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Alabama to Play in BCS National Championship Game
12/05/2011

The Crimson Tide edged out Oklahoma State in the final round of voting and will play the top-ranked Tigers in an all-SEC BCS national title game on January 9th in New Orleans.

The Cowboys made a late surge by beating Oklahoma 44-10 Saturday night, and closed the gap between themselves and Alabama in the polls. But it was not enough to avoid the first title game rematch in the 14-year history of the BCS.

The Tigers (13-0) beat the Tide 9-6 in overtime on November 5th in Tuscaloosa. Alabama (11-1) finished second in both the Harris and coaches' polls by a wide enough margin to make up for the fact that Oklahoma State was ahead in the computer ratings.

The Cowboys (11-1), champions of the Big 12, will play in the Fiesta Bowl against Stanford from the Pac-12.

Single Engine Plane Crash at Courtland Airport
12/05/2011

Courtland, AL - Investigators are trying to determine what caused a small plane crash near the Courtland Airport.

The crash happened around noon Sunday.

Lawrence County Sheriff Gene Mitchell says the small aircraft crashed in a corn field near the Courtland Airport.

The pilot has been identified as 41-year-old Steven Haase of Dothan. He was apparently test flying the plane for possible purchase.

Haase was transported to Huntsville Hospital for the treatment of minor injuries and has since been released.

Body Recovered in the Tennessee River Identified
12/05/2011

Decatur, AL - Investigators say a fisherman discovered the body in the Tennessee River near Brickyard Marina in Decatur early Sunday morning. The victim has been identified as 39-year-old Shaun Renard Rogers of Decatur.

According to police reports, Rogers was wearing red jogging shorts and white tennis shoes when he was found.

An autopsy will be conducted by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to determine the cause of death.

Body parts found in Muscle Shoals
12/05/2011

MUSCLE SHOALS - Police are continuing to search and collect body parts that were found today in a field near Gnat Pond Road and Sixth Street in Muscle Shoals, authorities said.

Muscle Shoals police investigator Capt. Lanny Coan confirmed the body parts are human. He added it’s unclear how long the body parts have been there and was unable to say the body parts are from a man or woman.

Police used dogs in their search for body parts and potential evidence. Coan said evidence will be sent to forensic experts in Huntsville to hopefully determine the identity of the person.

Huntsville Police investigating death on Alabama A&M campus
12/05/2011

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.- Huntsville Police are investigating a death at Normal Hills Apartments on the campus of Alabama A&M.

Alabama A&M campus police requested assistance from Huntsville Police around 4:30 this afternoon.

Upon arrival Huntsville Police officers discovered a victim inside an apartment suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.

The victim was transported to Huntsville Hospital where he later died.

This case remains under investigation.

We will continue to update you as more information becomes available.

Linda’s Bears
12/05/2011

Huntsville, AL-

When out Christmas shopping, it can be a real challenge to truly buy local.

But one local woman is making it easy with her hand stitched teddy bears.

Linda Wujcik hand stitches each of her furry friends with only American materials.

Every single component she uses to make her bears, from the eyes to the cotton stuffing, is all from the good ole USA.

Linda says creating a product that also helps create jobs and support America’s economy brings her joy.

“I want to give a product to the USA that is made in the USA. I want children to be able to play with my bears and I want family's to keep these as heirlooms and say, ‘this was made in America’,” Linda said.

You can buy a made in the USA bear, and many other handmade crafts, this weekend at the NEACA craft show at the VBC.

The show runs from 12:00-5:00 this Sunday.

If you can't make the show, you can e-mail Linda at imakejoy@aol.com.

First Annual Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting
12/05/2011

Huntsville, AL-

Laurel McDaniel and her husband came out to Big Spring Park this evening to watch the first annual lighting of Huntsville’s official Christmas tree.

"It's a fun thing to do. We are having a great time,” McDaniel said.

Mayor Tommy Battle arrived in a horse drawn carriage to do the honors of lighting the 24-foot tree.

The U.S. Army's AMC Jazz Band played while nutcracker characters visited with attendees.

Despite a small crowd for the inaugural event, coordinators are happy with the turn out.

"It was a light turn out tonight. But everybody had a great time! The nutcracker characters were here with the jazz band playing the background," said downtown marketing director, David Wilson.

"We have such a beautiful city and a beautiful park. I think putting things like this down here in the winter will bring people into the park and let them see how beautiful it is this time of year," Beverly Lowe said.

Next year coordinators want to make the event even bigger and better.

“Christmas is all about surprises. And Big Spring Partners wants to bring more surprises to downtown next year. We want to make downtown lively, with lots of events. We will definitely have more events next year,” Wilson said.

Rolando McClain Returns To Raiders
12/05/2011

DECATUR, Ala.- Oakland Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain of Decatur arrived in South Florida on Friday, a day before the funeral of his grandfather.

McClain, who missed an entire week of practice with his team because of the death of Roland Ervin Sr. on Nov. 25, apparently was ordered to rejoin the club immediately after his Thursday arrest on gun charges in his hometown.

McClain paid $2,000 bail after allegedly hitting and firing a gun near the head of a friend he accused of stealing a TV.

“I’ve been advised to not say anything,” McClain told CSNBayArea.com when he arrived in Miami, where the Raiders play the Dolphins on Sunday. “Best thing I can do is just stay quiet and get ready for the game.”

Raiders coach Hue Jackson told media in Oakland on Friday that he considered McClain "questionable" to play in Sunday's game, but did not rule out the possibility that he might play. The Raiders' problems in games that McClain has missed because of a nagging ankle injury were cited as reasons Jackson might want McClain in the lineup.

Asked whether he expected to play, McClain said, “No reason why I shouldn’t."

Jackson did sound peeved when he spoke of McClain's situation, however.

“I have 52 other players that are doing things the right way and doing things as I see they should be doing it and we’re getting ready to play a game,” the coach said. “I will deal with Rolando when that time comes. ... I’m not going to let anybody stop this train from where it’s going.”

Man struck by train, killed in Cherokee
12/05/2011

CHEROKEE - A man was killed this afternoon when he was struck by a train at a crossing in Cherokee, emergency officials said.

The man’s identity was not immediately released, pending notification of family members. Emergency officials at the scene said the man appears to be in his 20s.

Details of how the accident occurred were unavailable.

The accident, which was just west of College Street was reported at 4:35 p.m.

Family Heals Through Creativity, Entrepreneurship
12/05/2011

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Losing a loved one is never easy, and learning to cope can be just as hard. A Huntsville woman is dealing with a devastating loss, but through creativity, is keeping alive the spirit of her granddaughter.

Ever since she was a little girl, Tasie McCullough battled a weakened immune system. During a routine surgery at age 7, her family says Tasie suffered a brain injury. The ‘accident,’ as family members call it, left her unable to walk or talk.

This past April, Tasie finally succumbed to a simple cold, since her immune system was too weak to fight it off. Her grandmother, Valerie Rowan, says, "She was 15 when she passed away. To just have that loss, it was very, very awful for our family."

But after the initial grieving, Tasie's family decided to do something positive to remember her and allow her legacy to live on. The result? Va'Ja Naturals, a new skin care store at Huntsville's Madison Square Mall.

Rowan explains, "Va'Ja is a combination of Valerie and Janice, I'm the granny, grandma Val, and her mom is Janice. And we decided we wanted to do something in her memory. All the products that we make are named after her siblings and our pet care line is named after her pet, so although we suffered that great loss, it keeps the memory of her alive in us, but in a very healthy fashion."

Since Rowan already owns a body care shop, opening a skin care line with Tasie's name was a logical choice. Family members say creating the hand-made products has been therapeutic.

Rowan says, "The Va'Ja products we have really blended with a lot of love, thinking about the grandchildren.."

In addition to creating products in Tasie's memory, Rowan and her family are going one step further. She says, “Her mother in particular wanted to do something, open up a business where she could do something to generate funds to help other parents that had special care children that were handicapped."

Va'Ja held its grand opening on Black Friday, and Tasie's family hopes this is just the beginning of keeping her spirit alive, making sure their loved one isn't forgotten.

Hermain Cain Suspends Campaign
12/05/2011

ATLANTA (AP) - Republican candidate Herman Cain says he's suspending his bid for the Republican presidential nomination to avoid news coverage that is hurtful to his family.

Cain's announcement came five days after an Atlanta-area woman claimed she and Cain had an affair for more than a decade, a claim that followed several allegations of sexual harassment against the Georgia businessman. Cain, whose wife stood behind him on the stage, made the announcement before several hundred supporters gathered at what was to have been the opening of his national campaign headquarters.

Cain had surged in polls until news surfaced in late October that he had been accused of sexual harassment by two women during his time as president of the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Spike in Burglaries Causes Concern in Huntsville
12/05/2011

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - This week, Huntsville resident Tracy Robinson came home to a scene most homeowners would dread.

She says, “The front door was wide open, and I came in and the first thing I noticed was my TV gone. So I was scared to come in and so I called the police and they came and scoped out the house."

Gone were Robinson's pricey flat screen TV and receiver box. She adds, "I guess that's all they got for right then, but they will be back."

Robinson says she's not the only one in her neighborhood who's been burglarized, and says she's had enough: “We're moving. We're moving, gotta get out of here, I'm a single mom, I can't do this, can't stay."

Robinson isn't alone. According to Huntsville police, home and business burglaries have spiked 24% since this time last year. HPD Spokesman Harry Hobbs says, “Part of it is the economy, part of it is the holiday season."

Huntsville police are trying to raise awareness about this spike in burglaries, so that home and business owners will be more cautious. This week, police put up signs around town with brief tips on how to avoid being burglarized.

Also this week, HPD has put several burglars behind bars. Hobbs says arrests like these are particularly important, since many burglars are repeat offenders: “We can arrest maybe two or three folks and they can be responsible for 50 burglaries. So we're still vetting through all the paperwork to see how many burglaries were these individuals involved with."

Another way police are trying to stop repeat offenders? Working with the District Attorney's office to raise jail bonds for alleged burglars.

Hobbs explains, "That makes it more difficult for these habitual burglars to get out, because now the 10% that they pay has increased, so that'll keep them in jail longer."

Despite these measures Huntsville Police are taking to reduce burglaries, Robinson says she'd simply like the comfort of seeing squad cars drive through her neighborhood a little more often. She says, “Every so often you might see one, but not really."

6 Year Old Cancer Patient Receives Visit From Race Car Driver
12/05/2011

6 year old Ryan Kitchens has spent the last couple of months at St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis receiving treatments for a brain tumor. He was able to come home to Athens for a few days and received quite a surprise Friday afternoon.

"Whenever you get in to radiation it's not fun," said Ryan. "It tears up your stomach and when you have cancer like this, it's just not fair."

But on Friday, chemo, radiation, treatments and surgeries were the farthest thing from Ryan's mind.

Race car driver Ricky Byers from Birmingham drove his race car filled with presents to see Ryan at his home and brighten his day. Byers is racing for a cure after he survived cancer on one of his vocal chords.

"It means the world to me to get to meet him and actually see the smile on his face and know that there is someone out there behind him," said Byers.

Byer's is a part of the only non-profit racing team in nascar. All of their proceeds go directly toward helping cancer patients and their families.

"There is help out there and we haven't exactly asked for it but through prayers and just getting your story out about what's going on, things like this happen, and it's absolutely amazing," said Ryan's mom, Jasmine Kitchens. "It has really turned his spirits completely upside down to know that people really do care."

Kitchens said that the cancer has spread to Ryan's spine, but he's fighting and through the continued prayers and support from the community, he'll be in remission soon.

"We're just thinking that this time next year, we're going to have the most amazing Christmas," said Kitchens. "So far, this Christmas has been pretty amazing. I don't know how we're going to beat this, but I'll have my baby back, and hopefully, he'll be in remission and it'll be the best Christmas ever."

Ryan's will go back to St. Jude's on Sunday for more treatments for at least the next four months, but his friends and family said that they could not think of a better going away party than this.

There is a Wells Fargo account set up to help Ryan. Those wishing to contribute may donate to account number 1254115395.

For more information on Ricky Byers and Racing for a Cure, visit www.rickybyersracing.com.

Elba beats Tanner 34-14 to claim Class 2A title
12/05/2011

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - Michael Lindsey ran for 157 yards and three touchdowns to lead Elba to a 34-14 win over Tanner in the Class 2A state championship game on Friday.

Lindsey finished the game with 202 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns. His three rushing touchdowns tied a Super Six record.

He scored on a 46-yard reception and added touchdown runs of 35, 6 and 20 yards. Darrean Burks had 142 rushing yards and one touchdown.

Elba (15-0) ran for a Super Six record 372 yards en route to the school's third state championship. The Tigers won despite 16 penalties for 147 yards, both Super Six records.

Tanner (14-1) held a 14-7 lead in the second quarter on Kyle Shoulders' 2-yard run and Landon Stephens' 9-yard run.

The Tigers held a 20-0 second half scoring edge, while the defense limited the Rattlers to only 98 yards.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Police Arrest Two For Breaking Into Storage Units
12/05/2011

Jackson County, AL-Police in Jackson County arrested two people for breaking into other people's storage units. 40 year old Roy Harper and his girlfriend 46 year old Carla Guinn are both charged with theft and burglary. The pair allegedly broke into several storage units in Hollywood and Bridgeport. Investigators say the thieves put the loot they ripped off from other storage units into units they rented themselves.

Patrick Serge lost a large amount of tools and other items worth thousands of dollars. "Well it's upsetting they ransacked everything and went through and got what they wanted" Serge said. "I'm just thankful the sheriff was able to apprehend them in a quick amount of time".

Chief Deputy Rocky Harnen from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office is warning people who use storage units to be precautious. "We are just encouraging people to go check their storage lockers to see if they've Been broken into".

The Jackson County Sheriff's office has identified six victims whose units were broken into. Officials say the thieves cut the locks then cleaned out the units then put new locks on the doors to conceal the crime. Police say the suspects stole furniture, televisions, clothing and tools.

9 Arrested in Morgan County Drug Sweeps
12/05/2011

Decatur, AL - Morgan County's Deputies have arrested and charged nine people with a slew of different crimes.

According to Sheriff Ana Franklin, 4 different search warrants were executed between 10:00 p.m. Thursday night and early Friday afternoon at locations in Lacey's Spring.

Members of the Morgan County Drug Task Force , Morgan County Deputies, ABC Board, Decatur Police SWAT unit and the Madison-Morgan STAC unit participated in the raids.

The Following persons were arrested during the investigation.

Ivan Santiago, 19 years of age
Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Unlawful Possession of Marihuana 2nd Degree (felony possession)
Bond Set At $5000.00

Tasha Janette Leeth, 21 years of age
Unlawful Possession of Marihuana 1st Degree (felony possession)
Bond Set at $2500.00

Donnie Lee Kent, 42 years of age
Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Morphine)
Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Morphine)
Bond Set at $5000.00

Cody Lee Compton, 19 years of age
Unlawful Possession of Marihuana 2nd Degree
Resisting arrest
Bond Set at $800.00

Michael Kelly, 31 years of age
Unlawful Possession of Marihuana 1st Degree
Bond Set at $2500.00

Jose Celestino, 32 years of age
No valid driver's License

Eulalin Jose Tomas, 34 years of age
Arrested on outstanding Failure to Appear Warrant

Adalbberto Gonzolez Cruz, 31 years of age
No Valid Driver's License, Switched Tag

Rolando McClain's Status in Oakland Uncertain
12/05/2011

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) - Oakland coach Hue Jackson said he is disturbed by the allegations against the Raiders' Rolando McClain but hasn't ruled the second-year linebacker out for Sunday's game in Miami.

McClain was arrested Thursday on misdemeanor assault, firearms and other charges after police said he fired a gun during a fight in his Alabama hometown. The eighth overall pick in the 2010 draft, McClain later posted $2,000 bail and was released.

Before McClain was arrested, Jackson said he expected him to play against the Dolphins. Jackson backed off those comments a day later after learning more details about the incident.

McClain missed his third straight practice Friday and Jackson said the linebacker is not in Oakland. McClain had been in Alabama to attend his grandfather's funeral at the time of his arrest.

Guilty Plea in Rape Case
12/05/2011

Athens, AL - A 22 year old Limestone County man has entered a guilty plea in connection with a rape case that began earlier this year.

The Attorney General's Office says Nathaniel James Harrison pled guilty on Wednesday to two counts of second degree rape. The victim in the case was a 15 year old girl, according to reports.

Harrison was sentenced by Circuit Judge Robert Baker to 20 years for each count, which was split for him to serve three years imprisonment followed by a period of five years of probation. The sentences were ordered to be served concurrently.

Preview : SEC Championship
12/05/2011

ATLANTA (AP) - Given little chance to knock off the nation's top-ranked team, Georgia doesn't have a lot to lose in the Southeastern Conference championship game.

Then again, No. 1 LSU probably doesn't either.

In all likelihood, the Tigers have already put together a resume that's impressive enough to get them to New Orleans for the BCS title game - even if the 12th-ranked Bulldogs pull off a huge upset Saturday.

Georgia coach Mark Richt is among those who feels LSU deserves to play for the national championship, whether they win or lose. He points out the Tigers have already beaten three teams ranked in the top eight of The Associated Press poll.

LSU coach Les Miles refuses to get involved in the debate. He says his team isn't looking past the Bulldogs.

Herman Cain Set to Make Announcement Saturday
12/05/2011

ROCK HILL, S.C. (AP) - His campaign all but over, Herman Cain said Friday he would make an announcement Saturday in Atlanta about the future of his White House bid.

Cain, in a speech to supporters in South Carolina, didn't disclose whether he would drop out of the race for the GOP nomination after this week's allegation that he had a 13-year-long extramarital affair. He told supporters simply to stay tuned.

"Nobody's going to make me make that prematurely," Cain said. "That's all there is to it."

It's hard to see how he goes forward. His poll numbers have dropped dramatically, backers are fleeing and even the candidate himself has acknowledged that fundraising has suffered since Ginger White publicly contended the two had had a long-running affair.

The embattled candidate was heading home to Georgia after the South Carolina event to meet with his wife face to face for the first time since White stepped forward this week.

Cain has denied the allegation, even as he has acknowledged what he called a friendship with the woman that included payments for what he said was financial hardship. He has said his wife didn't know of his connection to White.

"My wife and family comes first. I've got to take that into consideration," Cain told the crowd in South Carolina. "I don't doubt the support that I have. Just look at the people who are here."

"I'm on this journey for a reason. I don't look back," Cain added.

Fragrances that define no one but you
12/02/2011

It’s the perfume way that is set to speak up your emotions. Without having to speak a single word, the perfume makes the presence felt. It’s the stuff that everyone reckons as the most special accessory, and the class that perfumes show seriously matters. A visit to the link at www.rightperfumes.in is certainly a purposeful one the visitor.

The Case for a Rematch
11/29/2011

The penultimate BCS standings are in, and Alabama has a decent lead over third place Oklahoma State. It's not in the bank, but it seems solid that Alabama will have a chance to play LSU in New Orleans for the BCS Championship.

But that scenario is not without objections. Let's run them down.

Objection One: Because LSU won the head-to-head, they're "punished" by having to play Georgia while Alabama rests - it's not fair

Practice Report: November 22
11/29/2011

The University of Alabama football team worked inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility on Tuesday, escaping some pretty terrible weather. The Tide practiced in full pads as it continued its preparation for the Auburn Tigers.

Here's what you need to know:

It's Time for Basketball
11/29/2011

The Alabama basketball team has concluded its preseason and begins its 2011-2012 season Friday night against North Florida. The Tide is a pre-season top 20 team, and is expected by pretty much everyone to finally make an appearance in the NCAA Tournament this season. I've only seen the team play once, during its exhibition win over UAH on Monday, but here are my thoughts:

Practice Report: MSU Week
11/29/2011

The disappointment from the LSU certainly isn't gone, but we have to start putting that behind us. There are still important games on the schedule, and if Bama wants to have any chance at another shot against LSU, the Tide must win, and win impressively. Up first is Mississippi State. Bama has, according to Coach Saban, had a solid week of practice.

Here's what you need to know:

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Check out what's happening in the NewQuestCity Forums for Alabama .

Alabama to Play in BCS National Championship Game
12/05/2011

Single Engine Plane Crash at Courtland Airport
12/05/2011

Body Recovered in the Tennessee River Identified
12/05/2011

Body parts found in Muscle Shoals
12/05/2011