Rosanna Smith
Reporter
Montgomery, AL
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Born in Germany and raised in Lima, Ohio, Rosanna Smith is no stranger to exciting adventures. However, Montgomery and its southern hospitality would claim Smith's heart, making it truly "Sweet Home Alabama." Rosanna graduated from Montgomery's Taylor Road Academy and completed her collegiate career at Auburn University at Montgomery as a communications major.
Rosanna started her career at WSFA 12 News in September 2011, working behind the scenes as a photographer and news content specialist. Starting in 2014, she covered news in the Wiregrass and East Alabama as a general assignment reporter. The most exciting stories she’s covered have included an Elmore County colorblind teenager seeing color for the first time with the help of special glasses, the dedication of the WWI statue at Union Station and the opening day of the Alabama National Fair.
Rosanna stepped away from the news business in 2019, when she graciously accepted the opportunity to use her expertise as the Communications Director at Fresh Anointing House of Worship. She returned to WSFA in late 2021 to co-anchor WSFA 12 News First At Four. She is excited to continue covering issues that concern residents in and around the River Region.
Rosanna was recognized by the WSFA staff when she earned the 2012 "Team Spirit Achievement" award for her fun-loving personality, likability in the newsroom and dedication. In 2018 she was honored in numerous categories, including Best Reporter and Best Specialized Reporter, by the Associated Press.
A proud member of Leadership Montgomery Torchbearers class XI, Rosanna hopes that her contributions will create stronger communities, better connections and greater results. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
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A new leader is preparing to take the reins as Selma City Schools’ next superintendent. The board voted last Thursday to appoint Zickeyous Byrd to the position.
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During the summer months, it’s common for animal shelters to become overcrowded due to more animals coming in and fewer people adopting them.
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Political newcomer Robert Stewart won the Democratic nomination for District 23 in last Tuesday’s primary runoff election.
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Ann Roy Moore is in her final week on the job as Montgomery Public Schools superintendent.
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The first COVID-19 shots for infants and preschoolers has now been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration, paving the way for vaccinations to begin as soon as next week.
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We are all trying to find relief from the heat. For many of us that involves cranking up the air conditioner in our homes and this could mean a higher power bill.
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The number of drug overdoses is skyrocketing in central Alabama, according to the Montgomery Country district attorney’s office.
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A local organization committed to connecting Alabamians with Ukrainian orphans is sharing about their efforts to help.
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A Montgomery church is going above and beyond, opening the doors to a new outreach center that will meet the needs of the community.
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Alabama and much of the nation have seen a big dip in COVID-19 cases over the last few months, but recently our numbers have started going back up.
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The housing market continues to be a hot topic nationwide with mortgage rates on the rise and ongoing supply chain issues. “Our housing industry continues to be a struggle,” said Jimmy Rutland, President of Lowder New Homes in Montgomery.
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Drivers are urged to practice extra caution as farmers and large machinery hit the roadways during spring planting and summer growing seasons.
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A Montgomery man is doing his part to make sure one city park is a safe place for children this summer.
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One Montgomery Public Schools graduate is celebrating being named a 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholar.
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Selma Mayor James Perkins delivered his State of the City address, and he didn’t hold back on his feelings toward the City Council.
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The Alabama Law Enforcements Agency’s new multifaceted campaign, 101 Days of Safety, kicks off Friday at 12:01 a.m. as many prepare to hit the road headed to their Memorial Day weekend destinations.
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Montgomery County Board of Education President Clair Weil has lost her bid for re-election to retired educator Pamela Portis.
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The Democratic candidates for District 6 are incumbent Claudia Mitchell and challenger Vickie Taylor Holloway. With no Republican challengers, the Democratic primary will determine the seat holder for the next term.
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Between rising gas prices and more competitive pricing, interest continues to grow around electric vehicles.
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The all-male school and leadership Academy located in the heart of downtown Montgomery is making history. Tuesday Valiant Cross Academy will host its first ever commencement ceremony.
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Montgomery County voters will head to the ballots to decide on a number of Montgomery County Board of Education races.
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Mothers in the Montgomery area are teaming up with non-profits and churches to meet the needs of babies across the River Region.
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The deadline to get a STAR ID has been extended several times, but the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says time is running out before they have to get one to fly domestically.
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Summer is almost here and that means more children are at home connected to some type of technology whether it be a computer, laptop, tablet, or cell phone. It’s for that reason the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is reminding parents to monitor their children’s devices.
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The Central Alabama Community Foundation awarded $189,727 in grants to 25 nonprofits that support family and wellness initiatives.
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The Federal Reserve raised interest rates last week in order to get a handle on the worst inflation the United States has seen in 40 years.
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Hundreds of people are expected to be in Montgomery this week for the Black College World Series. Preparation is underway at Riverwalk stadium for the Tyson Foods Black College World Series.
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The Alabama Department of Human Resources can’t comment on the Prattville facility, but have confirmed it is a license exempt facility. We asked the Alabama Department of Human Resources about the policies regarding license exempt facilities.
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Legal Services Alabama held a virtual celebration honoring change-makers who are making a difference.
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Dippi launched in Birmingham first, and they look to soon offer services in Montgomery.
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Here in the River Region, mothers are banding together to help one another during a national baby formula shortage.
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Dalraida Church of Christ stepped up in a big way to support and provide aid for those impacted by the war in Ukraine. Now one family is thanking them for those efforts.
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April is National Donate Life Month which raises awareness for the need and importance of organ, eye, and tissue donations. For one Montgomery resident and businessman organ donation has meant a second chance for him.
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The latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report are in, and Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School in Montgomery has once again been named the best in the state and among the best public schools in the country.
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Montgomery city and county leaders met to move a step closer to to identifying how to utilize ARPA funds.
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The YMCA of Greater Montgomery is offering some water safety tips before you dive in.
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A Montgomery mother is sharing an update nearly five years after her son’s spinal cord injury. As they prepare to take another step in their journey, they are asking for the community’s help.
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Over four months 9 children tested positive for Adenovirus in Alabama. Two required liver transplants.
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Alabama State University honored one of the nation’s most important civil rights icons.
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This week, supporters of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School for the visual and performing arts celebrated the progress of the new Bell Road campus.
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This week, Montgomery’s Hyundai plant announced it will start making a hybrid Santa Fe and an all-electric Genesis GV70 later in 2022. The announcement is just the latest in how Alabama’s secretary of commerce believes the auto industry is changing, and how Alabama is playing a role.
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If you are looking for something to keep your children learning this Summer Montgomery Public Schools has you covered.
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This is great news, according to Ron Simmons, Chief Destination & Community Development Officer for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.
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The Montgomery County School Board has named Melvin Brown as the school system’s new superintendent.
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The Cassi Carli case is once again shedding light on domestic violence. The Family Sunshine Center in Montgomery is discussing domestic violence concerns and how to get help.
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The Alabama Department of Transportation and states across the nation are teaming up to keep work zone workers and motorist safe. It is all part of the Work Zone Awareness Week that kicks off Monday, April 11th.
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April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and it’s aimed at putting the brakes on a dangerous practice that claims thousands of lives each year.
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During the month of March, there were 457 fires scorching 16,900 acres. That is nearly double what was recording during the same timeframe last year. Wednesday there were 78 fires. Strong winds were a key factor says Barrett.
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For Josephine Bolling McCall, the legislation comes decades too late.
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Hundreds of pharmacy students from Auburn and Samford University's made their way to the capital for the Annual Alabama Pharmacy Associations student legislative luncheon.