Blankenship to Retire as Alabama Conservation Commissioner; Stimpson Named Successor
MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship will retire at the end of September after more than three decades with the agency, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Tuesday. Ivey has selected Ben Stimpson Jr. to succeed Blankenship as commissioner beginning Oct. 1. Stimpson is expected to lead the Alabama Department […]
Anniston Council Hears Farewell Presentation from Rep. Barbara Boyd, Advances Park Hours Change and Economic Development Measures
ANNISTON, AL — The Anniston City Council handled a range of financial, administrative and economic development matters Tuesday, Sept. 15, while also recognizing longtime State Rep. Dr. Barbara Boyd as she approaches the end of 32 years in the Alabama Legislature. Boyd Marks End of 32 Years of Legislative Service Boyd was the focus of […]
Piedmont City Council Approves $17.47 Million 2027 Budget, Considers Hydrant Grant
PIEDMONT — The Piedmont City Council approved the city’s 2027 budget totaling $17,468,678.75 during its Sept. 15 meeting, with city officials reporting that departments faced spending reductions as the city worked to balance expenses with available revenue. Mayor Kevin Farmer said all city departments saw cuts in the new budget, with some also experiencing staff […]
Tuscaloosa Artist Yvonne Wells Featured in New Book Celebrating Her Narrative Quilts
TUSCALOOSA, AL — The work of Tuscaloosa artist Yvonne Wells is the focus of a new art book examining her distinctive narrative quilts and the stories of faith, history and personal experience woven throughout her work. It Tells My Story showcases 34 quilts from the Yvonne Wells Collection at the International Quilt Museum at the […]
Gadsden State Marks Completion of Nearly $9 Million Wallace Hall Renovation
GADSDEN, AL — Gadsden State Community College marked the completion of a nearly $9 million renovation of Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 11 at the college’s Wallace Drive Campus. The $8.94 million project renovated the 38,322-square-foot facility, which serves as a center for fine arts instruction, performances and community events. […]
Student Brings Firearm to Oxford High School; Officials Say No Credible Threat Remains
Oxford, AL – A student brought a firearm onto the Oxford High School campus Tuesday, Sept. 15, according to a joint statement from the Oxford Police Department and Oxford City Schools. According to the statement, established school safety reporting procedures were followed after the firearm was discovered, and Oxford Police responded immediately. Officials said the […]
Calhoun County Career Academy Receives $2.48 Million Grant for New Career and Technical Education Facility
Calhoun County, AL — Calhoun County Career Academy announced Tuesday that it has received a $2.48 million grant from the Alabama State Department of Education to support construction of a new facility aimed at expanding career and technical education opportunities for students across the Calhoun County School District. The grant was announced Sept. 15 at […]
Absentee Voting Begins in Alabama as 2026 General Election Sample Ballots Become Available
MONTGOMERY, AL — Absentee voting is underway in Alabama for the Nov. 3, 2026, General Election, and voters can now review sample ballots for all 67 counties as Election Day approaches. Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen announced that absentee voting began Wednesday, Sept. 9, and reminded voters of several deadlines for requesting and returning […]
Jacksonville Police Chief Marcus Wood Selected for Alabama Public Safety Leadership Academy
JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville Police Chief Marcus Wood is among 35 public safety professionals selected to participate in this year’s Alabama Public Safety Leadership Academy. The nine-month program, offered through the Alabama Fire College, is designed to strengthen management, leadership and strategic skills among public safety professionals across the state. Admission to the academy is […]
Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Public’s Help in Property Crime Investigation
Calhoun County, AL – The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating recent property crimes and is calling on the public for help. By encouraging community involvement, the Sheriff’s Office hopes to improve public safety and hold those accountable for these criminal activities. Property Crime: On August 31, deputies were dispatched to an apartment complex […]