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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grove Hill Elementary School recognized Bentley Strong, Michaela Johnson and Skylar Walker for perfect attendance in the 2025-26 school year.

Article Link

Article Link