State seeks juror questionnaires in case against sheriff
Prosecutors want to ask potential jurors about an Alabama sheriff awaiting trial on multiple ethics and theft charges. The Athens News Courier reports that prosecutors have asked a judge for permission to distribute a questionnaire to potential jurors who could hear the case against Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely. The state is asking to focus on specific issues in Blakely’s case. Prosecutors also want to ask about Blakely’s status as sheriff, an office he has held for almost 37 years. Blakely’s trial is scheduled to begin March 9. Blakely was arrested in August on charges that include accusations of taking thousands of dollars from campaign and law enforcement accounts. He is free on bond and remains in office. Blakely has pleaded not guilty. Republished with the Permission of the Associated Press.
Huntsville city hall would cost $60 million
Plans to build a new City Hall in Huntsville are moving forward, with members of the mayor’s administrative team putting a $60 million price tag on the project. AL.com reports that the team presented its plans to the City Council recently. The goal is to make the new site a “one-stop shop” for residents while also providing enough work space to have all City Hall employees at one location, Mayor Tommy Battle said. Huntsville’s government is currently spread over six downtown buildings. “This is something you look at and you say ‘Wow, can we put it off?’” Battle said. “We’ve put it off about as long as we can.” The schedule presented Wednesday has construction beginning in early 2021 and taking about 18 months to complete. City officials will get feedback from taxpayers in advance through a series of public meetings, City Administrator John Hamilton said. “We’re still at the starting line (of the project),” he said. General Services Director Ricky Wilkinson said city spends $365,000 annually leasing space for its municipal workforce. A new building would also save the city money on energy bills, city officials said. “If we do it right, we have a building that lasts 50, 60, 70 years and will be something iconic to the city of Huntsville,” Battle said. “And when people see it, they will be able to say they’re proud of their city’s headquarters.” Republished with the Permission of the Associated Press.
