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March is Women's History Month!

WVAS Local News

Governor Robert Bentley wants a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit against him challenging a state law that requires abortion providers to have hospital admitting privileges.  Bentley made the request in a motion filed in Montgomery Federal Court.  Last month, Federal Judge Myron Thompson granted a temporary restraining order preventing the law from taking effect.  The American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood are trying to block the law. 

Marshall Retiring

Veteran Sheriff D.T. Marshall made it official.  He will retire at the end of his term in 2014.  Sheriff Marshall has served since 1998.  Marshall endorsed longtime Chief Deputy Derrick Cunningham as the next sheriff.  Cunningham said he will run for the office in November 2014.  He has served as chief deputy since 1999. 

Possible Travel Delays

Drivers traveling on Interstate 85 South near Montgomery could experience delays during the next two weeks.  The state Transportation Department said weather permitting, lane closures and stoppages will happen between Sunday and Thursday for the next two weeks at mile marker 14.5.  The closures and stoppages will occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.  They are to allow crews to set steel ramp girders for the Montgomery Outer Loop project.  During a stoppage, the I-85 southbound entrance ramp at Exit 16 in Waugh will be closed. 

Health Care Fraud

A Wetumpka businessman has pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud involving over billing the Alabama Medicaid Agency.  U.S. Attorney George Beck says 42-year-old LaShawn Denise Anthony operated Youth Enhancement and Family Services, which provided psychotherapy services to students and families.  A sentencing date was not announced. 

Travel Report

Governor Robert Bentley's office spend more than $621,700 on travel in state-owned airplanes in his first 21 months in office.  The Decatur Daily and Times Daily obtained the figures by filing an open records request with the Bentley administration.  Most of the travel was on a six-passenger jet owned by the state Department of Transportation.  Bentley's spokesman, Jeremy King, said the governor has to fly to be everywhere he needs to be.  He said its not unusual for him to have meetings in multiple cities in one day.