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March is Women's History Month!

WVAS Local News

Members of a legislative committee listened to advocates and opponents on the use of medical marijuana.  The House Health Committee held a 90-minute hearing Wednesday at the Alabama Statehouse.  State Representative Patricia Todd of Birmingham has introduced a Medical Marijuana bill, but the legislation has failed to make it out of committee.  Wednesday, Governor Robert Bentley made it clear he opposes the legalization of medical pot. 

Delayed Ruling

A circuit court judge in Lee County has delayed a ruling on whether to grant bond for the Montgomery man charged in a multiple shooting at an Auburn apartment complex in June.  22-year-old Desmonte Leonard was in court Wednesday afternoon.  Leonard is charged with capital murder, attempted murder and assault.  In September, he pleaded not guilty in connection with a June 9th shooting spree that left three dead and three wounded.  Lee County Circut Judge Jacob Walker said he will consider motions by the defense and the prosecution. 

Health Care

An Alabama Health officer says the state's Medicaid program probably will move to some type of managed care system.  The Tuscaloosa News reports that such a program would operate much like private insurance functions with commercial management companies or community-based care.  The executive committee of the Alabama Medicaid Advisory Commission met Wednesday to continue its task to redesign Medicaid with the aim of saving taxpayer money while continuing to provide adequate service.

Prison Sentence

The Montgomery man who pleaded guilty to shooting a police dog will serve a 20-year prison term.  20-year-old Frank Raven was given the lengthy sentence Wednesday morning by Circuit Judge Tracey McCooey.  Prosecutors said Raven shot Bodi, a police K-9, while attempting to flee from officers after he robbed a title pawn store on Atlanta Highway in December of last year.