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Bentley: 'Potentially criminal' actions in department, Helen Keller Fest continuing in Tuscumbia

Gov. Robert Bentley asks the FBI for assistance after finding that several state workers in the finance department had unauthorized access to Alabama's criminal justice database.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency released letters today showing that Bentley also dismissed the state's chief information officer and placed another finance official on administrative leave.

The database contains law enforcement information and access to the system is limited by law. Bentley wrote in the June 10 letter to the FBI that he was concerned that some of the actions were "potentially criminal in nature."

Alabama Law Enforcement Secretary Stan Stabler released the letter Bentley sent the FBI and the personnel actions. Stabler says his agency had identified database security issues and raised those concerns to Bentley.

The 38th annual Helen Keller festival wraps over the weekend in Tuscumbia. The festival included plenty of events all week long, including the Kellers Kids parade and music from Eric Paslay.

Executive Director Sue Pilkilton says Helen Keller’s impact has been a huge influence in this world, and the festival is just one of many ways to offer continued awareness for the disabled…

“Hellen Keller is a wonderful example because even today barriers are taken down because of the work that Hellen Keller did when she worked for the American Foundation for the Blind and traveled all over the world speaking on the behalf of the disabled.”

Admission will be free to the public for most events during the week except for the larger events on the weekend. All kids under the age of 10 will have free admission during the entire festival.

The state of Alabama is getting a visit from the NFL.

Pro football players are starting their summer break. Many of them are heading back to Alabama to conduct NFL camps for local kids.  Players like former Auburn star Nick Fairley and Sylacauga native TJ Green will spend one weekend afternoon teaching kids the fundamentals of playing football.

USA Football spokesman Steve Alec says players love sharing their football knowledge. He says they hope each child walks away with more appreciation for the sport.  

“The main goal is to learn the fundamentals of football while having fun. The bottom line is to have a great time while and again to establish a healthy, active childhood. When our kids have that, that’s going to be an exciting day it’s going to be a memorable day.”

Alec says these camps are non-contact to avoid injuries. Camps are free of charge and dates can be found at USA Football’s website.   

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