Alabama

West Alabama Works to grow modern manufacturing program with increase in state funding

Published

1 year ago

May 20, 2024

West Alabama Works to grow modern manufacturing program with increase in state funding

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) – West Alabama will lead modern manufacturing efforts in schools around the state.

The state legislature recently approved a financial boost that will help a group in that part part of the state coordinate training for students for years to come.

Millions of dollars from the state’s education trust fund will pay for West Alabama Works to train high school instructors in modern manufacturing. The state allocated an additional $1.5 million to expand modern manufacturing classes in our schools. bringing the total to nearly $2.5 million.

West Alabama Works has been contracted to run modern manufacturing training programs statewide in K-12 schools.

That training includes working with instructors and showing them creative ways to teach the trade to students. It’s relatively new in career tech programs.

Modern manufacturing courses tie those students in with jobs when they finish the program.

“Our students can come in that two-year program, four semesters, and they come out with a job, a possible AAS degree, seven to 10 stackable credits,” explained Donny Jones, Executive Director of West Alabama Works. “But, most importantly, they’ll be making great money.”

More than 31 Alabama schools have modern manufacturing programs or will have them by Fall of 2024.

Nearly 1,700 students in Alabama are enrolled in high school modern manufacturing programs, according to Jones.

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Alabama

Alabama lawmakers react to passing of bill to end the nation's longest government shutdown

Published

4 hours ago

November 13, 2025

Press Room

Alabama lawmakers react to passing of bill to end the nation's longest government shutdown

The House passed a bill Wednesday to end the nation’s longest government shutdown, sending the measure to President Donald Trump for his signature after a historic 43-day funding lapse that saw federal workers go without multiple paychecks, travelers stranded at airports and people lining up at food banks to get a meal for their families.

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Alabama

Alabama Christmas tree farm locations and hours for 2025

Published

23 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Press Room

Alabama Christmas tree farm locations and hours for 2025

Alabama has an abundance of Christmas tree farms, but the landscape has changed a lot over the past decade. While some longtime tree farms have closed, several new farms have sprouted up from one end of the state to the other.

The Advertiser has combed through listings from the Southern Christmas Tree Association, Alabama Farmers Federation and social media to find a comprehensive list of Alabama tree farms that are active for the 2025 season.

Most, if not all, of these listings are choose-and-cut sites where owners tag a tree and then cut it down by hand. Most sites provide handsaws for this. Many sites also offer a variety of pre-cut trees that don’t grow in Alabama.

Season opening dates vary, but most farms will start serving guests somewhere between the weekend before Thanksgiving and the weekend after.

We’re starting it off our list with the tree farms that are closest to Montgomery:

Evergreen Acres

Where: 563 Dozier Road, Wetumpka
When: Opening day is Nov. 15. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays from 1-5 p.m.
Info: These are fresh, farm-grown trees. You choose and you cut. No precuts are available. Pay by cash or check only.
Contact: 334-850-7207
Online: facebook.com/evergreenacresllc

Johnson Christmas Tree Farm

Where: 3750 County Road 306, Selma
When: Opens Nov. 22, and runs through Dec. 14 — Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sundays from 1-4:30 p.m.
Info: Will be open for precut Fraser Fir sales and gift shop on Nov. 22-23. Nov. 28-Dec. 14 is the fully open dates for all trees.
Contact: 334-872-2004
Online: facebook.com/JohnsonChristmasTreeFarm

Stephens Christmas Tree Farm

Where: 416 County Road 15 South, Selma. (The farm is actually in Autauga County, halfway between Selma and Autaugaville in the Mullberry Community.)
When: Opens the week of Thanksgiving, from 8 a.m. until dark.
Info: Choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm, featuring Leyland Cyprus and Blue Pyramid trees.
Contact: 334-875-3586
Online: facebook.com/StephensChristmasTree

The Straw Farm

Where: 300 Pike Road, Pike Road
When: Pre-order of hand-selected Fraser Firs available now, with pickup beginning on Nov. 21.
Info: Only have No. 1 grade trees available, generally free of defects, nearly perfect shape, and complete fullness in the branches.
Contact 334-403-5668
Online: https://straw.farm

Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm

Where: 3251 Dexter Road, Wetumpka (Located in Central Elmore County, just 7 miles north of Wetumpka.)
When: Opening day is Nov. 22. They’re open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The farm will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, and will reopen Nov. 28.
Info: This is a choose-and-cut farm, meaning customers select their special tree from the thousands of beautiful Christmas Trees available — Leyland Cyprus, Murray Cyprus, Arizona Cyprus, Eastern Redcedar, and Virginia Pine. They also offer pre-cut Fraser Fir trees. They’ve been planting trees since 1976.
Contact: 334-399-1547
Online: wadsworthchristmastrees.com

ELSEWHERE IN ALABAMA

Back to Christmas Tree Farm

Where: 549 Mill Road, Madison
When: Tentatively scheduled for Nov. 29, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Info: This is a choose-and-cut tree farm.
Contact: 256-572-3836
Online: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058734404437

Beavers Christmas Tree Farm

Where: 10093 Bradford Trafford Road, Trafford
When: Open on Nov. 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, and Dec. 6, 7 and 13.
Info: Choose-and-cut trees include Virginia Pines, White Pines, Carolina Sapphire, Blue Ice, Leyland Cypress and container grown living Christmas trees.
Contact: 205-527-1192
Online: beaverschristmastreefarm.com

Clear Creek Christmas Tree Farm

Cole’s Christmas Tree Farm

Where: 2741 County Road 27, Woodland
When: The farm will open Nov. 22 and Nov. 23 noon-5 p.m., Thanksgiving Day (noon-5 p.m.), Black Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and every Friday (noon-5 p.m.), Saturday (8 a.m.-5 p.m.), and Sunday (noon-5 p.m.) until Christmas.
Info: It’s a choose and cut farm with several different types of trees — Leyland Cypress, Murray Cypress, Carolina Sapphires, and Virginia Pines. They also offer fresh cut Fraser Fir trees that are grown in North Carolina.
Contact: 334-332-3574
Online: coleschristmastreefarm.weebly.com/

Crimson Creek CHRISTmas Tree Farm

Fish River Christmas Trees

Where: 13982 Woodhaven Dairy Road East, Summerdale
When: Opens Nov. 22. Will be open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. through Dec. 21. Closed on Thanksgiving.
Info: They offer 7 varieties of trees to choose and cut: Virginia Pine, Leyland Cypress, Murray Cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Blue Ice, Clemson Greenspire, and Portuguese Cypress. They also offer potted Christmas Trees. Pre-cut Fraser and Noble Firs available. Flocked trees available. Kids can visit with Santa at the farm. There’s a manger scene, tree train rides, camel and pony rides, and you can even stay there in a rental cabin.
Contact: 251-988-8114
Online: fishrivertrees.com

Frazier Farms

Where: 615 Frazier Road, Albertville
When: Opens on Nov. 28. Tree farm open Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday 1-5 p.m. They have a free Dancing Christmas Light Show Monday–Thursday, 5–10 p.m. | Friday–Sunday: 5–11 p.m.
Info: Choose-and-cut farm with Arizona Cypress, White Pine, Murray Cypress, Leyland Cypress and Green Giants.
Contact: 256-293-6062
Online: frazierchristmastreefarm.com/

Gilbert Christmas Tree Farm

Where: 1230 County Road 296, Lanett
When: Opening day is Nov. 22, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Info: They’ve been in business since 1987. The farm offers Leyland Cypress, Carolina Sapphire and Virginia Pine Christmas trees, and also sells cut Fraiser Fir trees.
Contact: 706-586-5306
Online: giltree.com

Heritage Corner Farm

Where: 687 Kinnard Mill Road, Hazel Green
When: Opens Nov. 24. Closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Info: Choose and cut trees 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, and Sundays 1-4:30 p.m. Fraser Fir Christmas trees grown in North Carolina available 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily, and Sundays 1-7:30 p.m.
Contact: 256-804-5855
Online: christmasatthecorner.com

Moody Farms

Where: 1489 Valley Road, Oneonta
When: Farm opens Nov. 22 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Nov. 23 from 1-4:30 p.m. Reopens Nov. 28 for big opening weekend.
Info: They grow primarily Murray X (similar to Leyland Cyprus), Carolina Sapphire, Virginia Pine and White Pine. They also offer pre-cut Fraser Firs.
Contact: 256-302-2654
Online: moodyfamilyfarms.com

Neely Farms Christmas Trees

Where: 275 Dakota Road, Thorsby
When: Opens Nov. 28. Hours will be Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 3-5 p.m.
info: The farm’s choose and cut trees are Virginia Pines and Leyland Cypress. Depending on availability, they offer fresh-cut firs. All trees for sell will have a price tag.
Contact: 334-389-1831
Online: neelyfarmschristmastrees.com

Pinetucky Farm

Where: 3650 Radiant City Road, Nauvoo
When: Opening day is Nov. 23 at 1 p.m.
Info: Choose-and-cut farm with Murray Cypress and Carolina Sapphire trees.
Contact: 601-573-4316
Online: https://www.facebook.com/pinetuckyfarm

Porter Pines

Where: 3240 County Road 55, Clanton
When: Opening day Nov. 22. Open through Dec. 14. Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m.
Info: Virginia Pines and a large variety of Cypress.
Children’s activities: Nov. 22, 28, 29 and Dec. 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Includes visit with Santa, art keepsake, reindeer barrel train ride, bouncy house, marshmallow roasting and hayride through the tree farm. Food trucks will be on site. Children’s wristbands $15. Adult admission free.
Contact: 205-294-5713
Online: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086180762376

Risner Christmas Tree Farm

Where: 6640D Prine Road, Citronelle
When: Opens on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27
Info: A choose-and-cut farm with Virginia Pine and Leyland Cypress.
Contact: 251-680-3658
Online: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076063067511

Shell’s Christmas Tree Farm

Where: 286 Shell Farm Road, Tuscumbia
When: Tree cutting starts Nov. 22. Saturdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays 1-5 p.m., and weekdays starting Nov. 24 from 3-5 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving Day. Open through Dec. 15.
Info: Farm-grown choose and cut trees are Virginia Pines, Leyland Cypress, and Carolina Sapphire. Also offer Northern grown pre-cut trees — Frazier Firs, Douglas Firs, and Black Hill Spruce.
Contact: 256-383-4207
Online: facebook.com/shellschristmastree.farm

Sokoll Christmas Tree Farm

Where: 400 Co. Road 273, Florence
When: Opens Nov. 22. Weekend hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and weekdays from noon to 4 p.m.
Info: Choose-and-cut farm with Virginia Pine, Leyland Cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Blue Ice, White Pine and Eastern Red Cedar trees.
Contact: 256-710-7168
Online: sokollchristmastreefarm.com

Springfield Christmas Tree Farm

Southern Hollow Tree Farm

Where: 16203 Old Ganey Road, Bay Minette
When: Tree sales begin Nov. 15. Open weekends 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Weekdays from 1-5 p.m.
Info: Choose-and-cut tree farm. “Holly Jolly Christmas Day” will be Nov. 29. Open all day, but festivities will be from 9 a.m. until noon with hot chocolate, popcorn and playtime fun for the kids.
Contact: 251-753-4180
Online: facebook.com/southernhollowtrees

Spring Creek Farm

Were: 4505 US-29, Troy
When: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Info: They offer Murray Cypress, Leyland Cypress, Blue Ice, Carolina Sapphire and Silver Smoke. Trees were first planted in 2021, and the family-owned farm opened in 2024. Customers can cut their own Christmas trees. The farm provides hand saws and guidance.
Contact: 334-465-2960
Online: springcreekfarmchristmastrees.com

The Littlest Christmas Tree Farm

Where: 2521 Ausley Bend Drive, Hartselle
When: Opening day is Nov. 29, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Open Saturdays 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sundays 1-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday by appointment only.
Info: Choose and cut Virginia Pine.
Contact: 256-466-5473
Online: littlestchristmastreefarm.com

Trim-A-Tree Farm

Wedowee Creek Tree Farm

Wilderwood Christmas Tree Farm

Where: 12611 Coyote Trail, Ralph
When: Opening weekend Nov. 28, 29 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Nov. 30 1-5 p.m. Other weekends: Saturdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays 1-5 p.m. while supplies last.
Info: Choose and cut trees include Leyland Cypress. Pre-cut Fraser Firs available.
Contact: 205-349-9476
Online: wilderwoodfarm.com

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com. To support his work please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser.

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Alabama

Breaking down the key Round 2 playoff games involving South Alabama teams

Published

2 days ago

November 11, 2025

Press Room

Breaking down the key Round 2 playoff games involving South Alabama teams

Updated: Nov. 11, 2025, 10:06 a.m.
Published: Nov. 11, 2025, 10:00 a.m.

For the first time in the history of Class 7A football, four Region 1 teams are alive entering Round 2 this week.

Daphne and Fairhope return home after road victories last week, while Baker and Mary G. Montgomery are on the road.

Ben Thomas is the high school managing producer for AL.com, responsible for prep coverage throughout the state of Alabama. He has been named one of the 50 Legends of the Alabama Sports Writers Association and…

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