Police say trio of recent robberies possibly connected

ANNISTON - Investigations continue regarding two armed robberies occurred at ATM machines and a third at an Anniston residence between Monday and Wednesday, according to a Wednesday statement from Anniston police Sgt. Clint Parris.

According to the statement, an unidentified man followed a woman to her residence on Monday and robbed her at gunpoint. Between Tuesday and Wednesday, police began investigating two armed robberies from ATM machines. One of the ATM robberies included gunfire, according to the statement.

Police are asking anyone with information about the crimes to call the Anniston Police Department's Investigative Division at 256-240-4000.


- MDS

CALHOUN COUNTY PRIMARY RESULTS: Party-exclusive races decide two area elections, runoff expected for third

Oxford Civic Center polling location on Tuesday

More than 16,000 Calhoun County voters endured June heat, humidity and a rainy afternoon on Tuesday to go to polling places for the 2014 primary elections. Ballots were fed into new voting machines countywide where a handful of voters experienced more headaches over changes in polling places rather than a new voter ID law that went into effect this year.

Roughly a quarter of registered voters in the county took part in the party elections, with runoffs expected next month for state and local offices leading up to the November election. 

Of the 16,000 voters on Tuesday that decided the final representative for each political party in national, state and local elections, only 2,400 of them voted as a Democrat. The remaining 13,694 cast Republican primary ballots.

Some of the races were exclusive to one ticket or the other, meaning there will be no final vote for those offices in November. Tuesday's mostly party-sanctioned elections have already decided these races, including two of five county commission seats and the position of county sheriff.

Democratic runoff expected for Commission District 1 between Wilson, Montgomery

The three-way race for Calhoun County Commission District 1, which covers Anniston, Hobson City, and parts of Oxford, was exclusive to the Democratic ticket and may head to a runoff election next month. Eric W. Stringer recorded nearly 20 percent of the vote, potentially sending incumbent Fred Wilson and businessman James Montgomery, Sr. into a July 15 runoff election. Nearly 1,400 ballots were cast in that race, where Wilson was only able to secure 48 percent of voters.

Low turnout results in narrow win for Copland, will face Brown in November

An extremely tight race was the decision for a Democratic challenger to House District 40 incumbent K.L. Brown, who did not see a fellow party challenger. Only 500 or so ballots were cast in the two-way race where Ted Copland edged Lindsay Ford by only 77 votes. Securing almost 58 percent of Democrats in an Alabama House of Representatives District that covers nearly the entire county, Copland will face Brown for the seat in November.

Patterson secures win in 5-way GOP Commission District 5 race

Commission District 5 was one of two county-wide races exclusive to the GOP ballot. Five candidates brought out nearly 2,900 voters in Jacksonville, Piedmont, and other areas in northeast Calhoun County. Lee Patterson managed to secure 52 percent of the vote--or 1,500 ballots with his name specifically marked--for the local win. 

Anniston attorney Miller-Lacher unseats Circuit Judge

A third GOP-exclusive race that did not see a Democratic challenger nor Democratic voters was the vote for Circuit Judge, where Brenda Stedham fell to Peggy Miller-Lacher by more than 1,700 votes in two counties. That race, too, saw roughly 13,000 voters in Calhoun County give Miller-Lacher the roughly 5 percent of votes needed to unseat Stedham--again, numbers nearing 80 percent of Democratic and Republican voters combined.

Sheriff Amerson on his way to serve 5th term

Another county-wide GOP race included the early win for the Democrat-turned-Republican Sheriff Larry Amerson, who was first elected back in 1994. Nearly 8,500 votes in a race were more than enough for Amerson to cruise to an early victory over Heflin police officer Ross McGlaughn. More than 13,000 people turned out for that single primary race--equivalent in numbers to 82 percent of Democratic and Republican voters combined that went to the polls on Tuesday. Democrat Thomas Long will challenge Amerson in November.

Some statewide runoff elections will occur on the GOP ticket next month, including Public Service Commission Place 2 between Chris "Chip" Beeker, Jr. and Terry Dunn, and State Auditor between Jim Zeigler and Dale Peterson.

-MDS

The Sugar Daddy Scholarship

An interesting press release came across my desk this morning. The website SeekingArrangement.com touts itself as "the world's largest Sugar Daddy dating site" and has released its annual list of the top 20 Fastest Growing Sugar Baby Schools.

According to the release, 42 percent of the website's members are college students. The website says that the popularity of the "sugar" lifestyle is growing and students using the site receive an average of $3,000 per month in allowances and gifts from these sugar daddies. The website's founder, Brandon Wade, says "why hope for financial aid when you can guarantee it with a Sugar Daddy?"

At the top of the top 20 Fastest Growing Sugar Baby Schools list is the University of Central Florida, where 474 students signed up for the SeekingArrangement.com website in 2013. Other schools on the top 20 list include Arizona State University (#2 on the list) and the University of Southern California (#8 on the list). Six of the 20 schools are located in the South; three are in Florida (UCF, FIU, USF), two in Georgia (GSU and UGA) and one in Louisiana (LSU).

The University of Alabama, whose Board of Trustees this summer approved tuition hikes for all three campuses across the state, did not make the top 20 list -- barely. The 97 University of Alabama students that signed up for SeekingArrangement.com in 2013 put their school at number 23 on the list.

College isn't cheap. A single, full-time semester at UA can cost over $12,000. A CNNMoney report from 2012 indicates that tuition at private, nonprofit, four-year colleges has jumped 60 percent in the decade prior; tuition at public colleges more than doubled during the same time.

The most obvious point of contention lies in the types of relationships these students might have to shape with an opulent partner. One side of an online discussion this morning likened these arrangements to prostitution. Another side said that mutually beneficial relationships are a personal choice and that any sort of social stigma could be eliminated if society could "mind it's [sic] own business."

But how would those social stigmas change when the gender roles are reversed? Does society collectively cringe when a young woman engages in a "mutually beneficial relationship" with an older man with money, but not give a second thought to a young man engaging in a similar relationship with an older woman with money?

What about the perception of people with money being able to essentially "purchase" their status? Is a wealthy man in his 50s forming a relationship with a woman in her teens a sign of benevolence, or a sociopathic disorder?

The most important part of this conversation, in my opinion, should focus on just how difficult it is to become successful in the U.S. Education is out of reach for a growing number of Americans. Parents and students alike are trying to figure out how to afford college -- and everything else promised to us by the American Dream. The expectation that hard work will make a person successful is a farce in the 21st century.

Elbow grease and all-night study sessions don't cover the cost of admission into the hallowed halls of success anymore. Proof of that can be found on the press release on my desk this morning:

"One Million Students Seek Sugar Daddies in 2013"

What will society look like in 20 years after those million sugar babies are out of college and walking those halls of success?

What will society look like in 20 years after the rest of us who couldn't graduate college or land a wealthy benefactor are relegated to second-class citizen?

My guess: not much will change.

Clockwise from top left: John Ensign, Tim Mahoney, John Edwards, Chris Lee, Anthony Weiner, David Petraeus. All men were found to have had relationships with women to which they were not married. (Photos are public domain)

- MDS

Logging a Model City Winter: January 6, 2014

The following is a collection of a day's worth of broadcast news copy with a personal forward.

January 6, 2014 - 12:18 a.m.

[NOTES] As traffic lights downtown switched to two-way flashing stops and residents of the Model City prepared for a new work week on Sunday night, a mass of cold air continued its push through the United States. By 11 p.m., the cold air has already affected millions of people across the North and Midwest and prompted all schools in Calhoun County to delay classes by two hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 

It came in as bells from the courthouse tolled in the distance; a burning wind caused sharp ripples in the puddles in the street. A steady wind sent a cold mist whipping around WDNG Broadcasting Central and continues to shake the front door a full 15 minutes later. 

The current conditions are not necessarily out of the ordinary; temperatures are currently 40 degrees at the Anniston Municipal Airport. Temperatures appear normal compared for the average low for January, but temperatures further northwest show the nature of what is in store for Calhoun County. Areas surrounding Gadsden are currently around the freezing mark, while temperatures in north Alabama are already in the mid-20s. 

Temperatures are expected to dip into the 20s around the Model City by Monday, and blustery winds have prompted a Wind Chill Advisory from the National Weather Service until noon on Tuesday. A Hard Freeze Warning will be in effect for Calhoun County until 8 a.m. Wednesday morning. 

Students and staff of the Calhoun County School System along with schools in Anniston, Jacksonville, Oxford, Piedmont and surrounding counties have planned to delay the start of school days by at least two hours Monday through Wednesday. 

With the risk of freezing roads in higher elevations, this reporter has taken refuge inside the newsroom. As midnight nears and Monday looms, I will sign off until Monday morning at 7 a.m. to begin regular news updates every 30 minutes -- live if warranted and possible. Until then, keep your head up (and your neck warm). 

- MDS

7 o'clock broadcast

[WDNG] - Cold weather pushing across the state has prompted delays for some Calhoun County schools. Bitterly cold temperatures moved into the area late Sunday night, which sent temperatures diving below the freezing mark shortly before midnight. By 6 a.m. Monday morning, conditions at the Anniston Municipal Airport saw temperatures in the mid-20s with a wind chill of 14 degrees.  

The National Weather Service issued a Wind Chill Warning for Calhoun County until noon on Tuesday and a Hard Freeze Warning until Wednesday morning. As a result, students and staff of all schools in Calhoun County have been delayed by two hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  

Information from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office indicates that the Calhoun County Administration Building will not open until 10 a.m. and residents scheduled for jury duty on Monday are to report two hours later than originally planned.  

Oxford police chief Bill Partridge tweeted early Monday morning that city streets were open and passable as of 4 a.m. but adds spots of nearly invisible black ice are possible in untraveled areas. 

-MDS

8 o'clock broadcast

[WDNG] - Warming stations are being opened up across the Model City to help the less fortunate deal with brutally cold temperatures. Cold temperatures moved into the area late Sunday night and sent thermometer reading diving below the freezing mark shortly before midnight.  

By 7 a.m. Monday morning, conditions at the Anniston Municipal Airport saw temperatures in the mid-20s with a wind chill of 14 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Warning for Calhoun County until noon on Tuesday and a Hard Freeze Warning until Wednesday morning.  

Anniston City Council member Seyram Selase said on Twitter Monday morning that the cold weather has prompted warming stations to open at the Salvation Army on Noble St. and the Carver Community Center on W. 14th Street. Schools and offices across the county have also delayed opening on Monday.  

Law enforcement officials have said there are no major problems on main roadways in the area but warn that black ice can still be a threat on roads that are less frequently traveled.
-MDS

9 o'clock broadcast

[WDNG] - Calhoun County residents are waking up Monday morning to cold weather and light snow as a polar vortex pushes into the deep South. Temperatures across Calhoun County dropped below freezing Sunday night and remained in the low 20s by 9 a.m. Monday morning. Reports of light snow have been reported on Monday morning in parts of the Model City as well as flurries in Coldwater, Gadsden, Jacksonville and Heflin.   

Anniston city officials announced warming stations will be available for those in need at the Salvation Army on Noble Street and the Carver Community Center on W. 14th St. The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Warning for Calhoun County until noon on Tuesday and a Hard Freeze Warning until Wednesday morning. 

All schools in Calhoun County have delayed the start of classes by two hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. High temperatures in Anniston are not expected to go higher than 24 degrees and low temperatures on Monday night are expected to fall into single digits.  

Law enforcement across the county say there are no widespread problems with ice on major roadways but several reports indicate rural and less traveled roads in Calhoun and Talladega counties do have patches of black ice. 

Police in Weaver warn residents that officers in that city will be patrolling during the cold weather to ensure pets have proper shelter. Weaver police Lt. Charles Plitt says that pet owners neglecting animals kept outside will be charged with animal cruelty.

2 o'clock report

[WDNG] - Anniston residents without adequate shelter during this week’s cold weather will get a little help from two warming stations set up in the Model City. The Salvation Army and the City of Anniston are each providing warming stations to needy residents who may otherwise be unable to protect themselves from frigid arctic air that moved into the area on Sunday night.  

Salvation Army Capt. Bert Lind says up to 150 people will be able to use the organization’s facilities on the 400 block of Noble St. between Monday and Thursday evening. He said beds and cots will be available and that snacks and meals will also be provided.  

The Salvation Army warming station will be open 24 hours a day and Lind asks that only those people that have no other option to protect themselves from the dangerously cold weather utilize the facility.  

The Carver Community Center on W. 14th St. will open their doors at 1 p.m. beginning on Monday. Center program director Angie Shockley says City Manager Brian Johnson and Mayor Vaughn Stewart on Sunday made the decision to open the city-owned center because of available shower facilities. Shockley says the Carver Center has room for about 30 people and will be open 24 hours a day until Wednesday.  

Residents taking shelter at Carver Community Center are being asked to take any toiletry items they will need, and Shockley says pets, drugs, or alcohol will not be allowed. She says residents needing a warm place to stay for the night must be signed in by 10:30 p.m. and lights out will be at 11 p.m. 

An Anniston police officer will also be at the Carver Center from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. each night, according to Shockley. She says donations are not needed at the Carver Center at this time. Capt. Lind with the Salvation Army says that, while donations will not be turned away, anyone wanting to support the shelter can give monetary donations.

A Retrospective in Time of Controversy

So...yeah. Sorry I haven't posted much to this blog. But in times of duress, I typically open up a post on this blog and just sorta write. This'll probably end up going public...

I'm writing this letter to all of my friends, family, acquaintances, or anybody else that has helped or continues to support the efforts I've made in the past few years. I'm not asking for a million shares or likes on Facebook or Twitter. I'm simply defending the decisions I've made and the people I'm stuck with as a result of those decisions.

I've officially been employed at WDNG for six months. About three years ago I set a personal goal to become a "working journalist" and write about current events for a living.

I didn't start this career in a traditional fashion, mind you. No college-level communications courses. No internship with established journalists. I worked in an electronics manufacturing warehouse for years before getting my size 15 foot jammed in the proverbial door.

The decision to join the ranks of other forgotten alcoholics in the news industry did not come overnight. When I wasn't working at the warehouse, I was normally found with a newspaper or television in front of me. When I was working at the warehouse, I was often found with some form of talk-radio in the background.

Conservative or liberal. Commercial or non-profit. Status-quo or conspiracy theories. It angered me. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me lose faith in humanity from time to time. It mostly entertained and kinda informed.

I put entertain before informs for a reason. Why? Because it is talk-radio.

Listening to talk-radio will keep you informed about a tiny hint of public sentiment and can put all sides of a conversation on an equal level. Along with that, listening to talk-radio in Anniston (I hope) keeps you informed of events that may not be getting coverage elsewhere.

But it is only a single source of local, state, national and world news. Exclusively listening to talk-radio for news and information is a terrible idea. I say that as the news writer for a talk-radio station.

Talk-radio, especially call-in shows, are not news programs. The format of the Sean Hannity Show (Weekdays at 2 p.m. on WDNG-AM 1450) is in the same category as the format of The Big Show w/ Joseph Anthony (Mon - Thur from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on WDNG-AM 1450).

But Mike, how can you put Joe in the same column as Hannity?

I don't. I put the format in the same column.

But the content is completely different between the two programs. Sure, both shows make room for civic leaders, elected officials, business folks, or the dude flipping your burger. Hannity delivers national and international talking points in a well produced show with writers, directors, engineers, interns, and call screeners. Anthony flies solo and still provides hyper-local listeners a platform to talk about anything within reason.

I use the term "reason" loosely, but then again my standards are weird.

Local shows aren't heavily pre-produced by a suit in a office or underwritten by an advertiser with an agenda. Local shows are sponsored by local people, produced by local personalities and facilitated by a local business owner. The public conversations enabled are directly from the peoples' mouths. No keyboard warriors or other, more anonymous entities--possibly having nothing to do with local events--contributing to a hyper-local conversation.

The keyword is "local."

This rant comes a day after criticism thrown in the direction of the radio station which I proudly declare as my day job. Joseph goes over the top to respect the privacy of people when he's on the air. I, on my personal blog, don't give a flying duck about reposting stuff that's already on teh interwebz.

Thank you, digital age.


In an internet post on Monday, an Anniston resident and retired police officer started an online campaign to get others to boycott WDNG and its advertisers. The reason for the boycott is due to his anger that The Big Show "reportedly provide a platform for the irresponsible slandering of an honorable public servant" and the "show's host also reportedly participates in the accusations."

I'm a news writer that uses the word "reportedly" if I didn't directly see something.

I'm also a writer that copied the quote verbatim.

Anywho...

The conversation raged online and was shared more than 100 times! (I exclaim with fervor because that just means more people might start listening) It put some of the other staff here in a flurry by Tuesday morning and it sounds like a small number of advertisers have noticed this blip on their radars. In just a few hours, the Buckalew campaign was apparently able to "make sure that WDNG's sponsors know that they're providing a forum for people to make FALSE attacks against a good & decent public servant."

But what Buckalew forgot to mention was the fact that WDNG does more than that. WDNG also provides a forum for people to set the record straight. WDNG provides businesses with the only news-talk radio station for advertising. WDNG provides listeners with international, national, and local headlines every hour.

But the real kicker for me, personally?

WDNG continues to give me the opportunity to live the dream I had three years ago.
WDNG provides alternative coverage of community events.
WDNG facilitates the conversations that some people don't want to hear.

We're a pretty small group here at this tiny little AM radio station, but the political views and opinions vary greatly between listeners, staff, management, and advertisers.

Because we're human. Just like you.

I've been coming to work for the past six months and (for the most part) am pretty stoked every morning I walk up the stairs, sit down at my desk and start freaking out about the long list of things to do on painfully short deadlines.

It's what I signed up for. It's what I hope to do for the rest of my life. Call me a masochist, but I love the whole job...including public criticism.

So, now to get down to the brass tacks: do you like WDNG? Do you like knowing there is a phone line open for four hours each morning that will let you blast your frustrations across the entire county? Do you just think it's kind of cool that a radio station gave someone with no professional training a chance?

If you answered "yes" (or even "meh") to any of those questions, I humbly ask for your support.

Local businesses like Furniture Outlet, Oxford Carpet Coldwater, Marie's Pool Store, Mike's Treasure Chest and others advertise on WDNG because people engaged with current events at any level are more aware of advertisers. It makes sense for business to have that type of exposure whether it is a slow news day or Day 3 of WDNG SlanderGate.

So if you can appreciate what we do everyday, call one of our advertisers and let 'em know that you listen. Even better (although not required), visit one of our sponsors and take a look around. Maybe you'll buy something, maybe you won't. But you'll feel better knowing you're actively taking part in a cause that looks to keep providing a platform to people around you.

-MDS

Mayor Berry seeks third term to continue economic growth, work with Cleburne County

By: M. Dean Smith

From the Mayor's office at Heflin City Hall on July 17, Anna Berry explained what her administration has done over the past eight years and addressed statements made by mayoral candidates. Berry is seeking a third term as mayor and said she has “tried to think about what is in the best interest for the city” during her time in office.

The mayor's office provided the six-page document City of Heflin, Alabama 5-Year Strategic Plan 2011-2015 which outlines six separate areas for city growth. It is the second Strategic Plan Mayor Berry has used for the City and lists more than 30 individual contributors from Cleburne County. Sponsored by The Economic and Community Development Department of Alabama Power Company, the Strategic Plan documents economic and community development along with education, leadership, healthcare, and cultural enhancements, and provides goals and time-tables for completion.

Mayor Berry said she took an “economic development intensive course” at Auburn University. “It is surprising what economic development really is,” she said about the nuances of attracting businesses to Heflin. Along with providing property to new or expanding companies, she said a well-trained workforce, proper utilities, and a “vibrant looking town” are equally important factors.

Along with traditional ideas for city growth, Berry said groups like the City Beautification Committee and the Heflin Arts Council are often overlooked but still vital components to economic development and town identity. “If the children of their [potential business] employees don't have access to things like ballet or musical programs,” she said “those quality of life things matter whether this town is chosen or another town.”

The industrial park near Exit 205 on Interstate 20, owned and managed by the City of Heflin since April 2008 after the joint City/County ownership was dissolved, remains unoccupied. With recent water and sewage systems installed on the site, Mayor Berry said “we have the infrastructure there,” but “a lot of cut and fill” is necessary to have the park ready. She estimated three companies have visited Heflin but did not select the city due to the underdevelopment.

“We are in the process of getting the park developed,” Berry said. She commented on the recent bulldozer acquisition from a military surplus inventory in New Jersey. “It's expensive to move dirt,” she said, but the city has the people to use equipment to work at the industrial park. “Now that we have the equipment,” she said “we can just buy fuel and begin that process.”

Looking at the August 28 municipal election, Berry hopes to continue her work and said she is proud of the Strategic Plan. A City Election Fact Check sent by City Hall  to In The Field says that “the city is not aware of any incident” where the two governments could not work together. She also said Emmett Owen, the County Commissioner for the City of Heflin, works on a regular basis with city government.

Ex-Officio Chairman of the Cleburne County Commission Judge Ryan Robertson said the working relationship between the City and County is good. He said in a July 9 interview “we handle our business and they handle theirs.”

-MDS

Candidate for Heflin mayor Rooks hosts Independence Day “block party”

NOTE: Originally submitted for publication July 7, 2012

In a front yard scattered with tents, tables, and several Heflin families, Rudy Rooks hosted a July 4 "block party" at his home on Wednesday. As a candidate for Heflin mayor, Rooks and his family held the Independence Day event to allow members in the community to meet one another and "to just have a big party."

Over 20 party-goers were offered refreshments in the July heat and many were seen in red, white, and blue "Rudy" campaign shirts available from a tent in the driveway. Also available with promotional material was voter registration information. The atmosphere was festive with over a dozen children on playground equipment and an inflatable moon bounce, but conversations about the August 28 municipal elections were less than lighthearted.

"We need to get rid of the mayor we've got now," said attorney John Casey of Heflin. Casey feels communication between city and county governments has deteriorated over the past few years. After supporting current mayor Anna Berry in previous elections he now stands behind Rooks.

Pat Skinner, Cleburne County Courthouse employee and treasurer for the Heflin Arts Council, also supported the current administration for two terms but said "gradually things started deteriorating" between the city and county during the past four years. Skinner said the firings of former Heflin Police Chief Ty Payne and former city attorney Patrick Casey ultimately caused her to no longer support Berry.

Rooks said a “wedge” does exist between the city and county government due to “egos” from both. Along with bringing the two local governments closer together, he also hopes to see more involvement from community members. While describing his bid for election during local political strife, he added “I don't want to build myself up by tearing somebody else down.”

When asked about the city's recent financial audit described as “in good shape” by CPA John DeLoach on June 11, Rooks said “we are $6.3 million in debt and that is a lot of debt.” He explained his knowledge of city finances as a former fire chief and said the most recent assessment of city finances are “smoke and mirrors.”

"I realized several years ago that I'm a servant leader," said Rooks. He said a total of 16 years have been spent in local public service jobs which include his current position as Cleburne County Coroner. “I don't have any experience as a mayor,” Rooks admitted “but I have experience with how a city is supposed to work.”

-MDS