Our network

News

United Way urges people to wait to volunteer in OK

Submitted by WAFF Web Staff
Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013, 5:28pm

MARSHALL COUNTY, AL (WAFF)- When you see pictures of the devastation in Oklahoma, you might get the urge to drop everything, drive west, and offer your help.

The United Way said that might actually cause more problems.

United Way officials said they've received word from Oklahoma officials that first responders need time to do their job before volunteers arrive.

Local officials say the best way people can help now is to donate money.

They say unorganized volunteers showing up can cause confusion and waste time and resources.

"They may hinder some of the efforts that are going on that are the most critical right now.  So I would say that's probably the best reason.  People can just stay put and do what is needed most now, which is the financial donations," said Carrie Thomas with Marshall County United Way.

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

Deadly respiratory illness in AL stumps CDC

Submitted by WAFF Web Staff
Tuesday, May 21st, 2013, 5:01pm

HOUSTON COUNTY, AL (WAFF)- There is a mystery brewing in south Alabama. An illness has hospitalized several people, killing two of them.

It is something that leaves the patient struggling to breathe.

The Alabama Department of Public Health is putting everyone on notice about a mystery illness.  Epidemiologists are conferring with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about a cluster of respiratory illnesses. 

The origin of the illness is unknown, but it is striking people in the Houston County area.  So far, seven people have been hospitalized with fever, cough, and shortness of breath.   Two of those patients have died.  

Lab specimens have been collected and are being studied.   For now, both the Public Health Department and the CDC are recommending hospitals use respiratory protocol when dealing someone with such an illness, meaning masks and gloves.  

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

Alabama House rejects Bentley's 2-year-delay

Submitted by WAFF Web Staff
Monday, May 20th, 2013, 3:41pm

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The Alabama House has rejected Gov. Robert Bentley's proposal to delay private school tax credits for two years.

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

Student accused of threatening classmates with knife

Submitted by WAFF Web Staff
Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 11:43pm
The student allegedly pulled out an X-Acto knife on his classmates in the gym and made some threats.

DOUGLAS, AL (WAFF)- A middle school student faces suspension after school officials say he threatened his classmates at Douglas Middle School in Marshall County.

Superintendent Dr. Tim Nabors said he was notified about the incident late Thursday morning.

He said a student pulled out an X-Acto knife on his classmates in the gym and made some threats.

The school resource officer quickly jumped in and handcuffed the student.

No one was injured.

The student will probably be suspended the rest of the year.

He will also have to face a disciplinary board before he returns to school next year.

Copyright 2013 WAFF. All rights reserved.

View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

Investors to buy Albertville golf course

Submitted by WAFF Web Staff
Wednesday, May 15th, 2013, 6:22pm
The Albertville Golf and Country Club went into foreclosure on Tuesday.

ALBERTVILLE, AL (WAFF)- A longtime golf course in Marshall County looks as though it will be saved.

The Albertville Golf and Country Club on Country Club Road has been facing financial problems the last several years and liens have been placed against it.

A group of investors has come together, and they're looking to take it over in the next few weeks.

The Albertville Golf and Country Club went into foreclosure on Tuesday. Once complete, investor Frank McDaniel said the investor group plans on purchasing the club.

McDaniel said they have great plans for the club but plan on focusing their attention first on upgrades to the golf course itself.

He said they plan to have recreation there for families.

The golf course has been there for many decades and, besides recreation, McDaniel said it's an invaluable tool for economic development.

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

Authorities investigate fatal Albertville wreck

Submitted by WAFF Web Staff
Wednesday, May 15th, 2013, 2:03pm
Bobby Wayne Chamblee, of Guntersville, died in the wreck.

ALBERTVILLE, AL (WAFF)- A two-vehicle wreck killed one person in Marshall County.

The crash was at the intersection of Highway 431 and Rose Road in Albertville around 7:15 p.m. Tuesday. 

According to Albertville Police, Bobby Wayne Chamblee, of Guntersville, was killed in the wreck. 

Police said a truck hit his car as he crossed Highway 431. 

No charges are expected to be filed at this time.

Copyright 2013 WAFF. All rights reserved.

View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter

$2-million bond set for man charged with child sex abuse

Submitted by WAFF Web Staff
Tuesday, May 14th, 2013, 8:49pm
Justin Allen Soper (Source: Marshall County Sheriff's Office)

MARSHALL COUNTY, AL (WAFF)- Judge Mitch Floyd set a $2-million bond for Justin Allen Soper on Monday.

Soper is charged with first degree rape and sexual abuse of a child less than 12. Authorities said both acts involved a 4-year-old child.

Authorities said if Soper is convicted of first degree rape, the only possible sentence is life without the possibility of parole due to the 2011 revision to the sex abuse punishment laws involving rape, sodomy, or sexual torture of a child under the age of 6 by someone over the age of 21.

Soper is in the Marshall County Jail.

Copyright 2013 WAFF. All rights reserved.

View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: Facebook Twitter