A September 18th referendum approaches on a plan to use 437-million dollars over three years from the Alabama Trust Fund to fill a hole in the General Fund budget left by lawmakers during the last legislative session. Governor Robert Bentley says regardless of whether voters approve the transfer he will not propose any new taxes. Bentley also says he veto any broad-based taxes passed by the Legislature. Senate budget committee Chairman Arthur Orr of Decatur says that makes it unlikely new taxes could be used to fill funding shortfalls if the measure fails. Some lawmakers say the Legislature violated the Constitution by adjourning last Spring without balancing the General Fund.
The Labor Day weekend begins tomorrow and you can expect to see a number of DUI checkpoints set up around the Huntsville area. Huntsville Police say it’s part of the city’s ‘Get sober or get pulled over’ campaign. Checkpoints will be located at several locations, including Drake Ave.,Jordan Lane, University Dr., Bob Wallace Ave. Bailey Cove, Andrew Jackson Way, Cecil Ashburn, Sparkman Dr. and Pulaski Pike.
The town of Good Hope in Cullman County is preparing to start selling liquor, following a referendum on Tuesday that approved sales for the first time ever. Mayor Corey Harbison told the Cullman Times that he had no idea what to expect from Tuesday’s vote, where residents voted 293 to 241 in favor sales. Harbison says the City Council will now review its existing alcohol sales ordinance, as well as liquor laws in Hanceville and Cullman, before moving ahead.
Huntsville Hospital has launched a new smart phone app that will make it easier for you to gather and store your medical history. WHNT reports the Med-Info Keeper app allows users to securely maintain medical information for themselves and family members. A Huntsville Hospital spokesperson says the password-secure app could be especially helpful for people with elderly parents who may take a variety of medications or have a long history of health problems. Find more information about this, and many other stories on our Facebook page.
The waters are receding on the Alabama coast as Tropical Storm Isaac continues to weaken and move further away. Schools in Mobile and Baldwin counties re-opened today after a three-day break. However, south Alabama has seen several tornado warnings caused by Isaac’s outer bands. Several more inches of rain are expected in the area. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Valley is still waiting to see its first real rainfall from the storm. Scattered storms are possible tonight and tomorrow.
The US Space and Rocket Center is holding a special event tomorrow morning beginning at 9 to honor astronaut Neil Armstrong, who died over the weekend. The event will take place near the Saturn V rocket, and will include a balloon release, music, guest speakers and the latest Space Camp graduation ceremony. Flags will be flown at half-staff across the nation tomorrow in Armstrong’s honor.