The Clarke County Democrat Podcast

Mr. Justin Eugene Overstreet, 70, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at Crowne Health Care in Jackson, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a family who loved him dearly. For 52 wonderful years, he shared his life with his beloved wife, Mrs. Sandy Campbell Overstreet, the love of his life and his faithful companion through the years. Mr. Overstreet was truly one of a kind. He found happiness in life's simplest and most meaningful moments, especially when his family gathered around for one of his cookouts. A true master of the grill, he was famous for... Article Link

John Craig Milstead, 58, of Coffeeville, born on Sept. 4, 1968, to parents John Christopher Milstead and Mary Evonne Dungan Milstead, died Sept. 18, 2026. Craig worked at International Paper as a construction manager in Prattville. He loved Alabama football, repairing cars to sell, and when he had the time, he enjoyed going fishing and riding his motorcycle on the country roads. Preceding him in death was his father, John Christopher Milstead. Mr. Milstead is survived by his wife, Lisa Milstead; son, Matthew (Savannah) Milstead; mother, Mary Milstead; siblings, Martha (Danny) Hoven, Anita (Jimmy) Allen, Glen Milstead and Mary (Johnny)... Article Link

Article Link

Ross Messinger returned from injury to run for 108 yards on 22 carries and two touchdowns but Clarke Prep battled from behind most of the night in a 32-20 loss at Morgan Academy on Sept. 25. Messinger scored on runs of 12 and 4 yards and Camden Jones added 76 yards on 19 carries, including a 9-yard scoring run, for the Gators (3-3). The Senators (4-2) briefly trailed 7-6 after Messinger's 12-yard TD run in the first quarter, then charged to a 20-7 lead when Sean Pope returned the opening kickoff of the second half 70 yards for a touchdown.... Article Link

MILLRY — Peebo Pugh completed 12 of 22 passes for 274 yards and four touchdowns as No. 7-ranked Class 2A Clarke County rolled past Millry 32-0 on Sept. 25. Pugh threw TD passes of 36 and 56 yards to Isaiah Davis, 64 yards to Da'Marion Horn and 62 yards to Ja'Marion Jenkins. Davis capped the scoring with a 16-yard run late in the fourth quarter for the Bulldogs (5-0), who won handily despite committing four turnovers. “Our defense played lights out for the second week in a row,” CCHS coach Jason Massey said. “We held them to less than 100... Article Link

DEMOPOLIS — Eighth-grader Tyson Davis rushed for 288 yards on 19 carries and four touchdowns to lead Thomasville to a 48-34 win over Demopolis on Sept. 25. Davis scored on runs of 34, 51, 11 and 38 yards for the Tigers (5-1). “It was definitely a special performance Friday night,” Thomasville coach Clint Anderson said. “Tyson is a very talented player.” Anderson credited offensive linemen Gunnar Lewis, Linus Abrams, Zamarion Taylor, Cam Collier, Sheldon Collins, K.J. Monghan and Micah Cowan for consistently opening running lanes. He also praised quarterback Christian Draper's work running the offense and the Tigers' backs for... Article Link

GROVE HILL — The streets of Grove Hill were filled with supporters, survivors and community members on Sept. 19 as the Second Chances cancer support group held its first cancer awareness parade. The event was organized to raise awareness for cancers of all types and support local residents facing the challenges that come with diagnosis and treatment. Second Chances founder Annye Owens said the organization grew from her own experience with cancer through her late husband, Henry Owens, and a late friend, Josephine Jones Nobles. Owens said her husband was diagnosed with stomach cancer and eventually became a survivor before... Article Link

OCT. 3 Fulton's annual gospel singing will be from 4-9 p.m. at Morris W. Allday Station No. 1. A ceremony honoring military members and first responders will begin at 6 p.m. The event will feature gospel and bluegrass performers, food, concessions, a cake auction, door prizes and a split-the-pot raffle. Thomasville's Hometown Harvest Fest will be held downtown with a classic car show, Trunk or Treat, face painting, vendors, produce stands, inflatables, games and contests. Inflatables are per child. Children's contests and church participation in Trunk or Treat are free. Call 334- 636-1542 or email director@thomasvilleal.com. OCT. 6 The... Article Link

Jamie “Red” Etheredge turned 94 years old on June 15. He has been one of the most outstanding and kindhearted leaders our state has seen this century. Red Etheredge was born June 15, 1932, in Marengo County. His distinctive Black Belt diction accentuates his Marengo County roots. He has been very successful in both business and government. Red founded Red E Mix Concrete Co. in Greenville in 1961. He was the owner and president for 24 years and then sold the business to a large conglomerate. After selling his concrete business in 1985, he became a Wendy's franchisee for 15... Article Link

It seems like I have been going to a lot of 80th birthdays lately. It really is a milestone to be celebrated. It means we have outlived the “threescore and ten” we were promised. It really got me thinking about old age. Next year, I will hit the mark of being 80. It seems hard to believe. It means we are in the final chapter of our lives. We are in the fourth act of our lives. I love to watch old movies, especially the black-and-white movies of the 1930s and 1940s. I find myself looking at the people using... Article Link

For nearly 30 years, Willie and I remodeled an old house built in the late 1800s. Looking back, I'm not sure whether we owned that house or that house owned us. We bought it when our daughter was 2 and our son, William, was 6. To say it needed a little TLC would be an understatement. We gutted it. There wasn't a wall, floor or ceiling we didn't eventually remodel. Ironically, about the time we finally got the house the way we wanted it, we decided to sell it. Some of my favorite memories aren't of the finished house. They're... Article Link

Fire Prevention Week will be observed Oct. 4- 10, with this year's campaign focusing on fire safety and the growing risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. During Fire Prevention Week, firefighters and fire departments nationwide provide educational programs designed to teach children and adults how to prevent fires and what to do in the event of an emergency. In Clarke County, 15 fire departments serve communities throughout the county. Many are staffed primarily by volunteers who respond to fires, medical emergencies and other calls for assistance. Local fire departments work with Clarke County Emergency Management Agency and the county's E-911 system... Article Link

Alabamians who use electronic cigarettes and other vaping devices faced new restrictions beginning Oct. 1, when a new state law extended Alabama's Clean Indoor Air Act to include vaping. The law does not create a statewide ban on vaping in every public space. Instead, it places electronic nicotine delivery systems under the same restrictions that already apply to smoking in locations covered by the state's Clean Indoor Air Act. A bill sponsored by state Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) was signed into law and changed the definition of smoking to include the use of an electronic nicotine delivery system. Beginning Oct.... Article Link

THOMASVILLE —Democrat gubernatorial candidate Doug Jones said he supports a one-year moratorium on data centers and a state lottery and pledged to expand Medicaid services if elected during a Sept. 26 campaign stop in Thomasville. “We want to change state government … we want state government to be responsive to you,” Jones told a group of about 50 attendees at the Thomasville Public Library. Jones, who served as a U.S. Senator from 2017-21 before being soundly defeated for the seat by Republican Tommy Tuberville, predicted the Democrat Party will “shock some people” on Nov. 3. Jones, the underdog to Tuberville... Article Link

Clarke Prep and Jackson Academy are preparing to join a new athletic association following the Alabama Independent School Association's decision last week to discontinue athletics. Officials at Clarke Prep and Jackson Academy said they plan to compete in the Gulf States Independent Athletic Association beginning with the 2027-28 school year. The move came after the AISA announced its decision to end athletic competition after more than 50 years. Clarke Prep Headmaster Bob Taylor said school officials have spent considerable time discussing the future of athletics and emphasized the change will not mean an end to sports at the school. “We... Article Link

BUTLER • Butler Fest is Oct. 9- 10 with carnival rides, vendors and live music. PINE HILL • Pine Hill's Depot Day is Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with arts and crafts, food, children's activities and giveaways. Vendor booths are , plus for electricity. Call (334) 963-4351 or visit town hall at 3967 Broad Street. THOMASVILLE • There will be a reunion for all Thomasville classes Oct. 10 at McFadden Park in Thomasville. The attending alumni will honor deceased classmates with a balloon release at 1:45 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring their own balloons. •... Article Link

The 25th annual Pioneer Day will be held on Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Clarke County Museum. A Halloween costume contest will be included in this year's festivities. The museum is seeking local businesses to donate items for the costume contest's gift baskets. Those ages newborn to 10 years old are eligible. To donate, call Jeannie Smith at (334) 357-2099. Article Link

Willean “ Wendy” Bondurant Sales, 91, of Monroeville died Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Sales was born March 7, 1935, in Flomaton to John and Alta Bondurant as the 11th of 14 children. She and her siblings learned early in life the value of hard work and the importance of family, values she embraced and embodied throughout her life. Mrs. Sales graduated from Flomaton High School, where she was a cheerleader. It was in this capacity that a young athlete from rival Century High School, J.W. Sales, caught her eye. The attraction was mutual and it... Article Link

Laura Belle Baugh Cumbie, 95, of Grove Hill, passed peacefully from this life on Sept. 16, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of love, family, faith, education, service and strength. Laura was born April 3, 1931, in Grove Hill, the fourth child of Robert Samuel Baugh and Annie Laura Danzey Baugh. Intelligent and determined from an early age, she graduated with honors from Massey- Draughon Business College in 1949, an accomplishment that made her father especially proud — a man who was rarely impressed. Laura also paved the way for her baby brother, Robert, who followed closely in her footsteps.... Article Link

Jackson breezes JACKSON — Quarterback Jay Morris completed 10 of 11 passes for 301 yards and five touchdowns and No. 6-ranked Jackson rolled up 570 yards of total offense in a 49-0 win over Wilcox Central on Sept. 18. Morris threw TD passes of 65 and 52 yards to Decorious Jackson, 24 yards to Kenile Campbell, 61 yards to Jessie Beck and 47 yards to Desmond Hill for the Aggies (3-2, 3-0 3A Region 1), who raced to a 42-0 halftime lead and have won three straight after an 0-3 start. Tristan Love scored on an 11-yard run and finished... Article Link

No. 2-ranked Luverne broke the game open with big plays to roll past No. 8 Thomasville 50-37 on Sept. 18 at D.F. Anderson Field. Thomasville (4-1, 1-1 2A Region 1) led 16-14 in the second quarter before Luverne (5-0, 3-0) set off its fireworks to take a 42-24 halftime lead. Jayden Laird put Luverne ahead to stay at 22-16 with a 10-yard touchdown run and a two-point conversion. Luverne's Daevon Smith got a pick-six before Ja'Deveon McCreary and Elliott Harris combined for TD passes of 56 and 96 yards in the final 2:05 of the half. In an omen of... Article Link

CCHS rolls CHICKASAW — Isaiah Davis ran for 120 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown and intercepted two passes in the red zone to help No. 9-ranked Clarke County to its 30th straight region win, a 34-6 road triumph over Chickasaw Friday night. Davis scored a 5-yard run for the Bulldogs (4-0, 2-0 2A Region 1), while CCHS held the Chieftains (1-4, 0-3) to 60 yards of total offense. “We're always happy to get a region win,” Clarke County coach Jason Massey said. “I thought we did some good things but there is a lot that we have to... Article Link

QB accounts for 4 TDs in Gator romp GROVE HILL — Camden Jones ran for three touchdowns and passed for another as Clarke Prep defeated Jackson Academy 48-14 on Sept. 18. Jones, who rushed for 88 yards on 11 carries, scored on runs of 3, 35 and 19 yards and also connected with Hayes McMillan on a 34-yard TD pass for the Gators (3-2, 2-2 region). Clarke Prep coach Charlie Taylor praised Jones for his decision making. “Camden's making good decisions and he's got to continue to make good decisions because our offense is predicated on the decisions he makes,”... Article Link

The site is a tranquil park-like setting. The grass is kept mowed and historical markers dot the landscape. A replica corner wall of pointed logs gives an indication of the structure that was once there. The scene was not so peaceful 213 years ago when Fort Sinquefield was the site of an Indian attack in September 1813. Fort Sinquefield was one of at least 10 hastily constructed forts in Clarke County during the Creek Indian War of 1813-1814. It was the only Clarke County fort attacked and one of only two in southwest Alabama targeted by the Creeks. Fort Sinquefield... Article Link

Article Link

SEPT. 1-30 Thomasville Public Library, 101 W. Front St., offers free library card registration throughout September. SEPT. 18-30 Elementary-age children may pick up Little Fire Chief Mission Cards and complete fire-safety activities at five participating Jackson Chamber businesses. Two winners will be announced Oct. 1 and recognized at the Oct. 7 Jackson Fire Prevention Parade. SEPT. 24 Thomasville Public Library will host a free sourdough bread workshop with Natalie Kilgore of Double H Farms at 2 p.m. Registration is required. Call 334-636-5343, email tvillelibrarystaff@gmail.com or visit the library. SEPT. 25 Deadline to register for Thomasville Parks and Recreation football and... Article Link

Congressman Spencer Bachus served in the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 6th Congressional District for 22 years. He was an outstanding congressman from his very Republican district from 1993 to 2015. His 6th Congressional District included the suburban communities of Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Hoover, Homewood and Gardendale, as well as Shelby and St. Clair counties and the Highway 280 communities. It was, and still is, one of the most affluent and Republican congressional districts in the nation. Spencer was born in Birmingham in December 1947. He grew up in the Birmingham area and has spent most of his life... Article Link

I have been doing some more studying on data centers. The more I read, the more stupid the politicians who are extolling data centers are looking. A friend sent me a piece on Facebook that really shed some more light on the subject for me. A man named John Valentine had posted it. It was from a July 29 hearing of the Texas Senate Committee on Business & Commerce examining the state's electric grid and large power demands, including those associated with data centers. Valentine, a Salado, Texas, resident with a background in software and fraud-detection technology, described himself as “an... Article Link

Willie often tells friends that we always know what time we are leaving for work each morning, but we rarely know what time we will be home. That is a very true statement. There is always news, and with five newspapers, there are always deadlines. Last Friday, I had a late doctor's appointment, so I found myself actually getting off work before dark. I had already planned in my head all the things I wanted to accomplish with those unexpected daylight hours. One of the most important was cleaning off my front porch and putting out my fall decorations. Now, understand,... Article Link

Love bugs have a romantic name but for drivers, homeowners and anyone spending time outdoors, the small black insects are anything but beloved. Love bugs typically appear in large numbers twice a year — around April and May and again in September. They are most active during the hottest parts of the day, generally from mid-morning through early afternoon. Adult love bugs have a short lifespan of four to five days and their primary purpose as adults is to mate and lay eggs before dying. The larvae remain underground until the following year, when the next generation emerges. For motorists,... Article Link

Love bugs have a romantic name but for drivers, homeowners and anyone spending time outdoors, the small black insects are anything but beloved. Love bugs typically appear in large numbers twice a year — around April and May and again in September. They are most active during the hottest parts of the day, generally from mid-morning through early afternoon. Adult love bugs have a short lifespan of four to five days and their primary purpose as adults is to mate and lay eggs before dying. The larvae remain underground until the following year, when the next generation emerges. For motorists,... Article Link

Wilson Hall Middle School honored local first responders on Sept. 11 with treats as a small token of appreciation for their dedication, service and support of the Grove Hill community. The school expressed appreciation to all Grove Hill firefighters and police officers, the Clarke County Sheriff 's Department, the Grove Hill Ambulance Service and the Clarke County Emergency Management Agency. Article Link

A big limb fell on a vehicle at the Perry Pickard residence in Hebron on Sept. 15 and barely missed the home. Several trees fell across the southern part of the county, some during the day when the weather wasn't bad and more during the afternoon and evening as a storm system pushed through. Downed trees in the Jackson city limits kept local firefighters busy clearing streets. Article Link

A Coffeeville woman remembered for her dedication to education and community service is being honored through a new University of Alabama scholarship established in memory of her and her husband. The University of Alabama National Alumni Association recently celebrated the endowment of the James L. Kornegay Jr. and Sara P. Kornegay Memorial NAA Endowed Scholarship, established by the Clarke County Chapter of the NAA to support future UA students. For Coffeeville, the scholarship carries a special connection to Sara Kornegay, who was instrumental in establishing the community's first public library. Kornegay devoted considerable time to schools and civic organizations and... Article Link

GROVE HILL — The Clarke County Commission on Tuesday approved tax abatements for new equipment at Westervelt Lumber's Thomasville sawmill, part of a million investment to add decking materials to its list of products. The Thomasville mill employs 181 people and the expansion is expected to add 36- plus jobs. “We are so proud to have Westervelt in this county,” Commissioner Rhondel Rhone said. “You are good partners and good neighbors.” Commission Chairman Jackie Ray Rush remembered the work that went into securing the mill and its opening. “They are a fine bunch of people to work with,” he... Article Link

Ben Stimpson Jr., a former forestry industry leader with ties to Clarke County and southwest Alabama has been appointed commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources by Gov. Kay Ivey. Ivey also appointed John “Bo” Cross of Grove Hill as chairman of the Conservation Advisory Board. The position had been held by Stimpson. Stimpson, of Mobile, is a former director of corporate operations for Scotch Gulf Lumber and Canfor Southern Pine. He will succeed Commissioner Chris Blankenship, who will retire at the end of September. Stimpson said he was grateful to Ivey for her confidence she placed... Article Link

A house on Deer Trail suffered extensive damage in a fire the morning of Sept. 22. The Helwestern and Grove Hill volunteer fire departments responded to the blaze in which a dog died. See the story on page 3A. Article Link

A Semmes man accused of setting fire to a hunting cabin in Clarke County and filing a false insurance claim has been charged with second-degree arson and first-degree insurance fraud, according to the Alabama State Fire Marshal's Office. Thomas Harold Norman II intentionally started and maintained a fire at a building at 28620 Highway 154 in Coffeeville on Aug. 21 and is accused of filing a false insurance claim after the fire, according to a criminal complaint filed against Norman. Both charges are Class B felonies, according to the arrest warrant, which was signed Sept. 1. A judge set bond... Article Link

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

Article Link

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