News Briefs

ROGERSVILLE

Firefighter to be honored at event

Mayor Richard Hertson said a large crowd is anticipated for Saturday's Morris T. Lentz Tribute.

The event honors Lentz, a Rogersville firefighter, community leader and businessman who was injured when he was struck by falling debris at a residential fire in Elgin earlier this year.

Lentz is back home and family friends say he expects a full recovery.

"We have a lot of entertainment lined up and we are expecting a large turnout," Herston said. "There should be plenty of fun for the entire family."

The event begins at 10 a.m. in Rogersville's downtown Heritage Park. Scheduled entertainment includes Dennis Odem and the Country Legends Band, Iron Horse, the Memphis Review, the Cadillacs, Friends of Morris Lentz Band, Red Marlow and the Marlow Band.

Hertson said today has also been proclaimed "Morris Lentz Day" in Rogersville.

"This is a chance to show how much we appreciate what Morris does for the town," Hertson said.

MONTGOMERY

Board hears plan to trim testing

A plan that would trim testing in Alabama's schools and change the way the high school graduation exit exam is administered was reviewed by the state school board Thursday.

Under the proposal, the Alabama High School Graduation Exam would be turned into a final exam that students would take at the end of each course, rather than as a separate, additional test after coursework concludes. Students' scores on the new graduation exam would be included in their grade for the class.

Other revisions include combining some tests, turning a literacy exam over to the Alabama Reading Initiative program for administration, and adding career assessment tests. State Superintendent Joe Morton told the board that the plan is in its infancy and will need much more time for consideration.

MONTGOMERY

3 recusals delay Worley's case

The criminal case against former Secretary of State Nancy Worley has been delayed by the recusals of three judges on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, which is to determine if felony charges against her were properly struck down.

Judges Kelli Wise, Mary Windom and Jim Main - all Republicans - recused themselves from the case against the prominent Democrat for different reasons. Their departure left only two judges on the five-member court, which is one too few to hear a case.

Court Clerk Lane Mann notified Alabama Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb of the recusals June 18 and asked her to appoint one or more judges to fill in. As of Thursday, Mann said he had not received any appointments.