history

Dallas Co. Sheriff primary winner has a chance to make history

From the West Alabama Newsroom– The winner of the democrat primary in the Dallas County Sheriff’s race has a chance to make history in the general election. Dewayne Sanders defeated Willie Calhoun to win the democrat primary on Tuesday. Sanders is a retired state trooper and Dallas County deputy with 28 years of law enforcement experience. He says he came…

Emancipation Proclamation signing commemorated in Orrville

From the West Alabama Newsroom– New Year’s Day is a day that many people spend looking forward towards the future — or reflecting on the year that was. But some people in Dallas County — look back even farther. On January 1st — 163 years ago — President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. It was a key step in…

New Police Chief makes history in the city of Marion

From the West Alabama Newsroom– The city of Marion has a new history making police chief — to lead its police department. Former Pine Hill Police Chief Nikisha Gailes took over as Marion’s top cop last week after the city’s former chief Kendrick Howell — left to become the chief of Police in Eutaw. Gailes brings over thirty years of…

National non-profit acquires Selma landmark to preserve history

From the West Alabama Newsroom– The Conservation Fund announced the acquisition of a historical landmark in downtown Selma to help preserve it’s history. The Edistone Hotel was in serious danger of caving in or being demolished after decades of neglect. Built in 1855, the 170 year old building has a long past that includes Pre-Civil War — Post-Civil War —…

Dallas Co. community commemorates Lafayette’s Tour bicentennial

From the West Alabama Newsroom– The Dallas County community is commemorating another part of its rich history this weekend. “He was an American hero but he just happened to be from France.” As a general in the Revolutionary War, 19 year old Lafayette helped the United States break free of British control. In 1825, Lafayette toured the U.S. — making…

England makes history as new 17th Judicial Circuit District Attorney

From the West Alabama Newsroom– Governor Kay Ivey made a history-making appointment for district attorney of the 17th Judicial Circuit — representing Marengo — Greene — and Sumter counties. Demopolis native Rachel England is now the youngest serving DA — as well as the youngest female DA ever — in the state of Alabama. Governor Ivey appointed England to fulfil…

Demopolis hosts 8th Annual Rooster Day festival Saturday

From the West Alabama Newsroom– The city of Demopolis celebrates Rooster Day on Saturday. The 8th annual event showcases the city’s downtown — and it also commemorates a part of the city’s history. Company’s coming to Demopolis this weekend — and folks there are hard at work — getting things ready. Cindy Parker works for the city’s Horticulture Department. “This…

First Full Day of Jubilee Centers on Education & Youth

From West Alabama Newsroom– The annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee is now in full swing in Selma. And the first full day of the event featured a full slate of events. Friday featured nearly a dozen different activities — with most centered around education — and youth. Selma High School hosted the annual Children’s Sojourn. And students at Tipton-Durant Middle School…