William and Vincent Colvin, students of Southern Karate Academy in Thomasville under the teaching of Sensei Neil Ballard, competed in the Mississippi Karate Association and the ProMac Karate Circuit in 2025. They competed in 12 karate tournaments across five states including Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida and Texas. The Colvins’ training in karate encouraged their interest in competing. They trained in kata, a form of karate movements put together to create a form as well as sparring. In point sparring, competitors score points for landing controlled strikes on designed spots on their opponent. The pair also trained on various weapons. William...

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As the last legislative session of the quadrennium begins, the budgets are the priority, as always. The education funding dollars will not be flowing as prolifically as they have the past three years. There will be some wrestling within the education community for dollars. This jockeying will be confounded even further because of an exponential jump in health insurance costs. There will be a tug-of-war within the higher education community. The clear winner of that battle will be the Alabama Community College System, and rightfully so. Our Alabama Community College System educates and prepares Alabama students for Alabama jobs. The...

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Rebuilding Together of South Alabama, The Daniel Foundation, and The People’s Justice Foundation are joining forces to offer free home renovation training to homeowners and volunteers at White Smith Memorial Library on Tuesday, Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. This training is part of the WERISE (weatherize every residence in the south east) initiative and works to teach homeowners easy and affordable energy efficiency updates that can be completed on their home to reduce energy costs. The training will be classroom style with a working lunch and an afternoon hands-on opportunity. Techniques shared will cover using caulk, spray...

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GROVE HILL - Clarke County High School will honor the legacy of one of its most influential educators and coaches with a gym dedication ceremony recognizing Coach Earl Horn Saturday, Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. in the CCHS basketball gymnasium. Coach Horn dedicated decades of service to Clarke County High School, where he made a lasting impact as a coach, mentor and role model to countless student-athletes. Known for his leadership, discipline and commitment to excellence, Horn’s influence extended far beyond the basketball court and into the lives of many students he guided throughout his career. The dedication ceremony will...

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The Clarke County Kingdom Builders, a local nonprofit ministry dedicated to improving lives by building residential wheelchair ramps for those in need, are entering 2026 after a recordsetting year of service across the county. According to the organization, 2025 proved to be one of its most impactful years to date. Volunteer teams traveled throughout Clarke County—from Bashi to Carlton, Gosport to Syrene, and many communities in between— constructing and installing wheelchair ramp systems for residents with mobility challenges. Through this work, Kingdom Builders aims to help individuals maintain independence and safely access their homes. By year’s end, the group estimates...

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As the new year gets underway, Grove Hill is manifesting a year focused on growth, infrastructure improvements and long-term economic development. Mayor Ross Wood said one of the most anticipated additions to town is J.G.’s restaurant, which was approved by the town council in December and will be located on the north end of Grove Hill. “People are looking for a place that they can go on a weekend day, sit down with their family, look at a menu, order and the server takes your order,” Wood said. “We’re excited to have J.G.’s coming in as a sit down-and-eat restaurant.”...

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After four decades of service to Alabama’s forests and communities, Grove Hill native Benji Elmore has officially retired from the Alabama Forestry Commission. Elmore, who served as South West Regional Forester, concluded a 40-year career marked by dedication, leadership and a deep commitment to protecting Alabama’s natural resources. In announcing his retirement, the Alabama Forestry Commission praised Elmore for his loyalty and lasting impact on the agency. “As South West Regional Forester Benji Elmore’s career with the AFC comes to a close, we want to honor the incredible legacy he leaves behind at the agency,” the commission said in a statement. “After...

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Officers with the Jackson Police Department reported the following activity for Dec. 23- Jan. 5 arrests: Damarious Jackson; 30; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of marijuana first degree; DUI; leaving the scene of an accident Markelly Taylor; 31; alias warrants 3x Kurtis Alder; 32; DUI; firearm; failure to inform police officer of concealed carry Chelsea Rediker; 34; burglary third degree Chantel Martin; 24; alias warrant Dejoun Taylor; 37; alias warrant Bionca Jackson; 24; alias warrant Dyshawn Gaston; 26; possession of marijuana first degree; possession of drug paraphernalia; alias warrants x2; miscellaneous Jaqualyn Jackson; 21; assault third degree Sharhonda Denish; 35;...

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Would your business be willing to support Clarke Prep School students? Students are preparing for an educational trip to Washington, D.C. in March of this year. Sponsorships will be 0 and in appreciation of your support the business names will be displayed on the back of the students’ shirts they will wear while in Washington. For more information, contact Shanna Butler at 251-275-8576 or Kayla Anderson at [email protected].

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MONTGOMERY (Jan. 2, 2026) The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA) continues to accept entries for the 14th annual Big Buck Photo Contest. The contest began in November and runs through the end of Alabama’s deer season. The winner will be determined by online voting, which concludes on Feb. 13, at 11:59 p.m. “We love having the photos shared with us every year in the Big Buck Photo Contest,” said ALBBAA Director Pam Swanner said. “The contest showcases what we all know to be true, that Alabama’s Black Belt remains one of the best places in America to bag a...

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