K-12 workers may get raises
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama's state schools superintendent says he will seek raises for K-12 employees in the budget lawmakers are to begin debating in February.
Alabama Superintendent of Education Tommy Bice told members of the state board of education that the workers haven't received a raise or cost-of-living adjustment in four years.
The Tuscaloosa News reports that Bice's proposed working budget for the 2013-14 year that begins Oct. 1, 2013, contains money for a raise of about 1 percent.
Bice's declaration follows Gov. Robert Bentley's announcement last week that he'll consider raises for teachers and support personnel.
UGA to move on cutting jobs
ATLANTA - University of Georgia President Michael Adams says the school plans to move ahead with budget cuts that would eliminate about 130 positions.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that plans submitted to the state indicate many of the positions are vacant or filled temporarily by rehired retirees. Plans also show that dozens of jobs now filled by full-time staff would be eliminated.
Gov. Nathan Deal has told nearly all state agencies to cut their budgets by 3 percent this year and next because of the sluggish economy. While the cuts must be approved by the Legislature, many agencies are moving on them. Adams said UGA will implement its cuts unless told otherwise.
Police search for leads after fire
NASHVILLE - Police in Tennessee continue to search for leads in the case of two children who have been missing since their home was destroyed by fire.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued a statewide Amber Alert on Friday for 9-year old Chloie Leverette and 7-year old Gage Daniel after investigators spent a fifth day trying to determine if there were any remains of the children in the fire debris. TBI said fire experts had come up empty.
TBI spokeswoman Kristin Helm said agents continue to "develop investigative leads" but were not searching Saturday at the site of the blaze about 50 miles southeast of Nashville.
Battlefields get money for land
MEMPHIS - Eight Civil War battlefields, including three in Tennessee and Kentucky, are receiving more than $2.4 million in grants to help with land acquisition.
The National Park Service said Thursday that the money will help in the permanent preservation and protection of the battlefields. This year is the 150-year anniversary of several important Civil War battles.
The park service says the battlefield in Franklin, Tenn., is getting $112,800; Mill Springs, Ky., is getting $330,500; and the battlefield in Perryville, Ky., is receiving $43,715.