Tom Barnette

Tom Barnette was born on August 16, 1962, and passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the age of 63. He graduated from Greensboro Public High School West in 1982 and was a resident of Brookwood, AL, at the time of his passing. He owned and was employed at Acro Electric in Tuscaloosa, AL....
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Utility assistance available for residents of Hale, Perry

Community Service Programs of West Alabama is now scheduling appointments for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) help with power bills, using an automated phone system because of high demand. Appointments are first-come, first-served. Residents age 60 and older may begin scheduling LIHEAP appointments starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, by calling 1-833-836-7820....
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Rosemari Claibon-Hopson

Assistant District Attorney Rosemari Claibon-Hopson, who served in Alabama’s 4th Judicial Circuit, died Jan. 10 after what colleagues described as a private health battle. Claibon-Hopson worked in the circuit that covers Bibb, Dallas, Hale, Perry and Wilcox counties. She was most recently assigned to Dallas County Juvenile Court, the district criminal division and the child...
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Cooking in the Black Belt

This past weekend, we had family from North Carolina down to visit; which called for the Jefferson County bunch to come and visit. Naturally, this meant a family lunch was in order. Aunt Wendy brought the salad, I brought the chocolate marble cake, and mother-in-law Carol made chicken spaghetti. A weeknight staple when I was...
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Ivey launches flood notification system

Governor Kay Ivey kicked off the 2026 Regular Session Tuesday evening by delivering her ninth State of the State address, announcing she is launching a statewide flood notification system. The governor’s action comes after Texas experienced devastating flooding that claimed the lives of Alabamians, including Sarah Marsh, who was away at a summer camp. “Alabama is no stranger to natural disasters,” said Governor Ivey. “Protecting...
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Lapsley Named to Dean’s List at Lawson State

Virginia Lapsley of Marion, AL was named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2025 semester at Lawson State Community College. Virginia was among 208 students named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List. Dean’s List Scholars attained a grade point average of 3.5, consisting of a minimum course load of not fewer than twelve (12) semester hours of college-level courses or above. Congratulations to all...
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Free CNA Classes Will Be Held Jan. 26

Residents of Marion, Perry County, Marengo County, Uniontown, and Demopolis are invited to take part in a free certified nursing assistant (CNA) training class offered by Sowing Seeds of Hope on January 26. To secure a spot in the class, participants should call 334-683-4666 and ask for Dorothea.