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13 Alabama National Guard armories to close

MONTGOMERY (AP) - Citing smaller military forces, changing needs and budget constraints, Alabama's National Guard is closing armories across the state. The Tuscaloosa News...

National Weather Service in Huntsville creating exhibit about 2011 tornado outbreak

  HUNTSVILLE (AP) - National Weather Service scientists want north Alabama residents to contribute to an exhibit about last year's tornado outbreak. Chief meteorologist...

Honor guards provide comfort during tiring times

Paul Thompson said being a part of the American Legion Honor Guard is a commitment that veterans take seriously. He calls it a privilege. "It's a part of the commitment...

Local ceremonies planned for Memorial Day

Like many Americans, Mary Day Smith plans to fire up a barbecue grill Monday to celebrate Memorial Day and the unofficial start of summer. But that will be put on hold until after...

School age change coming

Alabama school officials do not anticipate a large influx of previously uneducated children into state elementary schools this fall because of the Legislature lowering the...

Lost in the '70s

Sheffield held its '70s Night event Saturday in downtown Sheffield.

Report lists 4 area schools among best in the nation

Four area schools have been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as being among the nation's best high schools. The publication's annual Best Schools recognition...

The dog days of summer

While a lot of kids joyfully sing the classic song “School’s Out” this time of year, local officials usually notice an increase in complaints from...

Officials await verdict on ATRIP road funds

Franklin County officials still are waiting to find out whether nearly $2 million needed for county road repairs is headed their way. Earlier this week, federal transportation...

Shoals Environmental Alliance meets Tuesday

Adam Johnston, coordinator of the Alabama Rivers Alliance, will be the guest speaker at a meeting of the Shoals Environmental Alliance at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Florence Public...

Disc golf course a collaborative effort

Todd Meckes, John McClanahan and Kevin Stevenson haven't been playing disc golf long, but when the Highland Park Elementary School principal approached them about building a...

Police seeking suspect in gas station robbery

Police are seeking the public's help in finding who robbed the Exxon gas station and convenience store at the corner of Wilson Dam Road and Second Street early Saturday. ...

Report recognizes four area schools among nation's best

Four area schools have been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as being among the nation's best high schools. The publication's annual Best Schools recognition...

New disc golf course collaborative effort

Todd Meckes, John McClanahan and Kevin Stevenson haven't been playing disc golf long, but when the Highland Park Elementary School principal approached them about building a...

Tennessee Valley Shoals life

Skylar Crane wipes the water from his eyes as he frolics in the Tennessee River near Florence.

Frequency of dog bites increase with the start of summer vacation

While a lot of kids joyfully sing the classic song "School's Out" this time of year, local officials usually notice an increase in complaints from residents with a...

Permits required for mosquito spray trucks may reduce their use

The hum and fog associated with mosquito spray trucks rumbling through neighborhoods may soon become much less frequent. Regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency and...

Wondering what's next

Today is quite a bit different than yesterday for 1,780 students from the Shoals and Franklin County who became high school graduates Friday night. Perhaps they won't have...

Ingram guilty of manslaughter

Vincent Lavert Ingram faces 20 years to life in prison after being convicted of manslaughter Friday in the 2009 shooting death of Rudy Stanback. The jury returned its verdict at...

Study: Pay for CEOs rose 6 percent in 2011

Profits at big U.S. companies broke records last year, and so did pay for CEOs. The head of a typical public company made $9.6 million in 2011, according to an analysis by The...

Veterans service office closing doors in Colbert

Veterans in Colbert County are among the first to take a direct hit from new state budget cuts. The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs announced Friday that it is closing 17...

Honoring Bowen

A butterfly lands on a flower in the garden at Leighton Elementary School after being released in front of family members of Nicole Griswald Bowen and friends during a dedication...

2 providers oppose bringing cancer center to Florence

Two health care providers are opposing a certificate of need application made by RegionalCare Hospital Partners that could bring a comprehensive cancer center to Florence. Helen...

Florence picks police chief

Ron Tyler will take over as police chief in Florence on June 18, and will assume full duties 10 days later when Police Chief Rick Singleton retires. The Civil Service Board,...

Pamphlets to help police help tourists

Florence/Lauderdale tourism officials are turning to some law enforcement and firefighting friends to help get the word out about tourism destinations in the Shoals. With a goal...

Red Bay honors fallen soldiers

The names of two former Red Bay residents were inscribed Thursday in the War on Terror Memorial in the State Capitol, honoring them for giving their lives in the line of duty. ...

News Briefs

NORTHWEST-SHOALS COMMUNITY COLLEGE Summer registration to run until June 1 Summer registration at both campuses of Northwest-Shoals Community College has been extended through...

Ingram convicted of manslaughter in death of Rudy Stanback

FLORENCE - A Lauderdale County jury has convicted Vincent Lavert Ingram of manslaughter in the 2009 shooting death of Rudy Stanback. Ingram, 32, faces a sentence of 20 years to...

Keller Hospital, Alliance Oncology opposing RegionalCare cancer center proposal

FLORENCE - Two health care providers have filed opposition to a certificate of need application made by RegionalCare Hospital Partners that could bring a comprehensive cancer...

Tyler chosen new police chief in Florence

FLORENCE - Ron Tyler will take over as police chief in Florence on June 18, and will assume full duties 10 days later when Chief Rick Singleton retires. The Civil Service Board,...

Veterans service office closing in Colbert

TUSCUMBIA - Veterans in Colbert County are among the first to take a direct hit from new state budget cuts. The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs announced Friday that it...

Museum collecting items for tornado exhibit

HUNTSVILLE (AP) -- The U.S. Weather Service is collecting artifacts and other items to create an interactive exhibit about the April 2011 tornadoes. The Huntsville Times reports

New formula sees Alabama graduation rates drop

MONTGOMERY (AP) -- Fewer Alabamians are graduating from high school than previously thought according to a new formula for calculating graduation rates. The Montgomery...

Daikin expanding in Decatur, possible new plant

Daikin America officials unveiled five expansion projects Thursday at the Decatur plant that will add 50 employees and cost the company $75 million. The chairman of the...

Dragon arrives at space station in historic 1st

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The privately bankrolled Dragon capsule arrived at the International Space Station for a historic docking Friday, captured by astronauts wielding a giant...

Changing state spending

Reduced staff, hours and services for Alabama Department of Public Health offices, especially in rural communities. Four percent less funding for the University of North Alabama,...

Bills in garbage lead to arrests

Authorities said a man suspected of dumping substances involved in manufacturing methamphetamine into a garbage bin accidentally tossed something with it: portions of his cable...

Funeral interrupts murder trial deliberation

Deliberations ended abruptly Thursday morning in the trial of a Florence man accused of killing a Sheffield man in 2009. Jurors will return early today to continue debating the...

Underwood-Petersville fish fry set

The Underwood-Petersville Volunteer Fire Department will have a fish fry fundraiser Saturday. The event is 2-7 p.m. at the fire department at 4661 Alabama 157. Adult...

Alabama re-divided

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley said he expects to sign redistricting plans for the Alabama House and Senate passed by lawmakers early Thursday at the end of an emotional special...

Summer brings heat awareness

Temperatures are already pushing 90 degrees and are expected to reach 95 degrees on Saturday, beginning what some weather officials expect is a prelude to what's ahead in...

3 Alabama newspapers drop daily circulation

Three of Alabama's largest newspapers, The Birmingham News, The Huntsville Times and the Press-Register in Mobile, will drop daily circulation this fall and distribute...

Lease agreement to be signed today

A lease agreement that will allow Northwest-Shoals Community College to operate the Alabama Music Hall of Fame will be signed today, paving the way for the facility to reopen in...

'Normal' hurricane season forecast

U.S. forecasters predicted Thursday that this year's Atlantic hurricane season would produce a normal number of about nine to 15 tropical storms, with as many as four to...

Hispanic grocer's business rallies, prospers despite HB56 discord

In October, Juan Martinez's Tortilleria Daisy business in Russellville was struggling as the initial fear surrounding the state's immigration law set in. An estimated...

Mrs. Margaret Louise Hayes Lamar

Mrs. Margaret Louise Hayes Lamar, went to meet the Lord on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 after a long battle with lung cancer. Her loving daughter and family were by her side. Mrs....

William Clinton Longshore, “Bill,” 71

William Clinton Longshore, “Bill,” 71, of Florence, Alabama, passed away on May 24, 2012. He stubbornly and courageously fought Parkinson’s disease for over 10...

New Bike Trails and Pump Track at Oak Mountain State Park

Oak Mountain State Park near Birmingham, Ala., will soon have approximately 16 miles of new mountain bike trails thanks to a collaborative effort between the park, the Birmingham...

Alabama governor signs both budgets

MONTGOMERY (AP) -- Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has signed two state budgets into law. Bentley said Thursday he didn't like everything the Legislature put into the education...

3 Alabama metro papers cut publication to 3 days

BIRMINGHAM (AP) -- Three major Alabama daily newspapers will switch to publishing three days a week as part of a new focus on online news, in line with their new Orleans sister...

Drought continues in Shoals

Much of north Alabama, including eastern Colbert and Lauderdale counties, remains in a low-level drought. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor Report, released today, shows a...

Alabama Legislature passes redistricting plans

MONTGOMERY -- The Alabama Legislature approved a plan that redraws House and Senate districts during an all-night session that saw Democrats claim Republican leaders used...

Gen .Wheeler's Pond Spring home reopens Saturday

(AP) -- Gen. Joe Wheeler's historic home near Courtland will reopen to the public Memorial Day weekend after being closed for more than a decade for restoration. The...

A Day to Remember in Florence

For most of us, Memorial Day 2012 Florence marks the beginning of a season of summer fun. But don’t let the real meaning of the holiday get lost amidst the barbecues and beach...

Redrawn districts moving forward

Committees in the Alabama House and Senate approved redistricting plans Wednesday night for the other chamber as the Legislature moved closer to completing a special session that...

Supportive foundation

Each blue and silver pinwheel outside the Cramer Children's Center on Wednesday represented a physically or sexually abused child the center assisted in the past year. The...

Murder trial deliberations begin today

Jury deliberations begin today in the trial of a Florence man accused of killing of Rudy Stanback. Vincent Lavert Ingram, 32, is charged with murder in the shooting death of...

3 area students named National Merit Scholars

Three local students have been chosen as National Merit Scholarship winners in competition sponsored by the colleges they plan to attend in the fall. Bailey Fowler, of Lexington...

Pakistan convicts doctor who helped find bin Laden

A doctor who helped the CIA hunt down Osama bin Laden was convicted Wednesday of conspiring against the state and sentenced to 33 years in prison, adding new strains to an already...

Muscle Shoals student to participate in Rural Health Scholars program

The school year is technically over for Muscle Shoals High School junior Tyler Scales and her classmates. She is looking forward to another month of classes, though. But these...

Phillips America's 11th 'Idol' winner

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Phillip Phillips, a bluesy Georgia guitar man, was crowned the new "American Idol" on Wednesday after defeating teenager Jessica Sanchez in record...

Treatment plant getting update

A major overhaul of the city's oldest water treatment plant is under way, and plans are being drawn up for improvements at the other treatment plant on Wilson Lake. In all,...

Wall Street woes mount

Almost four years after the financial crisis, Wall Street still can't get it right. Investor anger mounted Wednesday over the initial public offering of Facebook stock last...

Students not able to keep up

A new report from the Alliance for Excellent Education shows that more than 60 percent of the nation's 12th-grade students leave high school without the advanced reading and...

Authorities arrest man who they say went to Blount County elementary school with gun

REMLAP -- Authorities have arrested an armed man they say showed up at a Blount County elementary school. The school was put on lockdown this afternoon after the man was noticed...

Three local students chosen National Merit Scholars

Three local students have been chosen as National Merit Scholarship winners in competition sponsored by the colleges they plan to attend in the fall. Bailey Fowler of Lexington...

2 homes donated to Cramer Center

FLORENCE - Each pinwheel outside the Cramer Children's Center today represented a physically or sexually abused child the center assisted in the past year. The front lawn...

Interviews for Florence police chief moved to Friday

FLORENCE - A meeting of the Civil Service Board planned Thursday to interview candidates for police chief has been postponed until Friday. The meeting was to begin at 9 a.m. in...

Business partner of former Auburn coach indicted on fraud charges

MONTGOMERY -- A business partner of former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville is scheduled for trial Oct. 1 on charges accusing him of illegally selling securities...

Mr. J.C. Fowler Jr., 85

Mr. J.C. Fowler Jr., 85 of Florence passed away Monday, May 21, 2012 at E.C.M. Hospital after a brief illness. He was a native of Wayne County, Tennessee, a member of Rogers...

Alabama gas prices lower for holiday travel

BIRMINGHAM (AP) -- An automobile club says more Americans are expected to travel away from home this Memorial Day holiday weekend than last year, but they will travel shorter...

3 area students chosen National Merit Scholarship winners

Three local students have been chosen as National Merit Scholarship winners in competition sponsored by the colleges they plan to attend in the fall. Bailey Fowler of Lexington...

Holiday weekend includes lots of sun

Don't expect rain to be a problem for Memorial Day weekend activities in the Shoals. Sunny skies and warmer than normal temperatures are expected today through Monday. ...

NFL's Driver wins 'Dancing With The Stars'

LOS ANGELES -- He already has a Super Bowl ring, and now football star Donald Driver can add the "Dancing With the Stars" mirrorball trophy to his awards collection. The...

Silver Airways lands in Shoals

Nearly two years after Delta Air Lines announced its intention to leave the area, a Florida-based airline has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide...

Bradford picks up new title

Muscle Shoals Mayor David Bradford came back Tuesday from the Alabama League of Municipalities conference with a new title. Bradford was elected president of the body that...

Witness claims Ingram admitted to homicide

A prosecution witness facing state and federal drug charges testified Tuesday that Vincent Lavert Ingram admitted killing a Sheffield man during a 2009 altercation. Ingram, 32,...

2 arraigned in death of man in wheelchair

Two people indicted on capital murder charges in the 2011 stabbing death of a wheelchair user pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Lauderdale County Circuit Court. John Junior Minton,...

City to cut collection company from system

The Russellville City Council has voted to terminate a contract with an Atlanta-based company that allows residents to set up probationary payment plans for fines. A 30-day...

'Underperformance cited in O'Charley's closing

O'Charley's restaurant in Florence has closed. A statement from the restaurant chain's president, Marc Buehler, on Tuesday confirmed the restaurant ceased operations Monday. ...

County joins Yellow Dot alert program

Dwayne Posey has been in the situation too often in his 35 years as a volunteer firefighter. "A lot of times we respond to a wreck call and the victim is unconscious and we...

Council approves new liquor license

City council members approved a restaurant retail liquor license Tuesday for Champy's Fried Chicken, set to open this summer at 102 W. Second St. The restaurant will be the...

County joins Yellow Dot alert program

Dwayne Posey has been in the situation too often in his 35 years as a volunteer firefighter.

Prosecution witness claims Ingram admitted killing Sheffield man

A prosecution witnesses facing state and federal drug charges testified today that Vincent Lavert Ingram admitted killing a Sheffield man during a 2009 altercation. Ingram, 32,...

Two new suspects arraigned in stabbing death of wheelchair bound man

FLORENCE - Two people indicted on capital murder charges in the 2011 stabbing death of a man confined to a wheelchair pleaded not guilty today in Lauderdale County Circuit Court. ...

Silver Airways chosen to provide commercial air service to Shoals

MUSCLE SHOALS - A Florida-based airline has been selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide federally subsidized air service to the Shoals. Silver Airways of...

Donald Eugene Garland, 69

Donald Eugene Garland, 69, of Florence, passed away Thursday, May 17, 2012 at the Methodist Healthcare Residential Hospice, Memphis, TN. He was a member of the First United...

Pet Cancer Awareness Month Helps Teach Owners about Leading Cause of Death

College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University As the month of May gets underway, so does Pet...

Artifical Reefs to be Designated Essential Habitats

David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources [img_assist|nid=53380|title=|desc=Any

Soap Opera Preview

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Rick admitted to Brooke that she was right all along when it came to Amber. Caroline explained to Thomas why she kept her secret from Bill all these...

Dave Says

by Dave Ramsey My food,

Ask the Attorney

I was driving my car in Muscle Shoals and the driver of another vehicle was speeding and ran a red light and hit me.read more

Criteria to Obtain the Best Mortgage Rates

As a REALTOR , I am often asked about financing in the course of helping a homebuyer. Now, I am admitting up front that I am not a lender and that it seems that lenders deal with...

Atlas Congregation Celebrates 80 Years

KILLEN–Atlas Church of Christ will be celebrating its 80th Anniversary as a congregation beginning this weekend with Homecoming on Sunday, May 27 and a Gospel Meeting...

Sports Festival Turns 30

BIRMINGHAM– The Alabama Sports Festival Foundation (ASF Foundation) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization organized in 1982 at the request of the United States Olympic...

GET OUT THE TINFOIL HATS, PART II

by “The Computer Skeptic” THIS ARTICLE IS a continuation of my previous

Insurance in Plain English

Quinton Hanson Please forgive me but I’m going to be the subject

The Worn-Out Race Card

Editor: read more

Defense Act is Anti-Freedom

To the Editor: Night raids on Afghan civilians will continue despite a recent agreement between the governments of the United States and Afghanistan to end them. Navy Capt. John...