Good morning, Oxford.

Oxford Parks and Recreation will host a free Halloween Carnival on Saturday, Oct.

31, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Oxford Civic Center, featuring new activities for kids (up to age 13).

Alexandria High School's FCCLA is accepting nominations through Oct.

31 at 11:59 p.m. for its 2026 Heroes of the Valley to honor five first responders and five veterans; winners will be recognized Nov. 6 during the football playoff (6:35 p.m.) and Nov. 10 at the Veterans Day assembly (8:30 a.m.).

Jacksonville State University announced its 2026 Alumni of the Year: Anthony Kingston, Claudette Smith, Viachaslau Slava Katliarou, and Col. Scott Brannon — honored as Alumnus, Alumna, Young Alum, and Military Alumnus of the Year.

Freedom Riders and their descendants returned to Anniston in May to mark the 65th anniversary of the 1961 bus attacks, holding commemorative events at the site where one bus was firebombed and organizers reflected on civil rights history.

The area high school sports schedule for Oct.

26–31 lists football games Friday, Oct. 30 (Handley at Alexandria, Munford at Hokes Bluff, Plainview at Lincoln), state volleyball matches Oct. 27–28, and sectional cross country meets Oct. 29–30. Coaches should report schedule changes and results to [email protected].