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The annual Town of Fulton Christmas Parade lineup began at the old schoolhouse. There were many in attendance to enjoy the beautiful decorations and Santa himself.Article Link
The Coffeeville Christmas Parade travelled the streets of Coffeeville on Saturday, Dec. 6. Lineup began in front of Coffeeville High School, following its usual route. Families lined the streets to enjoy one of the season's favorites.Article Link
The Clarke County Board of Education is proud to announce that Rachel Knight, right, achieved National Board Teacher Certification (NBTC). Knight's dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence shine in everything she does.Article Link
Joseph Earle Duke, 62, died at home in Gosport on Dec. 22, 2025. He was born Nov. 30, 1963, in Pensacola, Fla., to Rufus Donald Duke and Rachel Williamson Duke. He was predeceased by his father, Donald Duke; uncles, Richard Duke and Marion Duke. He is survived by his mother, daughters, Brandi (Tony) Stacey and Brittany (Brandon) Garrick; granddaughters, Hailey (Josh) Helms and Alyssa Crutchfield; grandsons, Reece Garrick and Lucas Stacey; aunts, Dean Owens and Kay (Adrian) Boutwell; uncles, Dwight (Lorraine) Duke and Frank Duke and other extended family and friends. Joe was of the Methodist Faith and was a...Article Link
Faye McDonald Stephens, 96, of Grove Hill, passed away Dec. 18, 2025 at her home. She was born Dec. 21, 1928 in the Midway community of Clarke County. She was a former kindergarten teacher and a member of Grove Hill Baptist Church. Preceding her in death was her husband, Everette Stephens; father, Ruben Carlos McDonald; mother, Alice Bouler McDonald; nine brothers and sisters, Fred McDonald, Herman McDonald (died as an infant), Marlene Brock, Mabel Rush, Calvin McDonald, Watson McDonald, Theda Ertsgard, Anna Welsh and Alex McDonald. She is survived by her daughter, Karen S. (Duff) Bassett of Oklahoma City, Okla.;...Article Link
I remember when I was a little girl, my mama told me about my daddy coming home from work with nails stuck in his pants. He'd ripped them at work, but rather than miss a day, he grabbed a handful of nails and “stitched” the tear shut. Problem solved. She said he'd sometimes come home with a rope for a belt or his tool apron hitched up like a fashion statement, just trying to keep his britches where they belonged. Daddy was a workaholic. If something broke, he fixed it. If something ripped, he patched it. Missing work was never...Article Link
As is my custom for the past 21 years, my year end column illuminates Alabama political luminaries that passed away this year. We lost some good ones. Former State Senator and Lt. Governor George McMillan passed away in Birmingham at 81. George was a vivacious, delightful gentleman, who never met a stranger. I never knew anyone who ever met George that did not like him. He began his meteoric political career at an early age. He was elected to the State Senate from Jefferson County in 1974 and was elected lieutenant governor in 1978. He lost a razor-thin election to...Article Link
My love of cars definitely started in childhood with what I collectively call my Hot Wheels collection, though some were Micro Machines and a few other brands. My brother and I spent countless hours in the “cities” we built in Gaugy's red-dirt-floor garage. There's still a big tree in our parents' yard with part of its root system exposed a ditch, and that spot became the perfect landscape for our heavy-duty, off-road imaginations. That's where the Tonka loaders, dump trucks, and beat-up diecasts earned their keep. For a long time, I didn't think much more about those cars. Life moved...Article Link
Whether you grew up here in the South or moved here from somewhere else, sooner or later, you're bound to hear about superstitions. Most of us were raised on them. Somewhere along the way, an elder warned us to knock on wood so we wouldn't jinx ourselves, or cautioned us not to tempt fate by saying something out loud. Superstitions can sound silly on the surface, but in the South, they're simply part of everyday life. They're woven into our stories, habits, and memories. Many of them are a mix of folk tales and oral history, passed down through generations....Article Link
Oh, Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree! I do love a Christmas tree! I bought one from Dirt Cheap in its waning days. It is one of those expensive kinds that comes with the lights attached. I must admit, I do like the strands that wind around the branches. I have an attic full of them. I can't bear to throw them away. I love a well-lit tree. I did come up with a reasonable alternative. I found some really sparkly tinsel I had in a bin upstairs that I wound all around the tree. It reflects the lights nicely and...Article Link
Former University of Alabama, NFL and XFL quarterback A.J. McCarron announced last week his withdrawal from the Alabama lieutenant governor's race in 2026, according to 1819 News. Shortly thereafter, McCarron was named the head coach of the UFL's Birmingham Stallions. McCarron claimed to have a double-digit lead in the polls, although the latest Quantus Insights poll showed Secretary of State Wes Allen leading McCarron by 12 percentage points. McCarron did lead five Republican candidates in fundraising in November, collecting 5,760 in his first full month since announcing his first run for office in October. Allen still held a wide lead...Article Link
Gov. Kay Ivey signed an order on Dec. 18 creating the Alabama Rural Health Transformation Advisory Group, which is designed to act if Alabama secures federal approval for a sweeping rural health-care overhaul tied to President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill. “The creation of the Rural Health Transformation Advisory Group enables Alabama to hit the ground running once the state's new comprehensive rural health-care strategy is greenlighted by the Trump Administration,” Ivey said. “The members of this group will help ensure our programs initiate positive transformations to the way Alabamians receive quality health care and that those transformative investments...Article Link
The top 10 news stories in Clarke County in 2025 included a memorable snowfall, Clarke Prep winning the AISA baseball title and the death of two icons. Here are the Top 10 in in no particular order: #1- Truck flips in Grove Hill An 18- wheeler overturned on the curve of North Jackson Street that connects to U.S. Highway 43 on Sept. 26. The uninjured driver, Terrance Williams of Mississippi, went too fast into the curve and flipped onto its side, striking a street sign. Williams said he had to kick out the windshield to escape the cab. The Clarke County...Article Link
Alma Jean Kirkham, 85, a homemaker and a former resident of Thomasville, died Dec. 15, 2025 at Jackson General Hospital in Jackson, Tenn. She was born Feb. 26, 1940 in Coffeeville, to Leslie Ott and Dixie McIntyre Ott. She is survived by her son, William Clay (Becky) Baugh; daughter, Teresa (Roy) Green; brother, Bob (Sue) Ott; three grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. Graveside funeral services were Dec. 18, at Evergreen Memorial Gardens with Pastor Billy Kendrick officiating. Active pallbearers were Austin Green, Bransyn Green, Eric Copeland, Chad Ott, Donald Pugh and Michael Pugh. Condolences may be offered at obryantchapelfh.com. Arrangements by...Article Link
For some time now Peggy and I have given our attention to giving stuff away. Evidently the emphasis in that statement lies in the word, “stuff.” “Stuff” can be a noun or a verb, but in this case it is a noun. We are moving soon and we must go from what we have to much less because there is “no room.” (Where have I heard those words before? This started out to be about one thing and now I sense that a different subject has crept in. I won der where it will take me.) Peggy and I are...Article Link
Wilson Hall Middle School announces Shirley Bradley has been selected as “Teacher of the Year.” Bradley daily goes above and beyond to inspire students, support colleagues, as well as bring passion, creativity, and heart to her classroom. The school expressed appreciation for all she does to make a lasting impact on the lives of students. Wilson Hall Middle School is a public school that serves fifth grade through eighth grade students in Grove Hill. on the lives of students.Article Link
Clarke Prep School recently hosted their school science fair. The following students placed in the high school and middle school divisions. The high school first place winners and middle school first and second place winners will advance to the district competition on January 14. High School Division Reverse Engineering/ Science-Fiction -1st place, Jack Harris “Silent Guardians” -2nd place, Brianna Mathews, Lauren Mathews, Reese Weatherly “How a Disposable Camera Works” Scientific Inquiry Category -1st place, Bree Phillips, Meg Gates, B.B. Messer "Snapchat, Tik Tok, Instagram: Avoid Before Bed?" -2nd place, Lily Breaux, Lucy Breaux, Mia Davis "The Big Bubble...Article Link
Grove Hill - Dec. 2, families across Clarke County gathered at the Grove Hill Senior Building for a festive Parents as Teacher (PAT) Christmas celebration that brought joy, learning, and community spirit to children and parents alike. Children and families enjoyed a private session with Santa Claus, where they had their pictures taken, told Santa what they wanted for Christmas, and received goody bags distributed by Mrs. Claus and the elves. The goody bags were generously provided by the Lions Club, while the Leo Club from Clarke County High School shared Christmas fruit with the children. The holiday atmosphere continued...Article Link
There is something about the Christmas season that draws our memories to the surface. Stories we haven't thought about in years suddenly come back with clarity. We sit with family and talk about moments that shaped us, comforted us or carried us through hard times. As I began thinking about what to write for this year's Christmas editorial, a memory returned that was both difficult and beautiful — one that reminded me of the extraordinary kindness of ordinary people . My grandmother was battling cancer and had moved from Louisiana to Alabama to stay with my parents. Her health declined...Article Link
Recently, I had several of Gov. Kay Ivey's closest friends and confidantes invite me to visit with them. Over lunch, they asked me: “Do you think Governor Ivey has become a legacy governor?” My response was that she has been an outstanding governor but I needed to give some thought to the meaning of a “legacy” governor. My perception over the years was that a legacy governor left an indelible, particular generational project that could be linked to their name for posterity. My memory of governors goes back only 60 years and there are only three or four who have...Article Link
Some of my favorite Christmas memories didn't come in shiny boxes with bows they came on two wheels. I can't tell you which Christmas it was, or even how old I was, but I can tell you that bikes were a huge part of my childhood. My brother and I received several for Christmas throughout our lives. Those bikes weren't just toys. They were freedom. Transportation to Gaugy's house, to friends' houses, and all over our Fulton neighborhood playing cops and robbers. We rode through the pole yard across the road, wore the tires thin, and stayed gone until the...Article Link
This week, I conducted research into the history of another well-known holiday tradition: why do we kiss under mistletoe? Mistletoe can easily be spotted this time of year, hanging from the tops of trees, or it might be a ball of green on bare winter tree branches. I did not know until a few years ago that this plant is actually a parasite, which clings to established trees to steal their water and nutrients. Thankfully, it will not likely kill a healthy host tree, but it can weaken the tree. If the tree is fully infested with the plant, it...Article Link
Oh, Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree! I do love a Christmas tree! I bought one from Dirt Cheap in its waning days. It is one of those expensive kinds that comes with the lights attached. I must admit, I do like the strands that wind around the branches. I have an attic full of them. I can't bear to throw them away. I love a well-lit tree. I did come up with a reasonable alternative. I found some really sparkly tinsel I had in a bin upstairs that I wound all around the tree. It reflects the lights nicely and...Article Link
December's highlights in the Clarke County School District included receiving 6,000 in grants, mock interviews with JAG students, Jackson winning the Class 4A state football championship and the completion of a plumbing project at Wilson Hall Middle School. Grants We recently were awarded many grants. One grant of 6,800 was written for specific special needs purposes, another was a 0,000 career tech innovation and modernization grant to purchase equipment and a third was a ,000 ARI program improvement grant. I want to thank Mrs. Jordan, Mrs. Larrimore, Mrs. Scogin and Mrs. Rotch for working so hard to write these grants...Article Link
The U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Rep. Shomari C. Figures (DAla.) to reauthorize the Environmental Protection Agency's National Estuary Program through 2031. The ESTUARIES Act would extend funding for the program for five years and add the Mississippi Sound to the list of estuaries eligible for priority consideration. Figures, who represents Alabama's Second Congressional District, is the first freshman Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to lead a standalone bill through committee and secure its passage by the full House. The National Estuary Program supports locally driven efforts to protect coastal ecosystems, improve water...Article Link
The proposed West Alabama Corridor, a proposed four-lane highway from Thomasville northward to Moundville, got a major boost last week when the Alabama Department of Finance confirmed the issuance of 0 million in bonds to complete the project, according to Alabama Daily News, which first reported the story. The 81-mile route will follow U.S. Highway 43 north from Thomasville to Linden, where it will pick up Alabama Highway 69 and continue to Moundville. It will connect existing four-lane highways between Mobile and Thomasville and between Moundville and Tuscaloosa, a distance of approximately 200 miles. West Alabama officials and community leaders...Article Link
After more than four years of delays, lawsuits and false starts, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission voted on Dec. 11 to award the state's first medical marijuana dispensary licenses, clearing the biggest and most pressing roadblock between patients and a functioning program. The commission issued the state's first four dispensary licenses needed before doctors can be certified and patients can legally purchase medical cannabis products. Following a recommended order from an administrative law judge, commissioners approved dispensary licenses for GP6 Wellness LLC, RJK Holdings LLC and CCS of Alabama LLC. A fourth license for Yellowhammer Medical Dispensaries LLC was also...Article Link
A group of Buddhist monks traveling on foot across the United States passed through Alabama last week as part of a months-long journey promoting peace, compassion and understanding. About two-dozen monks are undertaking a 2,300-mile walk from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. Their journey began Oct. 26 and is scheduled to conclude Feb. 13 at the U.S. Capitol. After more than 50 days and roughly 1,000 miles on the road, the group entered Alabama on Dec. 16 accompanied by a dog named Aloka. According to the monks, the night marked the coldest temperatures they have faced so far during...Article Link
U.S. Rep. Shomari C. Figures (D-Ala.) has been named a cochair of the newly formed bipartisan Congressional Trucking Caucus, a first-of-its-kind group aimed at addressing issues facing the nation's trucking industry. Figures will help lead the caucus alongside Reps. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio), Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.,), Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.), Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) and Mary Miller (R-Ill.). The caucus is intended to provide lawmakers with a forum to discuss policies related to trucking safety, workforce challenges, infrastructure and supply chain reliability. Figures highlighted the importance of trucking to Alabama's Second Congressional District, which includes the Port of Mobile. “America literally runs on...Article Link
Years ago it was a heart-warming experience for me to take my wife and sons to visit my childhood home. With some hesitation I knocked on the door. The new owners remembered me and invited us in. We began our tour in the living room, then went into the dining room and eventually the kitchen. We walked upstairs and paused in my childhood bedroom before visiting the attic. Then we went to the basement. Though there had been some changes, many things remained the same. Walking through my “original home” brought back many memories that flooded my heart. There were...Article Link
Most of the time I have my column written on time but this time I was late. I am thankful they saved me a place in the paper. So here is my Spiritually Speaking for Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving is about being aware of our blessings and giving thanks to the God of all blessings. What we are thankful for is important because what we are thankful for motivates us. So what should we be most thankful for? What ought to motivate us? We need to look to Jesus as our example so I asked, “What motivated Him? What was He...Article Link
Clarke County High School students and teachers supported Spina Bifida Awareness Month in October by wearing yellow. They were able to raise 3 to support the hospital, Children's of Alabama's – Spina Bifida Program. The schoolwide project, led by sponsors Mary Robinson, Mary Roberts, members of the SGA, FTA, and Grove Hill LEO Clubs. This brought the campus together in a meaningful show of unity and compassion. Their efforts not only highlighted the importance of awareness, but also helped provide valuable support to children and families affected by Spina Bifida. Article Link
Fraudulent warrants are being sent to citizens in an attempt to steal money through deception. The Clarke County Sheriff's Office has been made aware of this, and are currently investigating the matter. If you or someone you know receives a letter or a similar type phone call, contact the Sheriff's Office at 251-275- 4254 or your local police.Article Link
"Annie" the musical, will be presented Dec. 2 and 4 at 7 p. m. for the public in the Thomasville Civic Center. A special performance will be for the students of Thomasville City Schools Dec. 1 and 3 at the school. Student tickets are for school shows only — public shows are regular admission price of .Article Link
Clarke-Washington EMC recently hosted its Christmas Card Contest for students in grades 4th-6th. Sarah Turner presented three of Clarke Prep's creative students and their winning entries. Winners were as follows: Gwen Hare, 4th grade winner; Maddi Jackson, overall winner; and Molly Kate Stokes, 6th grade winner.Article Link
Shirley Bradley has been named as Wilson Hall Middle School's Teacher of the Year. She goes above and beyond daily to inspire students, support colleagues and bring passion, creativity, and heart to the classroom. Bradley, left. is with Dr. Carolyn B. Taite, principal at Wilson Hall Middle School.Article Link
The 1960s was a very tumultuous and consequential decade. One of the prolonged problems that came home to roost in that era was the Civil Rights issue. Lyndon B. Johnson had become president after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Johnson was a ruthless “win at all costs” former senator from Texas. He had been a strong- armed Democratic Senate majority leader. He had been in the group of very powerful seniority laden southern bloc of senators who had blocked Civil Rights for at least a decade, even after the 1954 Supreme Court Brown v. Board of...Article Link
I've written several times about social media and how I believe it's becoming the downfall of our society. Honestly, I think it's “dumbing down” our culture. However, I'll admit there are a few bright spots. One of my favorites, especially this time of year, is how it brings up old memories. Every year around Thanksgiving, a video memory of my granddaughter pops up and I never get tired of watching it. I actually look forward to it. She's 13 now but in the video she's about 4 and we're all gathered around the dining table after Thanksgiving lunch, flipping through...Article Link
The holidays are here — which means family gatherings, football, food, and lots of traffic. Every year, millions of Americans hit the road at the same time, turning our familiar highways into bumper-to-bumper holiday parades. As someone who practically lives on the road, I figured this was the perfect time to talk about the busiest travel days, share a few helpful road tips, and let you know just how thankful I am for every single one of you. If you're planning a trip this Thanksgiving or Christmas season, timing is everything. Historically, the heaviest traffic hits on the following days:...Article Link
Gratitude is a word we hear more this time of year. At many previous Thanksgiving celebrations, my family and friends would often go around the table, each stating something we were thankful for that year. I feel like this is a pretty common Thanksgiving tradition. During a recent conversation, a friend was telling me about someone they knew who complained all the time, and they were just sick of hearing them complain about everything under the sun. We have all known someone who just has to say something negative all the time. Keeping a positive attitude around this type of...Article Link
Happy Thanksgiving to all! I dream of dressing. It's my favorite food of all the holiday options. I love the cornbread dressing of my youth. I can't stand that soggy stuff that they call stuffing and poke inside the turkey. In fact, I don't even like the turkey itself all that much. I might like a slice or two of turkey breast, but don't give me any of the dark meat. I really don't like the giblet gravy. I prefer my dressing untopped by gravy. I have found I like the turkey breast you can buy ready to slice at...Article Link
As deer activity increases across Alabama during the late fall and early winter months, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is urging motorists to use extra caution on the roadways. New crash data released by the ALEA's Highway Patrol Division shows a sharp rise in vehicle-versus-wildlife collisions during this period, with troopers investigating 1,652 such crashes statewide in 2024. According to the report, 1,243 of those crashes occurred during the fall and winter months, compared to just 409 during the spring and summer. The numbers show a clear upward trend beginning in October and peaking during the winter rut season — when...Article Link
The U.S. Mint marked the end of an era on Nov. 12 as U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach struck the final circulating penny in its Philadelphia facility, officially concluding the penny's 232-year run. “While general production concludes today, the penny's legacy lives on,” acting Mint Director Kristie McNally said. “As its usage in commerce continues to evolve, its significance in America's story will endure.” First authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792, the penny has been a staple of American commerce since the nation's earliest days. But rising production costs and shifting consumer behavior have made it increasingly impractical to produce....Article Link
WASHINGTON – Congressman Shomari C. Figures (AL-02) announced [post_excerpt] million for the Jackson Health Care Authority in Jackson, to support infrastructure improvements and equipment upgrades at Jackson Medical Center. The funding was a direct result of Congressman Figures' FY 2026 appropriations request that will be used by the City of Jackson to address critical health care needs. The congressman celebrated the award with Jackson Mayor Audra Raybon during a meeting held to discuss the health and economic priorities of his constituents. “We have a well documented rural hospital crisis in Alabama,” said Congressman Figures. “Hospitals across my district are literally...Article Link
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