The Marengo County Leader

07/04/2024

Hey, Marengo County residents, got family events planned for the 4th? Send us your photos!

05/16/2024

BREAKING NEWS

DEMOPOLIS LOCK WILL REOPEN THURSDAY AFTERNOON, MAY 16



DEMOPOLIS -- The Leader has learned that the Demopolis Lock (mile 213.2) will reopen to traffic in the afternoon of Thursday, May 16, 2024.

Commercial traffic will have priority lockage, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The lock operator can be contacted on VHF Channel 16 or at 334-289-0645.
The lock has been closed for repairs since a chunk of the upper miter sill collapsed into the lock chamber in mid-January.

05/08/2024

Here's a look at the front of this week's LEADER! Get your copy today!

04/26/2024

MARENGO BOE VOTES TO APPROVE DR. KALVIN EATON
AS NEW SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION

LINDEN -- Come May 23, 2024, the Marengo Co. School System will have its first new Superintendent of Education in almost 24 years.
Luke Hallmark, who has served in that role since 2000, announced his retirement earlier this year. His last day will be April 30.
At the April 25 meeting of the Board of Education, members voted to unanimously accept the recommendation of the Superintendent Search Committee and hire Dr. Kalvin Eaton, whose first day on the job will be Thursday, May 23.
Dr. Eaton comes to Marengo County from Minor High School, in Adamsville -- a suburb of Birmingham -- where he has served as principal since June of 2015.
In the meantime, the BOE voted to name Terry Norton, Career and Technical Education Director, as Interim Superintendent from May 1 until Dr. Eaton assumes his duties here later in the month.
Dr. Eaton received a BS degree in Health and Physical Science from Stillman College in 2008; an MA degree in Teaching/Physical Education from the University of West Alabama in 2008; an MA degree in Instructional Leadership from UWA in 2009; a degree as an Educational Specialist (Ed.S) in Instructional Leadership from UWA in 2011; and his Doctorate from Samford University where his dissertation was on Parental Involvement in Schools.
He is also a graduate of the Alabama Superintendents Academy.
Prior to his tenure at Minor, Dr. Eaton was Principal of Erwin Middle School, in Center Point, from 2014-15; Assistant Principal, Hueytown High School, 2011-2014; Health and Physical Education teacher, University Place Middle, Tuscaloosa, 2008-2011; Health and Physical Education teacher at Tuscaloosa Middle School, 2006- 2008.
He was a student athlete in college, has served as a coach, and was twice nominated for Alabama Teacher of the Year.
Mark S. Boardman, an attorney with the Birmingham law firm of Boardman, Carr, Petelos, Watkins & Ogle, PC, said the search committee -- which included local attorney Alex Braswell -- received “a lot of high quality” applications.
“That makes sense because your school system is financially sound and you are very stable,” Boardman said.
Without revealing names, he added that there were some local applicants who also had “outstanding resumes”.
“This board has done a fantastic job,” Eaton said in addressing the group. “It’s an honor to be here.”
Eaton said that Marengo County seems like “home” to him because his grandfather was born and raised here.
“We have family here as well,” he added.
Eaton said that he is coming to the job “to work”.
“My leadership style is more collaborative,” he said. “I want to work with you. I don’t have all the answers. This is my first job as superintendent but I have high confidence in myself. I have high expectations of the people in the community I serve, and I love kids. My goal is to inspire, educate and motivate kids to create educational opportunities.”
Eaton said he is excited about the opportunity and “very, very happy” to be in Marengo County.
Because the responsibility for hiring a superintendent is with the BOE, the recommendation to hire Dr. Eaton was made by Boardman and presented to the board by Chairman Freddie Charleston where Dr. Eaton received a unanimous vote.
“Welcome aboard!” Chairman Charleston said following the vote.
He also thanked all of the members of the interview and selection committee for their tireless work during the process.

Pictured following the Thursday afternoon meeting are, left-right: Marengo Co. Board of Education Members Freddie Charleston, John McAlpine, Rayvell Smith, Lynda Joiner, and Chester Moore, incoming Superintendent of Education Dr. Kalvin Eaton, Board Member-Elect Mark Bedsole (who will be succeeding McAlpine in Jan., 2025), and retiring Superintendent of Education Luke Hallmark. -- photo by Tommy Campbell

04/10/2024

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A TORNADO WATCH UNTIL 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN ALABAMA:
4 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL ALABAMA -- DALLAS, LOWNDES, MARENGO, and SUMTER. THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF DEMOPOLIS, FORT DEPOSIT, LINDEN, LIVINGSTON, LOWNDESBORO, SELMA, AND YORK.

02/29/2024

02/17/2024

BREAKING NEWS
Body of Demopolis woman missing
since Tuesday found in river slough
• Local man arrested, charged with murder
DEMOPOLIS -- A local man has been arrested and charged with the murder of a Demopolis woman who went missing late Tuesday evening, Feb. 13, 2024.
Demopolis Chief of Police Rex Flowers told The Leader that about 11 p.m. that evening, officers responded to a missing person call on West Jackson Street at MySpace Apartments.
"Upon officers arrival it was reported to them that Sabrina Danielle Harbin walked off from the apartments and went East on Jackson," Chief Flowers said. "Officers on the scene completed a Missing Persons report and began looking for Ms. Harbin."
A Missing Person BOLO (Be On the Lookout For) alert was sent out on Wednesday for Harbin, who was described as a 35-year old female who stands five-feet and one-inch tall and weighs 100 pounds.
Officers from Demopolis PD, 17th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force, firefighters from the Demopolis Fire Department and others continued to search the area on Wednesday and Thursday, using boats, drones and other equipment, Flowers said.
"While officers were searching for her, investigators were working on obtaining any information that might be prudent to her whereabouts," he added.
On Friday, Feb. 16, about 1 p.m., officers were back out in searching along the edge of the Tombigbee River -- in the slough between Southfresh Feeds and the Demopolis Hickory Mill -- in boats, and discovered the body of Harbin floating in the water.
The body was recovered by the Demopolis Fire Department and transported to the Dept. of Forensic Sciences lab for further examination.
About 3:21 p.m., Friday afternoon, after identifying a person of interest, officers travelled to Eutaw where they located 34-year old Michael Moses Brown, who has family ties there but who has lived in Demopolis for many years, Flowers said.
He was brought back to Demopolis for questioning and later charged with murder.
Brown has been transported to the Marengo Co. Detention Center where he is awaiting a bond hearing.
"I would like to commend all the officers and investigators for their hard work and determination in this case as well as the overwhelming assistance from the following," Chief Flowers said: District Attorney Greg Griggers’ 17th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force, the Demopolis Fire Department, Ala. Game and Fish, Ala. State Bureau of Investigation Latent Print Unit, Marengo Co. Sheriff’s Department, Greene Co. Sheriff’s Department, Eutaw Police Department, and Equusearch Midwest.
This is a developing story and any updates will be published in The Leader's Feb. 21, 2024 edition.

AT LEFT: Michael Moses Brown
AT RIGHT: Sabrina Danielle Harbin

02/15/2024

*****Missing Person*****
*****Missing Person*****

The Demopolis Police Department is looking for Sabrina Danielle Harbin 35 years old of Demopolis. Ms Harbin is 5’01” and weighs approximately 100lbs .Ms Harbin was reportedly last seen in the area of West Jackson Street last night around 11:00pm. We are asking anyone that might have information as to the whereabouts of Ms. Harbin to contact the Demopolis Police Department at (334)289-3073

01/19/2024

BOIL WATER ADVISORY
At 6:30 am on January 18th, 2024, the South Marengo Water and Fire Protection Authority issued a boil water advisory due to a loss of pressure in the water system. The loss of pressure in the system was caused by distribution leaks and customer leaks. Please note, that this issue is not unique to South Marengo, many water systems are experiencing issues due to the freezing weather.
Please do not call the office or call 911 to report a water outage or water pressure issues at this time. We are working on the issue as quickly as possible.
As a general guideline, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) requires a water system to issue a boil water advisory any time there is a loss of pressure, which does allow for a potential for bacterial growth in the system. This is a precautionary measure and will require the system pressure to stabilize. Bacteriological samples must be taken before the boil water advisory can be lifted.
Customers are requested to bring their water to a boil to for 3 minutes prior to eating or drinking. You are not required to bring your water to a boil for showering or other uses.
Currently, South Marengo is asking customers to be patient as we work to resolve the issue. This is a systematic issue affected multiple water systems in our area. As South Marengo is a purchase only system, it is dependent upon other systems for its source of water. We are asking all of our customers to follow the guidance from ADEM and the Alabama Rural Water Association:

Drip, don’t run.
Stop dripping faucets after thaw/freezing temperatures aren’t the issue anymore.
If you have a water leak, please turn your meter off to prevent high bills and to help prevent unnecessary demand on the system.
If you need assistance with locating your meter or turning off your meter please contact 334-295-5300.
Please make sure your water line is buried, according to plumbing code frost line plus 6 inches, in this area that is at least 18inches deep also make sure your pipes are insulated.

Our team is working around the clock to resolve the issue, and we are working to provide a solution as soon as possible. This will take everyone working together to reduce usage and to allow the system to recover. We will provide further information once it is available. For frequent updates, we are updating our page as new information is available.

01/16/2024

LEADER READERS: Send us your winter weather photos taken in the Marengo County area. Let us know where and when the photos were taken and list any other relative information. Send them by FB message or email to [email protected].

01/15/2024

Based on this morning's forecast, the probability of freezing rain has increased. Early morning travel could be icy and dangerous, especially bridges, overpasses, and rural roads.
Because of the potential for dangerous conditions, Tuesday will be a Virtual Day for Marengo County Schools.
We will keep everyone updated about plans for school on Wednesday.

01/14/2024

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY ISSUED FOR MARENGO, SURROUNDING AREAS
BIRMINGHAM -- The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY for The Leader's coverage area in south central Alabama from 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15, through 9 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16.
Freezing rain is expected, along with some snow and sleet.
Total ice accumulations are expected to be less than 1/10th of an inch, but even such small amounts can bring down tree limbs and power lines.
Slippery road conditions can be expected and readers are advised to prepare for possible power outages.
Freezing drizzle is expected to begin in this area around 11 p.m. Monday evening, with the highs on Tuesday barely making it to the "freezing" (32 degree) mark.
Overnight lows in the Demopolis/Linden area are expected to drop into the low teens or even single digits on Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning, and readers are advised to take all precautions to wrap and protect water pipes or to leave faucets dripping.
Temperatures on Wednesday will see highs in the low 40s and lows in the 20s, but another blast of frigid Arctic air is expected on Friday and Saturday, with lows in the teens both nights.

11/18/2023

DEMOPOLIS -- John Wahl, Chairman of the Alabama GOP, will be the guest speaker at a meeting of the Marengo Co. Republican Party, Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 5:30 p.m., at Rooster Hall, in Demopolis.
Marengo Co. GOP Chairman Dan England told The Leader that anyone interested in learning more about the party or becoming a member is encouraged to attend.
Members are also being sought to become part of the local GOP's Executive Committee.
GOP candidates are also welcome to attend.

11/08/2023

Governor Ivey Prohibits Burning Statewide

Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday issued a statewide ‘No Burn Order.’ Today, she signed a statewide Drought Emergency Declaration which prohibits all outdoor burning in Alabama. This order is effective November 9, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. Central Standard Time.
“Alabama is currently experiencing extremely dry conditions, which greatly increases the potential for dangerous wildfire activity. State Forester Rick Oates and his team have been working around-the-clock to keep our forests safe and fires contained, and I commend them for their efforts to protect Alabamians, our homes, and our wildlife,” said Governor Ivey. “This declaration is meant to prevent unnecessary burning, reducing the chance of avoidable fires. I urge Alabamians to heed this warning.”
Since the statewide Fire Alert was issued on October 24, AFC firefighters have responded to 352 wildfires that have burned 3,199 acres across the state.
“These burning restrictions are a necessary result of the ongoing lack of precipitation and high probability of fuel ignition,” said State Forester Rick Oates. “During the last month we’ve seen an increase not only in the number of wildfires, but also in the size of those fires.” Oates continued, “With this prolonged drought, conditions are such that any outdoor fire can rapidly spread out of control, taking longer – and more firefighting resources – to contain and ultimately control. Even though we are predicted to get a small amount of rain this weekend, it will not be enough to lessen the wildfire danger.”
The Drought Emergency Declaration order will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester, at which time conditions will have changed sufficiently to reduce the occurrence and frequency of wildfires. To report persons burning in violation of this law, contact your local law enforcement. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state, visit Alabama Forestry Commission’s website at www.forestry.alabama.gov.

11/05/2023

Pine Hill authorities issue "BOLO" for man
wanted for assault, attempted murder

PINE HILL -- A warrant and "BOLO" (be on the lookout alert) has been issued for a suspect in an assault and attempted murder incident that occurred in Pine Hill on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.
Chief of Police Nikisha Gailes told The Leader that a call was received about 9:30 a.m. that morning that Carrie Simon, 51, had been shot at a location on CR 18.
Officers responded to the scene and Simon was transported to J. Paul Jones Hospital, in Camden, for treatment and later airlifted to another hospital where Chief Gailes said the victim was being treated for injuries that are believed to be non-life threatening.
The suspect, Gary Kendall Brown, Sr., a 39-year old black male, stands about five feet and 10 inches tall, weighs about 170 pounds, and was last seen travelling alone, eastbound on Wilcox CR 18, in a gray, 2021 Kia K5 bearing Alabama license plate A0W97T.
Brown is wanted on charges of assault (first degree) and attempted murder, Chief Gailes said.
Authorities have information that he may have fled the Wilcox County area.
"If located, use extreme caution as he is considered to be armed and dangerous," Chief Gailes told The Leader.
Persons who may have seen Brown, this vehicle, or know of his whereabouts are asked to immediately call local authorities, 911, the Pine Hill Police Department at 334-963-4351 or their Tip Line at 334-963-4816.

10/04/2023

Readers asked to be on lookout for
murder suspect who is on the run
MONTGOMERY -- Authorities in Montgomery are asking people to be on the lookout for a man wanted out of that city on an active warrant for reckless murder.
Kayne Chakeith McTier, 19, is being sought by the United States Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Task Force. He is wanted by the Montgomery Police Department and reportedly has friends and family in central/west Alabama.
McTier is a black male who stands 5′9 tall and weighs about 150 pounds.
He is considered dangerous and violent and, if spotted, persons are warned to not approach him but to immediately call 911 or their nearest law enforcement office.
A monetary reward is being offered by CrimeStoppers for information that leads to McTier’s arrest.

10/04/2023

Fire Alert Continues for Alabama
A Fire Alert remains in effect across the state. The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) issued the burn restriction on September 22 because of the current drought situation, continued lack of precipitation, and high probability of fuel ignition. Since October is historically the state's driest month, drought conditions are expected to worsen.
Weather predictions for the upcoming weekend include the arrival of two cold fronts, potentially bringing low relative humidity and gusty winds. Risk of wildfire is extremely high right now; just about every region of the state has been experiencing a steady increase in wildfire activity. Effective Friday, October 6, permits for outdoor burning will no longer be issued until further notice. Anyone burning a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.
“The Fire Alert is not going away until we receive significant precipitation, meaning several inches of rainfall,” said State Forester Rick Oates. “Unfortunately, there is no rain in sight, so the restriction must remain in effect indefinitely. With this extremely dry weather, any fire can quickly spread out of control threatening lives and livelihood, not to mention destroying our forests.”
According to AFC Fire Analyst Ethan Barrett, “Another thing to consider during drought conditions is that fires may persist or smolder for days in piles of debris. If anyone has burned in the past few days, they should closely monitor the burned area to prevent re-ignition of embers. In light fuels such as grass and leaves, there is potential for escape of fires. Large diameter fuels (limbs 3’ or greater in size), may continue to burn for days, if not weeks.”
To report a wildfire, call the Alabama Forestry Commission at (800) 392-5679. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state or any other forestry-related issues, contact your local AFC office or visit the agency website at www.forestry.alabama.gov/Pages/Fire/Totals.aspx.

10/02/2023

MARENGO BOE MEETS IN "EMERGENCY CALLED" SESSION FRIDAY TO ACCEPT RESIGNATION OF SWHS PRINCIPAL, DR. GARY GIBSON

LINDEN -- The Marengo Co. Board of Education, in an "emergency called" meeting held at noon, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, accepted the resignation of Dr. Gary Gibson.
Gibson has served as principal of Sweet Water High School since July 1, 2022.
His last day on the job will be October 13, Superintendent of Education Luke Hallmark told The Leader.
A message sent through the school's messaging system on Sunday indicated that Head Coach Pat Thompson has agreed to serve as Interim Principal until a successor can be found.
Prior to his being employed at SWHS, Dr. Gibson was principal of Demopolis Middle School from Aug. 1, 2021 until he resigned from that position in April, 2022.
The action came after a regular meeting of the Marengo BOE the day before, on the evening of Sept. 28, in which a contingent of more than 40 parents and grandparents showed up to demand action regarding what they told The Leader were a number of complaints at the school.
The BOE went into a nearly two-hour closed-door session, beginning at 4:56 p.m., to discuss the matter, first with a representative of the parents and Dr. Gibson, then with Dr. Gibson alone, followed by two attorneys who were asked to enter the "executive" session.
Parents waited in the hallway outside the conference room and outside the building until the door was opened at 6:52 p.m.
State law allows such closed-door meetings when officials are meeting to discuss issues that involve a person's "good name and character" or a legal matter.
No decision was made and little comment was made on the matter when the BOE returned to open session Thursday night, but the 15 or so parents who stayed for the conclusion of the meeting were told that their concerns had been heard and would be addressed.
The board did not release to this newspaper details of specific complaints voiced by parents.
(PUB. NOTE: A more detailed report on other matters from the Sept. 28 meeting can be found in this week's edition of The Leader, on sale Wednesday, Oct. 4.)

10/02/2023

NOTICE:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) at 1:20 p.m. central time on Wednesday, October 4th.
Immediately prior to the EAS test, at 1:18 p.m., they will test the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system. Wireless phone systems will go down, as well as the internet, cable and satellite signals.
If you are in the middle of a call on your phone at that time, the call may drop for the text alert, along with tones like an Amber alert.
Cell phone users will receive a message at that time stating: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System.”
No action is needed, and the cell phone part of the test is set to last for about 30 minutes, but you can dismiss the notification as soon as you see and hear it.
In the unlikely event of an actual emergency at that time, the test will take place a week later on October 11.
The Emergency Broadcast system was created to get word out in cases of attacks, natural disasters, and other national emergency events. The test is being conducted to ensure that the system is ready for a real crisis and that the public is aware of it.

09/22/2023

STATEWIDE FIRE ALERT ISSUED:
The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has issued a statewide Fire Alert effective immediately. While under a Fire Alert, permits for outdoor burning will be restricted. Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.
This burning restriction is being issued because of the current drought situation, continued lack of precipitation, and high probability of fuel ignition. Weather predictions for the weekend include relative humidities under 20 percent and windy conditions with 15-30 mph gusts in areas. With this extremely dry weather, any fire can quickly spread out of control, not only resulting in damage to our forests but also threatening lives and destroying property.
This Fire Alert will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester, at which time conditions will have changed sufficiently to reduce the occurrence and frequency of wildfires. To report a wildfire, call the Alabama Forestry Commission at (800) 392-5679. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state or any other forestry-related issues, contact your local AFC office or visit the agency website at www.forestry.alabama.gov/Pages/Fire/Totals.aspx. The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency committed to protecting Alabama’s invaluable forest assets as well as its citizens.

08/25/2023

Attention LINDEN HIGH SCHOOL football fans:
Tonight's game vs Choctaw County High School will be broadcast LIVE on our sister publication's internet television channel.
To view, log onto www.choctawsun.org and click on the SunTV broadcast link at the top of the page. Then just click on the CCHS vs Linden game.
Live coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. with our play-by-play commentators, and the game is set to begin at 7 p.m.
There is absolutely no charge for viewing.

07/29/2023

THIS ALERT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.