February 2026

By Felicia Farnsworth

The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast was held Monday, February 2, at First United Methodist Church, with assistance from Union Springs Presbyterian Church, bringing together local leaders, clergy, and residents for a morning of fellowship, prayer, and community connection.

The breakfast and program began promptly at 7:00 a.m., with approximately 40 attendees enjoying a hearty meal that included quiche, mixed fruit, grits, bacon, and biscuits, along with coffee, water, or orange juice.

By Felicia Farnsworth

As February marks Black History Month, communities across the nation pause to reflect on the individuals whose courage and leadership helped shape American history. In Union Springs, one such figure is Benjamin F. Royal, a Reconstruction-era statesman whose life and work left a lasting imprint on Bullock County and Alabama.

By Felicia Farnsworth

The City Council met on Monday, February 2, with all members present. Mayor Ron Smith presided over the meeting, joined by council members SaQuania Cooper, Lynn Jinks III, Erica Shepherd, Stan Cooks, and Tiffany King. Jasmine Streeter, Assistant City Clerk, filled in for City Clerk Terronda Hooks, who remains on maternity leave.

By Felicia Farnsworth

Union Springs Elementary School is celebrating as its Principal, Kelia Browder, has been named Alabama’s Principal of the Year by the Alabama Education Association (AEA) Administrator Division. This prestigious honor recognizes Browder’s dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to her students and staff.

By Darius Cates

The Hornets faced the Lurverne High School Tigers for the last away game of the season. Bullock County lost in the first matchup in the first game of the season (63-44). The gymnasium was crowded and rocking with fans of both teams. The game was full of fast-paced action. The Hornets started strong in the first quarter, breaking down the Tigers’ defense for inside scoring. Bullock County started hot; however, the lead did not last long.

Boston may not hear every word you say, but he listens with his whole heart. The one-year-old pup came to the Bullock County Humane Society as a stray on July 5, 2025, and has spent much of his young life waiting for a family of his own. Shelter staff have since discovered that Boston is deaf or hard of hearing, often sleeping through his name being called or other dogs barking. Despite this, his affectionate personality and playful spirit shine through.

News Release

Union Springs — Students in the Bullock County High School Future Leaders program recently stepped out of the classroom and into the heart of local government during an engaging day of learning and civic exploration.

The experience began with a tour of the historic Bullock County Courthouse, built in 1871 and recognized as the only courthouse of its kind in the state. There, students learned about the building’s rich history and the essential services it continues to provide to county residents.

By Felicia Farnsworth

By Felicia Farnsworth

As farmers and communities face growing economic, weather-related, and safety challenges, the Bullock County Extension Program is offering two public training sessions in February aimed at strengthening local agriculture and improving community threat awareness.

By Jeffery Moore

As property owners walk their land and take stock of flowering plants, lawns, and fruit and nut trees, many are reflecting on challenges faced during the previous growing season. Issues such as fruit loss, reduced quality, and, in some cases, complete crop failure affected both types of production. These setbacks often carry significant economic consequences for homeowners, underscoring the importance of effective management and planning for the year ahead.