The South Alabamian News Podcast

WHATLEY — Approximately 300 Clarke County sixth graders — public, private, and home- schooled — joined in the Forestry Awareness Week Now educational program for an outdoor classroom presentation at Scotch Park in Whatley during a two-day event April 30 and May 1. Brenda Barnes, administrator of the Clarke County Soil and Water District and coordinator with the Forestry Planning Commission, said the event had taken place in the county since 1998. “The numbers were a little down this year, but we still had a good turnout,” said Barnes, who has been associated with FAWN for about 20 years. Noting...

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WHATLEY — One arrest has been made and others could be forthcoming following a months-long investigation into three overdoses related to a drug house in Whatley, authorities said. Clarke County Sherif f DeWayne Smith said the investigation, led by Sgt. Seth Newton of the Clarke County Sheriff ’s Department and the Alabama Drug Task Force, led to the bust on May 1 that resulted in more than ,000 in cash and cards being collected, along with drug paraphernalia and multiple illegal substances — marijuana, spice (synthetic marijuana), meth and cocaine. The sheriff ’s office has not released the name of...

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THOMASVILLE — Two people were killed Tuesday in a fiery crash on U.S. Highway 43 involving a tractor-trailer and four other vehicles which was deemed one of the worst in several decades in Thomasville by Mayor Sheldon Day. The tractor-trailer slammed into four vehicles stopped for a red light in the southbound lane of U.S. 43 at the intersection of South Industrial Park Drive, Thomasville Police Chief Mitchell Stuckey said in a statement Wednesday. The driver of the truck, Andrii Dmyterko, 45, of Philadelphia, Pa., was charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter and was in the U.S. on a...

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The Jackson Area Rotary Club awarded ,500 in scholarships at Jackson High School’s Awards Night on Monday. Pictured above are, front row from left, Jackson Rotary President Tyrone Moye, Secretary Patricia Boman, Treasurer Hattie Thomas, President-elect Vicki Moore and Jackson Rotary member James Richardson. Those receiving scholarships were, back row from left, Jaliyah Morrissette, Alysia Daffin, Nivia Westry, Cassidy Dickinson, Amaya Craig, Chelsea Watters and Abriel Goulding. Also pictured are Interact students Kristin Smith and Eric Steele Jr.

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The Wildflowers Florist won first place in the third annual Crawfest Cook-Off at Shucker’s Seafood and Oyster Bar in Jackson on May 3. Superior Automotive was second and the St. Stephens Volunteer Fire Department was third. Trey Beaty, Dawson Moore, Chico Drums, James Cunningham and the Joe Slick Band entertained the crowd, which enjoyed all-you-can-eat crawfish.

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The Alabama House of Representatives passed on April 29 a pair of public safety bills that Republican lawmakers championed as central to the state’s effort to crack down on violent crime. Senate Bills 118 and 119, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road), are part of a broader state initiative aimed at reforming Alabama’s bail laws and tightening restrictions on firearm possession for violent offenders. SB118, a proposed constitutional amendment, would expand the list of offenses for which judges may deny bail. Under current law, only capital murder qualifies for mandatory detention. If approved by voters in the 2026 primary...

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Coal Battle did precisely what he was supposed to do until absorbing an unexpected jolt from heavily favored Journalism in the backstretch of Saturday’s 151st Kentucky Derby — but the colt with Clarke County ties may race in the Preakness. Coal Battle surged cleanly out of the starting gate from the 16th post and jockey Juan Vargas promptly nudged him into the middle of the muddy track, stalked the leaders and even had the thoroughbred ahead of Journalism halfway through the race. But when Journalism drew even on the outside, the two horses slammed into each other — trainer Lonnie...

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Special Olympics 2025 was hosted in Jackson last week. More than 100 athletes and about 350 volunteers filled Legion Field at Simpkins Stadium. The athletes came from all Clarke County Schools, as well as Marengo County. visitors.

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HOUSES 3 BR, 2 BA home for rent. Inside Thomasville city limits. Call Jason at 334-636-9626 APARTMENTS WILLOW TRACE Apartments – Accepting applications for 2 and 3 bedroom units, Jackson, Ala. Water and garbage included. For more information, call (251) 247-0450; TDD 1-800-548-2546. EHO Properties. 55 AND OLDER – Country Club Cottages now leasing 1 or 2 bedrooms. (334) 636-8287. Washer/dryer hook ups, porches. Off Highway 43, turn left onto Foster, then left onto Cogle Dr. in Thomasville. TDD (hearing impaired) 1-800-548-2546. EHO SA

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Jeffrey Wade “Bodine” Evans, 40, of Grove Hill, passed away April 18, 2025. Bodine was born May 7, 1984 to Reynolds Evans and Dianne Evans. He was a graduate of Washington County High School Class of 2002. Bodine was an avid hunter and bass fisherman. He lived life to the fullest; Bodine loved to laugh and have a good time. He could often be found relaxing with a cold beverage in hand listening to some good old classic country music; Hank Williams and Waylon Jennings were true favorites. Bodine was the king of pranks, you had better be prepared if...

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