Holiday deadlines for 2026: Moundville Times will be closed for Memorial Day, May 25. Be sure to get your stories, ads and photos by Friday, May 22. Moundville Times will be closed for Independence Day Friday, July 3. Early deadline is July 2nd before 4 p.m. Moundville Times will be closed for Labor Day Sept. 8. Moundville Times will be closed for Thanksgiving Nov. 23-27. We have to submit the paper early due to the printing company being closed for the holidays. Deadline is Friday morning, Nov. 20. Santa Letters are due first Friday in December, Dec. 4. Ads for the Santa Letter edition are due Dec. 11. Both Christmas and New Year’s deadlines are Friday, Dec. 18. We have to submit both papers early due to the printing company being closed for the holidays. Moundville Times will be closed Dec. 21-Jan. 3 for the holidays.
Hale County Animal Shelter Pets of the week
Friends of Hale County Animals (FHCA) will host the 3rd Annual Paws for a Night with Friends on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Project Horseshoe Farm Courtyard in Greensboro.
The annual event has become a favorite community gathering, bringing together animal lovers from across Hale County for an evening of fellowship, food, and fun — all while supporting a meaningful cause. Proceeds from the event help benefit the Hale County Animal Shelter as well as local spay and neuter clinics that work to reduce pet overpopulation in the area.
Guests attending the event will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, and the opportunity to win a variety of artwork and specialty items generously donated by local artists and businesses through raffles. Organizers say the donated raffle items are one of the highlights of the evening each year and showcase the strong support the community continues to show for animal welfare efforts in Hale County.
Event tickets are $25 each, while raffle tickets are available for $5 each. FHCA is also offering an “Animal Lover Package” for $100, which includes one event admission and 25 raffle tickets.
For more information about the event or to purchase tickets before the event, contact Renee or Buzzy Barnette at Barnette Furniture
URGENT — THEO NEEDS A HERO Meet Theo A 7-year-old male German Shepherd weighing around 65 lbs looking for a second chance at love and stability. Theo was owner surrendered through absolutely no fault of his own. His owner became very sick and could no longer care for him. Several people stepped in to help temporarily, but unfortunately they can no longer continue his care. Now Theo is depending on us — and we are currently FULL and at MAX CAPACITY until further notice. Despite everything, Theo is still the sweet, loyal boy German Shepherd lovers know and adore. He deserves a home where he can finally relax, feel safe, and be loved properly. Theo is a male German Shepherd, 7 years old, approximately 65 lbs., and vetting update will be provided by the shelter. Please help us find Theo a foster, rescue, or forever home. Even sharing this post could help save his life and open up much-needed space at the shelter. If you are interested in helping Theo, please message the Hale County Animal Shelter Facebook page, or contact the shelter directly.
Autumn Harrison, Hale County Animal Shelter, 334-624-8120.
Church & Community Events
Garden to Pantry – Tuscaloosa
July 15, at 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Tomato production from the garden to the pantry. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator, employer, and provider. If you need a reasonable accommodation or free language access services, contact Alice Moore at 3342160738 or amm0167@aces.edu by 6/24/2026. Address: Tuscaloosa County Annex Auditorium, 2513 7th St., park on 8th St., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. Contact: Alice Moore, amm0167@aces.edu, (334) 216-0738.
Pollinator Partners of Alabama Certification Training
Are you interested in expanding your knowledge about Alabama’s pollinators and learning effective strategies for their conservation? The Alabama Extension Home Horticulture team invites you to participate in the Certified Pollinator Partner training in Tuscaloosa June 23. This program will provide instruction on identifying Alabama’s native bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators. Participants will gain insight into their essential contributions to local ecosystems and food systems, as well as learn evidence-based methods for establishing and maintaining pollinator-friendly environments. Topics include minimizing pesticide impact and selecting appropriate native plant species, equipping attendees with practical tools to support pollinators throughout the year. To enroll in this training, please visit www.aces.edu/go/6231
Alabama Extension Master Gardeners
Interested in gardening this fall? Alabama Extension Master Gardener Internship applications open June 1. Enhance your plant knowledge, connect with your community, and volunteer. Fall classes run Aug. 13-Nov. 7. Apply now. Learn more about the program: www.aces.edu/go/3283
ALBBAA Big Catfish Photo Contest
From the legendary waters of Lake Eufaula along the Georgia line to the catfish-rich currents of Miller’s Ferry and the mighty Tombigbee and Black Warrior Rivers, Alabama’s Black Belt is home to some of the finest catfishing in America. Now it’s your turn to show off your catch. The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA) is excited to launch the inaugural Big Catfish Photo Contest, a fresh twist on its popular annual Best Fish Contest designed to celebrate the fun, tradition and excitement of catfishing across the Black Belt. The contest runs through July 12. Whether you reel in a catfish with a rod and reel, haul them up from jugs, or wrestle them in by hand while noodling, anglers of all ages are invited to enter their best catfish photos for a chance to win an unforgettable outdoor adventure. The contest winner, chosen exclusively through online voting, will receive a two-person, half-day guided trip with Bama Noodling in 2027, where they’ll experience the thrill of catching catfish by hand while taking part in a truly unique Southern outdoor tradition. Submit your favorite catfish photo and cast your votes online: https://alabamablackbeltadventures.org/news-more/shoot-the-black-belt/best-fish-photo-contest/
Voting rules: Visitors to the ALBBAA website may vote once per day, per entry, per IP address. All entries are subject to approval by ALBBAA. In the event of a dispute, ALBBAA decisions are final.
Photos may be disqualified for reasons including: Content that depicts unethical or disrespectful treatment of wildlife, images that create a negative perception of anglers or conservation efforts, voting violations that create an unfair advantage, previous Best Fish Photo Contest winners from the past three years are not eligible to win the grand prize. Anglers are also reminded to comply with all fishing laws, including purchasing a valid Alabama fishing license.
Snap your best big catfish photo, rally your friends and family to vote, and celebrate the incredible fishing traditions of Alabama’s Black Belt! The Black Belt includes the following 23 counties: Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox.
Mt. Harmony Sanctuary of Praise Vacation Bible School
Mt. Harmony Sanctuary of Praise Vacation, 17714 Co. Rd. 12, Moundville, Bible School will be June 3-4 at 5-7 p.m. June 5 will be fun day on the yard 1-7 p.m. Bro. Fredrick Rowels is pastor/ founder. Bro. Lee Rutley is co-pastor.
Vacation Bible School at Indian Mounds: June 7-10, 5:30-8 p.m. Supper served at 5:30 p.m. Preschool age thru 11th grade completed.
Pruitt Springs Baptist Church, Co. Rd. 31, Havana, invites you to saddle up and join us for Vacation Bible School at Pruitt Springs Baptist Church. Get ready for an exciting time of fun, fellowship, Bible lessons, music, games, and more at our “Reigning With Purpose” Vacation Bible School, June 10-June 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Light refreshments Wed. and Thurs. Something more the last night. We invite all children and families in the community to come and experience three amazing nights of learning about God’s purpose for our lives in a fun western-themed adventure!
Crestline Baptist Church Vacation Bible School: Shine a light on who Jesus really is illumination June 14-18, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Covenant Church Vacation Bible School, Big Sandy, Emerald Crossing: An Irish Adventure Through Psalm 23, June 15-19, 5:30-8 p.m. Supper will be served each night.
The Vine Church, 70 Owens St., Moundville, Vacation Bible School, Illumination Station, June 28- July 1, 5:45-8 p.m. Light supper served.
Red Cross
Help is needed right now ─ and a simple act of donating blood or platelets can be the lifesaving gift people are counting on. Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Tuscaloosa: 5/29: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 733 James I. Harrison Jr. Pkwy.; 6/3: 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., McDonald Hughes Center, 3101 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Forest Service Announces Additional 2026 Fee Free Day on June 6
The U.S. Forest Service today announced an additional 2026 recreation fee-free day on June 6 in celebration of National Trails Day, providing no cost use of all standard amenity recreation sites on national forests and grasslands. National Trails Day was established by the American Hiking Society in 1993 and occurs annually on the first Saturday in June. It brings together federal land managers, partners, and volunteers to celebrate trails and accomplish trail stewardship projects to ensure they are safe, well-maintained, easy-to-follow and accessible. Find a local National Trails Day event and join the nationwide movement. Consider hosting an event in cooperation with local Forest Service staff if one doesn’t currently exist near you. The Forest Service is also encouraging all visitors to Take the #NationalTrailsDay Pledge and commit to leaving the trails better than you found them. The Forest Service-managed trail system, at more than 165,000 miles, is the largest public trails system in the U.S. with trailheads in nearly every state making recreation opportunities accessible to hike, bike, ATV, ride horseback, snowmobile, snowshoe, etc. In 2025, volunteers and partners accounted for more than 60 percent of all trail maintenance accomplishments, or nearly 26,000 miles. For all 2026 fee free days on National Forest System lands, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/visit/passes-permits.
Mount Harmony Sanctuary of
Praise Vacation Bible Study
Join Mount Harmony Sanctuary of Praise, 17714 Co. Rd. 21, Moundville, in the former St. James Presbyterian Church, on June 3 and 4, 5-7 p.m., and June 5, Fun Day 1-7 p.m. The community and surrounding areas are invite to be a part of the fellowship.
Red Cross
Help is needed right now ─ and a simple act of donating blood or platelets can be the lifesaving gift people are counting on. Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is struggling to cope emotionally this holiday season, reach out. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support via phone or chat for people in distress, resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Visit 988lifeline.org for more.
School/ Kids Events
Unearth a Story at Moundville Public
Library Summer Reading Program
We are just one week away from our first Summer Reading Program every Wednesday starting June 3, at 10 a.m. We’re digging into books to “Unearth a Story!” Register here: https://forms.gle/
Summer Reading Program Read America 250 as We Unearth a Story at
Hale Co. Library
How it works: every time you read a book with an AMERICAN 250 sticker on the binder, we will put your name in a drawing for big cash prizes. Parents will verify your reading.
Governor Ivey Launches Annual Summer Reading Challenge for Alabama Students Ahead of America’s 250th Birthday
Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday announced her 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, inviting Alabama students entering kindergarten through eighth grade to celebrate a patriotic summer through reading as America prepares to mark its 250th birthday. The challenge encourages students to read six books between now and August 1, 2026, while exploring stories about America’s history, heroes, values and spirit. Students participating in the challenge are asked to track the books they read using a Summer Reading Challenge log and submit either a written reflection or drawing describing what they learned about the United States of America during their summer reading. Governor Ivey encourages students to choose books they enjoy while especially considering stories focused on America’s history, culture, hardworking people and enduring values. Completed reading logs and reflections must be mailed by August 1, 2026, to: Governor Kay Ivey, Attn: Summer Reading Challenge, 600 Dexter Ave., Montgomery, AL 36130.
4-H Biggest Catch
Alabama Extension invites everyone ages 9 to 18 to test their fishing skills through 4-H BIGGEST Catch, a virtual fishing contest! To participate, all you have to do is go fishing in Alabama freshwater anytime between June 5 and June 15. Once you make your catch, measure the fish, take a photo with it, and submit an online contest entry form. Show off your artistic side to win the fish art award. Learn more at https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/4h/4-h-biggest-catch
AHFA Invites Alabama Kids to ‘Draw Your Dream Home’
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The fifth annual National Homeownership Month art contest sponsored by the Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) opens for entries May 1. The contest is designed to highlight the impact and value of homeownership during the national observance each year. The 2026 theme, “Draw Your Dream Home,” invites Alabama children between the ages of 5 and 12 to let their imaginations run wild in designing the home of their dreams. “We are asking young creators to gather their art supplies and put on their thinking caps,” said AHFA Single-Family Administrator Carrie Hamaker. “Whether it’s a tree house, a beach house, a castle or a cozy cabin, we want to see fun, unique designs that showcase originality.” Contest details and the entry link are available at woobox.com/ytp22r. Parents can help their kids upload a photo of their designs through 11:59 p.m. CST on Sat., June 6. Contest entry is free. Winners will be notified and prizes awarded in June during Homeownership Month celebrations. To learn more about AHFA Kids programs and financial literacy, visit www.ahfa.com/programs/ahfa-kids.
$100,000 in Scholarships Available for Those Seeking Careers in Construction and Aviation
The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation, & Development Councils (RCD) are jointly offering $100,000 in scholarships for Alabama residents interested in pursuing high-demand careers in the aviation and construction industry at an ACCS institution. Applications for the ‘Building Futures: Enhancing Lives with Scholarships’ will officially be accepted starting May 4. This initiative will award $2,000 scholarships to only 50 students enrolled in an eligible program at an Alabama community college. The scholarships cover tuition, books, and fees to help traditional, non-traditional, and Veteran students gain job-ready skills. Eligible programs include the following: Aviation Mechanics, Avionics, Construction Management, Welders and Pipefitters, HVAC/R Technicians, Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers.To qualify for Building Futures, students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and must be an Alabama resident. Students must be enrolled in one of the listed short-term certificates, non-credit, or associate degree programs. Dually enrolled high school seniors planning to pursue aviation or construction at an Alabama community college are encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply is June 12, 2026. Applications can be submitted online right now through the website: https://www.accs.edu/buildingfutures/
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
| June 1, 2026 📰 BEST BETS Reid Named Next Provost Dr. Lesley Reid has been selected as The University of Alabama’s next provost after serving as interim provost since November 2025. Why This Matters: Reid will continue to provide innovative academic and administrative leadership that will propel the University to develop leaders, drive research, strengthen communities and steward resources. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu. UA Hosts Alabama Girls State UA will host hundreds of the state’s top rising high school seniors for experiential learning of a model state government through American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State May 31-June 5. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu. UA Students Seek Miss Alabama Crown UA will be strongly represented as 17 students compete in a field of 45 for the title of Miss Alabama. The program takes place June 3-6 at Samford University in Birmingham. The winner will represent Alabama at the Miss America pageant later this year. For more information, contact Jennifer Brady at jennifer.brady@ua.edu. Blackburn Institute Students Support Selma Business Owners A group of five Blackburn Institute students partnered with the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute, the EDGE and Selma Resilience Initiative to develop and deliver a one-day certificate program for small business owners last month. The event was the first AEI certificate program for entrepreneurship, growth and innovation. Why This Matters: The students developed relationships with small business owners prior to the event by visiting small businesses around Selma to advertise and recruit. Students also helped with the second annual Selma River Pitch event, like economics and legal history major Micah Adams, who served as a timekeeper. For more information, contact David Bedsole at david.bedsole@ua.edu. UA Junior Earns Udall Scholarship Lilly Roehrig, a junior at The University of Alabama, was among 65 college students nationally to earn a Udall Undergraduate Scholarship, which identifies future leaders in environmental, tribal public policy and healthcare fields. Why This Matters: The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship Program honors the legacies of Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall, whose careers had a significant impact on Native American self-governance, healthcare, and the stewardship of public lands and natural resources. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu. UA Alumni Named Knight-Hennessy Scholars UA alumni Nick Hayes, of Collierville, Tennessee, and John Richardson, of Birmingham, are part of the ninth cohort of Knight-Hennessy Scholars and will continue their postgraduate education at Stanford University through the fully-endowed, multidisciplinary leadership development program. Why This Matters: Knight-Hennessy Scholars develop deep domain expertise in their Stanford graduate program and enhance their expertise through exposure to a wide range of disciplines and cultures within the Knight-Hennessy Scholars community. Through the King Global Leadership Program, scholars collaborate and prepare to address important challenges and opportunities facing the world, such as climate change, healthcare, government and policy, and education. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu. 💬 CURRENT COMMENT The highly invasive Asian longhorn tick was recently discovered on a dog in Dekalb County, Alabama. While mostly a serious threat to livestock, they will also bite humans. UA’s resident entomology expert, Dr. John Abbott, is available to discuss what Alabamians should know about this pest. Contact John at jabbott1@ua.edu. We’ve seen recent reports of snake bites in Alabama. While most snakes want to be left alone, sometimes humans and snakes come face to face. UA herpetology specialist, Dr. Scott Jones, is available to discuss which snakes Alabamians should look out for and why. Contact Scott at spjones9@ua.edu. 📅 EVENTS “Made in America” Exhibit Open through Aug. 29; Gorgas House Museum |