Alabama Beverage Control is double-checking IDs at the BamaJam Music & Arts Festival after underage drinkers were caught with armbands indicating they were old enough to drink.

A sea of easily more than 100,000 people gathered early in the Main Stage area to hear a country cornucopia of talent including Alan Jackson, Charlie Daniels, Aaron Tippin and Randy Owen.

The construction crews causing reduced speed on Montgomery Highway, also known as Highway 231, are working to alleviate a greater traffic problem in the future.

OZARK – You might find it odd to see one of Ozark’s new leaders still riding a patrol car at times.

OZARK – An urging from residents seeking recreation for the city’s youth has led to what officials hope will be an ongoing summer enrichment program.

Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson watched Jonathan Tishnell rise from a beginner jailer to a transport officer who worked hard to be his best. On Friday, Olson visited Tishnell’s family to share with them those memories.

Authorities have confirmed a Dale County Sheriff’s Jailer died in White Oak Schoors early Friday. Jonathon Tishnell, 25, passed away. More information and an interview with Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson will follow soon.

A camper at Bama Jam died in his sleep, according to authorities.

On the opening day of the 3-day event, more than 75,000 fans passed through the gates—a phenomenal feat for a second-year event and on a Thursday night when attendance is expected to be its lowest. Oh, and in the rain.

If ever there was an industry that cried out for regulation, it’s tax preparation.

The state Department of Public Health has confirmed three more Swine Flu (H1N1) cases in Coffee County and one more case in Dale County, bringing the total number to Coffee to seven and the total number of Dale to two.
The state department said the onset of symptoms in the patients occurred between April 20 and May 26.

Alabama is expected to be among the first states to grow out of the country’s economic recession, according to one economic analysis publication.

First-time BamaJam goers are green to the experience, and even second-season campers and patrons need to know there are a few changes at this year’s BamaJam Music & Arts Festival.

After two months of consistent rainfall in the area, Wiregrass farmers are optimistic about the summer crops.

OZARK – Three Ozark eighth graders were charged with a combined 40 counts of felony and misdemeanor crimes after damaging a dozen school buses and breaking into a business nearby, according to authorities.

A Sunrise Drive resident asked Houston County Commissioners Thursday to install speed humps in her subdivision to slow down drivers who she said are going to a rental storage building at the end of the dead-end street.

OZARK – Ozark police charged a 17-year-old boy with breaking into an Ozark apartment and fighting the victim.
Dexter Gardell Currington was charged with first-degree burglary, first-degree attempted robbery, and third-degree criminal mischief. Authorities said he entered 29-year-old Crystal Hardwick’s King Avenue Apartment on early Thursday morning and threatened her with a gun.

Quoting from the Quran for emphasis, President Barack Obama called for a “new beginning between the United States and Muslims”

Highway 134 was closed in Daleville because of a jet fuel leak that began around 9:40 a.m. this morning.

Follow what’s happening at BamaJam on our staff blog.

Alabama law enforcement agencies reported a decrease in homicides across the state in 2008, including the Wiregrass, with the exception of Troy and Henry County, which each rose by one over the past two years.

I personally think that a lot of Democrats and Republicans don’t get it. Everything was running on eight cylinders until the oil prices started going up.

When I left the stadium along with other families around 3 p.m. and walked to my truck, we realized that my truck had been hit in the front.

A seat on the U.S. Supreme Court is arguably among the most important positions in our nation. The decisions handed down by the high court galvanize our laws and can resonate for generations. It’s important that our high court benefits from the brightest legal minds unfettered by ulterior motives.

The Ozark Police Department will hold a press conference later today on a home invasion that occurred on Wednesday night. We will update as more becomes available.

Just a few more hours until BamaJam and according to the weather reports we’re in for a rainy day.

Today’s assignment was the set-up story. How many folks are here, who is doing what, what’s it look like. I had no trouble getting through Gate No. 2, parked by the big tree between the entry gate and the saloon, and walked around.

The Houston County Commission meets at 10 a.m. Thursday on the third floor of the Houston County Administration Building.

The Dothan-Houston County Enhanced 911 advisory board approved spending nearly $110,000 Wednesday on an upgrade and maintenance of communication equipment.

More law enforcement officers were feloniously killed in the South last year than in any other region, according to a preliminary report released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.