The Alabama Beacon

Dr. William Gerald “Jerry” Moore, age 79, of Marion, Alabama, passed away on February 17, 2026, in Gainesville, GA. Born on July 24, 1946, in Marion, Jerry was the son of Aubrey & Eloise Moore. Throughout his life, he was known for his quick wit, determined spirit, ability to innovate, and raw intelligence. He was...

Robert Bryan Jones sworn in as new Fourth Judicial Circuit Judge

Robert Bryan Jones Sworn In as Circuit Judge for 4th Judicial Circuit Robert Bryan Jones was sworn in as the new Circuit Judge for the 4th Judicial Circuit (Perry, Hale, Dallas, Wilcox, and Bibb counties) on February 28. Jones is replacing retiring Judge Collins Pettaway Jr. Jones, a former Assistant District Attorney with 12 years’...

Cooking in the Black Belt

This week has been one of guilt and coincidences. To start with the heavier course (which you shouldn’t do), guilt is a pretty easy thing to come by during Lent. I mean, isn’t that what it’s all about? Well, I suppose it’s more about redemptive reflection, but it sure feels a lot like guilt. See,...

PCHPS Annual Low Country Boil Set for March 14

The Perry County Historical and Preservation Society will hold its annual Low Country Boil on Saturday, March 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Marion Female Seminary, located at 204 West Monroe Street in Marion. The meal includes shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes, and homemade desserts. Music will be provided by keyboard player TaDarius Dukes....

Legislature approves new Perry County voting center over chairman’s objections

Legislation to move Perry County’s central voting center from the old National Guard Armory on Highway 14 to the newer armory building at 620 Magnolia Street in Marion has passed both chambers of the Alabama Legislature and is awaiting Gov. Kay Ivey’s signature. Senate Bill 301, sponsored by Sen. Robert Stewart (D-Selma), passed the Senate and House without opposition during the week of February 24. The bill establishes...

Perry County teams fall short at Final Four playoffs in Birmingham

After dominating their opponents in the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 semifinal rounds, the R.C Hatch Bobcats and Francis Marion Lady Rams were eliminated from the 1A playoffs Monday, March 2, 2026 at the BJCC Legacy Arena. The Hubbertville Lions went on a 16-0 scoring spree in the fourth quarter to put defending Class 1A champion team R.C Hatch out of contention with a final score of 71-60....

Melvin Turner retiring after 35 years with PCSD

Melvin Lee Turner is retiring from the Perry County Sheriff’s Department after 35 years of service in law enforcement and public safety. Turner served the department in a variety of roles over his career, including Chief Jailer, Lieutenant at the Perry County Correctional Detention Center, and most recently as Chief of Courthouse Security. He also contributed to safety and leadership at Turner Elementary....

Perry County Airport and Industrial Authority Receives Development Funding

The Perry County Airport and Industrial Authority has been approved for Site Evaluation for Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) grant funding and is moving forward with a $400,000 federal appropriation secured through U.S. Senator Katie Britt’s office, according to board chairman Donald Bennett. Bennett said the authority was notified of the SEEDS approval on February 5. The grant will fund site assessments at Vaiden...

Tense session on open records ends with mayor declaring meeting over