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Spring terms at WBS Children's theatre

Spring terms at WBS Children's theatre

There is now a beginner's mini-term at the Whole Backstage Children's Theatre. The five day mini-session is designed for children ages 5-8 who have shown interest, but have little to no experience in the theatre arts.

Classes will cover basic acting techniques and students will present a small production at 7pm Friday, April 29th for family and friends.

The cost of the term is $40 and registration will open March 14th.

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Trip to Atlanta is quick and economical

With spring break quickly approaching and gas prices creeping higher and higher, you may be looking for someplace to have fun without breaking the bank or your gas tank!

I decided to take a trip just 3 hours from my house to Atlanta.  Home of Coca-Cola, CNN, Turner Broadcasting, Georgia Aquarium, and the Braves, Hawks, and the Falcons. 

This state capital is great for families, couples, and groups. One thing that I really liked is that Atlanta is a military friendly city. While on my trip I stayed a downtown hotel close to the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coke.  It was a short walk to everywhere we wanted to go.

We started our day out touring CNN.  You get to go throughout the building and learn about how a story gets to your TV so quickly.

Genes may affect severity of drug addiction

Genes may affect severity of drug addiction

Treatment for drug addiction is affected by a person's genetic makeup and the duration of substance abuse, U.S. scientists report.

A research team at the Brookhaven National Laboratory found that drug addicts who have a certain genetic makeup have lower gray matter density -- and therefore fewer neurons -- in areas of the brain that are important for decision-making, self-control, learning and memory.

"This research shows that genes can influence the severity of addiction," study co-author Nelly Alia-Klein, a medical scientist, said in a Brookhaven news release. "The results suggest that addicted individuals with low MAOA [monoamine oxidase A] genotype may need a different kind of treatment than other addicted individuals who carry the high MAOA genotype."

Man arrested for attempted murder

Man arrested for attempted murder

An Albertville man has been arrested on attempted murder charges after police say he beat a woman wanted for shooting an elderly man.

Investigators said 37-year-old Patty Elaine Westbrook shot and robbed 74-year-old Pete Batey after the man agreed to give her a ride at a gas station in downtown Geraldine. She was driving Batey’s truck when Guntersville Police took her into custody on suspicion of shoplifting.

Investigators said that several hours after Westbrook shot Batey in Geraldine, she came in contact with 53-year-old Kenneth Tary Chamblee of Albertville. They said the two argued and Chamblee reportedly hit Westbrook in the back of the head with a lawn mower blade. Authorities said Chamblee then fired a gun at Westbrook two to three times as she attempted to flee.

Chamblee was charged with attempted murder for the incident.

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Health tip: Stress may cause physical symptoms

Health tip: Stress may cause physical symptoms

Significant stress can lead to health problems or exacerbate those you already have, the American Academy of Family Physicians says.

Do you always realize when you're under stress? The academy notes these possible warning signs:

Woman charged with attempted murder

Woman charged with attempted murder

On Saturday, March 5th, police say 74 year old Boyce Charles Batey was shot in what appears to be an attempted robbery in Geraldine.

The suspect, 37 year old Patty Elaine Westbrook, of Guntersville, was driving Batey's vehicle when she was taken into custody by Guntersville Police on suspicion of shoplifting. She's currently in the DeKalb County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond.

Governor Bentley fills district judge vacancy in Marshall county

Governor Bentley fills district judge vacancy in Marshall county

Governor Robert Bentley filled a vacancy for Marshall County District Judge by appointing Hugh M. Flanagan to the position. Flanagan replaces former Marshall County District Judge Liles Burke who was appointed to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals.

Flanagan is currently a practicing attorney with Long, Flanagan, & McDonald in Guntersville. He received a Bachelor's of Science in Commerce and Business Administration along with a Master's of Business Administration at the University of Alabama. In 2005, Hugh Flanagan received a Juris Doctorate from the University of Alabama School of Law.