Population and political power now rests in North Alabama
All eight of the most powerful members of the Legislature are from Birmingham north. Growing up as a teenager in the 1960’s, I served as a Page in the Alabama Legislature.
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Read MorePopulation and political power now rests in North Alabama
O Wisteria!
I was about three years old when my eldest brother, Charles Lewis, dared me to pick and eat some of the “nice purple grapes” hanging in great bunches from our Aunt Aileen’s arbor. They certainly didn't look very “nice.” In fact, those “grapes” looked rather dry for all they were so pretty - the loveliest shade of lilac they were - and why was this strange grapevine producing grapes in early spring instead of fall? I still ate one, however, to show Charles Lewis that I could. And wouldn't you know it? Those “grapes” tasted as bland and papery and dry as they looked. In fact, they didn't taste like grapes at all!
Time arrives to renovate courthouse
It’s decision time with Barbour County commissioners. They are at a point decisions must be made to bring the county courthouse in Clayton up to standards for employees and the public.
HSBC seeks help with shelter operations
Pleas for support for the Humane Society of Barbour County are being issued, whether it’s with manpower, donations, food, or any other means to help with its operation. Susan Bishop praises the animal shelter manager, Tara Polli, and her daughter, Melissa, as well as the weekend helper, Amy Green, for doing a “fantastic” job.
Kudzu: the exasperating vine with surprising uses
Daddy loved to tell a story about a poor farmer whose fields were covered in kudzu vines. One day, when he was driving his tractor across a vine-infested meadow, man, tractor and all fell down in a gully cleverly disguised by the thick mats of leaves and vines. When the farmer did not come home to get his dinner, his wife went looking for him.
Interesting discussion
An interesting topic on the agenda of the Barbour County Commission last week was a discussion on a grand jury’s report after they toured the courthouse in Eufaula and submitted their recommendations.
Spiders live in kings’ palaces
'Oh! Oh! A spider!' my eight-year-old daughter cries out from the direction of the bathroom. I rush inside to find her dancing a hotfooted jig. Crouched and trembling at her feet next to the toilet is an ordinary, harmless, grey house spider unfortunate enough to scurry out of hiding at the exact time Rebekah decided to go to the bathroom.
Grocery tax passes Senate, awaits governor’s signature
On Thursday, the Senate passed a bill, on a vote of 31-0, that would reduce the current tax rate on food in Alabama over the next couple of years. HB479, sponsored by Rep.
Population shifts cause concern
Interesting data has recently been released revealing census populations in municipalities in Alabama from 2020 until the latest census taken in 2022. The U.S. Census Bureau conducts a census of populations in the United States every 10 years.
Healthcare access was missing from Gov. Ivey’s speech
There was a gap in Gov. Kay Ivey’s “state of the state” speech on Tuesday. A lifelong gap, in fact. Maybe you noticed it. It fell in between the time Ivey spoke of how proud she is of Alabama’s total abortion ban – an abomination that nearly 90 percent of the state disagrees with – and when she spoke of future generations just before wrapping up.