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Florence plant fire under investigation

A fire was reported at American Excelsior Company around 2 a.m. Wednesday.

FLORENCE, AL (WAFF)- Investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire that damaged a Florence manufacturing plant early Wednesday morning.

Investigators said all workers were accounted for after the fire at American Excelsior Company, a Fiberex Division plant on Parkway Drive.

Initial reports of a fire came shortly after 2 a.m. Wednesday. Further reports indicated at least one explosion coming from within the structure.

Fiberex makes wood and cotton products.

There's no word yet on what caused the fire. Plant officials were unavailable for comment.

Copyright 2013 WAFF. All rights reserved. 

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UNA Student Journalists Alex Lindley and Matt Wilson Win First Place National Award

UNA Student Journalists Alex Lindley and Matt Wilson Win First Place National Award

FLORENCE, AL - Alex Lindley and Matt Wilson of the University of North Alabama won the top news reporting awards on a national level for a series of stories they wrote.

Lindley and Wilson wrote the stories to follow an alleged rape reported on the UNA campus last semester. The series won the first place award in the Region 3 Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) competition before advancing on to the national level. Lindley and Wilson were responsible for all interviews and research done prior to writing the stories.

Lindley attributed his success to the collective efforts of The Flor-Ala staff. “We worked really well together all year, so when something big happened, we were able to get the news out quickly in a responsible, informative way,” Lindley said. Lindley said he sees the awards received as confirmation that The Flor-Ala is the best source for UNA news.

Police investigate UNA burglary

Nearly a dozen watches and rings along with two NCAA participant medallions were stolen.

FLORENCE, AL (WAFF)- Crooks targeted an athletic facility at UNA, breaking into several coaches' offices and stealing memorabilia from inside.

Nearly a dozen watches and rings along with two NCAA participant medallions were stolen from the case in UNA men's basketball couch's office over the weekend.

Some of the items taken were from UNA's trip to the Elite Eight in 2008. Officials said the crooks broke into the building and pried their way into the offices.

"You think about the guys you played with or were on the team and you know you look at that ring and you remember some things and the NCAA watch so that's kind of disappointing and you know just the memories of those days," said Bobby Champagne, UNA men's basketball coach.

If you happen to see any of the items or know who's responsible or where they may be you're asked to the theUNA police department immediately.

AL lawmakers respond to bill allowing police to take cell phones at wrecks

Source: MGN Online

DECATUR, AL (WAFF)- A New Jersey lawmaker has introduced legislation that would give police the right to take cell phones at the scene of crash sites. The officer would have access to the drivers call log to see if the phone played a part in the wreck. But lawmakers in the Tennessee Valley said they don't see a bill like that passing here.

"The short answer is it's probably something that would be very difficult to pass in Alabama," said Senator Arthur Orr (R., Decatur - District 3)

 Orr said a bill like that could be a violation of the Constitution.

"I think there is a problem with the 4th amendment, the searches and seizures law allowing a law enforcement officer just to take someone's cell phone after a traffic accident."

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Coyotes sighted in the Tennessee Valley

It's the time of year for coyotes!

MADISON COUNTY, AL (WAFF)-

Don't be surprised if you
see more coyotes in cities across North Alabama.

June, July, August, and September are the months we see the most coyotes in urban areas. Animal experts said this
time of year the adult dogs are looking for more food to feed their babies.

But don't worry if you do spot a coyote experts
said the chances of a coyote attacking a human are slim.

Copyright 2013 WAFF. All rights reserved.

H.S. students charged dual enrollment fees at UNA

UNA charging dual enrollment for H.S. students.

FLORENCE, AL (WAFF)-

High school students
looking to get a head start will soon have to pay to take college level classes
at the University of North Alabama.

The school will charge
students a $100 dual enrollment fee to earn college credit.

School officials said the program has grown
more than they anticipated leading to a need for the fee.

Other Alabama universities
also charge dual enrollment fees. At the University of Alabama, a three-credit hour course would cost more than $700. At Auburn, it'd be nearly $1,000.

 

Copyright 2013 WAFF. All rights reserved.

Woman arrested in Shoals pot bust

Vickie Peden (Source: Lauderdale County Detention Center)

LAUDERDALE COUNTY, AL (WAFF)-

A Shoals woman was arrested on drug charges Friday after major pot bust.

It happened at a home on County Road 38 in Lauderdale County. Drug agents said the raid was the result of a tip.

Agents said they seized 1,014 marijuana plants, 20 gallons of different flavors of homemade wine and various other materials for the home grow and brew operation.

Investigators arrested 55-year-old Vickie Peden.

She's facing a list of charges, including possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond is set at $4,500.

Copyright 2013 WAFF. All rights reserved.