Breaking, Mapping, Crime and Helping Others in Helena

High School groundbreaking
The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce posted facebook pictures on Wednesday afternoon called "City of Helena Breaks Ground for Helena High School". Their post said that "Mayor Sonny Penhale, Helena City Council, Lathan Associates Architects, PC, and Helena Fire and Police Departments" were present. Sorry, I didnt find out about it until several hours later so I wasn't able to take any pictures of my own. GSCCOC

Absentee Ballots
A couple of people asked so I bet there are more of you wondering. Today is the last day to file an absentee ballot for the Mayor Runoff next Tuesday. You can file one at the Helena City Hall 816 Hwy 52E Helena, AL

Are you ready for some football?
FYI, tonight is the 90lb. football team's Homecoming game, and final home game of the season. 6:30pm at the Sports Complex.

Costar Mapping
Lora saw something strange in Helena on Second Street on Wednesday morning. A CoStar Car was seen in Old Town. I went to their website and saw that had already mapped 14 lease properties in Helena. According to an article this vehicle is "part of a fleet of 100 Toyota Prius that the commercial real estate listing and information firm uses as field research vehicles. They are packed with an Airlink wireless GPS, assessor information database, on-board, high-res satellite imagery system and 360-degree photo tour software with gadgets that help. CoStar compile images of commercial real estate all over the country. So if you see them.. odds are it saw you first.

YARD SALES!
Since most yard sales start on Friday. I am going to post about yard sales today. Here we go:

4198 Old Cahaba Parkway 8am-Noon on Saturday. Household items and toys

272 Bentmoor Lane: Saturday starting 7am until

262 Rocky Ridge Drive Garage Sale – Oct 5th and 6th - 7AM-3PM both days
Off Highway 11, .4 mile south from BP at Highway 58/Highway 17
Cash, or use your debit or credit cards for an additional 3% fee. You must have valid ID to use cards (Yes
(Yes, she is going to take credit cards...WOW). She has clothes, tv, electronic, toys, furniture and moreGirls junior clothing Baby/toddler clothing Halloween costumes and decorations Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations Computer monitor- 17" flat screen Bath and potty chairs, canes, walkers 2-place bike stand Beach gear Lawn chairsYouth 21-speed mountain bike, child bike, adult 10-speed bike

Yard Sale for a Cause
The McDonalds of Helena are doing a yard sale at The Church of Cahaba Bend. The proceeds will go to benefit the adoption of a little girl from China. It will feature furniture, TV's, books, DVDs, computers, jewelry, Men's, Ladies & Kids clothes of all sizes, purses, shoes of all sizes, kitchen supplies, home decor, home improvement items, baby items, more children's toys than you can believe, and much more. They have been accumulating donations for 6 months in order to raise money for the adoption. It is only this Saturday October 6, 2012 from 7:00 AM until 3:00 PM. The Church at Cahaba Bend is at 3721 Hwy 52 Helena, Alabama 35080. It's right across the street from Helena Intermediate School.

You can read more about the family  at their blog called Another Pair of Little Shoes at the Door. You can also make donations directly at  www.gracekleincommunity.com or you can mail a check with "McDonald Adoption" in the memo line to:

Grace Klein Community
1678 Montgomery Hwy. #104
Birmingham, AL  35216


Home Security
Before we get to the Helena Police report, Jon Woodward who lives in Helena and works for ADT emailed me some advice. Also asked him for the sales pitch too. In Old Cahaba, we were prewired for ADT so maybe I am bias:

"I wanted to shed light on a security issue I see in my daily work. Many people are not aware of how easy it is for a burglar to gain access to your home. One easy step will help you better protect your home. Most people are amazed this is possible.

The quick release (red cord) for your garage door is an issue. People will wedge a piece of wood up top and fish a coat hanger through and grab the red cord. Once it is pulled the garage door will open. If you have windows in your garage door your cord will be even easier to get to. I recommend removing this red cord in order to better protect your home and family. I first started in home security about 12 years ago and I am amazed garage doors are still made this way. I currently live in Helena and I work for ADT. We are currently offering a promotion for $99.00 with $100.00 back for a base kit. This $99.00 base kit includes:
2 Door Window Sensors, Motion Detector, Key Fob Remote, Impassa Alarm Panel, $100.00 Back For Referral code 1995246 and Installation."
Call 1-877-234-1464
Tell them its a referral
Tell them the tech name is Jon Woodward
Tell them your referral code is 1995246

Thanks Jon, I guess I need to put the disclaimer here... I am not compensated in any way for posting anything. I do it because it is interesting and I want help local businesses.


Helena Weekly Statistics
From the Shelby County Reporter for whom I am thankful.


Helenite Marriages 
Joseph David Dick, 48, of Helena to Jackie Purpura Howell, 46, of Helena.
West Joseph Cherry, 28, of Helena to Carrie Lynn Butler, 26, of Pelham.

Health Inspector
Lucky China; 475 Helena Market Place St.; Helena; 96.
McDivots at Shadow Lake Range; 222 Shadow Lake Road; Helena; 96.
Gus Hot Dogs 4685 Highway 17, Suite E; Helena; 97

Helena Police Report
Thank you again to the Helena Police for everything they do to keep us safe. Everyone still needs to remember to lock their car doors because people will check your doors at night and take all your high value gadgets.

 Sept. 17
 -Theft of property second degree from the 1600 block of Keenland Drive (residence, home). Stolen were a wallet valued at $10, a Regions debit card and an Alabama ID card valued at $25.
 -Domestic incident from the 4200 block of Plantation Circle (residence, home).

 Sept. 18
 -Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle from the 1000 block of Asbury Circle (residence, home). Stolen were a JL audio speaker box valued at $250 and Nike shoes valued at $100.
 -Harassing communications from the 200 block of First Avenue West (residence, home).
 -Identity theft from the 8000 block of Wynwood Drive (residence, home). Stolen was $166.43.
 -Information only from the 100 block of Griffin Drive (residence, home).
 -Unlawful breaking and entering a motor vehicle and theft of property second degree from the 200 block of Scotts Trace (residence, home). Stolen was a Capital One Mastercard valued at $54.
 -Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle and theft of property second degree from the 200 block of Scotts Trace (residence, home). Stolen was a Household Bank Mastercard valued at $11.

 Sept. 19
 -Criminal mischief third degree from the 1200 block of Hillsboro Parkway (construction). Damaged was a rear window in the amount of $500.
 -Theft of property first degree from County Road 17 (storage facility). Stolen were metal folding chairs valued at $3,400 and plastic 8-foot tables valued at $1,200.

 Sept. 20
 -Warrant arrest failure to appear from the Birmingham City Jail (government, public building).
 -Warrant arrest failure to appear from the Calera Police Department (jail, prison).
 -Death investigation from the 100 block of Francis Lane (residence, home).

 Sept. 21
 -Hazardously parked vehicle from Highway 261 at Limestone Drive (highway, street).
 -Probation violation from the Calera City Jail (jail, prison).

 Sept. 22
 -Suspicious activity  narcotics from the 200 block of Rocky Ridge Drive (residence, home).
 -Warrant arrest  failure to appear from Highway 17 (restaurant).

 Sept. 23
 -Warrant arrest St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office from County Road 17 at Macqueen Drive.
 -Warrant arrest assault third degree from Secretariat Drive at Townhouse Road (highway, street).