Former Ramp employee admits to sexual contact with minors

After terminating staff member Samuel Bentley’s ties to the organization upon being notified of allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct with a minor, the Ramp in Hamilton cancelled all events for a week, saying in a statement they would be “holding spaces for mourning, prayer and reflection.”

After terminating staff member Samuel Bentley’s ties to the organization upon being notified of allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct with a minor, the Ramp in Hamilton cancelled all events for a week, saying in a statement they would be “holding spaces for mourning, prayer and reflection.”

HAMILTON — The Ramp released an official statement on Wednesday, March 18, announcing Ramp staff member Samuel Bentley admitted to “inappropriate sexual contact” with a minor. The statement said someone came forward the week prior with allegations that the incident took place four years ago when they were a minor.

Clayton Buccaneer Homes honors ‘Women in Construction’

Shown on March 5 in honor of “National Women in Construction Week” are female workers at Clayton Buccaneer Homes in Hamilton, along with their supervisors. Courtesy photo

Shown on March 5 in honor of “National Women in Construction Week” are female workers at Clayton Buccaneer Homes in Hamilton, along with their supervisors. Courtesy photo

HAMILTON — Clayton Buccaneer Homes in Hamilton recently celebrated “National Women in Construction Week,” by recognizing their female workers with free commemorative T-shirts and a group photo.

Reminiscing with former fire chief Tim Rye: The best, the worst and the unforgettable

Former Hamilton Fire Chief Tim Rye sits at his desk on Feb. 24 during his last week on the job before his retirement after 36 years in the fire service.

Former Hamilton Fire Chief Tim Rye sits at his desk on Feb. 24 during his last week on the job before his retirement after 36 years in the fire service.

HAMILTON — After 36 years in the fire service, beginning as a volunteer in 1990, going full-time in 1996 and acting as fire chief since 2013, Tim Rye of Hamilton retired on March 1.

$471,235 in SEEDS Development Grant monies awarded to Brilliant for industrial site prep

Brilliant Mayor Perry Franks (left) is shown with C3 of Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance President and CEO Tom Wisemiller in front of the Gateway I-22 Industrial Park West, where more than $470,000 in SEEDS monies will soon fund clearing and grading, followed by the construction of a 50,000-square-foot building pad. Photo courtesy of Brilliant Police Department Chief Skylar Handley.

Brilliant Mayor Perry Franks (left) is shown with C3 of Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance President and CEO Tom Wisemiller in front of the Gateway I-22 Industrial Park West, where more than $470,000 in SEEDS monies will soon fund clearing and grading, followed by the construction of a 50,000-square-foot building pad. Photo courtesy of Brilliant Police Department Chief Skylar Handley.

BRILLIANT — Declaring a “Major win for the Town of Brilliant and Marion County,” C3 of Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance President and CEO Tim Wisemiller recently shared more information about a SEEDS Development Grant recently awarded to the town.

Bevill State to host Dual Enrollment Parent Meetings

Bevill State Community College invites high school students and their guardians to attend its upcoming Dual Enrollment Parent Meetings. These sessions are open to all high school students — including homeschooled students — and will provide valuable information on eligibility requirements and the academic and career advantages of dual enrollment.

Hackleburg Town Hall meeting set concerning raising sales tax

Hackleburg Mayor Darryl Colburn discusses the benefits of raising the city sales tax one percent. Shown from left are Town Clerk Carla Rector, Councilman Zach Isom, Colburn, and Councilmembers Don Barnwell, James Allen Weeks and Morgan Hudson.

Hackleburg Mayor Darryl Colburn discusses the benefits of raising the city sales tax one percent. Shown from left are Town Clerk Carla Rector, Councilman Zach Isom, Colburn, and Councilmembers Don Barnwell, James Allen Weeks and Morgan Hudson.

HACKLEBURG — Local residents will have a chance to weigh in on a proposed sales tax increase for the Town of Hackleburg. The issue of raising sales tax by one percent was presented at the last council meeting on Monday, Feb. 16. A town hall meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow Thursday, March 5, at 6 p.m. at the town hall.

Hamilton ordinance amended to cover home bakers; licenses, fees will cost $35

HAMILTON — During its Tuesday, Feb. 17, meeting, the Hamilton City Council voted to add several items to its agenda, including a recommendation to amend Ordinance 2012-14 to add an addition to cover Home Bakers under the Cottage Law License.
“We will amend two sections of the ordinance,” Hamilton Mayor Tami Lewis Williams said. “To Section 22, entitled, ‘License Classification,’ we will add 311811 Retail Bakeries. And  to Section 23, entitled, ‘License Fee Schedules,’ we will add 311811 Retail Bakeries with a license fee of $25.”

Architect approved for new Phillips Elementary School gym; other BOE news

HAMILTON — Among the items handled by the Marion County Board of Education at its Friday, Jan. 16, meeting was a unanimous vote for permission to enter into a professional services contract with Lambert Ezell Durham Architecture, LLC of the Shoals to provide architectural services for the new gym at Phillips Elementary School.

Marion County Future Farmers of America celebrate National FFA Week

MARION COUNTY — Through Saturday, Feb. 28, Marion County is joining chapters across the country in celebrating the National Future Farmers of America Organization during National FFA Week, a time set aside to recognize the powerful impact of agricultural education, student leadership and community service.
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