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State reveals cost of raid on Victoryland casino

File Photo: Alabama State Troopers assist in the raid on Victoryland. The total cost to the Dept. of Public Safety was $14,000.

SHORTER, AL (WSFA)- As the question concerning the legality of electronic bingo in Alabama lingers, without a court date, we now know more about what the raid at Victoryland cost the state of Alabama.

On the day following the raid, WSFA 12 News specifically requested information from the Alabama Department of Public Safety regarding costs for State Troopers to help serve the search warrant and assist with safety measures.

Monday, authorities released the figures saying that the total cost for Troopers alone came to just under $14,000. The Department of Public Safety says the special detail was at the request of Attorney General Luther Strange's office.

The assignment was a total of 40 hours to ensure a sufficient number of Troopers remained on regular patrol. During that 40 hour detail, the AG's office seized more than 1,600 gaming devices and more than $220,000 in cash.

Groups seek to educate public during National Autism Awareness Month

Groups seek to educate public during National Autism Awareness Month

Governor Robert Bentley has proclaimed April as Autism Awareness Month in Alabama. The Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council and the Autism Society of Alabama are partnering to promote this observance. The month-long awareness campaign held annually in April has been sponsored since the 1970s by the Autism Society of America, and seeks to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism spectrum disorders.

Events will be held statewide celebrating the observance, including a series of Walks for Autism in 15 locations around the state. Proceeds from the walks benefit the Autism Society of Alabama, which also sponsors the walks. In addition, a “Light It Up Blue” campaign will also be going on during April, involving everything from office buildings to people’s front porches.

According to the most recent autism prevalence rate released by the CDC, 1 in 88 children are identified as having an autism spectrum disorder.

2013-14 AUM cheerleading information announced

2013-14 AUM cheerleading information announced

Auburn University at Montgomery cheerleading coach Amanda Brasington is seeking interested individuals for the 2013-14 Warhawks' Cheerleading squad. Tryouts will be held from Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28 in the AUM Wellness Center.

In order to participate in the tryout, individuals must be a full-time student enrolled at AUM and must have an overall cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Freshmen or transfer students must have been accepted to AUM by the first day of tryout clinics and must bring their letter of acceptance in order to tryout.

Required information to bring to the tryout include: a physical form, tryout agreement and waiver, a tryout information sheet, a photo copy of your insurance card and a $40 cash or check (made payable to AUM Cheerleading).

Macon County's unemployment rate for February

Macon County's unemployment rate for February

Alabama Department of Labor Commissioner Tom Surtees announced today that Alabama’s preliminary February unemployment rate is 7.2%, up from January’s rate of 6.9%, and equal to February 2012’s adjusted rate. February’s rate represents 154,885 unemployed persons, compared to 148,663 last month, and 155,673 last year.

In Macon County, the unemployment rate for February was 10.0%, up from 10.4% in January, and up from 9.7% a year ago.

“While we did experience a slight uptick in the unemployment rate this month, we also saw an increase in the number of people working, both over the past month and the past year,” said Surtees. “We’ve also seen an increase in the number of people in the labor force.

Hospitals face blood shortages during spring break

Hospitals face blood shortages during spring break

As Easter weekend approaches, many are enjoying a spring break. But for our community’s hospitals, it is one of the most difficult times of the year. Schools and colleges close and people prepare for vacations, prompting a dramatic decline in the blood donations that are essential for our local hospitals to function. 

A rise in traffic accidents due to increased travel leads to a higher number of blood transfusions.

W. Gaines Smith inducted into Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame

W. Gaines Smith inducted into Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame

W. Gaines Smith, retired director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and 4-H alumnus, was inducted into the Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame March 19 at the Alabama 4-H and Youth Development Center in Columbiana. He was one of 24 inductees honored during special ceremonies at the Alabama 4-H Environmental Science Education Center. Smith was nominated by Alabama 4-H.

The Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame recognizes individuals and organizations that have had a significant effect on the 4-H Youth Development program, its members and leaders. The Alabama 4-H Club Foundation, Inc., and Alabama 4-H honors, remembers and pays tribute to those who influenced the lives of Alabama youth by their commitment "To Make the Best Better."

W. Gaines Smith is the only director of the Extension System or its predecessor, The Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, to have worked at every level of Extension in Alabama.

Farrakhan wraps up Tuskegee visit

TUSKEGEE, AL (WSFA)- Nation of Islam Leader Minister Louis Farrakhan wrapped up his controversial visit to Tuskegee University Friday night with a keynote address. Hundreds came out to hear Farrakhan speak and hear him address his critics.

"They hate Farrakhan and they want you to hate me as well," Farrakhan said. "It's not because I'm a bad person. It's just that what's in my mouth terrifies them."

 The minister spread his message of black self-sufficiency, and in so doing revealed that Nation of Islam leading figure Elijah Muhammad wanted to purchase Tuskegee University back in the 1960s.

"He wanted to buy this institution and return it to the principles of the great and honorable Booker T. Washington."

Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford presented Farrakhan with the key to the city and made him "honorary mayor of Tuskegee for life."

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