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...

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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...

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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...

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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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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.”

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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....

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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...

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The Grove Hill Parks and Recreation Department hosted a pickleball clinic July 15-16. Participants included, from left, Nicholas Pugh, Brandy Pugh, Stephanie Strength, Stacie Turberville, Mallory Phillippi, Phyllis Barnes, Allison Gibson, Jenna Hicks, Matthew Hicks, Dr. Ikram Hussain, Randy Hussain and Scott Clemens. See page 6A for more details and additional photos.

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THOMASVILLE — Coastal Alabama Community College’s Thomasville campus recently welcomed a new group of students during its Advise and Thrive orientation. Advise and Thrive serves as the college’s freshman orientation, providing new students with an opportunity to learn about campus resources, meet with academic advisors and register for fall classes. Campus Director Marcus Gordon said the sessions are designed to help students begin their college experience with the information and support they need. He said the Thomasville campus had a good turnout. A final Advise and Thrive session is scheduled on July 29 at 10 a.m. and noon. Students interested...

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A transcript of an Aniah’s Law hearing was accepted as a basis for the state’s case in a Thomasville murder without witnesses being heard. The transcript of the June 10 hearing was offered by the state at a July 14 preliminary hearing concerning a shooting death at a Thomasville restaurant on June 8. Based on testimony from the June 10 hearing, Clarke County District Judge J.R. Morgan found probable cause to send the murder charge of Hector Hugo Duran Gutierrez to a grand jury for possible indictment. Gutierrez is charged with murdering Henry Howard on June 8 following an altercation...

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