  Organizers hope families will appreciate the history of the train as well. 

 

Museum Historian Hugh Dudley says, “Since we don't have any more passenger trains available here for them to ride, we think this is a good thing, they enjoy a little bit of history and they know what a real train is all about."

 

The Railroad Museum also hosts a Santa train ride for kids during the winter.



One Step Closer to a New Wal-Mart in Florence
04/02/2012

A second Wal-Mart is possibly in the works for Florence but not before the company jumps through several hoops and meets guidelines from the state.

A recent traffic study was reviewed by the Alabama Department of Transportation and has been submitted back to the planning commission this week.

ALDOT made eight stipulations that Wal-Mart must meet before the state grants official approval.  

Wal-Mart is hoping to build a stoe on thw est side of Cloverdale Road just north of Cox Creek Parkway.  However, many residents, including Coy Bramlett who lives in a nearby subdivision, have voiced concerns about the plans.

"They're coming and sitting down within our neighborhood," said Bramlett.  "We didn't build and buy there because of a Wal-Mart.  We already have a Wal-Mart three and a half miles from here and two Wal-Marts in this town, it's just not big enough."

One of the main stipulations in the traffic review is that an access road must be made on Cox Creek Parkway, relieving some of the congestion on Cloverdale Road.

City spokesperson Phil Stevenson said that the study also addressed other traffic concerns.

"It appears that the traffic study will answer most, if not all question composed by citizens at the first planning commission meeting," said Stevenson.  

The following stipulations will be submitted to the Planning Commission's Technical Committee for review.

1. A revised site plan indicating a 100 foot buffer along the north boundary of the proposed development.
2. Access to raodway from extending from the retail site south to Cox Creek Parkway.
3. Traffic signal at Wright Drive.
4. Traffic signal at proposed main entrance to the retail development.
5. Expansion/Revision of the Cloverdale Road approach to Cox Creek Parkway to include dual left turn lanes for eastbound traffic.
6. Ingress/Egress at the proposed outparcels is restricted to right-in-right out only for southbound traffic.
7. No direct access from outparcels to Cloverdale Road.
8. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The ALDOT has instructed the developer's engineers to submit drawings regarding needed adjustments to the CVS entrance on Cloverdale Road.

"It can run in to a significant amount of money, but that's the cost of doing business," said Stevenson.  "It's a busy roadway and in order to present a safe environment, these are things that just have to be done."

Bramlett said, "The traffic now I think will be under control, and that was one of our biggest concerns, but there are several other issues with the site itself that we're still worried about. Now, the main concern is the cemetery located on the land.  Other concerns are no impact study has been done.  I don't know where all the runoff water is going in to the creeks and it's going in to our streams and the water we drink.  There hasn't been an noise impact study."

Bramlett said he's also worried Wal-Mart will put smaller stores in the area out of business.

"I would like to see them deny the rezoning and have Wal-Mart move down the road to the edge of the city on Cox Creek Parkway.  It's a lot more convenient for them," said Bramlett.

A public meeting with the technical committee will be held to discuss the traffic study soon.  Then, it will go before the city council for final approval for annexation and rezoning.



Dognapped Pups Returned to Animal Shelter
04/02/2012

FLORENCE, Ala. (WAAY) - Hans and Sans, the two pit-mixed puppies reported stolen from the Florence/Lauderdale Animal Shelter earlier this week are back home.

According to officials at the shelter, the person who took the animals got into contact with them after WAAY 31 aired the story of the stolen dogs Thursday night. The person arranged to drop the dogs off with a volunteer. The shelter says they won't press charges.

We're told that one of the dogs has been adopted. The other, and several other great animals, are still looking for a new home. If you live in the Shoals and want to adopt an animal from the shelter, call (256) 760-6676, or visit the offices at 702 East College Street in Florence.



Three, Including Convicted Killer, Escape Southeast Alabama Jail - UPDATED
04/02/2012

PHENIX CITY, Ala. (AP) - Law officers are searching for a trio of inmates, including one prisoner who was convicted of murder, who broke out of an eastern Alabama jail.

Authorities say the three prisoners escaped from the Russell County Jail Thursday night.

Sheriff Heath Taylor says all three inmates should be considered dangerous. Authorities say the other two inmates were being held on burglary, theft and drug charges.

Police in nearby Columbus, Ga., said they were assisting Alabama authorities with the search by issuing warnings to its officers to be on the lookout for the three.

Justin Hysmith, lives just outside Phenix City, said officers were walking down his street around 7 a.m. Friday holding shotguns, and a helicopter had been circling the area since 5:30 a.m.

The Ledger-Enquirer of Columbus identifies the men as Adam W. Barringer, 30; John Curtis Hendrix, 27; and Charles Smith, 41,

UPDATE 2:30 p.m. - The Ledger-Enquirer reports that Smith has been captured. Hendrix and Barringer remain on the loose.



Huntsville Veterans Memorial Makes It Easier to Find Bricks
04/02/2012

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAAY) - The team behind the Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial have revamped their website, with a special emphasis on letting people who purchased a custom brick paver find their brick.

Donors can visit HuntsvilleVeteransMemorial.org and search for their loved one's name. Once a query is submitted the database returns any and all results that contain the letters or phrase that was searched. Results will include the name of the donor, location of the paver and the inscription of lines 1, 2 & 3. A comment section will denote the following:

A) A paver is not installed at the current time
B) A misspelling has been verified and brick will be reordered
C) A misspelling has been verified and is engraved correctly. Donors may replace brick for a minimal fee of $30.
D) The brick was ordered after the dedication of Phase I and will be installed prior to Phase II dedication.



Dash Cam Video of High Speed Chase
04/02/2012

Moulton, AL- A hit and run in Russellville sent police on high alert Thursday morning.
30 minutes later...a Moulton police officer caught up with the car on Highway 24.
But the flashing lights didn't stop the driver. He continued to keep the pedal to the metal for several more minutes.

"He came up Court Street from Highway 57at a high rate of speed, which leads directly by the court house," said Police Chief Lyndon McWhorter.

The driver sped right through red lights and stop signs in downtown Moulton before finally stopping in a parking lot.

"There was about 4 or 5 cars that had another vehicle surrounded and they had him out of the car and was arresting him when I came by," said Faron Terry.

Terry later learned the chase happened around 8 o'clock in the morning....when his children were going to school.

"If he was running that fast through downtown Moulton that time of day, he got close.. He was one block away from the school. He could've got in school traffic and he could've injured no telling how many kids," said Terry.

34 year old Thomas Tucker of Winfield faces a long list of charges.....including DUI, driving with a revoked license, and no insurance.

"Basically we want to set an example, you run from us, we're not going to tolerate it especially putting our citizens in danger. If we catch you, we are going to prosecute you with every charge we possibly can," said Chief McWhorter.

Tucker remains in the Lawrence County jail.



Accused Killer Makes Court Appearance
04/02/2012

Athens, AL-Accused killer James Pigg made his first court appearance Thursday morning in Athens.

The 33-year-old suspect appeared on a closed circuit video hookup from the Limestone County jail inside the chambers of Judge James Woodroof. His bond is set at 100-thousand dollars. The judge appointed an attorney to represent Pigg. No plea was entered during the hearing.

Pigg is charged with killing his grandmother, 69-year-old Barbara Delaney. Investigators say she was beaten and shot during an attack in the backyard of the home they shared in Limestone County. The suspects mother Dianne Harber says her family is still haunted by what happened. "I mean something horrible must have happened to make him snap like this. He has no recollection of this whatsoever and I'm going to ask his lawyer for a mental evaluation" Harber said.

Pigg has not posted bond. His next court appearance is set for April 10th.



Honey a Cure for Allergies?
04/02/2012

DECATUR, AL - James MacIlveen has been a beekeeper for 35 years. He has two active honey beehives in his backyard that he uses to make his own honey.

MacIlveen says, "The raw honey that comes from a beekeeper is full of pollen, full of nutrients, full of vitamins." 

But MacIlveen eats a teaspoon of his honey every day for another reason besides its sweet taste. He believes the pollen in his honey helps take the sting out of his seasonal allergies. 

"The thought behind that is as you ingest the honey with all the pollen in it, your body builds up a resistance to those pollens and will lesson your reaction to allergies," he says. "It won't eliminate it, but it certainly will lesson your reactions."

Dr. Sarah Styers of Family Health of Hartselle says she'll continue prescribing medicine instead of honey to treat her allergy patients. But, she says it doesn't hurt to try.

Styers says, "Studies have shown that it does not make a significant difference in allergy symptoms. However, people believe it with all their heart and it's certainly not going to hurt you as long as your above the age of two."

MacIlveen says he will continue using his honey to help keep him breathing easy this time of year. "Absolutely no doubt in my mind and not only me, there are tens of thousands of people out there that swear by honey as a allergy preventative," he says.




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