Chinese Drywall Remediation

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:10:03 -0600

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) - Attorneys involved in the on-going Chinese drywall litigation say the end is near. Homes infested with the noxious wall board should soon be getting cleaned up.

Vestavia Hills attorney Eric Hoaglund represents many homeowners involved in the suit. He says the clean up process should begin in the Birmingham area within the next three months.

But that might not be enough for some homeowners. Jim and Carol Howard moved into their dream home nearly five years ago. They say they've had enough and can't stay in the home any longer.

The Howards have had mystery illnesses, been forced to replace their HVAC unit, and just last week their oven died. All because of their home was built with the caustic drywall. They're moving out in about three weeks.

Pell City Water Problems

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:40:51 -0600

BIRMINGHAM, Ala (WIAT) – It's been more than a month since the water in Pell City began changing color. It was caused by a change in pipes. The city says the problem is clearing up. But, some neighbors aren’t convinced. Mayor Bill Hereford says the water discoloration remains a top priority.

“It's really tough on those people who have the discolored water, our water is safe, it's been tested, it's just the discoloration that’s the problem,” Mayor Hereford says.

Mayor Hereford reminds neighbors to keep flushing the system so the problem drains away.

DNA Backlog

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:59:00 -0600

(WIAT-TV) Hoover, AL - From ballistics, to drug analysis, to analyzing DNA: forensic evidence can make or break a case. Thanks to shows like CSI juries expect to see it, but with budget cuts looming: "We are very much at a critical point," explains Michael Sparks, Director of Alabama's Department of Forensics.

He says they simply cannot afford anymore cutbacks. Over the past few years 33 percent of his budget has been slashed. He's closed three labs and lost 15 percent of his workforce, many of them highly trained experts. "We've tightened our belt, if we tighten again we're going to be looking at core functions we've always provided," says Sparks.

The labs analyze evidence from 450 law enforcement agencies all across the state.There is always the worry that while DNA sits in the lab, a suspect could victimize another person.

"That's a fear of ours and victims they want the person caught and don't want anyone else hurt," says Wanda Miller of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department who works with crime victims.

The process of analyzing and testing evidence has gotten so backlogged, some cases are being delayed and rolled over to a later grand jury. The DNA division has 1,000 cases that need to be worked up. Add to that more than 17,000 drug and toxicology cases still pending.

And it's not just victims who are suffering from the back log. Thirty percent of DNA samples that come through the state labs, exclude a suspect.

"I had another rape case, rape of a child and once DNA came back my guy didn't do it. He was in jail on no bond," says Defense Attorney Charles Salvagio.

For now, Sparks is taking his case to lawmakers and the public, hoping the bottleneck of evidence held up in his labs, won't get any worse.

Smoking without the smoke

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:47:00 -0600

*Note: This reflects my personal experience and should in no way be an endorsement for these products. They are currently being evaluated by a host of medical journals, and you should make up your mind for yourself.

Birmingham, AL (WIAT) - If you or a family member have ever tried to quit smoking, you know that it can be a long and difficult process. One tool I have used in successfully quitting is an electronic cigarette. For those not familiar, this is a metal or plastic device that has a button on the side of it. You depress the button, inhale like you are smoking, and get a blast of nicotine vapor that you can then exhale. The whole process looks and feels remarkably similar to actually smoking- with one important distinction- since you are not burning tobacco leaves it would make sense a lot of the dangers associated with smoking are removed. But that is not a certainty- in fact since electronic cigarettes are a relatively new product there's plenty of discussion as to whether they are safe.

Electronic cigarettes heat a drop of liquid that is then vaporized and that is what is inhaled. Personally, I and a lot of other ex smokers have found that these devices replicate the act of smoking closely enough to ease the transition from being a smoker to non-smoker. Makers and distributors of these products will very quickly tell you that this is not a smoking cessation tool because that would require FDA approval as a medical device. The politics of the electronic cigarette get very complex, but I can tell you that it has definitely helped me quit.

But for another group of people, this is much more than a cessation aid, it's a way of life and business. Vulcan Vape started doing business in August of 2011 and has been experiencing 20% growth since opening its doors. Vulcan Vape distributes both the hardware and liquid required to vape, which is a verb in the world of electronic cigarettes. Jake Waltzman says the company is made of people from Birmingham who saw a business in alternatives to cigarettes. And it comes at a good time, as Birmingham City Council President Jonathan Austin is preparing another new set of harsher rules for smokers in the Magic City.

There's just one problem for vapers- the Birmingham ordinance considers "vaping" and smoking to be the same things. Waltzman and his company disagree, naturally.

If you'd like to learn more about "vaping" and electronic cigarettes. Vulcan Vape is holding an event Thursday February 9th from 6-9pm at Avondale Brewery (201 41st St., Birmingham). The company will have free samples and employees on hand to answer questions.

*Note: This reflects my personal experience and should in no way be an endorsement for these products. They are currently being evaluated by a host of medical journals, and you should make up your mind for yourself.

Getting the Most at the Pump

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:07:00 -0600

HOOVER, Ala. (WIAT)- It's a familiar sound, filling up your tank.

"It cost 40 dollars to fill up my car, and it last maybe half a week." says Kelly Oliver.

Now a days when every penny counts, you want to make sure you're getting the most at the pump.

"Prices are rising, our salaries are not rising, we need to have all the money we can, to get around and live."

That's where Morris Bell, comes in. He's an inspector with the state weights and measurement department, and his job is to make sure gas stations are giving you the right amount of gas, for your dollar. Wednesday, Bell, performed a surprise inspection at the Pic-A-Pak Gas Station in hoover, off Lorna Road.

"They did not know I was coming so whatever I find rather it passes or not, they don't know when we're coming," says Morris Bell.

Bell regulates 16 counties, ranging from the Mississippi state line, to the Georgia state line.

"We're going all over the state."

In the process, inspectors verify the display on the gas pump is working correctly. Inspectors use specially calibrated 5-gallon containers to make sure the pump dispenses the right amount, at the right price. Each pump must also clearly display the octane levels and amount of ethanol in the fuel.

"Usually if something is way off, a customer is going to call us and we'll go and check it out, if its a little off, no one ever notices."

Sometimes he randomly picks the stations, but half of the time, Bell, gets complaints from customers thinking they've been taken advantage of.

"It's going up so you want to make sure you're getting the bang for your buck," says Jerren Lewis.

As for customers, they don't seem to mind the inspections.

"Until we have cars that can run on helium, I would like to know."

School Bus Advertising On The Rise

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:35:06 -0600

WALKER COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) - Many states throughout the country are now generating new revenue for education ... by selling ad space on school buses.

Looking for a dentist ... maybe a car dealership ... or even a reminder of your favorite fast food joint, you can find it on the side of a school bus these days.

Although you won't see them in Alabama just yet ... school buses are rolling through neighborhoods in *nine* different states branded with ads, and several more, including Florida, are currently considering bus-ad legislation. Sponsors estimate it could generate a hundred-million dollars state-wide.

The issue has some people at odds. The concern is that creating moving bill boards on buses might be too much of a distraction for drivers. Walker County School's Transportation Director Mike Scott says student safety is his priority. He's not sure if bus ad's are safe or appropriate for young students to be exposed to. However, he admits with a 25 percent statewide cut in education over the last three years, it is a creative way to make money.

Corruption retrial jury struck, arguments begin Thursday

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:34:00 -0600

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) - A jury of 12 and four alternates is ready to go in the gambling corruption retrial. Opening arguments are set to begin Thursday morning.

The jury was struck just after 6:30pm Wednesday. The process started Monday.

The case involves two former and one current state senator. They are accused of soliciting or accepting bribes in exchange for their vote gambling friendly legislation. Victoryland owner Milton McGregor is among those charged.

The first trial ended last summer with two acquittals and a hung jury for seven other defendants. The retrial is expected to last about two months.

You can follow CBS 42 reporter Scott Packard on Twitter as he live Tweets Thursday. His handle is @ScottiePackard.

"Barber of Birmingham" Pays Tribute to Civil Rights Activist

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:24:00 -0600

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Those who knew Mr. James Armstrong called him a quiet giant in the struggle for civil rights.

From friends who recount personal experiences with him to those who struggled through those days alongside him, we hear story after story of what the humble leader did for the city of Birmingham.

He worked on this city, his hands got bloody, working in the ditch, cutting trees," Bishop Calvin Woods recalls. "I was there, my brother was there."

Armstrong made a living cutting hair. He made history for much more. He led the way in rights civil rights demonstrations, proudly carrying the American flag. He was a foot soldier, despite police brutality.

Jessie Shepherd was just a teenager at the time.

"It was very scary, very very scary," she says. "You just felt like you had no control over what was happening to you."

But Armstrong wasn't deterred. He filed a lawsuit in 1957 that led to the desegregation of Graymont Elementary School. His children were the first black children to attend.

Armstrong's Barber Shop is closed for business, but stickers on the old shop window provide evidence on the mark Armstrong made in Birmingham. Phrases emphasize the importance of education exercising voting rights.

His customers may have come in for a hair cut, but they came out with a better appreciation for their freedoms.

FEMA inspections may find unknown damage

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:09:37 -0600

CENTER POINT, Ala. (WIAT) - FEMA is working closely with the Small Business Association, making sure folks know there are loans available to them if they're not insured 100 percent.

About 300 houses have been inspected so far, with a variety of damage.

Some were destroyed, others had minimal wind damage.

FEMA encourages anyone needing assistance to have their home inspected because they may uncover unknown damage.

"In particular with a wind event like this their home may have shifted a little bit and they may not be aware of. The inspector may find some cracked windows they may find windows and doors that don't open as they once did," says Ken Walsh, FEMA Inspection Services Coordinator.

"We encourage people to go ahead and apply to SBA at this point, particularly while there are disaster recovery centers here where they can go and get assistance in completing the sba application," says Alana Chavez, SBA Public Affairs Specialist.

If an applicant cannot afford an SBA loan, they'll be referred back to FEMA for further assistance.

You can find a link to the SBA below.

http://www.sba.gov/

Private school perspective on charter schools

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:10:20 -0600

SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) - All you have to do is give Michele Scott the opportunity and she'll tell you all about Hilltop Montessori School. She's executive director.

"As a private school we are independent and we are free to teach the children in the way that we see fit," she said.

For the school that means thinking outside the box and for the most part ditching desks in favor of mats on the floor.

"We also offer individualized curriculum based on each child's ability. The teachers have freedom to tailor education for each individual child," Scott continued.

Despite the best efforts of of public school teachers, she says that's something lacking in the public school system. That's why she says her school stays full. She says parents are looking for an alternative. For her, it's much like the alternative Governor Bentley is pitching with charter schools.

"Charter schools don't work and they cost too much," Lance Hyche with the Alabama Education Association said.

The powerful AEA is not a fan of the governor's idea. They've dedicated the front page of their website to fighting it. On the site they detail what they call untested and unaccountable schools.

"They don't have to have certified teachers, they have plenty of money. Why not give traditional public schools the money we need to be successful and we'll have better proven results," Hyche said.

The governor says the proposal is about offering parents a choice. He plans to push it hard this legislative session.

"I think some of the already established private schools see this as an opportunity to get more private school dollars," Hyche continued.

"We're not here for the money. The school was built for the children," Michele Scott said.

What's best for those children at the center of a big battle.

Judge's Orders: Buy flowers, take her to dinner and bowling

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:52:21 -0600

Broward County, FL - Check out the video of a Circuit Court judge who issues a very unique order- a man must buy his woman flowers, take her to Red Lobster, and then to bowling in order to be set free. You can hear the incredulity in the courtroom as the judge questions the woman about what she likes, and then orders her man to do just that.

2012 World of Wheels

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:53:49 -0600

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)- It is the largest indoor car show in the Southeast! We’re talking rare, classic, and custom automobiles…all on display and they come from all over the country to compete for cash and great prizes. The 41st Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels Custom Auto Show is Feb 10-12th at the BJCC.

Different takes on State of the State budget outline

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:24:18 -0600

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) - Governor Robert Bentley plans to keep his promise not to raise taxes in Alabama, but with the state facing a 25-30% budget shortfall there will be cuts. Bentley would like several state agencies to be consolidated. Now it’s up to state lawmakers to decide which state services to cut.

“This will probably be one of the most difficult budget bills we see this year both in education and particularly in the general fund because of the anticipated 400 million dollar shortfall. There's no question state agencies are going to have to make significant cuts," said Alabama State Representative Paul Demarco, R-Homewood.

"It's going to have a serious impact on our ability to provide services for the citizens," said Alabama Senator Roger Smitherman, D-Birmingham. “I would hope that- and it's going to be my position- that we first prioritize and prioritize the budgets and what we need to fund the most and of course that's going to be Medicaid, Medicare, Meals on Wheels, senior services, and the CHIPS program just to name a few of the programs that we need to fund at a minimum of the level that we're funding now.”

The Department of Public Safety and the Department of Corrections are both on Governor Bentley’s budget priority list. During the State of the State 2012 speech, Bentley said his budget would protect DPS, and would not cut one dollar from the DOC. He said no prisoner would be set free because of financial constraints.

Some state lawmakers think it’s too early to predict how widespread the cuts will be.

“We are facing basically a mass prison release soon because we have such prison overcrowding. I want to say the cup is half full,” said Ala. Rep. John Rogers D-BIRMINGHAM. "And the people better believe me unless they get behind this legislature and make dramatic changes in the funding of this state, they're going to suffer in education, the prisons are going to suffer, the courts going to suffer, Medicaid’s going to suffer."

"When you have budget constraints and tight budget issues it really gives you the chance to go and look at what is being spent and you can make the necessary corrections. You can cut the things that need to be cut. So really, a lot of people look at it like a glass half empty, but it's really a glass half full," said Ala. Sen. Scott Beason, R-GARDENDALE.
“We have the opportunity to do things right and a lot of times when you're flush with money you don't get a chance to do that.”

Click here to Read Governor Bentley's State of the State Address

Fight Between Church and Homeowners Continues

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:14:00 -0600

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) - Misti Bartlett and her neighbors have been fighting for months to keep Enon Baptist Church from growing in-between their historic homes.

"We’re happy out their growth and we're all for them using the other 4 acres, but we're asking them not to use the property in between our two homes for parking." says Bartlett.

With construction of a new children's ministry building the church is now in need of additional parking. It has gone before the city zoning committee to request that the residential lot purchased years ago be rezoned.

"We want to provide for the needs of our membership in a responsible way and we cannot build the parking we need until the zoning is complete." says Minister of Music Ken McWilliams.

Residents across the street are also hoping additional land owned by the church is not rezoned for parking purposes.

Members of the zoning committee and residents gathered Tuesday at Morris City Hall for a public hearing and to vote on the request.

Back in December the churches request was approved but after concerns about some of the member’s connections to the church the committee was asked to vote again by the city council.

When it came time to vote, three members of the committee who previously voted yes recused themselves.

The remaining four members split the vote.

The churches request has been tabled until the members of the zoning committee figure out what to do about the deadlock.

Hanceville Church Vandalism

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:24:58 -0600

HANCEVILLE, Ala. (WIAT) - Vandals cause thousands of dollars in damage at a local place of worship.

It happened Friday at Center Hill Baptist Church in Hanceville. Police say the words 'Hail satan" were written on the wall.

Someone also fired a gunshot through a stained glass window. A christian flag was burned and an antique bible inside the sanctuary was vandalized.

The damage is estimated at around 16-thousand dollars. Police have several leads but no arrests. The church has insurance to cover the damage.

State of State Address

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:17:06 -0600

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) - Governor Robert Bentley lays out his plans Tuesday night in his State of the State address from the Alabama State Capitol Building.

Bentley says if the Alabama residents and lawmakers can come together like we did after the April 27th storms, there is nothing the state cannot deal with. During his 28 minute speech, the Governor called for cuts in governmental spending, working to bring more jobs into the state and passing legislation bringing in charter schools.

Jury selection in gambling retrial continues

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:44:44 -0600

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) - At least one defense attorney in the state's gambling corruption retrial is optimistic that opening arguments will begin this week. Tuesday was the second day of jury selection in Montgomery.

An attorney for Victoryland owner Milton McGregor says it's possible the jury will be seated by Thursday. That would allow opening statements Friday.

"We're not looking for any type of person. We're just trying to make sure that we get a person who will listen to the evidence and be fair and impartial. There is no particular type of person," attorney Joe Espy said.

The first trial ended in two acquittals and a hung jury for seven other defendants. State senators are among those accused of selling their vote on gambling legislation.

Lawmakers face daunting task as Legislative Session begins

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:29:00 -0600

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) - Tuesday marked the first day of the 2012 Legislative session in Montgomery and lawmakers already have a daunting task ahead.

Budget cuts are all but certain as this year's General Fund is expected to fall millions of dollars short. Those cuts could touch virtually every stage agency. Possible cuts also loom for the state's Education Trust Fund.

Lawmakers also have to deal with debates involving charter schools, taxes and the state's new immigration law.

Radar Upgrade Brings New Insight

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:45:49 -0600

CALERA, Ala. (WIAT)- Birmingham's Doppler Radar is upgrading to dual polarization. A new, additional feed horn will allow the National Weather Service to not only send out a radar pulse horizontally, but vertically as well. This allows meteorologists to see inside the storm and receive very telling information. "If we've got a hail stone, we'll be able to see how big that is, how fast it's falling, and we'll be able to make a pinpoint detirmination of where the hail's expected to fall," says John de Block, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the Birmingham NWS site.

Raising the radar bar doesn't come cheap. The entire project will cost about $225,000, and will put the Birmingham Doppler Radar out-of-commission for as long as two weeks. They'll have help, however, with radars from as far away as Montgomery and Mississippi chipping in to fill the gap. "We do have radar coverage from surrounding radars, [so] that we feel very confident that we can continue with the warning process if need be," says Jim Stefkovich, who is the Meteorologist In Charge at the Birmingham site. He adds that they chose this time period because the severe weather season is at a very low point for activity.

Birmingham is one of 160 sites getting the new dual-polarization technology, and the NWS hopes to have all of the new systems running by April of 2013.

FEMA Goes Door to Door

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:06:00 -0600

CENTER POINT, Ala. (WIAT)- "We're canvassing the neighborhood to make contact with the survivors, to assist them in registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency," says Steve Bailey.

FEMA, is going from door to door to make sure people are taking advantage of federal assistance.

"Federal assistance can not happen until you register at the 1-800-621-fema number."

Even if you have insurance, you're still urged to apply for assistance.

"They may be under insured or there may be other issues. We do not determine eligibility here, but unless they register, it will not be able to be determined, rather they are eligible for additional benefits."

Dana Ogletree, lives on 23rd Terrace Northwest, in Center Point. Her insurance is taking care of all the damages done to her house, but not her vehicles. That's where she's hoping FEMA, will step in.

"We don't have transportation hardly, we have to have a friend pick our kids up from school, because I don't have a car at the moment," says Dana Ogletree.

She's is hoping with FEMA's help, she can pick up the pieces, and go on with life, but for now...

"I guess we'll just keep on going with our lives and hopefully everything will get better, just have to deal with what you got."

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