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Bentley Spokeswoman Stepping Down, Tour de Bay and Iron Dogs

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Governor Robert Bentley's longtime spokeswoman is resigning next month.

Communications director Jennifer Ardis says that she wanted a change after nearly 10 years in the governor's office, six with Bentley and four with Gov. Bob Riley.           

Ardis will take over June 16 as the director of communications and external affairs for the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

Ardis said she was interested in new challenges and a change of pace after a decade in the governor's officer.

A native of Monroeville, Ardis began working in the governor's press office in 2006.

Bienville Square will be covered with bicyclists as the Tour de Bay  takes over downtown Mobile for the second annual state championship bicycle race.

The event offers recreational and competitive races. Danny Corte is the Executive Director of the Mobile Sports Authority. He says there is for everyone to get involved.

“Sunday we have more of a family-friendly century ride, which is 62 miles. Or, there are shorter versions; you can go ten miles and turn around, you can go 22 miles.”

Potential participants can visit the Mobile Sports Authority website or the Tour de Bay Mobile website for more information.

Tuscaloosa is well-known for athletic prowess -- tomorrow, man’s best friend is getting in on the action.

The first annual Druid City Iron Dog event is taking place tomorrow morning at Lake Lurleen State Park near Tuscaloosa. Dogs and their owners will take part in a 2 mile walk and navigate an agility course. Then, the dogs will fetch their favorite toys out of the lake.

Lisbeth Weinheimer is the founder and organizer of Druid City Iron Dog. She says the event is all about you and your dog staying healthy.

“I’m a local physical therapist here in town, so that was something that was near and dear to my heart because I see a lot of the effects of chronic disease. I just want to encourage people to be healthy before chronic disease sets in, and if that’s something we can avoid just by walking our dogs 30 minutes a day, that would be a worthwhile cause.”

Participants can register at Lake Lurleen State Park starting at 7 AM, and the event will run from 8 until noon. Proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of West Alabama and the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter.

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