The Clarke County Democrat Podcast

THOMASVILLE — The Thomasville High School baseball team celebrated the 2026 season during its annual baseball banquet July 9 at the Thomasville Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Hunter Norwood received the offensive award, Coleman Pilkington the hustle award, Zamarion Taylor was named rookie of the year and Ronald Johnson received the most improved award. Braydon Bradford was presented the defensive award and Isaac Parten received the pitching award and was recognized for posting the team's highest grade-point average. The Tigers finished 21-11, making it to the quarterfinals of the Class 3A state playoffs before getting swept by Lee-Scott Academy. Article Link

Jackson defeated host Leroy 9-8 in the championship game of the annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes 7-on- 7 tournament on July 8. Participating teams also included Escambia County, Washington County, Clarke County, Millry, Fruitdale and B.C. Rain. Aggies first-year coach Ryan Little was pleased with his team's performance but said there is still work to be done before the regular season opens for the two-time defending Class 4A state champions. “I thought overall we played well,” Little said. “At times we played really well on both sides of the ball. We have to learn to play more consistent. And we... Article Link

July 23 A Back-to-School Community Resource Fair will be held at 4 p.m. at the Clarke County Courthouse. The free event will include community resources and school supply giveaways while supplies last. For more information, contact April Williamson-Rocker at 251-360-9415. JULY 16 A history presentation featuring guest presenter Mike Bunn will be held at 4:30 p.m. July 16, at White Smith Memorial Library. Bunn will present “Fourteenth Colony: The Forgotten Story of the Gulf South During the Revolutionary Era.” The program will explore the often-overlooked role of the Gulf South during the American Revolutionary period, including the people, events and... Article Link

Dr. David Bronner is revered by Alabama government employees, especially retired state workers. Dr. Bronner has overseen the administration and investments of the Retirement Systems of Alabama for 53 years. To say he has done a spectacular job would be a pronounced understatement. Dr. Bronner has been a genius as an investor and innovator. However, his most innovative venture was the creation of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. It was one of the greatest win-win ventures ever accomplished with tax dollars. First, it is one of the state's largest tourist attractions. Second, it made money in its first year... Article Link

The views expressed in this guest column are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. I don't know whether I am mad or just disappointed in our mayor. I believe he has not been forthcoming with the people he represents. Word started leaking around the community that he was trying to bring a data center to our small town. When word started getting around about the possibility, people started posting about it on Facebook. He responded that it was all just gossip, and he publicly chastised the people who were talking about it.... Article Link

Saturday, Willie and I were headed to Mobile to pick up horse and cattle feed. It was one of those beautiful South Alabama mornings when there wasn't any reason to be in a hurry. We were talking, enjoying the drive and doing the speed limit. Every so often I'd notice we might creep a few miles per hour over, but for the most part we were taking our time. Sitting in the passenger seat, I happened to glance into the side mirror. A vehicle was riding so close behind us that I could easily see the driver's face. Moments later,... Article Link

Hayden Chafin, right, a recent graduate of Washington County High School, was recognized for his service to the Flying Bricks Community Band. He is pictured with fellow Flying Bricks member Chris Beverly. Article Link

GROVE HILL — Waste Management was the low bidder for Clarke County's solid waste business when bids were opened at Tuesday's county commission meeting. A bid was not awarded pending review but it appears that county residents will see a significant reduction in their costs. Waste Management bid .82 per month for weekly residential pickups; the current residential charge is .10 monthly. An add-on of .68 per month was available for picking up bulky items. Various rates were offered for commercial dumpster services starting at 0.84 monthly for a two-cubic yard dumpster collected weekly. Waste Pro bid .60 per month... Article Link

MOBILE — The Mobile County Commission on Monday said it is powerless to ban a proposed data center in Calvert after opposed citizens cited noise pollution, water contamination and wetlands and wildlife concerns. Beacon Data Centers has proposed a billion technology campus in northern Mobile County that would occupy approximately 95 acres of a 650-acre tract between U.S. Highway 43 and Shepard House Road in Calvert. The remaining property would remain largely undisturbed as managed timberland and natural buffer areas, according to the company. However, Mobile County does not have home rule, meaning it cannot stop the project because... Article Link

A Leroy man is being held in the Escambia County Jail after being denied bail under Alabama's Aniah's law. Robert Heath Walker, 53, was charged with attempted murder by the Atmore Police Department, which said it believes he is responsible for severely injuring a woman and leaving her in a motel room. Officers responded to the Hampton Inn in Atmore on July 2 after receiving a request to check on the welfare of an individual staying at the hotel. Officers discovered an unconscious adult woman suffering from traumatic injuries. Emergency medical personnel transported the victim to a regional trauma center,... Article Link

Motorists experienced overnight traffic delays last week as oversized industrial equipment known as superloads traveled through Clarke County under the supervision of the Alabama Department of Transportation and local emergency officials. The loads were transported from a barge landing in Jackson to a site off County Road 39 near Claiborne. The moves took place during overnight hours on July 8 and July 9 to minimize the impact on traffic, according to the ALDOT. The route began at the barge landing in Jackson before traveling approximately 12 miles north on U.S. Highway 43 to Grove Hill. From there, the loads turned... Article Link

JACKSON — Several former Jackson High School football standouts will take the virtual field after being included in the newly released EA SPORTS College Football 27 video game, which is scheduled for release on July 9. Five former Aggies have been confirmed or are expected to appear in the game, representing their respective college programs. Those are Vanderbilt tight end Walter Taylor III, South Alabama receiver Tylen Campbell, Jacksonville State offensive guard Markevian Blake and South Carolina quarterback Landon Duckworth. Alabama freshman running back E.J. Crowell is expected to be added in the game's next roster update. The latest installment... Article Link

Thomasville High School will be without one of its key returning players this fall after running back and outside linebacker Troy Davis underwent knee surgery last week. Tigers coach Clint Anderson confirmed Davis (5-8, 170 sophomore) will miss the 2026 football season because of a pre-existing knee injury that required surgery. Thomasville will get a first look at this season's offense and defense at a 7-on-7 scheduled for July 16. The Tigers finished 6-5 last season and will play in the new 2A Region 1 this season with Clarke County, Chickasaw, Hillcrest-Evergreen, J.U. Blacksher, Luverne and Monroe County. They open... Article Link

July 11 The City of Jackson is sponsoring a paper shredding event July 11 from 9 a.m. until noon at the parking lot across from Pine City Farms on Kimball Avenue in Jackson. JULY 16 A history presentation featuring guest presenter Mike Bunn will be held at 4:30 p.m. July 16, at White Smith Memorial Library. Bunn will present “Fourteenth Colony: The Forgotten Story of the Gulf South During the Revolutionary Era.” The program will explore the often-overlooked role of the Gulf South during the American Revolutionary period, including the people, events and stories that shaped what some historians call... Article Link

It is apparent that many Alabamians are confused by all the furor and hullabaloo surrounding the continuous federal litigation. The shifting of decisions, new election dates, counting of election results, and which congressman or congressional candidate is in which district has created ongoing uncertainty. I have been around Alabama politics a long time and I have never seen a scenario or so much ambiguity as we have found ourselves in this year. All of the turmoil stems from a Louisianian case – Louisiana v. Callais – where it appears that the U.S. Supreme Court is essentially ruling that the 1965... Article Link

Last week I went to see Disclosure Day. It's Steven Spielberg's new movie about aliens from other planets. Spielberg is a master storyteller. He brings thought-provoking ideas just when the world seems ready for them. He did it first with Close Encounters of the Third Kind. That movie got us thinking about life beyond Earth. Then he did it again with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. He showed us an alien creature with emotions we could identify with. E.T. was adorable. He was someone we could relate to. Now this epic assumes we are ready for more. E.T. set the stage. This... 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

Grove Hill Baptist Church will host a Men's Brotherhood Fish Fry July 9 at 6 p.m. in the church fellowship hall. The guest speaker will be Brandon Smith. The church is located at 104 S Church Street in Grove Hill. Spring Revival will be hosted at Clarke Street Baptist Church in Thomasville from July 13-15 at 7 p.m. The Rev. Otto Ward of Fellowship Baptist Church in Syrene will be the guest evangelist. The church pastor is Dr. Curtis Tredwell. Friendship Baptist Church in the Vineland community will conduct Vacation Bible School for ages K 4-6th grade on July 13-17... Article Link

The Honorable Hardie Bradford Kimbrough, 88, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026. Hardie was born in Selma on Jan. 4, 1938. Raised in Thomasville, he graduated from Thomasville High School in 1955 before attending the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Hardie was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon social fraternity and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1959. He married Deanna, the love of his life, on Jan. 2, 1961. He served honorably in the United States Army, including time in Germany during the Berlin Wall crisis in 1961. Upon returning from Germany, he was... Article Link

Long before she graduated from Thomasville High School in 2021, Chloe Drinkard had already found the place she belonged. It wasn't on a basketball court or a ball field. It was under the bright lights of a stage, telling stories through song and performance. Today, the Thomasville Arts Council actress continues to devote herself to community theater, not only because she loves performing but because she believes the arts have the power to change lives just as they changed hers. “ From a very young age, I knew I wanted to perform,” Drinkard said. “ Looking back, I don't remember... Article Link

GROVE HILL — A familiar building in Grove Hill has taken on new life with the grand opening of Adventure Acres, a new family entertainment destination. Owners Mike and Bri Johnson purchased the former Twin Rivers Roller Rink building and transformed it into Adventure Acres, creating a venue designed to provide family-friendly entertainment for Grove Hill and the surrounding communities. “Seeing so many families and friends come together to laugh, skate, play games and make memories reminded us exactly why we started this journey,” the Johnsons said in a statement following the grand opening on July 3. The Johnsons said they... Article Link

It wasn't unusual to ride by the Clarke County Courthouse in Grove Hill on a Sunday afternoon and see a lone car parked at its base, which meant Judge Hardie B. Kimbrough was working. Kimbrough, who died on June 30 at the age of 88, left a legacy of dignified service and was the district attorney in 1971 when 10 members of the Allman Brothers Band were arrested in Jackson with illegal drugs. Kimbrough handled the case for the state and Probate Judge Fred Huggins heard it. The band members were held in the Jackson city jail and then the... Article Link

Thomasville native and U.S. Army Maj. Andrea Bagley Bynum had one of the best seats for the nation's 250th birthday celebration on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Bynum observed the festivities from the cockpit of an Apache helicopter as she participated in a military flyover of the July 4th event. Bynum grew up in Thomasville and attended Clarke Prep School in Grove Hill, where she graduated in 2010. She was Clarke Prep's first appointee to West Point, graduated in the top third of her class in 2014 and embarked on a military career. A variety of aircraft participated in... Article Link

Former Baker High School and University of Alabama star Labaron Philon was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the No. 22 overall pick in the NBA Draft on June 23. The 6-foot-3 guard, who was a 2025-26 consensus third-team All-American and first-team All- SEC player as a sophomore, was thought to be a possible lottery pick but fell farther than expected. His four-year deal is expected to be worth .8 million, according to Spotrac. Philon said he is ready to prove himself. “That competitive juice is everything to me,” Philon told NBC Sports Philadelphia. “I feel like you have to... Article Link

THOMASVILLE — Andalusia, Opp and Lineville won titles in the Cal Ripken 10-under state tournament at Gates Park June 26-27. No. 2 seed Grove Hill fell to No. 1 Lineville in the Pool C finals. Grove Hill beat No. 5 seed Westside B to make the championship game. Lineville earned its spot in the finals by beating No. 4 Fairhope B. In Pool A, No. 2 seed Andalusia defeated top-seeded Semmes 13-2 in the finals. Westside A beat Monrovia to advance before losing to Semmes. On the opposite side of the bracket, Andalusia defeated fifth-seeded Thomasville before defeating Semmes. In... Article Link

GROVE HILL — Clarke County and Leroy got an early look at their football teams on June 23 when the Bulldogs hosted the Bears for a 7-on-7 competition at H.G. Prim Stadium. Clarke County coach Jason Massey said replacing an experienced secondary is among the team's biggest priorities this season. “We're very young in our secondary,” he said. “We've basically replaced almost our whole secondary. Today was a lot of learning for that group. … We're trying to find those four (starting) guys and we're waiting for somebody to step up and take the job.” CCHS is working through competition... Article Link

Longtime Chatom pharmacist and community leader Elaine Hill Beech has been recognized with one of the pharmacy profession's highest honors for her decades of community service and civic leadership. Beech received the 2026 Bowl of Hygeia Award on June 8 during the Alabama Pharmacy Association's 145th annual Convention and Trade Show in Gulf Shores. The Bowl of Hygeia Award is presented annually by participating pharmacy associations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Recipients are selected for outstanding records of community service and contributions beyond their professional responsibilities. “This award is more about being an active... Article Link

July 3 American Legion will host its annual barbecue July 3. Dine-in service available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and takeout available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Barbecue pork will be per pound with one- and two-pound takeout containers available. Chicken halves and barbecue plates with baked beans, potato salad and bread will be . An all-youcan eat barbecue meal with sides will be available for per person for dine-in only. The post is located at American Legion Post. JULY 4 Pine Hill will host its Freedom Festival and open a time capsule July 4 during... Article Link

As we mark America's 250th birthday, I began to wonder how I could write about it. Of course, I was not here 250 years ago. I also do not know a lot about my ancestors or their history. But there are some things through the years that do stick out in my mind. Most of them have to do with the way we have honored America. I remember the bicentennial in 1976. Although I was young, I can still remember the excitement. I even remember car lots getting in on the excitement with patriotic advertising, decorations, limited-edition vehicles and red,... Article Link

Clarke Prep Elementary teachers Abby Smith and Ella Etheridge recently attended the Steve Spangler Early Childhood Education STEM Learning Experience in Birmingham, where they explored engaging, hands-on ways to bring STEM learning into the classroom. The teachers participated in experiments and discovery-based activities designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration among young learners. The training focused on integrating STEM concepts across all subject areas while helping teachers create meaningful, inquiry driven learning experiences. Topics included animal adaptations, the five senses, states of matter, weather, force and motion, friction, sink and float, electricity, basic engineering and building challenges. Article Link

A house on County Road 9 in Sandflat caught fire on June 26 but homeowner Red Wilson got out safely, according to Thomasville Fire Chief Chris Owes. The home had smoke damage and Owens said he was unsure how the fire started. Article Link

Clarke County High School senior Tamia Turner will spend this week in Washington, D.C., as a CWEMC Youth Tour delegate. Article Link

Wilson Hall Middle School announced the hiring of Jaryian Jackson, left, as a P.E. assistant and Tyanena Hill, right, as the cheerleading coach. Article Link

The U.S. Highway 43 bypass in Linden — part of a larger project to provide four-lane travel from Mobile to Tuscaloosa — is complete and open to traffic. The new route, dubbed the West Alabama Highway, follows U.S. 43 from Thomasville to just north of Linden, where it connects with Alabama Highway 69. The new road follows Alabama 69 through Greenville to Moundville, where it will connect with the existing four-lane highway and continue to Tuscaloosa. “This is a major step toward completion of the Linden bypass and an important investment in the future of west Alabama,” Alabama Department of... Article Link

Olin Corp. and Huntsman Corp., which operate major adjacent chemical plants in McIntosh, announced a definitive all-stock merger agreement to combine the two businesses, creating a North American chemical manufacturing giant with an enterprise value exceeding billion. The transaction, announced June 10, will combine complementary product lines to establish one of the continent's largest integrated chemical manufacturers. The expanded operations will span chlor-alkali, vinyls, epoxy, polyurethane and performance products. Company officials said the combined organization will feature differentiated portfolios, balanced end markets, increased scale and a strong financial foundation. Olin CEO Ken Lane called the transaction a transformative step.... Article Link

GROVE HILL — Families from across the area gathered at S.P. Hudson Park on June 30 to celebrate America's 250th birthday during Grove Hill's annual summer celebration. The event featured food vendors, shopping, children's activities, a youth sports fundraiser, the arrival of the Traveling American Flag and a fireworks display that capped the evening. Festivities began with the Grove Hill Youth Sports Hit-A-Thon fundraiser, followed by the opening of the vendor area and children's activities, which included inflatables, football and basketball tosses, cornhole and other games. The Traveling American Flag was placed on display, giving attendees an opportunity to take... Article Link

THOMASVILLE — A second manager at Mi Mexico restaurant was arrested for failing to report an altercation that preceded a fatal shooting at the business in June, according to the Thomasville Police Department. Jose Mendoza Chavez, 53, was arrested by the TPD on June 24 and charged with failure to report an incident in an open business. His arrest followed the June 23 arrest of Jose Ernesto Contreras Gutierrez, 39, a restaurant manager who faces the same charge. Both arrests stem from an altercation at Mi Mexico on June 6 before a shooting that killed Henry Christopher Howard, 26. Former... Article Link

A Grove Hill man was arrested on sexual abuse charges on June 22 stemming from alleged misconduct with a girl under 15, according to Monroe County Sheriff Tom Boatwright. Michael Neil Taylor, 53, was taken into custody at the Jackson police station and transported to the Monroe County Jail. Taylor was booked for second-degree sexual abuse and as of press time remained in jail without bond, according to Boatwright. Monroe County authorities were made aware of the incident when they were contacted by the Clarke County Sheriff 's Department, which had been investigating the case with the Child Advocacy Center... Article Link

Fresh off a run to the AISA Class 2A state championship series, three members of Clarke Prep's baseball team were selected to compete in the 27th annual Alabama Baseball Coaches Association Underclassmen All-Star Game. The Gators' Camden Jones, Gray Wilson and John Allen Powell were selected to participate and were the only Alabama Independent School Association players invited. Jones, a rising junior catcher, and Powell, a rising senior first baseman, were both members of Team Columbia Blue. Wilson, also a rising senior, competed for Team Cardinal. The showcase on June 8-10 at Troy University featured six teams — three from... Article Link

Clarke Prep's junior varsity and varsity cheer squads brought home multiple awards and individual honors while competing at the AISA Cheer Camp at Troy University. The Gators' JV earned first place in the cheer champion and overall spirit categories and was second in the sideline champion category and the overall camp champion runner-up. The varsity captured fourth place in the cheer champion competition and both squads received blue superior ribbons. Eight Clarke Prep cheerleaders earned individual recognition as Universal Cheerleaders Association All-Americans — Abigail Newton, Bella Casteel, Collins Wright, Weezie Keahey, Payton Smith, Lucy Breaux, Meg Gates and Halli Jackson.... Article Link

JUNE 27 Thomasville will host its annual hometown celebration June 27 at 5 p.m. downtown. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. Watermelon Festival announced by Thomaston Historical Foundation on Saturday, June 27, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. East watermelon at the festival and take one home. The festival will take place on the old Marengo County High School grounds. June 28 Fulton Fireworks will be hosted Sunday, June 28 at 9 p.m. Parking will be available at Fulton Baptist Church, the red dirt lot across from Mid-Central Water, Fulton Town Hall and the Mike Norris Ball Field. JUNE 26... Article Link

I had another birthday last week. Funny thing, I don't feel any older. I thought I still got around just fine until I took that family trip to Europe. I thought I did a fair amount of walking around here, but when we did all that walking in Europe, I found myself lagging behind the younger family members. I was surprised because so many of my friends tell me I walk fast. Of course, I have to take into account that most of those friends are in my age group. I walk a regular route that takes me up and... Article Link

Every year around this time, I always hear there is nothing to do in Clarke County. We may not have giant amusement parks or beaches in our backyard but one of the best things about living in Clarke County is that entertainment often comes in simpler forms. Sometimes all it takes is a sunny afternoon, a few friends and a willingness to get outside. If you're a golfer — or even if you've never picked up a club — we're fortunate to have two courses in the county. Jackson Links in Jackson and the Thomasville Golf Course offer great places to... Article Link

I have said many times that I do not like politics. I have never had any desire to get involved in it. My husband, on the other hand, loves it. He enjoys every minute of it. Frankly, sometimes it gets on my nerves. That does not mean I do not have opinions. There are people I will support and people I will not support. Over the years, my husband and I have even found ourselves on different sides of certain races. That is OK. We do not have to agree on everything. This column is not aimed at one political... Article Link

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JUNE 19 The Clarke County Alumni Chapter of Alabama State University cordially invites all and your congregation to join in a Juneteenth celebration on Friday, June 19, at 4 p.m., at Jackson City Hall, 400 Commerce Street, Jackson. This year's theme is: “Remembering the Past, Building the Future.” JUNE 20 CCHS Class of 1971 will hold its 55th class reunion June 20 at the Senior Center in Grove Hill. Brunch will be from 10 a.m. to noon and a banquet at 6:30 p.m., with a cost of per person due by May 1. The Clarke County Historical Museum in... Article Link

Alabama is on the verge of having a new governor. For the first time in nearly a decade, the occupant of the governor's office at the State Capitol will not be Kay Ivey. Ivey's path to the state's highest office was unlikely. In the early 1980s, she failed to win elected office in then-Democrat-controlled Alabama, losing a race for state auditor. After spending two decades in various state government and political roles, she won election as state treasurer in 2002 as a Republican — eight years before the GOP completed its takeover of state government. Her name was often mentioned... Article Link

Prior to the primaries, I had disingenuously written that state legislative seats have become analogous to congressional seats. Very few incumbent legislators are even challenged and those who do get opposition are easily reelected. I was half right. Eighty percent of incumbent State House and Senate members did not have an opponent. However, I was wrong to assume that those legislative incumbents who do get opposition prevail. There were a host of legislative incumbents defeated in Alabama's wild legislative primary elections. Most of the upsets were in the Republican primary. That is because the vast majority of legislators are Republican.... Article Link

With our special hurricane section coming out this week, I found myself thinking back on the hurricanes I remember from my childhood. Some memories fade with time. Others stay tucked away in your heart. They may be small details — a hallway full of pallets, the smell of food cooking outside or the sound of grown-ups talking in serious voices — but somehow those are the memories that come back every hurricane season. One of my earliest memories is Hurricane Camille. I was about 5 years old when Camille struck in 1969. My brother was only a few weeks old.... Article Link