Homicide Investigation

The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 in the 5900 Block of Court M.

The victim has been identified as:
Mason Jeremiah Hayes, B/M, 2, of Birmingham, Alabama

On Tuesday, January 6, 2015 around 3:57 p.m., West Precinct officers were dispatched to Children’s hospital on an injured child. Officers were informed by the boyfriend of the victim’s mother that the victim fell off the bed and hit his head. The victim was first taken to Princeton Hospital and then transported to Children’s hospital. Later that evening around 8 p.m., the department was informed by the medical staff at Children’s Hospital that the victim had succumbed to his injury during surgery. Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide.

If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit at 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.

Hit and Run

Investigators need your assistance. A hit and run accident that took place on Friday, December 19, 2014 around 11:10p.m. on 5th Ave. South and 23rd Street  South. The victim, Paula Smalley, suffered serious injuries. Investigators believe the mirror left at the scene belongs to a dark colored 1996-2000 Saturn SL. Investigators believe someone saw this vehicle that night and if anyone has any information regarding this incident please contact Officer Gibson at 254-6555. The victim was released this Friday and is now home beginning her long road to recovering.

AG Strange, DA Green Announce Conviction of Hueytown Man for Violent Sex Crimes in 2009 Cold Case

MONTGOMERY– Attorney General Luther Strange and District Attorney Arthur Green Jr. of the Bessemer Division of Jefferson County announced the conviction of a Hueytown man for violent sex crimes in a cold case. Following a five-day trial in the Bessemer Division of Jefferson County Circuit Court, a jury found that Jason Lee Campbell was guilty of attempted murder, first-degree rape, sodomy and kidnapping, and third-degree robbery.
Evidence was presented regarding the November 2009 attack of a 40-year-old woman in the 200 block of Eureka Place in Hueytown. Jason Campbell’s brother, David Wesley Campbell, was convicted on September 17, 2014, for the same crimes. On the third day of his trial in Jefferson County Circuit Court, David Campbell pleaded guilty to first-degree kidnapping, first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, first-degree robbery and attempted murder. David Campbell was sentenced to serve life in prison for each of the crimes, to run concurrently.
Sentencing for Jason Campbell is set for March 19. Due to prior convictions, he faces penalties of life imprisonment or life without parole for the convictions of attempted murder, rape, sodomy and kidnapping; and 15 years to life imprisonment for the conviction of third-degree robbery.
Both brothers were indicted for the crimes on January 29, 2013, by a Jefferson County grand jury. Notice of the indictments was served on the defendants at the Jefferson County Jail on March 4, 2013, where they have been incarcerated. The Campbell brothers were formerly charged for these crimes by warrant in the Bessemer Division of the Jefferson County Circuit Court.
The charges against the Campbells are a result of an investigation by the Attorney General’s Cold Case Unit. The Cold Case Unit is operated within the Attorney General’s Office, in partnership with the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, to investigate violent sexual crimes that previously had been closed due to lack of investigative leads. This program is funded by a grant from the U.S Department of Justice.
“I am pleased that, with this conviction, we deliver a measure of justice for the victim of these horrendous crimes,” said Attorney General Strange. “I am proud of what our Cold Case Unit has been able to achieve, working together with other law enforcement.”
Attorney General Strange commended the Attorney General’s Cold Case Unit and others involved in handling this case, noting in particular District Attorney Arthur Green Jr., Assistant District Attorney David Michaels and the Bessemer Division District Attorney’s Office for Jefferson County; St. Clair County Sheriff Terry Surles and his Investigative Unit; and Hueytown Police Chief Charles Hagler and his Detective Division for their excellent work in this case.

HHS’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has announced the award of an Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership grant to Alabama Department of Human Resources. This grant capitalizes on existing child care capacity and infrastructure to improve access to high-quality early learning opportunities for infants and toddlers in low income families. ACF developed the grants to encourage collaboration between new or existing Early Head Start grantees and child care providers.

“As the mother of young kids, early learning is a big part of my personal life,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. “We’re awarding $8,268,000 annually to the Alabama Department of Human Resources to help ensure more children in Alabama will benefit from high-quality early childhood efforts. As a result, we expect that 566 additional children a year will be able to access Early Head Start. That’s a lot of young lives changed. And a lot of impact delivered.”

“Research shows the first three years are critical for brain development, and Early Head Start provides high-quality early care and learning opportunities for our most vulnerable young children,” said ACF Acting Assistant Secretary Mark Greenberg. “These grants will help support working families by providing a full-day, full-year program for young children.”

Infants and toddlers in the new program will receive developmentally enriching caregiving which promotes their physical, cognitive, social and emotional development, and prepares them for future growth and development.  In addition, this program will offer support to parents in their roles as primary caregivers and teachers of their children and to help parents move toward self-sufficiency.

The Early Head Start program requires significant support from the community, including matching funds, much of which is delivered in kind. These programs work most effectively when local businesses and community organizations work together to support these most vulnerable children.  Public and private entities throughout the state are invited to embrace this new program and be part of the solution for early childhood care and education in Alabama.

“We are pleased to partner with communities from all over the country to expand high quality early learning opportunities for children who need it most. By providing the fundamental services young children need, we will improve their chances to reach their full potential,” said ACF Deputy Assistant Secretary for Early Childhood Development Linda Smith.

President Obama first mentioned the Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership program in his 2013 State of the Union address, when he proposed a comprehensive plan to support high-quality early education for all children from birth through school age.

Visit the ACF website to learn more about Early Childhood Development, Office of Head Start and Office of Child Care.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. –  Stillman College will hold its annual United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Super Viewing Party on January 24 at 7 p.m. in the Warner Presentation Room of its Wynn Center.
As the first official fundraising event of the year, the Viewing Party attracts Stillman stakeholders including donor, alumni and College friends who contribute to scholarships to assist students with completing their collegiate education. Last year’s event exceeded the projected fundraising goal of $35,000.
“The partnership event with the UNCF is one that we look forward to hosting. The support received from our donors is greatly appreciated and each year the participation for the Viewing Party increases and it has become one of the major events of the year for our community. We are already making plans for next year,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Anthony Holloman.
For the 2014-2015 academic year, Stillman sophomore biology major Elizabeth Caver was named a recipient of UNCF’s Rising Star scholarship. A native of Birmingham, Carver plans to attend medical school upon her graduation from Stillman.
“When our students are recognized as scholars, it confirms the need for all of our fundraising activities, especially for those students with excellent academic credentials who are in financial need. We are proud of Elizabeth’s UNCF selection and we hope that this year’s Viewing Party will continue to set the tone for scholarly giving,” said Cristi Hitt, Stillman’s director of scholarships.
Tickets for this year’s event are by invitation or donation. A minimum donation of $25 is required for admittance. For more information, contact 205-366-8880. The Private Property band of Pelham, Ala. will provide live music.
UNCF is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities are highly effective, awarding 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 65,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

Cash For Crooks Div. of Refuge In (RITT) Trouble Times, PO Box 28061, Birmingham, Alabama  35228.
Each year we close out the year with a huge give away to the children who have lost parents during the year to violence.
This marks our 2nd Annual Christmas give away. We call it Yana’s Christmas Prayer with RITT – Absent Parents Victims of Violence.  We bring Santa in from the North Pole; this year we were blessed to have Mrs. Claus to come with him.
Many thanks to the Birmingham Police Department Captain Peoples over Youth Services, Detective Rogers and Detective Beverly Cox for the important role they played in making this possible.
We at RITT would like to give honor unto the Lord who touched the hearts of the people to give cheerfully and also blessed us to be at the Harbert Center once again with the children.
We at RITT publish cases in the Birmingham Times, to keep the awareness of the violence that is happening around us everyday.  We are the voice of the dead crying out to find their killer.  Any lead (s) you might have would assist the BPD in solving their cases and not let them go cold.  Please call 205-254-7777. Do not give NICK NAMES, REAL NAMES PLEASE.  If you would like to be a member of RITT please contact Minister Ward at 205-240-9910 or e-mail her at odussasplace@yahoo.com.  You may also share your stories there for publication. We are fighting to help you and to make our communities a more safer place to live.  We pray your Holiday was safe and ask that this year, 2015, be a true blessing with plenty of favor, In The Name Of Jesus Christ.   Happy reading.

HHS encourages consumers to sign up by Jan.15 for coverage that starts Feb. 1

This Thursday marks the second Open Enrollment deadline for the 2015 Health Insurance Marketplace. For coverage starting on Feb. 1, it is important for people to sign-up now, ahead of the Jan. 15 deadline.
“As of January 9, 126,061 Alabamians have access to quality, affordable health coverage for 2015 through the Health Insurance Marketplace,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell said. “There are just over four weeks before the February 15 deadline and the end of Open Enrollment. For those who are thinking about getting health coverage, take a look at your options on HealthCare.gov or contact the call center. If you don’t enroll by February 15, then you may have to wait until next year to sign up for affordable coverage. In the first month, 91 percent of Alabama consumers who signed up were eligible for financial assistance.”
Since Open Enrollment began on Nov. 15, nearly 6.8 million consumers selected a plan or were automatically re-enrolled in the Federally Facilitated Marketplace. As we near this week’s deadline, officials from HHS are available for print, radio and television interviews. Satellite TV interviews are also available.
To request an interview with an official from HHS, email press@cms.hhs.gov.
Five facts for consumers as we near the second open enrollment deadline:
1.    Deadline is fast approaching. Open enrollment is ending soon. The deadline to apply for coverage starting on Feb. 1, 2015 is this Thursday, Jan. 15. The final Open Enrollment deadline to sign up for 2015 coverage is Feb. 15. If people miss that deadline, they will likely have to wait to sign up for coverage until the next open enrollment season, with coverage starting in 2016.
1.    Enrolling in coverage is easier than ever. This year, the consumer experience at HealthCare.gov simpler, faster, and more intuitive. It is easy to shop; no log-in or application is required to see the plans in your area and find out how much financial help may be available. We streamlined this year’s application, reducing the number of screens people need to click through from 76 to 16. And you can even apply on your smartphone.
1.    More choices are available this year. More than 90 percent of consumers will be able to choose from three or more issuers—up from 74 percent in 2014. That means that consumers can choose from an average of 40 health plans in their county for 2015 coverage—up from 30 in 2014.
1.    Financial assistance is available. 91 percent of Alabamians who selected 2015 plans through HealthCare.gov in the first month of open enrollment are getting financial assistance to lower their premiums. Nationally, eight out of 10 people can find coverage for $100 or less a month with tax credits through the Marketplace. That is less than some people pay for a cell phone or cable bill.
1.    Help is available. We are working to meet consumers where they are, whether that is online, over the phone or in person.
◦    Online: Information is available at HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov.
◦    By Phone: Marketplace call center representatives are available to help all day, every day at 1-800-318-2596. TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325. Assistance is available in 150 languages. The call is free.
◦    In person: Consumers can find local help at by visiting: Localhelp.healthcare.gov
About the Health Insurance Marketplace:
Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace for 2015 began Nov. 15, 2014, and runs through Feb. 15, 2015. Consumers should visit HealthCare.gov to review and compare health plan options and find out if they are eligible for financial assistance, which can help pay monthly premiums and reduce out-of-pocket costs when receiving services.
·         To sign up for individual and family coverage, visit: https://www.healthcare.gov/apply-and-enroll/
·         For more information about Health Insurance Marketplaces, visit: www.healthcare.gov/marketplace

During the Birmingham City Council meeting on January 13, 2015 Council:

Approved an Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND THE CAPITAL FUND BUDGET” by transferring $67,783.00 from Hazmat Storage Building and Propagation House, $32,217.00 from Police West Precinct and appropriating $100,000.00 to Museum of Art Feasibility Study, and transferring $100,000.00 from Museum of Art Improvements and appropriating $67,783.00 to Hazmat Storage Building and Propagation House and $32,217.00 to Police West Precinct. For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.

Other items approved by the Council at today’s meeting include the following:

1. Approved a Resolution determining that the City of Birmingham’s Love Your Block Program which is a volunteer-led, neighborhood beautification and revitalization initiative that is jointly funded by City of Birmingham and grant partners, serves a public purpose that promotes goodwill and serves a public interest, and requesting that City of Birmingham, grant funds and donations received in an amount not to exceed $75,000.00. be used to pay for this program in accordance with Section 3-1-7 of the General Code of the City of Birmingham. For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.

2. Delayed an Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND CAPITAL FUND BUDGET” for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015 by appropriating $10,000,000.00 to Freedom Center. For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.

3. Delayed an Ordinance authorizing issuance, execution, sale and delivery of $10,000,000.00 Principal Amount General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes (Federally Taxable), Series 2015, of the City of Birmingham, Alabama and payment thereof. For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.

4. Delayed an Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute (1) Funding Agreement with The Historical Preservation Authority of the City of Birmingham under which the City will provide funding in the amount of $10,000,000 to the Authority and in-kind services for the development of a project to include a building to be known as the “Freedom Center” located within the block bounded by 5th and 6th Avenues North and 15th and 16th Streets North, which will house a public policy institute and will provide and promote research, educational and outreach activities which focus on the extension of human and civil rights around the world, the addition of archive space for the Civil Rights Institute and the renovation of the A.G. Gaston Motel, and (2) Ground Lease with the Authority under which the City will lease the property to the Authority for a term of 20 years at an annual rent of $1.00 per year. For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.

5. Approved a resolution approving the agreement with Volkert, Inc., Birmingham, AL, in an amount not to exceed $922,479.00, inclusive of any reimbursable expenses, to provide professional engineering, design, and surveying services for the Jefferson County ALDOT Project No. HPP-1602 (510) Finley Boulevard Extension East from 26th Street to State Route 79 and authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. [Appropriated for in FY2014-2015 Budget; Funding Source on January 13, 2015 Agenda] For more information please contact the Office of Councilor William Parker at 205.254.2464.

Announcements and Reminders

1. The Planning and Zoning Committee Meeting will be held Tuesday January 13, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. on the 5th Floor in the Engineering Conference Room.

2. The Public Improvements and Beautification Committee Meeting will be held Wednesday January 14, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. in Conference Rooms D & E.

Are you unable to attend the Birmingham City Council meetings? Watch Council Meetings on demand. From anywhere in the world you can log on to www.birminghamalcitycouncil.org and click on the tab Watch Council Meetings; or from the comfort of your home, tune to Bright House Cable Channel 340. The Birmingham City Council meetings are free and on demand.
The City of Birmingham will make reasonable accommodations to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunity to enjoy all city services, programs and activities. If accommodations are required for public meetings, please contact Chiara Morrow, Public Information Officer, with reasonable advance notice by emailing chiara.morrow@birminghamal.gov or by calling 205-254-2055.