Perry among poorest counties in Alabama
Ten Black Belt counties are the poorest counties in Alabama, according to statistics released by a poverty advocacy group this week. Alabama Possible issued their newest Barriers to Prosperity report on Wednesday, December 17. The report, which compiles statistics from numerous public sources, shows Alabama is the seventh poorest state in America. The findings show... Read More
Qualifying underway for primary election in Perry, ends Jan. 23
Qualifying for the 2026 elections is underway in Perry County, with several candidates already in the races as of Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 13. Candidate qualifying opened Jan. 5 and will continue through Friday, Jan. 23. Primary elections are set for May 19, 2026, with the general election to follow on Nov. 3, 2026. According to... Read More
Car break-in, damaged police vehicles, wrecked apartment lead to multiple charges in Marion
A Thomaston man has been charged in Perry County District Court after authorities say he broke into a woman’s vehicle, damaged two police cars, and wrecked her apartment during a domestic disturbance in Marion earlier this month. De’Marquees Travieon Tucker, 25, of Hillcrest Drive in Thomaston, is charged with: One count of breaking and entering... Read More
Callan JMB is likely behind Judson campus purchase
The Texas company now moving to redevelop the former Judson College campus is tied into a much larger network of public health contractors, cold-chain logistics firms, and Alabama political insiders, and one of the key figures at the center of that network is veteran Montgomery lobbyist Liberty Duke. Duke, who has represented the new owners... Read More
Commission approves tax abatement for Judson project
The Perry County Commission on Monday approved a county tax abatement for the still-unnamed buyer of the former Judson College campus, over objections from two commissioners who said they were not comfortable voting on an incentive package for a company they cannot yet identify. The resolution was presented under the name “Judson Property, LLC,” with... Read More
Ida Mae Johnson
Ida Mae Johnson, 78, died December 20, 2025. She was born June 9, 1947, in Akron, Alabama, to Ms. Alberta Fields and Johnny Hines, who preceded her in death. She confessed hope in Christ at Flatwood C.M.E. Church under the leadership of Rev. Glen E. Jones Sr. Death is just a bridge across the river... Read More
Zachary Coats
Zachary L. Coats, 53, died December 27, 2025. He was born June 10, 1972. Viewing was held Friday, January 2, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Melvin Miller Funeral Service, 302 Pickens Street, Marion. A celebration of life service was held Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 12 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, 20987... Read More
Robert Mickens
Robert Mickens, 93, died December 24, 2025. He was born September 19, 1932, in Greensboro, Alabama, to the late Joe and Elizabeth Mickens. He confessed Christ at an early age and joined Mars Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Upon moving to Cleveland, Ohio, he joined Greater Friendship Baptist Church, where he served on the Usher Board... Read More
Meetings set for West Alabama Regional Planning Organization
The West Alabama Rural Planning Organization (RPO) will hold the following meetings: 1. Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) Bibb County – Monday, January 26, 2026, 6:00 p.m.Brent City Hall, 22 1st Street, Brent, AL Fayette County – Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 5:00 p.m.Fayette County Commission Chamber, 103 1st Avenue NW, Fayette, AL Greene County –... Read More
January is good time to think about cage culture for recreational ponds
January is a popular month for goal setting and planning. Beyond the typical New Year’s resolutions of getting fit and saving money, landowners in Alabama may set a goal of better managing resources, including recreational fish ponds. For those wanting a more reliable harvest of fish, cage culture may be a good option to try... Read More