The Elba Clipper

07/16/2026

Dear Customers/Friends:
Please take note of the following:

07/06/2026

More on today’s tragic incident in Elba. From Coffee County Coroner Arnold Woodham -

Today has been a heartbreaking day for our community.


At approximately 1:37 p.m. Sunday, July 5, the Coffee County 911 Center received a 911 call reporting a possible drowning involving two missing individuals at the bridge at the intersection of Alabama Highway 27 and Alabama Highway 84 near Elba.
Responding agencies quickly arrived on scene and determined that two individuals had gone underwater and did not resurface. The preliminary investigation indicates that 21-year-old Benji Falvo went underwater while attempting to cross the river. His stepfather, David Thomas Rubright, entered the water in an attempt to rescue him and also went underwater.
At approximately 5:00 p.m., Mr. Rubright was recovered. At approximately 6:13 p.m., Mr. Falvo was recovered.
This incident remains under investigation by the Elba Police Department, the Coffee County Coroner’s Office, and the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
We would like to thank all of the agencies that responded and worked tirelessly throughout the afternoon and evening, including Elba Fire Department, New Brockton Fire Department, Enterprise Rescue, Enterprise Air 1 and Air 2, Coffee County EMA, Bullock Fire Department, Opp Fire Department Dive Team, Houston County Dive Team, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Patrol/Game Wardens, and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office.
Both individuals will be transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for autopsies as part of the ongoing investigation.
On behalf of the Coffee County Coroner’s Office, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Falvo and Rubright families. We ask everyone to please keep these families, their friends, and all of the first responders involved in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
Out of respect for the families and the integrity of the investigation, no further information will be released at this time.

07/06/2026

What began as a fun day on Whitewater Creek in Elba turned tragic Sunday, July 5, when two people died from drowning. The Elba Clipper will have more on this tragic incident in this week’s edition of the newspaper.

The photo shows rescue personnel during the search efforts Sunday afternoon. Several agencies were involved.

Prayers for family and friends of the those lost today as well as those who worked the search and recovery.

06/16/2026

Take note…
Employees are on scene working this evening to make repairs as quickly as possible…

We are aware that some customers are currently experiencing water issues. Our crews are actively working to locate and repair the leak as quickly as possible.

If you are without water or notice a water leak, please contact Dispatch at (334) 894-0204 so they can notify our crews immediately.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to resolve this issue.

06/12/2026

Flag Day is Sunday, June 14, and Elba is remembering with a flag flying at each corner of the square!

05/01/2026

Almost let this one get by us this year!

Our Mother's Day page was such a great hit last year (see attached image) that we wanted to do it again this year. The page will be in next Thursday's edition (May 7th)... give your mom, grandmom, or other mother figure a shout out for Mother's Day!!

Reserve your Mom's Day spot on our Mother's Day page for only $10! Share a photo and special message for your spot.

Deadline is by 5 p.m. Monday, May 4th. You can email [email protected]. Payments can be made via cash, check, credit/debit card, Paypal or Venmo

04/23/2026

This will be Saturday, May 2nd!

04/22/2026

It is hard to believe, but graduation is just around the corner for the Class of 2026! This year, we at The Elba Clipper will feature local high school seniors in our Thursday, May 14, 2026 edition. This includes senior headshots and congratulations ads from local business/churches/civic groups, etc.

In addition, we are offering family and friends an opportunity to congratulate your favorite grad(s) in the paper this year too!! The cost for a 2 column x 4 inch ad is only $35, and can be customized to fit your graduate. The family and friends ads must be paid in advance. Payments methods accepted include: cash, check, credit/debit card, Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle.

Deadline to place an ad is Wednesday, May 6, 2026. For sizes other than the 2 column x 4 inch ad, contact Linda at The Elba Clipper office [334] 897-2823].

Help us honor our grads with this special edition paper!! We Are Proud of You, Class of 2026!!

04/10/2026

Elba has its next head football coach...one of its own.

04/10/2026

Reminder!
The Elba Board of Education will hold a meeting beginning at 11 a.m. today (Friday, April 10) to conduct interviews for the CSFO [Chief School Financial Officer] position! There will be three interviews -
11:00 a.m. - Jasmine C Jones
1:00 p.m.- Krissinda Cross
2:00 p.m. - Zackery Edward Himes

These interviews are the only items on today's agenda.
The board will conduct its regular monthly board meeting Tuesday evening, April 14, at 5:30 p.m.