The 50th annual Old Time Fiddlers Convention on April 18 was dedicated to the memory of Winky Hicks, a longtime musician and devoted participant who passed away in December. Event organizer Tommy Fuller reflected on Hicks’ commitment to the event, noting that he was “always the first one to say he was coming” and consistently supported the local music tradition. In tribute, Hicks’ cousin Jimmy Hicks joined more than two-dozen musicians in a special dedication to a man who was also known for his craftsmanship. He built more than 6,000 turkey callers, 100 mandolins, nearly 40 guitars and numerous banjos...

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THOMASVILLE — Thomasville police officer Dallas Hinton was killed in the line of duty on April 22 in a crash involving an 18-wheeler on U.S. Highway 43. Police Chief Mitchell Stuckey said Hinton, 25, collided with a box truck carrying cargo from the Port of Mobile at approximately 4:45 a.m. Hinton’s 2025 Dodge Charger struck the rear of a Freightliner tractor-trailer driven by Armon L. Washington, 66, of Mobile and caught fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. “It was just a tragic accident,” Stuckey said. “We lost a good man that...

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The Jackson Woman’s Club, a civic organization founded in 1949 and dedicated to community improvement, service and educational support, continued its longstanding tradition April 21 by hosting its annual scholarship reception. Seven seniors from Jackson High School and Jackson Academy were recognized for achievements in academics, leadership, service and creativity. Emilia McDonald of Jackson High received the Jackson Woman’s Club Scholarship, while Bradford Harrell of Jackson Academy was awarded the Betty M. McCorquodale Scholarship. Madison Sims of Jackson High earned the Community Service Award for her work beyond the classroom. The Lilian P. Andrews Award, presented to Girls State representatives,...

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Alabama 4-H has named Adam Anderson as the 2025- 26 Southwest Alabama 4-H Volunteer of the Year, recognizing more than a decade of service to youth agricultural programs in Clarke County. Anderson has volunteered with Clarke County 4-H since 2012, supporting events, clinics and educational opportunities for local students. Organizers said he frequently works behind the scenes to help ensure activities such as the Chick Chain and Pig Squeal run smoothly. His contributions include providing facilities, operating equipment, transporting livestock and donating essential supplies such as feed, shavings and medications. Officials said those efforts have made him a cornerstone of...

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Georgia-Pacific has donated ,000 to the Regional Child Advocacy Center in Grove Hill to support services for children and families across the region. According to center director Mary English, the contribution helped sponsor the center’s annual dinner and auction fundraiser held March 7 at the Jackson Community House. The event, which serves as the organization’s primary fundraiser each year, featured a meal and auction and drew support from about 30 sponsors. “We just have one large fundraiser a year,” English said. “We had sponsors at multiple levels and that’s really how we make most of the money. We raised more...

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Charlee Phillips won for the Grand Champion steer and heifer in the Washington County Junior Livestock Association’s annual steer and heifer show and sale on April 14 at the 4-H Arena. The winners were: SENIOR SHOWMANSHIP 1, Kaylee Wright. 2, Abigail Panther. JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP 1, Charlee Phillips. 2, Isabella Phillips. LIGHTWEIGHT STEER 1, Isabella Phillips. 2, Kaylee Wright. MIDWEIGHT STEER 1, Kaylee Wright. HEAVYWEIGHT STEER 1, Charlee Phillips. 2, Abigail Panther. OVERALL STEER Grand Champion, Charlee Phillips. Reserve Champion, Kaylee Wright. Best County Breed and Grand Champion, Charlee Phillips. HIGHEST DAILY GAIN Abigail Panther’s steer (4.13 pounds). CLASS 1 HEIFER...

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The Jackson Police Department’s K9 Milo has assisted numerous law enforcement agencies throughout the Southeast in locating electronics devices and most recently found a GPS device on a local woman’s vehicle. The women came to the JPD concerned she was being tracked and Milo found the device underneath the vehicle. Milo has found hidden cell phones in jails, helped search vehicles for potential illegal contraband and has provided awareness to adult organizations and schools about abuse and exploitation. Milo’s handler is JPD Chief Investigator Brian Clark, a 19- year veteran. Clark and Milo, a Yellow Labrador who will turn 4...

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The 10th annual Washington County Turkey Hunting Calcutta raised ,000, with about ,000 benefiting this year’s recipients, Waylon Dungan and Zayne Taylor, who are facing serious medical challenges. The winners were:ADULT DIVISION1, Brady Rivers, 72.56.2, Owen Henry, 72.31.3, Wesley Parks, 68.06.YOUTH DIVISION1, Olivia Howard, 60.44.2, Jacob Scarbrough, 54.63.3, Kaden Williams, 51.63.

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McIntosh-area author, speaker and nonprofit founder Jennifer R. Griffin announced the release of the Reign Doll, which was created to inspire confidence, imagination and self-worth in young girls. The doll represents a message that every girl is born with a purpose and raised to reign, Griffin said. The doll is accompanied by Reign Doll’s rainy-day wish and a coloring storybook that encourages children to dream big, believe in themselves and find beauty even on rainy days. Griffin, the founder of SHeALED HER, developed the Reign Doll as an extension of her mission to uplift women and girls through healing, empowerment...

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Young visitors enjoy a painting station as vendors line the Pine City Farmers Market during its April 18 season kickoff and Earth Day event. The event featured local growers and vendors, as well as family-friendly activities throughout the day.

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