Ella Hill and Eloise Davis at Plantation Manor toasting the New Year
Take the time today to go to the Assistant Tax Assessor’s Office at the Bessemer Courthouse on Third Avenue, North, to see the wondrous Christmas decorations. The magic of Christmas and the holiday season is extended throughout the offices and gives joy to the public. The merry display is an enchanting celebration of the cherished... Read More
Plantation Manor residents ring in the New Year with celebration
Ella Hill and Eloise Davis at Plantation Manor toasting the New Year Most people are not aware that the New Year starts on Greenwich time. So in the United States, one can ring in the New Year between 2 and 5 p.m. The residents of Plantation Manor Retirement Community, on Old Tuscaloosa Highway in McCalla,... Read More
Historic Christmas tree at EEFS office is unique
Decorating for Christmas at the office of EEFS Company, PC, in downtown Bessemer commences immediately following Thanksgiving. The employees love a little Christmas. For several years now, their Christmas tree has been most unique—something you will have never seen. As you enter the reception area of EEFS, located at 1930 2nd Avenue, North, you will... Read More
Annual Alabama row crop short course will be held Jan. 20-21 in Prattville
It takes a full year to produce a good crop. But it takes less than two days to learn about the newest research, technologies, and management strategies that could help farmers yield a better harvest in 2026. An updated economic outlook, new regulations, and dealing with pests like cotton jassid and deer are some of... Read More
Rebecca Key Wetzel
Rebecca Virginia Key Wetzel (Becky) passed away peacefully at her home in Glen Allen, Virginia, on December 30, 2025, after a long illness. She was born on December 31, 1948, in Haleyville, Alabama. Becky is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Richard Carl Wetzel Jr. (Rick); her two sons, Richard C. Wetzel III,... Read More
Margaret Irene Hopkins
Margaret Irene “Peggy” Hopkins, 83, passed away peacefully at her home on December 16, 2025, after a lengthy illness, lovingly cared for by Southern Care New Beacon Hospice. A memorial service was held at Greensboro Presbyterian Church, 905 Demopolis Street, Greensboro, AL 36744, on January 3, 2026, with the Reverend John Alexander officiating. Visitation with... Read More
Cecil Rudolph Hinson Jr.
Cecil Rudolph Hinson Jr., affectionately known as Buddy, passed away December 29, 2025, at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife, Ana Hinson, with whom he built a life grounded in devotion, partnership, and adventure. He is also survived by his children, Susana Hinson Tull (Darrell Tull) and Allan Hinson (Elizabeth Hinson);... Read More
Dawn Michale Simpkins
Dawn Michale Simpkins died December 17, 2025, at the age of 67. She was born August 2, 1958, to Kaye and Mary Spencer in Pontiac, Michigan. She graduated from Avondale High School in 1976. She met the love of her life, Michael Dean Simpkins, and they were married on December 17, 1977. They settled in... Read More
Ivey announces $203 million for Alabama’s Rural Health Transformation Program
Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced Alabama has officially received its award number from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), formally approving Alabama’s plan and unlocking $203,404,327 in first-year funding. The five-year program, seeking to help improve healthcare access, quality and outcomes in the state,... Read More
Extension offering online cottage food law course
The Alabama Extension Food Safety and Quality team is excited to launch the new Alabama Cottage Food Lawonline course. This selfpaced course is open to anyone who is interested or planning to produce food for sale to the public from their home kitchen. It is a flexible, accessible resource designed to allow participants to work... Read More