The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Jan. 13, 2021

Don McDonald of 'Killing Bigfoot'

FOUR YEARS AGO
JAN. 12, 2017

Evergreen weather observer Betty Ellis reported 1.53 inches of rain on Jan. 2, 0.21 inches on Jan. 5 and 1.02 inches on Jan. 6. She reported a high of 72 degrees on Jan. 2 and lows of 18 degrees on Jan. 7 and Jan. 8.

Conecuh County Commissioners and officials with the City of Evergreen held an official groundbreaking ceremony Monday morning at the future site of the Safe Room-Storm Shelter Building at the intersection of Wild Avenue and Rural Street in Evergreen. Taking part in the ceremony were Evergreen Mayor Pete Wolff, Evergreen City Councilwoman Vivian Fountain and county commissioners Wendell Byrd, Leonard Millender, Johnny Andrews, David Campbell and Michael Riley. The building, which is being funded through a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant, is being built by Youngblood-Barrett Construction & Engineering of Mobile.

Collard Green Festival kicks off: The Evergreen-Conecuh County Chamber of Commerce released earlier this week the official schedule of events for the 2017 Collard Green Festival, which is set to start tomorrow (Friday) morning at Evergreen Regional Airport.
One of the big attractions at the festival will be the Zerbini Family Circus, which will hold the first of five scheduled shows tomorrow at 10 a.m.
For local Bigfoot enthusiasts, Don McDonald of the TV show “Killing Bigfoot” will be on hand on Saturday to discuss local Bigfoot sightings.

29 YEARS AGO
JAN. 9, 1992

Evergreen weather observer Harry Ellis reported no rainfall between Dec. 30, 1991 and Jan. 5, 1992. He reported a high of 59 degrees on Dec. 31 and lows of 33 on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31. He reported 3.24 inches of rain during the month of December 1991 and 60.38 inches of rain during 1991.

Kimberli Griffin going to Montgomery next week for Young Woman of the Year: Miss Kimberli Griffin, Conecuh County’s 1992 Young Woman of the Year, will spend a week in Montgomery beginning this Friday, Jan. 10, preparing for the 35^th Annual Alabama’s Young Woman of the Year Program.
Fifty-four candidates representing 56 counties will compete for more than $20,000 in cash tuition scholarships and more than $2 million in college granted scholarships.

Winton M. Blount III of Montgomery will be the speaker for the Evergreen-Conecuh County Chamber of Commerce’s annual membership banquet, scheduled for 7 p.m. Thurs., Jan. 30, at the Quality Inn.
Chamber President Frank Chavers and the 20-member Board of Directors are delighted that one of the state’s leading business executives has agreed to address the meeting.
Blount will speak on business and education issues. He is chairman and chief executive officer of Winton Blount III & Associates, a diversified investment firm, and he has an extensive background in business. He was employed with Blount, Inc. for several years in various capacities and was vice chairman from 1987-1989.

54 YEARS AGO
JAN. 12, 1967

Two are killed in truck crash: Two persons were killed when a pickup truck collided with a dump truck near here Friday.
The victims were Marzell Shepard, 44, and Annie E. Nolen, 35, both of Evergreen. Shepard was driving the pickup which crashed into a dump truck driven by Ellison Mock, Brewton.
State Trooper Troy Smith investigated the accident, which happened at 12:20 p.m. Friday, 7.3 miles south of Evergreen on Highway 31. He said that Shepard lost control of his vehicle when a tire blew out and that it crossed into the path of the other truck.
Cpl. Charles Cargile said these were the first and only fatalities so far in the Evergreen District.

The Boy Scouts of Troop 40 met Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Scout Hut with 17 scouts present.
Frank Murphy passed “First Aid” requirements for 2^nd Class Scouting. Terry Pugh passed his Tenderfoot Scouting. Patrick Poole passed the “Knife and Axe, Compass and Wildlife” requirements for 2^nd Class Scouting. Crawford King passed “Compass” requirements for 2^nd Class Scouting.
At the close of the meeting, Scoutmaster Jimmy Murphy presented the Tenderfoot Badge to John Andrews.

The Ed E. Reid State Trade School opened Oct. 17, 1966. Wiley Salter, director, states that on the opening date the school enrolled 60 students and enrollment is rapidly increasing with 84 registered to date.

79 YEARS AGO
JAN. 8, 1942

Wednesday A.M. Fire Does Little Damage: The fire which was discovered at the residence of Dr. E.A. Price Wednesday morning is reported to have done little damage before it was extinguished. The fire department responded promptly as did the volunteer firefighters and police force.

Street Widening Project Approved: The Courant is in receipt of a telegram from Congressman George Grant dated Dec. 2, 1941 which reads as follows: “Presidential approval given WPA project 15068 with grant of $36,616 to widen highway 31 through Evergreen.”
Mayor J.R. Brooks tells The Courant that he expects the project to get underway in about 30 days. He further states that under the provisions of the project the present highway through the city limits will be widened to a four-lane drive or approximately twice as wide as it is at present. In the business section, beginning at the south end of the viaduct along West Front Street to a point about opposite the depot, the street will be widened 10 feet.
Mayor Brooks says bituminous surface will be used and curbs and gutters installed. When completed it will be a great improvement for the city and will facilitate the handling of traffic along Highway 31, especially in the business section.

James King, student at Marion Institute, had as his guest for the weekend, his roommate, Crawford Badham of Birmingham.

104 YEARS AGO
JAN. 10, 1917

B. Long, once a citizen of Conecuh County, now of Garland, Butler County, celebrated his 91^st birthday Jan. 7. There were 45 relatives present, only 33 being absent, received a large number of presents, majority of which was smoking tobacco, which amounted to $9 worth. (Smoking is his chief delight.) At the noon hour, all gathered around a large table so bountifully supplied with goodies that it could scarcely be missed when we had finished eating. May he live to see many another such day as this is the wish of his son, John.

Dr. Dickinson went to Mobile Monday where he preached a sermon at night at a meeting of the pastors’ union of that city.

Two more deaths occurred in the military company from this county on the Mexican border last week. They were Jeff Holloway of Belleville and Harry Ellis of Castleberry. Pneumonia was the cause.

Bettis-Ellard: The Birmingham Age-Herald makes the following announcement of interest to a number of Evergreen people: Mrs. S.O. Ellard announces the engagement of her daughter, Susie Mae, to Mr. John H. Bettis, the wedding to take place in January.

Notice to Dog Owners: Dog taxes for the year 1917 are now due and payable at the office of the Town Treasurer. All dogs in the town are subject to this tax. If not paid by the 25^th of January, 1917, the penalty of the law will be imposed. – H.A. Shields, Town Clerk.

The Evergreen Courant's Sports Flashback for Jan. 11, 2021

Wayne Frazier of Evergreen

FOUR YEARS AGO
JAN. 12, 2017

Hillcrest High School’s girls basketball team, ranked No. 8 in Class 3A, improved to 11-0 on the season last Thursday night by beating Escambia County High School, 79-24, in Atmore.
“This was a good win,” Hillcrest girls basketball coach Tammie Patrick said. “The girls are playing better every game.”
Tyesha Rudolph led the Lady Jags with a team-high 21 points.
(Other standout Hillcrest players in that game included Trinyia Boykin, Tomorrow Dixon, Shanaya Grace, Niyana Littlejohn, Audreonna Lopez, Tykeria Merrills, Cassie Riley, Shanecia Salvatore, Destiny Simpson and Arial Young.)

Sparta Warriors win two games: Sparta Academy’s varsity boys basketball team picked up two wins during the past week beating Lowndes Academy and South Montgomery County Academy on the road.
On Tuesday of last week, the Warriors beat Lowndes, 70-50, in Lowndesboro, and on last Thursday Sparta opened area play by beating Class A, Region 1, Area 2 opponent, SMCA, 58-45, in Grady.
Stone Riley led the Warriors (against Lowndes) with a double double, scoring a team-high 27 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. He also had one assist. Griffin Weaver followed with 20 points, three rebounds, a steal and a team-best four assists.
Weaver led the Warriors (against SMCA) with a team-high 22 points, four rebounds and four steals.

29 YEARS AGO
JAN. 9, 1992

Sparta Academy senior Steven Gall proudly displays the Most Valuable Player Award he was presented during the recent Alabama Independent School Association All-Star game in Selma. Gall was chosen most valuable player for the West Squad. During the game, Gall caught four passes for 65 yards, scored his team’s only touchdown and completed one pass.

54 YEARS AGO
JAN. 12, 1967

Evergreen has high interest in Super Bowl: Local residents have perhaps more than normal interest for a small Southern town in the Super Bowl in Los Angeles this Sunday. The game matches the champions of the NFL with the AFL champions.
Evergreen and Conecuh folks have special interest in the contest because one of the stars of the AFL Champion Kansas City Chiefs is Wayne Frazier, former star at Evergreen High School and Auburn. Frazier is offensive center for the Chiefs and wears No. 66.
Hugh Ellington, manager of WBLO, called Wayne on Tuesday night and found the big fellow in good spirits. He said that he and his teammates feel they have a good chance of upsetting the favored Green Bay Packers. The Chiefs are getting reading in Long Beach, Calif.
Wayne is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Frazier and is married to the former Ann Coker. They expect to be home soon.
Tuesday night, Benny Marshall, sports editor of the Birmingham News, had this to say about Wayne: “Frazier is from Evergreen, making big at last after several struggling pro years when he couldn’t keep healthy.” He then quoted Hal Herring, former Auburn line coach and now with the Atlanta Falcons, as being “an admirer of hard-nosed Wayne Frazier practically since the first day he saw him scrimmage at Auburn.”
Wayne told Hugh that he felt that he had had a good season and that he and Ann both like Kansas City. He said the people have been mighty good to them and he is looking forward to next year.
And success is paying off handsomely for Wayne now that he is with a top club. He’s already picked up over $5,000 as his share from the AFL championship game and stands to pick up some $15,000 if the Chiefs can win Sunday.

Blue Devils set blistering pace, rip Munson, 102-70: Coach Wayne Pope’s high-scoring Conecuh County High School Blue Devils mauled Munson, Fla., 102-70, in Castleberry Tuesday night. In gunning down the usually strong Munson team, the Blue Devils topped the century mark for the second times this season.
Ronald Reaves poured in 27 points, and Gary Oliver 21 for the Blue Devils. Wayne Foster hit 25 for Munson.
The Castleberry Bees won the opener, 62-30.

Repton Bulldogs win fourth straight, rip Beatrice, 53-39: Led by high-scoring Scott Dyess, Coach Don Hand’s Repton Bulldogs racked up their fourth straight win Tuesday night, blasting Beatrice, 53-39. The game was played in the Repton gym.
Dyess stripped the nets for 29 points to lead the Bulldog scoring attack. He was backed up by Greg Salter with 12 points. Lee Brown paced Beatrice with 14.
The Repton Bees also won the preliminary tilt by a 44-37 score.

79 YEARS AGO
JAN. 8, 1942

Two Ft. Payne men, trolling in Mud Creek, backwaters of the Tennessee River above Scottsboro, caught 28 fine striped bass. Pictures prove the catch.

Old newspaper excerpts from The Monroe Journal newspaper of Monroe County, Alabama

Grady Gaston of Frisco City, at right on ladder.

29 YEARS AGO
JAN. 9, 1992

Frisco plant fire puts 272 out of work: Almost 300 people lost their jobs – at least temporarily – when the Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Co. plant in Frisco City was destroyed by fire Tuesday morning.
Sixty-five firefighters from seven departments battled the fire, which began just after 8 a.m. and was smoldering six hours later, according to Frisco City Fire Chief Larry Pugh. He said the fire “apparently started around an electrical panel in the shipping area of the plant, according to employees who discovered the fire.”

Four standouts on all-state lists: Excel High School’s Chris Casey, Ray Pharr and Steve Goodman and Frisco City High School’s A.J. White recently received post-season honors by being named all-state.
White, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound junior linebacker, was selected first-team linebacker by the Alabama Sports Writers Association and was listed as an honorable mention on the Birmingham News’ annual all-state team.
Goodman, Casey and Pharr were all first-team selections on the Birmingham News’ all-state team.

Preparing for trip: Monroe County’s Young Woman of the Year Katrina Keefer begins packing for her trip to the state pageant in Montgomery on Jan. 18. Miss Keefer, daughter of Larry and Meda Keefer of Monroeville, will leave tomorrow (Friday) and said she hopes her friends will remember her with cards and letters of support while she prepares for the pageant with other contestants.

54 YEARS AGO
JAN. 12, 1967

New 18-Bed Hospital Addition Is Now Open: An 18-bed addition to the Monroe County Hospital, which cost an estimated $364,000, has been completed and is now ready for occupancy, according to Harold Pittman, hospital administrator.
The hospital now has a total of 53 beds. Included in the new addition are two semi-private rooms and 14 private rooms. Construction work was started about the first of November 1965.
This is the first addition made to the hospital, which opened in April 1962, with a total of 35 beds. The extension was made to the two existing wings.

Patrick Henry JC Downs Jeff Davis: The Patrick Henry Junior College gained its second victory of the season Monday night with a 76-72 overtime win over Jefferson Davis of Brewton.
Leading scorers for Patrick Henry were Victor Norris and Melvin Middleton with 20 points each. They were followed by Steve Stacey with 13, Bobby Colquett with 17 and Larry Harris with 11.
Norris also led in rebounding with 17 and had help from Harris, who had 15.

Store, Post Office Destroyed By Fire: The Ike Williamson Store and post office at Megargel were destroyed by fire last Friday morning. The post office was located in the store.
Authorities reported that the fire was not discovered until the frame structure was almost totally destroyed.
The cause of the blaze was undetermined but postal authorities are continuing their investigation. The fire was reported about 1 a.m. Friday.

79 YEARS AGO
JAN. 8, 1942

FRISCO YOUTH MAKES GOOD AT SCOTT FIELD: Grady S. Gaston, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wattle S. Gaston, Frisco City, has been graduated with the new class in radio communications at Scott Field, Ill., according to an announcement made by Col. Wolcot P. Haynes, commandant.
The local youth, having been trained in all phases of radio work at the post, radio university of the army air corps, has been assigned to further duty at another station.
Scott Field is one of the Air Corps’ technical schools, which offers specialized training to enlisted men in the new army. After a regular course in radio, practically the equivalent of an advanced study at a commercial school, men are qualified to operate the radio sets necessary in the air force today.

Monroe High School Basketball Schedule – For All Home Games – Jan. 12, Evergreen; Jan. 20, Excel; Jan. 30, Uriah; Feb. 6, Frisco City; Feb. 12, Excel; Feb. 17, Frisco City.
The boys have begun work with a determination to have a winning team. The burden of having a winning team rests upon such prospects as Ted Easley, who played good ball for Red Level last year, Calvin Stevens, Francis McInnis, Charles Helton, Curtis Dean, Raiford Smith, Edgar Pullen, Landis McMillon, M.A. Barnes, Dan Jacobs, Newton Walston and others.
The girls team, under Miss Croley, a good player, as well as coach, is coming to the front rapidly. It is a joy to watch such sharpshooting artists as Misses Sylvia Parnell, Willie B. Parnell, Dot Simmons, Nelle Lee and others.

Miss Nelle Lee spent several days last week with relatives and friends in Atmore.

104 YEARS AGO
JAN. 11, 1917

The clearness of the atmosphere and mild temperatures Sunday night afforded most favorable conditions for observing the total eclipse of the moon. The lunar orb passed within range of the earth’s shadow at about 11:40, its disk first presenting successively a slightly flattened rim, full crescent and almost total obfuscation, which latter condition continued for some minutes, finally emerging again in full brilliance in the same gradual manner.

Mr. A.C. Lambert of Manistee was here Monday to deliver some of the excellent home-cured hams produced on his up-to-date farm. Mr. Lambert makes a specialty of Durocs, and it will be remembered, carried off several blue ribbons at the stock show last fall.

The first Sabbath of the new year was marked by material increase in attendance at the several Sunday schools of the town.

Mr. J.D. Rawls has removed his place of business from the Stallworth building on westside to the building next door to the post office on the north side of the square.

Mr. F.N. Grant was up from Uriah last week and treated himself to a brand new Ford. With his record crop of cane syrup and success in general farming, Mr. Grant resides on Easy street.

On Mon., Jan. 15, the date fixed by statute, Judge I.B. Slaughter will formally transfer to his successor, Mr. M.M. Fountain, the responsibilities involved in the administration of the office of Judge of Probate of Monroe County. Judge Slaughter has held this office for the last 12 years and retires from the position with the consciousness of having made an honorable record of which both he and his host of friends throughout the county have reason to feel proud.

129 YEARS AGO
JAN. 14, 1892

Copious rains have visited all sections of the county during the week. The creeks are out and the mails have been very irregular.

The prisoners who escaped from jail last week are still at large. Some of them, it is said, have been seen in the neighborhood of their homes, but have not been captured.

ROBBED ON THE HIGHWAY: Perdue Hill, Ala., Jan. 11, 1892 – Editor Journal, I was held up and robbed of $376 on yesterday evening near Limestone bridge on the Pine Orchard road by two white men. One of them is about six feet high and will weigh about 165 pounds and looked to be about 30 years old, light complexion, light hair and moustache and very quick spoken. The other is about five feet, eight inches high, weight about 145 pounds, dark complexion, dark hair and moustache, and has one or two front teeth out. They were both dressed in dirty clothes and had the appearance of tramps. I will give a liberal reward for their capture and confinement in the county jail. Please publish and ask other papers to copy. Respectfully, I.H. Spence.

We call the attention of the Commissioners’ court to the necessity of a bridge across the East prong of Limestone Creek on the road leading from Monroeville to Bermuda. This road is traveled by the U.S. Mail and citizens of the neighborhood, and in such weather as has prevailed for some time past, the crossing is both difficult and dangerous and at times impossible.

100-year-old newspaper highlights from The Evergreen Courant in Conecuh County, Alabama

James Thomas "J.T." Fincher

It’s that time of the month again, time to take a trip down memory lane and review all of the interesting things that took place in Conecuh County 100 years ago, way back in January 1921.

In the Jan. 5, 1921 edition of The Evergreen Courant, editor and owner George W. Salter Jr. began the year by editorializing that “Christmas is over, and while many of us are broke as a result of the season, let us get right down to hard work, and it will be surprising how soon we will get over that after-Christmas broke feeling.”

Also that week it was reported that “Sheriff Kendall states that during the year just closed, he destroyed 22 liquor stills and made 17 arrests for violations of the prohibition law.”

Salter also let readers know that week that “the teachers institute on Monday brought practically every teacher in the county to the courthouse. And by the way, most of them are pretty girls.”

Also that week, the “newly elected board of commissioners met on Monday with the old board to ‘take dots’ before entering upon their duties. The first regular meeting of the new board will be held on the first of February.”

In the Jan. 12, 1921 edition of The Courant, under the headline “Historic Home in Castleberry Burned, it was reported that the “Downing home in Castleberry was completely destroyed by fire on Thursday last about noon. Most of the furniture and furnishings were saved. This was probably the most historic home in Conecuh County.

“According to old residents who have personal knowledge of it, the house was constructed about the year 1858 by Judge Henderson, who was Judge of Probate while the courthouse was at Sparta, and before the railroad was completed. It was in course of construction, but the track had not been laid. The site for the depot had been selected and Judge Henderson determined to build his home opposite the station. The house was built of the best heart pine, the weather boarding and ceiling being hand dressed and the frame work put up according to the plans in vogue in those days, that of mortices and tenons and held together with wood pegs. The structure was in fine state of preservation and would have lasted many more years.”

Also that week, under the headline “Veterans Elect Officers,” readers learned that at a “recent meeting of Camp Capt. Wm. Lee, the following officers were elected: J.T. Fincher, Commander; Jas. Alexander, Lt. Commander; Geo. W. Northcutt, Adjutant; and W.J. Tomlinson, Ensign. W.L. Stallworth was elected chaplain to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Rev. D.J. Wright.”

Also that week, it was reported that an “airplane was with us again last week for several days, but airplanes are coming to be so common about Evergreen that folk have ceased to suspend business as they formerly did and run out to see them.”

In the Jan. 19, 1921 edition of the newspaper, it was reported that “Prof. J.S. Gibson, the celebrated phrenologist and character reader of Macon, Ga. will be in Evergreen on Jan. 21. His charges are reasonable and the public is hereby respectfully invited to take advantage of this opportunity to find what is the best course to pursue in the training, education and occupation of children.”

Also that week, readers learned that the “corps of road engineers state that the survey of the federal aid road to Travis Bridge will be completed within the next few days. After the completion of this end of the survey, the engineers will survey the route to Belleville it is understood.”

It was also reported that week that “Allen Thomas gave up his place here with the Western Union Telegraph Co. and is now employed in similar capacity at Moultrie, Ga.”

Also that week, “J.W. Kelley, a citizen of Evergreen 20 years ago, was here on Friday last. At that time, he was engaged in the tailoring business. He now resides at Silas, over in Choctaw County. He observed many changes in Evergreen since he left here and met numerous old friends.”

In the Jan. 26, 1921 edition of the paper, Salter reported that “county court on Monday was the largest in several years. Fines aggregating close to $1,500 were turned into the treasury. Violations of the prohibition laws, concealed weapons, etc. constituted the offenses.”

That week’s paper also carried the following notice – “LOST somewhere on streets of Evergreen or on road leading by Mineral Springs to Miller plantation, one automobile tire, size 34x4, on steel rim. Finder please return to this office and receive reward.”

Also that week, under the headline “Fiddlers to Meet,” it was announced that the “superintendent of the McKenzie schools has announced that an old time fiddlers’ convention will be held at the school auditorium at that place Saturday night, Jan. 29, at 7:30 o’clock. Substantial prizes will be awarded to the best fiddlers. People from many miles about McKenzie are expected to attend. The proceeds of the entertainment will be used for the advancement of education at that place.”

Well, I guess that’s all that space will allow for this month. Next month, I plan to take a look at the events of February 1921 in Conecuh County. Until then, if you get the urge to research the county’s past yourself, take advantage of the Evergreen-Conecuh County Public Library’s excellent selection of old newspapers on microfilm and other resources. The library’s friendly and courteous staff will be more than happy to get you started.

Atlanta Braves are ranked No. 4 in first MLB power rankings of 2021

Major League Baseball released its first power rankings of 2021 earlier this week, and the Atlanta Braves found themselves ranked No. 4 (out of 30 teams) behind the Dodgers, Padres and Yankees. These rankings were based on the analysis of nine experts, and they indicated that Atlanta’s starting pitching will be among the best in the Major Leagues next season. Pitchers like Ian Anderson, Max Fried, Charlie Morton, Drew Smyly and Mike Soroka will put Atlanta in a great position to win their tough division next season.

It should be noted that power rankings this early in the calendar year are tricky. Free-agent signings, blockbuster trades and payroll considerations all play a part in what teams (and entire division races) will look like in April. Throw COVID-19 into the mix, and it gets even trickier.

In addition to their top-notch pitching staff, Atlanta also has an ace in the hole when it comes to outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. He’s arguably Atlanta’s best player, and he’s only 23 years old. Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman won the National League MVP Award last season, but don’t be surprised if Acuna wins it next year.

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Over the holidays, a couple of AHSAA girls basketball records fell by the wayside. On Dec. 21, G.W. Long High School’s girls team made 22 three-pointers in a 101-23 win over Dale County, breaking the record for most three-pointers by a single team in a game. Three schools shared the old record of 20 three-pointers in a game – Cold Springs, West Point and Locust Fork.

Presumably because of the Coronavirus, G.W. Long only had six players available to play on Dec. 21, and all 22 three-pointers were scored by three juniors: Makenna Long, Emmaline Hughes and Lilly Grace Payne. Long had nine three-pointers, Hughes sank seven and Payne got six.

This past Saturday, Trinity Presbyterian’s Emma Kate Smith broke the state’s single-game record for most three-pointers in a game. She made 14 three-pointers in 79-24 win over Booker T. Washington. Five players held the previous record of 13 three-pointers in single game. Those players (and the year they set the record) were Camryn Crider of Cold Spring (2019), Erica Smith of Belgreen (2012), Jordan Dollar of Russellville (2007), Heather Morris of Vestavia Hills (1996) and Heather Mayes of Fyffe (1995).

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Speaking of high school basketball, I look for all four of Conecuh County’s varsity teams to be ranked in their respective classifications when the newest rankings come out later this week. I’m writing this column on Monday, and I believe that the next poll will hit the streets either late Wednesday or early today (Thursday). Hillcrest’s boys and Sparta’s boys were both ranked in the Top 10 when the first poll came out on Dec. 16, and the fact that neither of the county’s girls teams were ranked in that poll was a gross oversight.

My hope is that the Coronavirus doesn’t mess up the rest of basketball season because all four of our local teams have great chances to make deep runs in the playoffs. Hillcrest’s girls team may be the best that I’ve seen at Hillcrest in many years, and I’m looking forward to seeing them make a run at the 3A title. The other three teams aren’t far behind, so we’ve got a lot of great basketball to look forward to if the virus doesn’t screw everything up.

Wilcox County is full of unique places and memorable things to experience if you know where to look

Liberty Hall, located just outside Camden, Ala.

Today’s issue of The Wilcox Progressive Era marks the first edition of the new year, and at this point in the calendar year it’s hard to predict what 2021 has in store for us. Many of us at this time of year turn our thoughts to New Year’s resolutions and set goals for the year to come. I, too, have a long list of things that I’d like to accomplish during the year ahead.

Over the years, I’ve done a lot of riding around and exploring in Wilcox County. I’ve visited many unique places and have had many memorable experiences during my wanderings within the county’s borders. With that said, I still have a long list of things that I’d like to see and do in Wilcox County, hopefully within the year to come.

At the top of my list is the Purifoy-Lipscomb House at Furman, an antebellum home that is said to be one of most haunted places in Alabama. Made famous in Kathryn Tucker Windham’s book, “13 Alabama Ghosts & Jeffrey,” it’s said that you can sometimes hear the cries of a man who met his untimely demise while digging a well near the old house. I’ve been to Furman many times, but I’ve never paid a visit to this old home.

I’d also like to visit Mount Moriah Fellowship Baptist Church, which is located in Wilcox and Butler counties. It’s said that when you attend services at this church, the congregation is sitting in Wilcox County, while the preacher in the pulpit is standing in Butler County. From a geographical standpoint, this has got to be one of the most unique churches in Alabama.

I’d also love to tour and spend the night at Liberty Hall, an antebellum house turned bed and breakfast that’s located just outside of Camden. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this house was built in 1855 and is said to be one of the best-preserved homes of its type in Alabama. No doubt a night in this old mansion would be a like a trip back in time.

I’d also like to see the Stokes Alligator in person. Last I heard, this world-record alligator, which was caught in Wilcox County in 2014, was on display at the Corps of Engineers Resource Office at Miller’s Ferry. Along those same lines, I’d love to tag along with someone on a real alligator hunt, just for the opportunity to see one of these hunts in person and to write about the experience.

Those who know me also know that I love to eat, and with that in mind, I want to visit The Pecan on Broad in Camden. While my wife and daughter have been there many times, I’ve missed out on those trips to this relatively new eatery. I’ve been told that their chicken salad is to die for, so it sounds like I have that to look forward to.

Last, but not least, I want to officially join the Wilcox Historical Society. This is something that I’ve been meaning to do for years, but just haven’t taken the time to do so. I frequently deal with this society’s well-informed members, and I know that they publish an outstanding newsletter that contains much information about the county’s history. Individual memberships are just $15 per year.

In the end, I’m sure that many of you reading this column also have a long list of interesting places that you’d like to visit and things that you’d like to do in Wilcox County during the coming year. I’d like to hear what you’ve got on your list because I’m always on the lookout for new places to explore and things to see. No doubt many readers will know of interesting locations and activities that have never crossed my mind, so let me hear about them.

The Evergreen Courant's News Flashback for Jan. 5, 2021

Attack aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea.

14 YEARS AGO
JAN. 4, 2007

Friends and business acquaintances of Gerald Borden stopped by South Alabama Gas last Thursday afternoon to bid Borden good wishes on his retirement as the general manager of the company. Borden will remain with SAG on a consulting basis for the next year to help new manager, Mark Burgess, assume his new duties.

Tears and laughter filled the conference room at Schneider National Trucking Dec. 14 as former employees and current employees said goodbye to each other as the company officially closed the Evergreen terminal. Among those present for the reception was Walter Poole, who started Poole Truck Line, which later became Schneider National.

Total rainfall for the month of December was 4.33 inches. Total rainfall for 2006 was 43.27 inches.

The City of Evergreen more than doubled their base sewer rates and almost doubled their base water rates Tuesday night. The Evergreen City Council voted unanimously to raise the base sewer rate in the city from $5 per month to $12 per month and the base water charge from $7.50 for the first 3,000 gallons to $13.80. The overall base rate increase to city customers will be $13.30 per month.

U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) will join the residents of Conecuh County for a county visit on Fri., Jan. 5, 2007 at 2 p.m. The county visit, which is open to the public, will take place at the Evergreen Public Library, located at 201 Park St. in Evergreen.

29 YEARS AGO
JAN. 2, 1992

Emergency crews move quickly to extract an injured man from the wreckage of a vehicle struck by a freight train in downtown Evergreen last Friday. The injured man, George Jacob, was flown by Lifeflight to a Montgomery hospital where he was listed in critical condition suffering from head and internal injuries.

Weatherman Harry Ellis reports .19 of an inch of rain on Dec. 23, .67 on Dec. 27 and .37 on Dec. 28.

Murder suspect now in jail; Second still in USA hospital: One man accused of the murder of a retired elementary school teacher in Conecuh County has been placed in the Conecuh County Jail, while a second man remains in a Mobile hospital.
According to officers, Wayne Travis was transferred to the county detention facility last week after being released from University of South Alabama Medical Center in Mobile. Travis and Steven Wayne Hall had been in the hospital since Dec. 15, after both were injured in a shoot out with area law enforcement authorities in Monroe County.
Travis was under heavy guard as he was taken out of a deputy’s vehicle and placed on an elevator in the rear of the Conecuh County Courthouse. Travis was aided by crutches, still suffering from the effects of a shotgun blast to the knee.
Travis was booked for Mrs. Clarene Haskew’s murder and placed in a cell. Earlier, bond had been denied by District Judge Sue Bell Cobb.

44 YEARS AGO
JAN. 6, 1977

The year just ended was a “dry” one when compared with 1975. According to Earl Windham, total rainfall for 1976 was “only” 56.29 inches. That’s just a little over half as much as the approximately 111 inches recorded in 1975.
The 1976 total was close to the normal rainfall for this area, but considerably less than has been recorded each year for the past several years.
Windham reports .08 of an inch of rain on Dec. 30 and .80 on Jan. 2.

The Evergreen City Council’s first meeting of 1977, Tuesday night, was a lengthy one, but no action was taken.
City Clerk Miller T. Sellers said that the meeting lasted about four hours and was consumed by discussion among the councilmen of a number of matters, but no official action was taken. Some of the matters discussed are expected to be brought up at future meetings.

Legal advertising begins this week on a local bill that would permit The Union Bank of Repton to establish a branch office in Evergreen. State law requires that a local bill be advertised four weeks before it is introduced in the state legislature.
Proposal of the branch bank was brought up late last year. At that time, it received the endorsement of the Evergreen City Council, but drew strong opposition from the officers, directors and stockholders of The Conecuh County Bank.

59 YEARS AGO
JAN. 4, 1962

One man has been arrested in Mobile and is under a $1,500 bond in connection with the Christmas night shooting of a Bowman Truck on Highway 31 at the old ‘S’ curve north of Evergreen.
“Bowman has reported a series of shootings into the company trucks throughout the Southeast in recent months. The company is reported to have been involved in a labor-management dispute.

Governor Patterson and Highway Director Engelhardt have entered into a contract with Conecuh County for the construction of grading and drainage of 4.692 miles of road from Castleberry northwest to a point on the road connecting the Castleberry-Evergreen highway with the Lenox-Belleville road.

Murrice G. Miniard, airman, USN, son of Mr. and Mrs. Noble O. Miniard of Repton spent the Christmas holiday at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, while serving aboard the attack aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea.

A total of 400 Alabama registrants will be summoned to the induction station here during January to fill Alabama’s Selective Service quota, according to State Director Walter M. Thompson Jr.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. for John C. Holman, 77, who died Sunday.
Mr. Holman was widely known and highly respected throughout this area. The father of a large family, Mr. Holman instilled in his children from infancy love of God and country and six of his children served their country during World War II.

74 YEARS AGO
JAN. 2, 1947

Dr. R.L. Yeargan, formerly of Harriman, Tenn., will open offices in the Newton Building, between Morgan’s and Davis Shoe Store about Feb. 1. The building, a part of the store formerly occupied by Morgan, is now being done over to fit it to his needs and should be completed in time for opening about Feb. 1. He will engage in general practice.

Isaac (Pap) Thompson, storekeeper up near the stand pipe, lost his leg in a freak explosion about 11 o’clock Monday night. Thompson had living quarters in the rear of the store building and it is thought he had gone into his room to go to bed at the time the accident occurred. He was using a heater which had an old water jacket in it, but which was not connected to the water system. The heater exploded and a fragment of it entirely severed Thompson’s leg. It is reported that only a few days ago, he had a plumber plug the connection to the water jacket. The explosion was a heavy one which shook other homes in that vicinity.
The fire department was called out to extinguish the blaze which was started in the building by the explosion. Thompson was carried to Century Hospital as soon as possible and reports from there Tuesday indicated he was recovering.

Effective Jan. 1, W.L. Lisenby assumed the duties as manager of Elmore’s, succeeding C.J. Boothe. Mr. Boothe left Tuesday for Russellville, Ala. to become manager of the Elmore store there. Mr. Lisenby comes here from Amory, Miss.