Low Reservoirs Levels to Affect Power Production, Boating

(CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.) -- Tennessee Valley Authority reservoir levels are lower than normal due to below average spring rain and runoff.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that Hiwassee, Nottely, Normandy, Norris and Cherokee reservoirs may not reach their required summer recreation levels by June 1, affecting both summer activities and power production.

With lake levels at some reservoirs 8 feet below normal, hydroelectric generation is running 12 percent below average, TVA officials said.

"Although we had a lot of rain early in the winter, the spring months had below-normal rainfall, and it is unlikely that some reservoirs will fill to their summer water levels this year without above-normal rain over the summer," said senior vice president of river operations, John McCormick.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Students to Compete in Inaugural Golden Spoon Competition

(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) -- Students from Birmingham City's Wenonah, Parker and Jackson Olin High Schools will compete in the Golden Spoon competition held on May 19, 2012, ABC affiliate 33/40 reports.

 Teams will have two hours to create a three-course meal, with an appetizer, entree and dessert. Students from the winning team will earn a chance to win a Culinard scholarship. Golden Corral and the Culinary Institute of Virgnia College are both sponsoring the event.

This is the first year the event has been held.


Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

US Marshals Search For Escaped Hamilton Inmate

(HAMILTON, Ala.) -- Law enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force have asked the public for help in searching for an inmate who escaped from a Hamilton work center on Thursday morning, ABC News Birmingham affiliate WBMA-TV reports.

Samuel Brandon Mitchell, 33, reportedly escaped about 2:30 a.m. from the Hamilton Community Work Center. Mitchell was serving a 20-year sentence, up in 2029, for theft of property.

Law enforcement agencies were notified of Mitchell’s escape.

Those with any information about Mitchell’s whereabouts are encouraged to contact their local authorities.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Bessemer Police Officer Involved in Shooting, Suspect Dead

(BESSEMER, Ala.) -- A Bessemer police officer shot and killed a 38-year-old man early Thursday morning, according to The Birmingham News.

Firefighters and police responded to a medical aid call at the 800 block of Dartmouth Avenue.  The caller had warned the 911 operator that the victim was being aggressive and combative. 

When cops arrived, the man picked up two knives.  Officers drew their weapons and tried to convince the man to drop the knives, but he instead threw one of the knives at an officer, who shot him.

The victim died during surgery at UAB hospital.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Sisters Sentenced to Prison for Identity Theft, Tax Fraud

(MONTGOMERY, Ala.) -- Two sisters from Montgomery have each been sentenced to almost 10 years in prison for their involvement in an identity theft tax fraud scheme.

Loretta Fergerson and Tracey Fergerson were each sentenced to 115 months in prison for conspiring to file claims for false income tax refunds using stolen identities. The sisters have also been ordered to pay $504,305 in restitution to the IRS.

Court documents state that Loretta Fergerson owned the tax return preparation business, Fast Tax Cash, in Montgomery, and between 2005 and 2008 she and her sister filed tax returns using stolen identities in order to claim fraudulent tax refunds.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio