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AL divided up into 5 new Medicaid recipient regions

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA)- Alabama's Public Health Officer unveiled the new map for Medicaid recipients in the state.

The state will be divided into five regions. Each region has a different cost per Medicaid recipient, and no two regions are the same size.

"This isn't a perfect map" Dr. Don Williamson, Alabama's Public Health Officer said. "I hope that everyone is equally unhappy."

Each region, currently referred to as A, B, C, D and E, will have at least one Regional Care Organization, or RCO operating within it. The Medicaid reform law that the Alabama Legislature passed last month allows for more than one RCO to operate in a given region.

[DOCUMENT: The 5 Regions (.pdf)]

[DOCUMENT: 5 Regions' Hospital Demograpics (.pdf)]

Troopers say alcohol a factor in fatal Elmore Co. crash

Troopers say alcohol a factor in fatal Elmore Co. crash

Montgomery – A single-vehicle crash claimed the life of an Elmore County woman. Tonya Webster, 51, was killed when the 1997 Ford Ranger that she was driving left the roadway and overturned. The crash occurred this morning at 5:45 a.m. on Little Steel Bridge Road near Granger Road. Preliminary investigation indicates that alcohol was a factor. Nothing further is available as State Troopers continue to investigate.

Information Source: Alabama DPS

News from the Humane Society of Elmore County

News from the Humane Society of Elmore County

THIS Saturday, 22 June, is THE day for the 11th Annual Cruisin’ fer Critters Charity Ride sponsored by the Predator's Motorcycle Association at Papa T’s, 3420 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109!  ALL proceeds are donated to our humane shelter to help our animals!   Registration starts at noon, last bike out at 1 pm.  Registration cost is $15 per hand which includes an event patch, food, door prize, and live Rock ‘n Roll by “Black List.”  You do NOT have to have a bike or even go on the ride – cover charge of only $5 if you just want to come join the fun!  There will also be bike related items for sale/auction, motorcycle games, and just a great afternoon of fun and fund-raising to help our shelter!

Millbrook boy to take on Washington, make a difference in fight over diabetes

MILLBROOK, AL (WSFA)- Inside the Robinson Springs United Methodist Church in Millbrook is an extraordinary young man who is courageously staring down a chronic illness.

12-year old Caleb Perry has Type One diabetes and plans to go to Washington, D.C., to make a difference.

Caleb's dad is the pastor at the church and on this day we found Caleb injecting himself that crucial insulin shot he needs every single day.

Caleb's got it down to a science. He knows just what to do and how to do it as he uses simple math to calculate his blood sugar.

Caleb will use that same focus to convince lawmakers in Washington more funding is needed for juvenile diabetes research.

"I am fortunate enough to have insulin shots but there are thousands of other kids who don't and without it could be a death sentence," Caleb said.

River Region United Way President and CEO announces upcoming retirement

River Region United Way President and CEO announces upcoming retirement

Montgomery, AL - Russell S. Dunman has announced his retirement as President and Chief Executive Officer of the River Region United Way effective December 31, 2013. In a letter announcing his plans to retire, Dunman said, “As I prepare to part with the work I love, I do so in the full knowledge that it is time for me to pass the torch to new leadership who will guide the River Region United Way into the future.”

Dunman began his volunteer service with the River Region United Way (RRUW) on the Community Council in 1981 and has held several volunteer leadership positions within RRUW, including serving as President of the Board of Directors from 2004-2005. He was hired as the organization’s Executive Director in 2010.

Before joining RRUW, Dunman spent 34 years in the banking industry with Regions Financial Corporation. He has served on numerous local boards of directors and is the current President of the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery.

Alabama releases 2011-2012 graduation rates for Elmore County schools

Alabama releases 2011-2012 graduation rates for Elmore County schools
The Alabama Department of Education has released graduation rates for the 2011-2012 school year. The state of Alabama had a graduation rate of 75%. Elmore County's total graduation rate was 74% The graduation rate for individual schools in the county is as follows: 
  • Elmore County High School - 86%
  • Holtville High School - 85%
  • Stanhope Elmore High School - 71%
  • Wetumpka High School - 69%
 Source: Alabama Department of Education

10 sentenced to long prison terms for River Region drug trafficking operation

Stock Photo: MGN Online

MONTGOMERY, AL- Ten people have been sentenced for their participation in a drug trafficking organization operating in Autauga, Elmore and Montgomery Counties, announced George L. Beck, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. United States District Judge Keith Watkins sentenced the ten people after they were either convicted following a 2 ½ week trial in February 2013, or plea of guilty.

Evidence in the case showed that this drug trafficking organization was very sophisticated and sold many kilograms of powder cocaine. This large drug organization started with two smaller drug trafficking organizations that joined forces to saturate Autauga, Elmore and Montgomery counties with cocaine.