Latest news with #Selman
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Man faces severe penalties for dangerous crime on public roadway: 'We need to send a message'
An Alabama resident was charged with criminal littering after being caught illegally dumping trash in a neighborhood in northeastern Birmingham, per ABC 3340. A resident captured footage of Richard Selman, 69, of Leeds, Alabama, discarding debris on a roadway in South Eastlake and reported the crime to the authorities. Under state law, criminal littering is a class B misdemeanor that carries a fine of $500 for the first offense but also includes further penalties depending on the material dumped. Further offenses carry higher fines and mandated community service. As the Environmental Protection Agency reports, illegal dumping is a widespread problem that poses health and safety hazards for locals and negatively impacts quality of life and property values. It's an inherently anti-social crime that harms the ecosystem and people. Illegally discarded debris can contaminate the soil and local water sources and attract vermin. Litter isn't just an eyesore; it can also devastate local wildlife that ingest toxic substances and spread disease. The city of Birmingham has taken steps to address the issue with its D.U.M.M.Y (Dumping Ugly Mess in My Yard) campaign. The initiative seeks to change anti-social behavior and empower residents to help keep Birmingham free of illegally discarded waste. The project also offers information for residents seeking to discard waste responsibly. It emphasizes the importance of collective action, stating: "It will take everyone pitching in to help keep our city clean and prosecute those who don't." In this case, it was thanks to a civic-minded resident that Selman was ultimately brought to justice. The story shows that properly enforced legislation and taking local action can go a long way to protecting the environment. Birmingham police chief Michael Pickett told WBRC News his department takes such offenses seriously. "We need to send a message that illegal dumping will not be tolerated in the city limits of Birmingham," he said. "We are not a dumping ground for anyone. Whether they are a resident in our city or someone coming in simply to dump in our city." Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Evening Standard
16-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Evening Standard
The rise of the 'sparden': Londoners choose mini spa retreats over greenery in city gardens
While most Londoners don't have that sort of money, Selman believes the spa garden trend reflects the way millennials, in particular, are making health and wellness a priority. Garden designer Jo Thompson has also noticed a rise in the number of clients asking for spa-type features to be integrated into landscaping. 'More and more, we're being asked to include wellness areas, specifically saunas and plunge pools,' she says, although the challenge is making sure they feel part of the garden rather than just 'dropped in'. In one Hampstead project, Thompson created 'a heavily planted winding path up to a secret little oasis with sauna and pool that from the outside looked like another garden area,' she says.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Sheriff says third deputy needed to secure courthouse
Pittsburg County Sheriff Frankie McClendon told county commissioners Monday morning a third deputy is needed at the courthouse to operate newly installed security equipment. McClendon said he regards two deputies assigned to the courthouse as 'a skeleton crew' for securing the site. Commission Vice Chairman Ross Selman, who represents District 3, said he supports the notion of hiring a third deputy but added, 'We didn't have it budgeted.' After suggesting the budget could be amended in the future, Selman said 'We should be able to get by for three months.' McClendon said the two deputies assigned to courthouse will begin training on how to use the new security equipment this week. Back in December 2024, McClendon said the Pittsburg County Courthouse is one of very few in the state to not have a metal detector of some kind. 'We've dodged the bullets for a long time — I think,' Selman said. Commissioners amended a portion of a previous agreement by approving a new joint resolution between the County and the City of McAlester for the Mid-McAlester Tax Increment Finance Project, tabled a building lease agreement of the Pittsburg County Election Board to obtain more information. The commission also tabled an action to award a vendor to replace the tile at the Crowder Senior Citizen Center due to three bidders not being similar in their approach to the project. First Deputy Sandra Crenshaw said the county needs to get new quotes for the Center in Crowder. Commissioners said they want to 'compare apples to apples.' The Pittsburg County Commission meets Monday at 9 a.m., unless scheduled around a federal holiday, at the Pittsburg County Courthouse inside the County Commissioners Conference Room, Room 100B, at 115 E. Carl Albert Parkway. Meetings are open to the public and people may address the commissioners regarding an item on the agenda. Residents are required to provide their name and address and to speak no more than three minutes. The commission does not acknowledge comments by the public on items not on the agenda but says topics can be placed on an upcoming agenda for discussion and possible action. To see the agenda, visit
