The mayor of Decatur announced this week that three officers have been fired and a fourth officer has been suspended for their involvement in the shooting death of Stephen Perkins. Mayor Tab Bowling said the disciplinary actions are “effective immediately.” He did not release the names of the officers. Separately from the city’s internal investigation, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency continues to investigate whether the officers committed any crimes. AL.com reports the state police will turn over their findings to Morgan County District Attorney Scott Anderson to decide whether to arrest the officers or take the case to a grand jury. Cannon Lambert Sr., attorney for the Perkins family, says they will file a lawsuit.
Almost 2 million Alabamians are in line to receive up to $300 in a special one-time tax rebate check. If you haven’t received your money, the Alabama Department of Revenue wants you to know that they are working diligently to process more than 1.9 million paper and direct deposit rebate checks in a timely manner. In a statement, the revenue department asks that taxpayers allow time for the rebate to be received. AL.com reports the rebates will cost the state around $393 million which comes from a $2.8 billion surplus in the Education Trust Fund.
Alabama currently has some of the highest number of flu cases in the country. In the CDC’s most recent FluView map, Louisiana and South Carolina currently have the most flu cases in the country and Alabama is close behind them. Dr. Wes Stubblefield with the Alabama Department of Public Health tells WAFF TV it’s not too late to get the flu vaccine. He says the flu vaccine can be given any time during the season and it takes about two weeks to be fully effective.
Tanger Outlets, a national shopping outlet, has acquired Bridge Street Town Center. WHNT TV reports the company announced last week that the Huntsville shopping center will become its 39th property across the United States. They expect the center to provide the company with major growth. Tanger purchased Bridge Street for $193.5 million dollars and they have no plans to change the name of the shopping center
Huntsville City Schools leaders hosted a groundbreaking for its new Central Office and Career Tech Facility this week. The City transferred 14 acres at the corner of North Memorial Parkway and Max Luther Drive to Huntsville City Schools for the new campus. The Central Office will serve as the administrative center for Huntsville City Schools. The Career Tech Facility will have classrooms and specialized labs for welding, building construction, advanced manufacturing, culinary arts and cosmetology. The district is also planning to add new classes such as automotive, industrial technology and advanced health sciences. The projected completion date is fall 2025.
The Huntsville-Madison County Chamber is hosting Huntsville: ASmartPlace College Career Fair Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 3-5 p.m. at the Chamber office on Church Street. Students can meet with 27 employers who are offering full-time roles, co-op positions and internships. The fair is designed to help students and employers get an early start on summer internships. The fair is for anyone enrolled in college or who recently graduated. All majors and industries from any college and university are welcome. Since some students are not on break Dec. 12, parents are invited to attend the fair and learn about opportunities. More information is at hsvchamber.org.