Local Representative Helps Those Living in Poverty
HUNTSVILLE, AL—Obtaining a GED is 22-year-old Lacreica Gatewood's dream, and thanks to Huntsville's Symposium on Poverty, she's one step closer.
Prosecutor Is Concerned After Huntsville Man Is Set Free
Huntsville, AL - A Huntsville man accused of murdering and dismembering his stepfather 13 years ago is free tonight.
Overpass Construction On Research Park Boulevard Causing Traffic Problems
Madison County, AL - Thousands of drivers in Madison County can expect some inconvenient changes during their commute.
A major construction project began Monday on Research Park Boulevard. Workers have permanently closed crossovers at Dan Tibbs and Blake Bottom roads. The State Department of Transportation is building an overpass at the intersection of Research Park Boulevard and Highway 53. Because of the construction drivers will be detoured nearly two miles out of the way.
County resident Bill Bowen isn't too happy about that prospect. "I'm not going up there and turning around because its going to be a mess and I hope its going to be the biggest mess" Bowen said. "And I hope it backs up plum to the arsenal". Some other residents like Vera Stancil are being more optimistic about the road project. "Well its growing pains, but if we want progress we've got to put up with it for awhile" Stancil said. "And I think it's a great idea, we need an overpass."
15,000 motorists use travel Blake Bottom road everyday. The project could take as long as two years to complete. Thousands of residents living in the Blake Bottom area have signed a petition asking the state to build an overpass for Dan Tibbs and another for Blake Bottom Roads to help ease traffic.
Reporter : Tim Reid, treid@waaytv.com
Discovery Middle School Shooting Suspect Moved
WAAY 31 News has confirmed that Hammad Memon, the 15 year old boy accused in the shooting death of Todd Brown at Discovery Middle School, is no longer in the Madison County Jail.
According to our sources at the Madison County Sheriff's Department, Memon was transferred from the jail to a mental health facility in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday.
The move isn't a surprise. Earlier this month, a judge ruled that Memon should be moved from the jail to the Bryce Psychiatric Hospital, where he could undergo more evaluation and treatment before his trial begins.
In early July, a judge ruled that Memon should be tried as an adult for the February 5th shooting. Memon's attorney, Bruce Gardner, says the boy suffers from hallucinations and that some doctors believe he may be suffering from the on set of schizophrenia.
Deadly Dirt Bike Accident
WAAY 31 News has learned the name of the Madison County man that died in a dirt bike accident.
It happened yesterday afternoon in north Madison County.
Investigators say 53 year-old William Bauer of Hazel Green was riding a dirt bike across a mound of dirt nearly 20 feet tall when the mound collapsed.
It happened around 2:15 in a field near the intersection of Charity Lane and Highway 231 in Hazel Green.
We're told the bike fell on top of Bauer, killing him at the scene.
Missing Woman’s Husband Speaks Out
It's been 5 days since a Madison county woman disappeared. And now her husband is begging for the public's help in finding her.
Mark Henry says he's devastated as the search continues for his wife, Diana McMannis Henry.
The 48-year-old was last seen Friday afternoon. Investigators say she left home without telling anyone where she was going.
Missing Madison County Boy Found
School Starts Friday For Some Alabama Students
The first students in north Alabama will be back in school on Friday when DeKalb County opens it's doors.
Here's the full list of when systems here in the Tennessee Valley will resume classes :
WAAY 31 EXCLUSIVE : New Twist in Deputy Involved Shooting
HUNTSVILLE (WAAY)--
Local Business Owner Dead, Investigation Underway
A business owner from Harvest is dead, and Madison County Sheriff's Deputies say they're looking very closely at the scene.
46 year old Marc Wenger was found dead in his home on Lariat Drive just before noon on Monday. Police aren't saying how he died, but say it was "not natural causes".
Investigators went to the home after Wenger's employees were concerned they hadn't seen him or heard from him since last week.
Wenger may be a familiar face to some WAAY-TV viewers. In January, the colorful owner of Wenger Tree Service spoke with WAAY 31's Ross Sather about his job. The story aired as Wenger helped clean up the storm damage in downtown Huntsville following a tornado.
Teenager Dead After Early Morning Shooting
A fight broke out near a Huntsville teenage hot spot early Sunday morning, and now, a 17-year-old is dead.
Sergeant Mark Roberts said he was the victim of gunshot wound to the head. He also said several people were involved when the fight began around 12:30 a.m. in a parking lot across the street from Club Infinity on Space Gate Drive.
During the struggle, investigators says 22-year-old Steven Craig Seay pulled out a handgun and shot 17-year-old James Price in the head. Price was transported to Huntsville Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Seay has been charged with murder, and police have recovered a handgun they believe was used in the shooting.
Seay is being held in the Madison County Jail awaiting bond.
Only on 31 – Security Camera Catches Shocking Crash
A harrowing early morning crash was caught on tape in Madison County Friday.
It happened at the Majestic gas station and mini mart on Highway 72 between Ryland Pike and Shields Road. According to investigators, a car stopped suddenly in the east bound lanes just before 6:00, and was rear ended by a truck. The collision sent both vehicles sliding into the gas station. The car slammed into the gas pump, and then burst into flames. In the video, you can see the driver of the car fleeing the vehicle moments after impact.
We're told there were no serious injuries. The gas pumps were shut down, but the mini mart remains open.