Sandra Burnette
Sandra Darlene Stone Burnette (“MaMa”), age 61, of Centreville, Alabama, entered into her heavenly home on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Sandra was born on May 22, 1965, in Marion, Alabama. Sandra was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and great-aunt. She is survived by her loving mother, Dorothy Mae Nichols Stone; her loving husband... Read More
Edward Bernard Swanzy
Edward Bernard Swanzy, 89, of Vestavia Hills, died Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at his home. He was born July 9, 1937, in Selma, Alabama, to Bernard and Janie Walthall Swanzy. He proudly served his country as a member of the Air National Guard and was a graduate of the University of Alabama. Bernard built a... Read More
Jessie Ray Averette
Jessie Ray Averette, 72, of Marion, died Wednesday, June 24. Jessie Ray was born October 22, 1953, in Alabama. Jessie Ray was preceded in death by Rita Jo Averette, Christopher Ray Averette, Wendy Michelle Averette, Jimmy Wayne Averette, Jackson C. Averette, and Inez Lagrone Averette. Jessie Ray is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth Robin Averette... Read More
Howard Eugean Carter
Howard Eugean Carter, 75, of Heiberger, died Saturday, June 27. He was born August 3, 1950. He spent his early life working for Seaman Timber Company. He loved hunting and fishing. Howard will be missed by his three brothers, other family, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosa; his parents,... Read More
Betty Swindal Garner
Betty Swindal Garner, 81, of Centreville, died peacefully on Monday, June 22. Betty was born on February 14, 1945, in Perry County. She lived a life centered on family and service to others. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose warm heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family touched... Read More
Keep Kids Safe in Sun, Water this Summer
With summer in full swing, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System reminds parents and guardians of the risks tied to sun exposure and water activities. Silvia Vilches, a family and child development specialist with Alabama Extension at Auburn University, said being aware of these risks lets families enjoy the season safely. “Being aware of risks of... Read More
Safe Firework Use: Protecting Nature, Homes This July 4th
Fireworks are a festive part of the 4th of July, but they also carry wildfire risk. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System offers the following tips for safe use this Independence Day. Choose a large, open launch site with little vegetation, staying roughly 300 feet from forests, woodlands, or grasslands and 150 feet from homes and... Read More
Cooking in the Black Belt
Life has been a rat race lately—one place after another. It’s next to impossible to pin me down for any length of time. Between washing windows, scraping paint, the usual loads of laundry, all this summer heat makes me want to do is sit down and read a book in a rocker. Sure, I wouldn’t... Read More
State party orders District 1 recount; county sets Turner’s bond at $8,500
The Alabama Democratic Party has ordered a recount in the Perry County Commission District 1 Democratic primary. Following this order, the Perry County Democratic Executive Committee set an $8,500 security deposit that challenger Albert Turner Jr. must post up front before the recount can officially move forward. In a four-page decision, the State Democratic Executive... Read More
Final two PREP Center escapees captured after Selma standoff; all four now in custody
The two inmates who remained at large for nearly a month after escaping the Perry County Correctional PREP Center in Uniontown are back in custody. This closes out the search that began with the May 30 breakout, putting all four escapees, along with the woman accused of driving their getaway car, behind bars. Marquavious Billingsley,... Read More