Wetumpka Police were called to the scene of a fatal crash on Highway 231 Monday. WSFA is reporting that four vehicles collided when a vehicle veered off the southbound side into the northbound lanes. One person was pronounced dead at the scene near Blue Ridge Road. Three others were taken to a local hospital. No word on the extent of their injuries. Traffic on the northbound side of 231 was closed for nearly three hours due to the accident.
Rappelling Accident
A 14-year-old girl has died in a rappelling accident during a family trip to Mt. Cheaha State Park. Park superintendent Tammy Power says the accident happened Saturday while the girl's family was rappelling at Pulpit Rock Trail. Rappelling involves rock climbers who are suspended by a rope using their feet to push away from the side of a cliff or wall while they descend. Shelby County Schools spokeswoman Cindy Warner identified the girl as 14-year-old Millie Elia, a cheerleader, honor student and band member at Oak Mountain Middle School in Birmingham.
Loan Legislation
Payday Loan legislation has not gotten a warm reception at the Alabama Legislature the last few days. But a bill by Republican Senator Arthur Orr of Decatur is of to a good start. He legislation seeks to give customers of payday lenders at least six months to pay off loans. Policy Analyst for Alabama Arise Stephen Stetson says the advocacy group will be watching the bill's progress. Senator Orr says his bill might stand a chance since it would help protect consumers while not suppressing the availability of payday loans. The maximum annual percentage rate for a six-month loan under his bill would be 115 percent. It has cleared a Senate Committee, but still faces the full Senate and House.
Bama State Style
The Mighty Marching Hornets Band at Alabama State University is the focal point of a new reality TV series on the Lifetime Network. The show chronicles the band members' lives as they go from grueling practices to game-day performances. "Bama State Style" will make its premier this Friday night at 10 p.m. The series promises up close and personal stories of various band members as well as interviews with esteemed director James Oliver. It was taped during the fall of last year.