Cleanup duties have begun in earnest in dozens of Alabama communities in the aftermath of a violent series of severe storms that swept through the state this week. Preliminary numbers show nearly 250 homes were destroyed or damaged in 31 Alabama counties. Three people died. On the Alabama and Florida coasts, residents are dealing with historic flooding caused by days of endless rainfall.
Deadline Extended
The state is extending deadlines for some vehicle owners because of the severe weather that hit Alabama this week. The Department of Revenue says the April deadlines for vehicle registrations, renewals, transfers and tax payments are being pushed back to May 16th in places where county offices closed because of the storms. Storm damage has been reported in 31 of the state's 67 counties.
Possible Termination
Three leaders of the Selma City School System are facing possible termination. An article in today's Selma Times Journal newspaper states the recommendations were made by the man in charge of the state's intervention of Selma City Schools. Interim Superintendent Larry Dichiara said that he made the recommendation to fire Selma Schools Superintendent Gerald Shirley, Testing Coordinator Mamie Solomon and Curriculum Coordinator Wanda McCall. The three Selma school officials have been on administrative leave since February. They have 15 days to request a hearing. The firings must be approved by State School Superintendent Dr. Tommy Bice.
Best Historic City
Montgomery has been named the "Best Historic City in America." The designation comes after the Capital city outpolled nine other U.S. cities to win USA Today Travel's 10 Best contest. Mayor Todd Strange called it great news for Montgomery. He said the Montgomery immense history spans from the Civil War to civil rights. Anapolis, Maryland, and Williamsburg, Virginia, finished second and third, respectively. Montgomery also has been selected as a finalist for the National Civic League's All-America Cities Award.