Jacksonville News

Jax State Signs 25 in Early Class as Kelly Prioritizes High School Talent
JACKSONVILLE — Jax State signed added 25 high school signees in the early signing period for football Wednesday, including 17 three-star prospects. The three-star list

Jacksonville State University Receives $2.6 Million Federal Grant to Expand Civic Education Statewide
Jacksonville, AL – As originally reported by Brett Buckner with JSU’s media department, Jacksonville State University has been awarded a $2.6 million grant from the

Coaches Preview Conference USA Championship Matchup Between Jacksonville State and Kennesaw State
Jacksonville, AL – With the Conference USA Championship approaching, Jacksonville State Head Coach Rich Rodriguez and Kennesaw State Head Coach Brian “Coach Mac” Bohannon shared insights

Pleasant Valley Opens Herbert Era With Win; Lee, Hudson Lead JCA; White Plains Improves to 5-1; Donoho Takes OT Thriller; Weaver, JCA Girls Roll
Pleasant Valley wins in Herbert’s debut as Raiders’ head coach. Lee, Hudson power JCA. White Plains boys up to 5-1. Donoho wins in OT. Marks,

JSU Clinches Second Straight Home CUSA Championship Behind Creel and Rippa
Creel’s big performance, Rippa’s game-winning field goal earn Jax State right to host CUSA Championship for the second year in a row. By Joe Medley

Jacksonville Police Department K9s to Receive Donated Protective Vests
Jacksonville, AL – The Jacksonville Police Department’s K9 unit will soon receive upgraded safety equipment thanks to a charitable contribution from the national nonprofit organization Vested

Jax State Programming Team Earns Gold and Bronze at ICPC Southeast USA Division 2 Competition
Jacksonville AL – Members of the Jacksonville State University Programming Team earned Gold and Bronze medals at the 2025–26 International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) Southeast USA

Jacksonville City Council Addresses Homelessness, Insurance Costs, and Business Development
JACKSONVILLE, AL — The Jacksonville City Council convened Monday evening for their November 24 meeting, tackling issues ranging from a winter homeless assistance program to rising

JSU’s Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation Department Sees Major Expansion After Move to Ramona Wood Hall
Jacksonville, AL – As originally reported by Brett Buckner with the JSU Media Department, Jacksonville State University’s Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation is

JSU Center for Manufacturing Support Partners with Alabama Auto Plant for Advanced Robotics Training
Jacksonville, AL – The Jacksonville State University Center for Manufacturing Support (CMS) has partnered with the Alabama Auto Plant (AAP) to deliver hands-on FANUC Certified Handling

Dr. Jeremy Stovall Named Next Director of Bands at Jacksonville State University
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — Jacksonville State University has announced that Dr. Jeremy Stovall will serve as the next Director of Bands, succeeding longtime director Dr. Ken

Jacksonville City Schools Maintains A Rating for Second Consecutive Year
Jacksonville, AL – The Jacksonville City School Board convened on Wednesday, November 13, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Central Office Boardroom to conduct regular business

JSU Professor John Oles Elected to International Academy of Ceramics
Jacksonville, AL — As frst reported by Brett Buckner with the JSU media department, Jacksonville State University Associate Professor of Ceramics John Oles has been elected

Jacksonville Community Collaboration Delivers Coats to Eastwood Children After Local Meeting
JACKSONVILLE, AL — A recent conversation between Eastwood residents and city leaders led to a swift community response that placed winter coats directly into the

JSU Outdoor Education Students Partner with Jacksonville Parks & Recreation for Jax Family Fun Night
Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University’s Outdoor Education class, led by Dr. Kay, is partnering with Jacksonville Parks and Recreation (PARD) to host a special

Jacksonville Council Approves New Bar License Amid Community Concerns About Growing Number of Drinking Establishments
JACKSONVILLE, AL – The Jacksonville City Council unanimously approved two liquor licenses on November 10, 2025, but not before residents voiced concerns about the increasing

Jax State Trumpet Studio Invited to Perform at Prestigious TrumpetFest in Italy
Jacksonville, AL — As frst reported by Brett Buckner with the JSU media department, Jacksonville State University’s Trumpet Studio has been invited to perform at the

McNeal, Defense Lead Jacksonville to Stunning Overtime Upset of Ramsay at Legion Field
McNeal, defense step up as Jacksonville stuns Ramsay in overtime at Legion Field. Central-Clay, Westbrook Christian advance. Thursday playoff scores AHSAA Class 6A Parker 42,

Jacksonville State University Police Crime Stats for October 2025
JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville State University (JSU) Police Department is urging students, faculty, and staff to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious or concerning

Jax State Board Approves Plans for On-Campus Emergency Department and Health Center
Jacksonville, AL – The Jacksonville State University (Jax State) Board of Trustees has approved a resolution authorizing the university to enter into a Letter of

New Mayors and City Council Members Sworn In Across Calhoun County
Calhoun County, AL – Across Calhoun County, residents gathered on Monday at various locations as municipalities held official swearing-in ceremonies for newly elected mayors and

Jacksonville City Council Holds Organizational Meeting, Swears In New Leadership
JACKSONVILLE, AL — The Jacksonville City Council held its organizational meeting Monday morning at City Hall, marking the beginning of a new term for the

2025-26 Jax State Basketball Schedules Announced
2025-26 schedules for Jacksonville State University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. Home games in all-capital letters. Jax State men (1-0) Nov. 3: OAKWOOD, W, 117-63

JCA’s Miller and Grandson Lee Eye One Last Ride in CFA Championship Return
JCA’s Miller, grandson Lee eye final game together as coach and QB, perhaps Miller’s final game as head coach after Thunder downs Cornerstone to earn

Jacksonville State University to Host Annual United Nations Day Tea
Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University’s International House will host its annual United Nations Day Tea on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2 p.m. The

Jacksonville to Honor Mayor Johnny Smith with Public Retirement Celebration
Jacksonville, AL – The City of Jacksonville will host a public celebration in honor of Mayor Johnny Smith’s retirement, marking 33 years of dedicated service

Johnson Ignites Jax State Comeback in 24-21 Win Over MTSU
Middle Tennessee – Johnson breaks loose with big game after not starting, and Gamecocks find a passing game while coming back to beat Middle Tennessee

Jacksonville City Board of Education Holds October 29 Meeting
Jacksonville, AL – The Jacksonville City Board of Education convened its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in the Central Office Boardroom. The session opened

JSU Board Approves Partnership to Establish STEAM Institute – Home of Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama
Jacksonville, AL — The Jacksonville State University (JSU) Board of Trustees has approved an agreement with the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama to establish

Jacksonville City Council Advances Key Infrastructure Projects and Reviews Emergency Room Proposals
JACKSONVILLE, AL – The Jacksonville City Council held its regular meeting on October 29, 2025, addressing several significant agenda items including historical markers, a new

Jacksonville City Officials Honor 153rd Anniversary of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
Jacksonville, AL — On Sunday, Council Member Sherry Laster and Council Member Marques Green joined the congregation of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church to celebrate

Jacksonville State University Earns 2025 Campus Prevention Network Seal of Prevention
Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University (JSU) has been recognized with the 2025 Campus Prevention Network (CPN) Seal of Prevention, a national honor awarded by Vector

Jacksonville to Honor Council President Tony Taylor for Nine Years of Service
Jacksonville, AL – The City of Jacksonville will host an appreciation event recognizing Council President Tony Taylor for his nine years of dedicated service to the

Jacksonville Community Center and Germania Springs Park Host Family-Friendly Halloween Events
Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville residents can look forward to two evenings of festive fun as the city prepares for its annual “Not-So-Haunted Trail Trek” and “Bark

Jacksonville Public Library to Host Teen Blacklight Pumpkin Painting Event Saturday
JACKSONVILLE, AL — The Jacksonville Public Library is celebrating Halloween with a creative twist this weekend. On Saturday, October 25, at 11 a.m., the library

JCA Star Noah Lee Nears Historic Passing Milestone, Would Rank Second in AHSAA History
Jacksonville Christian standout, Jax State commit surpasses mark that would put him in second place in AHSAA history. GARDENDALE — Noah Lee played his way

JSU Hosts First Tocqueville Lecture Examining Justice After Genocide
Jacksonville, AL – The first Tocqueville Lecture, supported through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, will take place on Friday, October 24,

Jacksonville Public Library Hosts “Craftastic Halloween” Event for All Ages
JACKSONVILLE, AL — The Jacksonville Public Library will host its Craftastic Halloween event on Friday, October 17, at 3:30 p.m. at 200 Pelham Road South.

Gamecocks Stay on Track in CUSA: Flaws Aside, Jacksonville State Still Dominates League Play
Yes, Gamecocks have their flaws, but defending CUSA champions still right on schedule in league as we know it. JACKSONVILLE — Who’s perplexed that Jax

Jacksonville City Council Advances Emergency Room Project, Fire Station Construction
JACKSONVILLE, AL – The Jacksonville City Council held its regular meeting on October 13, 2025, addressing several significant infrastructure projects and approving multiple agreements during

Inaugural Pink Ribbon Trail Ride to Support Breast Cancer Awareness
JACKSONVILLE, AL — Cyclists and community members are invited to take part in the Inaugural Pink Ribbon Trail Ride on Saturday, October 18, 2025, beginning

Jacksonville State University Rises in U.S. News 2026 Rankings
Jacksonville, AL — Jacksonville State University (Jax State) has continued its steady upward trajectory in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Regional Universities

Rippa’s 52-Yard Walk-Off Field Goal Lifts Jax State Over Sam Houston State, Keeps Gamecocks Perfect in CUSA Play
Rippa delivers a walk-off field goal, and Jax State holds off winless Sam Houston State to go to 2-0 in CUSA play. HOUSTON — Garrison

Jacksonville State University Police Crime Stats for September 2025
JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville State University (JSU) Police Department is urging students, faculty, and staff to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious or concerning

Zeta Tau Alpha to “Paint the Town Pink” for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
JACKSONVILLE, AL — As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the sisters of Zeta Tau Alpha at Jacksonville State University are once again preparing to

Jacksonville State University Showcases Research Excellence at 50th Atlantic Marketing Association Conference
Portland, Maine — Jacksonville State University made a strong showing at the 50th Atlantic Marketing Association Conference, where faculty, staff, and students presented their research

Jacksonville State University Student Dies in Tragic Car Accident
JACKSONVILLE, AL — The Jacksonville State University community is mourning the loss of Elizabeth Brooklynn Barnes, a nursing student from Gadsden who passed away in

Jax State Jazz Ensemble Raises Funds for Cultural Exchange Trip to Cuba
Jacksonville, AL — As frst reported by Brett Buckner withthe JSU media department, the Jacksonville State University Jazz Ensemble is working to raise $60,000 for

Jacksonville State University Named Top Employer Headquartered in Alabama by Forbes
JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville State University (Jax State) has been recognized by Forbes as the highest-ranked employer headquartered in Alabama on its 2025 list of

Jacksonville State’s Dr. Kenneth G. Bodiford to Retire After Transformative 30-Year Career
JACKSONVILLE, AL — Dr. Kenneth G. Bodiford, longtime Director of Bands at Jacksonville State University, has announced he will retire at the end of the 2025–26