Calhoun County Recovers

We are excited to announce Calhoun County Recovers! This free event is taking place on Friday, April 24 and is hosted by the Jacksonville State University Social Work program!

Registration is now open at https://secure.touchnet.net/C20901_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=403

Stay tuned for more of the exciting details for this fabulous community event!

Calhoun County Considers $1,000-Per-Day Fines for Unregistered Sober Living Homes The Calhoun County Commission is set to consider a resolution that would adopt formal regulations for recovery residences.

Great to have Judge Weems with us for Alabama Recovery Advocacy Day aka ALRAD 2026!

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We are honored to welcome Judge Jennifer Weems as one of our featured speakers at Alabama Recovery Advocacy Day (ALRAD 2026)!

About Judge Weems:

Jennifer Gillespie Weems currently serves as a Circuit Court Judge for Alabama’s Seventh Judicial Circuit, presiding over felony criminal cases and civil litigation in Calhoun and Cleburne counties since 2023.

Her judicial service, including five years as a municipal judge, builds on over two decades of legal experience, reflecting a career dedicated to justice and public service.

In 2006, she began serving as Assistant District Attorney for the 7th Judicial Circuit. During the next nine years she would prosecute serious offenses including murder, s*x crimes, child abuse and domestic violence. She successfully pursued justice for victims through numerous jury trials and led a multidisciplinary team addressing child victim cases.

In 2015, Judge Weems founded and managed The Weems Law Firm, LLC, specializing in family and criminal law. She received a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Georgia State University and her Juris Doctorate from Cumberland School of Law, earning recognition for both academic excellence and public service.

Judge Weems serves on numerous judicial committees and task forces, is a member of her local Rotary club, and an active member of her church.

*** Join us on March 4th in Montgomery for Alabama Recovery Advocacy Day aka ALRAD 2026! This promises to be a special day to remember!

Register today at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alabama-recovery-advocacy-day-alrad-2026-tickets-1970276605365

Calhoun County Recovers
AARR - Alabama Alliance for Recovery Residences
National Alliance for Recovery Residences
Alabama Department of Mental Health
SAMHSA

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www.calhouncounty.org

Statement from the Calhoun County Commission regarding rehabilitation programs and halfway houses

The Calhoun County Commission would like to address recent changes in state law and the development of regulations for rehabilitation programs and halfway houses operating in Calhoun County.

An incident today (February 3, 2026), highlighted by the Oxford Police Department, underscores the serious public safety concerns surrounding these facilities and the need for appropriate regulation across Calhoun County.

The County Commission is actively working with a broad group of stakeholders — including the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, municipal leadership, and other law enforcement officials — to develop a framework that protects public safety and establishes a process for regulating these types of facilities in our community.

County officials are grateful for the support of our local legislative delegation in providing the authority needed to address this issue through the passage of HB211/SB41 in 2025. Since that legislation became law, the County has been in communication with state legislators on the best path forward for implementation.

It is important for the public to understand a key difference between counties and cities. Unlike municipalities, which already have regulatory tools such as licensing authority, zoning ordinances, building inspectors, and city police and fire departments, the County — as a result of the limited powers of counties under Alabama law — does not perform these functions and does not currently have these tools in place. As a result, Calhoun County must build a regulatory system and enforcement process from the ground up.

The County Commission intends to review and consider proposed rules in the near future and remains committed to working with law enforcement, municipalities, and state leaders to ensure public safety while establishing responsible oversight of these facilities.

Oxford officials are calling for stronger oversight of rehab and halfway houses after police say an escaped patient with a history of property crimes wasn’t reported missing. County leaders say the incident highlights the need for new regulations now being developed across Calhoun County.

Read the full story --> https://www.annistonstar.com/news/calhoun/rehab-escape-renews-calls-for-stronger-oversight-in-oxford/article_6810b69d-c3a5-4d27-829a-78858384965e.html

Great meetings this morning at the Alabama State House with Zeb Little, Representative Randy Woods and Senator Keith Kelly to discuss Calhoun County Recovers.

AARR - Alabama Alliance for Recovery Residences
Alabama Department of Mental Health
SAMHSA
Alabama Recovery Advocacy Day aka ALRAD 2026

Curt Lindsley