2024 Upcoming Holiday deadlines: MvT will be closed for Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2. MvT will be closed for Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11. Deadline for Thanksgiving is Friday, Nov. 22. MvT will be closed for Thanksgiving week and will reopen Monday, Dec. 2. Santa Letters deadline is Friday, Dec. 6. Deadline for the Christmas Edition (12-25) & New Year’s Edition (1-1) is Thursday, Dec. 19. We have to submit both papers early due to the printing company being closed for the holidays.
Hale County Animal Shelter Pets of the week
Betsy Ross is a precious little girl. First shots and dewormed. Plays well with other dogs! Sweet Bugsy Malone is male, older kitten, but still a kitten under 12 months. Hale County Animal Shelter, 334-624-8120. The shelter could use some dry Purina dog chow.
Church & Community Events
Bay Springs A. M. E. Zion Church Family and Friends Fellowship Day
Bay Springs A. M. E. Zion Church, 703 County Road 86, Greensboro, invites you to worship with us as we celebrate Family and Friends Fellowship Day, Sun., Sept. 15, at 2 p.m. Rev. Laramie Long, a native of Greensboro, will be the guest minister. He will be accompanied by several groups and soloist. We intend to have a shouting good time. A fellowship dinner will follow. Rev. Joseph Finch, pastor, Sis. Mildred Glover, secretary and program sponsors are Rev. Laramie Long and Sis. Sandra Constant.
Ramey’s Chapel Church
Ramey’s Chapel Church is having a special day on Sun., Sept. 15. Worship services will begin at 10:45 a.m. with congregational and special singing by Jon Thomas and others. Then Jay Seale will be preaching God’s word. A covered dish lunch will follow the morning service. All are invited to honor loved ones and share special memories.
Women’s Fall Board Meeting of the St. Paul District
The Women’s Fall Board Meeting of the St. Paul District will be Sept. 14, 10 a.m. at the St Paul District Baptist Association Building. We’re asking all ladies to please grace us with your presence and ideas to help in our planning session.
Rabies in Wildlife Highlights the Importance of Vaccinating Pets
Over the past few weeks, cases of rabies in wildlife have exposed several pets. In the city limits of Hokes Bluff in Etowah County, a raccoon positive for rabies was found inside a fenced yard. Three dogs in the yard were exposed to rabies. In early August in Sylacauga, Talladega County, a bat positive for rabies was found on a front porch and a cat was likely exposed. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) reminds the public that rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal if untreated. Widespread vaccination of domestic animals began over 70 years ago, but it is very common for domestic animals and pets to have contact with wild rabid animals. Alabama state law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older be current with rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccines are also available for horses and other livestock if recommended by a veterinarian. Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection should exposure occur; thus, vaccinations protect animals, as well as their owners and caretakers. Rabies prevention is multifaceted. It involves people taking precautions with wildlife, making sure that their pets are current on rabies vaccinations, and always reporting an animal bite or other exposures to their medical provider and ADPH. In addition to vaccination, area residents are advised to take the following precautions to avoid possible exposures to rabies: Do not allow pets to run loose, confine within a fenced-in area or with a leash. Do not leave uneaten pet food or scraps near your residence. Do not illegally feed or keep wildlife as pets. Do not go near wildlife or domestic animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner. Caution children not to go near any stray or wild animal, regardless of its behavior. For more information, visit https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/rabies.html
Saturday in the Park: Storytelling
Get ready for the Moundville Native American Festival with a preview event on Sept. 7 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.! Grayhawk Perkins will be inside the Jones Archaeological Museum performing traditional Houma storytelling, Bill Skinner will also be outside of the Museum with a Tools and Weapons presentation, and visitors will have opportunities to sign up to volunteer for the 2024 Moundville Native American Festival.
Sept. 21 at 5 p.m. at National Guard Armory, 515 Green, St., Greensboro, University of MobileRam Corp Band will have an event to help with medical bills for Kathleen (fighting cancer) and William Martin. Donations will be taken.
UA Athletics, UAPD to Host 2024 Tuscaloosa 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
Alabama Athletics, in coordination with the University of Alabama Police Department, will host the Tuscaloosa 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Coleman Coliseum on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and for the first time, the event will be made available for the public to register and participate. The morning’s events begin with a pre-climb ceremony at 7:45 a.m. followed by a closed climb at 8:15 a.m. reserved for first responders. The public climb will start at 11:30 a.m. Those wishing to participate should register online at https://rolltide.com/form/119. The event is free of charge. The Memorial Stair Climb honors the FDNY, NYPD, Port Authority Police and EMS who selflessly gave their lives in the aid of others on Sept. 11, 2001. The climb consists of 2,200 steps up and 2,200 steps down, equivalent to the 110 floors of the World Trade Center. The University of Alabama Police Department organized its first 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in 2018
Registration for 2024 Youth Dove Hunts
The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) provides several youth dove hunt opportunities throughout the state each fall. A simple hunting setup combined with a fun, family-friendly atmosphere makes WFF’s youth dove hunts an ideal way to introduce young people to the outdoors. Registration for this year’s hunts will open at 8 a.m. on Aug. 26. Although the hunts are free, online registration is required. The first youth dove hunts of the season begin on Sept. 7. For more information including a complete hunt schedule, visit www.outdooralabama.com/youth-hunting/youth-dove-hunts. To participate in the hunts, youth hunters must be age 15 or younger and accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old (or a parent) who has a valid state hunting license, a Harvest Information Program (HIP) and a Conservation ID number. Alabama’s youth dove hunt events are held in open fields and staffed by WFF personnel, which encourages a safe, secure environment for both parents and youth participants. Before each hunt, a short welcome session with reminders on hunting safety is conducted. All hunters are encouraged to wear eye and ear protection and bring plenty of water and snacks. ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at www.outdooralabama.com
National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ala. Virtual Family Education Program
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Alabama is providing a virtual family education program Sat., Sept. 7, starting at 9 a.m. The NAMI Family- to-Family Program is a free 8-week educational program for families and significant others of people with a mental health condition. The program is peer lead by individuals who have been through similar situations, provides information and strategies for taking care of the person you love. Registration is required. Please call NAMI Baldwin at 251-279-0573, or email NAMIBaldwinCounty.org for more information.
Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Opens September 3
The contest is a joint project between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the Alabama Tourism Department. The deadline to enter is Oct. 31. The 2025 photo contest will focus on traditional photography techniques and the use of handheld cameras. No cellphone, smartphone, game camera, or drone photography will be chosen as winning photos for nine of the 10 categories. Smartphone and tablet photos will be accepted in the Young Photographers category. The photo contest is open to state residents and visitors alike, but qualifying photos must have been taken in Alabama in the past two years. Any amateur photographer not employed by ADCNR is encouraged to enter. A total of 10 photos per person may be entered in the following categories. You may enter all 10 in one category or among several categories. 2025 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Categories: Alabama State Parks; Birds; Bugs and Butterflies; Cold-blooded Critters; Nature-Based Recreation; Scenic; Shoots and Roots; Sweet Home Alabama; Wildlife; Young Photographers (ages 17 and under). First, second, third and one honorable mention will be awarded in each category. Winning images will be featured online and in a traveling exhibit at various venues across the state during 2025. If your organization or venue is interested in hosting the 2025 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Exhibit, please contact Kenny Johnson with ADCNR’s Communications and Marketing Section at [email protected]. The 2024 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Exhibit is currently on display at the Oak Mountain State Park Interpretive Center in Pelham, Alabama, until Sept. 4. To view the complete exhibit schedule, visit www.outdooralabama.com/photo-exhibit. Art teachers are encouraged to incorporate participation in the Young Photographers category into their art instruction this fall. For complete 2025 category descriptions and contest rules, visit www.outdooralabama.com/photocontest.
Alabama is Now Officially Experiencing the Worst Pine Bark Beetle Outbreak in the Last 20 Years
All landowners with known infestations will be notified by mail of the approximate location of spots. However, for a quicker notification, the AFC does have a public map available that shows all marked spots to date. Landowners should be encouraged to check out the link https://lnkd.in/eq-dAJW6 Care of @AcesForestryWildlifeNaturalResources
Join Us for the At Home Beekeeping Series!
Calling all beekeepers! Our online series is back, offering educational information and updates on timely beekeeping topics. Attend meetings from the comfort of your home using your computer or mobile device. Each session includes a Q&A segment for all your beekeeping questions. For more information, visit: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/bees-pollinators/at-home-beekeeping-series/ Dates and Topics: Sept. 24 Bee Breeding in the Age of Genomics, Garett Slater, Texas A&M University; Oct. 29 Hot Topics in Beekeeping, Amy Vu, University of Florida; Nov. 19 Breeding for Varroa-Resistant Honeybees, Frank Rinkevich, United States Department of Agriculture. 2025 Dates and Topics: Jan. 28 Coming Out of Winter, David Tarpy, North Carolina State University; Feb. 25 Honeybee Nutrition, Priya Chakrabarti Basu, Mississippi State University; March 25 Colony Losses in the United States of America, Geoff Williams, Auburn University; April 29 Honeybee Nest Architecture, Michael Smith, Auburn University. Recordings from this series are available for only two weeks after each session on the Lawrence County Alabama Extension Office Facebook page. For more information on the “At Home Beekeeping Series,” contact Allyson Shabel at [email protected].
School Events
Shelton State Community College’s Terrific Tuesday Concert Series
Performances will be in the Alabama Power Recital Hall on the Martin Campus. Admission is free. All performances are at 1 p.m. unless otherwise noted* on the schedule. Upcoming performances and artists include the following: Sept. 17 – Lopez-Tabor Duo| Violin & Piano| Alfonso Lopez & Dr. Michelle Tabor; Sept. 24 – Faculty Recital; Oct. 1 – Dr. Shellie Beeman, vocalist| Dr. Wendy Freeman, piano |Jacksonville State University Faculty; Oct. 8 – Faculty Recital | Dr. Elijah Pugh, trumpet | Lillian Wesley, piano; Oct. 22 – Student Musicale; Oct. 29 – Dr. Skip Snead | the University of Alabama Horn Ensemble; Nov. 5 – Addie Hughes | Mezzo-Soprano | SSCC Student Recital; Nov. 12 – Army’s 151st Band |Jazz Combo; Nov. 19 – SSCC Jazz Combo| Martin Atrium; Nov. 26 – Slade Trammell| Piano| Roane State Community College Faculty; Dec. 3 – Annual Holiday Tree Lighting| Martin Atrium Shelton State’s Terrific Tuesday Concert Series is designed to showcase a variety of repertory styles. Weekly performances are offered by guest artists as well as Shelton State faculty and students. ; For more information, contact Lillian Wesley at 205.391.2399 or [email protected].
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Success By 6 of United Way of West Alabama is proud to provide Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library books FREE to children ages birth to 5 years old in Greene, Hale, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa counties. Once a month, your child will receive a new book by mail. You only need to do two things: register your child and pledge to read the books to him/her. Please, climb on board Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library! Since UWWA launched the Dolly Parton Imagination Library: 13,467 children have participated in the program in Greene, Hale, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa Counties. 10,427 children have “graduated” from the program. 443,856 books have been delivered to children in West Alabama. Sign up at https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/
| UA Preview: This Week at The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Alabama Athletics, in coordination with the University of Alabama Police Department, will host the Tuscaloosa 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Coleman Coliseum on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and for the first time, the event will be made available for the public to register and participate. Why This Matters: The Memorial Stair Climb honors the FDNY, NYPD, Port Authority Police and EMS who selflessly gave their lives in the aid of others on Sept. 11, 2001. The climb consists of 2,200 steps up and 2,200 steps down, equivalent to the 110 floors of the World Trade Center. Students Win International Horn Competition The UA Horn Studio, a group of talented horn players majoring in various programs in the School of Music, recently returned from the International Horn Competition of America and International Horn Society Summer Symposium in Fort Collins, Colorado, with multiple awards and acclaim from some of the most influential horn players in the world. Why This Matters: The symposium performance took place in front of more than 800 of the most respected horn players from around the nation and the world. Students Compete in Paralympics Five student-athletes in UA’s Adapted Athletics programs and 10 alumni will be representing Teams USA and Great Britain in the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris. Why This Matters: UA Adapted Athletics works to provide its athletes the same elite competitive collegiate experience as every other collegiate athlete on campus. 💬 CURRENT COMMENT Dr. Adam Knowlden, associate professor of health science, can discuss how poor time management can lead to poor sleep for college students. 📅 EVENTS Saturday in the Park: Storytelling Sept. 7; Moundville Archaeological Park An Evening with Carl Phillips Sept. 10; Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center UA Broadway Cabaret Sept. 11-12; University Club |