The City of Enterprise announced veterans Parkway between Highway 167 and Highway 51 is now closed after a fire damaged Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home.
Highway 167 and 51 remain open, but the Veterans Parkway connection is currently unavailable; with the home temporarily unoccupied due to fire damage, the closure is to ensure safety and support ongoing repairs.
“I encourage all of our residents to remain patient and understanding during this temporary closure,” Mayor William E. Cooper said. “Please continue to keep our veterans, the dedicated caregivers, and the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs in your thoughts and prayers as they work through this challenging time. We eagerly await the day we can welcome our heroes back home to a fully restored Command Sergeant Major Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home.
The Alabama Senate handed down final approval for a ban on cellphones during school hours in public schools, according to reporting from the Alabama Reflector.
HB 166 requires local school boards adopt policies for students to store cellphones during class hours. It’s headed to Gov. Kay Ivey’s desk after passing handily.
A proposed amendment allowing students to use phones to contact parents or legal guardians was struck down.
Students can have their phone under three exemptions: if they study under an Individualized Education Plan allowing for phone usage, for teacher-approved instruction and for medical purposes.
End Abortion Alabama has released attacks on Rep. Paul Lee (R – Dothan) over a bill concerning in vitro fertilization (IVF), but fellow Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R – Trinity) is coming to Lee’s defense, calling the attacks “destructive.”
Yarbrough filed multiple bills, including Prenatal Equal Protection Act, on personal choice and pro-life issues. The legislation was taken to Lee, who chairs the Health Committee, according to Yellowhammer News.
“Lee reached out to me to offer an amendment that would make IVF a standalone issue and separate from my bill,” Yarbrough said Wednesday in a statement. “I chose not to move forward at this time because of concerns around IVF legislation that we passed last session and how that affected the personhood discussion.”
Lee has faced a number of attacks from special interest groups accusing him of being in favor of abortion.
“There have subsequently been groups that have sent out emails to legislators or spread information accusing Chairman Lee of murder,” Yarbrough said. “This is patently false as well as destructive to a good cause and his sincere efforts regarding this legislation.”
Yarbrough said he plans to address IVF more in the future, saying he believes it should be part of separate legislation.
“There is a proper and professional way for elected officials and citizens to engage in the legislative process. I ask that you cease and desist these attacks on Rep. Lee,” Yarbrough said.
