WVAS Local News

A Montgomery man charged in connection with a mass shooting in June at an Auburn apartment has pleaded not guilty in Lee County District Court. Desmonte Leonard faces a capital murder charge in the deahts of two former Auburn University football players and a third man. Leonard also is charged with assault. Leonard pled not guilty to all charges today in District Court. Take Back Last spring Alabama collected more than four thousand pounds of prescribed medicine during a Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It's an effort to collect and properly dispose of leftover meds. The same event is slated for this Saturday, September 29th. Drop off locations and times can be found at www.DEA.gov. Downtown Farm Montgomery's downtown farm is buidling a new structure. Mayor Todd Strange and officials with the Hampstead Institute announced the construction of the Ken Groves Memorial Children's Garden today. It's in honor of Ken Groves, the city's longtime Director of Planning and Development who died last September. The memorial garden is scheduled to be complete early next year, it will feature a greenhouse, raised beds and a gazebo. Teen Driving A coalition of health and public safety organizations are promoting a new educational effort to inform parents and teenagers on safe driving habits in general and the Alabama Graduated Driver License Law in specific. Former American Academy of Pediatrics President Dr. Carden Johnston says an information tool kit will be given to pediatricians all over the state to distribute to their adolescent patients. ASU Convocation Alabama State University held its Fall Convocation today. The program featured ASU's marching band, Dramatics Guild and the University Choir as well as several speakers. The University's new president Dr. Joseph Silver directed much of his address to the students, imploring them to stay focused on their academics, take care of their finances and exercise their civic responsibility.