These additional candidates have qualified to run for municipal offices in Jefferson, Shelby and parts of St. Clair counties, based on information provided to The News by election officials. Incumbents are marked by an (i). Qualifying began Monday.
The News will list other candidates as they qualify and present a complete list of candidates after qualifying ends July 15.
Municipal elections will be Aug. 26 for all cities and towns in Jefferson, Shelby and St. Clair counties except Bessemer and Birmingham.
ADAMSVILLE
Council Ward 1 -- Mickey McGehee.
Council Ward 2 -- Ed Scott (i).
Council Ward 4 -- Ron Mosley.
BRIGHTON
Mayor -- Eddie Cooper (i), Angelo Hinkle.
Council Place 2 -- Lonnie Murry.
CALERA
Council District 1 -- Chris Bunn.
Council District 2 -- Ernest Montgomery (i).
CENTER POINT
Mayor -- Tom Henderson (i).
Council Place 2 -- Linda Kennemur (i).
Council Place 5 -- Terry Leesburg (i).
COLUMBIANA
Council District 3 -- Bruce Fryer.
Council District 4 -- Tom Seale (i).
Council District 5 -- Phillip Willis.
GARDENDALE
Mayor -- Othell Phillips.
Council Ward 1 -- Peggy Tumlin (i).
Council Ward 2 -- Mike (Buckett) Burkett.
Council Ward 4 -- William Flippo (i), Larry Gothard.
GRAYSVILLE
Mayor -- Randy Teeter.
Council District 2 -- James Fortenberry.
Council District 3 -- Greg Pridmore.
Council District 5 -- Bill Billits, Mary Sue Morgan.
HOMEWOOD
Mayor -- Barry McCulley (i).
Council Ward 3, Place 2 -- Walter Jones.
HOOVER
Council Place 7 -- Jim Brown (previously qualified for Council Place 6).
IRONDALE
Mayor -- Joan Ratchford, David Krider.
LEEDS
Mayor -- Carol Phillips.
Council District 4 -- Charlotte Earnest.
LIPSCOMB
Mayor -- Melanie Bouyer, Bobby Lucas.
MONTEVALLO
Council District 2 -- Willie Goldsmith (i).
MOODY
Council Place 1 -- Tim Taylor.
Council Place 2 -- Lynn Taylor.
MULGA
Mayor -- Brenda Jordan.
PELHAM
Council Place 4 -- Robert Sullivan (i).
PINSON
Council Place 3 -- Shane Shelnutt (i).
PLEASANT GROVE
Council Place 3 -- Veta Agee.
TARRANT
Mayor -- Tina Churchwell Ingram, Margaret Ingram.
Council District 3 -- W.L. "Junior" Jenkins (i).
Council District 5 -- Dell Marie Walker-Ellis.
TRAFFORD
Council Place 3 -- Alan Camp (i).
WARRIOR
District 2, Place 1 -- Cecil Wayne Bailey.
District 2, Place 2 -- Johnny Ragland (i).
WESTOVER
Mayor -- Mark McLaughlin (i).
WILSONVILLE
Seven at-large council seats -- Alan Revis (i).
Hoover station reports more than 1,400 gallons of gas stolen from its tanks
A Hoover gas station has reported three thefts totaling 1,431 gallons of premium gasoline since June 25. Sunny Foods Store at 100 Riverchase Parkway East reported a theft of 336 gallons on June 25, 513 gallons on Sunday and 582 gallons on Wednesday.
The gasoline was apparently stolen from storage tanks when the store was closed, according to a police report. The gasoline was discovered missing by the clerk who opens the store in the morning, the report said. The stolen gasoline was valued at $6,112.
Metro Birmingham forecast: Cloudy tonight with growing rain threat for Friday
A forecast for partly cloudy skies tonight in Birmingham will give way to the chance of rain interfering with some local firework displays on Independence Day.
A low of 69 is forecast for tonight.
There is a 30 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. on Friday, with rain chances improving to about 40 percent overnight on Friday.
The high on Friday should hover around 90 degrees.
Rain remains in the forecast through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
House Dems threaten Rove with contempt
The former White House adviser is refusing to testify in a hearing on the Justice Department
WASHINGTON -- House Democrats said Thursday they will consider charging former White House political adviser Karl Rove with contempt because of his refusal to testify at next week's congressional hearing on the U.S. Justice Department.
Rove, claiming executive privilege, has said he will disregard the House subpoena.
The House Judiciary Committee is seeking Rove's testimony on the politicization of the Justice Department and, specifically, whether he interfered in the criminal prosecution of former Gov. Don Siegelman.
County Commissioners say they will end contracts with financial advisers in sewer crisis
Panel will take formal vote on plan next week.
A majority of the Jefferson County Commission voted today to terminate the county's contracts with financial advisers who have been working to reach a solution to the sewer debt crisis.
Commission President Bettye Fine Collins and Commissioners George Bowman and Shelia Smoot voted for a resolution to end contracts with Porter, White and Co., Merrill Lynch, and Bradley, Arant, Rose and White. The resolution still must be voted on at Tuesday's County Commission meeting.
While Bradley, Arant's contract related to financing the sewer debt could be terminated, the law firm would be retained if the county decided to file for bankruptcy, under the resolution passed today.
The commissioners said they will enter into an agreement with Sterne, Agee and Leach; Goldman Sachs; and Morgan Keegan to begin negotiations to reach a settlement in the sewer debt crisis.
Commissioners Bobby Humphryes and Jim Carns opposed the resolution, saying it was ill-advised.
Best spot to watch fireworks -- where's yours?
Here's a map of some of our favorite fireworks viewing spots and a list of activities today and Friday.
Here's a map of some our favorite Thunder on the Mountain viewing spots. Suggest yours by clicking "post a comment" below. The blue "flags" mark staff suggestions. The red "fires" are reader suggestions.
FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS
TODAY
Vestavia Hills: I Love America Summer Celebration, 5 p.m., Wald Park. Kids games, movies, music by Shades Mountain Baptist Church Orchestra, a magician.
Hoover: Fireworks after the Birmingham Barons vs. Mobile Bay Bears game, Regions Park. Game begins at 7:05 p.m.
FRIDAY
Homewood: 59th Annual Our Lady of Sorrows Fourth of July Festival. Rummage sale 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; barbecue 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Barbecue sold by the plate; games for the family.
Bessemer: Fourth of July Parade in honor of Bessemer-based Marines. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Parade starts on Dickey Springs Road and ends on Springdale Road in the Greenwood community. There will be war memorabilia and decorated wheelchairs, go-carts, lawnmowers and motorcycles. Parade followed by hamburger cookout.
Indian Springs: Indian Springs Village Celebration. Parade and music from DJ Ray Halvorsen, Indian Springs Village Pavilion behind Town Hall. Parade registration at 10 a.m. Parade at 10:30.
Montevallo: Independence Day 1776. Noon-dusk, American Village, 3727 Alabama 119. Meet a soldier, fire a musket and learn about American history, ending the day with fireworks. Admission $5, free for war veterans and active military personnel.
Birmingham: Greystone Country Club Carnival. 4 p.m.-dusk, Greystone Country Club, 4100 Greystone Drive. Music, kid-friendly activities and fireworks at dusk.
Homewood: Fourth of July Festival. 6-9 p.m., downtown Homewood; streets closed by 4:30 p.m. Carnival rides, horse and carriage strolls, music and dance. Tickets 50 cents; activities cost one to three tickets each.
Homewood: Free concert by Legends and Jo Moore Band. 6-8:30 p.m., Homewood Park.
Hoover: Independence Day Bike, Trike, Stroller and Wagon Parade. 6-8:30 p.m. Parade begins at Greenside Way and Village Center Drive and ends in Ross Park.
Harpersville: Music and fireworks at Morgan Creek Vineyards, 6-9 p.m.
Birmingham: Senior Citizens Dance. 7-10 p.m., Old Sandusky Community Center off Pratt Highway. Country music, dancing.
Helena: July Fourth Celebration. 7-10 p.m., Old Town Amphitheater Park off of Alabama 261. Elvis impersonator at 7, fireworks at 9. Barbecue and a playground for kids.
Birmingham: UAB Summer Band Independence Day Concert. 8 p.m., Bartow Arena lawn, 617 13th St. Lawn chairs and picnics welcome. Patriotic band music, watch fireworks on Red Mountain.
Birmingham: Thunder on the Mountain. 9 p.m., Vulcan Park. Birmingham's largest fireworks display.
Hoover: Fireworks at Hoover County Club. 9 p.m., 3140 Club Drive.
Google's map of fireworks sites elsewhere in the U.S.
Challenge to distribution of Exxon settlement money dismissed
The Alabama Supreme Court in an opinion released this morning threw out a lawsuit that challenged the right of Gov. Bob Riley's administration to put about $63 million from a lawsuit verdict into the state General Fund.
The Alabama Supreme Court in an opinion released this morning threw out a lawsuit that challenged the right of Gov. Bob Riley's administration to put about $63 million from another lawsuit verdict into the state General Fund.
ExxonMobil months ago paid a judgment of $121.5 million in damages and interest from a lawsuit over natural gas royalties paid to the state.
Riley aides deposited roughly $58 million into the Alabama Trust Fund, which collects most of the royalties paid to the state by companies pumping natural gas from offshore.
They also deposited about $63 million in interest into the General Fund, the largest of many pots of state money spent by Alabama's non-education agencies.
Tuscaloosa businessman Luther S. Pate IV filed suit, challenging the administration's legal right to put the $63 million into the General Fund.
The Supreme Court in its decision today said Pate did not have legal standing to file the lawsuit and dismissed it.
Thursday eye-openers: Highlights from today's Birmingham News
We're No. 1 -- in a study of charitable giving in 60 cities. Alabama troopers on a new blitz -- to stop aggressive driving around 18-wheelers. Auburn QB says the zip is back on his long throws. An Southeastern Conference tourist attraction eyed for downtown Birmingham.
HOT TOPICS
Birmingham residents give an average of 3.6 percent of their salary each year to charity, making the Magic City the most generous city in the United States. Read it.
Regular unleaded passed the $4-a-gallon mark at some Birmingham metro area gasoline stations for the first time Wednesday, bad news for families preparing to hit the road for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Read it. What are you doing in response to higher fuel prices? Take our poll.
If you behave badly around 18-wheelers on Alabama highways, stop it. Troopers are launching a program aimed at increasing safety by reducing tailgating, speeding and improper lane-changes. Read it. Tips: Driving with the big guys
The body of a missing 15-year-old Etowah County boy was found in a neighbor's freezer. He apparently was shot to death three months ago, and two men now face murder charges. Read it.
A Remlap man who robbed a Pinson bank to keep his home out of foreclosure was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. Read it.
SPORTS OPENERS
Auburn quarterback Chris Todd spent most of spring practice throwing quick, short passes to hide the fact that his injured shoulder wouldn't allow him to put any zip on the ball. With his shoulder healed, those days of smoke and mirrors are just about over. Read it.
The Memphis real estate company creating a Birmingham entertainment district wants to build a tourist attraction devoted to the Southeastern Conference. The venue would include a store, restaurant and catering services and an interactive history of the SEC. Read it.
BUSINESS OPENERS
Birmingham software developer Daxko Inc. has received $7.75 million in venture capital to expand operations. Read it.
LIFESTYLE OPENERS
It's time to celebrate American freedom, and for many folks, that means watching fireworks displays. But it doesn't mean we have the freedom to crowd the other viewers. Simple etiquette tips will help ensure a happy holiday. Read it.
OPINION OPENERS
Here's what a U.N. report says about us: "Government officials seem strikingly indifferent to the risk of executing innocent people." (Read our editorial here.) Joey Kennedy says if the United States has a capital punishment system that would allow even one innocent person to be executed, we can't have capital punishment. See Kennedy's blog.
Today's high temperature to reach 91 degrees
It'll be another hot, dry day in the metro area, according to the National Weather Service.
Today's weather service forecast:
Today: Sunny, with a high temperature near 91 degrees. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low temperature around 69 degrees. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Click here for real-time traffic and weather news from al.com.
More metro Birmingham candidates qualify to seek municipal offices
Here is a partial list of candidates who have qualified to run for municipal offices in Jefferson, Shelby and parts of St. Clair counties, based on information provided to The News by election officials. Incumbents are marked by an (i).
The News will list other candidates who qualify in the Local News section in future postings and present a complete list of candidates in each race after qualifying ends July 15.
Municipal elections will be Aug. 26 for all cities and towns in Jefferson, Shelby and St. Clair counties except Bessemer and Birmingham.
ADAMSVILLE
Mayor -- Terrell Guy, Pam Palmer.
Council Ward 1 -- Anthony Brooklere.
Council Ward 4 -- Timothy Buckelew (i).
Council Ward 5 -- Yohance Owens.
BRIGHTON
Council Place 4 -- Barbara Watkins.
BROOKSIDE
Council Place 1 -- Dennis Cordell (i).
Council Place 5 -- Michael Gooch (i).
CLAY
Mayor -- Charles Hart (i).
Council Place 4 -- L.B. Feemster.
COLUMBIANA
Council District 3 -- Brian Stephens.
FAIRFIELD
Mayor --Michael Johnson (i), Charles Willis Jr.
Council President -- Eldridge Turner (i).
Council District 1 -- Princess Kemp, Frederick Scott (i).
Council District 2 -- Primus Mack.
Council District 3 -- Harry Lee.
Council District 4 -- Ronald Strothers, William Yow (i).
Council District 5 -- Jerry Yarbrough.
Council District 6 -- Willie Hardley Jr. (i), Ves Marable.
GARDENDALE
Mayor -- Jonathan Dunagan, Oscar Mann, Matt Wright.
Council Ward 3 -- Larry Gothard.
Council Ward 5 -- Wendell Phillips (i).
GRAYSVILLE
Mayor -- Doug Brewer (i).
Council District 2 -- Louella (Jill) Kelley.
Council District 3 -- Bobby Brown (i).
Council District 4 -- Steve Hardin (i).
Council District 6 -- Roy Linn (i).
HARPERSVILLE
District 2, Place 2 -- William Rayfield (i).
HELENA
Council Place 3 -- Cris Nelson.
Council Place 5 --Judy Ellington, Katherine Ennis (i).
HOMEWOOD
Ward 2, Place 1 -- Allyn Krall (i).
Ward 3, Place 1 -- J.J. Bischoff (i).
Ward 5, Place 1 -- Jackie Langlow (i).
HOOVER
Council Place 7 -- George Davis.
HUEYTOWN
Mayor --Delor Baumann (i).
Council District 1 -- Carole Marks (i).
Council District 2 -- Michael Pickens (i).
Council District 3 -- Phifer Crane (i).
Council District 4 -- Philip Contorno (i).
Council District 5 -- Ray Roberson (i), John Skates.
IRONDALE
Mayor -- Tommy Joe Alexander (i), John Schoen.
Council District 1 -- James Stewart.
Council District 3 -- Pete Crye.
Council District 4 -- Terry Bearden.
Council District 5 -- Donna Pike.
PELHAM
Mayor -- Don Murphy.
PINSON
Council Place 5 -- Joy McCain (i).
PLEASANT GROVE
Mayor -- Ronald Capps.
TARRANT
Council District 2 -- Laura Horton (i).
TRUSSVILLE
Council Place 1 -- Wayne Quick.
VINCENT
Council District 1 -- Larry King.
Council District 3 -- Johnny Edwards.
Council District 5 -- Mary Lee Reynolds.
WILSONVILLE
Mayor -- Rosemary Liveoak (i).
Seven at-large council seats -- E.L. McCarty.