The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office has hired a familiar face. Former Montgomery Police Chief Kevin Murphy will now hold the position as second in command to Sheriff-elect Derrick Cunningham. Cunningham had mentioned in November that Murphy was in the running for the slot. The sheriff-elect says that he needed someone he could trust who would have his back. Several other candidates were considered, though their names were never released. Murphy retired from the police department, though he says it was not a voluntary retirement.
Preliminary Budget
State Schools Superintendent Dr. Tommy Bice brought the preliminary budget for the 2016 fiscal year to the Alabama Board of Education Wednesday. The $4.4 billion dollar spending plan was approved on a 6 to 2 vote with board members Stephanie Bell and Betty Peters in opposition. Dr. Bice says the new budget requests an additional $227 million dollars over the current fiscal year, which mainly will go to local school systems. Governor Robert Bentley will receive the preliminary budget before making his own adjustments and sending it back to the board. Dr. Bice believes the board will revisit the budget in January.
Lawmaker Charged
Republican state Sen. Tom Whatley of Auburn has been arrested on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge. Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones says Auburn police booked Whatley into the county jail in Opelika Tuesday night, and he was released on $500 bond Wednesday morning. Jones said he was not familiar with what prompted the arrest. Whatley's attorney was in a meeting Wednesday and not immediately available for comment. The senator was elected to the Senate in 2010 and re-elected in November.
Lee Evaluation
A Lowndes County judge has ruled a man is mentally competent to stand trial on capital murder charges stemming from the June 2012 slayings of 9-year-old twins and their caretaker. The judge ruled that a psychological examination showed Deandra Marquis Lee is capable of helping his attorney with his defense. Lee is scheduled for trial April 6th in Hayneville.