Federal funds available for farmers after challenging year
After a difficult year, federal assistance is now available to help row crop and specialty crop farmers. The Farmer Bridge Assistance program and the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program have been authorized to distribute $11 billion and $1 billion, respectively. Applications for the Farmer Bridge Assistance program opened on Feb. 23, with one-time payment... Read More
Shelton will offer healthcare exploration camp this summer
Shelton State Community College (SSCC) Workforce Development, in partnership with the college’s Health Services, will offer a four-day Health Exploration Camp from June 22 – June 25, 2026, running daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the College’s Martin Campus. Registration is open to students entering grades 9–12 who are interested in healthcare professions.... Read More
Cooking in the Black Belt
I just got through a very eventful weekend. Between the Sumac Sundowner in Greensboro Friday evening and the Low Country Boil Saturday evening, you can guarantee I fell straight down on the couch Saturday night. You can also guarantee that part of that exhaustion came from living in the kitchen for three days straight. The... Read More
Classifieds Week of Mar 19, 2026
Classified Ad Rates — MINIMUM RATE (In Hale or Perry County) —$20.00 per insertion, 20 words or less. All words in excess of 20, $1.25 per word. Payable in advance of publication. — MINIMUM RATE (Outside Hale or Perry County) —$20.00 per insertion, 20 words or less. All words in excess of 20, $1.25 per... Read More
Legal Notices Week of Mar 19, 2026
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage dated January 29, 2008, executed by PATRICK KEARLEY, AN UNMARRIED MAN, to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEM, SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR TAYLOR, BEAN & WHITAKER MORTGAGE CORP., ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, which mortgage was recorded on... Read More
Muckle’s Ridge Festival Returns to Marion May 2, Vendor Signups Open
The Muckle’s Ridge Festival is returning to the Perry County Courthouse Square in historic downtown Marion on May 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The family-friendly festival, which has not been held in more than a decade, will feature live music on the courthouse steps and a food truck row. Car clubs, motorcycle clubs,... Read More
Deadline Approaching for ACCS Automotive Manufacturing Scholarships
The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) have continued their partnership to offer additional scholarships for residents interested in pursuing careers in the state’s automotive manufacturing industry. The $4,000 scholarships will cover tuition, books, and fees and are available to students enrolled in an eligible Alabama community college program... Read More
Ala. Power seeks volunteers for spring waterway cleanups
Alabama Power has announced the 2026 schedule for Renew Our Rivers, its annual statewide waterway cleanup program, with several events planned near Perry and Hale counties this spring. A cleanup at Lake Demopolis is scheduled for March 26–27. Volunteers can contact Bridgette Emory at bmemory@southernco.com to sign up. A cleanup on the Holt Reservoir is... Read More
Applications always fee-free at Alabama Community Colleges
Students who missed Free Application Week can still apply to college free of charge at their local community college. The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) colleges, as a matter of policy, do not charge an application fee. Additionally, as part of their open-enrollment approach, community colleges have removed other barriers to higher education, including ACT... Read More
Johnny L. Sheppard
Johnny L. Sheppard, 29, of Marion died March 2, 2026. He was born Oct. 3, 1996. A memorial service was held March 8 at Melvin Miller Funeral Service, 302 Pickens St., Marion.