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$872,900 spent on runway improvements at Marion County-Rankin Fite Airport
Local pilot Macon Harris took this expansive photo from the air showing the upgraded runway. Harris, 18, is a frequent flyer at the Marion County-Rankin Fite Airport.
HAMILTON — The Alabama Department of Transportation recently awarded more than $2 million in grants to improve 27 local airports in the state, including $829,255 for the Marion County-Rankin Fite Airport.
Winfield council, water board create cooperative district
WINFIELD — The Winfield City Council voted to approve the creation of a cooperative district between the City of Winfield and the water works and sewer board to help manage and maintain development around I-22 during its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Commission sets date for road closure public hearing
Celebrate Christmas with Self Express’ 60th show
Cast members of “Miracle on 34th Street: the Musical” are shown.
WINFIELD — This holiday season, Self Express Productions invites audiences to celebrate five wonderful years of Freedom Theatre at its 1755 Bankhead Highway location with a joyous production of Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical at the Freedom Theatre. Since Self Express began in 2015, they have presented over 60 live performances, offering unforgettable experiences for performers and audiences alike.
Guin council discusses Spring Fest, July 4th costs
GUIN — The Guin City Council held its first regular meeting of December on Monday, Dec. 1.
John Hardin inducted into AHSAA Sports Hall of Fame
Longtime coach John Hardin was principal of Hackleburg High School during the tornado outbreak in 2011.
HACKLEBURG — Former Hackleburg coach and principal John Hardin has been selected for induction into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.
Hamilton’s organizational meeting details noted
HAMILTON — During its Monday, Nov. 3, organizational meeting of the new administration of the mayor and city council for the City of Hamilton, several resolutions were passed to establish the municipal structure for the city.
Qualifying dates for 2026 election cycle
The Alabama Democratic Party will open the candidate qualifying period for the 2026 election cycle on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at 9 a.m. and will close on Jan. 23, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Hamilton City Councilors share a few final remarks; other city business on Oct. 20
HAMILTON — At the last meeting of the previous Hamilton City Council administration on Oct. 20, several members expressed their gratitude for being able to serve.
Winfield counil votes against rescinding judge appoinment, administrator termination
WINFIELD — On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the Winfield City Council voted down two measures that would have rescinded two controversial decisions made during the previous meeting on Nov. 3.
The Winfield City Council held an organizational meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 3, followed by a regular meeting.
EMS in Bear Creek to ‘fill that void’ in Hackleburg
Troy Murray, owner of South Eastern Ems-Fire of Guin, spoke to the Hackleburg council about providing an ambulance to Hackleburg. The company has been providing service to the Bear Creek area since Sept. 29.
HACKLEBURG — Struggling with late times on ambulance services is frustrating for officials and could mean the difference between life and death for the individual needing medical services. South Eastern Ems-Fire, based out of Guin, has been covering the Bear Creek area, keeping an ambulance stationed there 24 hours a day.
Eldridge Benefit Toy Run set for Saturday, Dec. 6
Although everyone is invited to attend, many motorcycle groups enjoy participating together in the Annual Toy Run to benefit the Eldridge Children’s Home. Shown are riders arriving in 2024. Photo courtesy of Mandy Mitchell.
ELDRIDGE — The 23rd Annual Toy Run will take place next Saturday, Dec. 6, to benefit the Eldridge Children’s Home.
Toys for Tots: Apply now, donate now, host a drop-off box
HAMILTON — When you are out Christmas shopping this year, consider picking up an extra toy to drop in one of the local Toys for Tots donation boxes.
Hoof or Paw, funding approved for six months; organization shares impact report
Hoof or Paw Fundraising Director and Volunteer Felicia Aycock (right) is shown with volunteer Regina Wisecarver at a recent Hamilton City Council meeting.
HAMILTON — During its Monday, Oct. 6, meeting, the Hamilton City Council voted unanimously to continue its funding of the Hoof or Paw animal rescue organization for six more months.
Simmons named interim superintendent
Randy Thomley, Winfield City Schools superintendent, has announced his retirement, effective at the end of this month.
WINFIELD — Winfield City Schools Superintendent Randy Thomley announced his retirement during a board of education meeting on Thursday, Nov. 13, effective at the end of the month.
Information shared on Miss Hamilton & Miss Hamilton’s Teen 2026 winners
Miss Hamilton 2026 Liliana Geier (left) is shown with Miss Hamilton’s Teen 2026 Josie Harrison.
HAMILTON — Miss Hamilton Pageant Director MacKenzie Vann recently shared photos and information with the Journal-Record about the winners of the Miss Hamilton and Miss Hamilton’s Teen Pageant, who were crowned on Sunday, Sept. 21, during the 51st annual event held at the Bevill Building in Hamilton.
Marion County Board of Education personnel changes approved on Oct. 17
IMAGE TAG HERE
HAMILTON — Among the regular business agenda items handled by the Marion County Board of Education at its Friday, Oct. 17, board meeting was the presentation of the annual Title 1 Schools’ Comprehensive Improvement Plan.
Fundraiser and reception held for Senator Garlan Gudger
WINFIELD — The Hampton Inn located on exit 30 off of I-22 on State Highway 129 in Winfield hosted a reception for State Senator Garlan Gudger on Thursday, Oct. 16.
County municipalities hold organizaional meetings, mayors sworn in
MARION COUNTY — Cities and towns in Marion County swore in new mayors and council members, and appointed new or returning officials, in organizational meetings on Monday, Nov. 3, to begin the new municipal terms for those positions.
Some municipalities saw little to no change with some council members and mayors running unopposed for election or re-election.