Protestors rally against BP at National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores

Alabama Oil Spill Aftermath Coalition

GULF SHORES, Al.
About 200 feet from the where National Shrimp Festival visitors ate seafood today, about two dozen people stood on the sand with signs warning that the source of much of that food was still polluted after the 2010 oil spill.
The Alabama Oil Spill Aftermath Coalition held a rally near the site of the 40th annual National Shrimp Festival. Under a compromise with the city, the demonstration was held on the beach near the festival site.
Kim McCuiston of Foley, one of the organizers of the event, said the rally was an attempt to tell people that not enough had been done to clean the Gulf since the spill, and that the waters and seafood were still contaminated.
"We’re not against the Shrimp Festival," she said. "We’re against BP and what they’ve done. We’re just trying to educate people, and they can make up their own minds."
She said the Gulf is still polluted from oil and chemicals used to fight the spill in 2010.
Lori DeAngelis, who operates Dolphin Queen Cruises in Orange Beach, held a sign stating that 562 dead dolphins had been found since the spill.
"I don’t think people understand what’s happened and what we’re still facing," she said. "This isn’t just affecting dolphins. It’s affecting people."
DeAngelis said rescue workers at the World Trade Center site did not display symptoms of health problems for years after the buildings were destroyed in 2001, and she’s worried that Gulf Coast residents might show effects years from now.
Drew Landry, a singer originally from New Orleans, said people did not understand the potential risks they still face from the spill.
"It’s been more than a year and it’s still messing people up," he said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Alabama on the verge of closing doors

HUNTSVILLE, Al.
Loren Traylor isn't going to sugarcoat it.
Things are bad for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of North Alabama, an organization that has changed kids' lives here since 1982 as the local affiliate of the national group founded in 1904 and rated by Philanthropedia the No. 1 national nonprofit serving at-risk youth.
"We are pretty close to closing the doors," said Traylor, a member of the North Alabama group's board. "The problem is the federal government cut funding to two of our programs, and we lost almost $150,000.
"The federal government let us know about losing the programs in July, and the funding stopped in September. That leaves us with barely enough to survive in the bank, and we have more than 300 children in three different communities - Madison, Limestone and Marshall."
Emmett Moore, CEO of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of North Alabama, said the annual operating budget is $382,000. The federal government budget cuts eliminated the Mentoring Children of Prisoners program nationally, which provided $147,600 to the local group.
"That represented over one third of our operating budget," Moore said. "In addition to eliminating the Mentoring Children of Prisoners program, the loss of that funding also impacts the number of children we are able to service in the Huntsville metropolitan area. Even though we will continue serving children in Marshall and Limestone counties, the budget cuts have forced us to close the physical offices and lay off employees in those locations."
To help offset the losses, Big Brothers/Big Sisters is holding fundraisers, including Bowl for Kids Nov. 13 at Plamor Lanes and a Mentors Gala at Lowe Mill in January. The Big 5K run this summer raised $20,000.
"We can no longer depend on Washington, D.C., to fund programs that provide services to our children here in North Alabama," Moore said. "We must look within our own community to support our children and families."
Traylor said it costs the organization $1,600  a year to mentor one child. Several corporate sponsors, such as Crestwood Medical Center, Adtran, W.W. Grainger and Avnet have been a huge help, and the group also gets around $60,000 yearly from the United Way, she said. "Sometimes it's just a matter of more coming in than going out," Traylor said. "We don't have debt. We just need to see more money coming in."
If the nonprofit group is forced to close, it will affect single parents like Tameka Alexander. Her 14-year-old son, Tahjyer Reed, an eighth-grader at Ed White Middle in Huntsville, fishes, camps, plays guitar and softball with his mentor, Daniel Brooks, once or twice a week. Her 17-year-old daughter, Brittney Reed, a senior at Columbia High School, goes shopping, out to eat and volunteers with her mentor, Amber Echols.
"It's important that my children get to go out and do things I personally can't do," said Alexander, who is a working mother. "It's a  wonderful program. My children have really blossomed."
Traylor said the mentors are encouraged to spend at least four hours a month with their kids, but most spend more than that.
"This group is probably one of the most instrumental groups in turning children's lives around," Traylor said. "It's not like we're trying to throw money at education. These kids often don't have a role model to emulate.
"Some of their parents are in prison or on drugs or welfare and struggling to survive."
For more on the organization, call 256-880-2123 or go to bbbsna.org.

Arrest made in Montgomery Friday night shooting near Cramton Bowl

 Montgomery, Al.
The Montgomery Police Department has made an arrest in connection with a Friday night shooting near Cramton Bowl that left a 19-year-old in critical condition.
Frederick Williams, 18, of 814 Cloverhill Drive was arrested and charged with assault first degree and placed in the Montgomery County Detention Facility with a $20,000 bond, according to a release from the MPD.
About 10 p.m. Friday, police responded to Madison Avenue and Hilliard Street after hearing gunfire. They found a 19-year-old male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Jackson Hospital, where he was still in critical condition Saturday evening.
Information gathered at the scene led to the arrest of Williams, who was located in the 300 block of N. Ripley St., the release states. His photograph is being withheld due to the ongoing investigation.

More than 300 sign up for farm work on database

Montgomery, Al.
Officials say more than 300 people have signed up on a database for people interested in farm work.
The Alabama Career Center System is part of an initiative announced Thursday by Gov. Robert Bentley to help businesses, particularly famers, make up for lost labor after enactment of the state's new immigration law. The database builds on the Alabama JobLink system. Director of the Employment Service Division of the Department of Industrial Relations Bob Brantley says the agency has also launched a toll-free number for employers looking for help hiring immigrant workers on federal temporary visas.

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Alabama immigration law shakes up mobile home parks

Birmingham, Al.
Because of Alabama's new immigration law, owners of mobile homes who aren't legal residents of the United States won't be able to renew their registrations, meaning they'll have to haul their homes out of state, sell them or risk getting caught without the required decals.

In Jefferson County, the required tags come in two different forms -- as property tax decals for those who own both the home and the land where it sits, and land or registration decals for those who own the home but rent a lot in a mobile home park. In both instances, proof of citizenship or legal presence will be required. Registrations are due for renewal by Nov. 30 and property tax decals by the end of the year.

Under Section 30 of the law, neither the state nor any of its "political subdivisions" can engage in a business transaction with anyone unless their legal presence is verified. Federal courts have blocked the implementation of some portions of the law, but Section 30 is in effect.

James Pilgrim owns a mobile home park in Five Points West. He owns and rents out about half the trailers, while the other half of his residents own the trailers and rent a lot from him. Some of the residents are probably here illegally, Pilgrim acknowledged, but the U.S. government has not effectively policed the borders and has tacitly allowed the immigrants to live and work here for decades. It isn't right to strip them of what they've worked for and run them out of the country now, he said.

"They've let them people establish lives and jobs. They've raised families and children, children who know nothing about Mexico," he said. "I stood there and watched the people packing up everything they got.

"I stood there and liked to cry. Some of them have become just like my own family. It is really going to hurt."

However, the Alabama Manufactured and Modular Housing Association is not protesting. Sherry Norris, the executive director, said the association has been keeping its members informed about the coming requirements and most had, on their own, adopted standards requiring a potential tenant to present two forms of identification and have a credit check run.

Older mobile home parks that aren't members of the association may be facing problems, but members are not, Norris said.

"The new immigration law is not causing a hardship," she said. "They are pretty strict on who comes into their communities."

Greg Tucker, Limestone County's license commissioner and president of the state's association of licensing officials, said the immigration law doesn't leave any wiggle room.

"A transaction is a transaction," he said. "That is the way they wrote it." And it creates a Class C felony for failing to carry out the law.

Selma superintendent put on administrative leave

SELMA, Al.
Selma Schools Superintendent Donald Jefferson has been put on administrative leave.

According to a report, Jefferson, in his first year as superintendent, was put on leave after a surprise motion at the Selma City School Board meeting Thursday night. 

The 3-2 vote stems from an unresolved issue about Jefferson signing off on a contract without board approval, which he has since labeled a mistake. 

Gerald Shirley will take Jefferson's place until an Oct. 25 hearing to discuss his contract.

Teen shot near Cramton Bowl Friday night

MONTGOMERY, Al.
A Friday night shooting, possibly spawned from a fight that escalated after a Cramton Bowl football game, has sent one teen to the hospital with life threatening injuries.
According to the report, the shooting occurred around 10 p.m. on the corner of Madison Avenue and North Hilliard Avenue in downtown Montgomery.
The 18-year-old victim sustained gunshots to the chest and is being treated at a local hospital for what police say are life threatening injuries, says the report.
The police have not yet announced if arrests have been made in the case.
Will have more as information comes in.

Daphne councilwoman's husband arrested

DAPHNE, Al.

Larry Barnette

The husband of Daphne, Al. mayoral hopeful Cathy Barnette was arrested this week for failing to appear in court on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Larry Barnette, 43, was arrested Wednesday on an outstanding warrant that was issued after he failed to appear for a court hearing in August, according to court records.
In March, prosecutors sought to revoke Barnette’s probation in a 2009 DUI case after he was arrested on the same charge again in Foley, court records indicate.
A warrant for his arrest was issued after he failed to appear in court in August.
Barnette was arrested while working at a McDonald’s, according to a motion from his attorney, Buzz Jordan.
Barnette was later released on $500 bail, Baldwin County Corrections Center records indicate.
He is slated to appear before Baldwin County District Court Judge Jody Bishop on Nov. 28.
His wife, Daphne Council President Cathy Barnette, who is vying to replace outgoing Mayor Fred Small, last week appeared to be a favorite candidate for the job. But her fellow council members abstained from voting for her until she proved she could acquire a $500,000 bond. The council is slated to vote again next week.
Small is leaving the post a year before his term expires.
The Barnettes could not be reached for comment today.

Rapper Rick Ross taken to UAB Hospital, according to reports

BIRMINGHAM, Al.
A private plane carrying rapper Rick Ross stopped in Birmingham due to a medical emergency and Ross was taken to UAB Hospital for treatment, according to news reports.

Rapper Rick Ross

Hours after suffering a medical episode that forced a Delta Air Lines plane to return to Florida so he could be taken to the hospital, Ross tweeted that he still planned to perform as scheduled in Memphis, Tenn., on Friday evening.
"Memphis here I come," he tweeted on his official website, which also featured a video message from him aboard a second Memphis-bound plane.
But Ross didn't appear as scheduled early Friday evening at a University of Memphis event called "Memphis Madness."
WMC-TV in Memphis reported Friday night that Ross was hospitalized in Birmingham after a second medical incident.
Birmingham airport spokeswoman Toni Bast confirmed that a private plane traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Memphis made an unscheduled landing in Birmingham at around 5:30 p.m. because of a medical emergency, but she could not provide any further details.
Ross, 34, was scheduled to perform Friday night at the University of Memphis basketball team's midnight opening practice event. Calls to his publicist were not returned Friday.
UAB spokeswoman Jennifer Lollar said that no one by the name Rick Ross, or his real name -- William Leonard Roberts II -- was listed as a patient.
At about 1 p.m. Friday, Ross was on a Delta Air Lines flight from Fort Lauderdale to Memphis when he suffered an unspecified medical problem. The flight, carrying 121 passengers, returned to Fort Lauderdale.
Mike Jachles, a spokesman for Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue, said the flight landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and was met by paramedics. They performed what Jachles called "advanced life-support care," though it did not include CPR.
Jachles could not specify what exact care Ross was given, but he said the performer was stable, breathing, conscious and alert.
Ross was in a seat when paramedics reached him and he walked off the plane, Jachles said. He was taken to a terminal area where he was evaluated before being transported to a hospital to be checked out.
Jachles said there was a doctor on the plane who had tried to assist Ross, though he could not say what, if anything, the doctor did.
"Nobody told us, either when we were advised, dispatched or on the scene, no mention was made of CPR being initiated or in progress," Jachles said.
Soon after going to the hospital, Ross contacted Memphis to tell them he was still coming.
"He called a member of our staff and said not to believe what's out there and that he's on his way to perform at Memphis Madness," Lamar Chance, a university athletics department spokesman, said Friday afternoon.
Memphis officials declined to comment Friday night.
The Miami-based gangsta rapper gained fame with his husky voice and lyrics that spotlighted the grimier side of Miami life. He has become one of rap's most popular figures in recent years.
Ross has a new album titled "God Forgives, I Don't," due out in December.
The hefty rapper's hits include "Aston Martin Music," ''B.M.F. (Blowing Money Fast)" and "Hustlin'."
Ross performed at the Verizon Wireless Music Center in Pelham as an opening act for Lil Wayne.

Alabama governor says police can seize synthetic marijuana

Montgomery, Al. 
Gov. Robert Bentley signed an executive order today allowing law enforcement agencies to seize synthetic marijuana commonly known as “spice” and “K2.” Investigators with the Mobile County District Attorney’s office immediately began acting on the order, fanning out to stores to remove any that they found from shelves.
Mobile Police Chief Micheal T. Williams and Baldwin County District Attorney Hallie Dixon also praised the order and said they were prepared for vigorous enforcement.
The herbal psychoactive substances — laced with synthetic cannabinoids or mimicking compounds — have been sold in stores and marketed online as incense or potpourri, selling for around $20 to $40 a package. Typically, however, buyers smoke it.
While the intoxicating high of synthetic marijuana may last 15 to 20 minutes, health experts said, it can cause chronic side effects extending for weeks.
Williams said, “One of the reasons we wanted to take that stuff off the shelves was because of some of the horror stories we heard.”
Since October 2010, the Regional Poison Control Center at Children’s of Alabama, a Birmingham hospital, has taken more than 100 calls from those exposed to “K2” or “Spice,” health officials reported. Three victims were children ages of 6 to 12, 35 were teenagers and 32 were in their 20s, according to the data.
On Friday, Bentley joined State Health Officer Dr. Donald Williamson to announce the emergency order outlawing the possession or sale of the chemical compounds typically found in synthetic marijuana.
“These substances have been wrongly presented as a safe and legal alternative to marijuana,” Williamson said. “We want the public to be aware of the toxic effects and other dangers.”
On Oct. 24, Williamson said, 24 substances will be placed on the Alabama Controlled Substances List, essentially making it illegal to manufacture, sell or possess the synthetic marijuana products now on the market.
Bentley said, “They are being sold in convenience stores and tobacco shops all over this state to unwary individuals including our children.”
The governor said that the state was urging store owners to remove the products, while also instructing law enforcement agencies to seize any that they encounter.
For now, store owners will get a receipt showing what was taken, but would not be arrested, according to state officials.
Harmful side effects of the synthetic marijuana may include the following, experts say: Anxiety attacks, seizures, hallucinations, nausea and vomiting, increased heart rate and rapid pulse, paranoia, suicidal thoughts, aggression and uncontrollable rage, severe depression and addiction.
According to Bentley’s office, state Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur and Rep. Allen Farley, R-McCalla, are sponsoring a bill for the next Legislature that would formally prohibit the manufacture and sale of synthetic marijuana compounds, and establish felony charges for its sale and possession.

Friday's Alabama (Prep) High School Football Scores

PREP FOOTBALL

A.L. Johnson 8, McIntosh 6
Akron 32, Jacksonville Christian 13
Alabama Christian Academy 35, Bullock County 14
Albertville 28, Scottsboro 7
Aliceville 19, Greensboro 6
American Christian Academy 68, Central-Hayneville 7
Andalusia 31, Ashford 22
Anniston 34, Oneonta 31
Appalachian def. Parkway Christian Academy, forfeit
Ashford Academy 35, South Montgomery County Academy 14
Athens 47, Columbia 7
Auburn 49, Smiths Station 14
Baker 17, Mary Montgomery 7
Barbour County 30, Cottonwood 0
Bayside Academy 42, Catholic-Montgomery 14
Beauregard 44, Holtville 0
Berry 68, Marion County 50
Bessemer Academy 42, Autauga Academy 13
Beulah 27, Central Coosa 20
Bibb County 78, Southside-Selma 7
Billingsley 28, Francis Marion 12
Blount 36, Theodore 15
Boaz 24, Arab 16
Bob Jones 50, Sparkman 7
Brantley 48, Geneva County 7
Briarwood Christian 51, Shelby County 30
Brindlee Mountain 41, Falkville 7
Brooks 48, West Limestone 18
Carver-Montgomery 40, Sidney Lanier 34
Cedar Bluff 24, Gaston 6
Center Point 50, Moody 0
Central-Florence 48, Wilson 24
Central-Phenix City 27, Niceville, Fla. 19
Charles Henderson 30, Carroll-Ozark 8
Chelsea 48, Talladega 3
Cherokee County 25, Douglas 0
Chilton County 41, Wilcox Central 12
Clarke County 40, Excel 20
Clarke Prep 40, Fort Dale Academy 7
Clay County 40, Marbury 14
Clay-Chalkville 55, Austin 21
Cleburne County 51, Springville 21
Colbert Heights 25, Hatton 21
Collinsville 49, Decatur Heritage 15
Corner 15, Tarrant 13
Cottage Hill 49, J.U. Blacksher 20
Crenshaw Christian Academy 48, Ellwood Christian Academy 16
Cullman 41, Curry 14
Dadeville 46, Elmore County 32
Daleville 44, Dale County 12
Davidson 42, Alma Bryant 21
Demopolis 36, Brookwood 13
Deshler 61, Priceville 13
Donoho 42, Jefferson Christian Academy 0
Dothan 36, Enterprise 16
East Lawrence 40, Ardmore 24
East Limestone 66, Lawrence County 28
Edgewood Academy 34, Abbeville Christian Academy 12
Elba 63, New Brockton 14
Elkmont 17, Colbert County 0
Escambia Academy 20, Wilcox Academy 18
Etowah 44, Southside-Gadsden 15
Eufaula 56, Rehobeth 6
Fairfield 12, Woodlawn 6
Flomaton 28, Millry 7
Florence 48, Grissom 27
Foley 28, Williamson 14
Fort Payne 35, Madison County 14
Fultondale 70, Cold Springs 6
Fyffe 28, Ider 0
G.W. Long 48, Houston County 32
Gadsden 40, Pell City 23
Gaylesville 12, Valley Head 0
Glencoe 20, Hokes Bluff 0
Glenwood 34, Pike Liberal Arts 12
Gordo 64, Montevallo 7
Greene County 58, Holt 26
Greenville 35, Selma 7
Guntersville 45, DAR 0
Hale County 20, Sipsey Valley 7
Haleyville 52, Good Hope 7
Hamilton 39, Cordova 20
Hanceville 52, Carbon Hill 0
Handley 43, Walter Wellborn 21
Hartselle 49, Mortimer Jordan 13
Hayden 49, Brewer 12
Hazel Green 15, Decatur 7
Headland 24, Straughn 13
Hewitt-Trussville 48, Shades Valley 27
Highland Home 36, Goshen 24
Hillcrest 44, Gardendale 12
Holly Pond 28, Winfield 27
Homewood 14, Oak Mountain 7
Hoover 34, Vestavia Hills 23
Houston Academy 35, Wicksburg 20
Hubbertville 35, Meek 6
Huntsville 25, Buckhorn 0
Isabella 31, R.C. Hatch 6
Jackson 49, Escambia County 7
Jackson Academy 53, Meadowview Christian 0
John Essex 58, Holy Spirit 0
Keith 45, Shades Mountain Christian 6
Lanett 26, Randolph County 24
Lauderdale County 54, Danville 0
Leeds 58, B.B. Comer 7
LeFlore 30, Faith Academy 29
Leroy 41, Choctaw County 3
Lexington 41, Lamar County 28
Lincoln 8, Childersburg 6
Linden 54, Saint Luke's Episcopal 14
Lineville 49, Horseshoe Bend 14
Livingston 36, Jemison 26
Loachapoka 41, Wadley 20
Lowndes Academy 14, Chambers Academy 13
Luverne 33, Pike County 0
Lynn 70, Brilliant 12
Macon-East 40, Lyman Ward 14
Madison Academy 49, Geraldine 14
Maplesville 41, Autaugaville 12
McGill-Toolen 23, Robertsdale 7
McKenzie 48, Florala 28
Midfield 20, Dora 14
Minor 13, Bessemer City 9
Monroe Academy 34, Lee-Scott Academy 14
Mountain Brook 40, Thompson 13
Munford 19, Calera 16
Murphy 54, Citronelle 13
Muscle Shoals 53, J.O. Johnson 6
North Jackson 56, Crossville 8
North Sand Mountain 41, Victory Chr. 14
Northridge 41, Jackson Olin 8
Oak Grove 43, Fayette County 37
Oakman 44, Sumiton Christian 7
Opelika 34, Northview 20
Opp 22, Abbeville 20
Oxford 27, Huffman 0
Parrish 47, South Lamar 28
Paul Bryant 19, Central-Tuscaloosa 13
Pickens Academy 21, Lakeside School 7
Pickens County 74, Sunshine 0
Piedmont 20, Saks 14
Pinson Valley 21, Sylacauga 15
Prattville 34, Benjamin Russell 14
Prattville Christian Academy 21, East Memorial Christian Academy 13
Providence Christian 14, Ariton 6
Ragland 54, Coosa Christian 7
Red Bay 41, Phil Campbell 19
Reeltown 35, Ranburne 6
Russellville 24, Lee-Huntsville 7
Samson 28, Calhoun 12
Sand Rock 37, Ohatchee 21
Saraland 24, B.C. Rain 19
Sardis 44, Pisgah 3
Sheffield 17, Rogers 6
Shoals Christian 60, Phillips-Bear Creek 24
Slocomb 40, Geneva 14
Southern Academy 31, Marengo Academy 13
Southern Choctaw 21, Mobile Christian 20
Spain Park 34, Pelham 9
Spring Garden 33, Woodville 0
St. Clair County 21, Jacksonville 14
St. James 42, Hillcrest-Evergreen 0
St. Jude 49, Verbena 15
St. Paul's 40, Gulf Shores 14
Stanhope Elmore 48, Lee-Montgomery 14
Sulligent 40, Cherokee 7
Sumter Academy 75, Coosa Valley Academy 35
Susan Moore 42, J.B. Pennington 0
Sweet Water 61, Fruitdale 3
Sylvania 49, Randolph School 18
T.R. Miller 14, Trinity Presbyterian 7
Talladega County Central 25, Fayetteville 14
Tanner 48, Cleveland 7
Thomasville 42, W.S. Neal 8
Tuscaloosa Academy 28, Hooper Academy 0
Tuscaloosa County 43, Carver-Birmingham 0
UMS-Wright 61, Monroe County 20
Valley 44, Russell County 0
Vigor 7, Spanish Fort 0
Vina 23, Tharptown 7
Vincent 40, Thorsby 0
Vinemont 47, Winston County 34
Walker 35, West Point 10
Washington County 37, Montgomery Academy 7
Weaver 47, Ashville 12
Wenonah 28, Pleasant Grove 13
West Blocton 34, Dallas County 7
West Morgan 13, Clements 7
Westbrook Christian 17, Section 0
Westminster Christian Academy 35, West End-Walnut Grove 20
White Plains 17, Pleasant Valley 14
Winterboro 43, Notasulga 0
Woodland 27, LaFayette 20
Zion Chapel 35, Red Level 29

U.S. court: Alabama can detain illegal immigrants

ATLANTA, Ga.
A federal appeals court issued a ruling Friday that temporarily blocked parts of an Alabama law requiring schools to check the immigration status of students but let stand a provision that allows police to detain immigrants that are suspected of being in the country illegally.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued the order after the Justice Department challenged what is considered the toughest immigration law in the nation. The opinion also blocked a part of the law that makes it a crime for immigrants to not have proper documentation.
A final decision on the law won't be made for months to allow time for more arguments.
Since a federal judge upheld much of the law in late September, many frightened Hispanics have been driven away from Alabama, fearing they could be arrested or targeted by police. Construction workers, landscapers and field hands have stopped showing up for work, and large numbers of Hispanic students have been absent from public schools.
To cope with the labor shortage, Alabama agriculture commissioner John McMillan at one point suggested farmers should consider hiring inmates in the state's work-release program.
It's not clear exactly how many Hispanics have fled the state. Earlier this week, many skipped work to protest the law, shuttering or scaling back operations at chicken plants, Mexican restaurants and other businesses.
Immigration has become a hot-button issue in Alabama over the past decade as the Hispanic population has grown by 145 percent to about 185,600 people, most of them of Mexican origin. The Hispanic population represents about 4 percent of the state's 4.7 million people, but some counties in north Alabama have large Spanish-speaking communities and schools where most of the students are Hispanic.
In addition to the Obama administration, a coalition of advocacy groups also filed a separate appeal of the law, claiming it has thrown Alabama into "chaos."
Alabama's law was considered by both opponents and supporters to be stricter than similar laws enacted in Arizona, Utah, Indiana and Georgia. Federal judges in those states have blocked all or parts of those measures.
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer earlier this year asked the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve the legal fight over her state's tough immigration law.
The Justice Department has called the Alabama law a "sweeping new state regime" and urged the appeals court to forbid states from creating a patchwork of immigration policies. The agency also said the law could strain diplomatic relations with Latin American countries, who have warned the law could impact millions of workers, tourists and students in the U.S.
The law, it said, turns illegal immigrants into a "unique class who cannot lawfully obtain housing, enforce a contract, or send their children to school without fear that enrollment will be used as a tool to seek to detain and remove them and their family members."
"Other states and their citizens are poorly served by the Alabama policy, which seeks to drive aliens from Alabama rather than achieve cooperation with the federal government to resolve a national problem," the attorneys have said in court documents.
State Republicans have long sought to clamp down on illegal immigration and passed the law earlier this year after gaining control of the Legislature for the first time since Reconstruction. Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley signed the measure, saying it was crucial to protect the jobs of legal residents amid the tough economy and high unemployment.

West Powell Street robbers caught, one person killed in Fl.

Dothan, Al.

On October 14, 2011 at approximately 12:30 a.m., Dothan Police responded to the 400 block of West Powell Street in reference to a Robbery. The victim was in his vehicle when he was approached by three black males wearing dark clothing and armed with handguns. The suspects ordered the victim out of his vehicle. The suspects stole the vehicle and left the area in an unknown direction.

Florida authorities located the stolen vehicle in Bay County Florida where a two county chase ensued. The suspect vehicle crashed on Highway 79 near Wausau Florida killing a sixteen year old Dothan female and injuring a male suspect. Two other suspects who were in a vehicle stolen from Panama City Beach Florida continued to flee from police but were later captured.

Dothan Investigators have positively identified the suspects captured in Florida as being involved with the early morning Robbery on West Powell Street and warrants are being obtained.

Black male, Jalen Juwon Andrews, 17 years of age of Basin Avenue is being charged as an adult with Robbery First Degree.

                                                               

Black male, Dzesmion Elijah Teague, 22 years of age of New Hope Lane is being charged with Robbery First Degree. 

                                                             

Black male, James Akeem Boatwright, 19 years of age of Summit Street is being charged with Robbery First Degree.

All three suspects have charges in the State of Florida and will be returned to Houston County at a later time.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible on the suspect.  

Alabama officers who died in the line of duty honored

Birmingham, Al.
Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange honored three fallen law enforcement officers at Thursday's 12th annual Attorney General's Law Enforcement Summit held in Birmingham.

Strange presented memorial flags to the families of Tuscaloosa police officer Trevor Scott Phillips, Anniston police Officer Justin Sollohub and Jemison police Officer Donald Newman.

Phillips, 42, died after his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle in a May 21 funeral procession he was escorting. Phillips served for more than 10 years as a police officer and was a member of the Tuscaloosa Police Department Special Response Team. No charges were filed against the driver of the vehicle.

Sollohub, 27, died Aug. 25, a day after he was shot in the head while pursuing a suspect on foot. He served for two years as an Anniston police officer. A suspect in the killing has been charged with capital murder.

Newman, 30, died in a one-vehicle accident while responding during a storm to a head-on crash between two vehicles that involved small children. Newman served as a Jemison police officer for over two years and also served as a military police officer in the U.S. Air Force for six years.

Last Cruise out of Mobile set for Saturday

MOBILE, Al.
One more time Saturday, passengers will line up at the rails of Carnival’s Elation as it sails down the Mobile River toward its destinations of Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Belize.
A week later, the ship will come back up the river, docking at the Alabama Cruise Terminal.
Then, Mobile won’t be a cruise town any more.

The Alabama Cruise Terminal

The Elation itself will make a brief stop in dry dock and then will sail over to New Orleans, its new home. The first cruise from the Louisiana port will be a five-day trip beginning Nov. 5, Carnival spokesman Vance Gulliksen said.
Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines will move another ship, the Ecstasy, from New Orleans to Port Canaveral, Fla., on the Atlantic coast. The 2,052-passenger Elation and its predecessor, the 1,452-passenger Holiday, were consistently full for the cruises that left every four to seven days year round. But the company said it couldn’t charge prices in Mobile that were as high as in other ports, meaning sailings from here were less profitable.
Mobile city officials, meanwhile, will continue efforts to find a new tenant for the cruise terminal. Without parking revenues, the city will have to make payments on the $25.9 million in debt out of general tax revenue, an amount projected to be $1.9 million in the budget year that began Oct. 1.
The move is also bad news for the city’s tourism and travel industry. Cruise ship passengers have been a measurable presence in area hotels. Though most drive to Mobile, some have flown in and out of Mobile Regional Airport for their vacations.
After officials spent nearly 10 years courting a cruise line, Carnival began service from Mobile in 2004 with the Holiday, the smallest ship then in its fleet. It replaced the Fantasy with the Elation in 2010.

Fairhope to pay $20K legal fee for Police Chief Bill Press

FAIRHOPE, Alabama — The City Council has agreed to pay more than $20,000 in legal fees from a months-long Alabama Ethics Commission investigation into Fairhope Police Chief Bill Press.

Bass

Press hired Vince Kilborn, the high-profile attorney who defended former Gov. Don Siegelman in a 2006 corruption trial, after Mayor Tim Kant asked for an investigation into the chief’s use of a private bank account to pay off-duty officers.
In August, the commission issued a unanimous ruling that Press had violated no ethics laws.
This week, with the caveat that they would receive an itemization, the council voted 4-1 Monday to pay the $20,647.96 bill.
Some council members have suggested that filing the complaint caused unnecessary expense and conflict within the city.
Councilman Rick Kingrea said this week that he believed the complaint stemmed from the mayor’s opposition to Press’ hiring in July 2009.
"I am of the belief that the mayor didn’t seek anybody’s counsel," Kingrea said. "He just brought the charges against the chief. I’ve heard his many reasons why and I don’t buy any of them."
Kant has said he filed the complaint with the Ethics Commission after he ordered Press to stop using the Friends of Fairhope Police account.
Press has said that he told his officers to ask their after-hours employers to make payments for their off-duty work with a check to the private account.
The officers were then paid through that account, he said.
Kant had argued that those payments violated a 1999 city resolution stating that off-duty officers should be paid directly by their employers.
Councilman Dan Stankoski voted in favor of paying the legal fees because the chief was acting "within the scope of his employment."
"The administration did not necessarily have to file an ethics complaint," Stankoski said. "This matter could have been handled administratively in house and saved the legal fees and the unnecessary exposure the complaints brought about."
Council President Lonnie Mixon also agreed with paying the legal fee.
"If you’re exonerated, certainly I think it’s the city’s responsibility to pay the legal fees," Mixon said. "If you’re found guilty, then no, the city would not pay the legal fees."
Kilborn is expected to send the city details about why the bill grew to more than $20,000, according to Mixon.
Kant disagreed with the Monday vote, saying he believed it could set a precedent for the city to pay legal fees of municipal employees who might have done something wrong.
"If the city was going to pay for it, he should have been appointed the attorney from the start," Kant said. "I’ve never known a city to pay the legal fees of an employee that was under investigation by any person."

Tax deadline near for filers who sought extensions

BIRMINGHAM, Al.
Time is running out for about 125,000 Alabamians who still haven't filed their federal income taxes for last year.
The Internal Revenue Service says Monday is the deadline for individuals and small businesses to file tax forms if they requested a six-month filing extension in April.
The IRS says its e-file and free filing options are only available through the deadline on Monday. More than 1.7 million Alabamians already have used IRS e-file this year. That's an increase off 8.4 percent over last year.

Prichard police chaplain's son found shot to death, home catches fire

MOBILE, Al.

Portrait of Romano Lee Campbell Sr.

A Prichard police chaplain today mourned the loss of her 32-year-old son, who was found shot to death Wednesday afternoon in Prichard, at the same time that the chaplain’s home in Mobile was on fire.
Romano Lee Campbell Sr., the father of four children, was found shot to death at his home on Gartman Lane, a short street in a neighborhood south of Lott Road in Eight Mile, Prichard Police Chief Jimmie Gardner said.
No arrests had been made as of Thursday night.
Campbell was the son of Patricia Campbell Zine, a police chaplain for Prichard.
Zine said that one of her granddaughters alerted her to the fire about 3:30 p.m. at her home in the 1000 block of State Street, just west of downtown Mobile.
Mobile Fire-Rescue Department spokesman Steve Huffman said the fire was caused by overloaded electrical cords that had clothes piled on top.
While the fire did not inflict a lot of damage to the outer structure of the home, it had extensive interior damage.
Everyone in the house escaped unharmed.
Zine said she was outside when a call came to her from a relative telling her that "something was wrong with Ray-Ray," the family nickname for Campbell.
She said that she and other relatives then went to Gartman Lane and got the news of Campbell’s death.
Zine said her son was married and had three sons, ages 10, 8 and 2, and a 3-year-old daughter. None of the children were home when Campbell’s body was discovered, she said. Gardner said that Campbell had been shot multiple times. He was found just outside the home, with the trunk of his vehicle still open and the house keys still in the door, Gardner said.
Zine said her son worked for Superior Oil Co., spending two weeks offshore and two weeks on land as a regular work routine.
She said he served seven years in the U.S. Army and experienced two tours of duty in Iraq, during which he survived improvised explosive device attacks.
He also served tours in Germany and Korea, she said.
Relatives recalled Campbell’s athletic skills as a youth at Chastang Middle School and Vigor High School, where he ran track and played football.
Campbell was on the 1998 Vigor football team coached by James Perine that made it to the state 6A championship game before losing the title to Vestavia Hills.
The Prichard police chaplain corps consists of 10 ministers from across the Mobile area, and all are volunteers, according to spokeswoman Pastor Lillie Mancarella.
Gardner founded the Prichard police chaplains’ corps in May. Zine said she operates a radio ministry on WMOB-AM on Sunday mornings.
"The chaplains are going to help and support them through their time of need," Mancarella said. She added that plans are being made to set up an aid fund to help Campbell’s children as well as Zine.
Meanwhile, the family said that a memorial will take place at 7p.m. Friday at Bethesdela Church across from Vigor High School on North Wilson Avenue in Prichard.
Anyone with information that can help solve the slaying of Campbell was asked to call Prichard police at 251-452-2211.

Birmingham's CBS 42 wins Unity Award for 'Continuing the Dream' special

BIRMINGHAM, Al.
Birmingham's CBS 42 (WIAT-TV) has won the Radio Television Digital News Association's Unity Award for "Continuing the Dream," a half-hour special that aired lived from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute on Martin Luther King Day.

Sherri Jackson

Station anchor Sherri Jackson accepted the award Oct.10th at the Edward R. Murrow Awards Dinner in New York.
The Unity Award recognizes journalistic excellence in covering issues of race and ethnicity.
The CBS 42 special looked at Birmingham's civil rights history and the role the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute plays in keeping the ideals of the civil rights movement alive.
The program was produced by CBS 42's John Johnson and co-anchored by Jackson and Ken Lass.
"This is a monumental achievement for our newsroom," CBS 42 News Director Bill Payer said in a release. "Being recognized nationally for covering cultural diversity is a testament to the hard work of every employee at WIAT and their dedication to our viewers."

Family of missing pregnant woman from Auburn asks community for help

AUBURN, A. Auburn Police and Chambers County Deputies are working together to help find missing 31 year old Cherri Dawson of Auburn. Dawson was last seen October 8^th. The pregnant mother is described as being about 5’4”, 140 pounds, with dark hair and hazel eyes.
“She would always let me know she's okay and I know something is badly wrong because this is not like her,” said Charlotte Barnes, an aunt of Dawson.

Cherri Dawson

Barnes said she suspects foul play in the disappearance of her niece.
“The phone call that she was on before she left, my mom said it was very troubling and the last thing she said was I’m on my way up there,” said Barnes.
After that, Barnes said it was as if Dawson a mother of a seven year old boy and 5 months pregnant with a girl fell off the earth.
“It's kind of like she was here one minute and the next minute she's gone. No phone calls, no texts, not anything and we just don't know what happened to her,” said Barnes.
All investigators have been able to find is the car Dawson was last seen in. The car was found burned Sunday around 5 a.m. eastern time on County Road 95 in Chambers County. Barnes said the findings have made her fear the worst.
“I think somebody killed her and I think they did away with her body,” said Barnes.
Barnes said she's staying as hopeful as she can and praying to God somebody has some answers.
“If there is a person out there who's involved with it and has any type of conscious, you have any type of God in you please go to police for her sons sake, her sisters sake, her family on both sides, please go to the police and let us have closure,” said Barnes.
If you have any information call Auburn police  at 334 501-3140.

Arrest made in Barbour County homicide

 Montgomery, Al.
A Level Plains man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of a Daleville man.
On Saturday, Marvin Nation, 45, of Daleville was found dead in rural Barbour County, and Sheriff Leroy Upshaw requested that the Alabama Bureau of Investigation help with the investigation, according to an Alabama Department of Public Safety news release.
On Wednesday, agents with ABI obtained warrants for murder on James Brandon Ward, 25, of Level Plains, the release states. About noon Thursday, ABI agents and members of the U.S. Marshals Service’s Fugitive Task Force took Ward into custody in Montgomery without incident, according to DPS.
Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to call the Alabama Bureau of Investigation at 800-392-8011 or the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office at 334-775-3434.

Birmingham police investigate possible homicide in Ensley

BIRMINGHAM, Al.

Birmingham police are investigating what appears to be a homicide in Ensley.


Street and Sanitation workers discovered the body of a man in the alley near Avenue O just before 8 a.m.
 The man appeared to have been shot.

Homicide detectives have arrived at the scene, but have not released any information.

Will up-date as  information is available.

Reward offered in Alabama animal cruelty case

BIRMINGHAM, Al.
The Jefferson County sheriff's office says a $5,000 reward is being offered in a case involving what appears to be a dog fighting operation.
Sheriff's Department spokesman Randy Christian says the anonymous reward stems from the discovery last month of 12 pits bulls chained on wooded property. Christian says the dogs were discovered by firefighters battling a blaze on the property.
He says deputies and firefighters cut the chains and carried the dogs to safety.
Christian says an investigation revealed cages and a treadmill used to train the dogs, and that several of the dogs had scars consistent with fighting.
He says the reward is for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Elmore County DOC officer accused of smuggling drugs, phones into prison

Agents with the Alabama Department of Corrections arrested a correctional officer on suspicion of smuggling drugs and cell phones into Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore.
Leonard Purter has resigned and was initially taken to the Elmore County Jail, said Brian Corbett, a DOC spokesman.

Leonard Purter

Purter made bond and was released from jail Tuesday, court documents show.
DOC agents arrested Purter on Sunday morning for allegedly trying to bring various pills, marijuana and cell phones into the prison.
Purter had been employed with the DOC since July 31, 2007, Corbett said.
According to documents filed in Elmore County district court, Purter is accused of possessing about eight ounces of marijuana, a total of 173 pills and 14 cell phones with batteries and chargers.
The DOC continues to investigate the incident, Corbett said.

“This is just one example of the ADOC’s diligence in trying to keep contraband out of our facilities,” he said.
Purter has an unlisted phone number, and it is unknown whether he has hired an attorney.

Alabama (Prep) High School Football Rankings

High School football rankings released by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Teams are followed by No. 1 votes, records and total votes

CLASS 6A

1. Daphne (30) (7-0)369

2. Hoover (1) (7-0) 279

3. Clay-Chalkville (7-0) 238

4. Mountain Brook (7-0) 217

5. Bob Jones (7-0) 172

6. McGill-Toolen (7-0) 131

7. Blount (7-0) 119

8. Prattville (5-2) 63

9. Northridge (7-0) 60

10. Central-Phenix City (6-1) 38

Others receiving votes: Auburn (5-1) 27, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (7-0) 22, Opelika (5-1) 15, Fairhope (6-1) 9, Oxford (5-2) 6, Austin (6-1) 1, Murphy (4-3) 1.



CLASS 5A

1. Hueytown (30) (7-0) 369

2. Hartselle (1) (7-0) 276

3. Briarwood Chr. (6-1) 248

4. St. Paul’s (6-1) 217

5. Muscle Shoals (6-1) 167

6. Fort Payne (6-1) 123

7. Vigor (5-2) 96

8. Fairfield (6-1) 84

9. Eufaula (6-1) 71

10. Valley (6-1) 58

Others receiving votes: Center Point (6-1) 21, Cullman (6-1) 14, Greenville (6-1) 9, Spanish Fort (5-2) 7, Etowah (5-2) 5, McAdory (5-2) 2.



CLASS 4A

1. Thomasville (30) (7-0) 368

2. Jackson (1) (7-0) 267

3. Dadeville (7-0) 241

4. North Jackson (7-0) 206

5. Deshler (7-0) 192

6. Bibb Co. (7-0) 155

7. Andalusia (7-0) 145

8. Beauregard (7-0) 83

9. Guntersville (6-1) 66

10. Dora (6-1) 27

Others receiving votes: Fayette Co. (6-1) 10, Oneonta (6-1) 5, Fairview (6-1) 2.



CLASS 3A

1. Piedmont (26) (7-0) 354

2. Hamilton (1) (7-0) 275

3. Handley (4) (7-0) 266

4. Leeds (6-1) 205

5. Bayside Acad. (7-0) 189

6. Clay Co. (6-1) 161

7. Sardis (7-0) 104

8. Hanceville (7-0) 100

9. Rogers (6-1) 31

10. Gordo (5-2) 28

Others receiving votes: T.R. Miller (5-2) 24, Trinity (5-2) 8, Saks (6-1) 5, Washington Co. (5-2) 4, Lauderdale Co. (6-1) 3, Madison Acad. (5-2) 3, Opp (5-2) 3, Glencoe (5-2) 2, Abbeville (6-1) 2.



CLASS 2A

1. Elba (28) (7-0) 360

2. Fyffe (1) (7-0) 269

3. Tanner (7-0) 247

4. American Chr. (2) (6-1) 229

5. Red Bay (7-0) 184

6. North Sand Mountain (6-1) 135

7. Vincent (6-1) 104

8. Flomaton (6-1) 50

9. Leroy (4-3) 46

10. Reeltown (5-2) 44

Others receiving votes: G.W. Long (6-1) 20, Lineville (5-2) 18, Oakman (5-2) 18, Randolph Co. (5-2) 16, Ider (6-1) 12, Colbert Hts. (5-2) 5, LaFayette (5-2) 5, Fultondale (5-2) 2, Mobile Chr. (4-3) 2, Zion Chapel (5-2) 1.



CLASS 1A

1. Lynn (17) (7-0) 314

2. Linden (10) (6-1) 257

3. Brantley (1) (6-0) 233

4. Collinsville (1) (7-0) 231

5. Maplesville (2) (7-0) 220

6. Addison (7-0) 161

7. Ragland (6-0) 120

8. Sweet Water (4-3) 86

9. Marion Co. (7-0) 65

10. Pickens Co. (6-1) 45

Others receiving votes: Winterboro (7-0) 26, St. Jude (5-1) 4, Berry (6-1) 2, R.A. Hubbard (4-3) 2, McIntosh (5-2) 1.



AISA

1. Edgewood Acad. (26) (7-0) 357

2. Tuscaloosa Acad. (4) (7-0) 253

3. Crenshaw Chr. (7-0) 227

4. Bessemer Acad. (1) (7-1) 216

5. Monroe Acad. (7-1) 178

6. Springwood (6-1) 171

7. Autauga Acad. (8-0) 126

8. Lee-Scott (6-1) 107

9. Jackson Acad. (6-1) 60

10. Patrician (5-2) 40

Others receiving votes: Evangel Chr.-Montgomery (6-1) 12, Glenwood (5-3) 10, Fort Dale (4-3) 8, Clarke Prep (5-2) 2.

Sitel to Hire 120 positions at Andalusia, Alabama Customer Care Call Center

Andalusia, Al.
Sitel, a leading customer care outsourcing provider, today announced the latest expansion of its rapidly growing Andalusia, Alabama call center facility. Effective immediately, the Company is adding 120 temporary positions, 75 of which will be converted into permanent positions in early 2012.
All new hires will provide inbound customer service support for a national retail chain client, which recently expanded its engagement with Sitel. Candidates with customer service background and general computer/Internet familiarity are preferred.
“Sitel’s global culture and commitment to employee growth provide invaluable personal and professional advancement opportunities,” said Brandy Miller, site director at Sitel’s Andalusia facility. “Sitel remains one of Andalusia’s most vibrant employers, doubling our staff in 2011. We’re excited to expand our team and build on the successes we share with some of the world’s largest brands.”
Candidates may apply in-person from 7am to 7pm, Monday through Friday at Sitel Andalusia, located at 18801 US Hwy 84, or online in Sitel’s “Careers” section at www.sitel.com. For assistance or questions please call 334-428-2900.

About SitelSitel is a world leader in outsourced customer care services. With over 26 years of industry experience, Sitel has twice been ranked as the top overall call center outsourcing provider in Datamonitor’s annual Black Book of Outsourcing survey. Sitel’s 52,000 employees provide clients with predictable and measurable Return on their Customer Investment by building customer loyalty, increasing sales and improving efficiency. Sitel’s solutions span 135+ domestic, nearshore, and offshore centers in 26 countries across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia Pacific. The company is privately held and majority owned by Canadian diversified company, Onex Corporation.

Sylacauga is one of the best for 5 years in a row

SYLACAUGA, Al.
For the fifth year in a row, Sylacauga was named one of the nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance.
Community leaders and members of Sylacauga’s Promise Committee gathered in the council chambers at City Hall Wednesday to watch the announcement live via a webcast from Washington, D.C.
“Winning it for the fifth time is impressive,” said Mayor Sam Wright. “I am so proud of Sylacauga’s Promise Committee.”
Communities, counties and school districts are recognized for their commitment to young people through educational and support services throughout the nation annually. Sylacauga’s emphasis on service resulted in local high school students completing 34,000 volunteer hours this year.
“It’s a community effort not just one person,” said Wright. “It’s a community effort of the city, Cheaha Mental Health, the Sylacauga School Board, the church community, it’s everybody. We have so many individuals that help. When you’re doing something to help kids you’re doing what needs to be done.”
Wright said when he travels throughout the state, people often ask him about SAFE. He said they’ve heard about SAFE and they know what SAFE does for the community. Wright said he was proud.
“We are proud of Sylacauga for being named one of the America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best,” said Margaret Morton, executive director for SAFE. “This award recognizes the hard work of many community members that have dedicated their time to making a difference in the lives of our young people.”
Vice President Joe Biden spoke via the webcast, saying the honorees are an extraordinary group that represents the very best of the country.
“It’s fitting considering the leaders of America’s Promise are also the very best this country has to offer,” he said.
America's Promise Alliance was founded by former U.S. Secretary of State and retired Gen. Colin Powell. Sylacauga was one of the 22 honorees chosen for fifth time while 22 earned the honor for the first time.
“Sylacauga is all about 2012,” said Wright.
The announcement of the top 100 in years past was made during a national celebration in Washington, D.C. This year, however, instead of funding the national celebration, a grant of $2,500 will be given to every community named one of the 100 Best. The money can be used to help fund a local program or service, within certain parameters, or be used for a local event to celebrate the win.
 Sylacauga has chosen to take their money and host a celebration Saturday, April 28, 2012, at Legion Stadium at the high school. The event will be a concert with food vendors and activities for children.
Plans for the event include raising money to help with tornado relief efforts and to also create a rapid response should Sylacauga ever face a disaster. The goal is for 15,000 to 20,000 people to attend the event, which has plans to become an annual event.
In Alabama, Birmingham and Tuscaloosa County also received designation of America’s 100 Best Communities.

Alabama begins 'Work Alabama' temporary jobs program

MONTGOMERY, Al.
Gov. Robert Bentley has scheduled a news conference to announce the creation of "Work Alabama," an initiative by the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations.

"Work Alabama" is a program that matches temporary jobs with people looking for temporary work.

The department has streamlined the temporary job identification and application processes and is devoting additional resources to help employers deal with federal regulations to hire additional workers to meet workforce needs.

Department director Tom Surtees will join Bentley to provide details of the initiative at the Montgomery Career Center at 1 p.m. Today.

Undercover operation by the Brewton Police Department has landed 14 suspects behind bars

Brewton, Al.
A three-month undercover operation by the Brewton Police Department has landed 14 suspects behind bars with another suspect being sought.
Brewton Police conducted the investigation into illegal drug activity through the Brewton area that resulted in the arrest of the suspects.
Those arrested and their charges are:

Gregory Lewis, 37, of Franklin Ave., charged with two counts of criminal conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime, first-degree possession of marijuana; distribution of a controlled stubstance and four counts of attempting to commit a controlled substance crime.

Kendale Peterson, 24, of Fleming Lane, charged with two counts of first-degree possession of marijuana; two counts of distribution of a controlled substance; and two counts of attempting to commit a controlled substance crime.

Gregory Peterson, 24, of St. Joseph Street,charged with first-degree possession of marijuna; and distribution of a controlled substance.

Allen Hodges, 22, of West Underwood Street, charged with two counts of first-degree possession of marijuana; and two counts of distribution of a controlled substance.

Chandra Boyd, 37, of Young Street, charged with first-degree possession of marijuana, distribution of a controlled substance; and attempting to commit a controlled substance crime.

Gregory Bogan, 26, of Franklin Avenue, charged with two counts of attempting to commit a controlled substance crime; and carrying a pistol without a permit.

Fernando Oliver, 42, of Highland Court in Evergreen, charged with two counts of attempting to commit a controlled substance crime.

Emanuel Jackson, 36, of East Jackson Street, charged with two counts of criminal conspiracy to commit controlled substance.

Roger Walker Jr., 21, Church Hill Street, charged with first-degree possession of a marijuana; and possession of a controlled substance.

DeParrish Campbell, 19, of Williamson Street in East Brewton, charged with first-degree possession of marijuana; and two counts of possession of a controlled substance.

Lori Neal, 36, of Dawson Street, charged with possession of a controlled substance; and attempting to commit a controlled substance crime.

Tracy Lee, 37, of Travis Street in East Brewton, charged with possession of a controlled substance; and attempting to comit a controlled substance crime.

Eddie Jones Sr., 60, of East Underwood Street, charged with possessino of a controlled substance; and attempting to commit a controlled substance crime.

Terrence Hall, 34, of Hardy Street, charged with possession of a controlled substance; and distribution of a controlled substance.

Police are also searching for Tobias Hall of East Jackson Street. Hall is the subject of sevral felony warrants for his arrest.
Agencies assisting with the investigation and arrest of the suspects include the Brewton Police Department, Escambia County Sheriff’s Department, the 21st Judicial District Attorney’s office, the 21st Judicial Drug Task Force, the 22nd Judicial Drug Task Force, the Baldwin County Drug Task Force, Dothan Police Department, Convington County Sheriff’s Department, the Andalusia Police Department and the Opp Police Department.