Local Harvest and Conservation Funds Take the Regional Spotlight
De Armanville, AL · September 23, 2026
Passing through the valley under scattered cloud cover is a welcome reminder that autumn rhythms are officially taking hold today. Keep an umbrella handy by the front door if midday errands take you along Highway 78.
The Lead
Agricultural heritage took center stage just down Highway 78 yesterday as growers, civic leaders, and students gathered at the Oxford Civic Center for the second annual Regional State of Agriculture assembly. Co-hosted by the Choccolocco Creek Watershed and county conservation leaders, the gathering underscored the economic muscle of local farming while serving up a traditional tomato sandwich luncheon sourced directly from nearby operations, including Smith Farm and Aquality Farms.
Between bites of fresh produce and pastries prepared by Calhoun County Career Tech students, attendees learned that the Calhoun County Soil and Water Conservation District helped deliver $1.46 million in grant support for hands-on land management and conservation practices across Calhoun and Cleburne counties. State Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate joined local officials to praise the strong turnout of Future Farmers of America participants. Landowners seeking cost-share conservation assistance can now submit project inquiries directly through the county district office.
Local Pulse
Anniston Opens Seats on Advisory Boards Community Officials seek civic-minded applicants to fill active volunteer vacancies across municipal planning, zoning, and historic preservation commissions.
County Commission Convenes Thursday Morning Session City Hall Commissioners meet at the Ken Joiner Administration Building tomorrow to review local contracts and administrative business.
Today's Outlook
- High 87°F · Low 67°F — Rain showers (34% chance of precipitation)
- Keep a light umbrella in the car for occasional afternoon rain showers.
What's On Around Town
Today
Lunch Munch Movies Jacksonville Public Library (200 Pelham Rd S), Jacksonville, 12:00 PM · Free Casual midday film screening open to all looking for a lunch break.
Gymnastics Open Session Carver Community Center (720 W 14th St), Anniston, 3:30–6:30 PM · Free After-school youth gymnastics skills and active tumbling practice in the gym.
Tomorrow
- Free Play at Carver Carver Community Center (720 W 14th St), Anniston, 5:00–7:00 PM · Free
- Lonestar Oxford Performing Arts Center (100 Choccolocco St), Oxford, 7:00 PM · Paid
Friday
- Youth Back-to-School Dance Anniston City Meeting Center (1615 Noble Street), Anniston, 6:00–10:00 PM · $2
- Stitch and Bitch Romarin et Corbeaux (1020 Noble Street), Anniston, 6:00 PM · Free
Spotlight & Story
- Thomason Grocery Warehouse
- Erected in 1887 at 25 West Choccolocco Street, this brick landmark was built by merchant and future Oxford Mayor Robert P. Thomason. Today, its exterior carries Stacy Booth’s retro postcard mural, connecting nineteenth-century railroad freight to the Alabama Mural Trail.
De Armanville Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
Sent with care by MailerDot — your city, every morning.