Three Pickens County Board of Education Members Voted Against Terminating Incarcerated Employee Serving Federal Sentence

BY DONNA BAIN

Staff Writer

The Pickens County Board of Education held its monthly meeting on January 14, 2026, at Re- form Elementary School. They were greeted by students welcoming them into the school.

19 Alabama Counties Designated as Disaster Areas Due to Drought

BY DONNA BAIN

Staff Writer

Rick Pate, Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, announced recently that USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins has designated 19 Alabama counties as natural disaster areas because of the recent drought.

Commissioner Pate said that farmers have been affected by the drought. Many cattle producers were unable to harvest enough hay for the winter, which resulted in them having to supply supplemental feed.

Correction: Homicide Arrest in Pickens County

BY DONNA BAIN

Staff Writer

On January 2, 2025, Pickens County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to Water Mill Road, where they found an adult male suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.

Through coordinated efforts, a description of the suspect’s vehicle was developed and shared with surrounding law enforcement agencies.

Close to 15 minutes later, a deputy with the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office spotted the vehicle speeding. The vehicle wrecked, and the suspect was taken into custody.

Homeicide Arrest in Pickens County

BY DONNA BAIN

Staff Writer

On January 2, 2026, Pickens County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to Water Mill Road, where they found an adult male suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.

Through coordinated efforts, a description of the suspect’s vehicle was developed and shared with surrounding law enforcement agencies.

Close to 15 minutes later, a deputy with the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office spotted the vehicle speeding. The vehicle wrecked, and the suspect was taken into custody.

ALDOT to Replace SR-14 Bridge Over Sipsey River South of Aliceville

TUSCALOOSA – The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) plans to replace the SR-14 bridge over the Sipsey River south of Aliceville to improve mobility and safety. The existing bridge has reached the end of its service life and will be replaced with a modern structure designed to better serve current and future traffic needs.  The project is expected to begin Monday, Jan. 5, and will continue until fall 2027.  The contractor will build the new bridge beside the existing bridge. Therefore, no off-site detour will be required.