Columns

There are obvious indications that the 2024 election season is beginning to heat up. Candidates waited until after the Christmas holidays and New Year’s to gear up for the March 5 Primary Election.

To me, there is nothing quite as good as the rich smell of collard greens cooking on the stove in January. My Daddy never cared for collards.

75 YEARS AGO OCTOBER 22, 1948 Clayton’s rugged Tigers proved to be too much for the Louisville Red Devils here Friday, as they handed them a 20-6 defeat. Clayton’s first touchdown came when “Wheel” Milldrum took a Louisville punt on the 10-yard line for an exciting 90 yard run.

Pea River Presbyterian Church members organized an outstanding event Sunday afternoon. The special occasion was the observance of the church’s 200th year celebration.

A lot of effort and planning went into organizing a tailgating event for the BCHS homecoming. Former students from all the schools in the county, some of which are closed due to consolidations, came together for a fun time. Organizers stressed that there was to be “No Drama” and only “Love” could be shared. That’s exactly what happened! Tents were set up at the game where former classmates, young and old, gathered to reunite. We send our congratulations to all who organized and participated. Plans have already begun on next year’s homecoming event.

Where is the ambulance? Why does it take so long for the ambulance to get here? These are two of the most asked questions in Barbour County when it concerns the availability of Emergency Medical Services. These questions can be answered with one simple word: FUNDING.

Having the privilege of serving in the Alabama Senate for the past 13 years and in the House for 12 years prior, I’ve seen firsthand the evolution of public health policy in our state. There have been several legislative measures to help improve public health, and I can confidently say there is one common priority that cuts across every effort, no matter the elected representative or their political affiliation: the urgent need to reduce skyrocketing healthcare costs.

75 YEARS AGO OCTOBER 15, 1948 The Bakerhill Future Homemakers of America held their regular meeting October 7 at the Home Economics Department. Officers for the new year are President - Lillian Wise, Vice President - Betty Zorn, Secretary - Peggy Gary, Treasurer - Gloria Jean Turner, Reporter - Rubye Flynn, Song Leader - Gladys Shirley, and Program Committee members - Merle Zorn, Betty Zorn and Sadie Williams.

The sales tax may seem less visible than other taxes because we pay it in small bits, unlike once-ayear property and income tax payments. But in reality, the sales tax is the most regressive of Alabama’s three major state taxes (income, property and sales). It consumes a much greater portion of the household budget for families with low and middle incomes than it does for wealthier families.