Local News

Civic-minded remodeling: No immediate plans for Oxford Civic Center renovations

OXFORD — Renovating Oxford's Civic Center was considered by Oxford's last City Council. But some new council members said Tuesday they could not predict when the new council would get started with plans to update the 34-year-old building.

Learning through play: Jacksonville students going to 'Kid's College'

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville's schools are getting a software upgrade thanks to a grant from the Alabama Department of Education, The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools and the software manufacturer, Learning Through Sports.

Jim Walter Homes shuts down; Oxford office to close

Home-building company Jim Walter Homes, a subsidiary of Florida-based Walter Industries, announced Tuesday it is shuttering all of its sales offices nationwide, including its Oxford branch.

National Weather Service report: Calhoun County damage not caused by tornado; no one was injured

National Weather Service officials said Tuesday's storms caused straight-line winds estimated at 85 mph that destroyed one mobile home and damaged dozens of roofs on buildings near the intersection of U.S. 78 and U.S. 431. The report affirms the damage in Calhoun County was not caused by a tornado, and that no one was injured in the storm.

Ledbetter invited on Obama Whistle Stop Tour

Jacksonville resident Lilly Ledbetter is among a group of 'everyday Americans' who have been invited to join President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden on their Whistle Stop Tour to the nation's capital the Saturday before Inauguration Day.

A new education environment: Oxford High's new Freshman Academy opens

OXFORD — Amanda Parker's eyes widened the moment she stepped into Oxford High's Freshman Academy on Wednesday. Not because of the state-of-the-art computer and science labs, the Mozart emanating from the speakers or the ample space to stroll the hallways without feeling smooshed.

Smithsonian Institute gives $10,000 grant to pair of Anniston museums

Anniston museums received a $10,000 grant from the Smithsonian Institute, Rep. Mike Rogers said Wednesday. The funding will help the Anniston Museum of Natural History and the Berman Museum host two new traveling exhibits this spring and offer Anniston students free admission, said Rogers, R-Saks.

McClellan development authority: Group gets updates on unclear issues

The McClellan Development Authority got updates Wednesday on several murky issues, including one that calls into question who owns property purchased at the former fort. One problem is whether owners have clear titles to their property, MDA members discussed at their second meeting.

Intersection at Sixth, Noble streets to be closed for months for repairs

The intersection at Sixth and Noble streets will be closed for up to three months, Anniston officials said. City Engineer Jonathan Byrd said the closure is the result of construction to repair a culvert that collapsed several years ago.

Anniston man killed in hit-and-run on Alabama 202

A 31-year old Anniston man was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver Wednesday night on Alabama 202 near Wellborn.

Some recent robbery suspects have notable criminal histories

At least three of the four suspects named in prominent robberies in recent months had significant criminal histories, at least two involving prior robberies, according to court records.