NOBLE - Rain halted work Saturday at Tri-State Crematory, as the number of recovered bodies remained unchanged at 339. Workers stopped excavation after their backhoes started slipping on the wet ground. <br>
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All workers are expected to take a break today, the first time work has halted completely since the investigation began two weeks ago. <br>
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A bond hearing for Tri-State operator Ray Brent Marsh is set for tomorrow on 102 new counts of theft by deception. <br>
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Officials said rain could actually speed work on draining a three-acre lake on the grounds, where authorities have already discovered a skull and a torso. <br>
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The lake was chlorinated last week to kill fish and must wait until chlorine levels drop before draining the water. Tests have shown the lake isn't contaminated or dangerous to people. <br>
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David Ashburn - the director of the Walker County Emergency Management Agency - said draining could start tomorrow. Workers must wait at least two weeks after the water is gone for the lake bed to dry so excavations can begin.
