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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
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... Article Link
Grove Hill's high school valedictorians and salutatorians were recognized and presented with awards at the city council meeting Monday, June 15. Front row from left are Mayor Ross Wood, Clarke Prep salutatorian Kady Thomas, Clarke County High School valedictorian Jamacia Ezell and Clarke Prep valedictorian Ella Davis. CCHS salutatorian Jack Fuller did not attend. In the background are Councilmembers Lanessa Pugh, Eddie Foster, Verria Beckham, Phyllis Barnes and Jason Anderson. Article Link
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. 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... Article Link
I went to lunch with some friends the other day. They brought along a 91-year-old friend to meet another 91-year-old who had been his classmate. One lives in Monroeville and the other near Demopolis. They meet regularly, usually in Thomasville or Camden, to catch up and reminisce. Both men are still sharp-minded, which they consider a blessing. At their age, many of the people they once knew have died or struggle with memory loss. I thought of a woman who lived up the street from me. By the time she reached 91, she was the last surviving member of her... Article Link
The May 19 GOP primary election resolved several important statewide races. In Alabama, winning the Republican nomination is often tantamount to election, making the Nov. 3 general election largely a formality for these candidates. Every statewide office in Alabama is currently held by a Republican. Four statewide races have already been decided. Tommy Tuberville for governor, Caroleene Dobson for secretary of state, Young Boozer for state treasurer and Andrew Sorrell for state auditor were all elected on May 19. The most interesting battles of the year will be decided next week in the June 16 GOP runoff elections. The runoffs for... Article Link
Last week, I was sitting at my desk in our sunroom doing what I seem to do most of the time these days — working behind a computer screen. One of the reasons I love working out there is because I can watch the squirrels and birds while I work. I keep bird feeders filled year-round and I enjoy seeing the different visitors that stop by each day. It is usually a peaceful place to work, with birds fluttering around the feeders and squirrels putting on a show of their own. But this day was different. A sound broke through... Article Link
John McKenzie, who took Vigor to the Class 4A state championship in 2021, has been named the new head football coach at McIntosh, where he said he intends to build on the recent success of former coach Josh Harris. McKenzie, who was fired a few weeks after leading the Wolves to the 2024 Class 5A semifinals, is 36-22 overall in his career. He was 31-8 in two stints at Vigor and also coached at Murphy and Paul Bryant High. “I want to be a state champion and I want that opportunity again,” McKenzie said. “I was looking for a place... Article Link
After eight seasons, two state championships and a remarkable run of success, Jackson head basketball coach Anthony Hayes resigned to become Monroe County High School's coach. Hayes was 129-29 with the Aggies while establishing one of the state's premier basketball programs. Veteran assistant coach Jimmy Martin was named the new head coach. “Coaching at Jackson has been one of the greatest experiences of my career,” Hayes said. “Winning back-to-back state championships was special and a blessing, but what made it meaningful was the relationships built with our players, coaches, faculty and community.” Under Hayes, Jackson captured consecutive Class 4A state... Article Link
Jackson High School has turned to a familiar face to lead its boys basketball program, naming Jimmy “BooJu” Martin as the Aggies' next head coach following the departure of Anthony Hayes. Martin steps into the role after spending the past five years as Jackson Middle School head boys basketball coach, Jackson High School junior varsity coach and an assistant under Hayes during one of the most successful periods in program history. His promotion comes after Jackson captured back-to-back state championships in 2024 and 2025 and reached the Final Four in 2026. Martin believes his experience within the program will help... Article Link
July 3 American Legion will host its annual barbecue July 3. Dine-in service will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and takeout will be 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-you-can-eat barbecue meal with sides will be available for per person for dine-in only. The post is located at American Legion Post. JUNE 6 Grove Hill Arts Council will host a Coffee Painting class June 6... Article Link
Just think, last week I was sailing on the blue Mediterranean. Now I am back home with a bit of jet lag and a new appreciation for comfortable shoes. I thought I was in pretty good shape from walking and going to the gym regularly. Then I spent nearly two weeks exploring cities on foot. I quickly learned why so many of the locals we saw were trim and fit. They walk everywhere. The weather was cool and pleasant, at least by Deep South standards. Many of the locals wore shorts and tank tops while I wore a cardigan every day.... Article Link
Alabama Girls State is being held this week at the University of Alabama. For more than eight decades, the American Legion Auxiliary's Alabama Girls State has quietly built one of the most powerful leadership pipelines in the state. What begins as a weeklong immersive experience in government has become something far greater. In Alabama, it has become a premier breeding ground for future governors, senators, judges and civic leaders. Its true legacy is not found only in mock elections or simulated cities. It is found in the remarkable women who leave the program and go on to help shape Alabama.... Article Link
Years ago, a steel cell door closing behind me taught me a lesson I never forgot. No, I had not been arrested. I was about 10 or 12 years old, and our school had taken us on a field trip to Mobile County Metro Jail. Nearly 50 years later, I can still remember walking through those doors. The jail was nothing like what we see on television today. There was nothing comfortable about it. The room was stark and stale. The walls were bare. There were no decorations, no pictures and no signs of home. In the middle of the room... Article Link
Anglers who fish in Alabama waters will now gain more access to American red snapper, effective the Friday before Memorial Day. The 2026 season for private recreational anglers and state-licensed charter boats opened May 22 and will run seven days a week. The season will remain open until the NOAA Fisheries allocation of 664,552 pounds is projected to be met or Dec. 31, whichever comes first. “Under state management we have the ability to adapt our red snapper season to meet the needs of anglers who fish in Alabama,” said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and... Article Link
I have always believed if you kill something, there needs to be a reason for it. Deer and turkeys provide food. Coyotes hunt and kill those deer and turkeys. If coyotes are constantly hunting the same deer and turkeys you hunt, you will have much harder hunting seasons. That was the situation I found myself dealing with recently. During deer season, there had been only one coyote showing up on the trail camera and it didn't affect anything. By middle of spring, that number had grown to three. Seeing multiple coyotes roaming the same land where turkeys were nesting and... Article Link
JUNE 1 White Smith Memorial Library, Jackson, will hold a board meeting June 1 at 10 a.m. and is open to the public. July 3 American Legion will host its annual barbecue July 3. Dine-in service will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and takeout will be 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-you-can-eat barbecue meal with sides will be available for per person for dine-in... Article Link
Sinking ship marriages — if you are in one, it's a scary thing … with a lot of anger, defeatism, anxiety and damaged pride as shipmates. But maybe you still feel that you would rather patch the holes that are rapidly taking on water, rather than just bailing out. Maybe you feel the kids deserve a home with both a mom and a dad in it. Maybe, just maybe, you believe that what you two had, at one point in time, is still worth fighting for. If so, then let's talk about how to fight for what you want. First... Article Link
The dust has settled from the momentous May 19 primaries and there were very few surprises in the statewide results. The turnout was low, which has become the norm for midterm election years in Alabama. The 23% turnout was about what it was four years ago. There were close to 900,000 votes cast. The partisan participation was about 60% Republican and 40% Democratic, which parallels the division of voter preference in our state. This 60/40 split is right on course for what the results will be in the general election in November. This 40% threshold for Democrats has been the... Article Link
Sometimes the smallest moments teach us the biggest lessons about grace. When my son William was about 5 years old, we had beautiful pink azaleas blooming along the sidewalk in front of our house. One afternoon, William came to the door carrying a bucket filled with water and the flowers he had picked. “Look, Mama,” he said proudly. “I watered your flowers.” At first, I was upset. He had picked nearly every bloom off those beautiful azaleas and put them in the bucket of water. Then I stopped. In his heart, he was doing something kind. He wanted to make... Article Link
Grove Hill Elementary School recognized Bentley Strong, Michaela Johnson and Skylar Walker for perfect attendance in the 2025-26 school year. Article Link
Two Clarke County School District teachers were selected as master teaching fellows in the NSF-funded Cultivating Elementary Mathematics Specialists project. Celena McCormick of Gillmore Elementary School and Tiffany Singley of Grove Hill Elementary School were chosen. Article Link
Thomasville won three games at the Class 3A softball South Regional in Gulf Shores before being eliminated by a 6-3 loss to T.R. Miller on May 14. Losing pitcher Mary Lindsey Drinkard gave up five runs on nine hits in four innings while Kianna Smith had a hit and two RBIs for the Tigers (32-12). “We got a little bit out of everybody,” Thomasville coach Robby Carpenter said of contributions from his players. Zion Howard threw 25 innings and won twice. Hailey McCall caught for 36 innings and Zakiya Pritchett had eight RBIs. • Thomasville 4, Cottage Hill 0 On... Article Link
Thomasville three-sport standout Lyric Thompson signed to play volleyball for Coastal Alabama Community College in Bay Minette on May 15. Thompson, who was also a basketball and track star at THS, said she is ready to get started at CACC. “I'm going to work really, really hard to be a dominant player for the team,” she said. Tigers coach Mary O'Guynn said Thompson will be successful on the next level. “They are going to get a dedicated, hard-working, talented player,” O'Guynn said. “She always did everything that I asked. She was very coachable. She is absolutely a one-of-a kind volleyball... Article Link
Clarke Prep's softball team finished as the Class AA AISA softball runner-up after falling to Bessemer Academy in the finals on May 2. Bessemer swept the Gators 10-0 and 6-0 but coach Haley Thorpe said the season and her players were defined by resilience, chemistry and unwavering commitment to each another. “This team earned everything they accomplished this season,” said Thorpe, whose team finished 32-12. “They showed toughness, resilience and a commitment to each other from the very beginning. No matter the situation, they continued to compete and trust one another.” Clarke Prep will graduate seniors Kelsen-Ann Davis, Drue Flint... Article Link
MONTGOMERY — Clarke Prep's bid for back-to-back Class AA AISA baseball titles fell short in a 2-0 loss to Southern Academy in the deciding game of the finals on May 14 at Paterson Field. Southern's Mason Turner won a duel with the Gators' Camden Jones as both pitched complete games. Turner pitched a two-hitter with 11 strikeouts while Jones threw a three-hitter and gave up an earned run. Clarke Prep coach J.D. Powell, whose team finished 28-12, said the Gators' success was fueled by leadership, toughness and growth from younger players. “We had good leadership all year,” Powell said. “We... Article Link
JUNE 1 White Smith Memorial Library, Jackson, will hold a board meeting June 1 at 10 a.m. and is open to the public. July 3 American Legion will host its annual barbecue July 3. Dine-in service will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and takeout will be 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-you-can-eat barbecue meal with sides will be available for per person for dine-in... Article Link
Mo Brooks, a former six-term congressman, was aiming to win a seat in the Alabama Legislature. Such a move is unprecedented, going from one of the world's most exclusive clubs as a member of Congress to likely being relegated to a backbencher in the Alabama House of Representatives. Even his closest longtime confidantes ask, "Why, Mo?" Brooks is a true believer. He always has been. My first encounter with Mo Brooks came in 2006, when the then-Madison County Commissioner made an unsuccessful bid for lieutenant governor. He was the same idealist that he is now. That played well to the... Article Link
The 2026 regular legislative session has concluded. This is an election year in Alabama. In election years, lawmakers often introduce bills that generate favorable headlines but do little to improve the health and welfare of their constituents. State Rep. David Faulkner of Mountain Brook bucked that trend when he filed and passed legislation creating common-sense regulations for Alabama's overnight summer camps. House Bill 381, also known as the Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Act, was recently signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey after receiving nearly unanimous support in the Alabama Legislature. The legislation is named after Sarah Marsh of Birmingham,... Article Link
In nearly 45 years in the media business — including 33 years in newspapers — one thing I have always dreaded is covering tragedies in our communities. As our newspaper group has grown across South Alabama, I now find myself covering painful stories throughout the region. No matter where they happen, it never gets easier. Back in the days before I had enough reporters, I often had to go out and cover wrecks myself. I can remember praying for the victims before I ever arrived on the scene. Many times, I did not know their names or even the outcome,... Article Link
Anna Grace Johnson, 22, passed away far too soon, leaving behind a world that was brighter because she was in it. A 2022 graduate of Fairhope High School, Anna Grace was fearless in the way she lived and loved. She proudly served in the United States Air Force Reserves while building a new life in Fort Collins, where she attended Colorado State University. Anna Grace found happiness and freedom in the outdoors and the adventures she embraced so wholeheartedly. Whether she was hiking mountain trails, paddle boarding, kayaking or racing down snowy slopes, she felt most alive surrounded by nature... Article Link
Thomasville saw its season end with 20-1 and 10-1 losses to No. 8-ranked Lee-Scott Academy in the third round of the Class 3A state baseball playoffs in Auburn on May 6-7. The Tigers (21-11) captured the 3A Area 4 title and won 15 of their last 18 games —including 13 straight — to reach the quarterfinals. “I am incredibly proud of this group of guys,” Thomasville coach John David Phillips said. “While the season ended on a disappointing note, looking back on the totality of the growth of this group is very gratifying.” Phillips said Isaac Parten and Braydon Bradford,... Article Link
Fresh off a runner-up finish in the AISA finals, six Clarke Prep players were selected to participate in the AISA Softball All-Star event. Selected were seniors Drue Flint, Kelsen-Ann Davis and Kady Thomas along with juniors Brooke Brasell, Addie Hicks and Malli Gates. The games were played May 4 at Lagoon Park in Montgomery. Article Link
Zakiya Pritchett had three hits and drove in five runs to lead Thomasville to a 24-0 win over visiting Dallas County on May 4 to win the 3A Area 4 softball tournament. Winning pitcher Zion Howard allowed one hit in the three-inning mercy rule contest. Kianna Smith had two hits and two RBIs while Imani Brothers and Howard each had a hit and two RBIs. The Tigers advanced to the South Regional in Gulf Shores this week. In earlier tournament games, Thomasville also beat Wilcox Central 15-0 behind Mary Lindsey Drinkard's three-inning no-hitter and Dallas County 12-0 as Howard pitched a... Article Link
Camden Jones pitched a complete-game three-hitter and Clarke Prep put the game away with a six-run fifth inning as the defending champion Gators returned to the AISA baseball finals with a 9-3 win over Lowndes Academy on May 7 at Paterson Field in Montgomery. Clarke Prep (27-10) swept the semifinal series after winning the opener 6-4 in extra innings. The Gators meet Southern Academy in the AISA Class AA finals beginning with a 10 a.m. doubleheader on Friday back at Paterson Field. Game 3 is Saturday if needed. Clarke Prep coach J.D. Powell said his team is confident going into... Article Link
MAY 21 The Clarke County Education Retirees will meet May 21 at 11:45 a.m. at Davids Catfish House in Thomasville. There will be a birthday celebration. Those attending are asked to bring can goods and paper goods. JUNE 1 White Smith Memorial Library, Jackson, will hold a board meeting June 1 at 10 a.m. and is open to the public. JUNE 6 Grove Hill Arts Council will host a Coffee Painting class June 6 at 11 a.m. led by local artist Karla Taylor. The class costs and includes supplies, with coffee used as the painting medium. Spots are limited.... Article Link
I am going on a Mediterranean cruise shortly. It will be my first international trip since COVID and a lot has changed since I last traveled abroad. Now we all obsess over luggage weight. If your suitcase weighs more than 50 pounds, you are in trouble. I am packing lightly and carefully editing my wardrobe. Thankfully warm weather means lighter clothes. I will also be wearing comfortable tennis shoes. Years ago, tennis shoes immediately identified Americans as tourists. Now I do not care. I promised myself long ago that I would never sacrifice comfort again just to look fashionable. My... Article Link
Our much-anticipated 2026 primary elections are next Tuesday, May 19. Alabamians have awaited the election for months. This is a major year in Alabama politics. All constitutional offices and legislative seats are on the ballot. Most states elect governors during presidential election years. Alabama, along with several other Southern states, holds gubernatorial races during what is nationally known as the “off-year” election cycle. In Alabama, we simply call it a gubernatorial election year. In years past, more Alabamians voted in gubernatorial elections than in presidential elections. Voters were often more interested in who would serve as governor than who would... Article Link
Graduation season has a way of making you stop and reflect. As we were getting ready for my granddaughter's graduation this week, we were going through her awards and scholarship. I was excited to hear about all of her accomplishments. Of course, we have been part of her journey since the day she was born, but there is something special about watching a child cross that stage at high school graduation. During our conversation, I mentioned how nice it would be to see all of her honor cords at graduation. That is when she told me something that honestly caught... Article Link
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