ACCS announces record participation in dual enrollment
The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) announced record levels of participation in dual enrollment for the 2024–2025 academic year, reinforcing the ACCS’s stance that college is for everyone, including current high school students. According to the ACCS Instruction, Research, and Development division, Alabama’s 24 community colleges make up less than half of the state’s 60... Read More
Evie Fendley Thomas
Evie Fendley Thomas, age 84, of Hoover, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Brookwood Medical Center in Birmingham. Services were held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Greensboro Bible Methodist Church, with Bro. Steve Vernon officiating and Magnolia Chapel South directing. Burial followed at Oakwood Cemetery. She is preceded in... Read More
Cooking in the Black Belt
To say that I love to cook would be an understatement.I’m more than happy to fire up the oven and see where the pots and pans take me. This little column is my way of celebrating one of the things we do best around here—eating! Whether it’s dinner on the grounds, community bake sales, or... Read More
Classifieds Week of Jan 15, 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
Legal Notices Week of Jan 15, 2026
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALSFOR ACCOUNTING SERVICES Berean Headstart is requesting proposals from qualified Certified Public Accounting firms to provide accounting and auditing services. A full copy of the RFP document is available by emailing monica.bryant@bbhsal.com. Proposals are due by January 23, 2026 by 4:00 mp.m. All proposals must be received at: P.O.... Read More
Annual Alabama row crop short course will be held Jan. 20-21 in Prattville
It takes a full year to produce a good crop. But it takes less than two days to learn about the newest research, technologies, and management strategies that could help farmers yield a better harvest in 2026. An updated economic outlook, new regulations, and dealing with pests like cotton jassid and deer are some of... Read More
Rebecca Key Wetzel
Rebecca Virginia Key Wetzel (Becky) passed away peacefully at her home in Glen Allen, Virginia, on December 30, 2025, after a long illness. She was born on December 31, 1948, in Haleyville, Alabama. Becky is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Richard Carl Wetzel Jr. (Rick); her two sons, Richard C. Wetzel III,... Read More
Margaret Irene Hopkins
Margaret Irene “Peggy” Hopkins, 83, passed away peacefully at her home on December 16, 2025, after a lengthy illness, lovingly cared for by Southern Care New Beacon Hospice. A memorial service was held at Greensboro Presbyterian Church, 905 Demopolis Street, Greensboro, AL 36744, on January 3, 2026, with the Reverend John Alexander officiating. Visitation with... Read More
Cecil Rudolph Hinson Jr.
Cecil Rudolph Hinson Jr., affectionately known as Buddy, passed away December 29, 2025, at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife, Ana Hinson, with whom he built a life grounded in devotion, partnership, and adventure. He is also survived by his children, Susana Hinson Tull (Darrell Tull) and Allan Hinson (Elizabeth Hinson);... Read More
Dawn Michale Simpkins
Dawn Michale Simpkins died December 17, 2025, at the age of 67. She was born August 2, 1958, to Kaye and Mary Spencer in Pontiac, Michigan. She graduated from Avondale High School in 1976. She met the love of her life, Michael Dean Simpkins, and they were married on December 17, 1977. They settled in... Read More