Holiday deadlines for 2026: Moundville Times will be closed Good Friday, April 3. Early deadline is Thursday, April 2. 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
This handsome guy is Debo. He isaround 5 years old, neutered, and up to date on vaccinations. He is currently heartworm positive but is undergoing treatment and doing great. Debo weighs about 65 lbs, but don’t let that fool you—he is strong as an ox. He already understands basic commands and would be very easy to continue training. He keeps a clean kennel, knows his daily routine, and settles in well. One of Debo’s favorite things? His chew toys. He enjoys them without tearing them apart, which is a big win! Debo came to us as a stray and has been waiting for about 3 months for his second chance. He’s ready to leave shelter life behind and find a home where he can be part of the family. If you’re looking for a solid, smart, and loyal companion, Debo might just be your guy. Come meet him or message us on Facebook for more information!
Lillon – Your Future Adventure Buddy! Looking for a smart, energetic, and one-of-a-kind dog? Meet Lillon, a 1+ year old neutered male who is ready to find his forever home! This incredible pup isn’t just your average dog. He’s a total trick star! Lillon can: Jump over 6 feet high (yes, really!), jump and twirl like a performer, understands simple commands, and is highly food-motivated (training will be a breeze!) He’s heartworm negative, full of life, and would thrive with someone who loves an active, engaging companion. Whether it’s training, playing, or showing off his moves, Lillon is always ready to impress. Lillon would do best with: an active owner or family, space to safely run and play, someone excited to continue his training and channel his energy. If you’re ready for a loyal, fun, and talented best friend, Lillon is your guy! Message us or visit the shelter to learn more about adopting this amazing dog.
Eagle Sightings in Hale County – Please Watch Your Pets!
We want to alert our community that there have been multiple bald eagle sightings in the Hale County area recently. While these birds are beautiful and protected, they can also pose a risk to small pets. One local family reported that their 20-pound dog was picked up by an eagle. Thankfully, the pup managed to get free, but did suffer a back injury. Please take precautions: Always supervise small dogs and cats when they’re outdoors. Avoid letting pets out at dawn or dusk when raptors are most active. Keep yards clear of food scraps, or anything that might attract wildlife. If you spot an injured bird of prey or wild animal, contact Alabama Wildlife Rescue or your local animal control for help. Let’s keep our pets safe and our wildlife respected!
Autumn Harrison,
Hale County Animal Shelter, 334-624-8120.
Church & Community Events
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
The DEA holds two National Prescription Drug Take Back Days each year. Find out how to properly dispose of your old or unused prescription medicines and why it is important to do this by checking out our blog post: tinyurl.com/mum5vtmw.
Join Hale County Extension for “Taking a Walk in the Park – Thursdays” at Lions Park
Walk with your community every Thursday in April. We’ll meet from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on April 23, and 30. Walking is a great way to burn calories, strengthen your heart, and boost your energy, all while enjoying the outdoors and meeting new friends! We’ll start at the Hale County Extension Office, 701 Hall Street, Greensboro, and walk together in a supportive, fun group. Feel free to bring a friend or two with you! For more information, call the Hale County Extension Office at 334-624-8710.
Tuskaloosa Ploughboys Camp 2312, Sons of Confederate Veterans
Tuskaloosa Ploughboys Camp 2312, Sons of Confederate Veterans holds its monthly meetings on the 2nd Monday of each month at Jake’s Juke Joint, located at 5675 US-43, Northport, AL 35473. All are welcome. For more information, contact us at camp2312@alscv.org.
West Alabama RPO Meetings
The West Alabama Rural Planning Organization (RPO) will hold the following meetings: 1. Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) Hale County – Tues., April 21, 5:30 p.m. – Moundville City Hall, 410 Market Street, Moundville. 2. Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC), May 14, 10 a.m. – West Alabama Regional Commission, 4200 Hwy. 69 North, Northport; also available virtually. 3. RPO Policy Committee, May 15, 10:30 a.m. -West Alabama Regional Commission, 4200 Hwy. 69 North, Northport; also available virtually. If you would like to participate, please email zane.davis@westal.org at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. The meeting documents are posted on the WARC website (https://www.warc.info/rpo-meetings/ and https://www.warc.info/rpo-documents). The RPO serves as a transportation planning process for the rural areas of west Alabama and provides a formal link between the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and the local governments. The counties served by the RPO include Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, and Pickens. The RPO provides government officials and citizens in these counties an opportunity to advise the ALDOT on road, bridge, and transit projects. All of the meetings are open to the public. Anyone requiring special assistance should contact the WARC at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. For special assistance, call the WARC at (205) 333-2990.
West Alabama Senior Citizens Appreciation Day 2026
Since 1987, the Area Agency on Aging of West Alabama has recognized senior citizens for their contributions to society by hosting an annual Senior Citizens Appreciation Day. We are excited to present this event at the Bryant Conference Center this year to celebrate older adults that are active participants who make positive impacts in their communities and the lives of others. This year’s theme is: “Making Waves in our Golden Days.” The celebration will be held in the Bryant Conference Center , 240 Paul W. Bryant Dr., Tuscaloosa, on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The day will be filled with games, prizes, exhibits, free lunch and entertainment. All senior adults residing in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Pickens, and Tuscaloosa counties are encouraged to join us for a day of fun and fellowship. Anyone age 60 and older may attend at no charge. Groups are asked to register in advance. For additional information and group registration please call the Area Agency on Aging at 333-2990 or 1-800-AGELINE if outside of Tuscaloosa county.
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.
ALBBAA Big Gobbler Photo Contest
It’s more than a hunt — it’s an experience. Enter the 14th Annual Big Gobbler Photo Contest! Submit your entry and start rallying votes here: alabamablackbeltadventures.org/news-more/shoot-the-black-belt/big-gobbler-photo-contest/ The photo that earns the most online votes will be crowned the winner! Voting ends Sun., May 10 at 11:59 p.m., giving supporters time to vote on gobblers harvested on the final days of the season. Visitors may vote once per day, per email address, per IP address. Eligibility: To keep things fair and competitive: Previous winners from the past two years are not eligible. Only one entry per participant is allowed. All contest decisions made by ALBBAA officials are final. ALBBAA promotes Alabama’s hunting heritage and wildlife stewardship. To ensure the contest reflects those values, ALBBAA reserves the right to disqualify any photo. Photos may be disqualified if they: Depict unethical or disrespectful behavior, portray hunting or wildlife management in a negative light. involve voting violations or unfair advantages, show any violation of ADCNR regulations. Celebrate your hunt. Showcase your success. Share your Black Belt story. ALBBAA encourages hunters to comply with all Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) game regulations, including purchasing a valid hunting license. 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. For information, go to www.alabamablackbeltadventures.org.
School Events
Shelton Singers Spring Concert
Shelton State Community College’s Shelton Singers will present their spring concert on Tues., April 21, at 7:30 p.m. in the Alabama Power Foundation Recital Hall on the College’s Martin Campus. The event is free, and the public is invited to attend. Under the direction of Dr. J. F. Mark Brown, the Singers will share selections related to the evening’s title and theme, Wind, Rain, and Stars. To learn more about Shelton State Fine Arts, visit sheltonstate.edu/finearts.
Applications Open for Statewide Youth Arts Collective
Beginning April 9, Amp Up Arts will open applications for the Youth Arts Collective (YAC), a statewide student leadership program designed to engage and empower high school students across Alabama. The Youth Arts Collective will bring together students who are passionate about the arts and interested in strengthening arts education within their schools and communities. Participants will collaborate with peers from across the state, develop leadership skills, and work alongside mentors from Alabama’s arts community. The program is open to students entering grades 9 through 12. Participants can expect to commit approximately four to six hours per month. Applications will remain open through April 30. Students can apply online at: bit.ly/YACarts Educators and community leaders are encouraged to share this opportunity with students who have an interest in the arts, regardless of prior coursework or experience. For more information about the Youth Arts Collective, please visit ampuparts.org or contact Amp Up Arts at info@AmpUpArts.org.
UWA’s Center for Conservation and Agriculture to host Earth Day Celebration
The University of West Alabama’s Center for Conservation and Agriculture will host an Agriculture and Conservation Celebration on Earth Day, April 22, at ALFA Environmental Hall from 1–5:30 p.m. The Center advances conservation and agriculture in the Black Belt region through education, outreach, research, and hands-on student experiences. Interns with the West Alabama Agriculture and Conservation Association assist local landowners with technical services such as invasive species management and prescribed fire application. At the celebration attendees can learn how the Center is making a difference in agriculture and conservation through live demonstrations and educational exhibits. Demonstrations will include raised garden beds, pig traps, seed drills and meat fabrication. Exhibits will feature a fire trailer from Central Alabama Prescribed Burn Association, West Alabama Bee Company, Congo grass treatment, thermal drones and other drone applications, and IV Vet equipment. The event will also include refreshments, live entertainment by Hunter Chappell, and door prizes. Admission is free and open to the public. Please RSVP by April 15 to Kaitlyn Schmidt at schmidtk7166@uwa.edu or John McCall, jmccall@uwa.edu.
MACCF Scholarships
The Alabama Agribusiness Council Foundation (ACCF) is now accepting applications for its 2026-2027 scholarships. The organization provides up to $5,000 annually. This scholarship fund was created to provide financial assistance to students majoring in a field of study that will prepare the student for a career in agriculture or agribusiness. The scholarship process is under the supervision of the AACF Board of Directors. The AACF Board of Directors screens applications and selects recipients. The scholarship recipients and amount awarded will be determined by the ACCF board of directors. If selected, the scholarship funds will be awarded in the student’s honor to their respective University upon proof of enrollment. In addition to the above criteria, applicants must: Be enrolled in a four-year institution located in Alabama. Have exhibited an interest in pursuing a career in agriculture or agribusiness. Be accepted/enrolled in a four-year institution in the State of Alabama. Be majoring in a field directly related to the study of agriculture or agribusiness. Have a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 grade scale. Be a resident of Alabama. Applicants can apply at the link below. Applications must be received by April 1st to be considered. If you have questions regarding this scholarship opportunity, please contact me at grace@alagribusiness.org. Apply here: https://aac.memberclicks.net/scholarship-application
Earnie the Eagle, Money As You Grow Book Club
Earnie the Eagle Money As You Grow Book Club is for parents and children ages 3-12. Everyone is welcome to join the reading and snack with Earnie the Eagle! We look forward to you joining us on the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 am at the Hale County Library, 1103 Main St., Greensboro. As we use children’s books to explore important money concepts like spending, saving, sharing, earning, and goal setting! Strengthening financial foundation through reading and play. 2026 Book Club Meetings: Tues., April 7, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.; Tues., May 5, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. For more information contact: Renee’ Vines, Extension Agent, (205) 367-8148, Email: phv0002@aces.edu.
SSCC’s Terrific Tuesday Concert Series
Shelton State Community College’s Terrific Tuesday Concert Series continues this spring in the Alabama Power Recital Hall on the Martin Campus. Admission is free. All 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: April 14 SSCC Student Recital Noelle Douglas, mezzo-soprano, April 21 Honors Musicale.
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
| April 20, 2026 📰 BEST BETS Gift to Capstone College of Nursing Aims to Generate Growth The Bedford Falls Foundation-Donor Advised Fund is investing $1.5 million over five years to The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing to support in-state student scholarships and programs. Why This Matters: This landmark gift from the Bedford Falls Foundation-DAF will provide the College with around 60 scholarships annually for in-state, undergraduate nursing students and support student success initiatives. For more information, contact Alex House at alex.house@ua.edu. Turning Tragedy into Transformative Research As Alabama approaches the 15th anniversary of the April 27, 2011, tornado outbreak, three UA professors are turning tragedy into transformative research aimed at making communities like Tuscaloosa safer and more resilient. Why This Matters: Shaped by personal experiences with devastating severe weather, researchers like Dr. Shane Crawford, who as a UA student witnessed the April 27 aftermath, are improving disaster preparedness, response and resilience — applying those lessons to help protect lives today and in the future. For more information, contact Jessica Nelson at jessica.nelson@ua.edu. Bama Blitz Collects More Than 1,500 Gifts UA raised more than $1 million in gifts during its ninth annual giving days, Bama Blitz. Why This Matters: This year’s campaign, Bama in Bloom, celebrated the many ways charitable giving helps students grow both personally and professionally at the Capstone, highlighting a variety of funds and passion-driven projects across campus. UA supporters made 1,586 gifts during the crowdfunded, social media-driven campaign. For more information, contact Alex House at alex.house@ua.edu. UA Summer Camps Provide Enriching Opportunities From creative writing and visual arts to engineering, communication and college readiness, UA offers a wide range of academic-focused summer camps for students of all ages. Why This Matters: These programs give students hands-on learning experiences, a chance to explore future majors and careers, and an opportunity to experience life on UA’s campus. 📅 EVENTS Entrepreneur Resource Groups April 21; The EDGE #SICKMOVES Dance Alabama! Concert April 25; The English Building |