[SEDXC] Alabama Ham Climbs Tower in Protest

[John T. Laney III]

JT Croteau wrote:

>Have you guys seen this yet?
>
>Jan. 05 2007,09:20 by
>kg4rpe
>Wayne Spires (KF4BJT), a Wetumpka, AL ham is now sitting perched a top his
>68
>foot radio tower behind his house in protest of a judges ruling forcing him
>to become a part of a homeowners association. He says that 20 years ago when
>he
>bought the property located along the river that it was listed as
>unrestricted.
>He has been atop the tower for about three or four days and says he will not
>come down until his next court date which is scheduled for Feb. 5th.
>
>The nationaly syndicated radio team Rick and Bubba out of WZZK 104.7 in
>Birmingham, AL interviewed Mr. Spires, his wife, and a daughter live by
>phone
>this
>morning. They also talked yesterday by phone to the sheriff who said as long
>as
>Mr. Spires does not try to hurt himself or somebody else his department
>will not interfere. William "Bubba" Bussey (KJ4JJ) the co-host of Rick and
>Bubba, explained on yesterday's show the importance ham radio can play in a
>time of emergency and the importance for good towers for hams to own and
>use.
>(Bubba is a very active ham and promotes it often on their program.)
>
>His family as well as other neighbors, friends, and hams all are sending
>their
>support to him.
>
>for another report with pics, check:
>
>http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=5883357&nav=0RdM
>
>  
>
Yes, KY5R posted info about this and a link to a photo on the ACG 
reflector yesterday.  I looked him up in the FCC data base to get his 
call, which was not in the story.  In fact, the story didn't even say he 
was a ham, just said that he was up a 68' radio tower.  The story said 
he was unhappy that the homeowners' association had assessed him 
$1500.00 for paving, as I recall.  Don't think the dispute has anything 
to do with the tower....just he is using it as a platform for his 
publicity.  The FCC website says he is a General Class ham.  73, John, 
K4BAI.