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Bentleys reach settlement in divorce, Limestone County special election

Former Alabama first lady Dianne Bentley told a judge that she and her husband's "likes, dislikes and lifestyles" have become so different that it caused discord and arguments in their home.

Her sworn testimony was unsealed Tuesday with other documents in Gov. Robert Bentley's divorce.

Dianne Bentley said that she and the governor had become incompatible and that a divorce was in the best interest of their family.

A judge on Tuesday signed the divorce decree, ending the couple's 50-year marriage. Dianne Bentley filed for divorce last month.

The couple reached a settlement agreement dividing their financial assets. Dianne Bentley will get possession of the couple's two beach houses. The governor will retain possession of their Tuscaloosa home and his family's homestead property in Shelby County.

Students will be voting today and tomorrow at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. 

They will be deciding on whether or not to increase the student activity fee on campus by twenty five dollars. The money would help fund three recently reinstated sports programs. 

Garrett Stephens* is the USGA President at UAB. He says a show of solidarity is important…

“It shows everyone who watched this situation unfold, showing them that the students are willing to take ownership and take account of sports and overall student experience at UAB. So it sends a strong message and shows students are on board to support the three sports.”

Stephens* says the student body is excited to have the football, bowling and rifle programs back. In the past the student body was criticized for not backing the school’s athletic programs.

A Special Election will be held in Limestone County today to fill a vacant state representative seat.

Democrat Henry White and Republicans Ronnie Kaufman, Danny Crawford, Mike Cricillis, Jerry Hill, and Chris Seibert are running in the District five election.

John Merrill is the Secretary of State for the state of Alabama. He  says the special election came about due to an unfortunate circumstance.

“The Special Election in Limestone County is being held unfortunately due to the untimely death of my former colleague State Representative Dan Williams from Athens and when Representative Williams passed away it created a vacancy.”

Voters have until seven o'clock tonight to cast their vote. The results will be posted online at Alabama-Votes.gov.

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