Editorial & Opinion
Vices & Virtues – About those flags in the old Baggett Building…
Mankind has exercised the freedom to speak its own point of view long before it was defined as a “right”. Against such things there should be no hindrance nor threat, but an understanding that equal and unalienable responses from people like me should follow—who also have the freedom to express opinions. Chances are, if…
Read More“The re-branding of country music icons, because words are racist too” by Jacob Womack
Amid the nationwide protests over the wrongful killing of George Floyd and the ensuing racial tension, Lady Antebellum has officially changed their name to “Lady A”. After more than a decade of radio-friendly, hit singles and chart-topping Country music record sales, the band is now “deeply sorry” for the Antebellum half of their branding. Granted, most people…
Read MoreHey Teachers, I See You Being Awesome – By Elizabeth Grimes Reaves
Hey Teachers-I See You Being Awesome submitted by Elizabeth Grimes Reaves Over the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to venture into several elementary schools across the county. While they are different, one thing was a constant- the atmosphere: halls filled with colorful, inspiring bulletin boards and murals; happy students, and positive attitudes.…
Read MoreEffective leadership in Wilcox County will need some support, By Ethan Van Sice
The first County Commission meeting of 2020 was sort of hard to watch. Chairman Bill Albritton was placed at an unfair advantage while fending for our County’s finances. A gaping door was left wide open with the absence of Moton and Lawson, allowing the dynamic duo of Southall and Saulsberry to play with money, pass…
Read MoreVices & Virtues -8/7/2019- by Ethan Van Sice
“Chief Nikisha Gailes has the respect of her department. She has the trust of the citizens. And she has backbone to withstand this scrutiny.” Following a rash of mass-shootings last week, a post was made to the Pine Hill Police Department’s Facebook page which read, “two mass shootings in 24 hours? Is America great again…
Read MoreIs Wilcox County a Safe Haven for Criminals? – Editorial by Ethan Van Sice
By Ethan Van Sice It’s been a year since D.A. Michael Jackson filed a request to the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts Chief Examiner’s Office concerning the $18,000 missing from the Wilcox County Probate Office and former clerk Shekita Jenkin’s alleged involvement. All evidence clearly showed 3 forged checks cashed in her name,…
Read MoreLast week’s edition of this newspaper might just go down as “the week that almost never was.” While performing a routine technical upgrade, we experienced a server malfunction which caused us to lose an entire week’s worth of work, including all templates, drafts, and back-issues we’d normally rely on to compile editions consistently since…
Read MoreBroad Dreams For Broad Street, Camden AL
An Editorial By Ethan Van Sice Small towns in rural America face many challenges when it comes to progress. Most are keen on the idea of growth, but the usual suspects tend to derail ideas before they can get off the ground. A poor economy, lack of political support, and meager infrastructural resources can be…
Read MoreHenry’s Red & White (and beloved forever) by Ethan Van Sice
It’s virtually impossible to visit the City of Camden without at least noticing Henry’s Red & White. Over the past 60 odd years, the iconic grocery store has become synonymous with the town. Even those who’ve never had the pleasure of stepping inside would be considered “gifted” to have overlooked the large, brick structure nestled…
Read MoreThe Chip on our Shoulders (and our hearts, minds, and prayers)
By The Progressive Era staff To most outsiders, Wilcox County doesn’t seem like the ideal place to live. Only 10,719 people within the 907 square miles have actually chosen to do so, or maybe circumstances just left them sort of stranded here, a place that’s been rated the poorest county in Alabama. Begs the question,…
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