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March is Women's History Month!

WVAS Local News

Alabama's pre-kindergarten program has received high marks.  The National Institute for Early Education Research said Alabama is one of only four states to meet all ten quality benchmarks, they include teacher training, staff-child ratios and support services.  The state's voluntary pre-k program has met all quality standards for seven years in a row.  Governor Robert Bentley has recommended additional funding for pre-k for the 2014 budget year. 

Deadly House Fire

Authorities is Chilton County are investigating the death of a 61-year-old woman who was burned in a hour fire.  The fire broke out early Saturday morning in Clanton.  Earneshay Varner and Tyrone Campbell helped rescue the woman from the home.  They told a Birmingham TV station that when they got to her, she was burned from head to toe.  She was taken to a hospital, but did not survive.  Authorities have not released the woman's identity. 

Soldier Fatally Shot

Sheriff's officials in east Alabama say a Fort Benning soldier has been fatally shot and was found in a ditch.  Russell County authorities say 34-year-old Staff Sgt. Donald LaShon Wilson was found dead early Monday morning.  Wilson suffered multiple gunshot wounds.  Authorities say Wilson's body was found in Seale, Alabama, about 20 miles west of Fort Benning.  Police have not identified any suspects and are unsure of the circumstances surrounding Wilson's death. 

General Electric

A 300,000 square foot General Electric manufacturing plant has celebrated its grand opening in Auburn.  Governor Robert Bentley and other officials were on hand Monday to celebrate the facility's grand opening.  The plant is slated to produce parts for GE jet engines that will power commercial and military aircraft.  The Auburn plant is expected to employ 50 people by the end of the year and will eventually employ about 400 people. 

Home Invasion

Montgomery Police said a man charged in connection with a violent home invasion robbery on April 8th has been returned to Alabama following his arrest in Mississippi.  Police Lt. Regina Duckett said Christopher Johnson was charged with attempted murder, burglary and robbery.  Duckett said Johnson is accused of forcing his way into a residence on Chipping Terrance and robbing two people.  One of the victims, a male was shot multiple times.  Police said Johnson was extradited from Mississippi over the weekend.  he is being held in the Montgomery County Detention Facility under bonds totaling $255,000 dollars.