Rosemari Claibon-Hopson

Assistant District Attorney Rosemari Claibon-Hopson, who served in Alabama’s 4th Judicial Circuit, died Jan. 10 after what colleagues described as a private health battle. Claibon-Hopson worked in the circuit that covers Bibb, Dallas, Hale, Perry and Wilcox counties. She was most recently assigned to Dallas County Juvenile Court, the district criminal division and the child...
Read More

Cooking in the Black Belt

This past weekend, we had family from North Carolina down to visit; which called for the Jefferson County bunch to come and visit. Naturally, this meant a family lunch was in order. Aunt Wendy brought the salad, I brought the chocolate marble cake, and mother-in-law Carol made chicken spaghetti. A weeknight staple when I was...
Read More

Classifieds Week of Jan 22, 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, 75¢ 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,...
Read More

Ivey launches flood notification system

Governor Kay Ivey kicked off the 2026 Regular Session Tuesday evening by delivering her ninth State of the State address, announcing she is launching a statewide flood notification system. The governor’s action comes after Texas experienced devastating flooding that claimed the lives of Alabamians, including Sarah Marsh, who was away at a summer camp. “Alabama...
Read More

Lapsley Named to Dean’s List at Lawson State

Virginia Lapsley of Marion, AL was named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2025 semester at Lawson State Community College. Virginia was among 208 students named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List. Dean’s List Scholars attained a grade point average of 3.5, consisting of a minimum course load of not fewer than twelve (12)...
Read More

Free CNA Classes Will Be Held Jan. 26

Residents of Marion, Perry County, Marengo County, Uniontown, and Demopolis are invited to take part in a free certified nursing assistant (CNA) training class offered by Sowing Seeds of Hope on January 26. To secure a spot in the class, participants should call 334-683-4666 and ask for Dorothea.

Braxton resigns as Newbern mayor after residency challenge

Patrick Braxton resigns as mayor of Newbern following election contest settlement Patrick Braxton has resigned as mayor of the Town of Newbern following the resolution of a Hale County Circuit Court election contest that challenged his eligibility to hold office based on residency. Braxton’s resignation comes after Circuit Judge Marvin W. Wiggins entered an order...
Read More