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Funding concerns loom for school systems in wake of Accountability Act

Elmore Co. Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Langham discusses system issues with WSFA 12 News reporter Jennifer Oravet Wednesday, May 1, 2013.

ELMORE CO., AL (WSFA)- Some school districts are attempting to study up on the
late night amendment passed by the Alabama House, concerning the Alabama Accountability
Act.

At a glance, the change passed by the GOP supermajority will not force
"passing" schools to take students transferring from failing schools.

Elmore County Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Langham spoke to WSFA 12 News Wednesday and says that
his obligation is to the taxpayers of Elmore County and the county's
students.

However, Dr. Langham feels turning
students away goes against the central mission of educating children. 

Elmore County has no "failing"
schools on the list, however it could be a major target for those who attend
under performing schools. 

We're going to have
reaction from administrators and members of the community who are invested in
the school district, in a story that's new for WSFA 12 News at 6:00 p.m.

The number of unrestrained fatalities continues to rise in Alabama

The number of unrestrained fatalities continues to rise in Alabama

Crash activity reports from the Alabama Department of Public Safety show the number of people who died in vehicle crashes where seat belts were available and were not wearing seat belts increased from last month.

According to preliminary traffic crash data, there were 45 people killed in vehicle crashes investigated by state troopers in Alabama in April 2013 compared to 42 in March. Of that number, 37 were in vehicles where seat belts were available, and 26 victims were not wearing seat belts up from 20 in March. That’s six more deaths.

“Too many people continue to die in crashes because they are not wearing seat belts,” said Transportation Director John Cooper. “It’s a proven fact that buckling up every time we get behind the wheel or ride as a passenger helps save lives.

Art exhibition & education highlight ADMH's promotion of National Mental Health Month

Art exhibition & education highlight ADMH's promotion of National Mental Health Month

Each year the Alabama Department of Mental Health joins statewide and national organizations to promote National Mental Health Month, observed in May. Throughout the month, various advocacy organizations will host events statewide, and ADMH will present its 8th annual Capitol Showcase Consumer Art Exhibition.

Art Exhibition Details
More than 100 consumers around the state with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders or co-occurring disorders will showcase their artwork throughout the month at the Capitol. The exhibition promotes consumer dignity and helps the public gain a better understanding of the individuals ADMH serves. This exhibition is about more than just the artists’ work.

Huntingdon softball earns top 3 GSAC honors for 2nd straight year

Huntingdon softball earns top 3 GSAC honors for 2nd straight year

The Huntingdon softball team earned three of the Great South Athletic Conference’s top awards for a second consecutive year.
 
With the release of the GSAC All-Conference awards, senior catcher Brittany Richardson was named Player of the Year, senior Melissa McClure was named Pitcher of the Year and head coach Gynger Williams was named Coach of the Year. A total of 14 Huntingdon players were recognized as either All-Conference, All-Freshmen, All-Academic or for Sportsmanship.
 
This is McClure’s first selection as Pitcher of the Year, but the third straight season a Huntingdon Pitcher has been named Pitcher of the Year. Entering the GSAC tournament, McClure led the conference in wins (13) and ERA (1.88) and was fifth in strikeouts (81) this season. She also pitched three shutouts and two no-hitters, including a perfect game this season.

Full scale disaster exercise set for NW Elmore Co. Tuesday morning

ELMORE CO., AL (WSFA)- The Elmore County Emergency Management Agency & Homeland Security (EMA/HS) Office say they will be coordinating a full scale exercise near Holtville and Deatsville on Tuesday, April 30.

The exercise will take place between 8 and 11 a.m.

The exercise will include participants from a number of agencies including local law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency medical services, dispatch, EMA, and the Elmore County Board of Education.

The exercise scenario involves a mass casualty incident resulting from a simulated motor vehicle accident involving a loaded Elmore County school bus.

The purpose of the exercise is to evaluate the ability of participating agencies to respond to a transportation mass casualty incident.

The exercise will also allow participating agencies to assess their standard operating procedures or guidelines for responding to this type of emergency situation.

HSEC Pet-of-the-Week

HSEC Pet-of-the-Week

Rogue is a possible Lab/Chow mix, about nine months old and about 80 lbs.  He may look imposing but he is a big lush that loves children, is great with other animals and may even be housetrained.

Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs &50 for cats which completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, 45 days of pet health insurance and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.

To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, go to our website at www.elmorehumane.org for more information, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334-567-3377.

Alabama Department of Labor Obtaining Convictions for Unemployment Compensation Fraud

Alabama Department of Labor Obtaining Convictions for Unemployment Compensation Fraud

MONTGOMERY – Alabama Department of Labor Commissioner Tom Surtees announced today that the Department has successfully prosecuted several Alabamians for unemployment compensation fraud. The following individuals were charged with violating the Alabama Unemployment Compensation Law by making false statements in claims for benefits:


- Michael Burgess, of Tuscaloosa, was tried in Tuscaloosa County District Court on March 6, 2013. An investigation by Labor’s Benefit Payment Control Section determined that Burgess received a total of $2,580 in benefits to which he was not entitled.


Burgess pled guilty and was sentenced to 90 days in jail, which was suspended for two years, and 24 months of probation. He was also fined $100 and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of benefits received illegally.