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Walter Energy workers get retirement benefits back, Human remains found in Montevallo

Thousands of workers who lost their retirement benefits after Walter Energy declared bankruptcy will be getting them back. APR’s Alex AuBuchon has more…

The Birmingham Business Journal reports the federal agency Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation will be taking over benefit payments for more than 2700 current and future retirees of Walter Energy.

The Hoover-based mining company aims to sell the majority of its assets, and potential buyers have indicated they will not assume the existing pension plan.

PBGC says current participants in the pension plan won’t see any interruption in benefits, and future retirees can apply as soon as they become eligible.

Walter Energy recently laid off hundreds of workers, citing a historic worldwide drop in coal prices. The company is the largest U.S. producer of coking coal, used to make steel.

Authorities say human remains found in Shelby County are those of a University of Montevallo student missing since 2011.

Police confirmed today the remains found in a wooded area Dec. 22 belonged to Robert Mitchell "Bobby" Hardin. The 25-year-old disappeared March 7, 2011. Authorities say it appears Hardin hanged himself.

Multiple law enforcement agencies searched extensively for Hardin after his disappearance, and he was listed in national missing persons registries.

Montevallo police say no foul play is suspected and the case has been closed.

Authorities said Hardin had left notes that indicated he was upset after breaking up with his girlfriend.

Alabama is setting its sights on winning another national championship this week, following a resounding victory at the Cotton Bowl.  The Crimson Tide faces Clemson in Arizona for a shot at the program’s 16th National Title.

Coach Nick Saban says quarterback Jake Coker has played really well in his only year as a starter and expects him to do the same thing next week against the Tigers on college football’s biggest stage…

“He just tries to do what he can do for his team. I think that's why he was elected captain by his teammates and he's respected so much because of his toughness and his competitive spirit and how he's a real team guy.”

Coker had one of his best games in the victory against Michigan State last week.  He completed twenty five out of his thirty pass attempts for 286 yards and two touchdowns.  Kickoff from University of Phoenix Stadium is set for 7:30 on January 11th on ESPN.

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