Top headlines: Doctor helps new moms in Perry County, Selmont plans to incorporate, Selma garbage pickup to change, Mayor Moss gives update, Demopolis housing project, nurse honored by Health Department and more!
News
A Dallas County man was sentenced on Friday to serve 65 years in prison for raping a child from Perry County.
Cindy Fisher
Publisher
The 2026 Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee theme was announced at a press conference on Friday at Songs of Selma Park, along with a list of honorees and speakers.
Todd Prater
Reporter
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The Demopolis City Council is considering giving $150,000 to the Demopolis School System’s athletic department. The issue will be discussed at the next city council meeting after City Councilm…
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Many rural counties in Alabama, especially in the Black Belt, are “maternity care deserts.” Perry County, one of the poorest counties in the state, is staying off that list thanks to the servi…
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The Demopolis Planning Commission fast tracked a new housing development for a site on Maria Avenue. The commission shut down a development at the former Mauvilla Trailer Park in October becau…
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The City of Selma is putting out a request for proposals for a new garbage contractor. The current service, Martin Environmental, is operating without a contract and costing the city $50,000-$…
A Chicago native has pleaded guilty to the killing of an Alabama State University (ASU) student in 2020 and now faces a sentence of life in prison, said an announcement from Montgomery County …
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Dallas County Health Department names community room after pioneering nurse Vera Jenkins Booker
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Selma prepares to change garbage collection companies
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Doctor answers call to serve the underserved in Perry County
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Demopolis Planning Commission fast tracks new housing development on Maria Avenue site
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Selma hosts Mardi Gras event downtown on Saturday
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Dallas County’s youth sports scene is gaining momentum as the local NFL Flag Football league prepares for its second season.
Dallas County’s youth sports scene is gaining momentum as the local NFL Flag Football league prepares for its second season.
Todd Prater
Reporter
The schedule for the Selma High School tennis team's 2026 season is available.
Local Events
AD's Country Store in Coy is the Wilcox Area Chamber of Commerce's (WACC) Business of the Month for the month of February.
LocAL Threads is the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce's (DACC) Business of the Month for February.
At the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), we talk a lot about collaboration and partnerships, but I want to take some time today to discuss what that truly looks like.
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Judson College redevelopers have revealed general plans for the Marion campus, saying it will center on pharmaceutical logistics, including warehouse and distribution operations.
Todd Prater
Reporter
Pioneer Electric Cooperative has opened its scholarship programs for graduating students of accredited high schools in Butler, Dallas, Lowndes or Wilcox counties.
The newly renovated School of Discovery has a new principal.
Five Pike Road teachers were recognized by the Pike Road City Council with proclamations during a recent meeting.
In today’s uncertain economy, grocery prices can make anyone’s head spin. Check out this healthy and cheap recipe for a family of four, created by a dietitian.
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Gallery 905 will host a free opening reception for textile artist Beth Oberle on Feb. 5 at 5:30 p.m.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) will host an “in person" Cottage Food Safety Training in Selma on Feb. 9.
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The American Forest Foundation has announced that its Fields & Forests afforestation project has planted its millionth tree.
GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (Jan. 31, 2026) – Seven outstanding contributors were honored Saturday as winners of the 10th annual Eagle Awards during a ceremony at Lake Guntersville State Park.
The city of Demopolis will be the host of the Alabama Wildlife Federation's (AWF) Wild Game Cook-Off on Feb. 19 at 6 p.m.
Opinion
So the final day of qualifying for the 2026 Alabama Republican Party Primaries last week did not disappoint, as some eye-opening revelations occurred. There were three races where former public officials have thrown their name back in the ring to serve again. Former Senator Gerald Dial is ru…
So the year 2026 has finally arrived and for Alabama it means a busy election year ahead.
So the year 2026 has finally arrived and for Alabama it means a busy election year ahead. For those seeking elective office in the state, candidates can qualify from January 5th through January 23th. The party primary elections are on May 19th, and if there are any run-offs, they are set for…
Obituaries
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Demopolis High School is closing early on Friday for the funeral of junior Hunter Bowen Howe…
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“I don't know if anyone has any ill feelings toward the young man that shot Mark. Don't. For…
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The Selma community will celebrate the life of Selma community leader Mark Myles at a funera…
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No Republicans qualified for county races in Dallas County, according to Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn. Read moreRepublicans field no candidates in Dallas County races; two Democrats qualify for sheriff
Robert Tony Sykes has announced he is running for Perry County Sheriff in the May 2026 election. Read moreRobert Tony Sykes announces candidacy for Perry County Sheriff
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Roy Fikes, who was appointed Sheriff of Perry County by Gov. Kay Ivey in April, announced he is running for the position in the 2026 election. Read morePerry County Sheriff Roy Fikes announces run for the job in 2026 election
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In the Black Belt Newscast wrapup of 2025, Todd and Cindy talk about the eventful municipal elections that took place across the Black Belt. See the Election Hub at blackbeltnewsnetwork.com for more detail. Read moreWatch: Election wrap up in 2025
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2025 was an unusual municipal election year as cities voted for new leaders in what is typically an off year after Alabama lawmakers moved city elections back a year to be off the federal cycle. Read more2025 Year in Review: Black Belt voters choose new municipal leaders
The Zeta Delta Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. hosted a Pass the Torch Ceremony honoring two wives of Selma’s elected leaders on Nov. 15. Read moreLocal sorority chapter hosts Pass the Torch ceremony for mayoral wives of Perkins, Moss
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The city of Marion swore in the mayor and five city council members in their Nov. 3 meeting in council chambers. Read moreMarion swears in mayor, council in first meeting Monday night
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Councilman Michael Johnson was elected the Selma City Council’s new president pro tem Nov. 3. Read moreMichael Johnson named Selma City Council president pro tem
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The Demopolis Mayor and City Council were sworn into office in a ceremony on Monday at Rooster Hall. Read moreDemopolis swears in mayor, council that includes three newcomers
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Johnny Moss III was sworn in as the new mayor of Selma in a ceremony on Monday, announcing that “the rebuilding of Selma begins today.” Read moreSelma swears in new Mayor Johnny Moss III, council members during ceremony Monday
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