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William Terry Smith, 79, of Grove Hill, passed away on June, 18, 2025, at home with his family by his side. Terry was born on Feb. 21, 1946, to parents William Leon Smith and Doris Joiner Clements. Mr. Smith moved to Pine Hill with his family when he was a teenager. He was a welder and worked throughout Alabama at many of the lumber mills and plants. After work in his younger years, you could catch him on the river fishing, he enjoyed watching sports, Alabama football, the Saints, but his favorite was baseball and cheering the Braves on. He...Article Link
Holland Reeves, 89, of Jackson, passed away on June 14, 2025, peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Holland was born on April 12, 1936, to parents Rufus Reeves and Louise Reeves. A member of Forest Avenue Baptist Church, he had a strong Christian faith and was a man of few words. They were words of wisdom and when he spoke, everyone listened. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, tinkering and woodworking. He loved to listen to Christian music and spending time with his family. Holland's life spoke for itself. He is preceded in death by his parents; infant brother,...Article Link
Mary Ann Parnell, 77, of Thomasville, died June 17, 2025 at Whitfield Regional Hospital in Demopolis. She was born April 3, 1948 in Fort Monmouth, N.J. to J. C. McKinley and Dorothy Mae Morgan McKinley. She was a homemaker and a member of Liberty Baptist Church. Mary is survived by her children, Connie Parnell Morgan (Harry), Rebecca “Missi” Parnell Gustafson (Taylor), Ronald “Mack” Parnell (Anna), Susan Parnell McGarrity (Tom), Jon Wesley Parnell (Roxanne), and honorary son, Wayne Buckalew (Pam); brother, Mike McKinley (Audrey); with 25 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband, James “Skeeter” Parnell and...Article Link
Region games denoted with * CLARKE COUNTY Aug. 22 Flomaton Aug. 29 Leroy Sept. 5 at Central- Hayneville* Sept. 12 Bayshore Christian* Sept. 19 at J.U. Blacksher* Sept. 26 Millry Oct. 3 Open Oct. 10 at Chickasaw* Oct. 17 St. Luke's* Oct. 24 Washington Co.* Oct. 30 at Thomasville JACKSON Aug. 22 Saraland Aug. 29 at Demopolis Sept. 5 Escambia Co.* Sept. 12 Baker Sept. 19 at Mobile Christian* Sept. 26 LeFlore Oct. 3 St. Michael* Oct. 9 Orange Beach* Oct. 17 at W.S. Neal* Oct. 24 at Satsuma* THOMASVILLE Aug. 22 Leroy Aug. 29 at Sweet Water Sept. 5...Article Link
An engaging showcase of Authors & Family History and Writing Workshop will be presented at the Grove Hill Cultural Arts Center, 122 Main Street in Grove Hill, on Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This free event promises to be a blend of literary exploration and personal storytelling. Meet local authors who share their journeys and insights, and participate in an engaging writing workshop designed to inspire your creativity, enhance your writing skills and shed some light on publishing your books on Amazon KDP. Also, stock up on your summer reading material by supporting your local authors....Article Link
Thomasville City Board of Education has announced the meeting dates through 2025. Meeting Dates: The board will meet the 4th Tuesday of each month for August, October, January, February, March and April; the 2nd Tuesday of each month for June, July, September and December; and the 3rd Tuesday of each month for May and November. 2025 A regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8 at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 4 p.m., will be a work session followed at 5 p.m. for the first budget hearing and regular board meeting. Second budget hearing and regular meeting will be...Article Link
TUSCALOOSA -- A total of 14,289 students enrolled during spring semester 2025 at The University of Alabama were named to the Dean's List with an academic record of 3.5 (or above) or the President's List with an academic record of 4.0 (all A's). Local students named to the Dean's List include: Chatom – Wyat Burton and Katlyn Singleton; Grove Hill - Chance Thrasher, Dylan Grace Thornton and Reagan Roberts; Jackson - Davin Roberts; Leroy - Haas Flowers; Millry – Stella Becton and Karsyn Wiley; Thomasville – Gracie Powell and Maura Kate Morris; Wagarville – Aja Barnes Local students named to...Article Link
Luke Stephens of Fulton has been named to the Young Alumni Advisory Commitee (YAAC) that serves under the National 4-H Council. He is one of five 4-H alumni throughout the United States to be honored and the first to hold this position from the State of Alabama. He will serve a three-year term, which will include in-person meetings and conferences throughout the U.S., fundraising and advocating for 4-H. Stephens was nominated by Joy Scott, the Alabama State 4-H Ambassador lead advisor. He then went through a rigorous review and screening process that included a YouTube video answering questions asked by...Article Link
Heat, after all, is just part of the southern way of life. However, it's good to be mindful of the impact our extreme temperatures and high humidity can have on our health if we're not careful. Heat-Related Illnesses Heat-related illnesses occur when the body is no longer able to control its own temperature. They can strike anyone no matter their age or health, although young children and people 65 and older are especially at risk. As summer approaches, it's important to recognize the types and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, and to take steps to avoid them. Heat Cramps Heat cramps...Article Link
What an absolute honor it has been to be of service to our Washington, Clarke and Choctaw County communities over the past five years. With regret, our programming will conclude on Monday, June 30. We will be in wind-down mode over the next two weeks and hope to look for ways to be of service in the future.Article Link
Rev up your engines and cruise on over to the most anticipated car show of the year July 12, beginning at 9 a.m. Whether you're a car enthusiast, a collector, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of finely crafted automobiles, this event is for you. This car show extravaganza will feature a stunning array of classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods and exotic vehicles from all eras. It's a celebration of automotive history and innovation that you won't want to miss. There is a car entry fee. For more information and to register your vehicle, contact Fredrick Nettles...Article Link
TROY - Troy University is pleased to announce students who have been named to the Chancellor's List for the spring semester and term 4 of the 2024-2025 academic year. Full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who earn a grade-point average of 4.0 qualify for the Chancellor's List. The spring semester includes students at the Troy, campus. Term 4 includes students at Troy's campuses in Dothan, Phenix City and Montgomery, along with locations outside of Alabama and online. Local students who made the list include: Brianna Harrell of Jackson, and Margaret Scarbrough and Hannah...Article Link
The Clarke County Historical Society will meet Sunday, June 29 at 2:30 p.m. at Grove Hill City Hall. David Bagwell will present the program entitled “Two Famous Train Robbers Of Southwest Alabama: Rube Burrow and Railroad Bill.” Bagwell, a retired attorney, is a tireless researcher of local history and will enlighten the group on these two outlaws who operated in the area in the late 19th century. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. Please feel free to share this post!Article Link
An engaging showcase of Authors & Family History and Writing Workshop will be presented at the Grove Hill Cultural Arts Center, 122 Main Street in Grove Hill, on Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This free event promises to be a blend of literary exploration and personal storytelling. Meet local authors who share their journeys and insights, and participate in an engaging writing workshop designed to inspire your creativity, enhance your writing skills and shed some light on publishing your books on Amazon KDP. Also, stock up on your summer reading material by supporting your local authors....Article Link
Watermelon Festival to be hosted June 28 from 9 a.m. until 3 p. m. at the old Marengo County High School grounds. Vendor spots are still available. For more information, contact ThomastonHF@aol.com. Amity Baptist Church will host a fifth Sunday singing Camp for Christ with Alex and Clara Alday June 29 at 10: 30 a.m. The church is located on Old Line Road in Whatley. The 5th Sunday singing will be Sunday, June 29 at Sandflat Methodist Protestant Church, beginning at 5 p. m. If you enjoy good, southern gospel congregational singing, join us in praising the Lord in songs. The Southwestern Ala bama Medical...Article Link
Clarke County Jail Arrests booked in the Clarke County June 16 - 22 include the following: Kathy Gordon, 41, theft of property first degree Tommy Glenn Etheredge, 45, burglary third degree, probation violation – new charge – felony Timothy Bass, 19, domestic violence, third degree – harassment Michael Kelley, 67, interference with judicial process McArther Cowan, 67, driving under the influence of alcohol David Ervin, 41, distribution/possession with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of marijuana first degree Brandon Coston, 40, unlawful possession or receipt of controlled substance Rennie Tyrone Scott Jr., 26, bond revocation Wendy Dawn Webb, 37, unlawful possession...Article Link
Marriage License June 16 - 20: Rebecca Ann McDonald to Benjamin Dean Weber Jodi Yvonne Stringer to William Bartlett Galbraith Anthony Cole Walker to Angela Paige Brasell Patrick Ryan Brett to Melanie Yvonne Conerly Andrew Ryan Newton to Hannah Necole Neikes Bryson Drake Tolbert to Mia Faith Jordan Deeds June 16 - 20: William M. Grace, Yolanda Grace to William M. Grace, Yolanda Grace; Susan Hamilton Lucas, Keith Thomas Lucas, Garrett McKinley Lucas (Survivorship) Connie Snow to Robert Hiatt; Pamela C. Smith to Kurt Steven Brittner, Carin Marie Brittner; Twiler Beverly, Seaborn E. Hicks, Arlis G. Hicks, Gaylon R. Hicks,...Article Link
When President Donald Trump visited Tuscaloosa in May to make the commencement address to The University of Alabama graduates, he also arranged time to meet privately with two Tuscaloosans – 73-year-old iconic, retired Alabama football Coach Nick Saban and 18- year-old political writer extraordinaire, Brilyn Hollyhand. It was not surprising that Trump would meet with the most legendary and successful college football coach of Trump's generation, and arguably in history. However, Trump meeting with an 18-year-old Tuscaloosa Academy high schooler left the national media scratching their heads. Those of us who live around Alabama politics had known about the young...Article Link
I am a very fortunate product of a number of strong influences from my childhood. First I grew up in a Bible believing Christian family. Regular church attendance for us was a way of life as far back as I can remember. For most of that time we attended Chisholm Baptist Church in Montgomery where my Dad and Mom and her parents worshiped with me and my three sisters. It was there at an early age where I first became involved in Vacation Bible School or VBS as it is known. After years as a student in VBS I graduated...Article Link
One of my favorite places is Fort McRee, which was one of three major United States fortifications built to strengthen defense efforts at Pensacola Bay after the War of 1812. It was located on the eastern end of Foster's Bank in Perdido Key, and only accessible by boat. Very little of the fort remains, but this former history teacher loves to spend early mornings there admiring the beauty, soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells, and looking for seashells, feathers, driftwood, and other similar treasures. It's across the Intercoastal Waterway from Naval Air Station Pensacola. After spending most of the...Article Link
Clarke County's second and third graders increased their reading proficiency, according to the latest report from the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP). There was a report noted at last week's meeting of the Clarke County Board of Education regarding the recently received ACAP Summative Reading Scores. Reading proficiency, noted Clarke County Schools Superintendent Ashlie Flowers, increased for second graders from 455 to 463, and for third graders from 435 to 444. As for the school district, 81% of Clarke County Schools' second graders are reading on or above their grade level, which matches the state level of proficiency. Also 89%...Article Link
JACKSON -- Prior to last week's Electric Safety meeting, Clarke County Emergency Management Director Roy Waite presided over a meeting for volunteer firemen in Clarke and Washington counties. Waite noted that former Thomasville Police officer Toby Knight had accepted a position with the state fire marshal's office and would be over Marengo, Wilcox and Dallas counties. Waite also said Chris Murphy, a native of Thomasville, will be the fire marshal over Choctaw, Clarke and Monroe counties. Waite also addressed the need to get a burning permit for dilapidated houses. He said two firemen were recently arrested in another area. They...Article Link
With a widespread heat wave bringing dangerously high temperatures and triple digit heat indexes for millions of people, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is providing important tips to help families affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related illnesses keep their loved ones safe. “Extreme heat is especially dangerous for someone with dementia, because dementia can impair their ability to notice if they are developing heat stroke or dehydration,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, SIFI, AFA's senior director of Educational and Social Services. “Taking a few simple steps will go a long way to help caregivers keep their loved one with...Article Link
Clarke County High School seniors Ke'Mond Johnson and Jack Fuller will represent Clarke County High School at Boys State on the campus of The University of Alabama!Article Link
Ella Davis is on the campus of The University of Alabama representing Clarke Prep at Alabama Girls State.Article Link
Clarke County High School senior Sarah Kate Slayton will represent Clarke County High School at Girls State on the campus of The University of Alabama!Article Link
Patricia and Larry Wallace of Grove Hill announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Jordan Elizabeth, to Mr. Gregory Ray Phillips, son of Shirley and H.G. Phillips of Dickinson. Miss Wallace is the granddaughter of the late Arnold Lee Harrell, the late Mary Belle Harrell, and the late Jimmy Wallace. The bridge-elect was a student at Jackson High School and a graduate in 2008 from 3D Learning Interactive Academy and Fortis College with a degree in massage therapy. She is currently employed at the Hampton Inn in Jackson. Mr. Phillips is the grandson of the late Ray Weatherly,...Article Link
The annual Virt and Daisy Fendley Deas reunion was held on May 4, 2025, at the original Deas home on Highway 154 in Coffeeville, Ala. There are approximately 300 living descendants. This has been an annual event for 60 years.Article Link
Amazing Grace Deliverance announces upcoming Prayer Breakfast Women in White The faith community of Amazing Grace Deliverance Church invites all pastors, churches and friends to come edify the name of Jesus as they intercede on behalf of others. The annual Prayer Breakfast will be hosted on Saturday, June 7 at 9 a.m., with Min. Kim Johnson as the guest speaker. Min. Johnson is under the leadership of Pastor Ceola Singleton of Little Zion Tabernacle Holiness Church in Dixon Mills. The theme for the morning will be “Unmasking the Pain.” Women in White Missionaries will be the special focus on Sunday,...Article Link
Arrests booked in the Clarke County May 26 – June 1 include the following: Sharaina Dearmon, 38, probation revocation – technical violation Fredrick O'neal Steele, 53, theft of property first degree Maurice Williams, 38, attempt to elude, trafficking methamphetamine, certain persons forbidden to possess pistol, unlawful distribution of controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute, unlawful possession or receipt of controlled substance, use or possession first offense drug paraphernalia, receiving stolen property second degree [post_excerpt],500 or more, probation revocation – technical violation Joseph Blakely Autry, 40, unlawful possession or receipt of controlled substance Kandice Hobson, 36, possession of controlled substance,...Article Link
Marriage Licenses May 26 - 30: Marcus Chase Dozier to Emily Brooke Freeman Christopher Glenn Dunnam to Krystle Rae Howard Deeds May 26 - 30: Wanda Fields, Wanda Piepho to Ralph Portis (Quit Claim) Johnnie Lee Jackson, Annie Jackson to Lavecchia Young; Patricia A. Harvey to The Patricia A. Harvey Trust (Warranty) Herbert Watkins, Vicky Watkins, Errica Watkins to Errica Watkins (Quit Claim) Michael Nelson, Kim Nelson to Colorado Johnson; Walgreen Co. to Community of Faith Methodist Church; Abby Jones, Jason Jones, Bryan Jones, April Jones to Freddrick Hunt (Warranty) Gary Joe Burleson, J. Stephens Burlesonsoann to Paschal Brown Ozment...Article Link
I just got back from a trip to visit family. It was the longest I have been away since I took a European cruise before COVID. I just left things as they were and took off. One thing I left was there were some flies that had gotten in the house. I bought some fly strips and hung them on the windows. I didn't know if they would work, but they really did. I came back to find all the flies hanging like ornaments on the Christmas tree! I found the fly strips at the Dollar Tree. I went to...Article Link
There is a framed quotation hanging on the wall above the TV in our living room. It has accompanied us as we've moved from place to place. The quotation reads as follows, “The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not sustain you.” I am not sure who first said those words but they are part of a longer quote by the evangelist Billy Graham. They are also, part of a poem by an unknown author. Here is the thing, we take them around with us because those words proclaim a truth that has...Article Link
In the spring of 2023, I was working for a local MOPAR dealer. On a random day at about 2 p.m., one of the salesmen took a call where the customer asked if we had any allocations for the new Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170. In the car business, dealers can't just get any vehicle they want. The manufacturer allocates, or allows, dealers to order certain numbers of certain vehicles based on the markets and sales in each particular dealership. As the day went on, we received more and more calls asking the same question. Some were from customers; others...Article Link
Kick- starting the ALPALS (Alabama People Against a Littered State) again after years of it being dormant in Clarke County, the state has taken notice. Jamie Mitchell, executive director of ALPALS, credited Clarke County Commissioner Barry Chancey for bringing the program back to life in the area. “ Barry has done a great job bringing the community together,” Mitchell said. “We've tried to get all of our counties on board to have cleanups and use our support in that effort. We have spoken to some schools down there, and also at the commissioners court meeting.” Alabama PALS partnered with the...Article Link
Ronnie Milton Phillips, 72, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away at home in North Pole, Alaska, surrounded by family on April 16, 2025. Ron was a 20-year Air Force retiree, 100% disabled veteran, and Alaska resident since 1982. Ron is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sharon; their four children, Christina, Jeremy, Marcus, Stephanie and spouses; eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild and extended family in various southern states. Ron was preceded in death by grandparents, Alec, Erma, G.W., Annie Bea; parents, Roy and Velma; older sisters, Opal, Gail and spouse Wes; nephews, Michael and Tony; plus, many...Article Link
Wallace Gene Pezent, 82, passed away on May 16, 2025, at Colquitt Regional Hospital in Moultrie, Ga. Wallace was born on Nov. 10, 1942, to parents Joseph Pezent and Mary Pezent. Wallace retired after a 45-year career at Boise Cascade in Jackson, where he established numerous lifelong friendships. He loved spending time with his family and friends, teaching them about fishing on the Tombigbee River, where they had a fish camp for many years. And he had plenty of fish stories to tell anyone who would listen. Wallace was of the Baptist faith and a member of Leroy Baptist Church....Article Link
Payton Smith is on the campus of Troy University this weekend for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership conference. Payton was selected by the faculty and staff of Clarke Prep to be our 2025 HOBY representative. Founded in 1958, HOBY's mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation. HOBY programs provide students selected by their schools an opportunity to recognize their leadership talents and apply them to become effective ethical leaders in their home, school, workplace, and community. Hopefully it will be an amazing weekend making memories...Article Link
Attention all Clarke Prep pee wee, junior varsity and varsity athletes and cheerleaders there will be sports physicals at the Grove Hill Healthcare Clinic on Wednesday, June 4 at 1 p.m. Any male or female that will be participating in any pee wee, junior varsity, or varsity athletic/cheer program during the 2025-2026 school year will need to attend. A current physical must be completed and on file at school before any student is allowed to participate in any athletic/cheer programs (this includes summer camps). Forms are available outside the Clarke Prep school office. Forms should be filled out, signed and...Article Link
The fifth annual BLACK BELT BIRDING FESTIVAL will take place on Aug. 1, 2 and 3. Highlighting the birds, history, and heritage of Alabama's Black Belt region, the festival brings together the joy of birding with the benefits of ecotourism to a region of profoundly important ecology and civil rights history. “We are super excited about this year's festival given that participation has surged over the past two years. Nowhere else can you see Wood Storks, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, and Swallow-tailed Kites against a backdrop of bountiful grasslands and epic civil rights history.”— Dr. Scot Duncan, Executive director of Alabama Audubon...Article Link
Town Hall Meeting will be hosted in Linden at the Marengo County Economic Development Authority May 29th at 5:30 p.m. about the impacts of federal cuts and tariffs. Speakers will include Rep. A.J. McCampbell, Rep. Thomas Jackson and Sen. Bobby Singleton. The event will also be live streamed on Soom and Gumptown News. The Marengo County Economic Development Authority office is located at 2400 E. Coats Ave., Linden, AL 36748. Elam Baptist Church will be celebrating homecoming and decoration day Sunday June 1 beginning with Sunday school at 10 a.m., worship service at 11 and lunch at noon. The Rev....Article Link
Arrests booked in the Clarke County May 19 - 25 include the following: Cedrick Demond Davis, 24, harassing communications, assault third degree Jonathan Bettis, 45, sex abuse – child less than 12 years of age Latrice Lachelle Boykin, 40, theft of property third degree Tasha Merrick, 48, interference with child custody Christopher Harwell, 54, disorderly conduct/disturbing the peace, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful receipt/possession of controlled substance, resisting arrest, unlawful possession of marijuana second degree James Baretta Washington, 49, theft of property first degree Edward Dale Dickinson, 51, probation violation – new charge – misdemeanor Cardel Hickenbottom, 43, unlawful possession...Article Link
Marriage License May 19 - 23: Chad Andrew Bright Sr. to Leslie Nicole Edgar Nathan Lee Chapman Jr. to Sarah Katriona Harkless Deeds May 19 - 23: Hybard Maurice Paul, John Newsom Revocable Trust A of 2005 to Hybard Maurice Paul (Warranty) Victor B. Driver to Victor B. Driver, Nancy J. Driver; Victor B. Driver to Victor B. Driver, Nancy J. Driver; Victor B. Driver to Victor B. Driver, Nancy J. Driver (Survivorship) Johnson Boys LLC to Tiesha S. Burroughs, Za- 'Layaa Tarvin; Paul Gregory Dungan, Michael Wayne Dungan to James Roney (Warranty) Blanch Starks, Alisa G. Moss to Deborah...Article Link
I just saw some of my grandchildren's homecoming dance photos. Why am I writing about old folks stuff? We are supposed to write about what we know and I got inspiration for this week's column from my grandsons' hair. They were dressed up but their hairdos reminded me of dust mops. They were pictured with their whole group of friends and all of them but one with very thin hair had the same style. It looked like they had been caught in a high wind and their hair froze in a tousled position. One of the two boys has beautiful...Article Link
When Republicans finally took control of the Alabama Legislature in 2010, they put a conservative stamp on Alabama's legislative process and lawmaking. They have made sure that Alabamians, and for that matter the rest of the country, know that Alabama is a ruby red Republican state, both socially and fiscally. A good bit of the social posturing has been for show, rather than governing. However, the real impact and resonance has been with the conservative approach to budgeting and the fiscally prudent stewardship of Alabamians tax dollars. Prior to 2010, the Democrats in Alabama spent money just like the Democrats...Article Link
This time 25 years ago as a new high school graduate, all I knew was that I was going to (hopefully) be a social studies teacher. I briefly explored other professions as they sparked my interest or were recommended to me, but I know that my calling for the first part of my career was to teach social studies. I did so for 13 years until I knew it was time to do something else. Educators are lifelong learners, so I conducted extensive research into the types of fields former educators often enter after teaching. Sales and corporate training were...Article Link
The bill, which is intended to combat inner city gun violence, includes: 1. New firearm possession prohibitions. It will now be a class C felony for someone to possess a firearm if he or she has been convicted of (a) any felony offense within the past five years or (b) three felony offenses at any time. It will now be a class C felony for someone to possess a firearm while out on bail awaiting trial for certain prescribed offenses (e.g., a violent offense). 2. Increased penalty for shooting into occupied dwelling. It will now be a Class A felony—not...Article Link
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