The Clarke County Democrat Podcast
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Southern pine bark beetle infestations have exploded in the last few months in southwest Alabama and other areas of the state. In July, a beetle-infestation map on the Alabama Forestry Commission’s website showed about 25 beetle spots in northern Washington County and about four just across the county line in neighboring Choctaw. Spots have increased There were no beetles in Clarke County at that time but that has changed. A couple of weeks ago, the AFC map showed 70 or more beetle spots in Clarke County and some in adjacent Marengo, Monroe and Wilcox counties as well as other parts... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/pine-beetles-explode/
Voters in the reconfigured Alabama House District 2 will have almost as many choices to pick from next year as ice cream in a Baskin-Robbins shop. Twenty-one candidates are running, 13 Democrats and eight Republicans. The district meanders from the Mississippi state line and parts of Mobile northeasterly to the Auburn-Opelika area and the Georgia state line. Washington County, formerly in House District 1, is now in House District 2. The southern one-third of Clarke County is in the district, including part of Jackson. All of Clarke County was previously in House District 7. The district has an approximately 49%... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/21-candidates-to-pick-from-in-reconfigured-congressional-district-2/
Marriages Nov. 13—Nov. 16 Jamarius James Henderson to Jamien Amani Thomas Darren Lee Harvell to Jenny Dianne Roberts Daniel Brook West to Anna Elizabeth Gamblin Spencer Warren Rogers to Holly Coreen Johnson Property deeds Nov. 13—Nov. 16 Stephan E. Dunn to Savannah Gordon Robert L. Bonner to William Knott- As Trustee Timothy Bates to 6554 U.S. 43, NA, Jackson Lewis E. Walker to Leroy Fore Rocky Ridge Realty, LLC to Douglas H. Lee Thomasville Hall Apartments to Thomasville Hall Apartments George Clark to Jason Michael Clark George Drinkard to Dorothy West James Keith Atchison to James Keith Atchison Melanie M.... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/clarke-records-341/
Jared Hudson beams when he shows off two paintings he recently acquired — one of an old steam locomotive and the other of an A-styled camp house. Both were painted by his late grandfather, George Campbell of Grove Hill. Campbell had an outdoor sign business in the days when most were hand lettered. His hobby of painting was a natural outgrowth of his business and he painted extensively. Campbell died in 2002 at the age of 84. Recently, someone surfing Facebook Marketplace came across first one painting and then another signed by a George Campbell. The description on one said... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/granddaddys-art/
The deadline to use 2023 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits has been extended to Nov 27. Recipients are encouraged to visit participating locations before benefits expire. Benefits can be redeemed at state-sanctioned farmers markets, farm stands and U-Pick operations for fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, honey and cut herbs. A list of participating locations by county is available online. SFMNP provides eligible seniors with in annual benefits to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from certified farmers in Alabama. Applications are currently closed but will reopen in January. Those who are 60 years of age or older and whose household... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/ala-seniors-can-get-help-buying-farm-produce/
Social assistance at Salvation Army — The Salvation Army Social Service office is open on Wednesdays from 9- 11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. When in need of assistance with food and a variety of other needs, the office attempts to assist where they can. For additional information call 251- 246-5693. VFW meets monthly in Jackson — The VFW on Club Wiley Road in Jackson meets the third Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. Employment help for veterans available — If you are a veteran and need employment assistance, the Jackson Career Center can help. The Veteran Services team members... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/community-calendar-703/
The Christmas toy drive called Operation Christmas in Jackson has been renamed the Helen H. Skipper Annual Toy Drive. The late Helen Skipper was a big proponent of the toy drive and of many other programs in Jackson. The new name was officially recognized at the Jackson City Council meeting on Nov. 14 with Skipper’s husband, Joe, children Jonathan and Courtney Skipper Reeves and their families in attendance. The toy drive is coordinated by the Jackson Police Department. Donations of toys are welcomed and applications to benefit from the drive will be taken through Dec. 1. Application forms are available... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/jacksons-christmas-toy-drive-renamed-for-helen-skipper/
The family of Earl Gibbons expresses their gratitude during his sickness and death. We appreciate the many acts of kindness and words of sympathy. We especially value your friendship, love and prayers. The family of Earl Gibbons Words are not enough to express our deepest gratitude during this difficult time. We are so thankful to everyone that visited, brought food, prepared food for the memorial, called, messaged or sent a text and we are especially grateful for all the prayers. There are so very many things done big and small by the Sandflat community and we want to thank everyone... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/cards-of-thanks-42/
Certain events in our lives are of such magnitude that they remain indelibly printed on our memories. Such was the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963 — 60 years ago. Those of us old enough to remember that tragic event can recall with precision where we were and what we were doing on that inglorious day. I was 24 years old, had just received a master’s degree, and was waiting to report for active duty with the Army. In the interim, I was an instructor in the business school at Auburn University. I was driving south... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/dollars-cents-236/
The assassination of John F. Kennedy happened 60 years ago this week. It occurred to me that a good many of you may be too young to remember that horribly sad day of November 22, 1963. Anyone living on that day can tell you exactly where they were when President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed by an assassin in Dallas, Texas. It was a perfect fall day in the Lone Star State. Lyndon Johnson was Vice President and he and Kennedy disliked each other immensely. The Kennedy’s had put Johnson on the ticket as Vice President in 1960... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/inside-the-statehouse-436/
The Clarke County Board of Education’s longest-serving member, who is in the final year of his last term, was elected its president at the Nov. 16 meeting. Charlie Anderson of Thomasville, who has served on the board for more than 40 years and is not seeking re-election, was elevated from vice president to president. Board member Darryl Perryman was elected vice president. A president and vice president are elected annually in November from the five-member board. The president presides at meetings and signs any required paperwork. Anderson succeeds T.L. Douglas as board president. The election was much smoother than last... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/anderson-elected-new-clarke-boe-president/
Grove Hill student Ella Davis attended the Alfa Youth Leadership Conference Nov. 13-14 at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana. The conference teaches students how to advocate for agriculture, identify their potential and step into leadership roles. The event is for 9th and 10th graders. Sponsors are Alabama Farmers Federation, Clarke County Farmers Federation, Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit. Davis attends Clarke Prep School. She is pictured with Alabama Farmers Federation’s Matthew Durdin. Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/attends-alfa-youth-leadership-conference/
A Thomasville man was found guilty of attempted murder following a trial in Clarke County Circuit Court last week and a Grove Hill man pleaded guilty to a separate attempted murder charge the week before. District Attorney Stephen Winters said gun violence is rampant in Clarke County and the First Judicial Circuit and warned citizens not to resort to gunfire to settle differences. He said these two cases are proof of the severe consequences. A jury on Wednesday found Telvin Devon Robinson guilty of the attempted murder of Rondie Miles, who was shot on Pegasus Parkway off Tallahatta Springs Road... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/guilty-verdict-in-attempted-murder-case/
We are sad to announce the passing of Albert Leu Gregory (Al) of Hugo, OK. Mr. Gregory was born in Jackson, AL on December 23, 1959, died at the age of 63 November 9, 2023, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, OK. Graduated from Grove Hill Academy in 1980. Served in the United States Navy till his retirement as a Yeoman First Class in 2006. He will be sadly missed and will always hold a place in our hearts. Mr. Gregory is survived by his: daughter, Allisa (Cameron) Moreno; Son, James Gregory; grandchildren, Ariana and Olivia Moreno; siblings, Zola Howell,... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/gregory-10/
SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 23:1-6 Romans 5:5-11; John 6:37-40 Love will Pastorial break your Ministry heart. The West pain of love is Alabama felt most Conference when the one you love suddenly steps into eternity and leaves you behind on earth. This heartbreaking reality compelled someone to write, “If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, Id walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again." (Author unknown). The phrase “rest in peace” is both a wish and a prayer. Something in us urges us to say a prayer for our departed loved ones when they die. Death... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/are-you-prepared-to-meet-god/
Eunice Lavader Smith, age 83, of Grove Hill died November 13 at her home. She was born November 1, 1940 in Uniontown, Ala. to Roy Buckhanan and Eunice B. Wade. She was a retired seamstress and attended Thomasville United Pentecostal Church. She is survived by four daughters, Sherry Payne (Randy), Angela Dunagan (Fred), Lynn Raine (Thad), and Donna Presley (Kipper); brother, Leon Wade (Teresa); sister, Retha Fuller (Charlie); eleven grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Thomasville United Pentecostal Church on Friday, November 17, at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Ronnie Wead officiated. Burial followed at... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/smith-93/
Shirley Ann Andrews Kelley, 77, passed away at her home Nov. 9, 2023 surrounded by family and friends. She was born Jan. 29, 1947 to Cecil and Juanita Fendley Andrews. She held a variety of jobs and titles over the years but her favorite title was always Mom. Her and her husband, Donald owning a few small businesses such as Flower Town and a car lot as well as operated the Sandflat Grocery and service station that used to be at the end of Sandflat road. She also ran a daycare for several years and taught piano. She was preceded... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/kelley-26/
Frazier Payne has been appointed the interim president of Coastal Alabama Community College and succeeds the retired Dr. Craig Pouncey. Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker made the announcement. Payne, who had been the special assistant to the chancellor at Bishop State, began his tenure at CACC on Nov. 8. Pouncey was the school’s president since 2019. “Each and every college in the Alabama Community College System serves a critical role in helping Alabamians, business and industry reach their greatest success and I am confident that Frazier has what it takes to serve the Coastal Alabama community in... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/interim-president-of-coastal-alabama-has-family-connections-in-jackson/
The Community Thanksgiving Service at The Tompkins Baptist Church will not be held this year. We look forward to seeing everyone at the 2024 service which will be held at the usual time, the Sunday evening prior to Thanksgiving Day. Morning Star Baptist Church, 466 Morning Star Rd. Whatley community, invites everyone to come and celebrate the rewards of a fruitful harvest in lifting up the name of Jesus with thanksgiving in our hearts for the abundance of blessings He has bestowed upon our church family. Speaker will be Dr. Neco Tate, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church #3, Monroeville, Alabama. Service... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/church-news-383/
Items from past issues of The Clarke County Democrat 70 Years Ago November 1953 The National Guard Armory (this is the old armory, not the one currently occupied by Grove Hill city departments) was expected to be completed by Dec. 1. The layout of the building was detailed and the article said it would be available for community events “such as flower shows, dances or any event demanding considerable floor space.” “The Grove Hill Bulldogs defeated [one] of their old rivals, the Jackson Aggies, Friday night by a score of 13 to 6…Jimmy Ricketts was the outstanding star of the... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/from-our-files-161/
* To visit every child in the world, Santa Claus would need to travel at 3,000 times the speed of sound. But who says he couldn’t? Not us! He’s Santa! * Need a morning pickme up? A cup of java is most effective if consumed between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. * Six hundred Americans die each year from falling out of bed. * A 99-year-old man divorced his 96-year-old wife after 77 years of wedlock when he discovered she’d had an affair in the 1940s. * Elvis Presley failed a music class in high school. * Leo Fender, inventor of... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/strange-but-true-210/
Alabama’s forest products industry is growing. Our state boasts more than 23 million acres of forests, which enables Alabamians to produce .5 billion in forest products every year. That makes forest products manufacturing one of the top industries in our state. This industry has not only added jobs to Alabama’s workforce but has also provided a sustainable means of managing forests, stimulating rural economies, and contributing significantly to the state’s overall economic growth. While pulp and paper, lumber and other solid-wood products have been a mainstay in the forest products industry for decades, sustainably sourced wood pellets are opening up... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/ala-forestry-association/
Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/political-cartoon-741/
Steven P. Furr, MD, FAAFP, a Jackson family physician, recently assumed the role of president of the American Academy of Family Physicians. The AAFP represents nearly 130,000 family physicians, residents and medical students nationwide. As AAFP president, Furr will advocate on behalf of family physicians and patients across the country to inspire positive changes in the U.S. health care system. "The AAFP has been a cornerstone in my family medicine career — one that has helped me gain immeasurable knowledge, experiences and the ability to connect with family physicians across the country," said Furr. "During a time when the health... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/dr-furr-is-president-of-national-group-of-130000-family-physicians/
Arrests booked in the Clarke County Jail November 14, 2023 through November 19, 2023 include the following: Mitchell Damond Parnell, 45, domestic violence third degree, arrested by Clarke County Sheriffs Dept. Rodney Glen Todd Sr., 51, drug paraphernalia; use or possession- first offense, petition to revoke, unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance, arrested by Clarke County Sheriffs Dept. Cody Wayne Rynders, 36, probation violation (new charge- misdemeanor), arrested by Clarke County Sheriffs Dept. Demarco Warner, 27, possession receipt of a controlled substance, receiving stolen propertysecond degree, unlawful possession of marijuana second degree, arrested by Clarke County Sheriffs Dept.... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/clarke-arrests-641/
E.J. Crowell ran for 202 yards on 20 carries and two touchdowns as No. 2- ranked Jackson knocked off defending state champion and No. 3-ranked Andalusia 31-7 in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs Friday night at Legion Field. The victory lifted the Aggies (11-0) into a quarterfinal matchup with Booker T. Washington (8-4) in Tuskegee Friday at 7 p.m. and avenged last year’s 25- 10 loss to the Bulldogs in the first round. B.T. Washington defeated Handley 22-9 in the second round and American Christian 22-12 in the first round. “Our guys have been waiting on this... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/no-2-jhs-aggies-knock-off-no-3-andalusia-to-advance/
A.J. Ezell ran for 205 yards on 33 carries, including the game-winning touchdown with a minute left, and Clarke County stopped Goshen on a fourth-and-2 at the 4-yard line with under 10 seconds remaining to hold on for a 22-15 win over the No. 9 Eagles in the second round of the Class 2A playoffs Friday night in Goshen. On second down of the crucial series, Eagles quarterback Jayden McNabb scrambled but was tackled by the Bulldogs’ Hayden Dotson and Jamarcus Washington at the Clarke County 4. McNabb spiked the ball on third down to stop the clock but the... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/clarke-teams-all-make-round-3/
Roberts Automotive recently purchased Doc’s Chevrolet in Thomasville. A ribbon cutting was held Friday, Nov. 17. See an ad on Page 8A. Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/thomasville-dealership-now-roberts-automotive/
Bellingrath Gardens and Home has been recognized as the only garden in the United States to receive the prestigious Gardens Worth Traveling For in 2024 award. Bellingrath has long been celebrated for its unparalleled beauty, captivating landscapes and rich horticultural heritage. The International Garden Tourism Awards are globally recognized as the pinnacle of excellence in the realm of garden tourism. Bellingrath was the sole representative from the United States in the “Garden Worth Traveling For in 2024” category. Bellingrath will celebrate its annual Magic Christmas in Lights beginning Nov. 24. The holiday tradition features more than 1,100 set pieces, 3... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/bellingrath-gardens-and-home-recognized/
The Clarke County Historical Society will meet Sunday, Nov. 30 at the Thomasville Public Library. The city’s library recently moved into the new facility that also houses museum displays of artifacts, photos and documents of Thomasville’s and the region’s history. It is also a career readiness center to help local citizens with job searches. Details of the new library located in the old Bedsole Furniture building at 101 West Front Street downtown, later Gulf Furniture and Barfield Furniture, will be highlighted. The public is invited to attend the 2:30 p.m. meeting; you do not have to be a member of... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/clarke-historical-society-to-meet-at-thomasville-public-library/
