Articles by Nicole Smith
UIL Legislative council approves major changes
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) Legislative Council has approved several proposals that could bring significant changes to Texas high school athletics, including a 35-second shot clock for varsity basketball, a girls flag football pilot program and expanded home-field advantages for higher-seeded teams in postseason competition. The approved measures are scheduled for phased implementat… Subscribe to continue reading Read the full story Stay connected to your local news.
Years of searching: Jason Landry found
The community took a collective breath this month as the search for Jason Landry concluded. For nearly six years, the area of Luling and surrounding communities has supported efforts to find the missing Texas State student. His photograph appeared at community events, yearly vigils and on local billboards. His name was worn on shirts as volunteers returned again and again to the rural roads and fiel… Subscribe to continue reading Read the full story Stay connected to your local news.
Abbott halts state flock funding
Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered Texas state agencies to pause the use of state funds for Flock cameras as scrutiny of the artificial intelligence-powered surveillance system continues to grow. Abbott issued the directive last Thursday night, with his office confirming the order Friday. State agencies are being instructed to ensure that any Texas funding provided to cities cannot be used to purchase or… Subscribe to continue reading Read the full story Stay connected to your local news.
When the tower stopped time
The seconds that separated Cheryl Dickerson from tragedy By Nicole Smith Subscribe to continue reading Stay connected to your local news. Subscribers get full access to every story, archive, and exclusive feature — starting at just a few dollars a month. Subscribe now or
Montgomery wins state column writing award
Murray Montgomery captured first place in Column Writing in an annual contest sponsored by the Texas Press Association. Competing against journalists from similarly sized newspapers across Texas, Montgomery was recognized for a collection of columns published throughout 2025 that showcased his passion for local history and storytelling. Judges honored the series for its depth, research, and engaging writing after several of his historical columns were submitted for judging.
Same Family, Separate Flags
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has showcased plenty of familiar family names, but one of the tournament’s most fascinating storylines is that several sets of brothers are competing for different national teams. It is a striking reminder of how soccer has become increasingly global, with migration, dual citizenship and multicultural families reshaping international football. Three of the seven sibling sets … Subscribe to continue reading Read the full story Stay connected to your local news.
The Laugh That Keeps Rodeo Fans Smiling
Rodeo fans at the Wimberley VFW July 4 Rodeo celebrated alongside a familiar face as legendary rodeo clown and barrelman Leon Coffee once again added his unique laugh and humor to the annual Independence Day tradition. For Coffee, the event is more than just another stop on the rodeo circuit. Born in nearby Blanco, he credits the Wimberley VFW Rodeo with launching a career that would span decades a… Subscribe to continue reading Read the full story Stay connected to your local news.
Remembering 27
One year after catastrophic flooding devastated the Texas Hill Country, communities across the state continue to remember the lives lost while honoring the resilience of those who survived. During the July 4, 2025, holiday weekend, torrential rainfall sent rivers and creeks surging beyond their banks, overwhelming neighborhoods, camps, roadways and recreational areas. Families celebrating Independe… Subscribe to continue reading Read the full story Stay connected to your local news.
Four years after Dobbs, we have learned the limits of political power | Opinion
Four years ago this month, the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending a half-century of federal protection for abortion rights. Since then, Americans have been immersed in litigation, legislation, elections, and political debate about what Dobbs means and whether it achieved its intended goals. kAm*6E @?6 @7 E96 >@DE DEC:<:?8 2DA64ED @7 E96 A@DE\s@33D =2?5D42A6 :D 9@H =:EE=6 2EE6?E:@? H6 A2J E@ E96 F?56C=J:?8 2DDF>AE:@? 2E E96 962CE @7 E96 564:D:@? :ED6=7]k^Am kAms@33D C6DED @?
Four years after Dobbs, we have learned the limits of political power | Opinion
Four years ago this month, the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending a half-century of federal protection for abortion rights. Since then, Americans have been immersed in litigation, legislation, elections, and political debate about what Dobbs means and whether it achieved its intended goals. Yet one of the most striking aspects of the post-Dobbs landscape is how little attention we pay to the underlying assumption at the heart of the decision itself.
The White House on Fifth opens in Jasper
A new museum and art gallery in Jasper, The White House on Fifth, opened its doors to the public last week. The White House on Fifth's stunning renovation was unveiled during two grand opening receptions last Tuesday and Thursday. The historic Phillips Home at 1508 Fifth Ave. has a new life and purpose, with hundreds of people coming through its doors last week. The many rooms in the home were full of people as they viewed the many historical items throughout.
Successful senior industry interviews at WCCT
The Walker County Center of Technology (WCCT) once again had a successful round of senior industry interviews this year. Seniors studying in transportation and health care interviewed for jobs with area businesses last Tuesday and Wednesday.
Hope within the empty tomb
By Nicole Smith In Hallettsville this weekend, spring will be more than just the bright sunshine, it will echo with hymns, prayers, and the shared joy of Easter, as Christians around the world prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.Local churches across the community are planning to open their doors early Sunday morning, where families dressed in pastel colors and children clutching Easter baskets… To access content, please login or purchase a subscription.
Sisters crowned Miss Eagle at Sumiton Christian in consecutive years
Sisters Annalace and Reece Rice have much in common. They've attended Sumiton Christian School, want to pursue nursing careers, and both were crowned as Miss Eagle one year apart. Ironically, they both won the school's pageant after never participating in pageantry before. Annalace, who graduated from Sumiton Christian last year, was crowned as Sumiton Christian's Miss Eagle in 2025, and she crowned Reece this year when she received the 2026 crown.
Shiner Quilt Show stitched with stories
Subhead “Spring Into Quilting” show March 20, 21 at Shiner KC Hall Body Long before they are folded at the foot of a bed or draped across a rocking chair, quilts begin as stories, stitched from scraps of childhood dresses, work shirts and flour sacks. They pass from grandmother to grandchild, marking weddings, births and seasons of hardship. Each square holds memory, and every hand-sewn seam connects generations through warmth, artistry and tradition.
Body believed to be Lil Jon’s son D.J. Young is found in pond near Atlanta
rapper Lil Jon has been found dead in a pond north of Atlanta, police said Friday. Nathan Smith, known professionally as D.J. Young Slade, left his home in Milton “under unusual circumstances” early Tuesday morning, police said. Lil Jon said in a statement posted to his Instagram page that he and Smith’s mother, Nicole Smith, are “extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son.” “Nathan was the kindest human being you would ever meet,” the statement reads.
Lil Jon confirms death of 27-year-old son after 3-day search: 'I am devastated'
Lil Jon's son Nathan Smith, who went by the name DJ Young Slade, has died at the age of 27. Lil Jon confirmed the tragic news, telling TMZ: "I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother, Nicole Smith, and I are devastated. Nathan was the kindest human being you would ever meet.
Flu cases on the rise in Alabama
Cases of influenza are increasing across the United States and in Alabama. According to a dashboard on the Alabama Department of Public Health’s website that tracks visits to emergency rooms in Alabama for viral respiratory disease, 6.26% of those visits resulted in confirmed cases of influenza through the week ending Dec. 20. That figure has increased from roughly 2.7% for the week ending Dec. 13 — more than doubling.
Beginning 2026 with Forgiveness, Compassion, and a Willingness to Begin Again
Subhead By Nicole Smith As calendars open to page one and fireworks light up the sky, 2026 arrives with its quiet invitation to begin again. The new year is often framed by resolutions and fresh goals, but perhaps the most meaningful place to start isn’t with what we plan to do next, it’s with what we choose to release. Forgiveness, paired with a willingness to look for the good in all people, offers a powerful… To access content, please login or purchase a subscription.
Volunteers still needed for Red Kettle Campaign
There is still time to volunteer with the Salvation Army of Walker County's Red Kettle Campaign. Cindy Smith, director of the county's Salvation Army, told the Daily Mountain Eagle on Tuesday that the organization is still desperately in need of volunteers to ring the bell this holiday season.
Former Ezzell ISD Principal Pleads Guilty to Felony Theft
Subhead By Nicole Smith THOMPSON THOMPSON A former Ezzell ISD principal accused of stealing money intended to help a grieving family has pleaded guilty to felony theft, according to recently filed court records.Jody Mildred Thompson pleaded guilty to theft of property valued between $2,500 and $30,000. As part of a plea agreement, Thompson’s sentencing has been set for February 2026. Details of the recommended punishment were not… To access content, please login or purchase a subscription.
Celebrate the Season with The Greensboro Symphony's Free Holiday Concert
GREENSBORO, NC – Bring the family to celebrate the holiday season with the Greensboro Symphony’s Free Holiday Concert Fri., Dec. 12, 7 PM at Westover Church, located at 505 Muirs Chapel Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410. Doors open at 6 PM.
Gentiva Hospice angel tree effort underway
Gentiva Hospice has around 165 angels that need to be adopted for the agency's angel tree effort this year. Each angel represents a Gentiva Hospice patient. Trees with angels to be adopted are at the Gentiva Hospice office in Jasper, located at 74 Industrial Parkway, and at The Plantique off Airport Road in Jasper, Ladybug's Bakery & Deli in downtown Jasper, Manchester Grocery off Highway 195, Mountain Brook Baptist Church of Hayden, and Back Forty Cowboy Church in Jasper off Lamon Chapel Road.
Veterans saluted under the Texas sky
Subhead By Nicole Smith Each November, when the evening skies glow gold with the first autumn light, Don Williams opens the gates of his ranch to welcome home a special group of guests, America’s veterans.What began as a small gathering among friends has grown into an annual tradition filled with laughter, remembrance, and gratitude. This year’s veterans charity event held during Veterans Day weekend once again brought… To access content, please login or purchase a subscription.
Quilted hugs of gratitude
Subhead By Nicole Smith Under the steady hum of quilting machines and the warmth of friendship, a group of dedicated quilters continues to create more than just fabric masterpieces, they craft heartfelt tributes to the men and women who served our nation.What began in 2013 as Bexar County Quilts of Honor has blossomed into a powerful movement known simply as Quilts of Honor Texas. Led by organizer Debbie Hays, the group… To access content, please login or purchase a subscription.
Quilted hugs of gratitude
Subhead By Nicole Smith Under the steady hum of quilting machines and the warmth of friendship, a group of dedicated quilters continues to create more than just fabric masterpieces, they craft heartfelt tributes to the men and women who served our nation.What began in 2013 as Bexar County Quilts of Honor has blossomed into a powerful movement known simply as Quilts of Honor Texas. Led by organizer Debbie Hays, the group… To access content, please login or purchase a subscription.
Bell ringers needed for Red Kettle Campaign
The Salvation Army of Walker County is searching for people to volunteer as bell ringers for the annual Red Kettle Campaign. The Red Kettle Campaign will begin Friday, Nov. 28. It is the Salvation Army's annual effort to raise money for the many community services it provides, such as disaster response, social services, food assistance, youth and senior services, veterans assistance, Christmas programs and more.
NC Roots-Rock Group HISS Golden Messenger Joins Greensboro Symphony for Unique Symphony Pops Concert
GREENSBORO, NC – Grammy nominated, indie-folk-rock artist Hiss Golden Messenger will join the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra (GSO), on GSO Pops opening night, for a unique symphony pops concert Sat., Jan. 17 at 7:30 PM at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. This collaboration bridges the worlds of roots music and classical orchestration, promising a captivating night of music under the direction on GSO’s Music Director, Christopher Dragon.
Honoring Our Veterans, One Cap at a Time
Subhead By Nicole Smith It’s hard not to notice the men and women in our community proudly wearing caps adorned with emblems and patches from the armed forces. These caps are more than just accessories. They are symbols of service, sacrifice, and identity.Each cap tells a story. From the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps to the Coast Guard and beyond, veterans wear these emblems to signify their place in… To access content, please login or purchase a subscription.
Gann completes Chief Technology Officer Academy
Patrick Gann, technology director for Walker County Schools, recently graduated from the Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology's (ALET) Chief Technology Officer Academy. A partnership with the University of Montevallo, the program offers advanced training in education technology. According to the ALET website, "The program is founded on the understanding that the leadership responsibilities and expertise required for this role are tremendously complex and dynamic.
County BOE approves FY26 budget
The Walker County Board of Education approved its budget for the fiscal year 2026 recently. Two hearings were held on Thursday, Sept. 11, with the budget approved that evening. Chief School Financial Officer John Skalnik presented the budget. The beginning general fund balance on Oct.1 was $27,499,998. The general fund balance is estimated to be $27,736,101.20 when the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, 2026.
Oktoberfest celebration in Jasper Oct. 11
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The Carolina Theatre Presents Award Winning Musical Trio, The String Queens
GREENSBORO – The Carolina Theatre of Greensboro is thrilled to present The String Queens on Friday, October 17 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are on sale now! Praised for their authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound, The String Queens (TSQ) is a dynamic trio that performs an array of repertoire spanning from classical to jazz to today’s Billboard Hot 100 chart.
County BOE approves budget for arts programs
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Registration underway for library summer reading programs
The Carl Elliott Regional Library - Jasper Public Library has opened registration for its summer reading programs. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Your current subscription does not provide access to this content.
Walker County Schools approves handbook changes
After this school year concludes, there will no longer be valedictorians and salutatorians named for Walker County schools. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Your current subscription does not provide access to this content.
Dowell: A New Era Begins
Spring break usually means rest and relaxation—but not for Coach Rodney Dowell. Instead, it was a week filled with moving boxes, swapping red shirts for blue ones, and jumping right into action. From coaching at a Brazos track meet on Monday to hanging past team photos in Sacred Heart’s athletic office by Friday, Coach Dowell and his wife Kaye hit the ground running as they made the move from Brazos to Sacred Heart.
Montana’s children and safe parents need protection of family law standards | Opinion Original
We share important information regarding SB 318, a critically important bill in the 2025 Montana Legislative Session, to help Children and Safe Parents – primarily mothers, aunties and grandparents - who have been harmed and profoundly impacted by domestic and family violence in our State. SB 318 has passed the Senate with strong bi-partisan support of 47-3. The bill is now under consideration by the House of Representatives.
Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins Friday
Now is the time to make sure your severe weather preparedness kit is in order. Alabama's Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins Friday, Feb. 21, at 12:01 a.m. and lasts through midnight Sunday, Feb. 23, giving consumers a sales tax break on various severe weather preparedness items.
Whooping cough cases reported in county schools
The Walker County school system confirmed Friday afternoon that there have been few pertussis (whooping cough) cases in schools. "We have two confirmed cases at two of our high schools," school nurse Stacy Aaron said. "A letter from the Alabama Department of Public Health has been sent home with students that attend those schools." No adult cases have been reported, according to Aaron. She said no particular grade level is being affected more than another and no virtual learning has had to occur.
Volunteers needed for Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign
The Salvation Army of Walker County is searching for people to volunteer as bell ringers for the annual Red Kettle Campaign. The Red Kettle Campaign, which will kick off Friday, Nov. 29, is the Salvation Army's annual effort to raise money for the many community services it provides, such as disaster response, social services, youth and senior services, veterans assistance, Christmas programs and more.
Oakman to host Halloween Block Party
OAKMAN — In what has become a tradition for the Town of Oakman, the town will host its annual Halloween Block Party on Oct. 31. People are invited to the town's Halloween Block Park from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Oakman on the evening of Halloween. There will be music, food, games and a trunk or treat for the kids. The event is free for families to attend. "Everybody that wants to be a part of it can meet in downtown Oakman.
New exhibit features communities in southern part of county
The Bankhead House & Heritage Center in Jasper unveiled its newest exhibit this week — Celebrating our Communities: Chapter 4, which is part of the Walker Area Community Foundation's 200 years of Walker County celebration. The exhibit features items from the America, Corona, Gorgas, Martin, Parrish, Patton and Oakman areas. Clothing, glassware, news stories, photographs, yearbooks and many artifacts are displayed in the exhibit from now through Dec. 27.
Misteriosos asteroides oscuros pudieron traer agua a la Tierra
1 11/07/2024 Transportes no contempla la ilegalidad de la prórroga del Huerna y afirma que van a cumplir con las bonificaciones 1 11/07/2024 - PORCUNA Los ministerios de Vivienda y Universidad trabajan para dotar de alojamientos para estudiantes de universidades públicas 1 11/07/2024 - SEVILLA Nieto (Por Andalucía) avisa a Moreno: "Su mayoría es legítima pero en la calle se está resquebrajando" 1 11/07/2024 Soria ¡Ya! vuelve a pedir una reunión con Óscar Puente para la reapertura de la...
WCCT to host blood drive Monday
The Walker County Center of Technology is hosting a blood drive on Monday. The American Red Cross will be at WCCT, located at 1100 Viking Drive, for people to donate blood from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the auditorium. People who donate blood will receive a coupon for a free haircut from Sport Clips Haircuts (with locations in Birmingham and Cullman) and be entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR experience at the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity races at Darlington Raceway.
Housing Today Focus - key issues in the housing sector
Considerate communication with residents is key Nicole Smith has returned to housing management for the first time in eight years and is staggered at how things have got more pressurised. Despite this, social landlords must not forget the importance of effective communication, Smith argues.
Pet adoption fee $25 at city, county shelters through May 15
Adoption fees for dogs and cats at the Walker County and Jasper City animal shelters will only be $25 from now through May 15. City of Jasper Animal Care & Control and Walker County Animal Services are taking part in the Bissell Pet Foundation's Empty the Shelters National Adoption Event from May 1-15. The Bissell Pet Foundation sponsors the lower adoption fees at many shelters and pet rescue organizations throughout the United States.
Southern Research visits Oakman High for STEM learning
OAKMAN — Oakman High School students in Connie Miller's classroom participated in an in-school STEM "field trip" last week. Liz Johnson, a STEM student experience lead from Southern Research in Birmingham, visited the school. Johnson led an activity where students learned how DNA is used to diagnose diseases. "Students were first introduced to the Central Dogma of biology and how the flow of genetic information leads to the synthesis of proteins.
Alabama Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday this weekend
The state's annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, and last through midnight Sunday, Feb. 25, giving consumers a sales tax break on various severe weather preparedness items.
Hard freeze hits Walker County
Walker County has experienced a deep freeze this week. The winter weather started late Monday with freezing rain that turned to snow that night. Many woke up Tuesday morning to a dusting of snow — or up to a half to one inch in some areas. The big story, however, has been the icy conditions. Most county residents were stranded at home Tuesday, as thick ice covered roadways, bridges and interstates, and for the first time in years, all Walker County roads were deemed impassable.
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