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State newsmen gone For over 30 years, Bob Ingram provided insight into Alabama politics and news events for readers of The Democrat. He wrote "The Alabama Scene" for about 50 years and it appeared in dozens of weekly and small daily newspapers around the state, providing a much-needed tie for many rural Alabamians who did not have easy access to the news from Montgomery. Ingram died last week at the age of 81 after a two-year battle with myelodysplasia, a complication from the treatment he underwent for bladder cancer starting in 1994. He had continued to write his column during his bout with cancer and it has only been in the last few months that he was forced to discontinue it. However, he never said he was quitting, only that he was taking a break due to his health problems. Bob Martin details Bob Ingram's life elsewhere- his newspaper and magazine careers, his stint as state finance director and his more recent role as a TV commentator. We would add that Bob had the uncanny ability to size up the news event of a week in a short, concise and easy to read column that was factual, humorous and insightful. He could say in just a sentence or two what it takes other writers paragraphs to get across. Bob Ingram was also a gentleman. Even when he disagreed with someone or was dispensing his caustic wit, it was always with a little southern charm and gentleness. We will miss his writings for this page and we're sure our readers will too. Jim Merlini dies Jim Merlini may not have been as well known but he too covered Montgomery for a statewide audience. Merlini, 65, covered state government for Metro Source News and his voice was heard on radio stations around the state. He previously worked for the Alabama Radio Network and multiple Montgomery radio stations. He was a fixture in the Capitol and State House for over 30 years and was often the only radio reporter in the capital press crops until recently. Alabamians may not be able to place Jim Merlini's face but they would certainly recognize his voice. He had a deep and mellow radio voice.
Like Bob Ingram, he had a great sense of insight into Alabama politics and a good sense of humor too. We will mis him, too.
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