Life is an unpredictable, inexplicable gift. It’s easy to get discouraged when life doesn’t go as planned or when we encounter what we believe to be road blocks keeping us from going where we want to go. King Solomon wisely said, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21). Joni Eareckson Tada, author, artist, founder of Joni and Friends, and devoted follower of Jesus Christ is not a stranger to life’s barricades. At the young age of 17, she was injured in a diving accident that left her with quadriplegia—paralysis...

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In the early phases of the exodus, God reintroduced himself to his chosen people, who’d clearly drifted from him after more than four hundred years in slavery in Egypt. In the miracle plagues, God had shown his superiority over the gods of Egypt, and at the Red Sea, he’d displayed his superiority over Pharaoh and his armies. Now, in the wilderness between the Red Sea and Mount Sinai, God showed his superiority over the harsh desert conditions by cleansing the bitter waters of Marah for the people. In the piece of wood mentioned in Exodus 15:25 (translated as “tree” or...

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The arrival of spring has brought an early and intense start to the wildfire season in southwest Alabama, with several fires reported over the past weekend in Marengo and Washington counties. Due to the heightened fire activity, a statewide wildfire advisory remains in effect, and the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has restricted all burn permits starting Tuesday, March 4. Under these restrictions, anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor. The AFC continues to strongly discourage outdoor burning until conditions improve, citing dry weather, low...

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Coastal Alabama Community College’s Thomasville Campus recently hosted its first-ever FutureFest event, offering a unique opportunity for local residents to meet the exceptional faculty and staff dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and career goals. Held last Thursday, in the Alabama-Tombigbee Conference Room, FutureFest was an engaging event where attendees could explore the wide range of programs offered at the Thomasville campus. It was a chance to put names to faces, ask questions, and learn more about the various pathways available, whether students are interested in earning a four-year degree or obtaining certification in a technical field. Marcus Gordon,...

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Fulton hero Billy Fendley, center, received a plaque from Fulton Fire-Rescue Department for his tireless dedication helping the department. Billy has touched many people throughout Clarke County. From left are Battalion Chief Frank Martin, Fendley and Chief Danny Bedwell.

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Legacy Arena hummed with nervous energy—the kind that makes people lean forward in their seats, stills conversations, and turns breaths shallow. The scoreboard read 42- 42. Two seconds left. Dysen Adams wiped his hands on his jersey. He had been here before—last year, with the championship hanging on a final possession. But experience didn’t make the moment any easier. The ball was slick with sweat, the lights too bright, the pressure suffocating. Until he reminded himself where he was. This was Jackson. These were the Aggies. And this was what they did. The inbounds pass came. He caught it in...

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Lynne Champion retired on Feb. 28th after 27 years with the U.S. Postal Service. Her coworkers surprised her with a farewell party, and Sonia Deshler showed up to take her to lunch. Champion often subbed for Deshler when she started this job. “The things they wrote to me are priceless,” Champion said. “They gave me a nice gift and told me how much they would miss me.” Champion’s service career started when former postmaster, Bob Ingram, saw her in Walmart and urged her to take the postal test, which she did. “I had my five little ones with me that...

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A countywide bottled water drive is underway to support local volunteer fire departments, ensuring they have the hydration they need while responding to emergencies. Running from March 3 through 31, the biannual initiative collects bottled water and electrolyte drinks for volunteer fire stations throughout Clarke County. Unlike municipal fire departments, volunteer fire departments rely heavily on community support and fundraising efforts to meet their needs. Tax dollars cannot be used to purchase bottled water or other hydration supplies, even though these are essential for firefighters working in extreme heat and physically demanding conditions. When battling fires, especially during the hotter...

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Prom season has officially arrived in Clarke County, and the excitement is palpable as local high school seniors prepare for one of the most anticipated events of the year. Last Saturday, Leroy High School celebrated their prom, marking the official start of prom season in the area. The night was full of laughter, dancing and unforgettable memories as students gathered to commemorate their high school journey. Held at a picturesque venue, Leroy’s prom was a night of reflection and anticipation. With the theme of the evening set and students dressed to impress in dazzling gowns and sharp tuxedos, the Assembly...

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‘Hole Lotta Fun Scramble’ scheduled for March 8th The Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Alabama will host Hole Lotta Fun Scramble on March 8th. Tee time will begin at 9 a.m. at the Thomasville Golf and Recreation Park. Two member teams, per player/ 0 per team. The fee will include 1 Mulligan, Green Fees and Cart. Additional Mulligans may be purchased for each. Lunch will be provided. Overall first place will win 0, overall second place 0 and overall third place 0. Must have at least 12 teams to award third place. A cash prize will...

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