Tuscaloosa Business News for 2010-11

Tuscaloosa Business News

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House Democrats choose Craig Ford as leader - Democrats in the Alabama House have chosen Rep. Craig Ford of Gadsden as their minority party leader. 9958	November 30th, 2010
Video shows woman stealing wreaths from church - The congregation of Taylorville Baptist Church hopes that a video of a Grinch will lead to the recovery of stolen Christmas decorations. 9957	November 30th, 2010
Cold front brings tornado warnings, heavy rain - West Alabamians awoke this morning to tornado watches and warnings as a cold front, that also brought torrential rain, passed through the state. 9956	November 30th, 2010
AROUND TOWN: Nov. 30 - 9955	November 30th, 2010
Art exhibit for charity at Kentuck Thursday - An art exhibit benefiting Hope for Haiti, a non-profit organization that provides safe drinking water to Haitians, will be on display at Kentuck’s Art Night on Thursday. 9954	November 30th, 2010
Shot fired during attempted robbery in Holt - A shot was fired early Sunday morning during an attempted robbery in Holt. No one was injured. 9953	November 30th, 2010
Four teens arrested for pizza delivery robbery - Investigators arrested four teenagers who they say robbed a pizza delivery driver Friday night. 9952	November 30th, 2010
U.S. says leaks a crime, threatens prosecution - Striking back, the Obama administration branded the WikiLeaks release of more than a quarter-million sensitive files an attack on the United States Monday and raised the prospect of criminal prosecutions in connection with the exposure. 9951	November 30th, 2010
State Democratic caucus meets today - Democratic House members are to meet today to change their caucus charter to reflect their new minority status in the Legislature. 9950	November 30th, 2010
Developer sues over water service - A developer who wants to build a low-income apartment complex in Northport has filed a federal lawsuit against Northport and Sand Springs Water Authority claiming housing discrimination. 9949	November 30th, 2010
Board seeks input on school calendars - Three 2011-12 school calendar options were presented to the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education on Monday at a called board meeting. 9948	November 30th, 2010
Forum examines public signs of racism - Signs of racism are everywhere, but they may be so subtle or ingrained in society that most people don’t notice, said participants in a forum on race relations in Tuscaloosa Monday night. 9947	November 30th, 2010
Local man given states top builder award - Lynn Corder started out as a carpenter and once had his own trim business. But when a friend suggested he build houses, he decided to give it a try. 9946	November 30th, 2010
Four rapes reported over the weekend - Four rapes were reported in West Alabama over the weekend, including one in which a woman told authorities her attacker pretended to be a law enforcement officer. 9945	November 30th, 2010
The future of automobiles looks bright and fast - Students at Shelton State Community College’s main campus Monday got a bright red look into what many consider the future of automobiles. 9944	November 30th, 2010
UA staffer fired for pregame songs - The University of Alabama terminated an employee Monday who played unauthorized music over the Bryant-Denny Stadium public address system prior to Friday’s football game against Auburn. 9943	November 30th, 2010
Alabama staffer terminated over Iron Bowl song choice - The University of Alabama terminated an employee Monday who played unauthorized music over the Bryant-Denny Stadium public address system prior to Friday's Iron Bowl. 9942	November 29th, 2010
Developer suing Northport, Sand Springs Water Authority - A developer who wants to build a low-income apartment complex in Northport has filed a federal lawsuit against Northport and Sand Springs Water Authority claiming housing discrimination. 9941	November 29th, 2010
Alabama racquetball player shines on national stage - UA racquetball player Sharon Jackson holds dozens of titles, and yet she wonders how good she could be if only there were more hours in a day. 9940	November 29th, 2010
Roy Johnson to keep $132,000 pension in prison - Alabama's former two-year college chancellor, Roy Johnson, will be drawing a state pension while serving 6½ years in federal prison for job-related corruption. 9939	November 29th, 2010
AROUND TOWN: Nov. 29 - 9938	November 29th, 2010
U.S., S. Korea set up for war games near N. Korea - A U.S. supercarrier and South Korean destroyer took up position in the tense Yellow Sea on Sunday for joint military exercises that were a united show of force days after a deadly North Korean artillery attack. 9937	November 29th, 2010
50 years since the 60s: How will the decade be remembered? - His overalls are weathered. His white beard is grown out to aging-hippie perfection. The tattoos on his arms tell the story of a moment from the summer of 1969 that has passed into legend. 9936	November 29th, 2010
Leaked U.S. info uncloaks diplomacy - A cache of a quarter-million confidential U.S. diplomatic cables, most of them from the past three years, provides an unprecedented look at backroom bargaining by embassies around the world, brutally candid views of foreign leaders and frank assessments of nuclear and terrorist threats. 9935	November 29th, 2010
Employer health plans may be targeted - Job-based health care benefits could wind up on the chopping block if President Barack Obama and congressional Republicans get serious about cutting the deficit. 9934	November 29th, 2010
Gov.-elects wife Dianne Bentley looks back at campaign - The woman who drove Robert Bentley from one campaign stop to another during the race for governor wasn’t a paid campaign staffer. It was his wife — because the long-shot candidate couldn’t afford a driver. 9933	November 29th, 2010
Earmarks ban could affect UA funding - A agreement by Congressional Republican members to stop earmarking federal money for projects could mean a loss of potential funding for the University of Alabama, but shouldn’t affect the activities on campus, UA’s head of research said. 9932	November 29th, 2010
2011 may bring changes to state benefits - In the pay and benefit arena, actuaries rule, and right now the numbers for Alabama taxpayers, teachers, and state and local employees do not look good. 9931	November 29th, 2010
Advent season kicks off - Christ Episcopal Church offered an annual service Sunday night, called Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. 9930	November 29th, 2010
Amphitheater construction to be completed this week - The lights are on, the toilets flushing, the tiles laid. The roofing shines copper, the dark-green seating matches the shrubbery planted around its verges, and little remains. 9929	November 29th, 2010
AROUND TOWN: Nov. 28 - 9928	November 28th, 2010
Nominations sought for community honor - The Community Foundation of West Alabama is seeking nominations for the 2011 Pillars of West Alabama, which honors those whose impact and influence have made a significant difference in the quality of life in West Alabama. 9927	November 28th, 2010
Teens bomb plot foiled after extensive undercover operation - A Somali-born teenager attempting to detonate what he believed was a car bomb at a packed Christmas tree-lighting ceremony in downtown Portland, Ore., was arrested by authorities Friday night. 9926	November 28th, 2010
Military searching for ways to replace man with machines - War would be a lot safer, the Army says, if only more of it were fought by robots. 9925	November 28th, 2010
Are Common Core Standards a federal power grab? - On Nov. 18, the Alabama Board of Education agreed to adopt Common Core Standards, a new set of K-12 academic standards for English and math students. 9924	November 28th, 2010
Eagles Wings still in running for national $250,000 grant - Eagles’ Wings isn’t a large or well-known national organization. It’s a small nonprofit founded five years ago by a mother and father whose grown son has disabilities associated with a rare medical condition. 9923	November 28th, 2010
Love of scrap metal changes direction of womans life - Sunny Black planned to be a teacher. She finished her degree at Samford University and was ready to continue her education. That was until she fell in love with metal. 9922	November 28th, 2010
Girl Scouts expand into public housing - When Girl Scout cookie season begins with the New Year, there will be many excited new faces participating in the annual tradition. 9921	November 28th, 2010
Blue Cross wont change rate hike plan - Blue Cross’ decision to increase payments by up to 580 percent on a health care plan for some seniors and disabled residents in Tuscaloosa and Hale counties will not change. 9920	November 28th, 2010
Organizers hope rib-eating contest becomes annual event - The sweet smell of barbecue and the smooth sounds of Motown filled the air around McFarland Mall on Saturday during for the first Mouth of the South Rib-off. 9919	November 28th, 2010
WWII pilot earns commercial pilot's license - Mary Helen Foster has had a busy year. In March, she received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award Congress can present to a civilian. 9918	November 28th, 2010
Around town 11/27 - 9917	November 27th, 2010
UAH facing fine over environmental violations - The University of Alabama in Huntsville is facing a fine of almost $30,000, imposed by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management after an audit. 9916	November 27th, 2010
2 arrested in Valley woman's death - Valley police say two people are under arrest in connection with the death of a woman found in her gas-filled home. 9915	November 27th, 2010
Ala. lawmaker supports Tennessee Valley Caucus - Outgoing state Rep. Jeff McLaughlin says it’s important to keep the bipartisan Tennessee Valley Caucus. 9914	November 27th, 2010
Fairhope gave state senators company BP money - A state senator whose tractor company helps the city with emergency response work said there was nothing wrong with his business receiving more than half of the $1.15 million in BP grant money that went to the coastal town after the Gulf oil spill. 9913	November 27th, 2010
Local baker to compete on TV - Cake designers from across the country will meet in Denver next month to showcase their abilities on the nationally televised Food Network Cake Challenge. One of the competitors will be a local designer, Sarah Hardin, of the Northport-based It Takes the Cake Bakery and Catering. The show will air early next year. 9912	November 27th, 2010
City weighs hiring from Teach for America - The Tuscaloosa City Board of Education is considering hiring teachers with the Teach For America program, the two-decade-old national nonprofit that places college-educated professionals in classrooms at struggling schools in high-poverty areas. 9911	November 27th, 2010
Thousands line up at retailers around the area - Neither rain nor cold nor drizzle could keep the masses from seeking the bounties of Black Friday. Throngs lined up in the predawn hours Friday outside the city's largest retail shopping sites, eager to snatch up the once-a-year bargains. Others waited until the last minute in the warmth and comfort of their vehicles before bolting through the raindrops toward the doors. 9910	November 27th, 2010
Backlash feared as GOP pushes social issues - TOPEKA, Kan. \| Although fixing the economy is the top priority, Republicans who won greater control of state governments in this month’s election are considering how to pursue action on a range of social issues, including abortion, gun rights and even divorce laws. 9909	November 27th, 2010
Students find spirituality at college - Sandwiched between a time of squirming under parental control and the tethers of a career, college often means freedom for young people to begin a search for who they are and what they believe. 9908	November 27th, 2010
High-stakes game brings different mood to the Quad - Maybe it was the weather — dark skies, biting cold and an occasional strong breeze. Or maybe it was the fact that Auburn fans were tired of hearing about the latest Alabama national championship, while Tide fans were ready for Auburn's meteoric return to relevance to come to an end. 9907	November 27th, 2010
Unemployment claims remain lower in state - Experts say new figures for unemployment claims show an improving jobs picture in Alabama. 9906	November 26th, 2010
S.Korean defense chief quits after attack - South Korea’s president ordered more troops to a front-line island and dumped his defense minister as the country grappled with lapses in its response to a deadly North Korean artillery strike. 9905	November 26th, 2010
Women - Enjoy an evening of pampering, shopping, chocolate and more Thursday at the fifth annual Sweet Escape. 9904	November 26th, 2010
Bedford elected minority leader in state Senate - Veteran Alabama state Sen. Roger Bedford of Russellville has been elected minority leader in the Alabama Senate. 9903	November 26th, 2010
Ron Sparks looks back at loss, toward future - The walls in the state agriculture commissioner’s office are bare. Outgoing Commissioner Ron Sparks has stacked eight years worth of photos, plaques and mementos into several boxes sitting in a corner. 9902	November 26th, 2010
12 holiday money mistakes to avoid - If you’re not careful, you can end up taking a year to pay for all the spending. More than 13 million shoppers are still paying off last year’s holiday debts, according to Consumer Reports. 9901	November 26th, 2010
faces trial in Alabama - A Hoover man who served prison time in Australia for his wife’s drowning death during their honeymoon returned Thursday to the U.S., where he faces murder charges that could carry a much stiffer punishment. 9900	November 26th, 2010
Prices on LCD TVs falling fast - If you’re in the market for a new flat-panel TV, it’s a good time to buy. TV prices usually drop from year to year, and the decline will be sharp this season thanks to a supply glut. 9899	November 26th, 2010
Group repurposes campaign signs - Although mid-term elections ended more than three weeks ago, various candidates’ campaign signs still remain on street corners and roadways across the state. 9898	November 26th, 2010
Homegrown Christmas trees in short supply this year - Now, the number of local Christmas tree farms has dwindled to two. And one of the two suffered a disaster with his trees this year. That will make homegrown trees in short supply this year. 9897	November 26th, 2010
City presses on with school realignment - Though it has yet to be approved by Board of Education, the Tuscaloosa City School System is moving forward with its plan to change Central Primary, Oakdale Primary and Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary schools into kindergarten through fifth grade schools. 9896	November 26th, 2010
Free feasts help feed the area's less fortunate - In addition to the old standbys serving free lunches on Thanksgiving Day, upscale Greensboro Avenue restaurant Chuck's Fish swung its doors open as a benefit for Project Blessings. 9895	November 26th, 2010
Tech gifts likely to rule holiday season - We've taken the top categories of gadgets and electronics and highlighted the best products in each, taking price, performance and, perhaps most important of all, cool points into consideration. 9894	November 25th, 2010
Open houses set at historic buildings - The Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society will host holiday open houses at the Old Tavern, the Battle-Friedman House and the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 5. 9893	November 25th, 2010
Public forum to focus on signs of racism - The Tuscaloosa Race Relations Forum will host a public session to discuss public signs of racism in Tuscaloosa at 6 p.m. Monday at Alberta Elementary School’s multipurpose room, 2700 University Blvd. E. 9892	November 25th, 2010
Man, 26, charged with sexual assault - Investigators have charged a man with sexually assaulting an acquaintance Monday night. Hunter Grissom, 26, was charged Tuesday with first-degree rape, sodomy and unlawful imprisonment. 9891	November 25th, 2010
Thanksgiving schedule - Extra garbage dropoffs at these locations on Saturday: Verner Elementary School; Oakdale Elementary School; Skyland Elementary School; Paul W. Bryant High School; Alberta Elementary School; Westlawn Middle School; McAbee Activity Center (beside the Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center); City of Tuscaloosa Fire and Logistics Center (in front of Bruno’s on McFarland Boulevard.). 9890	November 25th, 2010
Police honor man with Chief's Award' - A man who helped Tuscaloosa police stop a fleeing robbery suspect was recognized by the department's chief on Wednesday. 9889	November 25th, 2010
Annual ballet unites parents and children - Images from “The Nutcracker” that linger tend to be of hordes of tiny girls swarming, rat-headed sword fights, achingly graceful pas de deux and sugar plums dancing.Sugar Plum Fairy dancing, really. 9888	November 25th, 2010
Airport protests never really take off - For days, activists had waged a loosely organized campaign on the Internet to encourage airline passengers to refuse full-body scans and insist on a pat-down in what was dubbed National Opt-Out Day. But as of Wednesday afternoon, the cascading delays and monumental lines that many feared would result had not materialized. 9887	November 25th, 2010
Shoppers ready to pounce on sales - Black Friday has historically been the day merchants started marking their ledger books in black ink instead of red. But to Christy Heaps of Tuscaloosa, Black Friday might have a more literal meaning. It is the one day during the year when it will actually be black outside when she starts her shopping and will be black again when she finally finishes and returns home in time for supper. 9886	November 25th, 2010
N. Korean shelling killed 4, gutted homes in S. Korea - As they left behind gutted homes, scorched trees and rubble-strewn streets, residents of the tiny South Korean island shelled by North Korea told harrowing tales Wednesday of fiery destruction and narrow escapes. Ann Ahe-ja, one of hundreds of exhausted evacuees from Yeonpyeong island arriving in the port of Incheon on a rescue ship, said Tuesday's artillery barrage that killed four people — two of them civilians — had caught her by surprise. 9885	November 25th, 2010
Northport to hold holiday luncheon today - A Thanksgiving luncheon for the Northport community will be held today at the Robert Hasson Community Center, 1513 12th St., from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 9884	November 25th, 2010
Holiday shoppers cautious with credit - As the holiday shopping frenzy hits a fever pitch this weekend, a new Associated Press-GfK poll finds consumers planning to be more cautious when paying with plastic this year. 9883	November 25th, 2010
UA athelete free of cancer - It's been a hectic year for the Kindreds — Bryan (dad), Claire (mom), David (son) and Anne Elise (daughter). David, a senior on the University of Alabama baseball team, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in May — four years after Claire battled breast cancer — as the Crimson Tide was bashing its way through the Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament in Hoover. 9882	November 25th, 2010
Iron Bowl features rare matchup of top 10 teams - Even before the Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers kick off on Friday, the game has become one of the biggest, most meaningful in the series, since the two have rarely met while both are so highly ranked in the polls. Auburn University enters the game ranked second in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, while the University of Alabama is ninth. Even for the two of the biggest programs in college football, this game stands out. 9881	November 25th, 2010
Bedford elected minority leader in Alabama Senate - Veteran Alabama state Sen. Roger Bedford of Russellville has been elected minority leader in the Alabama Senate. The 54-year-old Bedford was elected Tuesday night during a meeting of Democratic state senators in Montgomery. 9880	November 24th, 2010
TCD's 'Nutcracker' features father, daughter pairings - Images from “The Nutcracker” that linger tend to be of hordes of tiny girls swarming, rat-headed sword fights, achingly graceful pas de deux, and sugar plums dancing. Sugar Plum Fairy dancing, really. 9879	November 24th, 2010
AROUND TOWN: Nov. 24 - 9878	November 24th, 2010
Program to buy flooded homes adopted - With a 6-1 vote, the City Council on Tuesday adopted a program to purchase three houses in areas that routinely suffer from floods. 9877	November 24th, 2010
Tensions stay high after North, South Korea trade blows - North and South Korea exchanged artillery fire along their disputed frontier, raising tensions between the rivals to their highest level in more than a decade. 9876	November 24th, 2010
Flight attendants can now skip scanners - Flights attendants are joining pilots in skipping the new enhanced security procedures at airports. 9875	November 24th, 2010
TSA workers facing tough job due to new rules - They’ve been called molesters, threatened with violence and ordered not to touch “my junk.” 9874	November 24th, 2010
Rib-eating contest scheduled Saturday - The Mouth of the South Rib-off, a rib-eating contest sponsored by Lewis’ Heavenly Q, will be held Saturday in the McFarland Mall parking lot. The entry fee is $25 and the competitor who eats the most ribs will win $250. 9873	November 24th, 2010
City OKs change in EMS service - As expected, the City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution that will move Tuscaloosa toward a single ambulance provider beginning next year. 9872	November 24th, 2010
Famous names included in write-in votes - University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban excels at a few things. Winning football games. Recruiting the nation’s top football players. Playing himself in movies and ESPN commercials. 9871	November 24th, 2010
Bedbugs begin popping up in Tuscaloosa - Alexis White had heard about outbreaks of bedbugs in other parts of the country — infestations so bad they closed down offices, hotels and movie theaters. 9870	November 24th, 2010
Auburn wins food drive battle - While Tigers fans hope to see their team end the Crimson Tide's two-win streak in the Iron Bowl on Friday, Auburn has already ended an Alabama winning streak in a competition with more far-reaching effects. 9869	November 24th, 2010
Holiday travelers in for rough ride - A blizzard buried the Pacific Northwest and tornadoes tore through the Great Lakes on Tuesday, adding to Thanksgiving week travel woes in other parts of the country. 9868	November 24th, 2010
Judge Saban and Sheriff Jones earn write-in votes - Alabama head coach Nick Saban received several write-in votes in the general election held Nov. 2, including circuit court judge, while Crimson Tide wide receiver Julio Jones received a write-in for sheriff. 9867	November 23rd, 2010
Tuscaloosa home infested with bed bugs - Tuscaloosa resident Alexis White had heard about outbreaks of bed bugs in other parts of the country, infestations so bad they closed down offices, hotels and even movie theaters. She never thought she would have them in her own home, until this weekend. 9866	November 23rd, 2010
AROUND TOWN: Nov. 23 - 9865	November 23rd, 2010
Streets closed for sweeping - 9864	November 23rd, 2010
Whats your favorite Black Friday memory? - You either love it or hate it, but if you have experienced shopping on Black Friday, you will never forget it. 9863	November 23rd, 2010
Pilot transplant project aims to spur kidney swaps - Too often, would-be kidney donors are wasted because the friend or loved one they want to help isn’t a match. 9862	November 23rd, 2010
Grants awarded to traffic safety offices - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has awarded more than $1.89 million in grants to the state’s nine regional traffic safety offices, including the West Alabama Community Traffic Safety Office at Shelton State Community College. 9861	November 23rd, 2010
Mobile robbery suspects arrested in Tuscaloosa - Two men suspected of a robbery in Mobile have been arrested in Tuscaloosa. 9860	November 23rd, 2010
Arrest made in attempted murder of teenager - Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man on Saturday who they say shot a teenager several times. 9859	November 23rd, 2010

Tuscaloosa Business News

Tuscaloosa Business News - 2010-11