Ala. court system braces for more "substantial" layoffs

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011, 6:42pm

The familiar statue seen outside many courthouses, symbolically blindfolded and carrying a scale of equality, serves as a reminder to all who pass before her that they're promised equal justice under the law. The blindfold over Lady Justice's eyes isn't covering up a massive budget shortfall, however, that's threatening more jobs and speedy justice.

Alabama Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb warned Tuesday that more, "substantial" layoffs can be expected in the coming days as a result of the ongoing budget crisis within Alabama.

Cobb said the State General Fund adopted by the House of Representatives will force her to cut an additional 254 court employees and 25 Administrative Offices of Courts employees. Those cuts would have to come by October 1. Justice Cobb has already trimmed the judicial branch by 270 employees over the last two years because of budget constraints.

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Elmore County to use Army Corps of Engineers for debris clean-up

Submitted by JoBeth Davis, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011, 6:06pm

ELMORE COUNTY, AL (WSFA) - The Elmore County Commission ruled today in an emergency meeting to call in the Army Corps of Engineers to help storm victims with debris clean-up.

Elmore County was one of 20 counties in the state eligible to use the Corps through the "Operation Clean Sweep" program.

The assistance only applies to property damaged in the tornadoes and that debris needs to be removed for the public safety.

To find out if you are eligible to have your debris picked up, call the Elmore County EMA Office at 334-567-6451.

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9th Annual Cruisin Fer Critters to benefit ECHS

Submitted by JoBeth Davis, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011, 2:45pm

9th Annual Cruisin Fer Critters to benefit ECHS

The Predators Motorcycle Association is getting ready for their 9th Annual Cruisin Fer Critters Bike Ride and Poker Run to benefit the Elmore County Humane Society.

The event will be held at The Keys, 1343 Dalraida Road, Montgomery, AL. There will be food, drink, a live band, games, door prizes, 50/50 tickets, a poker run and much more. $20 per hand/$5 if you don't want a hand.

For more information visit the Cruisin Fer Critters website HERE.

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34 Hope Benefit Bike Ride and Music Fest

Submitted by JoBeth Davis, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011, 2:18pm

34 Hope Benefit Bike Ride

Starts at 8:00 a.m. at the Winn Dixie in Alexander City on Sunday, May 22

Description (from website): Ride down U.S Highway 280 to Highway 63 South, then to Highway 229, Highway 50, Highway 49, to County Road 34 and then back out through 49 to 280. $25 to register for the bike ride and 100% of the profit is going to help those affected by tornado damage.

34 Hope Music Fest

Goes from 1:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m. and starts at the Rodeo Club and Colonel Tom’s Tavern on Sunday, May 22

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Coosa River Whitewater Festival set for June 3-5

Submitted by Tom Ensey, Web news producer

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011, 7:42am

Coosa River Whitewater Festival set for June 3-5

The 26th Annual Coosa River Whitewater Festival will take place June 3-5, 2011 on the Coosa River and at 172 River Road, Wetumpka. It is hosted by the CRPC (Coosa River Paddling Club).

The event will feature beginner-to-pro kayak rodeo, boat races, canoe competitions, sit on top kayak, stand up paddle board and river board events, a 50 foot Big Air Ramp which launches kayakers into the air, raffles, music and free kayaking clinics. This year the event has grown substantially because of the National Sponsors’ involvement. There are events for every age and skill level.

Canoe and sit on top kayak rentals are available for people who want to be spectators for the events taking place of the river. The Big Air Ramp will take place at the Festival grounds.

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Elmore County Commission Emergency Meeting scheduled Tuesday to discuss Debris Removal

Submitted by JoBeth Davis, Community Web Producer

Monday, May 16th, 2011, 5:40pm

Elmore County Commission

Emergency Called Meeting

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

9:00 a.m.

AGENDA

Call to Order

Invocation

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

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Elmore County Humane Society Pet-of-the-Week

Submitted by JoBeth Davis, Community Web Producer

Monday, May 16th, 2011, 5:29pm

Elmore County Humane Society Pet-of-the-Week

Riley is a female Spaniel/Lab mix who loves everyone and is very playful and respond to commands very well. She is about a year old & a chubby 40 lbs or so. She is great with cats, other dogs and children. She has been with us far too long considering what a really nice dog she is, so how about giving her a new home so that this can be her last week in our shelter. Our adoption fee for dogs is $100 and for cats is $80 and which completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, and a free health exam with your veterinarian. To see Riley or any of our other great pets, come to the shelter at 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, or go to our website at www.elmorehumane.org . We are open for adoptions Mon-Thu 10-4, Fri 10-5 and Sat 9-3.