June 2025

Tara is a loving, playful young dog who’s ready to find her forever family. With a gentle demeanor and a heart full of joy, she gets along wonderfully with children and other dogs, making her a perfect companion for any home. This energetic girl has been spayed and is fully up to date on all her vaccinations, including rabies. She’s also on regular flea and heartworm prevention to keep her happy and healthy. If you’re ready to open your heart and home to Tara, please contact the Bullock County Humane Society.

By Felicia Farnsworth

The Children and Mentors Outdoors (CAMO) organization hosted its Annual Bullock County Kids Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 14, drawing over 100 excited young anglers and their families to the event. Held each year to promote outdoor engagement and mentorship, the derby has grown steadily in participation and community involvement.

By Felicia Farnsworth

The Bullock County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating a fatal shooting that claimed the life of Ladarrious Youngblood on the evening of Thursday, June 12.

By Kala Dennis, President of CLOUSA

Bullock County is vibrant with its multi-day Juneteenth festivities, a celebration of freedom, history, and profound community engagement. Organized by the Christian Leaders of USA, Inc. (CLOUSA), these events are drawing significant participation from residents and featuring prominent leaders and performers, establishing this year’s commemoration as a landmark occasion.

Submitted by Judge James E. Tatum, Bullock County Probate Judge

Union Springs, AL - The Bullock County School District will be hosting a mandatory Student Registration Drive for all students—both new and returning—in preparation for the 2025–2026 school year. The event will take place at Bullock County High School in the David Lowe Gymnasium, located at 911 Sardis Road, Union Springs, Alabama.

Registration will be held during two separate weeks: June 23 through June 27, 2025, and again from July 21 through July 25, 2025. Each day, registration hours will run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

By Felicia Farnsworth

The Union Springs Public Library’s “Color Our World” Summer Reading Program, sponsored by the Black Belt Community Foundation, hosted a lively and educational Music Workshop on Thursday, June 12. Councilman Stan “Chilly” Cooks led the program, bringing music, joy, and energy to more than 40 children and their parents, ranging in age from 5 to 18.

Staff Reports

Opelika, AL — Authorities in Opelika have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with the fatal shooting of a teenage girl over the weekend.

The incident occurred Saturday night, June 7, near George Bandy Park on Jeter Avenue. Officers with the Opelika Police Department were called to the area shortly after 8:30 p.m. following reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found 16-year-old Jamiyah Grant suffering from a gunshot wound.

By Felicia Farnsworth

The Bullock County Department of Human Resources hosted a well-attended Job and Resource Fair on Wednesday, June 4, at the Bullock County Career Technical Center. The event ran from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and was aimed at connecting job seekers, including recent high school and college graduates, with potential employers and educational opportunities.

Staff Reports

The Union Springs City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 3, at approximately 6:00 p.m., beginning with a public hearing to address the Cuban Smoke Shop and Liquor Store’s application for an alcohol license.

Mayor Roderick Clark opened the hearing by inviting members of the public who opposed the business to speak. Each speaker was given two minutes to share their concerns.