Here’s a look at what we’re working on for the Wednesday, May 27, 2009, edition of The North Jefferson News. For complete stories, please see the Wednesday edition or visit us online throughout the day on Wednesday and Thursday.

Also, don’t forget to check out a new episode of NJNtv Thursday at 4:30 p.m. And, check out our exclusive Vacation / Staycation guide in Saturday’s paper. The guide will offer tips on how to get the most vacation bang for your buck, whether you hit the road or go no further than your back yard.



Warrior Police investigate tax business



A tax business in Warrior is being accused of “possible fraud” for not filing individuals’ taxes by the April 15 deadline.

CFS Tax Services reportedly did not file returns for at least three clients.

The alleged victims filed police reports for “possible fraud” on May 6 and May 20 with the Warrior Police Department after the Internal Revenue Service contacted them for not filing their taxes, according to Warrior Police Chief Ray Horn.

He said on Tuesday that another alleged victim had filed a third report.



Local students tackle crime solving



Bryan Elementary School was recently the site of crime-scene tape, investigators, fingerprint equipment, search warrants, a judge and, most dramatic of all, a body.

The body, named Time, was only that of a scarecrow in a wooded area near the school. And while the search warrant also wasn’t real, most of the other items were.

Jefferson County District Judge Jill Ganus oversaw the mock trial of the killing of Time, while actual prosecutors and defense attorneys took part.



Reading programs coming to local libraries



Friday is the last day of school for students in the Jefferson County School System, but there is plenty for them to do during summer vacation.

Summer reading programs are kicking off at the public libraries in Warrior, Fultondale and Gardendale. This year’s theme is “Be Creative @ Your Library.” There is no charge to attend the programs.

“We will be exploring music and all different forms of the arts like dance, music, painting, crafts and literature,” said Lou Ellen Nichols, head of youth services for the Gardendale-Martha Moore Public Library.



Arts council gears up for busy summer



Families feeling the recession pinch will find plenty of entertainment in Gardendale this summer.

The city’s arts council has several events planned through August, ranging from gospel singings to theatrical productions.

“We’re just trying to appeal to everyone in the community,” said council chairman Larry York. “We hope that the variety will suit everyone’s needs.”



Person You Should Know — Marshall Graham



Marshall Graham, 61, has settled in Mt. Olive with his wife Melanie after retiring from the U.S. Air Force after 24 years and then working for defense contractor DynCorp. He grew up in Gardendale and graduated from Mortimer Jordan High School in 1966.