Governor Robert Bentley is using blunt language to describe a looming budget crisis facing Alabama. Bentley addressed the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Monday at the Embassy Suites Hotel. He said gambling is not the solution to the state budget problems and would not provide enough money to stave off double-digit cuts to law enforcement and other state agencies. Bentley's push to solve a budget shortfall have been repeated by state law enforcement secretary Spencer Collier who said he could find himself in a position to close 13 trooper posts and layoff 99 troopers. The governor said his tax increases would close a shortfall in the General fund budget.
Millbrook Gunman
Millbrook Police are trying to determine who fired gunshots in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant. Police Chief P.K. Johnson said the incident happened just after 12 noon at the McDonald's on Alabama 14. Johnson said one of the bullets hit an occupied vehicle. No one was injured. Authorities also say witnesses have not cooperated with investigators.
Fatal Collision
Alabama State Troopers have identified the two people who were killed in a head-on crash late Monday afternoon on U.S. 31, just north of Prattville. Troopers said 30-year-old Floridalma Morales and 4-year-old Darwin Sarceno, both of Deatsville, died when the car they were traveling in collided with a pickup truck. Troopers said the boy was not properly restrained. Four people in the pickup, including three children, were seriously injured, their names and medical conditions have been unavailable.
Taxpayer Money
State Auditor Jim Zeigler says county and city school boards have illegally spent taxpayer money to fund campaigns. Zeigler announced Monday that he's filed a lawsuit in Montgomery County Circuit Court. The suit stems from a March 31st property tax referendum in Baldwin County. Zeigler said the school board used more than $200,000 to promote a "Yes" vote on a proposed tax increase. The suit names Attorney General Luther Strange and several Baldwin County School officials as defendants. An attorney general opinion has said that the school board spending is legal.
Suspects in Custody
Police in Selma have nabbed three men for stealing thousands of dollars worth of meat from a packing and distribution plant where they were employed. Selma Police spokesman, Lt. Curtis Muhannad, said officers recovered dozens of boxes containing meat products from a vehicle. The meat was worth more than $12,000. Investigators believe the men have been stealing meats from the pant since November of last year. The three men were each charged with first-degree theft and placed in the Dallas County jail on $30,000 bonds.