Authorities in Montgomery say a child has died in a house fire that occurred early Monday morning. Police Sgt. Denise Barnes says fire crews were called to the 4300 block of Sunshine Drive around 7 a.m. and were told one of the home's occupants may have still been inside. The house was reportedly engulfed in flames when emergency responders arrived. The body of a child was found after the fire was extinguished. Barnes says the house sustained major fire and smoke damage. The family's dog also perished in the blaze. The victim's name has not been released and a cause has yet to be determined.
Separate Board
There is a move afoot in the Alabama Legislature to create a separate board for the two-year college system, apart from the State Board of Education. Currently the panel that oversees the K through 12 system also governs community colleges. Republican State Senator Trip Pittman of Daphne, the bill's sponsor in the Senate, says that's too much for one group of people to tackle. Fellow Republican Senator Paul Bussman of Cullman disagrees. Last week the State School Board passed a unanimous resolution formally opposing the legislation. The bill is now pending its third reading.
Biblical Marriage
Supporters of "biblical marriage" plan a rally in the southeast Alabama city of Dothan. The "I Support Biblical Marriage" rally is planned for March 22 at the Dothan Civic Center. Same-sex marriage is on hold in Alabama for now.