By Bayne Hughes Staff Writer A man accused of taking a loaded shotgun to Athens High School in 2010 had his conviction on one of two charges overturned by the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. The Montgomery court announced Friday the rever- sal of the conviction of Thomas Brian Smoak, 56, 119 Coff - man Cir - cle, Ath - ens, for making a terrorist threat. Smoak’s conviction on the charge of possession of a deadly weapon with intent to do bodi - ly harm on the prem- ises of a school was upheld by the court. Smoak, 56, was found guilty in February 2013 in Limestone County Circuit Court. Judge James Woodroof sentenced Smoak in Septem- ber 2013 to 10-year prison terms, to run concurrently with a chance for parole, on each of the two charges on which he was convicted. Defense attorney John Tot- ten said the reversal doesn’t change Smoak’s status in prison, “but this is still a sig- nificant victory. In what way, I don’t know.” Smoak has been in prison since the verdict. He also gets credit for serving about a year in Limestone County Jail while he waited on his trial, Totten said. “He may be eligible for parole almost immediately,” Totten said. On May 25, 2010, Smoak went to Athens High School with a loaded shotgun. Ath- ens police said he was upset about Principal Chris Bolen suspending his son for alleg- edly using a racial slur during final exams. Police said Smoak’s wife called 911 to warn authorities her husband was headed to the school with a loaded shot- gun. Totten said the wife saw Smoak leave with the shot- gun, but he never made a ver- bal threat in her presence, a key point in the defense’s case. Thomas Brian Smoak has been in prison since the 2013 verdict. Taxes part of Bentley outline By Kim Chandler Associated Press MONTGOMERY — Ala - bama Gov. Robert Bentley rolled out his plans Friday for a special session in which he will try again to persuade law- makers to opt for tax increas- es over slashes to government services. However, a referendum for a 2-cent Lawrence County sales tax increase wasn’t part of Bentley’s call for the special session. The Lawrence Coun- ty Commission last month asked the local legislative del- egation to get lawmakers to sign off on allowing the referendum. Legislators can bring up items not on Bentley’s call, but their pas - sage requires a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate instead of the simple major- ity otherwise required. If the refer- endum isn’t brought up during the special session, it will have to wait until the 2016 general session. Bentley’s call brings law- makers into special session starting Monday to craft a General Fund budget for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. The governor said while Ala- bama residents have been traditionally opposed to taxes, he believes they object more to the cuts that will happen without new revenue. “They are adamantly opposed to cuts, cuts in our state parks, cuts in our mental health system, cuts in Medic- aid, which will affect our hos- pitals,” Bentley said at a news conference in his office. Bentley said he is seeking “fair, minimal taxes” includ- ing a cigarette tax increase, changes to business privilege taxes and either a soft drink tax or small changes to a state income tax deduction. He is also seeking to give lawmakers the ability to shuf- fle revenue on some existing taxes, shift some money to the General Fund from the education budget and direct money from the state’s share of the BP oil spill settlement to THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY SINCE 1912 DECATURDAILY.COM SATURDAY JULY 11, 2015 RACK PRICE: 50 CENTS THE SERENA SHOW: Tennis great on a dominant roll. B1 AREA DEATHS Bobby Chapman, Decatur James Knox, Athens Eugenia Nixon, Red Bay Shirley Painter, Decatur Glynda Parker, Moulton Barbara Simms, Moulton Wanda Yarbrough, Decatur Death notices, obits, A8. INSIDE Abby A7 Automotive A9 Bridge A7 Classified B7 Comics A6 Crossword A7 Editorials A5 Horoscope A7 Lotteries B2 Obituaries A8 Sidelines B2 Sports B1 Stocks B5 Television B6 Decatur, Alabama 104th year, No. 136, 20 pages STATE BUZZ FOR HARPER LEE’ S NEXT BOOK First chapter of ‘Go Set a Watchman’ previewed. A10 NATION F LAG COMES DOWN In a battle 54 years in the making, state removes symbol. A4 On the Net ■ Read the Court of Criminal Appeals decision at decatur daily.com. On the Net ■ Read Bentley’s call for a special seassion at decatur daily.com. By Amy Pollick Staff Writer The Tennessee Valley con- tinues to swelter, with heat indices expected to approach — and top — 100 degrees between today and Monday. Still, the temperatures are not unusual for this time of year, according to Kris White, a meteorologist with the Huntsville National Weather Service. “We’re above normal, for a few days, anyway,” White said. White said last month was the seventh-warmest June on record for Huntsville, and the second-warmest June nation- wide, mostly because of high temperatures in the West. But today’s sunny forecast should make for a fun day of activities throughout north Alabama, from cutting lawns to bicycling to relieving stress with yoga to buttering up some corn. For those who like getting started early, the Morgan County-Decatur Farmers Market will open at 9 a.m. for the corn festival. Get there early for free samples of boiled corn on the cob topped with butter and seasonings. The farmers market will close at 1 p.m. For those who might want to stretch and work the stress away, there’s a free yoga in the park at Delano’s Rose Garden from 8:30-9:30 a.m., led by a couple of local instructors. The hottest days over the Relentless heat continues, but break may be on way TODAY’S WEATHER, A2 High: 95 Low: 73 Party sunny and hot, with western winds 4-8 mph. Please see Heat, A10 Bentley Referendum on LawCo sales tax doesn’t make cut Please see Session, A10 Conviction on threat charge overturned Please see Smoak, A10 By Jonece Dunigan Staff Writer MOULTON — About 45 animal advocates crowded into a Lawrence County Commission meeting Friday and listened as residents described the conditions of the Animal Rescue Shelter of Lawrence County, ques- tioned the current care of the county’s strays and gave solutions for a per- manent animal shelter. One shelter sup- porter who spoke in favor of its director, Bobbie Taylor, was escorted out of the commission build- ing by law enforcement after refusing to confine remarks to the subject on the agenda. Taylor, who didn’t attend the meet- ing, has been fighting animal abuse and neglect allegations since June 24 when the Moulton Police Department received a complaint. The claims caused commissioners to terminate an $80,000 annual animal services contract with Taylor during an emer- gency meeting June 26. Taylor, 82, denies any wrongdoing and said last week animals usually come to her shelter malnourished and ill. Moulton police and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are still investigating the conditions of the 300 animals found on Taylor’s property on Lawrence 170. The animals’ health is now being monitored in a 45,000-square-foot warehouse at Hillsboro Gin on Ala- bama 20. The agency moved the ani- mals off Taylor’s property over sev- eral days starting July 3. The ASPCA plans to get all animals out the ware- house by Aug. 2. By law, the county has to have a shelter. On Friday, commissioners unanimously agreed to hire a tempo- rary animal control officer after lis- tening to public comments for nearly an hour. East Lawrence resident Baylee Carpenter, 20, will work four weeks for $350 weekly. During her interim tenure, commissioners will advertise for a permanent officer, who will work for minimum wage, but the pay scale could increase at a later date. Com- missioners will select a permanent employee during the next meeting Aug. 14. Lawrence residents pack commission meeting to ask for better control John Godbey/ Decatur Daily photos Gene Hart asks the Lawrence County Commission to reinstate Bobbie Taylor as the animal control officer dur- ing a Friday morning meeting. Shortly thereafter, Commission Chairman Joey Hargrove had Hart ejected from the room after he refused to confine his remarks to the subject on the agenda. Commissioner Mose Jones Jr., left, queries Lawrence resident Don Rojem about comments addressed to the Lawrence County Commission. Community: Fix animal situation On the Net ■ View photo gal- lery and video from the meeting at decatur daily.com. Please see Control, A10
1
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Transcript
By Bayne HughesStaff Writer
A man accused of taking a loaded shotgun to Athens High School in 2010 had his convict ion on one of two charges overturned by the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals.
The Montgomery court announced Friday the rever-sal of the conviction of Thomas Brian Smoak, 56, 119 Cof f -ma n Ci r -c le , A t h -e n s , f o r making a terrorist threat.
Smoak’s conviction o n t h e charge of possession of a deadly weapon with intent to do bodi-ly harm on the prem-ises of a school was upheld by the court.
Smoak, 5 6 , w a s found g u i l t y in February 2 0 1 3 i n Limestone County Circuit Court. Judge James Woodroof sentenced Smoak in Septem-ber 2013 to 10 -year prison terms, to run concurrently with a chance for parole, on each of the two charges on which he was convicted.
Defense attorney John Tot-ten said the reversal doesn’t change Smoak’s status in prison, “but this is still a sig-nificant victory. In what way, I don’t know.”
Smoak has been in prison since the verdict. He also gets credit for serving about a year in Limestone County Jail while he waited on his trial, Totten said.
“He may be eligible for parole almost immediately,” Totten said.
On May 25, 2010, Smoak went to Athens High School with a loaded shotgun. Ath-ens police said he was upset about Principal Chris Bolen suspending his son for alleg-edly using a racial slur during final exams.
Police said Smoak’s wife called 911 to warn authorities her husband was headed to the school with a loaded shot-gun. Totten said the wife saw Smoak leave with the shot-gun, but he never made a ver-bal threat in her presence, a key point in the defense’s case.
Thomas Brian Smoak has been in prison since the 2013 verdict.
Taxes part of Bentley outline
By Kim ChandlerAssociated Press
MONTGOMERY — Ala-bama Gov. Robert Bentley rolled out his plans Friday for a special session in which he will try again to persuade law-makers to opt for tax increas-es over slashes to government services.
However, a referendum for a 2-cent Lawrence County sales tax increase wasn’t part of Bentley’s call for the special session. The Lawrence Coun-ty Commission last month asked the local legislative del-egation to get lawmakers to
s ign of f on allowing the referendum.
Legislators can bring up items not on Bentley’s call, but their pas-sage requires a two-thirds vote in the Hous e a nd Senate instead of the simple major-ity otherwise required.
If the refer-endum isn’t brought up du r i n g t he
special session, it will have to wait until the 2016 general session.
Bentley’s call brings law-makers into special session starting Monday to craft a General Fund budget for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. The governor said while Ala-bama residents have been traditionally opposed to taxes, he believes they object more to the cuts that will happen without new revenue.
“ T hey a re ada ma nt ly opposed to cuts, cuts in our state parks, cuts in our mental health system, cuts in Medic-aid, which will affect our hos-pitals,” Bentley said at a news conference in his office.
Bentley said he is seeking “fair, minimal taxes” includ-ing a cigarette tax increase, changes to business privilege taxes and either a soft drink tax or small changes to a state income tax deduction.
He is also seeking to give lawmakers the ability to shuf-fle revenue on some existing taxes, shift some money to the General Fund from the education budget and direct money from the state’s share of the BP oil spill settlement to
THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY SINCE 1912 DECATURDAILY.COM
SATurDAYJuly 11, 2015
RACK PRICE:50 CENTS
THE SERENA SHOW: Tennis great on a dominant roll. B1
ArEA DEATHSBobby Chapman, DecaturJames Knox, AthensEugenia Nixon, Red BayShirley Painter, DecaturGlynda Parker, MoultonBarbara Simms, MoultonWanda yarbrough, Decatur
fLag comes downIn a battle 54 years in the making, state
removes symbol.A4
On the Net
■ Read the Court of Criminal Appeals decision at decatur daily.com.
On the Net
■ Read Bentley’s call for a special seassion at decatur daily.com.
By Amy PollickStaff Writer
The Tennessee Valley con-tinues to swelter, with heat indices expected to approach — and top — 100 degrees between today and Monday.
Still, the temperatures are not unusual for this time of year, according to Kris White, a meteorologist with the Huntsville National Weather Service.
“We’re above normal, for a few days, anyway,” White said.
White said last month was the seventh-warmest June on record for Huntsville, and the second-warmest June nation-
wide, mostly because of high temperatures in the West.
But today’s sunny forecast should make for a fun day of activities throughout north Alabama, from cutting lawns to bicycling to relieving stress
with yoga to buttering up some corn.
For those who like getting started early, the Morgan County-Decatur Farmers Market will open at 9 a.m. for the corn festival. Get there early for free samples of boiled corn on the cob topped with butter and seasonings. The farmers market will close at 1 p.m.
For those who might want to stretch and work the stress away, there’s a free yoga in the park at Delano’s Rose Garden from 8:30-9:30 a.m., led by a couple of local instructors.
The hottest days over the
Relentless heat continues, but break may be on way
Washington60/45
New York60/46
Miami86/71
Atlanta70/46
Detroit58/41
Houston80/54
Chicago61/38
Minneapolis64/47
Kansas City70/50
El Paso86/53
Denver64/33
Billings58/37
Los Angeles89/58
San Francisco71/50
Seattle64/45
Washington60/45
New York60/46
Miami86/71
Atlanta70/46
Detroit58/41
Houston80/54
Chicago61/38
Minneapolis64/47
Kansas City70/50
El Paso86/53
Denver64/33
Billings58/37
Los Angeles89/58
San Francisco71/50
Seattle64/45
NATIONAL FORECAST
SUN AND MOONSunrise/Sunset
Moonrise/Moonset
SOLUNAR TABLE
Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bandsare highs for the day. Forecast high/low temperatures are given for selected cities.
Wheeler Lake
The solunar period scheduleallows planning days so youwill be fishing in good terri-tory during those times.
Mobile 76/48/s 79/51/sMontgomery 76/44/s 79/46/sNew Orleans 74/56/s 79/58/sNew York City 60/46/r 61/48/pcOklahoma City 76/48/s 79/51/sPhiladelphia 60/45/r 63/47/pcPittsburgh 53/39/sh 61/42/pcPortland, OR 72/47/s 68/47/pcSt. Louis 65/46/s 70/51/shSalt Lake City 60/37/s 71/48/sSan Francisco 71/50/s 70/49/pcSeattle 64/45/pc 62/47/pcTampa 88/66/t 86/64/pcWash., DC 60/45/r 69/50/pc
Yesterday’s extremes (for the 48 contiguous states):
The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature® is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. Shown are the highest values for each day.
Q: In May, is the daylightperiod longer in Anchorageor in Miami?
HISTORY TRIVIAFrost occurred as far southas Baton Rouge, La., onMay 4, 1812, while snowaccumulated fromPhiladelphia to Boston.Snow fell in Baltimore onMay 4, 1893, and innorthern Texas on thesame date in 1917. A: Anchorage
Washington60/45
New York60/46
Miami86/71
Atlanta70/46
Detroit58/41
Houston80/54
Chicago61/38
Minneapolis64/47
Kansas City70/50
El Paso86/53
Denver64/33
Billings58/37
Los Angeles89/58
San Francisco71/50
Seattle64/45
Washington60/45
New York60/46
Miami86/71
Atlanta70/46
Detroit58/41
Houston80/54
Chicago61/38
Minneapolis64/47
Kansas City70/50
El Paso86/53
Denver64/33
Billings58/37
Los Angeles89/58
San Francisco71/50
Seattle64/45
NATIONAL FORECAST
SUN AND MOONSunrise/Sunset
Moonrise/Moonset
SOLUNAR TABLE
Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bandsare highs for the day. Forecast high/low temperatures are given for selected cities.
Wheeler Lake
The solunar period scheduleallows planning days so youwill be fishing in good terri-tory during those times.
Mobile 76/48/s 79/51/sMontgomery 76/44/s 79/46/sNew Orleans 74/56/s 79/58/sNew York City 60/46/r 61/48/pcOklahoma City 76/48/s 79/51/sPhiladelphia 60/45/r 63/47/pcPittsburgh 53/39/sh 61/42/pcPortland, OR 72/47/s 68/47/pcSt. Louis 65/46/s 70/51/shSalt Lake City 60/37/s 71/48/sSan Francisco 71/50/s 70/49/pcSeattle 64/45/pc 62/47/pcTampa 88/66/t 86/64/pcWash., DC 60/45/r 69/50/pc
Yesterday’s extremes (for the 48 contiguous states):
The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature® is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. Shown are the highest values for each day.
Q: In May, is the daylightperiod longer in Anchorageor in Miami?
HISTORY TRIVIAFrost occurred as far southas Baton Rouge, La., onMay 4, 1812, while snowaccumulated fromPhiladelphia to Boston.Snow fell in Baltimore onMay 4, 1893, and innorthern Texas on thesame date in 1917. A: Anchorage
Washington60/45
New York60/46
Miami86/71
Atlanta70/46
Detroit58/41
Houston80/54
Chicago61/38
Minneapolis64/47
Kansas City70/50
El Paso86/53
Denver64/33
Billings58/37
Los Angeles89/58
San Francisco71/50
Seattle64/45
Washington60/45
New York60/46
Miami86/71
Atlanta70/46
Detroit58/41
Houston80/54
Chicago61/38
Minneapolis64/47
Kansas City70/50
El Paso86/53
Denver64/33
Billings58/37
Los Angeles89/58
San Francisco71/50
Seattle64/45
NATIONAL FORECAST
SUN AND MOONSunrise/Sunset
Moonrise/Moonset
SOLUNAR TABLE
Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bandsare highs for the day. Forecast high/low temperatures are given for selected cities.
Wheeler Lake
The solunar period scheduleallows planning days so youwill be fishing in good terri-tory during those times.
Mobile 76/48/s 79/51/sMontgomery 76/44/s 79/46/sNew Orleans 74/56/s 79/58/sNew York City 60/46/r 61/48/pcOklahoma City 76/48/s 79/51/sPhiladelphia 60/45/r 63/47/pcPittsburgh 53/39/sh 61/42/pcPortland, OR 72/47/s 68/47/pcSt. Louis 65/46/s 70/51/shSalt Lake City 60/37/s 71/48/sSan Francisco 71/50/s 70/49/pcSeattle 64/45/pc 62/47/pcTampa 88/66/t 86/64/pcWash., DC 60/45/r 69/50/pc
Yesterday’s extremes (for the 48 contiguous states):
The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature® is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. Shown are the highest values for each day.
Q: In May, is the daylightperiod longer in Anchorageor in Miami?
HISTORY TRIVIAFrost occurred as far southas Baton Rouge, La., onMay 4, 1812, while snowaccumulated fromPhiladelphia to Boston.Snow fell in Baltimore onMay 4, 1893, and innorthern Texas on thesame date in 1917. A: Anchorage
Washington60/45
New York60/46
Miami86/71
Atlanta70/46
Detroit58/41
Houston80/54
Chicago61/38
Minneapolis64/47
Kansas City70/50
El Paso86/53
Denver64/33
Billings58/37
Los Angeles89/58
San Francisco71/50
Seattle64/45
Washington60/45
New York60/46
Miami86/71
Atlanta70/46
Detroit58/41
Houston80/54
Chicago61/38
Minneapolis64/47
Kansas City70/50
El Paso86/53
Denver64/33
Billings58/37
Los Angeles89/58
San Francisco71/50
Seattle64/45
NATIONAL FORECAST
SUN AND MOONSunrise/Sunset
Moonrise/Moonset
SOLUNAR TABLE
Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bandsare highs for the day. Forecast high/low temperatures are given for selected cities.
Wheeler Lake
The solunar period scheduleallows planning days so youwill be fishing in good terri-tory during those times.
Mobile 76/48/s 79/51/sMontgomery 76/44/s 79/46/sNew Orleans 74/56/s 79/58/sNew York City 60/46/r 61/48/pcOklahoma City 76/48/s 79/51/sPhiladelphia 60/45/r 63/47/pcPittsburgh 53/39/sh 61/42/pcPortland, OR 72/47/s 68/47/pcSt. Louis 65/46/s 70/51/shSalt Lake City 60/37/s 71/48/sSan Francisco 71/50/s 70/49/pcSeattle 64/45/pc 62/47/pcTampa 88/66/t 86/64/pcWash., DC 60/45/r 69/50/pc
Yesterday’s extremes (for the 48 contiguous states):
The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature® is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. Shown are the highest values for each day.
Q: In May, is the daylightperiod longer in Anchorageor in Miami?
HISTORY TRIVIAFrost occurred as far southas Baton Rouge, La., onMay 4, 1812, while snowaccumulated fromPhiladelphia to Boston.Snow fell in Baltimore onMay 4, 1893, and innorthern Texas on thesame date in 1917. A: Anchorage
Washington36/20
New York46/23
Miami64/35
Atlanta32/14
Detroit18/10
Houston55/37
Chicago12/4
Minneapolis2/-8
Kansas City20/11
El Paso67/34
Denver66/32
Billings47/29
Los Angeles80/53
San Francisco60/51
Seattle50/43
Washington36/20
New York46/23
Miami64/35
Atlanta32/14
Detroit18/10
Houston55/37
Chicago12/4
Minneapolis2/-8
Kansas City20/11
El Paso67/34
Denver66/32
Billings47/29
Los Angeles80/53
San Francisco60/51
Seattle50/43
NATIONAL FORECAST
SUN AND MOONSunrise/Sunset
Moonrise/Moonset
SOLUNAR TABLE
Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bandsare highs for the day. Forecast high/low temperatures are given for selected cities.
Wheeler Lake
The solunar period scheduleallows planning days so youwill be fishing in good terri-tory during those times.
Mobile 45/20/s 50/32/sMontgomery 38/16/s 45/22/sNew Orleans 47/28/s 52/44/sNew York City 46/23/c 28/20/pcOklahoma City 48/24/s 51/31/sPhiladelphia 40/23/c 30/21/pcPittsburgh 21/14/sf 20/13/sfPortland, OR 51/44/r 47/36/shSt. Louis 20/8/s 25/16/pcSalt Lake City 49/36/s 50/26/cSan Francisco 60/51/pc 56/46/rSeattle 50/43/r 44/36/rTampa 50/30/pc 54/32/sWash., DC 36/20/c 31/19/pc
Yesterday’s extremes (for the 48 contiguous states):
The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature® is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. Shown are the highest values for each day.
HISTORY TRIVIAA mass of arctic air settledinto Florida on Dec. 13,1962, setting all-time lowsin Appalachicola, Lakelandand Orlando. This cold aircaused Florida's worstDecember freeze of the20th century.
A: Another name for abrief snow squall thatcoats the ground.
Washington48/27
New York42/24
Miami80/67
Atlanta52/29
Detroit21/10
Houston61/52
Chicago21/13
Minneapolis8/-6
Kansas City23/9
El Paso70/44
Denver40/10
Billings24/9
Los Angeles72/50
San Francisco58/43
Seattle42/34
Washington48/27
New York42/24
Miami80/67
Atlanta52/29
Detroit21/10
Houston61/52
Chicago21/13
Minneapolis8/-6
Kansas City23/9
El Paso70/44
Denver40/10
Billings24/9
Los Angeles72/50
San Francisco58/43
Seattle42/34
NATIONAL FORECAST
SUN AND MOONSunrise/Sunset
Moonrise/Moonset
SOLUNAR TABLE
Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bandsare highs for the day. Forecast high/low temperatures are given for selected cities.
Wheeler Lake
The solunar period scheduleallows planning days so youwill be fishing in good terri-tory during those times.
Mobile 60/45/s 64/40/cMontgomery 55/34/s 61/35/pcNew Orleans 60/48/pc 67/40/cNew York City 42/24/c 32/24/pcOklahoma City 50/22/pc 29/16/snPhiladelphia 41/25/c 32/23/pcPittsburgh 32/15/sf 25/16/snPortland, OR 42/30/pc 44/38/pcSt. Louis 25/21/pc 26/0/snSalt Lake City 39/20/sn 34/22/sSan Francisco 58/43/s 59/41/sSeattle 42/34/pc 45/40/rTampa 71/57/pc 72/58/sWash., DC 48/27/pc 37/30/pc
Yesterday’s extremes (for the 48 contiguous states):
The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature® is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. Shown are the highest values for each day.
HISTORY TRIVIASnow is rare in Florida. Itdid not fall in Miami Beachuntil 1977; however, on Jan.19, snowflakes fell for thefirst time at the famousresort. Tampa had 0.25 ofan inch, and Plant City, Fla.,received 2 inches.
A: Sixty percent arrive inthe Pacific Northwest.
Washington59/30
New York52/22
Miami78/66
Atlanta66/40
Detroit32/12
Houston76/48
Chicago32/20
Minneapolis14/8
Kansas City42/32
El Paso78/48
Denver62/35
Billings38/28
Los Angeles64/52
San Francisco60/49
Seattle49/35
Washington59/30
New York52/22
Miami78/66
Atlanta66/40
Detroit32/12
Houston76/48
Chicago32/20
Minneapolis14/8
Kansas City42/32
El Paso78/48
Denver62/35
Billings38/28
Los Angeles64/52
San Francisco60/49
Seattle49/35
NATIONAL FORECAST
SUN AND MOONSunrise/Sunset
Moonrise/Moonset
SOLUNAR TABLE
Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bandsare highs for the day. Forecast high/low temperatures are given for selected cities.
Wheeler Lake
The solunar period scheduleallows planning days so youwill be fishing in good terri-tory during those times.
Mobile 70/50/pc 71/53/pcMontgomery 70/45/pc 73/52/sNew Orleans 71/54/s 71/59/pcNew York City 52/22/pc 32/25/sOklahoma City 66/41/pc 67/46/sPhiladelphia 57/26/s 36/26/sPittsburgh 43/17/pc 40/28/pcPortland, OR 50/37/r 50/36/rSt. Louis 50/34/pc 59/48/pcSalt Lake City 46/34/c 52/35/shSan Francisco 60/49/sh 58/45/shSeattle 49/35/r 46/34/rTampa 77/56/pc 75/58/pcWash., DC 59/30/s 41/30/s
Yesterday’s extremes (for the 48 contiguous states):
The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature® is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. Shown are the highest values for each day.
Q: A dramatic increase intornadoes in the U.S. occursin what month?
HISTORY TRIVIARecord high temperatureswere set across the East onMarch 2, 1991. Pittsburghand Erie, Pa., rose to 74 and70 degrees, respectively.Albany, N.Y., reached 65,and Charleston, W.Va.,jumped to 81 degrees.
A: March
Washington54/36
New York46/34
Miami80/70
Atlanta60/48
Detroit42/32
Houston75/60
Chicago49/36
Minneapolis36/26
Kansas City46/32
El Paso71/38
Denver40/26
Billings36/22
Los Angeles70/50
San Francisco61/47
Seattle50/40
Washington54/36
New York46/34
Miami80/70
Atlanta60/48
Detroit42/32
Houston75/60
Chicago49/36
Minneapolis36/26
Kansas City46/32
El Paso71/38
Denver40/26
Billings36/22
Los Angeles70/50
San Francisco61/47
Seattle50/40
NATIONAL FORECAST
SUN AND MOONSunrise/Sunset
Moonrise/Moonset
SOLUNAR TABLE
Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bandsare highs for the day. Forecast high/low temperatures are given for selected cities.
Wheeler Lake
The solunar period scheduleallows planning days so youwill be fishing in good terri-tory during those times.
Mobile 68/60/pc 76/45/tMontgomery 68/55/pc 73/46/tNew Orleans 70/64/sh 76/50/tNew York City 46/34/s 49/35/pcOklahoma City 67/33/t 60/33/pcPhiladelphia 51/31/s 49/39/pcPittsburgh 54/32/pc 45/40/rPortland, OR 52/43/r 57/46/shSt. Louis 56/44/c 52/31/cSalt Lake City 47/33/sn 53/36/cSan Francisco 61/47/r 64/49/pcSeattle 50/40/r 50/40/rTampa 80/61/pc 80/65/sWash., DC 54/36/pc 48/45/pc
Yesterday’s extremes (for the 48 contiguous states):
The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature® is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. Shown are the highest values for each day.
HISTORY TRIVIAOn March 8, 1995, the bluegrass was covered with 6inches of snow at Jackson,Ky. That same day felt likespring in Blue Hill, Mass.,with temperatures in the60s.
A: Individual flakes jointogether during descent
Washington64/41
New York55/39
Miami75/59
Atlanta68/49
Detroit41/26
Houston75/59
Chicago45/25
Minneapolis32/18
Kansas City56/30
El Paso78/47
Denver56/28
Billings46/30
Los Angeles66/52
San Francisco59/48
Seattle50/36
Washington64/41
New York55/39
Miami75/59
Atlanta68/49
Detroit41/26
Houston75/59
Chicago45/25
Minneapolis32/18
Kansas City56/30
El Paso78/47
Denver56/28
Billings46/30
Los Angeles66/52
San Francisco59/48
Seattle50/36
NATIONAL FORECAST
SUN AND MOONSunrise/Sunset
Moonrise/Moonset
SOLUNAR TABLE
Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bandsare highs for the day. Forecast high/low temperatures are given for selected cities.
Wheeler Lake
The solunar period scheduleallows planning days so youwill be fishing in good terri-tory during those times.
Mobile 70/51/s 73/52/pcMontgomery 72/45/s 72/47/pcNew Orleans 70/56/s 73/59/pcNew York City 55/39/pc 53/32/pcOklahoma City 66/43/s 62/48/cPhiladelphia 58/40/pc 55/32/pcPittsburgh 50/33/sh 41/24/cPortland, OR 51/39/r 51/41/rSt. Louis 60/36/pc 49/34/pcSalt Lake City 57/38/c 56/40/pcSan Francisco 59/48/pc 61/50/pcSeattle 50/36/r 49/39/rTampa 71/51/s 75/53/sWash., DC 64/41/s 58/36/pc
Yesterday’s extremes (for the 48 contiguous states):
The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature® is an exclusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. Shown are the highest values for each day.
HISTORY TRIVIAThe famed "Blizzard of1888" peaked on March 12.The mammoth stormdumped over 4 feet ofsnow on parts of NewEngland; 70-mph windscreated rooftop-high driftsin New York City andPhiladelphia. A: The Earth's rotation
TODAY’S WEATHEr, A2High: 95 Low: 73Party sunny and hot, with western winds 4-8 mph.
Please see Heat, A10
Bentley
Referendum on LawCo sales tax doesn’t make cut
Please see Session, A10
Conviction on threat charge overturned
Please see Smoak, A10
By Jonece DuniganStaff Writer
MOULTON — About 45 animal advocates crowded into a Lawrence County Commission meeting Friday and listened as residents described the conditions of the Animal Rescue Shelter of Lawrence County, ques-
tioned the current care of the county’s st rays and gave solutions for a per-m a ne nt a n i m a l shelter.
One shelter sup-porter who spoke in favor of its director, Bobbie Taylor, was
escorted out of the commission build-ing by law enforcement after refusing to confine remarks to the subject on the agenda.
Taylor, who didn’t attend the meet-ing, has been fighting animal abuse and neglect allegations since June 24 when the Moulton Police Department received a complaint. The claims caused commissioners to terminate an $80,000 annual animal services contract with Taylor during an emer-gency meeting June 26.
Taylor, 82, denies any wrongdoing
and said last week animals usually come to her shelter malnourished and ill.
Moulton police and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are still investigating the conditions of the 300 animals found on Taylor’s property on Lawrence 170. The animals’ health is now being monitored in a 45,000-square-foot warehouse at Hillsboro Gin on Ala-bama 20. The agency moved the ani-mals off Taylor’s property over sev-eral days starting July 3. The ASPCA plans to get all animals out the ware-house by Aug. 2.
By law, the county has to have a
shelter. On Friday, commissioners unanimously agreed to hire a tempo-rary animal control officer after lis-tening to public comments for nearly an hour.
East Lawrence resident Baylee Carpenter, 20, will work four weeks for $350 weekly. During her interim tenure, commissioners will advertise for a permanent officer, who will work for minimum wage, but the pay scale could increase at a later date. Com-missioners will select a permanent employee during the next meeting Aug. 14.
Lawrence residents pack commission meeting to ask for better control
John Godbey/Decatur Daily photosGene Hart asks the Lawrence County Commission to reinstate Bobbie Taylor as the animal control officer dur-ing a Friday morning meeting. Shortly thereafter, Commission Chairman Joey Hargrove had Hart ejected from the room after he refused to confine his remarks to the subject on the agenda.
Commissioner Mose Jones Jr., left, queries Lawrence resident Don rojem about comments addressed to the Lawrence County Commission.
Community: Fix animal situation
On the Net
■ View photo gal-lery and video from the meeting at decatur daily.com.