The Clarke County Democrat Podcast

THOMASVILLE — Former Thomasville standout Will Buford is returning home, joining the Tigers' staff as the running backs coach. Buford rejoins the program under head coach Clint Anderson, who coached him at Thomasville. He spent last season on the coaching staff at Clarke County High School. “I'm excited to be back home, especially to be back with family and friends and be back in maroon,” Buford said. “It's a pleasure and an honor to be able to coach these kids in this community and keep the winning tradition here in Thomasville. … Having our player memories and now our coaching... Article Link

AUG. 7 Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce will host First Friday Spirit Night on Aug. 7 in downtown Jackson. The event will feature a night of school spirit and community activities in which Jackson area school clubs, organizations, bands, cheerleaders and other school groups will serve as exclusive vendors to raise funds for their programs. Participants are encouraged to wear school colors and support local students. The event will be held beside Jackson City Hall in downtown Jackson. For more information, contact Courtney Clark at (251) 246-3251 or visit Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce. AUG.11 Grove Hill Parks and Recreation... Article Link

AUG. 7 Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce will host First Friday Spirit Night on Aug. 7 in downtown Jackson. The event will feature a night of school spirit and community activities in which Jackson area school clubs, organizations, bands, cheerleaders and other school groups will serve as exclusive vendors to raise funds for their programs. Participants are encouraged to wear school colors and support local students. The event will be held beside Jackson City Hall in downtown Jackson. For more information, contact Courtney Clark at (251) 246-3251 or visit Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce. AUG.11 Grove Hill Parks and Recreation... Article Link

There is no question the U.S. Supreme Court is in the process of dismantling the 1965 Voting Rights There is no question the U.S. Supreme Court is in the process of dismantling the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which has allowed federal courts to dictate, direct and draw gerrymandered Democratic districts throughout the South for the past 60 years. There is also no question that the 1964 Civil Rights Act and 1965 Voting Rights Act were necessary remedies to secure equal rights for all American citizens. The Voting Rights Act was the most necessary. As late as 1960, Black citizens in... Article Link

There is no question the U.S. Supreme Court is in the process of dismantling the 1965 Voting Rights There is no question the U.S. Supreme Court is in the process of dismantling the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which has allowed federal courts to dictate, direct and draw gerrymandered Democratic districts throughout the South for the past 60 years. There is also no question that the 1964 Civil Rights Act and 1965 Voting Rights Act were necessary remedies to secure equal rights for all American citizens. The Voting Rights Act was the most necessary. As late as 1960, Black citizens in... Article Link

I am reminded again of how old I am getting. Another of my running buddies is celebrating her 80th birthday this month. Where does the time go? We are planning a birthday celebration for her in a couple of weeks. It makes me stop and wonder when will we be too old to keep driving. Here in the rural South, we have to drive if we want to go anywhere. I think about my grandmother, who never learned to drive. She reminded me of the old joke about Jesus. A teenage boy had long hair and his father threatened to... Article Link

I am reminded again of how old I am getting. Another of my running buddies is celebrating her 80th birthday this month. Where does the time go? We are planning a birthday celebration for her in a couple of weeks. It makes me stop and wonder when will we be too old to keep driving. Here in the rural South, we have to drive if we want to go anywhere. I think about my grandmother, who never learned to drive. She reminded me of the old joke about Jesus. A teenage boy had long hair and his father threatened to... Article Link

A few months ago my phone rang. The gentleman on the other end wasn't just frustrated. He was angry. He was convinced someone had deliberately removed his name from the voter list. In his mind something crooked had happened and someone was trying to keep him from voting. I listened for a moment and then asked him one simple question. "Did you check the voter list yourself ?" There was a pause before he answered. "No. A friend told me my name wasn't on it." I asked him again just to make sure I understood. "So you're telling me your... Article Link

A few months ago my phone rang. The gentleman on the other end wasn't just frustrated. He was angry. He was convinced someone had deliberately removed his name from the voter list. In his mind something crooked had happened and someone was trying to keep him from voting. I listened for a moment and then asked him one simple question. "Did you check the voter list yourself ?" There was a pause before he answered. "No. A friend told me my name wasn't on it." I asked him again just to make sure I understood. "So you're telling me your... Article Link

Coastal Alabama Community College is introducing an eight-week academy designed for those interested in beekeeping from Sept. 24 to Nov. 12 at the Monroeville campus. The course will run on Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. Participants will gain knowledge about honeybee biology, hive management, seasonal care, equipment and the best practices to maintain healthy colonies. The Beekeeping Academy is offered through a partnership between Coastal Alabama Community College, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries and the Monroe County Cooperative Extension Service. For more information, contact Dr. Kelly Palmer at kelly.palmer@coastalalabama.edu or call (251) 350- 9129. Article Link

Coastal Alabama Community College is introducing an eight-week academy designed for those interested in beekeeping from Sept. 24 to Nov. 12 at the Monroeville campus. The course will run on Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. Participants will gain knowledge about honeybee biology, hive management, seasonal care, equipment and the best practices to maintain healthy colonies. The Beekeeping Academy is offered through a partnership between Coastal Alabama Community College, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries and the Monroe County Cooperative Extension Service. For more information, contact Dr. Kelly Palmer at kelly.palmer@coastalalabama.edu or call (251) 350- 9129. Article Link

A Coffeeville woman was killed Monday afternoon, July 27 in a single-vehicle crash in Pickens County, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Patricia Hudson, 40, was pronounced dead at the scene after the Hyundai Veloster she was driving left the road, struck a ditch and overturned at about 1:10 p.m. Hudson was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, the ALEA said. The crash happened on Crossroads Church Road near Crawford Road in Pickens County, the ALEA said. Article Link

A Coffeeville woman was killed Monday afternoon, July 27 in a single-vehicle crash in Pickens County, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Patricia Hudson, 40, was pronounced dead at the scene after the Hyundai Veloster she was driving left the road, struck a ditch and overturned at about 1:10 p.m. Hudson was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, the ALEA said. The crash happened on Crossroads Church Road near Crawford Road in Pickens County, the ALEA said. Article Link

Pet experts are reminding owners to take extra precautions to protect their animals from heat-related illnesses this summer. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can quickly become dangerous for pets, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. One of the most important steps owners can take is ensuring pets have constant access to fresh, clean drinking water and a shaded area if they spend time outdoors. During periods of extreme heat, experts recommend bringing pets inside whenever possible. Veterinarians encourage pet owners to schedule a summer... Article Link

Kevin Jackson, a mechanic at the Clarke County Board of Education's bus shop in Grove Hill, jump starts one of the buses as the fleet is readied for the first day of school. All Clarke County public schools plus Jackson Academy started school on Aug. 6. Thomasville City Schools resumed classes on Aug. 3 and Clarke Prep starts classes on Aug. 14. Article Link

Low voter turnout is expected in a special election on Aug. 11 to determine the Republican candidate to face Democrat incumbent U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell in the Nov. 3 general election. Neither Ammie Akin nor David Perry have held elected office. Akin describes herself as an entrepreneur, an educator and an advocate for individuals with disabilities. Perry is a retired pastor and ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for a state school board seat. Sewell is seeking her ninth term. Voter turnout for the special election will almost certainly be less than in the June 16 runoff, when only 14.5%... Article Link

Work continues on the Grove Hill Municipal Pool, including a new fence along Old Highway 5. New utility poles and night lights were installed last week. The pool is open to members, although day passes can also be purchased, and it will remain open through Labor Day. Article Link

Grove Hill Mayor Ross Wood shows off some of his pickleball skills at the city's courts. Pickleball is all the rage now, even in Grove Hill, where the old tennis courts at the municipal pool have been converted. A pickleball clinic recently drew a large number of children and adults. Article Link

GROVE HILL — The Grove Hill City Council hired lifelong resident Zachary Hughes as a police officer at Monday's meeting. Hughes was hired pending attending and completing training at the police academy. The city will pay for his training. Hughes owns a local business, Shine'd Up Auto Detailing, that he will continue to operate. In other business at the meeting, the council: • Approved a 6,929 quote from Skipper Insurance for property and liability coverage. The price is a 22.5% increase over last year's premium from Skipper. David Skipper of Skipper Insurance said the increase was due mostly to an... Article Link

Alabama's Taylor's Law connects school discipline to receiving a learner's permit, driver's license and certain other state-issued licenses. The law applies to students who turn 13 during the school year or who are already 13. Discipline points begin accumulating at age 13 and can delay a student from obtaining a learner's permit or driver's license at ages 15, 16 and 17. Students do not receive points for the first three days of in-school suspension but points are assessed for all days of the suspension, including the first three, if an ISS goes to four days. Students also do not receive... Article Link

It has been a long and sometimes frustrating process for motorists and businesses in Grove Hill as Jackson Street (Highway 295) has been repaved. The route runs through the middle of town and can be busy at times. Crews were busy Monday finishing up the work, including at intersections such as Main Street. Gary Horton of B&H Parts located on Jackson Street said workers were thoughtful and considerate of affected businesses with some of the work being done in the evenings and on weekends. Mayor Ross Wood said the paving company said it will stripe the parking spaces on the... Article Link

Most Grove Hill schools have already opened for the 2026-27 academic year or had registration and orientation. Clarke County School District students will return to class Thursday. Clarke County High School hosted registration for juniors and seniors on July 28 and registration for freshmen and sophomores on July 29. Wilson Hall Middle School hosted new student registration and schedule pickup on July 31 for fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Grove Hill Elementary hosted orientation for first-class pre-K on Monday and a meet and greet Tuesday for pre-K through fourth grade. Clarke Prep hosted freshman orientation on Tuesday. Article Link

Sometimes community residents ask for church recommendations on social media. One person posted, “We're looking for a church with live preaching.” This inspired me to put a notice on the church sign I thought was witty: “Our pastor does live preaching—usually.” I meant sometimes I may not be as lively as other days. Another member suggested this posting might be misunderstood, so I took it down. I still think it was witty. An appeal lately made me think. A lady said she and her husband wanted a church that would “let us wear boots and jeans and not judge us.”... Article Link

Miles Chapel CME Church in Thomasville will host homecoming Sunday, Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. The guest speaker will be Vicki Moore, pastor of Lifeline Outreach Ministries. The church pastor is Gloria Williams. Pine Chapel No. 1 Missionary Baptist Church of Grove Hill will host annual homecoming service Sunday, Aug. 2 at noon. Revival services will be Monday, Aug. 3 through Thursday, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. The evangelist will be Pastor Marcus Kelley from Word of Truth Fellowship Church in Jackson. The church pastor is the Rev. Dr. Tommie L. Chapman. Everyone is invited to attend. Pine Chapel No.... Article Link

The Great Red Snapper Count, utilizing new sampling gear and methods, estimated that far more iconic red snapper are in the Gulf of America than traditional assessment methods had indicated. A team of marine scientists used the same methodology to conduct the recent Greater Amberjack Count that produced similar results. Dr. Sean Powers, director of the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences at the University of South Alabama, headed up the study that involves a dozen research entities from the south Atlantic and across the Gulf. On a break from his judging duties at the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing... Article Link

MOBILE — Brant Palmer, the 6-year-old standout of the Jackson Swim Club, didn't need fancy lessons to become the best for his age in the area. Brant was named the Male Swimmer of the Year among all competitors at the Mobile County Aquatic League Championships Saturday at Bishop State Community College. “I'm tearing up” as she thinks about her son, said his mother Carrie Palmer, “but he's just an exceptional kid. “He excels with anything that he does. God has something very special in store for him and I know this is just the beginning,” she said. Palmer scored 45... Article Link

July 28 Thomaston Volunteer Fire Department will host an Alabama Pipeline Emergency Response Initiative class at 5 p.m. at the station, 154 Main St., Thomaston. The free, four-hour class is open to emergency responders. Register through the Alabama Fire College or call 334-627-3434 for information. Thomasville Baptist Church, 210 Avenue W., Thomasville, will host an American Red Cross blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/July for details. JULY 31 The Jackson High School Class of 1976 is planning their 50th reunion for July 31 – Aug. 1. All former 1976 students are encouraged to participate. If interested,... Article Link

You never get too old to learn. With that in mind, I went to a Sunday afternoon meeting of the Clarke County Historical Society to hear a presentation on the prisoner of war camp that was in Jackson at the end of World War II. I had always collected stories about the history of our area but had never been able to find out much about this particular subject. So I went with a friend to hear the presentation. The reason the camp was established in Jackson was because three men who were prominent in the timber industry saw an... Article Link

Many famous successful lawyers in our state have served a stint in politics. Jere Beasley, the legendary Montgomery trial lawyer, served eight years as lieutenant governor. Having been born and raised in Barbour County, he has a good many great political stories. He shared a few with me over the years. Jere tells a great story that illustrates how fleeting political fame and notoriety can be for a politician. Beasley was elected lieutenant governor in 1970. A young Bill Baxley was elected attorney general that same year. Albert Brewer lost a very close race to Wallace for governor that same... Article Link

Every Sunday morning while I'm getting ready for church, I watch one of the Sunday news programs. This week they featured a story about "plumbing for worms." Around here, most of us knew it as "fiddling for worms." Before the segment was over, I wasn't thinking about earthworms anymore. I was thinking about mud pies, doodlebugs and a childhood spent outdoors. If you're old enough, you probably remember fiddling for worms. You drove a wooden stake into the ground and rubbed another piece of wood across the top, creating vibrations that traveled through the soil. Before long, the earthworms would... Article Link

The Clarke County Historical Society met on July 25 and heard Walter Davis present the history of Jackson's German prisoner of war camp, which the historical society dedicated a historical marker to 20 years ago. Davis discussed the history of the German soldiers often found working in the area from April 1945 to March 1946. They were paid 80 cents a day, prisoners could be driven to and from work sites, often lumber jobs from the three main companies in the area at the time. The German prisoners were more fondly remembered by many as mere hard-working and intelligent men,... Article Link

Wilcox Gallery accepting applications for free piano and violin lessons. The Wilcox Gallery Music Studio is now accepting applications for its 2026–2027 season, offering free piano and violin lessons to children and adults throughout southwest Alabama and southeastern Mississippi. The program, based in Chatom, provides group instruction for students ages 7 and older, with classes available for both beginning and advanced musicians. Through a partnership with the University of Mobile, music students from the university will provide instruction, giving participants the opportunity to learn from talented graduate level musicians. “We are excited to welcome both returning and new students to... Article Link

The Washington/ Clarke County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program has partnered with Friends of Alpha Women's Resource Center in Jackson to offer the Today's Mom nutrition education series. The six-week program is designed to support moms and moms-to-be by providing practical nutrition knowledge, meal-planning skills and confidence to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. Participants can learn practical skills to prepare simple, nutritious meals that fit a busy lifestyle and learn how to make healthier choices even on the busiest days. The class is taught by Shannon Whigham and will be held weekly on Thursdays from 11... Article Link

Jeremy Welch has been hired as the new band director for Clarke County High School's Royal Band of Blue. Welch is a native of Grove Hill and a 2013 Clarke County High School graduate who is the son of Elbert Welch and Pamela Banks. He graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a major in business administration and human resource management. “I plan to lead, grow and continue building this program in the spirit of the late John Connor, who poured so much into generations of students,” Welch said. “I simply ask for your support, your encouragement and your prayers... Article Link

After more than 35 years of serving patients in Clarke County and surrounding communities, Jackson dentist Dr. Stanley R. Beard has received one of the Academy of General Dentistry's highest honors. Beard was awarded the Mastership Award during the academy's annual convocation in Las Vegas in June. Fewer than 2% of general dentists earn the distinction, according to the organization. The award recognizes dentists who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to continuing education and clinical excellence. To qualify, dentists must first earn Fellowship status before completing more than 1,100 hours of academy-approved continuing education, including at least 400 hours of hands-on... Article Link

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) wants to hit pause on something U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) has already told Alabamians to get used to. Sewell is now co-sponsoring the AI Data Center Moratorium Act, which would halt new data center construction until Congress puts safeguards in place. The bill was originally introduced by U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.). It's a direct contradiction of where Tuberville and President Donald Trump have landed on the issue. Tuberville recently said Alabamians can “forget about doing away with” with data centers, saying they're coming to the state whether... Article Link

Clarke County Sheriff 's Department K9 Joker will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s Inc. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is American-made, custom fitted and National Institute of Justice certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s Inc. has provided 6,513 vests valued at .9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by private and corporate donations. The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. There are... Article Link

The Helping Families Initiative, through the Clarke County District Attorney's Office, partnered with the Clarke County Commission and the Clarke County Sheriff 's Department to host its annual Back-to-School Resource Fair on July 23 at the Clarke County Courthouse in Grove Hill. The event provided students and families with free school supplies, haircuts by Marlyn Partee, hot dog and hamburger meal combos from Big Steppers BBQ and snow cones from Rod's Sno. Families also connected with community agencies offering educational resources, health information and support services to help students and families throughout the school year. The event highlighted the mission... Article Link

GROVE HILL — Waste Management will take over as Clarke County's new solid waste collector on Nov. 1 after the Clarke County Commission approved a three-year contract Tuesday. Monthly residential rates for once-weekly pickups will be .82, a significant discount from the current .10 rate through Republic Services. The bids for commercial dumpster and handcart pickups were also lower than others and approved. Commission Chairman Jackie Ray Rush instigated pursuing new bids several months ago, saying county citizens were paying too much. “This is a really big deal to me,” he said. “I was bound and determined to get these... Article Link

Limits imposed by an early 20th century document is an apparent aid for 21st century data centers in Alabama. The Alabama Constitution severely limits what local governments — counties, municipalities and school boards — can do. That was by intent in 1901, when state legislators were determined to keep a tight rein over all aspects of government. Local governments could do virtually nothing without legislative approval from Montgomery — they had no “home rule,” as the setup is often called. As a result, Alabama has one of the largest and most unwieldy constitutions in the nation with more than 700... Article Link

THOMASVILLE — Thomasville coach Clint Anderson said he saw noticeable improvement from the Tigers during two days of 7-on-7 competition at D.F. Anderson Field on July 14 and 16. “I think we improved in several aspects from Tuesday to Thursday,” Anderson said. “Our route spacing and reads at quarterback were better. On defense, I felt like our communication and adjustments to formations were better Thursday. We also competed with higher energy. I didn't feel like anyone in particular overshadowed anyone else. I think our contributions were spread throughout.” The Tigers hosted Choctaw County, University Charter School, Fruitdale and Southeast Lauderdale... Article Link

Alpha Women's Resource Center, a nonprofit Christian pro-life pregnancy help center, needs volunteers at its Jackson and Monroeville locations. Volunteer roles include being a client advocate, assisting with office work and fundraising events, and maintenance duties. “It gives me an opportunity to minister to women with love and grace,” client advocate volunteer Bobbie Overstreet said. “In the four years I have been doing this, we have had only one new client advocate volunteer at our Jackson location. If people come and tour the center, they will see how very rewarding being a part of this program really is.” All services... Article Link

Residents of all ages took to the courts last week as the Grove Hill Parks and Recreation Department hosted a pickleball clinic led by Daphne's Scott Clemens, a certified pickleball instructor and competitive player. The clinic began on July 15 with a session for women ages 13 and older, followed by open play where participants had the opportunity to practice alongside Clemens and receive additional instruction during live games. Activities continued July 16 with an adult clinic for participants ages 13 and older, followed by a youth clinic for children. The event concluded with another open play session. Participants learned the... 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 23 The White Smith Memorial Library will host the Alabama Cooperative Extension System for “Birding & Building: Bluebirds with Birdhouse Construction”from 3 to 5 p.m. July 23 at the library. Participants will learn about Eastern bluebirds and build a birdhouse. Space is limited. Youth are welcome with a registered adult. To register, visit https://rb.gy/16xn8x or call 251-246-4962. JULY 24... Article Link

Alabama political history reveals that the rural Black Belt region of our state dominated power in Montgomery, both legislatively and gubernatorially, from the beginning of the Civil War through the 1960s. Beginning in 1861 and continuing through the George Wallace era, Barbour County had eight governors. That is an impressive historical fact and is why Barbour County is called the Home of Governors. It is a record that will probably never be broken. Barbour County's eight governors are by far the most. The closest are two counties that can boast three. One of those counties is Cullman. It has emerged... Article Link

I just got back from a trip to Notre Dame. The sky was gray the whole time because wildfires in Canada were sending smoke into Indiana. In fact, the beaches on Lake Michigan were closed because of the smoke. Isn't it strange how Mother Nature reminds us that she is in charge? It would have been a lovely trip other than that. I had to be reminded to be grateful. The flowers were gorgeous everywhere. The Notre Dame campus was like a garden. Being the amateur gardener that I am, I plucked some of the seed pods from the day... Article Link

A coworker and I were talking last week about leftovers and how neither of us likes to throw away food. With a little imagination, there is almost always something else you can make from what remains. That conversation reminded me of my grandmother. She could take leftovers and turn them into another delicious meal. I remember her mixing leftover black-eyed peas and rice with cornbread mix and frying homemade hoecakes. I can still picture her standing at the stove, dropping spoonfuls of the mixture into a hot skillet. The edges fried crisp and golden brown. What might have looked like scraps... Article Link

After more than 35 years of serving patients in Clarke County and surrounding communities, Jackson dentist Dr. Stanley R. Beard has received one of the Academy of General Dentistry's highest honors. Beard was awarded the Mastership Award during the academy's annual convocation in Las Vegas in June. Fewer than 2% of general dentists earn the distinction, according to the organization. The award recognizes dentists who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to continuing education and clinical excellence. To qualify, dentists must first earn Fellowship status before completing more than 1,100 hours of academy-approved continuing education, including at least 400 hours of hands-on... Article Link

Brooke Massey from Clarke County High School has received an Alabama 4-H Club Foundation Scholarship. Massey will attend Southern Union Community College to pursue a degree in criminal justice. “Through my 4-H experience, I have learned how to make connections, build relationships and be an active member in my community,” she said. “As I pursue a career in criminal justice, I will serve my community with the same commitment 4-H taught me.” Article Link

Local schools are preparing for students to return for the 2026- 2027 academic year. Thomasville City School District students will return to class on Aug. 3, Clarke County School District students will return to class on Aug. 6 and Washington County Public Schools students will return on Aug. 12. Thomasville • Thomasville Elementary School will host orientation on July 29 from 5-6 p.m. for kindergarten through first grade and July 30 from 5-6 p.m. for pre-K students. • Thomasville Middle School will host orientation on July 27 at 5-6 p.m. for fifth and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for sixth graders.... Article Link

International Paper has temporarily suspended operations at its containerboard mill in Pine Hill due to heavy rain and storm damage to the roof. The company anticipates making repairs and resuming manufacturing by August, according to an announcement by IP spokesperson Amy Simpson as reported by the website Packaging Drive, a newsletter and website that focuses on the packaging industry. The IP mill in the Yellow Bluff community on Alabama Highway 10 in Wilcox County is a major regional employer with 600 or more employees. The company has not responded to questions about pay for affected employees during the shutdown or... Article Link