Community News

Barbour County commissioners will reapply for grant funding to build a new Clio Senior Center with the option to purchase land for the facility. Action was taken at Tuesday’s commission meeting to proceed with the Community Development Block Grant application but approval was not given until after lengthy discussions and divided votes.

Dr. Sharlene Newman, Executive Director of the Alabama Life Research Institute, was instrumental in obtaining the Alabama Health Literacy grant in June 2021. The purpose of the Alabama Health Literacy Initiative is to support patient-centered educational opportunities, guide outreach activities, and create partnerships to advance health literacy and improve health outcomes in Clayton and four other towns throughout Alabama. It is through this partnership that one special citizen in Clayton received an opportunity of a life time. The health literacy initiative afforded the youth to do a college tour on June 23, 2022. The college recruiter at Stillman College gave a detailed tour of the campus to 15 students from Clayton, AL. Among those students was Antwan Gordon, a recent graduate from Barbour County High this past May. After being introduced to the band director, Antwan was offered a $10,000.00 college scholarship on site! Later that evening at dinner Antoine shared with Dr. Newman about wanting to go into the military because he did not have money for college. Dr. Newman replied, "We will get you set up for college." Soon after returning to Clayton, Antwan's parents received a call from Stillman College with news that their son was offered a FULL four-year scholarship as well as an additional four year college grant. Through the efforts of the Health Literacy Initiative hosting the college tour, this young man has a bright future.

The project was $200 million short on the bond market, and mounting public pressure could result in another underwriter backing out. Alabama’s plan to build new prisons hit several snags this week: a lawsuit, protests and weaker-than-expected interest from buyers on the bond market.

Expressions of sympathy are being expressed from those who are mourning the loss of a young lady in a house fire in Eufaula early Saturday morning. Kenzie Cloke, 25, of Eufaula perished in the fire that was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived at the home on Sanford Avenue.