MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA)- Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore is tightening the financial belt in the Judicial Department amid budget concerns, and the effect will be seen by the general public.

Thursday, Judge Moore sent an order to all the state's circuit clerks offices ordering them to close their doors to the public on Wednesdays. The order goes into effect on March 20, 2013.

Circuit clerks offices are responsible for numerous legal duties including maintainance of records involving court proceedings, as well dealing with public records, licenses and certificates. It also files papers on behalf of the courts.  

Judge Moore, who presides over the administrative duties of the court, cites the "chronic and substantial lack of adequate funding of the Judicial Branch...[which has] resulted in myriad problems..." as the primary reason for the order.

TROY – Troy University College of Health and Human Services students will be participating in the Central American Games in Costa Rica as part of a spring break study-abroad trip.

Three athletic training students will provide support to the games, which sets the stage for Central American nations’ Olympic teams, much in the same way the U.S. Nationals contribute to Olympic teams from the United States.

“This is an outstanding way for our students to get real-world experience, as well as share techniques we use in our country that are not in widespread practice in some other parts of the world,” said Dr. Amanda Benson, who chairs the department and will lead the athletic training team.

She and her students will work speed skating, men’s soccer, tae kwon do, fronton (handball), boxing, karate do and wrestling events March 12 – 13 in and near San Jose, Costa Rica.