The Clarke County Democrat Podcast
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Marriages Sept. 18 - 22 Brittney Sharron Chapman to Lorenzo Montay Jackson Mallory Elizabeth Boutwell to Carson Riley Tindle Jacob Lee Wallace to Kaedance Nicole Newton Property deeds Sept. 18 - 22 Henry Craig Weaver to Rodney Calvin Mullins Daniel W. Beech to Paul Lowery Charlie Q. Wright to Darrell Mosley Lynn Rachel to Christopher G. Dunnam Cassity C. Dunnam to Christopher G. Dunnam Christopher H. Johnson to Scott Matthew Horton George E. W. Jones to George Jones- As Trustee Melvin Early to Preston Webb Jessie Mae Parker to Janice M. Parker Robert William Daffin- Other to Robert William Daffin... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/clarke-records-334/
Viewed in the context of recent history, the milestone is alarming. The recent quarterly report of household debt issued by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York revealed that Americans have the highest credit card debt in history, [post_excerpt].03 trillion. The vast amount of credit card debt should be a warning to all Americans. Many people flirt with financial disaster by taking on too much debt. This is especially true for credit card debt. As debt reached an historic level, more and more customers were getting access to credit cards. During the second quarter of the year, the number of... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/dollars-cents-228/
John Fetterman makes the U.S. Senate safe for disgraceful slobs. John Fetterman’s Senate legacy is now set — he’s the guy who made it possible to dress like a slob. What the Missouri Compromise was to Henry Clay, what the Second Reply to Hayne was to Daniel Webster, what the Civil Rights Act of 1957 was to Lyndon Johnson, Carhartt sweatshirts and baggy shorts will be to John Fetterman. The Pennsylvania senator is the poster boy — if self-indulgent sloppiness is your thing — for the Senate dropping a dress code that required senators to dress in business attire when... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/national-review-9/
It looks more and more like a federal government shutdown is coming Oct. 1. Congress can’t agree on an extension of current spending. It has happened before, for varying lengths of time and with varying impacts. Here are some of the things to expect: The U.S. Postal Service will continue to operate. The post office is mostly self-reliant, working off of funds it generates. Social Security payments will continue. The program is an entitlement funded by a payroll tax, not annual appropriations from the government. Social Security offices will remain open and replacement Social Security cards will continue... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/how-will-government-shutdown-affect-you/
The Clarke County Commission approved a .1 million budget for the 2024 fiscal year Tuesday. The budget is several million more than normal because of a lot of one-time monies. County Administrator Christy Roberts explained that there is nearly .9 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), 3,000 from the Rebuild Alabama Fund and 0,000 from the Federal aid exchange Fund plus more. The ARPA funds are being used on energy efficiency needs in the courthouse and jail, for renovations to the damaged Emergency Management Agency office, a water extension project in northern Clarke County and more. Commission... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/clarke-countys-fy-2024-budget-several-million-higher-than-usual/
Arrests booked through the Clarke County Jail September 19, 2023 through September 25, 2023 include the following: Tyrone Hill, 44, domestic violence third degree, arrested by Clarke County Sheriff’s Dept. Alisha Pryor, 35, theft by deception fourth degree, theft by deception third degree, arrested by Clarke County Sheriff’s Dept. Regina Crenshaw, 43, probation revocation (technical violation), arrested by Clarke County Sheriff’s Dept. Phillip Holt Newton, 58, menacing, arrested by Clarke County Sheriff’s Dept. Brittany Harmon, 36, theft of property first degree, arrested by Clarke County Sheriff’s Dept. Demarest Pritchett, 23, disorderly conduct/ disturbing the peace/ affray, arrested by Clarke County... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/clarke-arrests-633/
Items from past issues of The Clarke County Democrat September 1959 64 Years Ago Clarke County High School and the Grove Hill Graded School opened with a combined enrollment of 720 students. Jim Payne who signed a grant-in-aid scholarship with Auburn has started football practice with the freshman squad. He was a star quarterback on both the Bullpup and Bulldog teams. Miss Ann Nettles was the new band director for the Clarke County High School Band. The band had 35 to 40 members. Work halted on the new Jackson Lock and Dam when painters and other workers went on strike.... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/from-our-files-154/
* The small dots on strawberries are known as “drupelets” and are not seeds, as often thought, but do contain seeds. * A dog named Chickie seemed like anything but man’s best friend when she chewed up her owner’s passport just days before his wedding in Italy. Fortunately, with a little help from local lawmakers as well as the community, a new one was issued in time for the nuptials to take place. As for Chickie, she was later given a mock “pupster passport”! * Culinary icon Ina Garten, aka the “Barefoot Contessa,” was a nuclear policy analyst for the... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/strange-but-true-203/
Clarke County High’s September Students and Teacher of the Month are pictured. Students are chosen by the faculty & staff based not only on their academic achievements but also on their character, willingness to help others, determination, capability to get along with others, attitudes, mannerism,dependability, school spirit and school pride. The student body selects the teacher of the month. Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/cchs-students-teacher-of-the-month/
The Thomasville City Council adopted a ,610,825 budget for fiscal year 2024 on Monday, nearly 0,000 more than last year’s. In addition, the water and sewer board adopted a ,242,625 budget, which is also up slightly from last year. “We have a lot of great projects,” Mayor Sheldon Day said. “There is more work in each department than at any time” in his tenure as mayor, Day said. About million in grant projects, several directly related to water and sewer work, boosted the expected expenditures of the water and sewer department to more than million. Day went over... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/tville-council-adopts-13-6m-fy-24-budget/
Three solar electricity projects are being proposed in southeastern Clarke County which could power 37,500 homes, stimulate up to million in property taxes and create up to 250 construction jobs, according to Origis Energy, which proposed the projects. Local citizens recently received a package of information describing the Walker Springs Solar Electricity project, which is actually three separate but adjacent projects around Alma and Gainestown, off Walker Springs and Gainestown roads. The projects would be on private property at the discretion of the landowner, according to the correspondence mailed out. Chris Santiago, the director of project development for Origis... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/solar-panel-project-proposed-for-southern-part-of-clarke-county/
Jeremiah Wesley Irvin was sentenced Monday afternoon to 40 years in the state penitentiary for the murder of Fredrick Wright in Thomasville on Feb. 2, 2021. Irvin had been found guilty of murder by a Clarke County jury following a three-day trial on June 16. Circuit Judge C. Robert Montgomery imposed the sentence without any additional comment. Wright was the stepfather of Irvin’s wife, Tiera Watson. They were not living together and she was staying with her mother and stepfather. The shooting happened on the porch of the Wright’s home off of Bashi Road in Thomasville after Irvin had briefly... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/irwin-gets-20-years-for-murder/
Roads and bridges have been vital to Alabama since its creation. This is probably true of most states; however, it has been especially true for Alabama for several reasons. First of all, we are a large state, geographically. Most metropolitan areas are a good many miles from the State Capitol in Montgomery. It is a long journey for folks from Huntsville, Mobile, and even Birmingham metro, and, if you go from one end of the state from Scottsboro to Dothan or Huntsville to Mobile you have been on a really long journey. We also have a lot of water in... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/inside-the-statehouse-428/
The U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday refused to override a three-judge district court in Alabama preparing to draw a new congressional map for next year’s state elections. The ruling clears the way for one of three plans created by a special master appointed by the three judges to be selected. The three judges had ruled earlier this year that Alabama’s seven congressional districts do not reflect the minority population in the state. Only one of the seven districts is a minority district while the state’s minority population is about 28%. The court ruled that there should be an additional district with... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/clarke-split-in-proposals-for-new-congressional-districts/
State Sen. Chris Elliott (RJosephine), who previously said he opposed the proposed [post_excerpt].3 billion West Alabama Highway because of its cost, met for three hours last week with Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day, who said progress was made in gaining Elliott’s support. Elliott recently placed a hold of up to 45 days on a million Alabama Department of Transportation contract with Brasfield & Gorrie related to the design of the Highway at a recent contract review committee meeting. “We discussed how important the West Alabama Highway is to improve the lives of rural Alabamians,” said Day, who met with Elliott... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/state-sen-elliott-latest-west-ala-highway-critic-to-hear-days-defense/
A counterfeit bill was passed at the Courthouse Square Deli and Bakery recently. The bill looks genuine but note the phrase “Copy Money” to the right of Andrew Jackson’s portrait. Few people, including business people, take the time to look closely at money they handle. Please be aware of this potential problem. Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/a-counterfeit-20-bill-was-passed-at-the-courthouse-square-deli-and-bakery-recently/
Work on paving and widening Love Road on the south side of Grove Hill has started. The road will be closed for several days while a large culvert is being replaced. Once the culvert is installed, paving and widening of the road will start. The road may remain open for one lane of traffic during the work but motorists are urged to avoid the road if at all possible by utilizing Highway 84. The road is a popular cut-through for vehicles, including big trucks, from Highway 43 to Highway 84. Delta Regional Grant funds were secured for the 0,000 project. Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/love-road-temporarily-closed-as-work-starts/
Trevis Johns and Lawrence Gildersleeve grin for the camera as the first Sunday buyers of beer and hard liquor at Kylia’s Package Store in Grove Hill this past Sunday. Store owner Kylia Ross is at left. A line was backed up at the store at noon as Sunday sales commenced after being approved by the City Council at the Sept. 18 meeting. At Greer’s CashSaver, one case of beer was observed being put in a car shortly after noon but most customers appeared to be just out of church and getting their usual Sunday lunch from the deli. Turnout did... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/first-sunday-alcohol-sales-in-grove-hill/
Many key elected positions in Clarke County will be contested in the March 5, 2024, primary for Republicans and Democrats. March 5 also marks the Alabama presidential primary on Super Tuesday. Any runoffs required would be on April 16. The general election is Nov. 5. In Clarke County, offices up for election include: Incumbent Circuit Clerk Summer Scruggs Padgett, a Republican. Incumbent Probate Judge Valerie Bradford Davis, a Republican. Incumbent District Judge J.R. Morgan, a Republican. District 2 Clarke County Commissioner Jackie Ray Rush, a Republican. District 3 Clarke County Commissioner Tyrone Moye, a Democrat.... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/primaries-early-in-24-qualifying-starts-soon/
Arrests booked through the Clarke County Jail September 12, 2023 through September 18, 2023 include the following: Damone Donaldson, 31, no liability insurance, arrested by Coffeeville Police Dept. Robert Stacey, 53, receiving stolen property first degree, theft of property second degree ([post_excerpt],500- ,500), arrested by Clarke County Sheriff’s Dept. Gequanzie Lamar Robinson, 27, attempting to elude, burglary third degree, domestic violence second degree, arrested by Clarke County Sheriff’s Dept. Anthony Washington, 55, domestic violence third degree, arrested by Clarke County Sheriff’s Dept. Patricia Lee, 40, theft of property first degree, arrested by Clarke County Sheriff’s Dept. Jacoby Johnson, 23, petition... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/clarke-arrests-632/
Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/super-crossword-35/
Joshua Perry and his wife Jarhonda of Orlando found riding on Avelo Airlines exciting as it celebrated its 100th day of operating at Mobile International Airport on Sept. 7. The Perrys were flying on Avelo from Orlando to Mobile with other family members and planned to check out the casinos in Biloxi. “It’s always good to try something new,” Joshua Perry said. “Avelo is more professional than Frontier and Spirit and it’s affordable to get where you need to go.” A large crowd was on hand in the terminal waiting to take the flight to Orlando during the milestone event.... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/avelo-airlines-marks-100th-day-flying-between-mobile-and-orlando/
Marriages Sept. 11—15 Erica Elaina Allday to Michael Gaines Smith Emily Ann Stewart to Seth Thomas Schultz Property deeds Sept. 11—15 Estate of Dona Henderson to Angela H. Christian The Alabama-West Florida to Gainestown Community Church Boris Ely to The Joe and Pearlie Ely Estate, LLC Wanda Ely to Derric Jackson Daphne Boone to Joseph F. Boone Cindy Mills Faith to Mary A. Mills Janice M. Wilson to Russell Kurt Wilson Jordan Timber Company, Inc. to Tammy E. Evans Jordan Timber Company, Inc. to George E. Evans Yolanda Henson to Yolanda Henson French W. Downey to Lou C. Wiggins, Jr.-... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/clarke-records-333/
Eight deaths were reported on Alabama roads and highways during the four-day Labor Day weekend, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The total deaths dropped from 10 in 2022 and there were no marine-related fatalities, the ALEA said. The eight deadly traffic crashes occurred in Montgomery, Marion, Marshall, Cullman, Washington, Randolph, Tuscaloosa and Lawrence counties. Four individuals were not using seat belts and the fifth involved an all-terrain vehicle where the individual was not using restraints, the ALEA said. The sixth fatality involved a motorcycle where the operator was using a helmet and the seventh victim was using a... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/eight-traffic-fatalities-over-labor-day-holiday/
Clarke County Revenue Commissioner Tyler Montana Prescott has announced annual homestead exemption renewal forms have been mailed. Taxpayers who receive a partial or total property tax exemption on their homestead residences based on age or disability will receive the forms. Under Alabama law, taxpayers over 65 can apply annually for a reduction in their property taxes on their homestead residence. Prescott said the form, which is for the 2024 tax year, must be returned to the revenue commissioner’s office by Dec. 31. For more information, call the revenue commissioner’s office at 251-275-3375. Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/homestead-exemption-forms-are-in-the-mail/
You may love the Lovebug lyrics by Jonas Brothers while driving. But for Alabamians, lovebugs are a stubborn, sticky seasonal problem for drivers. Lovebugs or Plecia nearctica Hardy, swarm out twice a year like clockwork— every May and September. The autumn swarm is usually larger and plague-like. Although individual females live for only a few days, adult flight activity last for about a month before they disappear. This fly earns the common name “lovebugs” because it often flies while still coupled during mating. They become abundant locally often after a rain. They are concentrated in areas with decaying organic matter,... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/lovebugs-are-back/
A new helicopter ambulance will operate in Thomasville after Air Evac announced it would cease serving the area. Haynes LifeFlight confirmed it will locate a helicopter in Thomasville in early October, Mayor Sheldon Day told city councilmembers at the Sept. 11 meeting. Day said initial plans are for the helicopter to utilize a hangar in Grove Hill. In the long term, Day said the helicopter could locate at the new Southwest Alabama Regional Airport or at a new fire station the city wants to build on the south side of town. Air Evac recently announced it has stopped operating a... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/haynes-bringing-in-air-amublance-to-serve-region/
A Thomasville man faces 20 years to life imprisonment for murder when he is sentenced next week in Clarke County Circuit Court. A jury found Jeremiah Wesley Irvin guilty of the murder of Frederick Wright June 16 following a threeday trial at the Clarke County Courthouse in Grove Hill. Wright was shot on his front porch on Dixon Road off of Bashi Road in the Choctaw Corner area on Feb. 2, 2021. Wright was the stepfather of Irvin’s wife, Tiera Watson. They were married but were not living together and she was living with her mother and stepfather. Prosecutors continued... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/tville-man-faces-20-years-to-life-when-sentenced-next-week/
A Clarke County man has been indicted on charges he took, operated and damaged a road grader belonging to the Monroe County Commission. Chadwick Calvin “Chad” Bradford, 48, of Dickinson was indicted by a Monroe County grand jury on two counts of first-degree criminal mischief and auto burglary. The first count said Bradford knowingly inflicted damage exceeding ,500 to a motor grader belonging to the Monroe County Commission. The second count said Bradford knowingly used the motor grader in violation of state law. The motor grader, used by the county’s road department, was parked in the Packard’s Bend area of... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/bradford-indicted-for-operating-damaging-monroe-road-grader/
The federal government announced it has selected the first 10 drugs it will negotiate for lower prices with pharmaceutical firms. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services selected the drugs, all of which are covered under Medicare Part D. The 10 drugs — Eliquis, Jardiance, Xarelto, Januvia, Farxiga, Entresto, Enbrel, Imbruvica, Stelara and Fiasp/NovoLog — accounted for .5 billion of total costs for Medicare’s Part D program from June 2022 to May 2023. Medicare plans to use the cost savings to place a ,000 limit on enrollees’ of out-of-pocket expenditures for drugs starting in 2026. But it could delay innovation... Article Link https://www.clarkecountydemocrat.com/articles/10-prescription-drugs-proposed-for-lower-prices/
