By Felicia Farnsworth
The Union Springs City Council held its regular meeting on March 16, 2026, beginning at 6 p.m. with an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Rev. Gary Lewis.
During roll call, Mayor Ron Smith and council members Tiffany King, Erica Shepherd, Lynn Jinks, and SaQuania Cooper were present. Councilman Stan Cook was absent; however, a quorum was established.
Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Ky., (clockwise from top); Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Wash.; Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Ind.; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Ala.; Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio.
By Felicia Farnsworth
Morning commuters in Union Springs experienced significant delays on the morning of Monday, March 16, after a downed power line disrupted traffic along Highway 29 North early in the day.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:15 a.m., causing traffic to back up for as long as three hours while crews worked to resolve the issue. Alabama Power responded quickly and worked diligently to repair the line and restore safe conditions for motorists.
By Felicia Farnsworth
Community members looking for a way to give back are invited to lend a helping hand at the Bullock County Humane Society during its upcoming Spring Clean-Up Day.
The event will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the shelter, located at 21426 Highway 82 in Union Springs. Organizers say the clean-up will help prepare the facility for the busy puppy and kitten season while improving the environment for the animals currently in the shelter’s care.
By Felicia Farnsworth
The Chunnenuggee Garden Club held its March meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Josephine Event Center on North Prairie Street in downtown Union Springs. The meeting was hosted by Dianne Culpepper as members gathered to celebrate the club’s 179th anniversary, marking nearly two centuries since its founding before the American Civil War.
A friendly shelter dog named Chance is hoping to find his forever home with the help of the community and animal lovers near and far.
Chance recently enjoyed some time out of his kennel in the play yard at the Bullock County Humane Society. During his outing, he visited other dogs in their kennels and received plenty of affection from volunteers Jan and Jo Anna.
Submitted by Lacey Holmes
The Health Ministry of Person Chapel A.M.E. Church will begin a series of grief support sessions on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 1 p.m. The sessions will be held at the church’s Family Life Center, located across from the main sanctuary in Bullock County, Alabama.
By Felicia Farnsworth
The Union Springs Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying individuals connected to a shooting that occurred on February 16, 2026.
According to investigators, the incident took place in the 200 block of Mimosa Street Apartments in Union Springs. Authorities say they are currently working to identify several individuals who may have been involved in or have information related to the shooting.
At the Bullock County Humane Society, a friendly face named Tuffy is still waiting for someone to come and meet him.
Tuffy arrived at the shelter on Sept. 1, 2025, after being found as a stray. The lovable dog, estimated to be around five years old, has quickly become a favorite among shelter volunteers. Described as a “sweet little nugget,” Tuffy’s affectionate personality and playful spirit have made many wonder why he has not yet found his forever home.
By Felicia Farnsworth
A new chapter in agricultural development for Alabama’s Black Belt region took shape on Friday, March 6, 2025, as the East Alabama Black Belt Farmers’ Cooperative hosted the Alabama State Association of Cooperatives’ 3rd Annual Spring Symposium at its newly constructed washing and packing facility. The landmark agricultural infrastructure project was made possible through a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business Development program.
