The Clarke County Democrat Podcast

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

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

Article Link

Kianna Smith was 3 for 3 with six RBIs, including a two-run home run, to pace Thomasville to a 10-1 win over visiting Leroy on April 28. Zion Howard earned the win, allowing three hits in a complete game. Kloee Rollins had two hits and an RBI and Aryana Burroughs added a hit and an RBI. • Thomasville 6, WCHS 4 On April 30, Howard allowed three runs on four hits in three innings to get the win. Rollins had a hit and two RBIs, Imani Brothers and Mary Lindsey Drinkard each added a hit and an RBI and Zakiya... Article Link

Thomasville softball star Imani Brothers signed with the University of West Florida on April 30. Tigers coach Robby Carpenter said the Argonauts got a steal in Brothers. “She is one of the best players I have ever coached,” he said. “She is five-tool, a complete package. There couldn't be a person more deserving … Her work ethic has been impeccable for six years. Her character matches that. “She has had a great group of teammates to push her along. She is a great teammate. I have seen her go 0 for 3 — that is rare — and as soon... Article Link

GULF SHORES — Jackson High School won a third straight state championship in the Class 4A boys 4x100-meter relay at the Alabama High School Athletic Association's outdoor track and field championships on Saturday. The Aggies pulled off the threepeat with two new members of the squad and without Mr. Football E.J. Crowell, now playing at Alabama, and Landon Duckworth, now playing at South Carolina. Keeyun and Keegan Chapman are the only two members of the team that played a part in all three titles but newcomers Jamarcus Locke and Victor Darrington helped Jackson finish in 43.88 seconds in extremely windy... Article Link

Coleman Pilkington allowed four hits and didn't walk anybody in a complete-game win as Thomasville nipped Providence Christian 3-1 in the decisive third game of the Class 3A second-round playoff series on May 1 at Donnie Fendley Field. The Tigers (21-9) go to Auburn to meet Lee- Scott Academy (24-11) in the quarterfinals with a doubleheader Thursday at 4 p.m. and a third game Friday at noon if needed. Providence Christian scored its only run off a Thomasville error in the fourth inning but the Tigers responded in the bottom half of the inning on Braydon Bradford's RBI single to... Article Link

MAY 10 Red Blood Cross Drive May 10 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Thomasville United Methodist Church in Thomasville. 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. JUNE 20 CCHS Class of 1971 will hold its 55th class reunion June 20 at the... Article Link

A couple of years ago, Democratic Party legal groups found a sympathetic federal panel in the Northern District of Alabama, and that court created a new minority Democratic congressional district. That district came into existence a little more than a year ago. The Constitution gives state legislatures the power to draw congressional and legislative districts. For decades, Alabama's Legislature created districts that yielded six Republicans and one Democrat. Using the 1965 Voting Rights Act, the federal court drew new congressional maps that led to a second Democratic district. That seat is now held by Mobile Democrat Shomari Figures. The state's delegation... Article Link

I have been watching a lot of YouTube and Facebook lately and the ads drive me crazy. So many of them feel fake and I often wonder if they are AI-generated. There are endless ads about losing weight. You would think everyone would be skinny by now. One minute there is a “Korean gelatin trick” and the next there is another ad explaining why it failed. According to them, it only didn't work because you bought the wrong one. I once ordered what was advertised as a pair of Clarks shoes from a Facebook ad. When they arrived, they were... Article Link

Every year, the ladies of our church host a tea the week before Mother's Day. It is a special tradition that brings everyone together for fellowship, a shared meal and a message that always leaves us with something to carry home. This year, however, the message began before our guest speaker ever stepped inside the church. On the Wednesday before Saturday's tea, our scheduled speaker called our music director and told him she had been diagnosed with pneumonia. She was extremely ill and would not be able to come. He called me right away, but before I could worry, he... Article Link

Wilson Hall Middle School Principal Dr. Carolyn Taite was honored on Principal's Week. Article Link

Clarke County High School Principal Christopher Young was honored on Principal's Week. Article Link

Clarke County Parks and Recreation Board Chairman Darryl D. Perryman presented a donation to the Clarke County High School baseball program to support equipment acquisition. Bulldogs coach Will Buford is seen accepting the donation. Article Link

Article Link

No. 8-ranked Orange Beach hammered Jackson 12-0 and 20-1 Friday to sweep the Aggies from the Class 4A baseball playoffs. In the opener, the Makos scored 10 runs in the first inning and never looked back. Starter Lance Moseley took the loss, giving up nine runs on three hits in 2/3 of an inning. Carlos Barientos recorded the lone hit for Jackson, which finished 11-17. In Game 2, Orange Beach again jumped out to a big early lead, scoring eight runs in the first, and was aided by six Jackson errors. Barientos took the loss, giving up three earned runs... Article Link

Thomasville rolled past visiting Hillcrest-Evergreen 12-2 and 13-3 to sweep the Class 3A first-round baseball playoff series on Friday. The Tigers (19-8) will host Providence Christian (11-15) in a second-round series beginning with a doubleheader Friday at 5 p.m. A third game will be Saturday at 11 a.m. if needed. In the opener, Isaac Parten allowed two runs on seven hits with 10 strikeouts in five innings. The Jaguars led 1-0 before Thomasville answered with two runs in the third on Coleman Pilkington's sacrifice bunt and Christian Draper's RBI double. Draper finished with three RBIs. The Tigers broke the game... Article Link

NOW-MAY 1 The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking vendors for upcoming First Friday events. Vendors may offer homemade and baked goods, fresh lemonade and drinks, retail and boutique items, handmade crafts, artisan goods, specialty products and other unique finds. Those interested may register at www.jacksonalabama.org. The first event will be May 1 and feature the Cruise-In. APRIL 30 The Alabama Power Foundation is offering scholarships to high school seniors in its service area who plan to attend college or vocational school. The deadline is 3 p.m. April 30 or when 590 applications are received. Apply at scholarshipamerica.org/scholarship/apfcommunity/. Jackson... Article Link

I have been watching YouTube a lot lately. You can find most anything on there. You can learn how to hang wallpaper, fix the display on your car, pack more efficiently for a trip, research places you plan to visit and watch cooking demonstrations to perfect dishes. I have watched some of all these things. In the winter, I put a yule log on my television and play classical music. YouTube is a handy tool. Right now, I am watching astrology predictions on it. How in the world did I get hooked on that? There are tons of astrologers who have... Article Link

Like the Alabama State Senate, the state House of Representatives will have very little turnover. State legislative seats are becoming analogous to congressional seats when it comes to incumbency. More than 80% of the Legislature is unopposed. The partisan makeup will be largely unchanged, with Republicans retaining a 75% supermajority. Leadership continuity will be strong between this quadrennium and the next. Leadership on both sides of the aisle will remain largely the same. The speaker of the House will again be the respected and powerful Nathaniel Ledbetter, a Republican from DeKalb County. He will have the affable gentleman from Mobile,... Article Link

As I thought about writing my column this week, I realized we are entering May, which means graduation season is here. There will be awards programs, banquets, senior walks, baccalaureate services and graduation ceremonies. For many families, May will be filled with pride, tears, memories and a few nervous thoughts about what comes next. This year, graduation feels even more personal to me. My oldest granddaughter will walk across the stage, receive her diploma and prepare to go on to college. It does not seem possible. I think back to when my son and daughter graduated from high school. At... Article Link

Child Abuse Prevention Month is being marked in Clarke County with 188 blue and white pinwheels in front of the county courthouse in Grove Hill. The pinwheels represent the 188 children served last year by the Regional Child Advocacy Center, which provides services to children in Choctaw, Clarke and Washington counties. Article Link

Thomasville Police Department officer Dallas Hinton was honored by law enforcement, firefighters and first responders from Thomasville, Fulton, Grove Hill, Jackson and many other departments with a procession on April 23 from Mobile. Hinton was killed in the line of duty in a collision on U.S. Highway 43 on April 22. Article Link

Article Link

Dunning Cemetery in Dixons Mills will host Decoration day on April 26. A potluck lunch will be hosted by Central Baptist Church. Drop off dishes at Central before attending. The cemetery service begins at 11 a.m. Attendees will return to Central after the service for lunch. For more information, call Melvin Dixon at 334-456-1155. Spencer Chapel AME Church will host a Women's Day program April 26 at 2 p.m. Guest speaker will be Minister Arline Gracie, associate minister of St. James Baptist Church in Thomaston. Orange Hill Missionary Baptist Church will host the first pastoral anniversary celebration for the Rev.... Article Link

No. 4-ranked Clarke Prep extended its winning streak to eight games on April 14 with a doubleheader sweep of Hooper Academy and Crenshaw Christian Academy. • Clarke Prep 13, Hooper 1 Brooke Brasell was 4 for 4 and winning pitcher Kady Thomas allowed three hits and an unearned run in five innings. Addie Hicks had three RBIs to lead the Gators' 18-hit attack. Clarke Prep broke the game open with a six-run fifth, sparked by two-run singles by B.B. Messer and Drue Flint and Brasell's RBI single. • Clarke Prep 10, Crenshaw 7 Mia Davis had four hits and Thomas... Article Link

Jackson headed into the Class 4A playoffs with some momentum after winning two games last week. The Aggies (10-14) visit Orange Beach (19-14) in a best-of-three first-round series beginning with a doubleheader Friday at 5 p.m. A third game, if needed, is Saturday at 1 p.m. • Jackson 3, S. Choctaw 0 On April 14, the Aggies scored all three runs in the first on Kylin Gates' bases-loaded walk and sacrifice flies by Carlos Barientos and Damion Taylor. Winning pitcher Kemauri Bryant set the tone on the mound, striking out the side in an immaculate first. • Jackson 16, Fruitdale 4... Article Link

NOW-MAY 1 The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking vendors for upcoming First Friday events. Vendors may offer homemade and baked goods, fresh lemonade and drinks, retail and boutique items, handmade crafts, artisan goods, specialty products and other unique finds. Those interested may register at www.jacksonalabama.org. The first event will be May 1 and feature the Cruise-In. APRIL 25 Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Alabama will host the Hole Lotta Fun Scramble April 25 at Thomasville Golf Course. Entry is per player and includes lunch and cart. Fulton will host the annual Pig Squeal show and auction... Article Link

This is a big election year in Alabama politics. All constitutional state offices and all legislative seats are on the ballot. All 35 State Senate seats and all 105 House seats will be decided. Alabama is one of the most Republican states in America and that is reflected in the State Senate and State House. Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers. In the Senate, there are 27 Republicans and eight Democrats. That balance is expected to change little, if at all, in this election cycle. The membership is not likely to change much either. More than 80% of the Legislature... Article Link

I have been thinking a good bit about death this week. Our church pianist died in her sleep Sunday night after playing for church Sunday morning. It was a real shock to those of us who took for granted she would always be here. Her death appeared to be from natural causes. That is the way I want to go — just go to sleep and not wake up. Still, she was only 61. That is a mighty young age in this day and time, especially when there are now so many ways to fix what goes wrong in the... Article Link

Have you ever known someone who thinks they know everything and refuses to believe they need to be taught anything? I have known a few people like that over the years. Truthfully, every time I start thinking about folks like that, I get reminded of myself. One of my earliest lessons came when I was about 5 years old. My dad was building our first new home. Because my dad was a contractor and his father was a contractor, I naturally thought that qualified me to be some kind of tiny construction expert. I remember one day my grandfather was... Article Link

Article Link

Article Link

Coleman Pilkington was 3 for 3, Hunter Norwood had two hits and four RBIs and Christian Draper threw a two-hitter to lead Thomasville to an 11-1, five-inning romp over visiting Dallas County on April 7. Pilkington tripled in the fifth inning and singled in the second and fourth. The Tigers scored twice in the first and added five runs in the second, including RBI singles from Pilkington and Draper. Thomasville stole 11 bases in the game and played errorless defense. The Tigers (12-8) claimed the 3A Area 4 title and home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs after... Article Link

TUSCALOOSA — In its first formal appearance before the public since being emasculated by Indiana in the Rose Bowl, Alabama gave no clues that it could be a great football team based on what transpired in Saturday's A-Day game. The running game still needs a lot of work. With a completely new offensive line, it was still alarming that the Tide couldn't hammer the ball into the end zone inside the 5-yard line several times Saturday. “Maybe we've still got some work to do on the offensive line,” Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer conceded afterward. “Their communication, technique and execution is... Article Link