Admired WashCo jailer dies



By Evan CardenSA Editor Longtime Washington County jailer Daisy Sleets died Dec. 16, following complications stemming from diabetes. She was 68. According to the sheriff’s department office manager, Louise Wheat, Sleets was like a mother to the inmates incarcerated in the jail. “She did all kinds of things,” she said. “At Christmas time she would collect toys for the inmates […]

Fire destroys home



Fire destroyed this home, located on Bashi Road near Millry, around 9 a.m. Monday. The residence was owned by Mr. and Mrs. O.D. Mitchell. According to Millry Fire Chief Billy Brown, it is suspected that an Ashley heater inside the house was the cause of the blaze. The home was a total loss. (SA photo by Evan Carden)

Christmas postcard never makes it to intended recipient



By Evan CardenSA Editor A story from the World War II era that rips at the heart strings, sends echoes of current events in this time of conflict for the United States. The events began on the front lines during the Battle of the Bulge, when a young lieutenent, who was born and raised in Clarke County writes a holiday […]

State Troopers plan impaired driving crackdown during Christmas and New Year’s



Throughout the holiday season, all available troopers will be on duty to enforce traffic laws, assist motorists and promote safe travel on Alabama’s roadways. Public Safety Director Col. W.M. Coppage said enforcement plans include increased patrols, along with checkpoints and line patrols. He said troopers especially will target drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs during the holidays. Troopers joined with […]

JPD urges safe driving



The Jackson Police Department, along with local body shops, urge motorists to drive safely during the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s weekends. Officers Gary Garrick (left) and Arvis Slack (third from left) met with Donny Moore (second from left), of Don’s Body Shop, and Scott Middleton (right), of Dale’s Body Shop, to spread their message of safety. (SA photo by […]

Washington County Sheriff’s Report



The Washington County Sheriff’s Department reported the following arrests from Dec. 6-19: •Robert E. Fountain, 40, of Lucedale, Miss. was arrested Dec. 6 and charged with violation of probation. He was held without bond. •Charles Dale Green, 45, of Dayton, Texas was arrested Dec. 7 and charged with failure to pay child support. He was ordered to pay DHR $2,090. […]

Jackson Police Report



The following activities were reported by the Jackson Police Department for the week ending Dec. 18: Arrests Jennie Willis, 36, of Monroeville was arrested Dec. 14 and charged with theft of property first degree by deception when she rented a car from a local business and did not return it. Kelvin Jordan, 30, of Jackson was arrested on Dec. 17 […]

Story of ‘hairy man’ passed down through generations



Editor’s note: The South Alabamian’s request for Bigfoot stories or sightings has produced a lot of talk but few first-hand reports of the beast. However, this story of sightings of “Hairy Men” from the early 20th century are interesting. Could the “Hairy Man” be a Bigfoot? By Mera Roberts My siblings and I grew up hearing “Hairy Man” stories. My […]

Operation Christmas 2004 concludes



Toys for children in 96 needy families were given out at the downtown fire station in Jackson Dec. 15, concluding the Jackson Police Department’s 2004 Operation Christmas project. Handing out toys (seated, L-R) were Renee Reed, Sadie Martin; (second row, L-R) are Martha Jones, Arvis Slack, Beth Slack, Shelia Crowell; (back, L-R) are Jim Gully and Kenny Smith. (SA photo […]

Clarke County Sheriff’s Report



About 20 arrests were reported from the Clarke County Jail this week. Those arrested and their charges include: •Peter Ran Altman, 42, failure to pay, arrested by Grove Hill Police Dept. •Ronald Earl Chapman, 30, two counts child support, court costs, arrested by Clarke County Sheriff’s Dept. •Davaris Tyrell Cox, 22, possession of controlled substance, arrested by Coffeeville Police Dept. […]