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Tornado survivors collect donations for OK victims

RUSSELLVILLE, AL (WAFF)- Alabama tornado survivors who know deadly weather violence all too well are pitching in to help fellow survivors in Oklahoma.

Franklin County was ground zero for one of the most devastating tornadoes in Alabama history in 2011.
The Russellville Fire Department is teaming up with the sheriff's department, local police and churches to gather items for the relief efforts in Moore, Oklahoma. They're taking donations all day Friday and Saturday.
If you'd like to help, you're encouraged to donate tools like hoes, rakes and shovels, water, toiletries, non perishable foods and cleaning supplies.
Copyright 2013 WAFF. All rights reserved.

Marion Co. school evacuated after train derailment

A train derailed at Bear Creek in Marion County. (Photo Source: @krazyace35)

MARION COUNTY, AL (WAFF)- A school in Marion County was evacuated after a train derailed Thursday afternoon.

A northbound Norfolk Southern Train derailed at least 13 cars at Bear Creek near Phillips High School at 12:15 p.m. Students were evacuated to St. Paul Church on Highway 79 in Franklin County.

According to Norfolk Southern, only six of the cars were loaded with freight. The train was carrying mineral oil, but authorities said there is no risk of chemical endangerment. The train was also carrying wood chips and cottonseed.

Two of the empty cars were previously carrying materials that are classified as hazardous materials, including crude oil and potassium carbonate. No materials leaked from the train.

A multitude of agencies responded to the scene including surrounding police departments, sheriff's deputies and Hazmat teams.

Gift cards and closing stores: what to do

Gift cards and closing stores: what to do

A bankruptcy court judge ruled on Wednesday that the holders of some $210 million in Borders Books gift cards were out of luck: too much time had passed since the September 2011 retailer's shuttering to force its liquidators to reimburse the value of over 17 million cards that went unspent.

Whether the claimants in the lawsuit claimed ignorance or not, it would be hard to argue that the gift card holders didn't have a chance to be notified about Borders' bankruptcy or to spend their cards. Borders announced the bankruptcy in the early summer of 2011, and the last store shut its doors in late September of that year. 

Stream it: 'Reading Rainbow'

Stream it: 'Reading Rainbow'

What can be said about the brilliance of Reading Rainbow, the television show that kept kids interested in books since 1983. Now, on the thirtieth anniversary of the show's premiere on PBS, host LeVar Burton has made it his mission to continue providing the show's positive literacy impact through to the digital age.

A series of 25 classic Rainbow episodes is available for purchase on Amazon, with Prime subscription holders given free access. The episodes span the show's entire original run. My personal favorite of this list, if you're interested, is "The Life Cycle of the Honeybee," with the title book read by Get Smart's Barbara Feldon.

Man charged with sexually abusing child

Christopher Hubert Martin (Source: Colbert Co. Sheriff's Dept.)

COLBERT COUNTY, AL (WAFF)- Authorities arrested a man Wednesday in Russellville
following a sexual abuse indictment.

Christopher Hubert Martin, 30, was charged with sexual abuse
of a child less than 12-years-old.

Martin is being held in the Colbert County Jail under a
$100,000 bond.

The abuse was reported in October of 2012 by the victim's
mother. Investigators were given permission to examine the victim's bedroom.
The search resulted in evidence that led to a Grand Jury indictment for Martin. 

Copyright 2013 WAFF. All rights reserved.

Pre-paid credit card scam warning

Source: MGN Online

FRANKLIN COUNTY, AL (WAFF)-

The Franklin County, Alabama Sheriff's Office is warning of a pre-paid credit card scam.

They said the callers seem to be targeting
senior citizens, but may be making random calls as well.

The caller says you've
won some type of prize. They then tell you you'll receive the money on a green
dot pre-paid credit card. But you have to activate that card at a cost of $450,
then call them back with the card number and pin number.

 

Copyright 2013 WAFF. All rights reserved.