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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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