SILVER HILL AL
JULY 15 2007
Silverhill Police Chief Al Coggins has resigned, leaving the town with only one police officer. Coggins, a four-year veteran with the department, says he's resigned for medical reasons. The chief's departure has some people in Silverhill wondering if one cop is enough.
"I'm concerned with the news out there that we don't have a police chief and only one officer, we could be a target for crime," says Dalton Head. Head owns an antique shop on Highway 104. "We have a lot of speeders in town, especially in the morning. And with no officers on duty in the mornings, we could have some problems."
The responsibility of protecting and patrolling Silverhill now falls in the hands of Baldwin County Sheriff Hoss Mack. As chief law enforcement officer of Baldwin County, Mack says he will provide law enforcement protection and services to Silverhill residents.
"Our department is stretched thin," says Mack. "Now that we're providing services in Foley and Summerdale's police jurisdictions, this is just one more challenge. But we're going to approach the county commission and ask for additional resources."
Coggins says his last day on-duty will be July 26th.
ALABAMA GULF COAST NEWS
HOT BREAKING NEWS HERE..........
Sunday, July 15, 2007
JUDGE REVERSES HIS OWN RULING by:Rick McCann www.privateofficer.com
GULF SHORES ALA.
JULY 15 2007
A Baldwin County judge Tuesday reversed his earlier decision to try the Fort Morgan annexation battle between Gulf Shores and residents of the unincorporated part of the peninsula before a jury and will instead decide the case himself.
In a separate order Tuesday, Circuit Judge J. Langford Floyd rescheduled the trial, pushing it back from September to Oct. 23 after Andy Rutens, a lawyer for Gulf Shores, said he had scheduling conflicts with the earlier date.
The trial will be held at the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse, according to Floyd's order.
In a short hearing early Tuesday, attended only by Rutens and the Fort Morgan Civic Association's lawyer, Stephen Clements, Floyd granted the city's motion to reconsider the March directive, which called for the 4-year-old case to be decided by a jury.
Floyd said that aside from matters of procedure raised by Rutens, he preferred to hear the case himself so that he could freely discuss the complex dispute with lawyers as evidence was presented.
"I don't want to inadvertently influence (jurors)," the judge said.
In April 2003, the Gulf Shores City Council voted to annex the 19.3-mile-long Alabama 180 right of way that bisects the Fort Morgan peninsula.
Shortly afterward, the Fort Morgan Civic Association sued the city, seeking to reverse the move, which the city used to establish a border with and thus gain the ability to annex private property along the peninsula.
The civic association and three co-plaintiffs -- residents Ralph Gilges, Sarah DeMellier and former County Commissioner Charles Browdy -- argued in the suit that the city's move was an illegal form of annexation and would lead to over development of the ecologically fragile
In a separate order Tuesday, Circuit Judge J. Langford Floyd rescheduled the trial, pushing it back from September to Oct. 23 after Andy Rutens, a lawyer for Gulf Shores, said he had scheduling conflicts with the earlier date.
The trial will be held at the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse, according to Floyd's order.
In a short hearing early Tuesday, attended only by Rutens and the Fort Morgan Civic Association's lawyer, Stephen Clements, Floyd granted the city's motion to reconsider the March directive, which called for the 4-year-old case to be decided by a jury.
Floyd said that aside from matters of procedure raised by Rutens, he preferred to hear the case himself so that he could freely discuss the complex dispute with lawyers as evidence was presented.
"I don't want to inadvertently influence (jurors)," the judge said.
In April 2003, the Gulf Shores City Council voted to annex the 19.3-mile-long Alabama 180 right of way that bisects the Fort Morgan peninsula.
Shortly afterward, the Fort Morgan Civic Association sued the city, seeking to reverse the move, which the city used to establish a border with and thus gain the ability to annex private property along the peninsula.
The civic association and three co-plaintiffs -- residents Ralph Gilges, Sarah DeMellier and former County Commissioner Charles Browdy -- argued in the suit that the city's move was an illegal form of annexation and would lead to over development of the ecologically fragile
Since then, Gulf Shores has annexed more than 80 parcels along the peninsula and introduced new zoning rules there that limit resort developments to about half the height and density allowed elsewhere in the city.
In court, Floyd has twice rejected the civic association's requests for him to overturn the right-of-way annexation and the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals has declined to take up issues in the case.
Efforts to mediate the dispute have also failed so far, though both sides said in March that they were optimistic the case could be settled before reaching trial.
Floyd appointed a new mediator -- Mobile attorney Bill Wasden -- last month to replace Edward McDermott, who was unable to continue his role because he started serving as a Mobile County Circuit Court judge, according to court filings.
Clements said after Tuesday's hearing that he hoped depositions he has scheduled for Friday would provide his side the information it needed to revive mediation talks.
According to court records, Clements has subpoenaed developer David Head Sr., whose company built the Beach Club, a large Fort Morgan resort, and Ed Hand Sr. with the engineering firm Volkert & Associates for questioning Friday morning.
Though it's unclear what Clements intends to ask, the subpoenas request that both men bring all records and correspondence regarding the annexation as well as evidence of campaign contributions made to or business relationships with elected city officials in the current and former administrations.
In a February court filing, the city, though noting that the idea of annexing the state property "was raised multiple times over the past several years," described a meeting between then-
Mayor David Bodenhamer, Hand, Head and Head's lawyer, Sam Irby.
"Mr. Head brought up the issue of the city annexing the state property and the possibility he may want to have property he owned annexed at some future date," the city wrote, adding that "some time after this meeting" Bodenhamer approached state officials about bringing the property into the city.
Gulf Shores also wrote in the filing that a trio of others in the real estate business contacted City Hall before the annexation about bringing their Fort Morgan property into the city: Realtor Larry Powell, Kiva Dunes developer Jimmy Edgeman and Ron Owen, developer of the proposed Gulf Highlands condo project.
Hand acknowledged Tuesday that he had been subpoenaed and had prepared documents to bring to the Friday questioning, but said he didn't see what he could provide to help settle the case: "I don't have any idea what the questions are."
Head could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.
In court, Floyd has twice rejected the civic association's requests for him to overturn the right-of-way annexation and the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals has declined to take up issues in the case.
Efforts to mediate the dispute have also failed so far, though both sides said in March that they were optimistic the case could be settled before reaching trial.
Floyd appointed a new mediator -- Mobile attorney Bill Wasden -- last month to replace Edward McDermott, who was unable to continue his role because he started serving as a Mobile County Circuit Court judge, according to court filings.
Clements said after Tuesday's hearing that he hoped depositions he has scheduled for Friday would provide his side the information it needed to revive mediation talks.
According to court records, Clements has subpoenaed developer David Head Sr., whose company built the Beach Club, a large Fort Morgan resort, and Ed Hand Sr. with the engineering firm Volkert & Associates for questioning Friday morning.
Though it's unclear what Clements intends to ask, the subpoenas request that both men bring all records and correspondence regarding the annexation as well as evidence of campaign contributions made to or business relationships with elected city officials in the current and former administrations.
In a February court filing, the city, though noting that the idea of annexing the state property "was raised multiple times over the past several years," described a meeting between then-
Mayor David Bodenhamer, Hand, Head and Head's lawyer, Sam Irby.
"Mr. Head brought up the issue of the city annexing the state property and the possibility he may want to have property he owned annexed at some future date," the city wrote, adding that "some time after this meeting" Bodenhamer approached state officials about bringing the property into the city.
Gulf Shores also wrote in the filing that a trio of others in the real estate business contacted City Hall before the annexation about bringing their Fort Morgan property into the city: Realtor Larry Powell, Kiva Dunes developer Jimmy Edgeman and Ron Owen, developer of the proposed Gulf Highlands condo project.
Hand acknowledged Tuesday that he had been subpoenaed and had prepared documents to bring to the Friday questioning, but said he didn't see what he could provide to help settle the case: "I don't have any idea what the questions are."
Head could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.
GOVERNOR TELLS EASTERN SHORES TO UNIFY www.privateofficer.com
SPANISH FORT -- Gov. Bob Riley said the Eastern Shore faces a problem unlike those faced by any other area in Alabama.
Riley told an audience of about 150 business and city leaders that their cities will grow in spite of what they do. Economic development will occur, he said.
The problem, Riley said, is not attracting new business, but maintaining the quality of life that makes the Eastern Shore attractive.
Be highly selective in who your new neighbors are," Riley said. "Don't ever give up in what makes you so unique."
Riley was the keynote speaker at the first luncheon for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce's Economic Development Council. Joe Bullock, a former vice chairman of the council, said plans are to have the event twice a year, to inform businesses and the public on the progress of the Chamber of Commerce.
At the center of the chamber's plans for growth is its "Blueprint for Tomorrow," a strategic plan for the Eastern Shore developed in 2005. Some of the goals are to create a technology and research park, as well as a business academy, in the area. Traffic flow and tourism promotion are also priorities of the blueprint.
David Clark, chairman for the chamber, who also serves as general manager at the Grand Hotel, said the Blueprint for Tomorrow is the group's way to plan for the future.
Riley said the chamber must go beyond that. He urged local business and city leaders to unify in their efforts to handle booming growth. The development of the Eastern Shore, he said, is key in promoting the economic growth for the rest of the state.
"Alabama is on the cusp of magnificence," Riley said. "That magnificence starts on the Eastern Shore."
Riley said that officials in each city along the Eastern Shore -- Daphne, Fairhope and Spanish Fort -- must work to integrate their services.
"Especially on infrastructure," Riley said, "we don't have enough money to spend on redundant systems."
Furthermore, Riley hopes leaders can go beyond the Eastern Shore and think of themselves as part of a Gulf Coast region.
Challenges faced south of Interstate 10, such as condominium development and an unstable insurance market, are not happening in the rest of the state the governor said.
Riley told an audience of about 150 business and city leaders that their cities will grow in spite of what they do. Economic development will occur, he said.
The problem, Riley said, is not attracting new business, but maintaining the quality of life that makes the Eastern Shore attractive.
Be highly selective in who your new neighbors are," Riley said. "Don't ever give up in what makes you so unique."
Riley was the keynote speaker at the first luncheon for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce's Economic Development Council. Joe Bullock, a former vice chairman of the council, said plans are to have the event twice a year, to inform businesses and the public on the progress of the Chamber of Commerce.
At the center of the chamber's plans for growth is its "Blueprint for Tomorrow," a strategic plan for the Eastern Shore developed in 2005. Some of the goals are to create a technology and research park, as well as a business academy, in the area. Traffic flow and tourism promotion are also priorities of the blueprint.
David Clark, chairman for the chamber, who also serves as general manager at the Grand Hotel, said the Blueprint for Tomorrow is the group's way to plan for the future.
Riley said the chamber must go beyond that. He urged local business and city leaders to unify in their efforts to handle booming growth. The development of the Eastern Shore, he said, is key in promoting the economic growth for the rest of the state.
"Alabama is on the cusp of magnificence," Riley said. "That magnificence starts on the Eastern Shore."
Riley said that officials in each city along the Eastern Shore -- Daphne, Fairhope and Spanish Fort -- must work to integrate their services.
"Especially on infrastructure," Riley said, "we don't have enough money to spend on redundant systems."
Furthermore, Riley hopes leaders can go beyond the Eastern Shore and think of themselves as part of a Gulf Coast region.
Challenges faced south of Interstate 10, such as condominium development and an unstable insurance market, are not happening in the rest of the state the governor said.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
81 YR OLD TIED UP AND ROBBED
CHICKASAW AL....JULY 8 2007 Chickasaw police today arrested a 37-year-old man in connection with a robbery in which an 81-year-old man was tied up at his home.
William Terrell Entrekin of Chickasaw was being held tonight in Mobile County Metro Jail on $13,300 bond. Police charged him with first-degree robbery and second-degree burglary, according to Sgt. Brad Penton. Entrekin, who was convicted in 1999 for receiving stolen property, has been doing odd jobs such as mowing people's lawns to make some money, Penton said.
On Thursday, Entrekin was on 10th Avenue and knocked on the door of an 81-year-old man who had paid Entrekin to do some yard work at his house, Penton said. Entrekin asked if he could borrow a shovel, and the man invited Entrekin inside while he went to retrieve it, Penton said.
Once inside, Entrekin pulled out an electrical cord he had brought and tied the man's arms behind his back, Penton said. Entrekin took the man's wallet, threatened violence and told the man he planned to steal his car, Penton said.
William Terrell Entrekin of Chickasaw was being held tonight in Mobile County Metro Jail on $13,300 bond. Police charged him with first-degree robbery and second-degree burglary, according to Sgt. Brad Penton. Entrekin, who was convicted in 1999 for receiving stolen property, has been doing odd jobs such as mowing people's lawns to make some money, Penton said.
On Thursday, Entrekin was on 10th Avenue and knocked on the door of an 81-year-old man who had paid Entrekin to do some yard work at his house, Penton said. Entrekin asked if he could borrow a shovel, and the man invited Entrekin inside while he went to retrieve it, Penton said.
Once inside, Entrekin pulled out an electrical cord he had brought and tied the man's arms behind his back, Penton said. Entrekin took the man's wallet, threatened violence and told the man he planned to steal his car, Penton said.
THE AFTERMATH OF STORMS by; Rick McCann
MOBILE, AL—–JULY 8 2007 A Walmart on the service road of I-65 was hit by what emergency workers say was a microburst during a severe thunderstorm. The high winds tore off much of the roof, water poured inside a large area of the store damaging goods and causing flooding. A gaspipe also broke and there was damage to the front area of the store. Yet, less than a week later store officials say that they will be open within a week. A crane is being used to help repair the roof and both store employees and contractors have been working on the damage night and day in an effort to get this busy store back in tip top shape and reopened.
A passer- by who caught the twister on his cellphone said that it was definitely a tornado that was spinning on the west side of interstate 65 and he watched it as it came across and hit the Walmart store.
Other businesses and police officials say that there was no other report of damage in the area along the service road but there had been a sighting of another funnel cloud near the Daulphin Island Road area.
A passer- by who caught the twister on his cellphone said that it was definitely a tornado that was spinning on the west side of interstate 65 and he watched it as it came across and hit the Walmart store.
Other businesses and police officials say that there was no other report of damage in the area along the service road but there had been a sighting of another funnel cloud near the Daulphin Island Road area.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
TWO FISHING TOURNEMENTS COMING TO THE AREA! by; Rick McCann
GULF SHORES, ALA.----JULY 4 2007 The world's top saltwater anglers return to Gulf Shores this weekend for the only Alabama stop on the Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup circuit.
The most visible and lucrative saltwater fishing series in the world, organizers said, will be at Lucy Buffett's Lulu's at Homeport Marina Friday through Sunday. Daily weigh-ins will take place at 3 p.m. on the custom-designed Redfish Cup stage in the midst of a festival atmosphere featuring live music and local vendors.
The event will feature the top 30 teams of the past three years based on cumulative points, battling it out for the $60,000 top prize.
The fishing action kicks off Friday when the anglers set out from Lulu's Homeport Marina into the Gulf of Mexico. After two days, the field will be trimmed to just the top five teams for a final-day showdown on Sunday. Full tournament coverage can be seen each Sunday at 7 a.m. EST on ESPN2, organizers said.
"This is a pivotal moment in the season for our anglers," said David Healy, vice president of sales and sponsorship for the cup. "We're a little over halfway through the season, so there's going to be some new faces that have only recently qualified for the All-Stars, as well as the saltwater stars our fans have come to expect."
The Gulf Shores All-Star Midseason Bash will also feature a charity silent auction with all proceeds going to Care House, a local center for physically, mentally and sexually abused children. The auction will be held Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at Lulu's.
Fishing fans will have the chance to bid on many different items, including autographed selections from the Guy Harvey "Artist Series" wine collection. The famed artist, scientist, diver, underwater videographer and angler has created a different marine wildlife-themed label for each custom-blended varietal using his signature compelling action and fine detail. Guy Harvey Enterprises also has donated several framed and matted limited edition prints for the auction.
The Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup is in its fifth year. The 2007 Cup, which features 10 events from Texas to North Carolina, offers its largest purse ever at more than $2 million.
"Working with the Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Nation staff and anglers last year for another All-Star event and the Redfish Championship was great for Alabama's Gulf Coast," said Beth Gendler, director of sales at the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We are very excited to welcome the group back and know it will be a fantastic event. This event just adds to the excitement of summer vacation along the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, not to mention the fun atmosphere at Lulu's restaurant. We hope to see this event happen in Gulf Shores for many years to come."
Sponsors of the 2007 Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup includes Oh Boy! Oberto Beef Jerky, Tabasco, Mercury Marine, Triton Boats, Lake and Bay Boats, Lowrance Electronics, Falcon Rods, Academy Sports and Outdoors, Lucky Craft, Motorguide, Berkley, Texas Tackle Factory, Finatic Fishing Apparel, McAleer Marine, Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission, Lulu's at Homeport Marina and the Cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.
To learn more about the Alabama Gulf Coast, visit www.gulfshores.com or call 1-800-745-SAND (7263).
DAULPHIN ISLAND------July 20,21 and 22 the annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing 75th tournament will kick off sponsored by the Mobile Jaycee's. This year the event is expecting some 3,000 fishermen to enter and as always it will be a great week-end! There is a entry fee for participants but no charge for all of the spectators.
The most visible and lucrative saltwater fishing series in the world, organizers said, will be at Lucy Buffett's Lulu's at Homeport Marina Friday through Sunday. Daily weigh-ins will take place at 3 p.m. on the custom-designed Redfish Cup stage in the midst of a festival atmosphere featuring live music and local vendors.
The event will feature the top 30 teams of the past three years based on cumulative points, battling it out for the $60,000 top prize.
The fishing action kicks off Friday when the anglers set out from Lulu's Homeport Marina into the Gulf of Mexico. After two days, the field will be trimmed to just the top five teams for a final-day showdown on Sunday. Full tournament coverage can be seen each Sunday at 7 a.m. EST on ESPN2, organizers said.
"This is a pivotal moment in the season for our anglers," said David Healy, vice president of sales and sponsorship for the cup. "We're a little over halfway through the season, so there's going to be some new faces that have only recently qualified for the All-Stars, as well as the saltwater stars our fans have come to expect."
The Gulf Shores All-Star Midseason Bash will also feature a charity silent auction with all proceeds going to Care House, a local center for physically, mentally and sexually abused children. The auction will be held Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at Lulu's.
Fishing fans will have the chance to bid on many different items, including autographed selections from the Guy Harvey "Artist Series" wine collection. The famed artist, scientist, diver, underwater videographer and angler has created a different marine wildlife-themed label for each custom-blended varietal using his signature compelling action and fine detail. Guy Harvey Enterprises also has donated several framed and matted limited edition prints for the auction.
The Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup is in its fifth year. The 2007 Cup, which features 10 events from Texas to North Carolina, offers its largest purse ever at more than $2 million.
"Working with the Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Nation staff and anglers last year for another All-Star event and the Redfish Championship was great for Alabama's Gulf Coast," said Beth Gendler, director of sales at the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We are very excited to welcome the group back and know it will be a fantastic event. This event just adds to the excitement of summer vacation along the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, not to mention the fun atmosphere at Lulu's restaurant. We hope to see this event happen in Gulf Shores for many years to come."
Sponsors of the 2007 Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup includes Oh Boy! Oberto Beef Jerky, Tabasco, Mercury Marine, Triton Boats, Lake and Bay Boats, Lowrance Electronics, Falcon Rods, Academy Sports and Outdoors, Lucky Craft, Motorguide, Berkley, Texas Tackle Factory, Finatic Fishing Apparel, McAleer Marine, Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission, Lulu's at Homeport Marina and the Cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.
To learn more about the Alabama Gulf Coast, visit www.gulfshores.com or call 1-800-745-SAND (7263).
DAULPHIN ISLAND------July 20,21 and 22 the annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing 75th tournament will kick off sponsored by the Mobile Jaycee's. This year the event is expecting some 3,000 fishermen to enter and as always it will be a great week-end! There is a entry fee for participants but no charge for all of the spectators.
G.S. CHASE ENDS IN CRASH by; Rick McCann
GULF SHORES, Ala. July 4 2007 -- A woman was rushed to the hospital late Tuesday night after being involved in an accident.
Witnesses say the woman was being chased by authorities. The alleged chase reportedly began in Orange Beach and ended in Gulf Shores.
Witnesses say the woman driving the car, hit a patch of grass during the chase, went airborne, hit several palm trees and a fire hydrant. The vehicle came to rest in a sand dune.
The woman was taken to South Baldwin Medical Center, where her condition is not known at this time.
Witnesses say the woman was being chased by authorities. The alleged chase reportedly began in Orange Beach and ended in Gulf Shores.
Witnesses say the woman driving the car, hit a patch of grass during the chase, went airborne, hit several palm trees and a fire hydrant. The vehicle came to rest in a sand dune.
The woman was taken to South Baldwin Medical Center, where her condition is not known at this time.
HIGH WINDS CAUSE MAJOR DAMAGE by; Rick McCann
MOBILE, ALA. July 4 2007-------High winds from a microburst is what hit the I-65 Service Rd. Walmart yesterday causing the roof to be peeled back and heavy rains to flood parts of the store. A fire sprinkler also burst causing more water damage in the store as well as a gas main breaking causing emergency workers a bigger problem. Fifteen people were at first reportedly hurt but officials now say that six people were injured, non were life threatening.
Microbursts from severe thunderstorms bring winds up to 55mph according to local meterologists and usually cover a small area. In this incident the Walmart store sustained heavy damage while other nearby businesses reported no damage at all. Several witnesses reported seeing a funnel cloud cross I-65 as it tossed a car around.
In another area of Mobile near the Daulphin Island Parkway witnesses said that a funnel cloud touched down and damaged a church and several homes.
Mobile and Baldwin county sheriff departments reported no storm related damage in their areas.
Microbursts from severe thunderstorms bring winds up to 55mph according to local meterologists and usually cover a small area. In this incident the Walmart store sustained heavy damage while other nearby businesses reported no damage at all. Several witnesses reported seeing a funnel cloud cross I-65 as it tossed a car around.
In another area of Mobile near the Daulphin Island Parkway witnesses said that a funnel cloud touched down and damaged a church and several homes.
Mobile and Baldwin county sheriff departments reported no storm related damage in their areas.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
MIGRANT WORKER CHARGED WITH SODOMY by; Rick McCann
FAIRHOPE, ALA. JULY 3 2007——A 21 year old Jamaican migrant worker has been arrested and charged with sodomy in connection with an incident last week with a 13 year old girl.
Fairhope Police arrested Euyclyn Ellis who resides at the foreign workers housing near the high school. Police say that the incident occurred at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear and that he was off duty at the time. Ellis has been suspended from his job and is currently being held at the Baldwin county jail.
Fairhope Police arrested Euyclyn Ellis who resides at the foreign workers housing near the high school. Police say that the incident occurred at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear and that he was off duty at the time. Ellis has been suspended from his job and is currently being held at the Baldwin county jail.
2 MEN CHARGED WITH RAPING SAME GIRL BY; Rick McCann
GULF SHORES, ALA.--JULY 3 2007 Two north Baldwin County men stand accused of having sex with the same underage girl on separate occasions.
Sometime in the last couple months, Fredrick Richardson, 31, and Lautravis Gray, 32, raped a girl between the ages of 12 and 15, according to Baldwin County Sheriff's Office spokesman Maj. Anthony Lowery. The incidents are not believed to be connected, however.
Richardson was arrested Friday on charges of second-degree rape and production of obscene material. Lowery said Richardson used a camera phone to take photos of sex acts with the girl. Gray turned himself in Friday to the Baldwin County Corrections Center on charges of second-degree rape and second-degree sodomy.
Sometime in the last couple months, Fredrick Richardson, 31, and Lautravis Gray, 32, raped a girl between the ages of 12 and 15, according to Baldwin County Sheriff's Office spokesman Maj. Anthony Lowery. The incidents are not believed to be connected, however.
Richardson was arrested Friday on charges of second-degree rape and production of obscene material. Lowery said Richardson used a camera phone to take photos of sex acts with the girl. Gray turned himself in Friday to the Baldwin County Corrections Center on charges of second-degree rape and second-degree sodomy.
TONADOES HIT MOBILE by; Rick McCann
MOBILE, ALA. JULY 3 2007------High winds from a strong thunderstorm hit the Wal-Mart Supercenter on the east Interstate-65 service road shortly before 2:30 p.m. this afternoon and 15 people suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to Mobile authorities.
The winds peeled off a large section of the store's roof, according to information heard over the police and fire radio channels.
Plant racks from Wal-Mart were found scattered on Springdale Boulevard, more than half a mile away, authorities reported.
Officials with the National Weather Service said the damage was likely cause by a microburst. No tornadoes were indicated on radar, officials said.
No other information was immediately available
The winds peeled off a large section of the store's roof, according to information heard over the police and fire radio channels.
Plant racks from Wal-Mart were found scattered on Springdale Boulevard, more than half a mile away, authorities reported.
Officials with the National Weather Service said the damage was likely cause by a microburst. No tornadoes were indicated on radar, officials said.
No other information was immediately available
Sunday, July 1, 2007
BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME by; Rick McCann
SPANISH FORT ALABAMA JULY 1 2007-----Builders, investors and city officials alike hope that this old adage is true to its words. After many months of delays, negoiations and meetings, the Bass Pro Superstore, hotels and a huge shopping center is finally underway again at the I-10/Hwy 98 intersection on the Daphne/Spanish Fort line.
Bulldozers and construction workers have started clearing land again and activity is everywhere along that property. Drivers on Interstate 10 can now easily see that something big is happening and that something grand is being built.
Upon completion, this center will have several large big name box store anchors, dozens of shops and botiques, restuarants, several hotels and of couse the Bass store.
A few estimates of completion and grand openings have been tossed around but as of now there are no firm dates. As soon as they are announced, we'll bring them to you right here!
Bulldozers and construction workers have started clearing land again and activity is everywhere along that property. Drivers on Interstate 10 can now easily see that something big is happening and that something grand is being built.
Upon completion, this center will have several large big name box store anchors, dozens of shops and botiques, restuarants, several hotels and of couse the Bass store.
A few estimates of completion and grand openings have been tossed around but as of now there are no firm dates. As soon as they are announced, we'll bring them to you right here!
MAN DROWNS IN POOL by; Rick McCann
GULF SHORES ALABAMA---JULY 1 2007----Local police and county officials are trying to determine if a Gulf Shores man found dead in his pool Saturday morning drowned or died from another cause and fell into the water, Baldwin County Coroner James Small said.
William Price, 51, was found at 1:50 a.m. at his home on Fort Morgan Road, Small said. He said Price was found by his wife after the man failed to come to bed. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Small said Price was dressed for bed when found in the pool. The death is under investigation by Gulf Shores police, Small said.
William Price, 51, was found at 1:50 a.m. at his home on Fort Morgan Road, Small said. He said Price was found by his wife after the man failed to come to bed. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Small said Price was dressed for bed when found in the pool. The death is under investigation by Gulf Shores police, Small said.
CORRECTION OFFICER FIRED by; Rick McCann
Bay Minnette, AL—-July 1 2007—–A three-year veteran with the Baldwin County Sheriff department, David L. Brown, 40, has been terminated and has until the end of next week to appeal his termination, according to Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack Jr. Brown had left a woman — charged earlier this year with leaving an infant unattended in a car — inside the transport van while he attended a sexual harassment training session inside the jail, the sheriff said.
Brown had worked in jail transportation for about a year, Mack said.
The allegations will be forwarded to the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
Brown had worked in jail transportation for about a year, Mack said.
The allegations will be forwarded to the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
HOT WEATHER CONTINUES ALONG THE GULF COAST----Rick McCann
GULF SHORES ALABAMA--JULY 1ST, 2007
HERE WE ARE IN ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AREAS OF THE COUNTRY, SUNNY SKIES, HOT TEMPS, WHITE SAND BEACHES AND COOL EMERALD WATERS AND THE HEAT IS ON!
THE WEATHER ALONG THE GULF CONTINUES TO BE HOT AND HUMID WITH NO REAL BREAK IN SIGHT.
IF YOU'RE COMING HERE FOR VACATION PACK PLENTY OF SUNSCREEN AND BRING YOUR COOLER FULL OF WATER!
THE FORECAST FOR THIS AREA FOR THE NEXT TEN DAYS IS;
SUN-HIGHS 90.......LOWS 75.....SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS LATE IN THE DAYS AFTER THINGS HEAT UP...VERY NORMAL FOR THE BEACHES DURING THIS TIME OF THE YEAR!
ENJOY YOURSELF AND YOUR STAY ON PLEASURE ISLAND!
Friday, June 29, 2007
THIS WEEK IN THE GULF COAST NEWS by; Rick McCann
GULF SHORES ALABAMA JUNE 29 2007
To start the big 4th of July holiday week end there's a big concert at the WHARF!
Montgomery Gentry, a country duo, will perform along with special guest Tracy Lawrence, July 3 at The Amphitheater at the Wharf, Canal Road at the Foley Beach Express. The gates open at 7 p.m.; showtime is at 8.Tickets are $49.50, $39.50, or $16.50, and are available through Ticketmaster outlets and online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/222167/.
Columbia Records signed them, and a string of hits soon followed. They include “Hillbilly Shoes,” “Lonely And Gone,” “Daddy Won't Sell The Farm,” “She Couldn't Change Me,” “My Town,” “Speed,” “Hell Yeah,” “Gone” and “If You Ever Stop Loving Me.”They have performed for well over a million fans, and prior to headlining their own tours, they opened for Kenny Chesney and Brooks & Dunn.
LEVEL II SHELTER READY IN ROBERSDALE
Baldwin County opened its first official Level II medical needs community shelter .
It is a sanctuary from hurricanes and tornadoes intended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for those with special medical needs living at home, including:• People with mild dementia without abusive or wandering behavior.• Ostomy or catheter patients.• People experiencing frequent incontinence.• People requiring assistance with injected medication.• Oxygen, nebulizer or sleep apnea therapy that has been stabilized at home for 30 or more days.• Hospice patients. • Intravenous patients.• Simple bandage dressing changes.• Peritoneal dialysis, if either self administered or with family assistance.The brick-laden and windowless structure was built with reinforced concrete and can handle 200 mph wind, according to Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency Director Leigh Anne Ryals.“We feel a lot more comfortable having buildings like this,” Ryals said.The hurricane haven resembles a prison, except the steel bars used to lock the doors are on the inside and it’s got a cheerier decor.There is enough room for 25 patients with one caregiver each. But if a disaster strikes, those numbers aren’t set in stone, according to Alabama Public Heath Service Administrator Andy Mullins.“We would not turn people away,” Mullins said. “We’ll make room.”However, they will send the refugees to another shelter if it’s packed too full or if they don’t fit the criteria for that specific shelter.“We will put people in the shelter that they need best,” Mullins said.Other shelters include the Senior Citizen shelter at Central Baldwin Middle School or the general public shelters at Baldwin County High School, Fairhope High School, Robertsdale High School, Spanish Fort High School or Daphne East Elementary.The Association of Retarded Citizens of Baldwin County has its own shelter at Bay Minette Middle School.The shelter also has its own generator and necessary equipment is stored there, an aspect which makes it unique from all of Baldwin County’s other shelters.“All we have to do is bring in the staff and we’re ready to go,” Mullins said.During a storm, there will be two teams of eight professionals trading off 12-hour shifts. The teams will consist of two nurses, two nurses’ aides, a social worker, an environmentalist for food safety, a general safety officer and an administrative person.There are even a couple rooms available to isolate potentially contagious conditions and everything is wheelchair accessible.All of Baldwin County’s shelters are strategically located within one mile of a hospital, according to Ryals. So, if there’s a condition or emergency the staff isn’t equipped to handle, the patients will be shipped there promptly.The shelter, located at 207 North White Ave., is one of three in Baldwin County intended to provide medical support, but the other two are to be staffed with only a couple emergency medical technicians — a fact which makes them electrical support shelters and not official Level II medical needs community shelters.Pat Harris, with the Baldwin County Council on Aging, can remember a time when the medical needs shelters were converted courthouses with school buses blocking the windows.Now, Harris is working on a plan to get every senior in Baldwin County a personal emergency plan.But as for Baldwin County’s medical needs shelter, John Hankins, director of Public Health Nursing, Alabama Department of Public Health, is confident the shelter will hold up.“We could sustain here very well throughout an event,” he said. “This is the best designed medical needs shelter I’ve seen in my career.”
Reader Feedback.
FOLEY- Police here along with other agencies are investigating the alledged rape of a woman by a city police officer. Police have released few details but say that they are involved in an active investigation against one of their own and that the officer has now been suspended during this time until investigators can determine the validity of the charge.
FIREWORKS ARE ON!!
While many Alabama cities are dealing with the drought situations and have some have canceled their annual fireworks programs due to the dry conditions, all of the usual firework shows along the gulf coast are on!
You can catch fireworks on the public beach in Gulf Shores, and along the eatern shores in Fairhope!
THUNDER ON THE GULF
The annual "Thunder on the Gulf" speedboat races sponsored by The Gulf Coast Powerboat Association will be held this year in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach during the week-end of Aug16-19th. For more info go to www.thunderonthegulf.com
To start the big 4th of July holiday week end there's a big concert at the WHARF!
Montgomery Gentry, a country duo, will perform along with special guest Tracy Lawrence, July 3 at The Amphitheater at the Wharf, Canal Road at the Foley Beach Express. The gates open at 7 p.m.; showtime is at 8.Tickets are $49.50, $39.50, or $16.50, and are available through Ticketmaster outlets and online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/222167/.
Columbia Records signed them, and a string of hits soon followed. They include “Hillbilly Shoes,” “Lonely And Gone,” “Daddy Won't Sell The Farm,” “She Couldn't Change Me,” “My Town,” “Speed,” “Hell Yeah,” “Gone” and “If You Ever Stop Loving Me.”They have performed for well over a million fans, and prior to headlining their own tours, they opened for Kenny Chesney and Brooks & Dunn.
LEVEL II SHELTER READY IN ROBERSDALE
Baldwin County opened its first official Level II medical needs community shelter .
It is a sanctuary from hurricanes and tornadoes intended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for those with special medical needs living at home, including:• People with mild dementia without abusive or wandering behavior.• Ostomy or catheter patients.• People experiencing frequent incontinence.• People requiring assistance with injected medication.• Oxygen, nebulizer or sleep apnea therapy that has been stabilized at home for 30 or more days.• Hospice patients. • Intravenous patients.• Simple bandage dressing changes.• Peritoneal dialysis, if either self administered or with family assistance.The brick-laden and windowless structure was built with reinforced concrete and can handle 200 mph wind, according to Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency Director Leigh Anne Ryals.“We feel a lot more comfortable having buildings like this,” Ryals said.The hurricane haven resembles a prison, except the steel bars used to lock the doors are on the inside and it’s got a cheerier decor.There is enough room for 25 patients with one caregiver each. But if a disaster strikes, those numbers aren’t set in stone, according to Alabama Public Heath Service Administrator Andy Mullins.“We would not turn people away,” Mullins said. “We’ll make room.”However, they will send the refugees to another shelter if it’s packed too full or if they don’t fit the criteria for that specific shelter.“We will put people in the shelter that they need best,” Mullins said.Other shelters include the Senior Citizen shelter at Central Baldwin Middle School or the general public shelters at Baldwin County High School, Fairhope High School, Robertsdale High School, Spanish Fort High School or Daphne East Elementary.The Association of Retarded Citizens of Baldwin County has its own shelter at Bay Minette Middle School.The shelter also has its own generator and necessary equipment is stored there, an aspect which makes it unique from all of Baldwin County’s other shelters.“All we have to do is bring in the staff and we’re ready to go,” Mullins said.During a storm, there will be two teams of eight professionals trading off 12-hour shifts. The teams will consist of two nurses, two nurses’ aides, a social worker, an environmentalist for food safety, a general safety officer and an administrative person.There are even a couple rooms available to isolate potentially contagious conditions and everything is wheelchair accessible.All of Baldwin County’s shelters are strategically located within one mile of a hospital, according to Ryals. So, if there’s a condition or emergency the staff isn’t equipped to handle, the patients will be shipped there promptly.The shelter, located at 207 North White Ave., is one of three in Baldwin County intended to provide medical support, but the other two are to be staffed with only a couple emergency medical technicians — a fact which makes them electrical support shelters and not official Level II medical needs community shelters.Pat Harris, with the Baldwin County Council on Aging, can remember a time when the medical needs shelters were converted courthouses with school buses blocking the windows.Now, Harris is working on a plan to get every senior in Baldwin County a personal emergency plan.But as for Baldwin County’s medical needs shelter, John Hankins, director of Public Health Nursing, Alabama Department of Public Health, is confident the shelter will hold up.“We could sustain here very well throughout an event,” he said. “This is the best designed medical needs shelter I’ve seen in my career.”
Reader Feedback.
FOLEY- Police here along with other agencies are investigating the alledged rape of a woman by a city police officer. Police have released few details but say that they are involved in an active investigation against one of their own and that the officer has now been suspended during this time until investigators can determine the validity of the charge.
FIREWORKS ARE ON!!
While many Alabama cities are dealing with the drought situations and have some have canceled their annual fireworks programs due to the dry conditions, all of the usual firework shows along the gulf coast are on!
You can catch fireworks on the public beach in Gulf Shores, and along the eatern shores in Fairhope!
THUNDER ON THE GULF
The annual "Thunder on the Gulf" speedboat races sponsored by The Gulf Coast Powerboat Association will be held this year in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach during the week-end of Aug16-19th. For more info go to www.thunderonthegulf.com
GOLF TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT SHELTER; Rick McCann
GULF SHORES ALBAMA--JUNE 29 2007
The second annual golf tournament to benefit Mary's Shelter will be held Aug. 24 at Craft Farms in Gulf Shores. The shelter in Elberta provides a home for pregnant women in need.
Tickets are $100 each and include golf and cart, lunch, range balls and prizes. Sign in begins at 11 a.m. with warm-up and lunch until the noon shotgun start. Prizes will be awarded after the scramble tournament beginning around 4 p.m.
Cosmo's Restaurant in Orange Beach is the Corporate Sponsor of the tournament with Kaiser Realty as co-sponsor.
Hole sponsorships are $150 and include a sign. Hole sponsors who pay $500 also receive a foursome package. For sponsorships or tickets, call Mary's Shelter toll free at 866-823-4674.
Mary's Shelter is a non-denominational facility that accommodates women of Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties in Alabama as well as Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida. Currently, six women and seven children live in the facility in Elberta.
Its primary goal is to provide a safe, loving atmosphere for pregnant women while they await the birth of their child. In addition, counseling and programs including parenting, childcare, housekeeping, money management, career planning and job training are available to help the mother develop character, maturity and responsibility.
Funding sources include individual donations, churches and their affiliates, local fund-raising events, local corporations, businesses and banks, grants and foundations. Mary's Shelter is a non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible according to IRS guidelines for 501 (c)(3) organizations. Mary's Shelter is a South Baldwin County United Way Agency.
For more information about Mary's Shelter, call Administrator Jo Godfrey at 986-6200
The second annual golf tournament to benefit Mary's Shelter will be held Aug. 24 at Craft Farms in Gulf Shores. The shelter in Elberta provides a home for pregnant women in need.
Tickets are $100 each and include golf and cart, lunch, range balls and prizes. Sign in begins at 11 a.m. with warm-up and lunch until the noon shotgun start. Prizes will be awarded after the scramble tournament beginning around 4 p.m.
Cosmo's Restaurant in Orange Beach is the Corporate Sponsor of the tournament with Kaiser Realty as co-sponsor.
Hole sponsorships are $150 and include a sign. Hole sponsors who pay $500 also receive a foursome package. For sponsorships or tickets, call Mary's Shelter toll free at 866-823-4674.
Mary's Shelter is a non-denominational facility that accommodates women of Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties in Alabama as well as Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida. Currently, six women and seven children live in the facility in Elberta.
Its primary goal is to provide a safe, loving atmosphere for pregnant women while they await the birth of their child. In addition, counseling and programs including parenting, childcare, housekeeping, money management, career planning and job training are available to help the mother develop character, maturity and responsibility.
Funding sources include individual donations, churches and their affiliates, local fund-raising events, local corporations, businesses and banks, grants and foundations. Mary's Shelter is a non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible according to IRS guidelines for 501 (c)(3) organizations. Mary's Shelter is a South Baldwin County United Way Agency.
For more information about Mary's Shelter, call Administrator Jo Godfrey at 986-6200
GULF SHORES/ORANGE BEACH AL. JUNE 29 2007-Join all of the fun in the sun here during the annual “THUNDER ON THE GULF” powerboat races sponsored by the Gulf Coast Powerboat Association. Watch the Nascar on the water during the week-end of August 16-19th and come prepared for the action!
For information on this years event go http://www.thunderonthegulf.com/
For information on this years event go http://www.thunderonthegulf.com/
FOURTH PERSON DROWNS IN THE GULF by; Rick McCann
GULF SHORES ALABAMA----JUNE 29 2007
A man who drowned Wednesday afternoon at West Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores was identified today as William Goins, 21, of Elberta, said Darrell Franklin, city police investigator.
Goins was pulled from the water at around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, about 45 minutes after he disappeared while swimming near Lagoon Pass on West Beach, Franklin said. The victim had a Georgia drivers license, but had been living in Baldwin County.
Franklin said Goins was in the Gulf with a group of friends when the swimmers decided conditions were too rough and were trying to return to shore. Yellow flags, which indicate moderate surf conditions, but do not prohibit swimmers from entering the water, were flying at public beaches at the time Goins drowned, Franklin said. Yellow flags are also flying today, according to city reports. Goins is the fourth swimmer to drown in the Gulf of Mexico in Baldwin County this summer.
Goins was pulled from the water at around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, about 45 minutes after he disappeared while swimming near Lagoon Pass on West Beach, Franklin said. The victim had a Georgia drivers license, but had been living in Baldwin County.
Franklin said Goins was in the Gulf with a group of friends when the swimmers decided conditions were too rough and were trying to return to shore. Yellow flags, which indicate moderate surf conditions, but do not prohibit swimmers from entering the water, were flying at public beaches at the time Goins drowned, Franklin said. Yellow flags are also flying today, according to city reports. Goins is the fourth swimmer to drown in the Gulf of Mexico in Baldwin County this summer.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
9 MILLION IN DRUGS SEIZED
More than $9 million worth of cocaine hidden in a secret compartment of a car driven from Mexico was seized during a traffic stop on Interstate 65, Saraland police said today.
The drugs, packaged in 84 bundles, were found about 11:30 a.m. May 31 near mile marker 16 in Saraland, according to a news release from Sgt. Leroy Smith of the Saraland Police Department.
Saraland Police Cpl. Greg Cully stopped the vehicle on a traffic violation and asked the driver to search the car, the release stated. Cully found a false compartment filled with 84 bundles of a white powdery substance, later identified as cocaine, the release stated. The cocaine has a street value of $9.7 million, police said.
Two people were in the car with the drugs, but Smith said this evening that he would not release what those people were charged with until a news conference held tomorrow morning to discuss the seizure.
The drugs, packaged in 84 bundles, were found about 11:30 a.m. May 31 near mile marker 16 in Saraland, according to a news release from Sgt. Leroy Smith of the Saraland Police Department.
Saraland Police Cpl. Greg Cully stopped the vehicle on a traffic violation and asked the driver to search the car, the release stated. Cully found a false compartment filled with 84 bundles of a white powdery substance, later identified as cocaine, the release stated. The cocaine has a street value of $9.7 million, police said.
Two people were in the car with the drugs, but Smith said this evening that he would not release what those people were charged with until a news conference held tomorrow morning to discuss the seizure.
MANHUNT SUSPECT CAPTURED
Baldwin County AL. A Summerdale man was arrested early today, ending a nearly 14-hour search by Baldwin County authorities.
Anthony Benbow, 37, was spotted walking down Baldwin County 83 in the Miflin area by Elberta Police Officer Mike Hamilton at about 5:30 a.m., according to Elberta Police Chief Gary Peaden. Benbow ran into the woods.
A Foley K-9 Officer arrived about 10 minutes later, and the dog located Benbow after a brief search. He was arrested without incident, according to Peaden.
Benbow was holding several pocket knives and about 10 Xanax pills, Peaden said. Elberta Police are charging Benbow with possession of a controlled substance, and the suspect has been transferred to Baldwin County Correctional Facility where he faces additional charges from the Sheriff's Office, Peaden said.
The search began Wednesday afternoon when a woman called and reported a domestic incident involving Benbow, sheriff's deputies said. Authorities later found his abandoned truck and recovered a .45-caliber handgun and a SKS assault rifle inside.
Anthony Benbow, 37, was spotted walking down Baldwin County 83 in the Miflin area by Elberta Police Officer Mike Hamilton at about 5:30 a.m., according to Elberta Police Chief Gary Peaden. Benbow ran into the woods.
A Foley K-9 Officer arrived about 10 minutes later, and the dog located Benbow after a brief search. He was arrested without incident, according to Peaden.
Benbow was holding several pocket knives and about 10 Xanax pills, Peaden said. Elberta Police are charging Benbow with possession of a controlled substance, and the suspect has been transferred to Baldwin County Correctional Facility where he faces additional charges from the Sheriff's Office, Peaden said.
The search began Wednesday afternoon when a woman called and reported a domestic incident involving Benbow, sheriff's deputies said. Authorities later found his abandoned truck and recovered a .45-caliber handgun and a SKS assault rifle inside.
Child Porn Arrest In Mobile
Mobile, ALA. A Mobile man was arrested this morning as part of a nationwide investigation targeting some 20,000 child pornography suspects whose names authorities seized from a credit card company database.
Ian Whittaker, 59, faces charges of receipt and possession of child pornography. He faces as much as 20 years in prison if convicted.
Dubbed Operation Site-Key by the FBI, the investigation stems from a raid in 2001 of the Santa Clara, Calif., offices of Site-Key, or Xvalidate as it was later known. The company is a credit card verification service.
Investigations collected the names of 20,000 people who had used the site to purchase or attempt to purchase child pornography.
Whittaker is scheduled to appear in federal court at 3 this afternoon.
Ian Whittaker, 59, faces charges of receipt and possession of child pornography. He faces as much as 20 years in prison if convicted.
Dubbed Operation Site-Key by the FBI, the investigation stems from a raid in 2001 of the Santa Clara, Calif., offices of Site-Key, or Xvalidate as it was later known. The company is a credit card verification service.
Investigations collected the names of 20,000 people who had used the site to purchase or attempt to purchase child pornography.
Whittaker is scheduled to appear in federal court at 3 this afternoon.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
ORANGE BEACH OFFICER ARRESTED
An Orange Beach police officer who worked with the D.A.R.E. program at south Baldwin elementary schools turned himself in to the Baldwin County Corrections Center late Tuesday night in connection with reported allegations of "inappropriate conduct."
Sgt. Anthony Grigsby was charged with using his position for personal gain, according to the jail Web site. Authorities said the charges stemmed from an alleged incident that was sexual in nature.
Baldwin County District Attorney Judy Newcomb said in April that her office had reviewed reports against an Orange Beach police officer, whom she declined to name.
The allegation "would be considered inappropriate conduct if it were true," she said at the time. Newcomb said her office received the information from the Orange Beach Police Department. Details of the allegation were not immediately available.
Sgt. Anthony Grigsby was charged with using his position for personal gain, according to the jail Web site. Authorities said the charges stemmed from an alleged incident that was sexual in nature.
Baldwin County District Attorney Judy Newcomb said in April that her office had reviewed reports against an Orange Beach police officer, whom she declined to name.
The allegation "would be considered inappropriate conduct if it were true," she said at the time. Newcomb said her office received the information from the Orange Beach Police Department. Details of the allegation were not immediately available.
POLICE ARE ON A MANHUNT
The Baldwin County Sheriff's Office is searching this evening for Anthony Benbow, 38, who is wanted for questioning in an investigation involving kidnapping, domestic violence and weapons.This afternoon Benbow was involved in a domestic incident in Marlow community, the sheriff's department said in a written statement. He fled the scene in a Chevrolet S-10 pickup and a deputy spotted the truck in the Miflin area this afternoon.
As the deputy approached the truck Benbow fled on foot and the deputy was able to recover a .45 caliber handgun and a SKS assault rifle, the statement said.Officers from the Alabama State Troopers, and the Foley and Elberta Police Departments are assisting with the manhunt.Anyone with information on Benbow is asked to call the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office at 937-0202. Benbow is considered armed and dangerous. He is described as a white male, 5 feet, 3 inches tall and 135 pounds.
As the deputy approached the truck Benbow fled on foot and the deputy was able to recover a .45 caliber handgun and a SKS assault rifle, the statement said.Officers from the Alabama State Troopers, and the Foley and Elberta Police Departments are assisting with the manhunt.Anyone with information on Benbow is asked to call the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office at 937-0202. Benbow is considered armed and dangerous. He is described as a white male, 5 feet, 3 inches tall and 135 pounds.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL LANDS IN FOLEY; Rick McCann
It's time to fly high in a colorful hot air balloon or just stand on the solid ground below and ooh and ugh and snap pictures of all of these beautiful hot air balloons that will be in Foley for the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival June 15th-17th.
Besides all of the balloons that will be here from all over the country, there be music, entertainment, helicopter rides,a children's village, remote control airplanes, tethered balloon rides, Bama Air Dog show, Motorcycle Poker Run, food, souvenirs and a whole lot of fun!
HERE'S THE SCHEDULE;
Schedule
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Pilot check-in at Foley City Hall Council Chambers
2 pm - 4:30 pm
Media Flight at Foley Soccer Complex
5:30 pm
Media & Sponsor Party at Oak Hollow Farm
7 pm
Friday, June 15, 2007
Festival grounds open
9 am
Arts & Crafts
9 am - 7 pm
Children's Village
9 am - 6 pm
Souvenir Booth
9 am - 10 pm
Helicopter Rides
9 am -5 pm
Touchstone Energy Cooperative Hot Air Balloon on display (weather dependent)
10 am-12 pm
Pilot check-in at Foley City Hall Council Chambers
2 pm - 5 pm
Remote Control Airplanes
3:30 - 6 pm
Mandatory Pilots Meeting at Foley City Hall Council Chambers
5 pm
Opening Ceremony
6 pm
Tether Rides/ flight
6:30 pm - until
Dinner for pilots, sponsors & VIPs
8 pm
Festival grounds close
10 pm
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Pilot meeting & breakfast at Foley Soccer Complex
5:15 am
Competition Flight into festival grounds
6 am
Bama Air Dog Show
8 am
Arts & Crafts
9 am - 7 pm
Children's Village
9 am - 6 pm
Souvenir Booth
9 am - 10 pm
Remote Control Airplanes
9 am - 5 pm
Helicopter Rides
9 am - 5 pm
Motorcycle Poker Run Registration
10:45 am
Motorcycles depart
noon
Budweiser Hot Air Balloon on display (weather dependent)
12 - 2 pm
RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon on display (weather dependent)
12 - 2 pm
Bama Air Dog Show
2 pm
Pilot meeting
5:15 pm
Highest poker hand cash prize awarded
5:30 pm
Competition flight from festival grounds
6 pm
Tether Rides/ flight
6 pm - until
Dinner for pilots, sponsors & VIPs
8 pm
Festival grounds close
10 pm
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Pilot meeting & breakfast at Foley Soccer Complex
5:15 am
Competition Flight into festival grounds
6 am
Bama Air Dog Show
8 am
Arts & Crafts
9 am - 5 pm
Children's Village
9 am - 5 pm
Souvenir Booth
9 am - 5 pm
Helicopter Rides
9 am - 5 pm
Awards Ceremony
10 am
Cash Give-a-way for Foundation
10 am
Remote Control Airplanes
12 - 3 pm
AT&T Real Yellow Pages Hot Air Balloon on display(weather dependent)
Bama Air Dog Show
2 pm
Festival Closes
5 pm
Besides all of the balloons that will be here from all over the country, there be music, entertainment, helicopter rides,a children's village, remote control airplanes, tethered balloon rides, Bama Air Dog show, Motorcycle Poker Run, food, souvenirs and a whole lot of fun!
HERE'S THE SCHEDULE;
Schedule
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Pilot check-in at Foley City Hall Council Chambers
2 pm - 4:30 pm
Media Flight at Foley Soccer Complex
5:30 pm
Media & Sponsor Party at Oak Hollow Farm
7 pm
Friday, June 15, 2007
Festival grounds open
9 am
Arts & Crafts
9 am - 7 pm
Children's Village
9 am - 6 pm
Souvenir Booth
9 am - 10 pm
Helicopter Rides
9 am -5 pm
Touchstone Energy Cooperative Hot Air Balloon on display (weather dependent)
10 am-12 pm
Pilot check-in at Foley City Hall Council Chambers
2 pm - 5 pm
Remote Control Airplanes
3:30 - 6 pm
Mandatory Pilots Meeting at Foley City Hall Council Chambers
5 pm
Opening Ceremony
6 pm
Tether Rides/ flight
6:30 pm - until
Dinner for pilots, sponsors & VIPs
8 pm
Festival grounds close
10 pm
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Pilot meeting & breakfast at Foley Soccer Complex
5:15 am
Competition Flight into festival grounds
6 am
Bama Air Dog Show
8 am
Arts & Crafts
9 am - 7 pm
Children's Village
9 am - 6 pm
Souvenir Booth
9 am - 10 pm
Remote Control Airplanes
9 am - 5 pm
Helicopter Rides
9 am - 5 pm
Motorcycle Poker Run Registration
10:45 am
Motorcycles depart
noon
Budweiser Hot Air Balloon on display (weather dependent)
12 - 2 pm
RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon on display (weather dependent)
12 - 2 pm
Bama Air Dog Show
2 pm
Pilot meeting
5:15 pm
Highest poker hand cash prize awarded
5:30 pm
Competition flight from festival grounds
6 pm
Tether Rides/ flight
6 pm - until
Dinner for pilots, sponsors & VIPs
8 pm
Festival grounds close
10 pm
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Pilot meeting & breakfast at Foley Soccer Complex
5:15 am
Competition Flight into festival grounds
6 am
Bama Air Dog Show
8 am
Arts & Crafts
9 am - 5 pm
Children's Village
9 am - 5 pm
Souvenir Booth
9 am - 5 pm
Helicopter Rides
9 am - 5 pm
Awards Ceremony
10 am
Cash Give-a-way for Foundation
10 am
Remote Control Airplanes
12 - 3 pm
AT&T Real Yellow Pages Hot Air Balloon on display(weather dependent)
Bama Air Dog Show
2 pm
Festival Closes
5 pm
JUDGE SAYS NO TO NEW OYSTER HOUSE; Editor-Rick McCann
A federal judge ruled in favor of the Original Oyster House restaurant in Gulf Shores and granted a temporary restraining order prohibiting The Oyster House, a new start up restaurant from using the same name or any that are similar to the plaintiff's business name. The new business, a Georgia based company had opened a new restaurant within three miles of the Original Oyster house, a long recognized and established seafood restaurant in the Gulf Shores area. This prompted a federal trademark infringement lawsuit against the Georgia based company claiming the new restaurant was confusing to customers and was hurting the business of the Original Oyster House which is owned by Superb Foods Inc.
The ruling by US District Judge Kristi DuBose ordered that all signs be covered or taken down within 72 hours and to stop using the Oyster House in all menus, signs, advertisements and promotions and all other communications.
The Oyster House Piano Bar and Grill, the full name of the business said that it will comply and that they are already changing it's name on the outdoor sign, menus and other written items that lists the restaurants name.
The ruling by US District Judge Kristi DuBose ordered that all signs be covered or taken down within 72 hours and to stop using the Oyster House in all menus, signs, advertisements and promotions and all other communications.
The Oyster House Piano Bar and Grill, the full name of the business said that it will comply and that they are already changing it's name on the outdoor sign, menus and other written items that lists the restaurants name.
ONE KILLED 4 INJURED ON I-65; by ;Mike Matthews
A Prichard man was killed and a woman and three children injured about 9:30 p.m. Monday, when the sport utility vehicle they were in overturned on Interstate 65, just north of Celeste Road in Saraland, authorities said.
Police today identified the dead man as 30-year-old Evangs Treon Scott. Sgt. Leroy Smith, a Saraland police spokesman, said Scott was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
Smith said Edith McReynolds of Jackson was driving the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer.
Citing department policy, Smith would not identify the children.
He said a 7-year-old child and a 3-month-old baby were thrown from the SUV, which overturned several times when a tire blew out.
The baby was in a car seat, but apparently the baby and the other child ejected from the SUV were not secured by seat belts, Smith said.
McReynolds and the three children did not suffer life-threatening injuries and were taken by ambulance to the University of South Alabama Medical Center, Smith said.
Police today identified the dead man as 30-year-old Evangs Treon Scott. Sgt. Leroy Smith, a Saraland police spokesman, said Scott was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
Smith said Edith McReynolds of Jackson was driving the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer.
Citing department policy, Smith would not identify the children.
He said a 7-year-old child and a 3-month-old baby were thrown from the SUV, which overturned several times when a tire blew out.
The baby was in a car seat, but apparently the baby and the other child ejected from the SUV were not secured by seat belts, Smith said.
McReynolds and the three children did not suffer life-threatening injuries and were taken by ambulance to the University of South Alabama Medical Center, Smith said.
Monday, June 4, 2007
TWO STABBED IN BRAWL
June 4th, 2007 A Foley man was charged with public intoxication today in connection with a drunken weekend brawl on the Styx River that authorities said ended when two people were stabbed.
Tracy Jerome Monti Jr., 21, was one of three people questioned about the incident, and authorities expect further charges soon, according to Baldwin County Sheriff's Office spokesman Maj. Anthony Lowery.
Two other people, both juveniles, also were questioned in the incident that occurred around 6 p.m. Sunday near Water World Road, but they were released, Lowery said.
The two victims were identified as Lenard Ray Beech, 28, and Elbert Bartholomew Jones, 31. Jones was treated and released from a Florida hospital. Beech was still being treated Monday afternoon at the University of South Alabama Medical Center, but his condition was not immediately available.
Marco Lundy, who was critically injured when he was stabbed Saturday night during a football game at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, was in serious condition this morning, authorities said.
Tracy Jerome Monti Jr., 21, was one of three people questioned about the incident, and authorities expect further charges soon, according to Baldwin County Sheriff's Office spokesman Maj. Anthony Lowery.
Two other people, both juveniles, also were questioned in the incident that occurred around 6 p.m. Sunday near Water World Road, but they were released, Lowery said.
The two victims were identified as Lenard Ray Beech, 28, and Elbert Bartholomew Jones, 31. Jones was treated and released from a Florida hospital. Beech was still being treated Monday afternoon at the University of South Alabama Medical Center, but his condition was not immediately available.
Marco Lundy, who was critically injured when he was stabbed Saturday night during a football game at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, was in serious condition this morning, authorities said.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Man Killed By Train by;Rick McCann
A 44 year old Grand Bay man was struck and killed around 8a.m. by a CSX freight train , police reported this week-end. Jackie Roy Johnson was walking on some tracks in Irvington, on the west side of Mobile County and investigators are trying to find out why. Police did not say whether there was any witnesses or if the man died instantly.
NEW MARITIME MUSUEM TO BE ANNOUNCED by; Rick McCann
With the many good things that's been happening in Mobile lately including the announcement last week of the big steel mill that will soon begin construction in the north part of Mobile county and several other plants and projects in the construction or planning phases, Mobile wants to strengthen it's grasp on area residents entertainment and tourism. This week, in a lot near the Cooper-Riverside park and the convention center in downtown Mobile, city officials and business leaders plan to announce the formation of a private-public project to build the National Maritime Musuem of the Gulf Coast. The $30 million dollar, interactive, colorful musuem will open in 2009 if all goes well as the city continues to position itself as the center of the Gulf of Mexico.
RAIN ESCAPES THE GULF COAST;Editor Rick McCann
Although the hurricane's second name storm of the season is moving up the eastern seaboard, it has done little to nothing to help the rain defecit here along Alabamas Gulf Coast. For the past three months the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach areas along with the rest of Baldwin and Mobile counties have been suffering from a lack of rain and the dry months have put a hurting on the areas agricultural and livestock communities.
For the sun-seeking and sun-worshiping vacationers along the sandy beaches, the lack of rain is just fine with them and tourism is experiencing a great start to the summer season all along the coast. However the reality is that we need rain desperately and for a day or two the vacationers can still have fun and enjoy themselves while shopping at all of our brand new shopping centers along Sighway 59 and the Eastern Shores area.
For the sun-seeking and sun-worshiping vacationers along the sandy beaches, the lack of rain is just fine with them and tourism is experiencing a great start to the summer season all along the coast. However the reality is that we need rain desperately and for a day or two the vacationers can still have fun and enjoy themselves while shopping at all of our brand new shopping centers along Sighway 59 and the Eastern Shores area.
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