Jacksonville News

Jacksonville State University Choirs to Present Handel’s Messiah at Randy Owen Center Nov. 6
JACKSONVILLE, AL — As originally reported by Brett Buckner with JSU’s media department, Jacksonville State University’s Civic Chorale and A Cappella Choir will join four

Calhoun County Runners Among Area Athletes Qualifying for AHSAA State Cross Country Championships
Area schools and runners who qualified for Saturday’s AHSAA state cross country championships at Moulton’s Oakville Indian Mounds Park & Museum. Editor’s note: State cross

Jacksonville State University to Host AI Forward Summit Connecting Education and Industry in February
JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville State University will host a two-day summit focused on the growing influence of artificial intelligence in education and the workforce. AI

Jacksonville State Defeats New Mexico State 24-0 as Caden Creel Sets Rushing Record and Gamecocks Clinch Bowl Eligibility
Creel makes his mark in Jax State history as the Gamecocks down New Mexico State to clinch bowl eligibility. LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Caden Creel

Jacksonville State University Professor’s Research Receives 2026 USEC Test of Time Award
JACKSONVILLE, AL – Research co-authored by Jacksonville State University Associate Professor of Computer Science Dr. Arup Ghosh has received the 2026 USEC Test of Time

Eleven Jacksonville State University Students Complete LEAD Program in Calhoun County
JACKSONVILLE, AL — As originally reported by Brett Buckner with JSU’s media department, eleven Jacksonville State University students recently completed the Leadership, Education and Development

Jacksonville City Council Approves Equipment Purchases, Tax Abatement and Personnel Changes During October 26 Meeting
Jacksonville, AL – The Jacksonville City Council met Monday, October 26, 2026, for its regularly scheduled work session and council meeting, addressing infrastructure improvements, public

Ohatchee Clinches Playoff Berth With Late Touchdown as Area Football Teams Secure Key Victories
Trick-play TD with 35 seconds left lifts Ohatchee over Gaston, into playoffs. Wheeler passes Alexandria to victory over rival Jacksonville. White Plains extends winning streak

Jacksonville State University Announces 2026 Alumni of the Year Honorees
JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville State University has announced four graduates selected for its 2026 Alumni of the Year Awards, recognizing accomplishments in education, business, military service

AmFirst Receives Three National Marketing Awards, Including Recognition for Jacksonville State Partnership
BIRMINGHAM, AL — AmFirst has received three national marketing awards from the Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC), recognizing the credit union’s work in video production,

Jacksonville State University Dedicates Scott Williams Dining Room in Recognition of 47-Year Career
JACKSONVILLE, AL – Jacksonville State University officially dedicated the Scott Williams Dining Room during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, October 14, recognizing Williams’ 47-year career

Jacksonville to Host Jax-O-Ween Halloween Event at Community Center October 27
JACKSONVILLE, AL – The City of Jacksonville and Jacksonville Parks & Recreation will host Jax-O-Ween on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Jacksonville City Schools Board Approves Energy Efficiency Upgrades, Roadway Paving Contribution
JACKSONVILLE, AL – The Jacksonville City Board of Education approved an amendment to an energy savings contract, authorized funding for roadway improvements near Kitty Stone

Irish Christmas in America to Bring Traditional Holiday Music and Dance to Jacksonville State University December 1
JACKSONVILLE, AL – Jacksonville State University will host Irish Christmas in America on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 8 p.m. at the Randy Owen Center

Jacksonville State University to Host International House 80th Alumni Reunion October 30–November 1
JACKSONVILLE, AL – Jacksonville State University will welcome International House alumni back to campus October 30 through November 1, 2026, for the International House 80th

Judge Issues Temporary Restraining Order Allowing Two Jacksonville Football Players to Return
Temporary restraining order allows two Jacksonville players to return to action as soon as tonight, at Moody. Two Jacksonville High School football players ruled ineligible

Jacksonville Public Library to Host Spooky Soiree Halloween Event on October 23
JACKSONVILLE, AL – Jacksonville Public Library (JPL) will host its Spooky Soiree on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., offering a Halloween-themed afternoon of

Jax State Student Cole Bridges Receives National Fellowship for Commitment to First-Year Student Success
JACKSONVILLE, AL — As originally reported by Brett Buckner with JSU’s media department, Jacksonville State University sophomore Cole Bridges has been named a recipient of

Jacksonville Public Library to Host JPL Art Alley for Ages 8–12 on October 20
JACKSONVILLE, AL — The Jacksonville Public Library will host JPL Art Alley on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 4 p.m., offering children ages 8–12 an

Jacksonville State Opens Conference USA Play 3-0 as Kelly Emphasizes Focus Ahead of Upcoming Schedule
Jax State seems to have settled into a winning formula with a 3-0 start to CUSA play, but Kelly wants to keep the ‘rat poison’

Jacksonville State University Names Eight Recipients of 2026 Honors Scholarship
Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University has announced eight recipients of its 2026 Honors Scholarship, a competitive academic award that provides four years of financial

Jacksonville City Council Approves Property Purchase Agreement, Public Safety Funding, Service Contracts and Personnel Changes
JACKSONVILLE, AL – The Jacksonville City Council addressed municipal operations, public safety, property acquisition, service agreements and personnel matters during its October 12, 2026, work

Country Swing Workshop for Beginners Set for October 18 in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, AL — Residents interested in learning country swing dancing will have an opportunity to participate in a beginner-friendly workshop on Sunday, October 18, 2026,

Jacksonville State’s Charles Kelly Uses Unusual Book Report Assignment to Help Kicker Regain Confidence
After Rippa’s rare clutch miss at Ohio, Kelly righted his kicker by having him write a book report, and Rippa hasn’t missed since. JACKSONVILLE —

Historic Profile Mill in Jacksonville Could Become Manufacturing Hub for Housing, Jobs and Community Development
Jacksonville, AL – A new chapter may be beginning for Jacksonville’s historic Profile Mill following an October 5, 2026, ceremony highlighting plans to rehabilitate the

Four Jax State Education Students Participate in National Civic Education Workshop in Philadelphia
Jacksonville, AL – As orgainlly reported by Brett Buckener with JSU’s media department, four Jacksonville State University senior secondary education students participated in the National

AHSAA Upholds Jacksonville Football Penalties, Playoff Ban and Coaching Suspensions
The AHSAA Central Board had voted to uphold penalties levied against Jacksonville High School’s football program, including restrictive probation with playoff ban for this season

Jax State Edges Kennesaw State 27-26 on Garrison Rippa’s Late Field Goal
Clutch kicker comes through again after rare miss earlier this season, lifts Jax State to 27-26 victory at Kennesaw State. KENNESAW, Ga. — Garrison Rippa

Jacksonville State University and Central Alabama Community College Sign Agreement to Expand Transfer Opportunities
Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University and Central Alabama Community College (CACC) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at expanding transfer opportunities,

Jacksonville State’s Jax MIX Receives National Award for General Education Innovation
JACKSONVILLE, AL. — Jacksonville State University has received national recognition for its Jax MIX general education program, earning the 2026 Exemplary General Education Program Award

Jacksonville State’s Benjamin Gross Participates in International Civic Education Conference in Germany
JACKSONVILLE, AL — As originally reported by Brett Buckner with JSU’s media department, Dr. Benjamin Gross, director of Jacksonville State University’s Center for Leadership and

Jacksonville to Appeal Football Sanctions to AHSAA Central Board
Turned down at the District 6 level, Jacksonville officials eye appeal of football sanctions to AHSAA’s Central Board. By Joe Medley Jacksonville’s appeal of AHSAA

Gamecocks Turn Focus to Kennesaw State After Middle Tennessee Victory
JACKSONVILLE, AL. — Jacksonville State used a few extra days between games to recover from a five-game opening stretch and turn its attention toward the

Jacksonville Coaches, Players’ Families Sue AHSAA Over Football Penalties
Suspended coaches, families of players ruled inligible sue AHSAA, seeking to stop penalties, receive compensatory damages. By Joe Medley JACKSONVILLE — While Jacksonville High School

Jacksonville Public Library to Explore Haunted History of Lighthouses
JACKSONVILLE, AL — The Jacksonville Public Library will explore spooky stories and legends from the sea during an upcoming program focused on the haunted history of

Jacksonville State University Releases September 2026 Campus Crime Report
JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville State University has released its campus crime and activity log for September 2026, detailing incidents reported to University Police at residence

Jax State A Cappella Choir to Compete at International Festival in Germany
JACKSONVILLE, AL — As originally reported by Brett Buckner with JSU’s media department, Jacksonville State University’s A Cappella Choir will travel to Europe in May

Jacksonville State University Names Inaugural 22 Under 40 Young Alumni Class
JACKSONVILLE, AL. – Jacksonville State University has announced the inaugural class of its 22 Under 40 Young Alumni recognition program, honoring graduates under age 40

Jacksonville Council Reviews Videography Proposal, Signage Strategy, Employee Compensation Changes and Mainstreet Hotel Update
JACKSONVILLE, AL. — The Jacksonville City Council reviewed several city projects and policy matters during a work session Monday, Sept. 28, including proposals involving city

Johnson’s Subtle Skills Help Unlock Jax State Offense
Subtleties in Johnson’s game making his not-subtle upside show through, and helping Jax State’s offense do more things. JACKSONVILLE — Yards didn’t exactly translate to

Jacksonville Public Library to Host Blacklight Painting Event for Tweens and Teens
Jacksonville, AL – The Jacksonville Public Library will host a Tween/Teen Blacklight Painting event on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 12:30 p.m. The event is open

Friday Football Roundup: Jacksonville Wins After Emotional Week, Weaver Earns First Victory Under Brooks
Hughley ‘doing great’ after Jacksonville caps emotional week with victory. Westbrook Christian stops conversion to win clash with Oneonta. Wellborn’s Traylor passes 1,000 rushing yards.

Local Artist Nanda Patel Creates Angle Hall Work for Jacksonville State President’s Office
JACKSONVILLE, AL — As originally reported by Brett Buckner with JSU’s media department, a commissioned rendering of one of Jacksonville State University’s most recognizable buildings has

UCW-Jax State, Friends of the Union Propose Tiered COLA for University Workers
Jacksonville, AL – United Campus Workers–Jax State (UCW-Jax State) and Friends of the Union–Jax State (FOTU) are asking Jacksonville State University leaders to consider a

AHSAA Places Jacksonville Football on Restrictive Probation; Coaches Suspended as School Appeals
AHSAA puts Jacksonville football program on restrictive probation, suspends Sullivan, assistant for a year. By Joe Medley The AHSAA has placed Jacksonville High School’s football

Nix’s Versatility Continues to Pay Off for Jax State
Nix has brought a lot to Jax State, but here’s betting there’s more. (Includes video of Jax State football coach Charles Kelly, defensive lineman Quay

Jacksonville State Health Professions Students Complete LEAD Program
JACKSONVILLE, AL – Two Jacksonville State University College of Health Professions and Wellness students recently completed the LEAD (Leadership, Education and Development) Program, a partnership

JCA, Faith Christian, Piedmont Score Area Wins; Oxford, Munford, Weaver Sweep
JCA, Faith Christian, Piedmont win area matches. Oxford, Munford, Weaver sweep trimatches. Pleasant Valley splits. Serving and receiving around the area with Monday’s matches: JACKSONVILLE

Jacksonville State Sets Enrollment Record for Sixth Consecutive Year
JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville State University has reached a new all-time enrollment record for the sixth consecutive year, with 10,433 students enrolled for the Fall

Jax State Alumnus Establishes Scholarship Honoring John and Ivania Ketterer’s International House Legacy
JACKSONVILLE, AL — As originally reported by Brett Buckner with JSU’s media department, Jacksonville State University alumnus Slava Katliarou has established a new endowed scholarship