Bradley Byrne receives multiple endorsements this week for US Senate
Byrne received endorsements from two of Alabama’s State Senators.
Alabama school system prepares to sue over 3M contamination
A north Alabama school system has taken the first step to sue 3M Co. over claims that chemicals are leaking from a closed landfill that is on school system property. News outlets reported that Decatur’s school system has filed notice saying it plans to sue over industrial toxins leaking from the one-time landfill beneath the former Brookhaven Middle School. Chemicals are leaking into a creek, groundwater and the Tennessee River, the system contends. An investigation conducted by a contractor for 3M and filed with the state environmental agency showed a 40-acre site was operated as a landfill from the 1940s until 1963. Aside from the former school, a playground, sports fields and a recreational center are located there. The Minnesota-based company, which agreed to pay millions in a lawsuit over contamination in the Decatur area earlier this year, said materials were disposed of properly based on laws at the time the landfill operated decades ago. A letter from the school system said it didn’t know the land was contaminated by materials from a 3M operation when it purchased it, The Decatur Daily reported. The system said it will ask a court to make the company clean up wastes and remove chemicals known as PFOA and PFOS. Once used by 3M’s Decatur plant in the manufacture of scotchgard and other nonstick products and coatings, the substances are in a family known as “forever chemicals” because they do not degrade in the environment. The letter was from the same lawyers who represented West Morgan-East Lawrence Water Authority in a lawsuit against 3M and Daikin America LLC over drinking water contamination. Daikin settled for $4 million last year, and 3M settled in March for $35 million. While the notice was required before any lawsuit is filed, the school system said it still hoped to avoid a court fight. Billy Jackson, a City Council member whose district includes the old landfill, said the city should also consider action since it owns 25 acres of land at the old landfill site. “We’re in no different situation than Decatur City Schools. We have to look at the safety and well-being of our citizens. We need to get it cleaned up,” Jackson said. Republished with the Permission of the Associated Press.
City studies gun ban at Point Mallard water park
An Alabama city is trying to figure out how to ban guns from a water park were two people were shot. The Decatur Daily reports that officials say they need a change in state law before banning visitors from bringing guns into Decatur’s Point Mallard water park. But a state lawmaker from Decatur says minor changes would allow a gun ban. The issue is a state law that allows weapons at many public venues. A teenager was arrested after two people were wounded during a shooting at Point Mallard in June. City attorney Herman Marks says state law prohibits an outright ban on guns. Republican State Sen. Arthur Orr of Decatur says lawyers tell him the city could prohibit guns if it also controls access and increases security. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Decatur could ok Sunday morning alcohol sales
Officials in an Alabama city are talking about easing restrictions on Sunday morning sales of alcoholic beverages. A proposed ordinance changing the time alcohol sales can resume on Sunday from noon to 10 a.m. was set for a first reading at Monday’s City Council meeting. The Decatur Daily reports that the proposal applies to both sales for on-premises consumption and off-premises consumption, such as package stores and grocery stores. If approved, the new law could benefit local restaurants and sports bars. It has drawn criticism from at least one local religious leader. Carrying alcohol outside in Decatur’s Arts and Entertainment District would still be prohibited until noon on Sundays under the proposal. Decatur’s Planning Commission recommended the change in October. City Attorney Herman Marks said the Planning Commission wanted Decatur to have the same options as other cities in the state under a new state law that allows wet cities and counties to allow or expand Sunday sales through an ordinance or resolution. Tyler Jones, owner of Whisk’D Cafe, said he realizes most people are in church on Sunday morning but there are some who want a mimosa or a bloody Mary for brunch. He said some are even willing to drive to Huntsville to get their brunch and drink. “We’ve been asked over and over again for the drinks and, if people tell me they want something, I’m going to give it to them,” Jones said. Whisk’D is a breakfast restaurant that’s open Sundays from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m., so the current ordinance allows him just one hour to serve alcoholic drinks, Jones said. Decatur Church of Christ evangelist Alan Watkins said he opposes Sunday morning alcohol sales and other relaxations of alcohol laws but, he said, “It’s difficult to legislate morality.” He said money is a powerful force behind recent changes to the city’s alcohol ordinances. Information from: The Decatur Daily, https://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/index.shtml Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
Decatur City Schools bans cellphones from classrooms
Classrooms in Decatur, Ala. are now phone free learning zones. Effective aug. 15, when the 2018-2019 school year begins, cellphones in the classroom will be banned. Decatur City Schools Superintendent Michael Douglas took to Facebook on Monday to explain the change in policy in a video. The changes comes in the wake of the move to provide all high school students with individual Chromebooks to use. “We’re taking the cell phones out of the classroom,” Douglas said. “Because we’re providing a device we’re really gonna protect the classroom and make sure it’s for instructional purposes.” The schools will still allow students to use phones on campus outside of the classrooms, such as in the hallways and during lunchtime. Watch Douglas’ video below:
GE Appliances to create 255 jobs in Decatur with $115 million expansion
GE Appliances on Friday announced plans to invest $115 million to expand its Decatur, Ala. refrigerator manufacturing plant. The expansion will add 255 new full-time jobs, bringing the plant’s total employment to nearly 1,300. The investment will help GE Appliances increase production to meet increasing demand for its top-mounted freezer refrigerators and represents the company’s latest step toward fulfilling a strategic goal of becoming the leading major appliance business in the U.S. “The expansion being announced today by GE Appliances reflects the company’s deep commitment to its employees at the Decatur facility and to the state,” said Gov. Kay Ivey of the news. “We’re proud that this great company calls Alabama home, and we look forward to supporting the continued growth of a manufacturing location that has a substantial economic impact on the area.” The investment will add approximately 40,000 square feet to the plant, along with new cutting-edge manufacturing equipment that further advances GE Appliances’ plan to transition to a fully interconnected digital factory. This advanced equipment will also provide the Decatur operation with rapid flexibility, enabling it to offer future product innovations while building on a legacy of quality leadership. Overall, the investment will boost production capacity by 25 percent and make the Decatur plant a “refrigerator super site” for GE Appliances. “Our announcement today is great news for our business, for our GE Appliances family in Decatur, and for the State of Alabama,” added Kevin Nolan, President and CEO of GE Appliances. “Our $115 million investment in Decatur is a critical part of our plan to be the leading appliances business in the United States. We are already a significant member of the local Decatur community, and look forward to a continued partnership with Decatur and the entire state of Alabama for many years to come.” Decatur plant GE Appliances’ Decatur plant is already the largest industrial employer in Morgan County. The company conducts approximately $95 million in business with suppliers across Alabama, and the construction of the expanded Decatur facility and increased production is expected to expand this business. Following the investment, the five-year economic impact of the Decatur operation is expected to increase to $2.2 billion, according to GE Appliances. “Today’s expansion announcement is a reflection of the company’s commitment to our Decatur community and a testament to the accomplishments of the GEA-Decatur team,” Decatur Plant Manager Renee Story said. “This investment means we will not only be able to welcome more than 250 new associates and enhance our skill level, but also expand our relationships with local suppliers.” Story continued, “We appreciate support from the State of Alabama, the City of Decatur, the Morgan County Commission, the Morgan Country Economic Development Association, and the Tennessee Valley Authority in helping make this investment possible.” The Decatur operation is the highest-volume GE Appliances refrigerator plant, producing GE and Hotpoint products that rank high in quality and dependability. As a result of this investment, the plant has opportunities for continued growth in the Decatur community for years to come. “GE Appliances’ decision to make a significant reinvestment in its Decatur manufacturing center and expand its workforce are strong indicators of the confidence the company has in its Alabama operation,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “This expansion project strengthens the long-term partnership we have built with GE Appliances and enhances the competitiveness of the Decatur facility.” The expansion of the Decatur plant comes as GE Appliances recently marked the second anniversary of becoming part of Haier, the world’s largest appliance brand. Since joining Haier in June 2016, GE Appliances has made a series of other major investments at its U.S facilities. “A major employer for over 40 years, GE Appliances is a fixture in Decatur-Morgan County,” added Jeremy Nails, president and CEO of the Morgan County Economic Development Association. “This announcement of new investment and jobs is a reflection of our local workforce, business climate, and economic momentum. We are grateful to GE Appliances for this expansion and look forward to supporting their local operations through this growth.”
Decatur soldier among 5 missing in Black Hawk crash off Hawaii
A 41-year-old Decatur man is among five soldiers who have been missing since an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed Aug. 15 in the waters off northwest Oahu. Army Chief Warrant Officer Brian Woeber, 41 of Decatur, was one of five to be lost after the crash. The Army and Coast Guard had been searching the Hawaiian waters for nearly a week, when they suspended their active search for the missing soldiers. “Suspension of a search-and-rescue case without resolution is a very, very difficult decision, and it weighs heavily, particularly on the hearts of the Coast Guard,” Rear Adm. Vincent B. Atkins, commander of Coast Guard 14th District, told reporters. The decision to suspend the search was based on “extensive review of the case, including our search efforts, all available data and weather conditions,” Atkins explained. The helicopter was participating in a night exercise. It is the third crash of a military aircraft in recent months. The full list of missing soldiers include: 1st Lt. Kathryn M. Bailey, 26, of Hope Mills, N.C. She is an aviation officer. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brian M. Woeber, 41, of Decatur, Ala. He is a pilot. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Stephen T. Cantrell, 32, of Wichita Falls, Tex. He is a pilot. Staff Sgt. Abigail R. Milam, 33, of Jenkins, Ky. She is a helicopter crew chief. Sgt. Michael L. Nelson, 30, of Antioch, Tenn. He is a helicopter crew chief.
Decatur Ala. employees to get 1.5 percent raise
After several months of negations and hold-ups the Decatur City Council on Monday approved a 1.5 percent cost-of-living increase for city employees that will go into effect in January. The Decatur Daily reports the raise was held up after the previous council earmarked $600,000 for pay increases, but failed to designate how $240,000 of those dollars would be spend, leaving the decision to the new council, which took office earlier this month on Nov. 6. The controversial wage increase was approved 3-2. Council President Chuck Ard and members Paige Bibbee and Charles Kirby voted in favor the raise, while Kristi Huskey and Billy Jackson voted against it.
Attorney General reviews reports of gun law violations by cities
Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange announced the results of three investigations into alleged violations of state gun laws by three municipalities on Wednesday. Strange found city-owned facilities in Daleville, Vestavia Hills and Decatur illegally banned the possession of firearms, contrary to a state statute governing the carrying of guns in public places. The attorney general’s office received a complaint that the city of Vestavia prohibited firearms at half a dozen public parks and recreational sites. Strange met with the city attorney and advised them to remove signs in front of the facilities that advised residents they could not possess a firearm there. After the removal and assurances residents’ rights to carry would not be abridged, no further action was deemed necessary by Strange. Similar steps were taken at the Daleville Cultural and Convention Center and a Decatur Utilities office. In each case, complaints were brought by private residents under a state law enforcement process which triggers a review from the attorney general.
Memorial Day weekend events happening across Alabama
On Memorial Day, May 25, Americans will honor and remember all of those who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. In recognition of the holiday’s rich history, Alabama Today put together a list of Memorial Day weekend events occurring across the state: Auburn Bluegrass On The Plains Monday, May 25 6 p.m. Price: tickets start $15 online, $20 at the gate Featuring a long list of performers, arts and crafts, horse-and-carriage rides, along with food and music vendors. For information visit: www.bluegrassontheplains.com. Birmingham Honoring Those Who Have Served Our Country Sunday, May 24 3 p.m. Price: Free The Alabama Veterans Memorial Foundation in partnership with the Vulcan District Boy Scouts will honor veterans in the annual Remembrance Ceremony. The Foundation will dedicate StepStones to more than 30 veterans, living and deceased and from many states. Come early to view the Blue Star Salute Foundation’s Memorial Exhibit, “Faces of the Price of Freedom” which shows the faces of Alabama’s fallen heroes since the Sept. 11 terrorist attack. For information visit: www.alabamaveterans.org. Decatur Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Festival Saturday, May 23 through Sunday, May 24 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Price: Free One of the largest free balloon gatherings in the Southeast, featuring more than 60 balloons, balloon races, kite flying, musical entertainment, a car show, food and a children’s area. For information visit: www.alabamajubilee.net. Gulf Shores Memorial Day Tribute Saturday, May 23 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Price: Adults $7.00, Seniors (65 and older) $5.00, Child (ages 6-12) $4.00 Historical interpreters dressed in U.S. Army uniforms from different eras of the forts’ occupation will conduct special guided tours throughout the day. For more information visit: www.fort-morgan.org. Huntsville North Alabama “Down Home” Soul & Blues Festival Saturday, May 23 to Sunday, May 24 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Price: Tickets start at $75 For information visit: here. Montevallo Alabama National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 25 9 a.m. Price: Free Memorial Day observance will include a wreath-laying presentation and cannon salute. For more information visit: www.scalnc.org. A Salute to Our Veterans Monday, May 25 10 a.m. opening; special ceremony from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Price: Free A full day of activities planned, including historical vignettes, musical salutes, re-enactments, games, ceremonies, a Gold Star Salute to the Fallen, and a wreath laying at the Veterans Shrine. For more information visit: here. Montgomery Montgomery Symphony Orchestra’s Jubilee Pops Concert Friday, May 22 7 p.m. Price: Free Pack your picnic basket and cooler and get ready to kick-off Memorial Day weekend on the lawn of the Alabama Department of Archives and History. For information visit: www.montgomerysymphony.org. Tuscaloosa Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 25 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Price: Free Presented by the Veterans Memorial Park Association at the Veterans Memorial Park. For information visit www.tuscaloosaveteranspark.org. Have an event you’d like included? Email us here.
