Cleburne County property owners now have a new tool to help protect their real estate assets from fraud.

On Friday, Probate Judge Lane Kilgore announced the launch of the Real Estate Activity Alert and Contact Tool (R.E.A.A.C.T.), a free notification system designed to alert property owners when land records are recorded in their name.

“I understand that for most people, their home and property is their largest investment, and I want to ensure that everyone has access to important information that could affect this investment in a fraudulent manner,” Kilgore said.

The R.E.A.A.C.T. program sends an email notification to subscribers within 24 hours of a deed, mortgage, lien or other land record being filed in the probate court’s official records.

Deed fraud can occur when someone illegally records a document that appears to change ownership of a property. Fraudulent mortgages and liens can also be filed without a property owner’s knowledge.

“This type of fraud normally goes undetected if the property owner does not periodically check the official records,” Kilgore said. “We have actually had property fraud occur in Cleburne County during the last year. The R.E.A.A.C.T. program will offer a simple and effective way for citizens to stay connected and informed of potential fraud in real time.”

While the program does not prevent fraudulent recordings from occurring, it provides an early warning system that allows property owners to take quick action if needed.

Kilgore urged all Cleburne County property owners to sign up for the program, which is available at no cost.

“I want to encourage all Cleburne County property owners to take advantage of this free tool to ensure they never miss critical real estate updates,” he said. “I would also like to thank the Cleburne County Commission for allocating the funds to our office so that this valuable service could be implemented as a free service to our citizens.”

For more information or to sign up for the R.E.A.A.C.T. program, visit Cleburne County Probate Court’s website or call the probate court office at 256-463-5655.

Chamber honors local businesses at annul banquet

The Cleburne County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual awards banquet at The Barn at 839, gathering local leaders, entrepreneurs and community members to recognize outstanding achievements within the county’s business community. The event celebrated the dedication and investment that drive economic growth in Cleburne County.

The chamber presented awards to five businesses that demonstrated excellence in their respective categories:

— Emerging Small Business of the Year: CC Athletics

— Business with 1-10 Employees: Rhythm Cafe

— Business with 11-50 Employees: Papa’s Pizza To Go of Heflin

— Business with 51+ Employees: Great American RV

— Non-Profit of the Year: The Cleburne County Animal Shelter

Alongside these business recognitions, two individuals were honored for their significant contributions to the community:

— The Spirit of Cleburne Award: Judd Edwards, acknowledged for his unwavering service to the county and dedicated role on the chamber’s board of directors.

— Chamber of Commerce Executive Director’s Award: Commissioner Emmett Owen, recognized for his immeasurable dedication and commitment to both the chamber and the county.

Ashley Butler, executive director of the chamber, and Board President Duska Fields expressed their gratitude to attendees and award recipients, emphasizing the importance of fostering a thriving business environment.

“The evening was a true testament to the resilience, hard work and passion of our local businesses and leaders,” Butler said. “We are proud to celebrate the success stories that contribute to the prosperity of Cleburne County.”

K9 unit completes training program

The Cleburne County Sheriff's Department recently recognized its K9 Unit for successfully completing 120 hours of intensive training, reinforcing its commitment to protecting the community through skilled and disciplined law enforcement teams.

Deputy Bradley Mayfield and his K9 partner, Opie, completed the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA) Narcotic Detection Certification, along with specialized training in human and article tracking. Deputy Caleb Hill and K9 Max successfully completed their re-certification in narcotic detection through the NNDDA.

The department credited the successful training completion to the assistance of Matt and Samantha Rook, along with the staff at Hurricane Creek K9, whose dedication to law enforcement training played a crucial role in the unit’s achievements.

Sheriff Jon Daniel praised the K9 teams for their perseverance and discipline, emphasizing their essential role in maintaining public safety.

"I am incredibly proud of our K9 Unit for successfully completing their training. Their dedication, discipline and hard work exemplify the highest standards of service. These K9 teams are a vital asset to Cleburne County, and I have full confidence in their ability to protect and serve with excellence," Daniel said. "Congratulations to our handlers and their loyal partners — your commitment does not go unnoticed. Wishing you all success in your future missions. Stay strong, stay safe and keep up the amazing work."