The Clarke County Democrat Podcast

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

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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

The Clarke County Historical Society will host Bert Outlaw at this month's meeting Sunday, Nov. 30, 2:30 p.m., at Grove Hill Town Hall. Outlaw plans to do a program on Thomas Marion Bradford, a Revolutionary War veteran and early settler of Clarke County. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.Article Link

THOMASVILLE — Coastal Alabama Community College celebrated the talent of its students Monday night as the Thomasville campus hosted its Fall Semester Art Show on Nov. 17. According to Marcus Gordon, campus director, art students filled the venue with a diverse collection of work created throughout the semester. Nearly 30 students submitted pieces for the show under the guidance of Art Instructor Phillip Counselman, whose classes have continued to grow in both participation and creativity. The show featured drawings, paintings, and physical art. Family members, classmates, and community supporters walked through the displays to view the students' work. Gordon said...Article Link

Though only in their second year as a nonprofit, Rebuilding Together of South Alabama has already become a trusted partner in their community. Their innovative rain barrel initiative reduces flooding risks in disaster-prone areas while engaging local students as volunteers. In partnership with Jackson High School and Clarke County High School, they've also launched a program where students build tiny homes, expanding affordable housing options and developing workforce skills for young people. Their creativity, responsiveness and deep community connection earned them this year's Excellence in Community Programming Award.Article Link

GROVE HILL — The Grove Hill City Council on Monday, Nov. 17, approved a permit allowing the soon-to-open Paladin's Laundry to dig a deep-water well on its property. The laundromat, owned by Grove Hill native Edward Walters, plans to operate using both city water and water drawn from the well. “We'll use city water and city sewage for part of the laundromat [and] use the well water for the other part,” Walters said. Walters purchased the building and property six years ago with plans for his daughter to run the business, but after she moved in a different career direction,...Article Link

Clarke County Sheriff DeWayne Smith and his team have made a ,000 donation to the United Way of Southwest Alabama to support the organization's Healthy Communities initiatives. United Way officials said they are grateful for the contribution, noting that Sheriff Smith has shown strong commitment to counseling and addiction intervention efforts throughout the community. He partners with agencies such as Drug Education Council, Inc. and Lifelines Counseling Services to help expand access to services for individuals and families in need. The donation will assist United Way in continuing programs aimed at improving health, stability, and overall quality of life for...Article Link

BID NOTICES ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Notice is hereby given that CWM Water Authority will receive sealed bids for the following described work at their office at 5495-B Brooksville Road, Dickinson, Alabama 36436, until 2:00 p.m., local time, Thursday, December 4, 2025, then publicly opened and read: AMR METERING SYSTEM (Consisting of approximately 590 Meters) and other necessary items. Bidders for this project are notified that they are required to purchase American-made equipment and products with the funding provided under the DWSRF program in accordance with the provisions included in the bid documents. Plans and specifications may be inspected and obtained...Article Link

WORK WANTED Personal assistant looking for work. House cleaning, errands, all duties considered. Mobile area. 251-431- 5730 Work wanted: Looking for a full-time or part-time caregiver job, days only. I have more than 20 years experience and I come with references. 334- 327-5648Article Link

SERVICES SELLING a RV, Tractor or Golf Cart? ADVERTISE STATEWIDE or by region in over 100 Newspapers, reaching over 1 million readers each week! Run your ad in our Classified Network for just 0 per week! Make one call to this newspaper (participating Ala-SCAN newspaper) or call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to advertise statewide! BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-770-0326 WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in...Article Link

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Ben's Home Repair Carpentry, sheetrock, black mold, plumbing, pressure washing, painting, and other miscellaneous jobs. Small jobs welcome. 251-272-2274Article Link

MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE 1999 Oakwood 16x80 mobile home, 3/2, new central heat and air, power pole included. ,000. 251-777- 8414 LOTS/LAND FOR SALE 8.7 acres, has a 75ft easement that is connected to property. All survey paperwork included. ,000. 251- 327-4168 Two acres in Thomasville on Pat Merritt St. Will sell individually or together. 334-456-1626Article Link

HOUSES 3 BR, 2 BA home for rent. Inside Thomasville city limits. Call Jason at 334-636-9626 APARTMENTS 55 AND OLDER – Country Club Cottages now leasing 1 or 2 bedrooms. (334) 636-8287. Washer/dryer hook ups, porches. Off Highway 43, turn left onto Foster, then left onto Cogle Dr. in Thomasville. TDD (hearing impaired) 1-800-548-2546. EHO SA WILLOW TRACE Apartments – Accepting applications for 2 and 3 bedroom units, Jackson, Ala. Water and garbage included. For more information, call (251) 247-0450; TDD 1-800-548-2546. EHO Properties. COTTONWOOD ESTATES NOW RENTING – 2 & 3 Bedroom apartments, w/d connections, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, water,...Article Link

EMPLOYMENT Join our team! Paul's Automotive is now hiring an experienced Auto Tech. Up to 00/week DOE, Bonuses, 6 paid holidays and no weekends! Apply today - West Mobile 251-631-3925 Private tutoring wanted: Face to face tutoring and homework support. Location: Saraland Middle School and High School (grades 7th and 10th). per hour. 251-367-2139 Leroy Tire & Road Service is currently looking for anyone with experience working in a tire shop or similar setting. Drug free; reliable transportation. Call 251-423-4234 if you are interested and for more information. Personal assistant. House cleaning, errands, all duties considered. Mobile area. 251...Article Link

SPORTING GOODS Three wheel bicycle, needs work. . 251-497-4750 New Compound Bowtech Revolt XL including accessories, 31-32” draw length. [post_excerpt],650.00 OBO; New Savage Axis 6.5 Creedmoore rifle with scope including accessories. 0.00 OBO. 251-648-3798 .327 cal Charter Arms Patriot SS. 0; 9 mm Taurus model G2C. 5; .40 cal Taurus PT24/Pro SS. 0. 251-442-514 cash only. .40 cal Smith & Wesson SD40 SS. 0; .45 cal Ruger T90 SS. 0; 9mm Ruger EC9S. 0 cash only. 251-442-5141 LaCrosse hip waders, used but good shape. South Mobile. . 251-622- 8209 New portable camping table, and two used camping folding chairs, good...Article Link

TRACTORS/TOOLS/SUPPLIES 4x5 bales of hay. each. 251- 463-4894 Square hay bales. .00 ea. 251- 455-1362Article Link

Boats Motorguide power trolling motor plus, 42 lb thrust ,12 volt. .00. 251-767-8658 ATVs/Motorc ycles Kawasaki Mule 3000. Needs battery and gas. [post_excerpt],500. 251-944-7829 2014 Honda Rancher 420, very good condition. 00. 251-751-2855 2014 Honda Rancher 420, good condition. ,000. 251-751-2855 Travel Trailers/Campers/RVs 2017 RV Grand Design Solitude 377 MBS-R, 41', 4-slides, fifth-wheel, residential class, full size refrigerator, washer/dryer, king size bed, bunk. Must see. Lots of amenities. ,500.00 OBO. 251-802-5595 GOLF CARTS 36 volt Easy-Go electric golf cart in very good condition. ,000 OBO. 251-777-8449Article Link

Cars 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LT, 85,000 miles, good condition inside and out. ,500. 251- 901-6404 or 251- 246-353 1999 Chevy Camaro convertible. Runs good. ,000 OBO. 251-599- 6490 2015 Ford Taurus SEL. 39k miles, excellent condition, kept in garage, Michelin pilot sports tires with 7k miles. 251-508-6965 SUVs 2007 Chevy Tahoe LT, leather interior, sunroof, good condition, 193,000 miles. ,800.00. 251-331-4646 PARTS/TIRES/RIMS Weather Tech cargo mat 40x37 gray. Very good condition. .00. Text for pictures. 251-654-4206 Modern spare tire fit's 2017-2023 Mercedes E-Class. MSRP 9.00. Asking 0.00. Comes with some accessories and jack. 251-654-4206 Ladder rack for 8ft bed pick-up...Article Link

PETS FOR SALE 2 CKC Jack Russell Terrier 12 weeks old, male and female. 0 each. 251-242-1355 Yorkie-poos 0 rehoming fee. Shots, microchip, food, toys included. Text before 3:30 p.m., call after 3:30 p.m. Nancy 251-644-2015 Miniature Blue Heelers 9 weeks old, UTD shots, (male and female available). 0 each; Border Collies 10 weeks old, vaccinated, (male and female). 0 each. 251-404-7966 Be Aware of Scams and report them 251-275-3375 Typical signs of a scam: 1) Puppies or dogs are not located where they are listed. 2) You are asked to wire money or send a money order. 3) Anything...Article Link

Daphne-based Ballin Down South announced it will televise high school basketball games featuring schools from Mobile and Baldwin counties this season. Ballin Down South owner Ron Wallace announced the games will be broadcast live on ballindownsouth.tv, Facebook, You Tube and other content platforms, including the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Network. Local broadcasters Corey LaBounty and Al Weeden will be part of the broadcasting team. Weeden said the broadcasts will be confined to boys games for now. The scheduled telecasts include: • Dec. 1, McGill-Toolen vs. St. Paul's. • Dec. 5, Baker vs. Theodore. • Dec. 9, LeFlore vs....Article Link

Jakel White scored 20 points but Thomasville fell at Excel 56-53 in boys basketball on Nov. 14. The Thomasville girls ripped Excel 75-1, as Imani Brothers had 18 points, 5 rebounds and 6 steals and Lyric Thompson added 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals. The THS junior varsity boys beat Excel 37-23 behind 12 points from Troy Davis. The Thomasville Middle School boys beat Jackson 31-29 on Nov. 12 and University Charter School 36-28 on Nov. 13. The TMS girls lost to Jackson 44-10 on Nov. 12 and beat UCS 33-13 on Nov. 13. The Tigers' junior varsity boys,...Article Link

McINTOSH — McIntosh's historic football season came to an end Friday night when No. 2-ranked Maplesville overpowered the Demons 48-0 in the second round of the Class 1A playoffs. But second-year coach Josh Harris said brighter days are coming after McIntosh — which finished 8-4 to tie the school record for the most wins in a single season — had reeled off seven straight victories to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2012. “I'm proud of each and every one of you,” Harris told his players afterward. “In August 2024, you said we were going to stick to...Article Link

LEROY — Jace Sellers completed 13 of 17 passes for 274 yards and four touchdowns in the first half to lead No. 3-ranked Leroy to a 40-22 romp over Linden in the second round of the Class 1A playoffs Friday night. Sellers tossed four first-half TD passes to Josh Reed for 68 yards, Gabe Posey for 35 yards, Jacory Yelder for 33 yards and Ja'Kavien Collins for 49 yards as the Bears (12-0) led 40-0 at halftime and set up a collision at No. 4 McKenzie (12-0) in the quarterfinals. Collins, who opened the game with a TD runs of...Article Link

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TUSCALOOSA — The Heisman moment and the championship moment were unfurled at the feet of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and the Crimson Tide offense Saturday evening. The No. 4-ranked team in the country was going to push the ball off the goal line without a running game and drive 94 yards in the last seven minutes for the touchdown to beat No. 11 Oklahoma and its NFL-caliber defensive line. Or Simpson was going to skillfully steer Alabama about 75 yards down Saban Field so Conor Talty could kick the winning field goal. Tide 24, Sooners 23 and 100,000 fans might...Article Link

E.J. Crowell piled up 350 yards on just 14 carries and had four touchdowns as No. 2-ranked Jackson ripped Handley 42-28 in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs Friday night in Roanoke. Crowell, a five-star Alabama commit, scored on runs of 80, 17, 52 and 79 yards while South Carolina commit quarterback Landon Duckworth completed 14 of 18 passes for 213 yards and broke loose for a 47-yard TD run. He also tossed three interceptions as the Aggies (10-2) advanced to the quarterfinals at home Friday night against 4A Region 1 rival W.S. Neal (9-3), which Jackson defeated...Article Link

Volunteering makes an immeasurable difference in the lives of volunteers and those they help. Many people may be surprised to learn how positive volunteering can be for volunteers. Indeed, studies show that volunteering leads to better physical and mental health, among other benefits. According to an article published by the American Heart Association and Jeffrey Burr, a professor of gerontology at the University of Massachusetts Boston, “compared to non-volunteers, volunteers have less depression, less anxiety, higher self-esteem, greater happiness, and a greater sense of meaning in life.” Burr and the AHA note the health benefits of volunteering occur among all...Article Link

A soldier wrote his dad from a combat zone in a war-torn country. In the upper left hand corner under his name he wrote, “Not Here for Very Long.” True of the soldier - true of each of us. Life at its longest is very short in light of eternity. Wisely Moses advised us to go to God and ask him to: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Time has no favorites. We are each given 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 52 weeks a year. It does...Article Link

The Bible says that envy and jealousy are sins and they are to be avoided. Galatians 5:19-21, “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” That means that we must avoid envy and jealousy along with all the sins of the flesh but while envy and jealousy are both sins they are not exactly the same...Article Link

Since 2020, economic development projects landing in Alabama's targeted rural counties have generated billion in new capital investment and created nearly 9,000 jobs, according to data from the Alabama Department of Commerce. Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair applauded the significant strides to attract transformative investment and high-quality jobs to Alabama's rural regions — a cornerstone of the economic development strategy for Gov. Kay Ivey's administration. “Alabama's rural communities are on the verge of a new era of opportunity,” she said. “Over the past several years, we have seen rural regions harness their strengths, attract transformative investments and lay the...Article Link

Thomasville United Methodist Church will host a blood drive Nov. 25 from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the church fellowship hall. The church is located at 120 Old Hwy. 5 N in Thomasville. The Community Choir will present “Celebrating Jesus” Dec. 7, 5 p.m., at Sandflat Methodist Protestant Church. Singers and musicians from 18 different churches have joined together to sing praises and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please join us for this annual musical worship tradition. The church is located at 3087 Sandflat Road in Thomasville. Forest Springs Baptist Church announces homecoming this...Article Link

Alabama's Black Belt Adventures Association is sponsoring its Big Buck Photo Contest for the 14th consecutive year. The winner will be determined by online voting. The winner of the year's contest will receive a 0 gift card and a copy of “Black Belt Bounty,” a coffee table book filled with stunning images, wildlife essays, stories on Alabama hunting and fishing traditions, wild game recipes and more. Voting will conclude on Feb. 13 at 11:59 p.m. Alabama's deer season began last month for bow hunters and the gun deer season starts with special youth hunts on Nov. 14-17. The full gun...Article Link

Clarke Prep's Pee Wee Volleyball Gators girls brought home the championship at the first-ever Clarke County Youth League All-Star Tournament! From left, front row, are, Brooklyn Reynolds, Mattie Goodman, Parker Cross, Madison Jackson and K. Taylor; from left, back row, Kierstin Beech, Addy Autrey, Lakyn Claydon, Maddie Roberts, Isabella Davis, Haven Larrimore and Larkin Payne.Article Link

The marque race next year will be for our open U. S. Senate seat left vacant when Coach Tommy Tuberville decided to run for governor. This Senate vacancy has attracted one of our U. S. Congressmen, which leaves an open congressional seat in the Heart of Dixie. Congressional seats are drawn by state legislatures. Throughout the nation, they are crafted by partisan legislatures to favor the party that is in the majority in their state. This has been the case forever in American politics. Republican and Democratic leaders and partisan pundits today decry this gerrymandering. However, the U. S. Supreme...Article Link

Anyone who knows me knows I've never been big on politics. My husband enjoys it; he's involved in it and follows every twist and turn. I've always tried to steer away from it. But lately, the noise has been impossible to ignore: Anger, accusations, division and a whole lot of shouting from every direction. Let me be clear: I am a conservative. Since becoming a registered voter, I've voted Republican most of the time but I've also crossed over and voted Democrat when the person running was simply the better candidate. One example was our good friend and former employer...Article Link

Some car features don't seem important… until the day you try them. Then suddenly you're wondering how you ever survived without them. It's like discovering heated blankets, grocery delivery, or mute buttons — life just gets better. Take me last week, for instance. It got brutally cold out of nowhere — and thanks to Raynaud's syndrome, my hands do not play with the cold. They go straight from normal to “frozen mannequin fingers” in 30 seconds flat. But that heated steering wheel? Absolute life saver. That warm wheel had me out there driving like a luxury executive on a ski...Article Link

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