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Rabid raccoons found in Shelby Co.; ADPH urges pet owners to vaccinate pets

Rabid raccoons found in Shelby Co.; ADPH urges pet owners to vaccinate pets

Recent surveillance for rabies in the raccoon population near Columbiana in Shelby County has revealed three positive cases. The current area of focus includes a two-mile radius around the Beeswax Creek boat launch area, where the most recent of the positive raccoons was discovered.

The ongoing surveillance is being conducted by the USDA Wildlife Services (WS) along with the Alabama Department of Public Health. The surveillance began in response to a rabid puppy found in February that was confirmed to be infected with a raccoon variant of the rabies virus.

The primary concern is that these positive cases have been found in an area where raccoon rabies is not typically found. According to Dana Johnson, a USDA WS biologist, the primary focus will be expanding the surveillance areas to try to determine the extent that the rabies virus has spread.

2013-14 AUM cheerleading information announced

2013-14 AUM cheerleading information announced

Auburn University at Montgomery cheerleading coach Amanda Brasington is seeking interested individuals for the 2013-14 Warhawks' Cheerleading squad. Tryouts will be held from Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28 in the AUM Wellness Center.

In order to participate in the tryout, individuals must be a full-time student enrolled at AUM and must have an overall cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Freshmen or transfer students must have been accepted to AUM by the first day of tryout clinics and must bring their letter of acceptance in order to tryout.

Required information to bring to the tryout include: a physical form, tryout agreement and waiver, a tryout information sheet, a photo copy of your insurance card and a $40 cash or check (made payable to AUM Cheerleading).

Join Alabama's "Safety Stand Down" for work zone safety

Join Alabama's "Safety Stand Down" for work zone safety

The Alabama Department of Transportation is urging drivers to slow down, pay attention, limit distractions and be aware of workers along roadways during National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 15-19, 2013. This year’s national theme is “We’re All In This Together”.

Alabama is also promoting a statewide “Safety Stand Down” to heighten awareness about driving safely in work zones. Federal and state agencies, road builders, contractors and local officials are joining in the effort by participating in the “Safety Stand Down” on Wednesday, April 17.

Preliminary 2012 data shows within the 2,182 crashes in highway work zones in Alabama, there were approximately 21 fatalities and over 690 injuries.

In recognition of this year’s Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, Gov. Robert J. Bentley issued a proclamation marking Work Zone Awareness Week in Alabama.

NWS: Notasulga was hit by EF-2 tornado

Photo Source: WTVM

Notasulga, AL (WSFA)- The National Weather Service survey team is confirming that an EF-2 tornado with maximum winds of 120 mph hit Notasulga Thursday evening.

The report is still being compiled, but officials say the tornado touched down at approximately 8:42 p.m. and stayed on the ground for 5.1 miles. The tornado's path was approximately 200 yards wide.

The tornado's strongest point came as it passed near the intersection of Hwy. 14 and Macon County Road 39 where a large home was heavily damaged.

Notasulga law enforcement immediately reported damage of an apparent tornado inside their community, affecting homes and bringing down power lines.

Notasulga straddles the Lee, Macon and Tallapoosa County lines, but Mayor Tommy Miller said all of the damage appeared to be confined to the Macon County portion.

Franklin Storm Shelter OPEN

FRANKLIN, AL (WSFA) - The Town of Franklin in Macon County has opened its storm shelter due to the impending weather.

The shelter will remain open until noon Friday.

Fmr. Ala. State House employee arrested, charged with failure to pay taxes

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA)- Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange's office is confirming the arrest of a former employee of the Alabama House of Representatives who is charged with failure to file income tax returns and failure to pay income taxes.

William Clay Covington, 41, surrendered Wednesday afternoon at the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

AG Strange's Special Prosecutions Division presented evidence to a Montgomery County grand jury on April 5 which resulted in six indictment charges against Covington for failing to pay income taxes on $237,620 in wages from the State of Alabama and $277,000 in other income from the Macon County Greyhound Park, otherwise known as Victoryland, and the Jefferson County Racing Association.

The indictment also charges Covington with four counts of failing to file an income tax return for 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

AL Red Cross monitoring weather and urges residents to stay aware

AL Red Cross monitoring weather and urges residents to stay aware

The American Red Cross Alabama Region is monitoring the weather system that is moving across Alabama today and is prepared to respond if needed. Red Cross volunteers, supplies, and shelters are on standby, and will be ready to respond to whatever this system may bring.

The Red Cross urges residents to take steps now to stay safe when severe weather threatens. As with any disaster, preparation can be the difference between life and death. The Red Cross recommends individuals and families respond to severe weather in the following ways:

  • Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind.
  • Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur.