Thanks to a series of grants awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley, law enforcement and judicial agencies in south Alabama will receive new equipment to help combat crime. Bentley awarded grants to Montgomery and Bullock counties, the cities of Millbrook and Troy and the town of Brantley. 

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants that are awarded in response to local government requests for equipment to help police, deputies and local court systems strengthen public protection.

Bentley awarded $16,110 to Montgomery County and $15,816 to Bullock County.

Crash activity reports from the Alabama Department of Public Safety show the number of people who died in vehicle crashes where seat belts were available and were not wearing seat belts increased from last month.

According to preliminary traffic crash data, there were 45 people killed in vehicle crashes investigated by state troopers in Alabama in April 2013 compared to 42 in March. Of that number, 37 were in vehicles where seat belts were available, and 26 victims were not wearing seat belts up from 20 in March. That’s six more deaths.

“Too many people continue to die in crashes because they are not wearing seat belts,” said Transportation Director John Cooper. “It’s a proven fact that buckling up every time we get behind the wheel or ride as a passenger helps save lives.

Faulkner scored five times in the top of the first inning and the first nine runs of the game en route to a convincing 19-6 seven-inning victory against Auburn Montgomery in the opening game of pool play at the Southern States Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament on Tuesday at Golden Park.

The Warhawks (32-22-1) were led by Wes Hughes’ three hits in the contest, including a run-scoring triple in the seventh inning. Josh Thompson posted a pair of hits and scored once, while Hughes also scored twice in the game. Chad Mansmann extended his 15-game hitting streak with a third inning single.

Sergio Sanchez continued his dominance of AUM at the plate, driving in five runs on two of Faulkner’s 15 hits in the game. Sanchez opened the scoring with a three-run home run off Warhawk starter Daniel Farrar (5-2).