A public hearing at Wednesday's State School Board meeting attracted unanimous support for adoption of the Science State Course of Study in Alabama's Public School System. The standards promote a hands-on approach to science, with less emphasis on memorization. Board members will vote on the standards at its September meeting. If approved, teachers would undergo a year of professional development before the program is implemented.
Cause of Death
Authorities in Butler County say a Greenville man whose body was found in his deep freezer died from a gunshot to the back of the head. District Attorney Charlotte Tesmer said an autopsy determined the shooting killed 39-year-old Michael Graham. The victim was reported missing 10 days before deputies found his body in the freezer at his mobile home outside Greenville. Investigators have said Graham's car was abandoned in the Atlanta area and the person who had been driving it was tracked to North Carolina. The unidentified person of interest is being held on an unrelated charged in North Carolina.
Deadly Collision
State Troopers say a two-vehicle crash in Lee County claimed the life of a Smiths Station woman. Troopers said 59-year-old Sydne Conder died Thursday morning when the car she was driving collided with another vehicle on U.S. 431, four miles north of Phenix City. A passenger in Conder's car was injured. Troopers continue to investigate.
Multiple Crimes
CrimeStoppers of Central Alabama is requesting help from the public as local police agencies seek information in two recent crimes; a large theft in Tallassee and a recent armed robbery on Troy Highway. Tallassee Police have released surveillance images that show seven to eight males participating in an elaborates burglary on August 10th that netted the thieves about $250,000 worth of vehicles and riding law mowers. Tallassee authorities said the break-ins occurred at two businesses SCF Buildings and Holt Auto Sales and Equipment on Notasulga Road near Highway 49. Montgmery Police have released still shots of two unknown males who robbed the Chevron Gas Station on Troy Highway, the robbery occurred Friday, August 7th.