Bessemer native Glenn Shadix, Hollywood character actor dies

The Birmingham News reports Bessemer native Glenn Shadix, a Hollywood character actor, best known for his role as Otho the interior decorator in Tim Burton’s “Beetle Juice,” died this morning following a fall at his Birmingham condo.

Shadix was 58. He had appeared in more than 70 films and television shows.

A family member said he was in a wheelchair because of mobility problems and it look like he fell and hit his head in the kitchen.

Shadix moved back to Birmingham about four years ago to be close to his family four years ago.

Alabama records 4 holiday weekend fatals

MONTGOMERY (AP)— Officials in Alabama say the number of highway deaths in the state over the Labor Day weekend this year was four, significantly lower than figures for recent years.

Officials say that during the Labor Day weekend in 2005, the number of fatalities involving accidents worked by state troopers was nine. In 2006 that number was 11. For 2007, the number of fatalities was seven. For both 2008 and 2009, the number was.

Public Safety Director Col. J. Christopher Murphy said troopers were on increased patrols and deployed BAT Mobiles to nine parts of the state considered DUI “hot spots.” BAT Mobiles are specialized vehicles with breath alcohol testing equipment.