Government agencies contract with many private businesses for assistance in handling disasters. Those contracts are typically made well before the need arises. A conference on how to become a pre-approved vendor for emergency response is being held at Alabama State University today. Several prime contractors will also be on hand offering presentations on how to do business with them.
Legislature Countdown
The Legislature's last day May 20th looks to be long and hectic even though both state budgets have already passed. House Speaker Mike Hubbard's priorities include a bill that provides for drug testing of some welfare applicants. The Senate will have to decide on bond issues for repairing tornado-damaged schools and other issues.
Inmate Escape
The search continues for a Montgomery County Jail inmate who walked away from a work detail last week. 42-year-old Randy Earl Washington was serving a one year sentence for attempting to elude. Washington escaped from custody last Thursday while working a detail near Day Street and Terminal Roads. The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force also has joined in the search for Washington.
Body Recovered
Search teams recovered the body of a Wetumpka man who drowned in the Tallapoosa River last Thursday afternoon. Tallassee Police Chief Jimmy Rodgers said the body of 27-year-old John William Picken was recovered Saturday morning. Picken, according to police, was fishing on the rocks when he was swept away by a strong current. The other anglers were able to make it to safety.