Gov. Ivey kicks off School Choice Week, celebrates education freedom wins for Alabama students
Special to the News On Monday Gov. Kay Ivey kicked off School Choice Week by celebrating Alabama’s education freedom wins for Alabama students. “Our students are the foundation for a better future for Alabama,” said Gov. Ivey. “Every child deserves access to a quality education that meets their unique needs and helps them reach their full…
Read MoreHistory and future as seen by an outsider: Part 1
Alabama is known as one of the most diverse states in the nation. We have mountains, white sand beaches, rivers, lakes, creeks, forest lands, farming, interstate highways, and wonderful backroads. Of all these attributes, Coosa County has all of these – except the interstate highways and white sand beaches. Our eastern boundaries include the…
Read MoreBobwhite quail population stable in Alabama
By David Rainer Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources This past summer, I experienced a treat I didn’t expect would happen again in my lifetime. A covey of bobwhite quail made their summer home in the acreage around our home in Baldwin County. I cherished each “Bob-White” mating call I…
Read MoreGov. Ivey supports legislation limiting screen time for early childhood education
Special to the News Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday announced her support for the Healthy Early Development and Screen Time Act, limiting electronic screen access in certain early childhood education and licensed childcare facilities. The governor singled out the bill as a priority during her state of the state address on January 13.…
Read MoreLast day of qualifying for Alabama Republican Party primaries brings surprises to campaign season
So the final day of qualifying for the 2026 Alabama Republican Party primaries last week did not disappoint, as some eye-opening revelations occurred. There were three races where former public officials have thrown their name back in the ring to serve again. Former Sen. Gerald Dial is running for his old seat in East Alabama,…
Read MoreADOC arrest warrants executed by U.S. Marshals Service Task Force
Special to the News On Tuesday, January 20, U.S. Marshals Service Task Force officers executed an arrest warrant at the residence of Christopher Needham in Birmingham. Needham held active arrest warrants through Marshall County for criminal conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime and second-degree criminal conspiracy to promote prison contraband, both of which…
Read MoreADOC employee arrested on contraband charge at Fountain
Special to the News On Wednesday, January 21, the ADOC K-9 teams assigned to Fountain Correctional Facility were conducting vehicle checkpoints. Canine Gambler alerted to an odor of narcotics in the vehicle of employee Donniquia Grace. A search was conducted, and a contraband package was discovered on her person. She was detained and interviewed…
Read MoreHumility needed in the pulpit and pew
The late radio teacher, J. Vernon McGee, had a famous line: “When Satan fell, he fell into the choir loft!” This comment may be a bit arcane since contemporary churches may not have a loft or choir, but a “praise team” on stage or platform. But maybe McGee was onto something – at least in…
Read MoreCounty hears quarry proposal, concerns
By Christa Jennings Senior Staff Writer Last Tuesday’s County Commission meeting saw much discussion regarding a proposed granite quarry to potentially be located in the Kellyton community. While the meeting lasted more than three hours, only approximately 30 minutes were spent on action items, with about an hour and a half spent on the quarry…
Read MoreALEA urges Alabamians to prepare for black ice, slick roads as potential winter weather approaches this weekend
Special to the News With the potential for winter weather impacts across Alabama this weekend, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is urging motorists statewide to prepare now and remain alert for hazardous road conditions, including black ice and slick roadways, as forecasts continue to evolve. While exact impacts may shift before the weekend,…
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