Cooking in the Black Belt
The more I’ve been baking, the more technically obsessive I’ve become about even the simplest projects. Chocolate chip cookies are the worst offenders in that regard. There’s an endless stream of opinions about what makes the “perfect” version—chewy, crunchy, cakey, Levain-style, pan-banged, double chocolate, triple chocolate, oatmeal, peanut butter, or the infamous “kitchen sink.” There... Read More
Marion native elected bishop in CME Church
The Rev. Dr. Richard D. Shaw, a Marion native, has been elected the 70th bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, one of the nation’s historically Black Methodist denominations. Shaw was elected on the second ballot at the church’s 41st General Conference, held June 13–19 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. The General Conference, which... Read More
McClenney selected to UA Early College Spring 2026 Director’s List
A total of 672 students enrolled in UA Early College during Spring Semester 2026 at The University of Alabama were named to the Director’s List with an academic record of 3.6 or higher. The Director’s List recognizes students enrolled in classes through the UA Early College program. UA Early College allows high school students to... Read More
District 1 commission contest awaits state party ruling as Bennett seeks support
More than a month after the May 19 Democratic primary, the contest over the Perry County Commission District 1 seat remains unresolved before the Alabama Democratic Party, and the challenger certified as the winner has gone public asking supporters to help fund his side of the fight. Donald Bennett defeated incumbent Commissioner Albert Turner Jr.... Read More
Coalition, Perry County Schools launch No Child Without a Bed
The Alabama Coalition for Healthy Mothers & Children and the Perry County School System have launched No Child Without a Bed, a countywide effort to provide beds for children who do not have one. The project is backed by a $20,000 grant from the Mark Cuban Foundation, which made a similar gift for a drive... Read More
Former Marion mayor sues city over unresolved 2025 arrest and tax reporting
Anthony “Tony” Long, a Perry County commissioner who served as mayor of Marion from 2004 to 2016, has filed suit against the City of Marion, accusing the city of failing to carry out its legal duties in two separate matters: its handling of records and proceedings connected to his arrest last year, and its reporting... Read More
Affidavits citing ethics case circulate among Marion officials
Current and former members of Marion’s city government have received affidavits in recent days asking them to swear, before a notary, that the city council was aware of and supported placing the city clerk in a part-time municipal court position. A former council member who received one of the affidavits said it was sent by... Read More
Classifieds Week of June 25, 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, $1.25 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, $1.25 per... Read More
Legal Notices Week of June 25, 2026
Legal Notice Notice is hereby given that Tren-Tay Inc., 5558 Curry Hwy, Ste. 6, Jasper, AL 35503, (205)387-7790, has completed all work on the Phase II – Greensboro Valve Replacement Project for The Utilities Board of the City of Greensboro. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project... Read More
Cooking in the Black Belt
For those of you who are curious, I’m somewhat delirious with the sudden fall of this “curtain of heat,” as I’ve been calling it. The horizon is hazy with humidity, and I have to run outside earlier and earlier if I want to get more than 30 minutes of yard work done before I have... Read More