The Clarke County Democrat Podcast

Laura Lee Dolbear Smith passed away peacefully in her sleep on Aug. 31, 2026, just 26 days before her 100th birthday. Laura Lee was born Sept. 26, 1926, in a small house in downtown Jackson, the ninth child and eighth daughter of Mathew Turner Dolbear and Sarah Jane McDonald Dolbear. Family and friends knew her as “Toodley,” a nickname given to her as a toddler by her father's brother, “Uncle Boss.” A child of the Great Depression, Laura Lee was just 3 years old when her family moved to a small farm in Parkertown, now North Jackson. During World War... Article Link

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GROVE HILL — Martez Owens scored what proved to be the decisive touchdown late in the third quarter and No. 10-ranked Clarke County recovered a fumble deep in its territory in the waning moments to hold off J.U. Blacksher 21-20 on Sept. 4. The Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0 2A Region 1) came back from a 12-0 halftime deficit to win their 29th straight region game. Owens scored on a 3-yard run with 24 seconds remaining in the third quarter after a Blacksher fumble for a 21-12 lead but Jaden Stallworth responded with a 2-yard TD run and Blacksher added a two-point... Article Link

ATMORE — Jackson survived a wild finish to pick up its first win of the season Sept. 4. Julian Hunt scored what proved to be the winning touchdown on a 1-yard run with 9: 12 remaining and Champ Burnett kicked the decisive extra point for a 14-13 victory but the Aggies had to hold off Escambia County in the final minutes. “It was a nailbiter,” Jackson's Ryan Little said after picking up his first win as the Aggies' coach. “We needed it. I told somebody earlier, ‘I need to win like I need air.'” The Blue Devils could have put... Article Link

C.J. Rowden scored three touchdowns to lead No. 8-ranked Thomasville to a 27-12 road win at W.S. Neal on Sept. 4. Rowden scored on runs of 1 yard, 19 and 2 yards for the Tigers (3-0). Tyson Davis added a 56-yard TD run in the second period and Thomasville led 20-2 at halftime. The Eagles fumbled the opening onside kick and C.J. Welch recovered at Neal's 43. Six plays later, Rowden scored from the 1. Rowden scored again from 19 yards out later in the first quarter and added his third score on a 2-yard run in the third quarter.... Article Link

GROVE HILL — Jay G's officially celebrated its place in the Grove Hill community with a ribbon cutting ceremony, Sept. 3, giving local officials, community members and supporters an opportunity to recognize the restaurant's opening and the work that went into transforming the building. The Grove Hill Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the ribbon cutting at Jay G's, which opened in March. Mayor Ross Wood joined Jay G's owner Valerie Davis for the ceremony. Davis coowns the restaurant with her husband, Tommy. Wood praised the Davises for their investment in Grove Hill and the transformation of the former filling station... Article Link

SEPT 19 Second Chances Cancer support group will host a benefit to bring awareness to cancers of all types Saturday, Sept. 19 at S.P. Hudson Park. There will be a benefit ride with line up at 9:15 a.m. at Clarke County High School and the parade will begin at 10 a.m. down N. Jackson Street. A concert in the park will follow at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served but those attending are asked to bring their own lawn chairs. For additional information contact Annye Owens at 334-830-6518. SEPT 21 September 22nd is the first day of fall in 2026.... Article Link

The more things change, the more they stay the same, is a very succinct adage, especially when it comes to politics. Faces and places and races change in politics, but one thing that stays the same is, the candidate who has the most money for campaign advertising and vote gathering, nine times out of ten wins. Name identification is the most important factor when voters select a candidate. Money buys name identification, and name identification equates into votes. Thus, there is no truer adage in politics than money is the mother's milk of politics. This reassurance was upheld in the... Article Link

I was picking up after the children on an ordinary Tuesday morning when suddenly, the world changed. It was Sept. 11, 2001 and it was press day at my newspaper. Press days were long days and I knew when I left home that morning, I wouldn't return until the wee hours of Wednesday. Like I still do today, I had the television on while getting ready for work. I had the volume turned up so I could hear the morning news as I went from room to room getting dressed and straightening the house. I was preparing for a long... Article Link

Clarke County High School recently welcomed state officer Peyton Hutton of Demopolis High to speak about the Distributive Education Clubs of America and its opportunities. DECA is an international organization that prepares high school and college students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management while developing leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Hutton was elected to his position to help guide and promote philanthropic and outreach initiatives for the statewide association. Article Link

National Suicide Prevention Month is observed each September to raise awareness and share hope through vital information to the public and those affected by suicide. The goal of this prevention month is to give families and individuals who need help access to resources. There is not normally just one reason for someone to take their life but there are risk factors, such as social isolation. One method for reducing the risk of suicide includes making and maintaining meaningful connections with others. Suicide is the second leading cause of death amount for those between 10 and 24 years old, according to... Article Link

Whatley nat ive Mickey Lindsey was honored on Sept. 4 when Pace (Fla.) High School named its the football field for him. Lindsey attended school in Grove Hill and coached 25 years at Pace, where family, friends and former players were on hand for the ceremony before the game against Choctawhatchee. Pace won 196 games, 10 district championships and advanced to three state semifinals under Lindsey. Lindsey played high school football at Grove Hill Academy ( now Clarke Prep) and was a walk-on at Livingston University (now the University of West Alabama). He coached in Georgia and at schools in... Article Link

It is more than 1,000 miles from southwest Alabama to New York but the shock and horror of an event 25 years ago reverberated southward and across the entire nation and the world. It was Sept. 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center towers in New York were struck by two hijacked airplanes, the Pentagon in Washington hit by another and a fourth crashed in rural Pennsylvania, brought down by passengers to keep it from striking another target, possibly the U.S. Capitol or the White House. In all, 2,977 lives were lost in the event that became known simply as... Article Link

FULTON — After more than two years without a police officer and nearly two decades without a fulltime police chief, the Town of Fulton officially welcomed Hiram Gunter to the role on Sept. 1. “I look forward to getting to know everyone here,” said Gunter, who was sworn in during a ceremony at Fulton Town Hall. “I look forward to serving Fulton.” Gunter brings nearly eight years of experience with the Jackson Police Department to his new position, where he most recently served as a sergeant. During his time with JPD, he also ran the Alabama Drug Abuse Resistance Education... Article Link

Mrs. Pauline D. Hudson, age 94, passed away Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026 at her home in Mexia. Mrs. Hudson was born in Clarke County and had been a resident of Mexia for the past 51 years. She was a former employee of Northside Preschool in Selma and Southside Preschool in Monroeville, as well as a member of Mexia Baptist Church. Preceding her in death was her husband, James Dewey Hudson; her parents, Albert "Buster" Holder Dolbear and Claudia May Dolbear; son-in-law, Bill Garris; two brothers, Archie Dolbear and Sambo Dolbear; and sister, Addie May Dolbear Andrews. Survivors include three sons,... Article Link

Mrs. Patricia Gray Turner King, 74, passed away peacefully at her home Aug. 12, 2026. She was born Jan. 24, 1952, in Jackson to Thomas White Turner Sr. and Hattie Luisa Parnell Turner. Pat was a longtime resident of Sunflower. She loved her family, especially her great-niece and great-nephews. She enjoyed reading, taking care of her animals and maintaining her home and yard. Pat was instrumental in establishing Washington County EMA 911, where she served as director and enjoyed writing grants for the program. She was an avid Alabama Crimson Tide football fan and was always excited to watch the... Article Link

Deborah Jane Dees, a beloved mother, devoted friend and cherished member of the Jackson community, passed away peacefully on Aug. 10, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on Jan. 22, 1950, to her parents, Johnnie Prewett and Nellie Marie Findley Prewett. Jane lived a life filled with love, laughter and an unwavering appreciation for the simple joys that life had to offer. A proud graduate of Clarke County High School, Class of 1968, Jane carried her roots with pride. Her heart belonged to her family, and she found immense joy in spending time with her girls and... Article Link

GROVE HILL — Ross Messinger ran for 138 yards on 22 carries and two touchdowns and Camden Jones added a pair of scores as Clarke Prep defeated Wilcox Academy 26-12 at Billy Hamilton Field on Aug. 28. “I was very pleased,” Gators coach Charlie Taylor said. “We had to fight through adversity early.” Messinger expressed confidence when asked if he and Jones could be the best backfield in the AISA. “ One- hundred percent,” Messinger said. Taylor emphasized that continued success will require consistency and praised the blocking up front and downfield. “Oh, absolutely,” Taylor said of his backfield's potential.... Article Link

Thomasville running back C.J. Rowden (3) sprints 47 yards for a touchdown during the 34-6 Tiger victory over Sweet Water. Rowden scored three touchdowns in the Thomasville romp Aug. 28 at D.F. Anderson Field. See the game story on Page 1B. Article Link

Key mistakes doomed Jackson to a 29-18 loss at Bayside Academy on Aug. 28 as the Aggies fell to 0-2 for the first time since 2005. The Admirals (1-0) scored off a busted coverage and a pick-six and the Aggies, trailing 22-18, converted a fake punt only to see it called back on a holding penalty. Quarterback Jay Morris completed 11 of 18 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown, Julian Hunt had 93 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown and Tristan Love added 72 yards on 17 carries for Jackson. First-year Aggies coach Ryan Little said his team... Article Link

GROVE HILL — Quarterback Peebo Pugh ran for 121 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown and completed 7 of 11 passes for 87 yards as Clarke County scored 20 unanswered points in the second half for a 27-8 win over Leroy on Aug. 28 to drop the Bears to 0-2 for the first time since 2012. Pugh broke a 37- yard scoring run to strike first blood for the Bulldogs but the Bears scored on the opening possession of the second half when Jace Sellers connected with Jayden Collins for a 27-yard TD. CCHS then took control with Pugh's... Article Link

C.J. Rowden ran for three touchdowns to lead Thomasville to a 34-6 romp over Sweet Water on Aug. 28 at D.F. Anderson Field. Rowden scored on runs of 47, 16 and 7 yards for the Tigers (2-0) and Hunter Norwood added a 51-yard TD run. Jacob Rotton was a defensive standout for Thomasville with an interception and fumble recovery, both turnovers leading to Tyson Davis' 10-yard scoring run and Rowden's 7- yard touchdown run. The Bulldogs' Tyrice Lockett ran 5 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter as the Tigers led 20-6 at halftime. THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE All kickoffs... Article Link

We lost an icon last week. Dolly Parton is dead. I heard about it in Faneuil Hall in Boston. A clerk in a shop remarked on it, and at first I thought I had misheard. But when we got back to the hotel, it was all over the news. It was as if the whole world mourned together. Dolly was the American success story. She was raised in a one-room cabin with 11 siblings, the fourth of 12 children. Her father could neither read nor write. She grew up with very little, a childhood she memorialized in her hit song “Coat... Article Link

It seems like every news channel I have watched this past week has featured interviews, stories and memories about Dolly Parton. I heard one interview that really made me stop and think about all the good Dolly did during her lifetime. The commentator said he believed Dolly might have been the one American who was actually loved by everyone. Wow. What a legacy. One common thread in nearly every interview has been Dolly's big heart. People have talked about her generosity, the money she gave to charities and the causes she supported throughout her life. Her generosity says a lot coming... Article Link

GROVE HILL — Clarke County and the rest of Alabama is growing timber faster than it is being cut, thanks to the state's investment in forestry, retired foresters told the Clarke County Historical Society Sunday. However, the oversupply of timber has triggered a serious market collapse in Alabama, according to a recent Wall Street Journal story. In March, the major Domtar mill in Talladega County closed after 75 years with the loss of 285 jobs. It produced newsprint in recent years and had an estimated economic impact of 9 million, according to media reports. Steve Crowley, formerly with Scotch Land... Article Link

The Clarke County School District's new transportation staff recently attended specialized orientation and training. From left are bookkeeper Alison Furrow, director Craig White and assistant superintendent Jackie Daffin, all of whom attended the Alabama State Department of Education's transportation orientation in Prattville. Article Link

Former Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Ron Sparks, U.S. Sen. Katie Britt and the Alabama Cattlemen's Association have expressed strong opposition to a Trump administration proposal aimed at lowering beef prices by allowing duty free imports of Argentinian ground beef. Under the administration's proposal, up to 300,000 metric tons of Argentinian ground beef would be imported tariff-free to reduce prices to 25% below current market values. Sparks and cattle industry representatives warned that bringing foreign beef into the U.S. market threatens the economic stability of local cattle producers while introducing potential health risks for consumers. The Alabama Cattlemen's Association... Article Link

Dolly Parton is being remembered for her many charitable activities following her death on Aug. 25 at age 80, including her Imagination Library, a program that has provided millions of free books to young children. The program began in Parton's home county in Tennessee with the goal of fostering a love of reading among preschool children and their families. It later expanded internationally and now provides free, age-appropriate books to children from birth through age 5. In Clarke County, the United Way of Southwest Alabama serves as the local program partner for the Imagination Library. The books are selected based... Article Link

A collision involving a loaded 18-wheeler and a Chevrolet Traverse occurred Aug. 27 at the Fulton intersection of Alabama Highway 178 and U.S. Highway 43. According to preliminary information, the 18-wheeler was traveling from Alabama Highway 178 and attempting to turn south onto U.S. Highway 43 when it pulled into the path of the northbound SUV. The Chevrolet Traverse was unable to stop and collided with the side of the truck. No injuries were reported at the time of the accident. Ambulance services were called to the scene to evaluate the conditions of those involved. Article Link

Clarke County Commissioner Tyrone Moye has been elected 2026-2027 Vice President of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA), the statewide association representing Alabama's 67 county governments. Moye was elected to the position at the ACCA 98th Annual Convention hosted August 18-20. “I am honored to step into the role of Vice President and am committed to advancing our mission of representing Alabama's 67 counties,” Moye said. “ The ACCA's dedication to serving all counties with a unified voice has always inspired me, and I am excited to collaborate with our new President, Collin Daly of Limestone County, and... Article Link

A high-speed pursuit involving multiple Clarke County law enforcement agencies ended in a crash Monday evening after authorities attempted to stop a person in a stolen vehicle traveling on U.S. Highway 43, according to authorities. Decorius Cook of Prichard was arrested and charged with felony attempting to elude, reckless endangerment, first-degree receiving stolen property and second-degree possession of marijuana. Cook also had a warrant out of Mobile County for certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm and authorities said Cook was known to law enforcement and has gang affiliations. Cook's bond was set at ,500 with a ,000 cash component... Article Link

The conversion of U.S. Highway 43 and Alabama Highway 69 to four lanes between Thomasville and Tuscaloosa is progressing, with work on the lower end of the project requiring a two- to three-month closure of the north end of Old Highway 43 at the intersection with U.S. 43 north of Thomasville, according to the Alabama Department of Transportation. The closure will affect residents who live on Old 43 between Bashi Road and U.S. 43 and motorists who use the road to access U.S. 43 north of the Alabama Highway 5 intersection at O'Bryant Chapel Funeral Home. Once the work begins,... Article Link

GROVE HILL — The Clarke County Board of Education received updates on efforts to boost student attendance and Jackson High School's plans to improve ACT scores at its Aug. 25 meeting. The school system's Anna Traweek discussed the district's efforts to address chronic absenteeism and truancy, emphasizing the connection between regular attendance and academic achievement. “ When students miss school, they miss instruction,” Traweek said. “They also miss interventions that we provide for our students who may be struggling and they miss opportunities to succeed.” Under the state's accountability measures, 18 or more missed school days constitutes chronic absenteeism, regardless... Article Link

Thomasville finished 2-2 to win the bronze bracket of the Battle of Tombigbee volleyball tournament at Jackson High on Aug. 22. The Tigers lost to Excel 15-25, 15- 25 and to Southern Choctaw 16-25, 22-25. They beat Clarke County 25- 14, 25-18 and Citronelle 25-16, 26-24. Thomasville will visit Washington County in Chatom on Aug. 27, Demopolis in the Bobby Davis Invitational on Aug. 29 and will host Clarke County on Sept. 1 and Demopolis on Sept. 3. Article Link

JACKSON — First-year Jackson coach Ryan Little didn't have to search far to identify one of his team's biggest problems following Friday night's 22-13 season-opening loss to Citronelle at Legion Field. The Aggies were flagged 21 times for 160 yards. “We cannot give up 160 yards in penalties against any team and expect to win,” Little said. “I have to give it up to Citronelle, they came in here fired up and played really well but we didn't play the way we should have. … We are a better team than what we showed tonight.” The Wildcats' Kobe Weaver raced... Article Link

THOMASVILLE — Thomasville's defense held Leroy out of the end zone as time expired and C.J. Welch's 25-yard field goal with 11:26 left provided the winning points in the Tigers' 22-21 win over the No. 6-ranked Class 1A Bears Friday night in a weather-delayed game at D.F. Anderson Field. The Tigers, who trailed 21-19 entering the fourth quarter, got Cooper Elam's interception off Leroy quarterback Jace Sellers with 3:32 remaining to stop a Bears drive but 16 seconds later, Leroy's Isaiah Wooten forced a fumble that Gabe Posey recovered at the Bears' 45 to give Leroy a final chance. Sellers... Article Link

CHATOM — Clarke County's Isaiah Davis scored on runs of 6 and 12 yards and quarterback Peebo Pugh added two big scoring plays on a 37- yard run and a 27-yard pass to Braylen Watkins as Clarke County shut down Washington County 29-0 Friday night. It was the Bulldogs' first win in a season opener since 2020. “The first half was a bit sluggish,” said CCHS coach Jason Massey, who noted a couple of blown assignments. “We came out in the second half and did a lot better and played a lot harder. Hats off to the defense for a... Article Link

Joyce Allday, 71, of Jackson went to be with Jesus on Aug. 15, 2026, at home with her family. She was born Aug. 31, 1954, in Selma to Frances Virginia Fain and Robert Aaron Bozeman Sr. Joyce graduated from Leroy High School in 1972. She later married Larry Allday and attended Patrick Henry University, where she earned her degree in cosmetology. She worked as a cosmetologist for many years. Joyce was an amazingly talented vocalist, singing on her own as well as with many church choirs. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She loved music, decorating for... Article Link

OCT. 3 Thomasville's Hometown Harvest Fest will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, in downtown Thomasville. The event will feature a classic car show, Trunk or Treat, face painting, craft and food vendors, produce stands, inflatables, games and contests. Inflatables are per child, and children's contests are free. Sponsorships are available for 0, activity sponsorships for 0, award sponsorships for 0 and a 0 holiday bundle that includes Christmas. Vendor spaces are available individually or as part of the holiday bundle. Local churches are invited to participate in the Trunk or Treat during Thomasville's Hometown Harvest Fest on Saturday, Oct.... Article Link

As many readers may remember, the former Birmingham Water Works Board (“BWWB”) was synonymous with corruption, inefficiency, back-room politics, and the type of nefarious activities that would make most people blush from embarrassment. Everything from criminal indictments of former board members to the theft of copper and everything else not tied down in warehouses, were regular occurrences over the decades of chaos at the old BWWB. Customer complaints soared as high as the unreasonable bills sent to weary and often outraged customers. BWWB's antics and poor customer service made most people shake their heads in disbelief or disgust. Run into... Article Link

Little things do matter. Your Alabama Legislature wants you to think very highly of it. That's not unusual for many aspects of the human experience. In this arena, it matters a lot because favorability translates to votes, and votes are how you get elected. In Alabama, the path to favorability typically involves giving a nod to the ideological right. Immediately after the 2026 legislative session, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter wanted the public to know how conservative the legislature had become under his leadership. "I think our record speaks for itself. I mean, you know, since I've been Speaker, Alabama has... Article Link

I've written many times about my childhood and how much we kids loved the outdoors. As I started pondering my column for this week, my mind drifted back to the many camping trips I took — in our backyard. My sister and I would bounce between our backyard and my childhood friend's. We loved pitching our little tent in the yard, crawling into our sleeping bags and staying up half the night telling ghost stories. Of course, everything sounds different after dark. The bullfrogs were louder. The whip-poor-wills seemed closer. An owl screeching somewhere in the distance could easily become... Article Link

GROVE HILL — Grove Hill Fire Rescue volunteers recently combined lessons on fire safety with hands-on opportunities to learn about firefighting equipment during a visit to Wilson Hall Middle School. Volunteers Elizabeth Hayles, Royce Council and Samuel Collins represented GHFR and spoke with students about fire safety and the equipment firefighters use while responding to emergencies. Students were given the opportunity to get a closer look at the equipment on the fire truck, providing a hands-on learning experience and allowing them to better understand the tools firefighters rely on in their work. The visit was part of the Financial Literacy... Article Link

Clarke County High School recently recognized school resource officer Francis Fleming for his work in keeping the school safe. Article Link

Wilson Hall Middle School recently received a donation from local author Deborah Williams Robinson of her children's book “Fables of Frogg Eye Academy.” The book offers life lessons for kids while encouraging them as they go to school to be mindful and respectful of themselves and others. Robinson is a native of Clarke County and previously worked at Alabama Southern Community College. Article Link

The Stallard House — also known as the Hearin-Armistead Stallard Home — is believed by historians to be the oldest residential structure still standing in Grove Hill. The house was built in 1842 or 1843 on West Cobb Street, next door to the Clarke County Museum. The Clarke County Historical Society and Museum purchased the historic home in 2023 to save it from decay. Work is being done by preservationists, museum staff and volunteers to clean up the site, stabilize the structure and renovate the interior and exterior. The long-term goal is to fully restore the home and incorporate it... Article Link

GROVE HILL — A new butterfly mural at the Grove Hill Cultural Arts Center is giving visitors a colorful new backdrop for photographs while encouraging the community to celebrate the role of art in everyday life. Revealed on Aug. 6, the mural painted on the side of the Grove Hill Cultural Arts Center by center director Denise Wilson features a set of butterfly wings designed to allow visitors to stand between them and appear as though they have wings of their own. “I was honored to paint this mural as a special gift to our community and it brings me... Article Link

GROVE HILL — After more than a year of reconstruction, the Gilmore Law Firm has returned to its longtime home at 116 Court Street in Grove Hill. The firm celebrated its return with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, marking the reopening of a building that has housed the law practice for more than five decades. The building sustained significant damage when a tornado tore off its roof on Dec. 28, 2024. The resulting water damage was extensive, ultimately leading the firm to gut most of the building and completely redesign its interior. Joanna Pugh, a legal assistant with the... Article Link

Residents stay healthy with biweekly walk GROVE HILL — Residents looking for a way to stay active and connect with others in the community have a standing opportunity twice a week through Grove Hill Parks and Recreation's Walk and Talk. Led by Grove Hill Parks and Recreation Department Director Stephanie Strength Daniels, Walk and Talk takes place every Tuesday and Thursday at 8 a.m., with participants meeting at Grove Hill Town Hall before heading out for a community walk. The event is designed to provide an opportunity for residents to exercise together while enjoying conversation and fellowship along the way.... Article Link

The Clarke County Commission was honored with an efficiency and innovation in county government award for its solid waste enforcement program at the 98th annual Association of County Commissions of Alabama convention. Solid waste enforcement officer Jim Hudson has played a vital part in making the program successful. Two other officers were recognized at the convention. Clarke County Commissioner Tyrone Moye was elected the second vice president of the ACCA and county personnel manager Angie Lewis earned her certificate in county administration through the County Government Education Institute program. Article Link

THOMASVILLE — Former Thomasville standout Will Buford is returning home, joining the Tigers' staff as the running backs coach. Buford rejoins the program under head coach Clint Anderson, who coached him at Thomasville. He spent last season on the coaching staff at Clarke County High School. “I'm excited to be back home, especially to be back with family and friends and be back in maroon,” Buford said. “It's a pleasure and an honor to be able to coach these kids in this community and keep the winning tradition here in Thomasville. … Having our player memories and now our coaching... Article Link