2025 Holiday Deadlines: We will be closed for Vets Day, Tues., Nov. 11 and have to get the paper in a day early. Be sure to get your stories, ads and photos in by regular deadline, Friday before 4 p.m. Deadline is Fri., Nov. 21 for the Thanksgiving edition. We have to submit the paper early due to the printing company being closed for the holidays. MvT will be closed Nov. 24-30. Santa Letter deadline is by Fri., Dec. 5th. Deadline for the Christmas/Santa letter special edition for ads is Fri., Dec. 12. Deadline for BOTH the Dec. 24th and 31st editions is Thurs., Dec. 18. We have to submit both papers early due to the printing company being closed for the holidays. MvT will be closed Dec. 22-Jan. 1 for the holidays.

Hale County Animal Shelter Pet of the week

Church & Community Events

Alabama Black Belt Adventures launches 14th year of Big Buck Photo Contest
Alabama’s Black Belt has earned a reputation as one of America’s premiere deer hunting destinations, and the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA) wants to showcase your best buck again this year. ALBBAA is sponsoring its Big Buck Photo Contest for the 14th consecutive year, and the winner will be determined by online voting. The winner of the year’s contest will receive a $100 gift card and a copy of Black Belt Bounty, a coffee table book filled with stunning images, wildlife essays, colorful stories on our hunting and fishing traditions, wild game recipes and more. The contest is now open and voting will conclude on Feb. 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Alabama’s deer hunting season began last month for bow hunters, and the gun deer season starts with special youth hunts on Nov. 14-17. The full gun season runs from Nov. 22 to Feb. 10, 2026, in most parts of the state. ALBBAA encourages all hunters to follow all deer regulations for the 2025-26 Alabama deer hunting season, which can be found online. Here are key rules and guidelines for ALBBAA’s 14th annual Big Buck Photo Contest: All entries must be made online through the ALBBAA website, and the photo must show a buck harvested from within the 23-county Black Belt region. The buck must be taken during 2025-2026 whitetail deer season. The winner of the contest is selected exclusively through online voting. Contest entries are submitted and all votes cast online via the same web page: https://alabamablackbeltadventures.org/news-more/shoot-the-black-belt/big-buck-photo-contest/ Voters may cast one vote per day, per entry, per IP address. In the case of any dispute, the decision of ALBBAA is final. Photo contest winners from the previous two years are not eligible for entry. ALBBAA reserves the right to approve or reject any photo submitted. Cause for a photo’s disqualification can include, but is not limited to, the following: The photo content presents the subject in an unethical or disrespectful composition.
The photo content is perceived to cast a negative perception of hunters and their contribution to the management of wildlife.Voting violation which imposes an unfair advantage to others.
The contestant who receives the most online votes before balloting ends will be declared the winner. Before a winner is declared, ALBBAA will audit voting to make sure all contest rules were followed.
Voting will conclude at 11:59 PM on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, which will give voters time to cast ballots for any photos submitted after the final week of the season.
All sportsmen and sportswomen should purchase a hunting license online through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources before heading afield. Additionally, successful hunters are also reminded to report all harvested deer through Game Check. 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.

November’s Grow More, Give More Harvest of the Month is Broccoli
These little trees are a favorite among kids and adults alike. Do you prefer you broccoli steamed or dipped in your favorite sauce? Find growing instructions and delicious recipes at https://www.aces.edu/go/5549

Pet Photo with Santa Claus Benefiting the Humane Society of West Alabama
Come have your pet’s picture taken with Santa Claus! Bring one or all of your pets and family members to be photographed with jolly old St. Nick at Pet Supplies Plus on McFarland Boulevard. This event will be held: Tues., Dec. 2, 4:30 – 7 p.m.; Thurs., Dec. 4, 4:30 – 7 p.m.; Satur., Dec. 6, 1- 5 p.m. There is a fee per photo sitting and you will receive one 4” x 6” color photo printed out while you are there to take with you. Reserve an appointment time online at HSWAPetPortraits.as.me, or at Humanesocietyofwa.org under events. Walk-ups are accepted and will be worked around appointments. Photos are taken by professional photographer Keith Davis and all portraits must include a pet. Please have all pets on a leash or in a carrier. All proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of West Alabama. The Humane Society of West Alabama, founded in 1971, is a no-kill, volunteer based nonprofit organization. Funds are needed to cover veterinary bills of rescued animals to prepare them for adoption. For more information on the Humane Society of West Alabama visit HumaneSocietyofWA.org. Contact: Betty Freeman 205-292-1875, Brian Gaerity 484-319-5444, HumaneSocietyofWA.org.

Santa for Seniors
Christmas…the most wonderful time of the year! But not for everyone. Many needy seniors never experience the joys of Christmas. Help change this by partnering with the ATRC Aging to sponsor a senior for the 7th Annual Santa for Seniors service project. Seniors are available to adopt between Oct.1-Nov. 15. To sponsor a senior, go to the Santa for Seniors page on our website, www.atrcaging.com, where you will find non-identifying information about needy seniors within the 10-county region along with a list of items requested. You can sponsor seniors with a click or make a monetary donation through PayPal. ATRC Case Management Staff have chosen the neediest seniors in the area as Santa for Seniors recipients. Many are low-income, homebound and alone. Most of the requests are for everyday items such as cleaning supplies, bed linens, adult diapers, and other basic necessities. For more information call (334) 682-5206 or 888-617-0500.

Red Cross
Help save lives and empower your health! Schedule a time to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Test. Tuscaloosa:

Earnie the Eagle Money As You Grow Book Club
Join us on the second Tuesday monthly at 10:30 a.m. for the Earnie the Eagle Money As You Grow Book Club at Hale County Library, Greensboro: Nov. 11, Dec. 9. For parents and children ages 3-8! Join us for storytime with Earnie the Eagle to explore key money concepts in a fun way: spending, saving, sharing, earning, and goals. Got Questions? Contact Renee’ Vines, Extension Agent, Office: (205) 367-8148, Email: phv0002@aces.edu.

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 Events

Alfa Foundation Scholarship Program
Attending a college or university in Alabama next fall? Apply online for your chance to receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Alfa Foundation Scholarship Program! Students must have an active Alabama Farmers Federation membership in their name to be eligible. Applications are also available for the 2025-26 Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation Scholarship! Students must be pursuing degrees in agriculture or forestry at Auburn University, Alabama A&M University or TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY. Applications for both scholarship programs are open at AlfaFarmers.org/Scholarships now through Feb. 2. Don’t delay — apply today!

Governor Ivey Invites Alabama Students to Participate in the Alabama Governor’s
App Challenge
Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday invited Alabama students to join for the 2025-2026 Alabama Governor’s App Challenge, a statewide computer programming competition for students in grades K through 12th with the goal of providing students the opportunity to gain recognition for their mastery and application of computer programming and design. The App Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM education. The Alabama Governor’s App Challenge accepts computer programs (or apps) written in any programming language and for any platform. The Challenge is designed to promote innovation and engagement in coding and computer science. The competition is open to all students, regardless of coding experience, who meet the eligibility requirements. Students are eligible to participate as individuals or in teams of up to three members. The role of the LEA Technology Coordinators will be vital in supporting the app submission process and providing teachers with technical assistance as needed. The rules, scoring rubric, timeline of important dates, and additional resources are located on the Alabama Governor’s App Challenge website. Important Details: Teachers must register students online by Jan. 19, 2026. Participating schools will determine a winner by grade band and submit it to the LEA Technology Coordinator by Jan. 30, 2026. For more information about the Alabama Governor’s App Challenge, please visit the official website at: https://sites.google.com/view/algovernorsappchallenge
Any questions concerning the Alabama Governor’s App Challenge can be sent to CS4Alabama@alsde.edu.

Shelton State Community College’s Terrific Tuesday Concert Series
Admission is free. All Terrific Tuesday Concert performances will be at 1 p.m. in the Alabama Power Hall unless otherwise noted on the schedule. Upcoming performances and artists include the following: Nov. 18 SSCC Jazz Combo Martin Campus Atrium; Nov. 25 Slade Trammell, piano Roane State Community College Faculty; Dec. 2 Annual Holiday Tree-Lighting Martin Campus 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 lwesley@sheltonstate.edu.

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

Nov. 17, 2025 📰 BEST BETS  UA’s Economic Impact Sets Records  The University of Alabama continues to be an economic driver for the state as its flagship university set record high economic and fiscal impacts for the 2023-2024 academic year.  Why This Matters: According to latest UA economic impact report conducted by the Center for Business and Economic Research in the UA Culverhouse College of Business, the University’s $3.4 billion economic impact on the state and $2.354 billion impact on the Tuscaloosa metro area economy are record highs.  For more information, contact Alex House at alex.house@ua.edu.    LEAD Program Named for Late Alumnus  The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees has approved the naming of the Culverhouse College of Business’ signature student leadership and professional development initiative in recognition of a $5 million gift commitment from the family of the late Robert James “Jim” Kelly.  Why This Matters: The R. James Kelly Leveraging Engagement to Advance Development program, or Kelly LEAD for short, prepares undergraduates to lead with integrity, empathy and strategic insight through immersive workshops and events, one-on-one mentoring and community engagement projects to help students develop in-demand soft-skills.  For more information, contact Alex House at alex.house@ua.edu.    UA Creates School of Leadership and Policy  The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees has approved the creation of The University of Alabama School of Leadership and Policy, building on the Capstone’s storied history of educating effective civic leaders and policymakers who have shaped the state of Alabama and the nation.  Why This Matters: The School will provide interdisciplinary, practice-oriented education that prepares students of all backgrounds to become effective leaders, policymakers and public servants who will contribute to Alabama’s and the country’s social, economic and civic well-being starting fall 2027.  For more information, contact Alex House at alex.house@ua.edu.     Two Faculty Members Honored with NSF CAREER Awards  Dr. James Harris and Dr. Igor Fedin have received the National Science Foundation’s most prestigious early-career award for the 2025 academic year.    Why This Matters: The NSF CAREER Award recognizes scientists and engineers who show leadership at the intersection of education and research. The awards provide funding for innovative research in science, engineering and technology that supports national priorities and shows a commitment to service through scientific leadership, education or community outreach.  For more information, contact Jessica Nelson at jessica.nelson@ua.edu.     Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute Hosts Demo Day  The Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute will host its annual Demo Day Nov. 20 at The EDGE.  Why This Matters: Attendees will be able to network with local startups and learn about companies based in West Alabama. Student and community entrepreneurs will showcase their businesses and hold workshops during the free all-day come-and-go event.   For more information, contact Theresa Welbourne at tmwelbourne@ua.edu.    💬 CURRENT COMMENT  As National Rural Health Day approaches Nov. 20, Dr. Drake Lavender, director of CCHS Rural Programs, is available to discuss how UA has created a pipeline of physicians and dentists for Alabama’s rural communities.     📅 EVENTS  River Pitch Business Ideas Competition  Nov. 18; Tuscaloosa River Market    “Life After the MFA:” An Evening of Readings  Nov. 18; Gorgas Library Room 2020