General News

General

Alabama school district to dismiss early Tuesday, March 4 because of severe weather

With a variety of severe weather threats in store for Alabama on Tuesday, at least one school district has announced changes to their schedules.

Damaging winds, heavy rain and a couple of tornadoes may be in the cards for Alabama, according to the National Weather Service.

The timeframe is from Tuesday evening in the west through early Wednesday morning in the east.

Forecasters think Tuesday’s storms could reach Alabama’s western border between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday and quickly track eastward. Storms are expected to be the strongest over west Alabama.

Several severe storms will be possible.

The strongest of those could have wind gusts from 60 mph to even 70 mph, according to the weather service, which could take down trees and power lines.

A few tornadoes will also be possible along the line of storms. They will likely be those hard-to-warn-for quick-hitting spin-ups that are there and gone within a few minutes.

These school district have announced changes to their Tuesday schedules:

Scottsboro City Schools: 11:15 AM early dismissal Tuesday for elementary schools (Nelson, Caldwell, and Collins.) 12 p.m. early dismissal Tuesday for secondary schools (Scottsboro Junior High and Scottsboro High School.)

This story will be updated as more school districts announce changes.

Read More
General

Nasal wash sold at Walmart, Amazon recalled for potential to cause ‘life-threatening’ infection

A nasal wash brand sold at Walmart, Amazon, and other retailers is being recalled due to contamination that could put users at risk for a bacterial infection.

New York-based Ascent Consumer Products Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of one lot of SinuCleanse Soft Tip Squeeze Bottle Nasal Wash System due to microbial contamination with Staphylococcus aureus, which could cause a potentially life-threatening infection, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Use of any SinuCleanse Soft Tip Squeeze Bottle Nasal Wash System products contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus can result in blood infections in users whose nasal mucosa may be compromised due to inflammation or injury caused by nasal irrigation, the USDA said in its warning.

The affected SinuCleanse Soft Tip Squeeze Bottle Nasal Wash System is packaged in a carton, containing the squeeze bottle and 30 Saline Packets. The lot number is 024122661A1 and expiration date is Dec. 31, 2027. The affected lot was distributed nationwide in January through retail and online outlets.

Consumers who have this product should discontinue use immediately and return it to the place of purchase or discard it.

Read More
General

Popular pizza chain shutting down more than 200 locations but your local store is probably safe

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, the pizza chain’s largest franchisee, will close 205 low-performing restaurants around the world.

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises holds the master franchise rights to the Domino’s brand and network in Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Japan, Germany, Luxembourg, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Cambodia, reports QSR.

The closures were first announced in late February and will generate an estimated $9.4 million according to Forbes Australia.

The company will shutter 172 Domino’s locations in Japan between April and June.

According to The Street, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises conducted an operational and financial review to improve profitability, strengthen franchise partnerships, position the business for long-term growth, and improve shareholder returns, which led to the location closings.

“Japan is an attractive market for quick service restaurants and pizza, with significant long-term upside for Domino’s,” the franchisee’s Group CEO Mark van Dyck said in a statement. ”Some of our COVID-period expansion resulted in stores that simply weren’t optimal based on our current customer proposition and removing them will strengthen our network.”

Read More
General

Alabama university closes one of its campuses after 50 years

Troy University’s Board of Trustees voted on March 1 to close its Phenix City campus at the end of the year.

“Troy University’s Phenix City campus has played a vital role in our mission and educational outreach for over five decades, significantly contributing to higher education in East Alabama,” Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. wrote in a news release.

“However, as more adult learners shift toward online and flexible learning options, demand for traditional in-person instruction at satellite locations has declined. This decision was not made lightly, and I am profoundly grateful to the faculty, staff, students, and community leaders who have built the Phenix City Campus’s legacy of excellence.”

Administrators will assist students, staff and faculty in transitioning to online programs or other the other Troy satellite campuses in Dothan or Montgomery. Fort Moore military students can still utilize university staff for educational opportunities at that location.

“Technology has changed the way we live, including how we deliver education, but our commitment to students in the Phenix City area remains as strong as ever,” Hawkins said. “We may not have a physical campus, but we’re not going anywhere—we will continue to serve this community.”

Troy’s satellite office was founded at Fort Benning in 1974. A campus opened next to Chattahoochee Valley Community College the following year. The Phenix City campus has been at its current location since 2015.

The news release cited the 2022 Hechinger Report study that showed 861 college campuses have closed nationwide since 2004.

In 2023, Troy reported 14,679 full- and part-time students across all locations.

Read More
General

Inmate dies in custody at Madison County jail

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an inmate while at the county jail.

John Mitchell Rigdon, 68, was found unresponsive in his medical cell at about 4:30 a.m. Monday. Sheriff’s detention officers and medical staff began life-saving measures. but Rigdon was pronounced dead, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

“An in-custody death is always difficult for everyone involved: facility staff members, medical staff, and emergency first responders,” Sheriff Kevin Turner said. “We are extremely saddened to report the death of Mr. Rigdon and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

The cause of death is was not immediately known and will be established through autopsy and toxicology reports conducted by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.

Huntsville Police officers arrested Rigdon, 68, charging him with criminal trespassing in the third degree, after an incident Sunday at Crestwood Hospital.

Rigdon had been discharged from the hospital earlier in the day. but returned, and Crestwood Hospital personnel contacted the Huntsville Police Department, requesting their assistance. Upon arrival, officers arrested Rigdon and took him to the Madison County Sheriff’s facility for processing and detention.

At the Madison County Jail, sheriff’s office medical personnel found Rigdon had a history of medical issues and was suffering from a terminal condition, and he was placed in the jail infirmary. An on-call doctor was notified and wrote medical orders for Rigdon, the sheriff’s office said.

Read More
General

Popular technology service shutting down in May: Here’s the replacement

Skype, internet-based phone and video service that soared to popularity in the 2000s, is shutting down.

Microsoft, Skype’s parent company, announced the news on X, saying the service will “no longer be available” to use starting in May. Skype users will be able to use their log-in information on Microsoft Teams.

Skype’s shutdown comes 14 years after Microsoft bought the service for $8.5 billion in cash, marking the company’s largest ever acquisition at the time, reports CNN.

“Skype has been an integral part of shaping modern communications and supporting countless meaningful moments, and we are honored to have been part of the journey,” Jeff Teper, president of Microsoft 365 collaborative apps and platforms, said in a blog post. “We’re excited about the new opportunities that Teams brings and are committed to helping you stay connected in new and meaningful ways.”

What to know before Skype shuts down

Skype account holders can transition to Microsoft Teams for free by logging in using their Skype credentials, reports Newsweek. Users can download Teams from the official Microsoft Teams website and sign in using their Skype credentials through May 5.

Skype users who would like a record of their communications or contacts can export their data.

Read More
General

Huntsville downtown restaurant closes permanently

The photo shows Le Petit Bijou’s cozy dining room with chairs up on a table, the floor swept clean and the photographer’s left hand flashing the peace sign. Text super-imposed below the pic, posted Saturday to the downtown Huntsville wine bar and café social media, reads “It’s been real.” The post’s caption: “And there she goes,” followed by a heartbreak emoji.

So ends a memorable run at 103 North Side Square.

An offshoot of artisanal restaurant Domaine South, Le Petite Bijou opened there a bit after Domaine relocated in late 2021 from there to its current location at 200 West Side Square.

Petite Bijou food items included grits and grillades, cider glazed salmon, Maine mussels and a Cuban sandwich.

The wine selection numbered more than 1,200 and focused on French and California wines.

Wine Spectator highlighted Petite Bijou among the oenophile bible’s 2024 Restaurant Awards.

The closing was announced via a Feb. 24 social post. “We have loved our time on Northside Square, but as our lease draws to an end we have made the decision to move everything and everyone to our Big Spring Park location. This weekend will be the final kitchen service.”

On Facebook, Jessica Bridges commented “This place has held some of my best and warmest memories – from being a customer, to employee, to family. It definitely hurts my heart to see our little jewel box go, but excites me for what is to come!”

Crawford Stokes Speaks wrote, “I will miss this location so much. It’s become the only place my husband and I go on date night. The food is always phenomenal out of this little kitchen.”

The Feb. 24 post went on to say the business’ wine shop facet will continue at 103 North Side until its moved to 200 West Side.

RELATED: Why a popular downtown Huntsville restaurant is relocating across the street

Alice Tanghe commented, “I’ve loved every iteration of Domaine and will continue with you forever.”

Tanghe and other Petite Bijou fans won’t have to venture far. Domaine South is located less than a hundred steps away, in a charming space with a patio and gorgeous view of Big Spring Park.

Domaine South owner Kristian Denis. (Matt Wake/[email protected])Matt Wake

“We’ve just never had enough room,” Domaine South owner Kristian Denis told AL.com in 2021 of their move from across the street. “We turn away a lot more people than we can seat at night.”

RELATED: Huntsville’s downtown hotspot for charcuterie boards

The 200 West Side Square space tripled Domaine’s capacity. The décor at both 200 West Side and 103 North Side echo Denis’ European childhood.

Domaine South’s signature items include charcuterie, a butter ham on baguette sandwich, salads and soups such as asparagus-and-coriander.

RELATED: How a tiny Alabama wine shop became a hot restaurant

Domaine South began circa 2014 as a wine shop in a 500-square-foot space off Meridian Street. They opened their original North Side Square restaurant in 2018.

In 2022, Domaine South made AL.com’s list of “15 essential Huntsville restaurants.“ Two years later, we selected Domaine’s honey butter fried chicken as a must-do Huntsville sandwich.

This year, we named the restaurant’s mahi wrap – “A beach vacation for your mouth” – one of “6 Alabama dishes you need to try in March.”

Domaine South

A view of Big Spring Park East from the dining room at Domaine South. (Matt Wake/[email protected])Matt Wake

Read More
General

Former Northview state championship football coach Parrish dies at 76

Veteran high school football coach Harry Wayne Parrish of Dothan died on Monday, according to a news release from the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

The AHSAA said the 76-year-old had been suffering from a heart condition for several weeks.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out the family of Harry Wayne Parrish and to his extended family of students, coaches and teachers,” AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon said. “His coaching success is well documented. His legacy of being a major positive influence in so many students’ lives will be long lasting.”

Parrish compiled a 172-105 record, with a 97-66 mark as the first head coach in Northview High School’s history. He led the Cougars to state championships in 1981 in Class 4A and 1985 in 6A.

He graduated from Dothan High School in 1966, earning All-State honors as an offensive lineman. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Tuscaloosa High School while still a student at the University of Alabama.

Parrish returned to his hometown as part of the Dothan High staff in 1970 and helped the team make the state playoff finals twice. When Northview High School opened in 1978, Parrish became head coach and athletic director. Four years later, he led the Cougars to the AHSAA’s large school (4A) state crown. Northview accomplished the feat again four years later winning the 6A state championship.

Parrish moved to Early County (Ga.) High School in 1991 and led the Bobcats to a 75-39 record and a state championship game appearance over a 13-year tenure. He also coached two seasons at Daleville High School.

Parrish went on to become a successful financial counselor and served as chairman of the Dothan City School Board for several years.

The City of Dothan recently named the Dothan High School football practice field in Parrish’s honor, and he was inducted into the Wiregrass Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.

Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home will be officiating Parrish’s funeral.

Read More
General

Alabama drivers will have to wait for the new Crimson Tide vanity license plate

A redesign of the University of Alabama license plate has been postponed, according to the university and the Department of Revenue.

Frank Miles, communications and public relations manager for the Department of Revenue, said the university postponed the redesign because they are still tweaking it.

Alex House, associate director of communications for UA, said the university is working with the Department of Revenue on the tag but did not have any other information to share.

Most of the proceeds from the sale of University of Alabama license tags fund scholarship programs at UA.

The UA tags have been the most popular specialty tags in the state.

Beginning March 1, according to the Department of Revenue, redesigned Atlanta Braves tags became available, along with these redesigned tags: A Pink Breast Cancer Tag; Faulkner University; Habitat for Humanity; Helping Schools; Miles College.

Read More
General

From wails to beads: The emotional rollercoaster of Joe Cain Day

For the past 51 years, a group of unknown women wearing identical black veils and dresses, concealing their identities have arrived at the Church Street Graveyard, weeping and wailing over the loss of their beloved Joe Cain.

Michael Volpicelli of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has watched the spectacle up close each year for the past 30 years. The Merry Widows of Joe Cain are his favorites, and he wants to make sure he has a prime viewing spot against the cemetery gate.

“Everyone gets along has a really good time,” said Volpicelli. Volpicelli travels to New Orleans each year for Mardi Gras but drives north to Mobile, the self-proclaimed ‘Birthplace of Mardi Gras,’ rather than staying in the Big Easy to celebrate.

“I love them,” he said. “I always get my beads.”

The Widows and their over-the-top theatrics are the typical kickoff to Joe Cain Day, among the more popular days of the Carnival season that typically draws massive crowds to downtown Mobile. On Sunday, under sun-soaked skies and comfortable early March temperatures, the large crowds began the day descending on the Church Street Graveyard to witness the Widows in action.

“I just love watching the Widows as they walk down and mourn over the graves, and then to watch my daughter and her friend reach through the gates to get beads from them,” said Amanda Humfrees of Bay St. Louis, Miss., who was with her daughter, 9-year-old Jaycie Kreeger.

The Merry Widows of Joe Cain – which includes a group of women with made-up traditional Southern names like Savannah, Emmy Lou, Isabelle, and Josie Cain — arrive in a charter bus after 11 a.m. on Joe Cain Day to participate in their annual schtick. They’ve been visiting the graveyard since 1974.

The Widows are escorted into the cemetery during a solemn stroll to pay their respects to Cain, who died in 1904 and who is considered the man whose antics led to the revitalization of Mardi Gras celebrations in Mobile after the Civil War.

The Widows also pay respects at the grave marker of Julian “Judy” Rayford, the late historian and folklorist whose efforts in the 1960s led to getting Cain’s body disinterred from a cemetery in Bayou La Batre and relocated to the Mobile graveyard in 1966. The first Joe Cain Day Procession occurred in 1966, largely because of Rayford’s efforts in getting Cain reburied in Mobile and have his story embellished for all time.

The Widows are all anonymous, dressed in black gowns and hats, and their faces shielded by black veils. Their identities, since 1974, have been completely unknown.

Read more: Who loved Joe the best? For 50th time, Merry Widows to gather for a Mardi Gras tradition

After weeping over the loss of Cain, the Widows will then bicker over whom Joe loved the most. The irony is that Cain only had one wife his entire life, the late Elizabeth Rabby Cain, who is buried alongside her husband at the Church Street Graveyard.

The Widows pay no attention to the Joe Cain’s biography. They are out for themselves until the mood turns form somber to celebratory.

The Widows then begin their dance as they frolic toward the brick wall that lines the cemetery, tossing black beads and flowers to onlookers.

Immediately afterward, the Widows will board back onto the bus for a quick drive to the Oakleigh Garden District to Cain’s house on 906 Augusta St, where hundreds of onlookers will join the Widows for a toast.

The moment then leads the Widows to the start of the Joe Cain Day Procession, the highlight of the afternoon.

The procession features two distinct groups – the Foot Marchers and the Joe Cain Parading Society. The Footmarcher is an eclectic mix of participants, both old and new, featuring groups like the Wild Mauvillians, Mystic Squirrels of Bienville, the Order of Bums, Skeleton Krewe, and more.

The Slacabamarinico character remains the oldest and most central part of Joe Cain Day, first portrayed by Rayford. The character has been portrayed by historian Wayne Dean since 1985.

Read more: It’s getting deep in Mobile, and that’s a good thing

The entire day is the creative product of Rayford, whose 1962 retelling of Mardi Gras in ‘Chasin’ the Devil Round a Stump’ was aimed at getting Cain memorialized in Mobile. It has long been a community-wide festivity featuring tailgates and street parties and has, for decades, been the antithesis to the mystic societies and private, invite-only Carnival balls that are a staple of the city’s annual Carnival.

Read More