Governor Robert Bentley says the House is off to a good start on closing a $200 million projected budget shortfall after a key House committee approved a 24 cents cigarette take hike proposal. The full House is considering that and other revenue measures that cleared a House Ways and Means committee.
Montgomery Homicide
Montgomery police are conducting a homicide investigation. Detectives say 20-year-old Daniel McCall Jr. of Montgomery was found shot to death Wednesday night in the 58oo block of East Shirley Lane. Authorities have not determined the motive and no arrests have been made. McCall's death is Montgomery's 26th homicide this year.
Goodwater Deaths
The deaths of two men near the town of Goodwater is under investigation agents are assisting authorities in Coosa County after two adult males were found Tuesday night bound and shot to death at a residence off Old Dam Road near Goodwater. The victims were identified as 35-year-old Dantigo Kelly and 42-year-old Terrence Strong, both of Goodwater. No arrests have been made.
New Member
The newest member of the Montgomery County Board of Education took the oath of office Wednesday. Roberta Collins will represent District 7. She was appointed to replace the late Beverly Ross who died in August. Montgomery County Superintendent Margaret Allen said there will be less revenue for the school system's 2016 budget. Allen said MPS will lost $16.7 million due to the new Pike Road School.