Watch your speed and obey all traffic laws because state troopers, along with city and county law enforcement agencies will be out in force over the July 4th holiday weekend. Alabama Public Safety director, Colonel Hugh McCall, says all available troopers will be on the roads from early Wednesday morning through Sunday night.
Alabama Power
Alabama Power Company has sent several crews to Ohio to help restore electricity in areas along the Atlantic seaboard that were battered by powerful winds last weekend. About 1.4 million customers in seven states and the District of Columbia are facing a fourth day sweltering day without power.
Trust Fund
State officials are predicting that Alabama's Education Trust fund will pull in enough money to meet its spending target for this fiscal year and avoid cuts in budgeted spending from proration. Tax collections by the trust fund are the main source of state tax dollars for public schools and colleges.
Grand Jury
The case against 22-year-old Deandra lee awaits consideration by the next session of the Lowndes County grand jury. Lee was in court Monday for a preliminary hearing. District Court Judge Adrian Johnson ordered Lee bound over to the grand jury on three murder charges in connection with the shooting deaths of 9-year-old twins and their elderly babysitter.
Economic Growth
Monday's announcement from airplane maker Airbus is being compared to the state's recruitment of automobile companies in the 1990's. Governor Robert Bentley said Alabama is about to enter a new era of economic growth.
Celebrations Planned
No matter where you live, a Fourth of July event is planned as the nation celebrates its 236th birthday. Independence Day festivities are planned in Montgomery and the town of Pike Road.
Fire Safety
State and federal forestry officials are pleading with the public to use extra caution if you plan to light fireworks or grill outdoors over the Fourth of July holiday. Alabama's wooded areas are extremely dry due to the on-going heat wave and the lack of rainfall.