West Alabama Corridor project could threaten search for Mabila, the 500-year-old Black Belt city where Tuskaloosa fought DeSoto
Gov. Kay Ivey announced the expansion of Alabama Highway 69 through Hale and Marengo Counties within only a few weeks of another announcement of massive significance for the Black Belt: the discovery of evidence of the lost city of Mabila. The city was a part of the chiefdom of Chief Tuskaloosa, the legendary Muskogean chief... Read More
Stillman awards over $500k in scholarships to Francis Marion students in one day
Justin James, communications director and recruiter with Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, could barely conceal his excitement on Tuesday, and with good reason. He had come to Perry County, to Francis Marion School, to make a huge announcement: more than half a million dollars in scholarships for local students. “Today is by far the greatest day... Read More
Retired Marion business owner ‘Boy Gene’ Harris dies at 84
Eugene N. Harris of Marion died March 7 at age 84. He was born July 11, 1937, in Birmingham, to Joe Harris and Bessie Rosenblum Harris Shiller. He owned Nathan Harris’ Sons, a clothing store located in downtown Marion and founded by his grandfather, for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents. He... Read More
Charles Lightsey
Charles Arthur Lightsey, known to family as “PawPaw,” passed away at the age of 82 on March 4, 2022 in Bessemer, Alabama. Charles was born April 17, 1939 in Birmingham, Alabama to Arthur and Mattie Lightsey. He had six siblings. Charles graduated from McAdory High School in 1957. After graduation he spent three years in... Read More
UA’s Education Policy Center says Black Belt students lag in STEM proficiency, Perry at only 5%
The Education Policy Center at the University of Alabama, released a brief on STEM education in the Black Belt region as a part of Black Belt 2022, a series tracking issues impacting the region. The brief detailed that students in Black Belt counties perform significantly lower in STEM programs and testing, compared to non-Black Belt... Read More
Perry County Board of Education Superintendent leads charge to ease teacher certification requirements
Alabama educators and officials recently recommended suspending requirements for teachers in the state to take the Praxis content knowledge test. A committee of local and state educators held a work session that formulated the plan to bring before Alabama’s Board of Education in Montgomery. Consisting of representatives from both higher education and K-12, the group... Read More
As Black Belt tops state in high gas prices, local leaders warn tax repeal could doom Highway 69 expansion
In recent days, gas prices have soared nationwide and Alabama has not been immune to the hike. Everyday consumers and local governments alike have been on edge with petroleum prices now exceeding an average of $4 per gallon. AAA Alabama rated Perry County among the counties with the highest increase in gas prices. At $4.29... Read More
School Spirit
Teachers at R.C. Hatch High School donnedcolorful tutus in a show of dedication and love fortheir students last week. Ms. Hamilton, Mrs.Campbell, Ms. Jones, Ms. Ford, Mrs. Britton, andMrs. Long-Hamilton, sported skirts in red, purple,and yellow tulle. Young Bobcats enjoyed a day offrilly frivolity with their fabulous teachers.
Water issues still plague Marion residents: W. Cornelia St. residents ‘can’t brush their teeth’
Water quality and service issues have plagued Marion’s water system since last year. At their first March meeting on Monday night, March 7, the city’s mayor and council heard from water customers in the West Cornelia Street neighborhood who said water pressure in their area had dropped to the extent that the service was becoming... Read More
Commission approves Marion office for E-911, announces $120k in grants for local fire departments
Perry County Volunteer Fire Departments are eligible for grants from the State of Alabama. Perry County Commission Chairman Albert Turner announced the grant opportunity at the commission’s first March meeting on Tuesday night. Turner said there was a total of up to $120k that could enter local volunteer departments’ coffers in Perry County through the... Read More