Alabama Power company continues to have problems with scam artists. The electric utility is warning customers about con artists who call and tell customers their power will be cut off if they don't take cash to a nearby parking lot. Alabama Power says their business offices are the only place where cash payments are accepted. The electric utility is urging customers to be wary of people claiming to be employees or from anywhere else.
Pay Raise
The Alabama State Board of Education has offered Superintendent Tommy Bice a new two-year contract and a pay raise. The board voted 6-2 on Wednesday to offer Bice a new contract, which would call for his $200,000 salary to be increased to 250,000. Two members of the state school board, including Stephanie Bell of Montgomery, voted to reject the new contract for Dr. Bice.
New Drug
Authorities in east Alabama say they've recovered about $100,000 worth of a designer drug that's new the Drug Enforcement Administration is still trying to classify the substance. The Etowah County Sheriff's Office said the drug is a white powder called AB-Pinaca. It's used to make synthetic drugs called "spice." Two people were arrested.
ASU Reality Show
The Alabama State University's Mighty Marching Hornets Band has been selected to star in a reality television show beginning this fall on the popular A&E Network. Dr. James Oliver, band director for the Mighty Marching Hornets, says the show will be family-based and will highlight student growth as they navigate through the program. The show has been named "Bama State Style" and filming begins on Monday, the show begins airing in January 2015.
Remains Returned
The Pentagon says the remains of a World War II hero from Montgomery County are being returned to relatives. The Department of Defense announced this week the remains of Army Air Corps Staff Sgt. Gerald V. Atkinson of Ramar, Alabama, were recovered from a lake in Germany. Atkinson and fellow crew members were killed in April 1945 during a bombing mission over Germany. Atkinson will be buried with full military honors in Chattahoochie, Florida.