January 2026

Staff Reports

The Alabama Department of Corrections K-9 unit assigned to Bullock Correctional Facility responded after suspected contraband was discovered on chaplain volunteer Andrew Turner, a former inmate.

The K-9 team conducted a search of Turner’s vehicle and located a handgun and marijuana. Turner was detained, interviewed by ADOC investigators, and transported to the Bullock County Jail, where he was charged with second-degree possession of marijuana and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

By Felicia Farnsworth

The Union Springs City Council met on Tuesday, January 20, at 6:00 p.m. in the basement of the Bullock County Courthouse. Mayor Ron Smith presided over the meeting, with all council members present: Councilwoman Tiffany King, Councilman Stan Cooks, Councilwoman Erica Shepherd, Councilman Lynn Jinks III, and Councilwoman SaQuania Cooper.

By Felicia Farnsworth

Mayor Ron Smith is pleased to announce the return of the monthly Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, beginning Monday, February 2. The first gathering will be graciously hosted by First United Methodist Church, with support from Union Springs Presbyterian Church.

By Felicia Farnsworth

Bullock County officials have announced that warming stations will be open due to ongoing cold weather conditions and temperatures expected to drop below freezing.

By Felicia Farnsworth

Leah Collins, a native of Alabama with deep family roots in Midway and Bullock County, is helping families across the country confront financial chaos and repair strained relationships as the host of OWN’s new series, Maxxed Out.

Submitted by Joyce Perrin

What a way to start 2026! As we shared in last week’s paper, our meeting on January 22 was focused on planning for the year ahead and featured our two long-haired visitors pictured in the article. Following the meeting, Ms. Sharon Capps traveled to Union Springs to evaluate and trim the Knock Out roses we maintain at the Nutrition Site, with assistance from County Chairman Ellis.

Ken arrived at the Bullock County Humane Society on January 3, 2024, and he has been patiently waiting for the chance to belong to a family. This sweet boy has so much love to give—he just wants someone to notice him, hold him, and give him the kind of home he truly deserves.

Because our shelter is in a rural area with limited foot traffic, we are happy to transport Ken to his new home by car or plane, so distance doesn’t keep him from finding the family he’s been dreaming of.

Union Springs Elementary School has been selected as a recipient of The Literacy Lift: Building Capacity Through Evidence-Based Practices Grant through the Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI).

This opportunity was made possible through our partnership with Auburn University. Special thanks are extended to Andrea Forehand, Graduate Assistant Teaching Student, and Dr. Victoria Cardullo, Literacy Professor, for their collaboration and support in securing this grant.

By Darius L. Cates

On Friday, January 23rd, both Bullock County Basketball Teams traveled to Opp High School for their second matchups versus the Bobcats. The ladies took center stage first. The Lady Hornets were looking to break a two-game losing streak. Their last win was in the first matchup versus the Lady Bobcats (54-31).

Staff Reports

As election season approaches, residents of Bullock County are encouraged to become informed about the qualifications and requirements for local and state offices that serve the county and surrounding districts. Several offices will be on the ballot, each with specific eligibility criteria established by Alabama law.