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March is Women's History Month!

Prattville Man Dies in Traffic Accident

A deadly wreck Tuesday morning on Interstate 85 North claimed the life of a Prattville man.  Police said 26-year-old Ryan Smith was killed when the car he was driving left the interstate and crashed into a ravine near the railroad tracks.  The crash occurred near the Chantilly Parkway Exit ramp at about 8:20 Tuesday morning.  Accident investigators are working to determine the cause of the crash.  

MPD Officer Recovering

A Montgomery Police officer was hospitalized late last night after being injured in a two-vehicle collision in the downtown district.  MPD said the officer, whose name was withheld, was driving a patrol car that collided with another vehicle at corners of North Perry and Columbus Streets, the accident happened around 11 p.m. The driver of the second vehicle was treated for minor injuries.  

MPS Virtual Schools

A virtual school program is coming to Montgomery public schools.  At a Tuesday meeting, the Montgomery County School Board voted unanimously to approve a pilot program.  The program will allow 20 students in 10th and 11th grades to do their classwork from laptop computers.  Educators said the students will be required to be in a physical classroom for tests.  The virtual school program will start in this fall.  

Bailout Offered

Legalized gaming in Alabama has gained momentum in recent days.  Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh says he's preparing to introduce a casino and lottery bill next week.  A Montgomery newspaper reports the Poarch Band of Creek Indians have offered to cover a $250 million shortfall in the General Fund Budget if the state gives the tribe exclusive gambling rights.  The new developments prompted Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford to lobby for the re-opening of VictoryLand in Shorter.

Chief Arrested

A central Alabama police chief was booked into the Autauga County Jail on Tuesday after he was charged with misusing money meant to buy Christmas gifts for children has been arrested.  Alabama Law Enforcement Agency spokesman, Trooper Steve Jarrett, said Clanton Police Chief Brian Stillwell is charged with one-count of theft and a single count of fraudulent use of a credit card.  Authorities said other potential charges could be presented to the grand jury after further investigation.  

Food Access 

Dozens of people gathered at the Alabama Statehouse Tuesday for a rally to promote health food access.  Voices for Alabama's Children sponsored the event to persuade legislators to support bill that would address health food financing for nearly 500,000 children statewide.  WVAS News spoke to Connie Daecus, a Health and Physical Education Recreation instructor at Alabama State University who participated in the event.  The healthy food legislation has passed the state Senate and awaits consideration in the Alabama House.