Subscribe to our e-edition!
County makes huge drug arrest
Tommy Sprinkle, left, and Tanya Hamilton, both of Brilliant, were arrested on multiple drug-related charges.
BRILLIANT — The Marion County Sheriff’s Department has made two big arrests this last week in their quest to make Marion County safer by getting drugs off of the streets.
Tommy Shane Sprinkle, 44, and Tanya Hamilton, 46, both of Brilliant, were arrested on Wednesday, March 22.
County suffers storm damage
MARION COUNTY — Marion County was hit by severe weather yet again this weekend, with many fearing the worst after reports that a tornado damaging much of Amory, Miss., was heading close to home.
Just as storm winds made their way to the county line, the tornado dissipated, but straight-line winds continued to cause damage and power outages across the county late Friday night.
Marion County Emergency Management Agency Director Eric Terrell stated many in Marion County suffered from property damage as well as downed trees and power lines.
Hamilton makes major $860,000 sewer repair
Pictured is the sewer lift station located behind Bevill State Community College in Hamilton.
HAMILTON — The City of Hamilton is prepared to spend approximately $860,000 on a major sewer renovation project following a unanimous vote from the city council on Monday, March 20.
According to Hamilton Water and Sewer Department Manager Rodney Williams, a lift pump located behind Bevill State Community College is in a state of major deterioration and affects many major locations on Hamilton’s Military Street.
“This lift station is right behind Bevill State Community College. It’s our biggest lift station that we have on our sewer system,” said Williams.
Bridge dedicated to two Marion County coaches
Family members of the late Coach Billy Raper and the late Coach Alton “Monk” Romine unveil the sign naming the County Highway 79 bridge near Twin Forks Park in Bear Creek in memory of the two coaches.
BEAR CREEK — Two Marion County Schools coaches/
teachers who left a legacy behind for future generations have been honored by renaming the bridge over Bear Creek on County Highway 79 in their honor.
Hamilton man murdered near Harper’s Junction
Austin Poling is arrested for the murder of his father.
HAMILTON — A Hamilton resident was arrested for murder and cruelty to animals this past week in connection to a shooting that took place near Harper’s Junction.
Election planned June 13 for council vacancy
WINFIELD — The City of Winfield will be holding a special election on Tuesday, June 13, for the open council seat left after councilman Eddie Posey passed away last year.
Lights permanently removed in Hamilton
Shown is the intersection of First Avenue and U.S. Highway 43 in Hamilton, now without its notorious traffic lights.
HAMILTON — The bell has finally tolled for Hamilton’s First Avenue traffic lights after the Alabama Department of Transportation permanently removed them on Friday, March 17.
Hamilton used yellow caution lights in place of typical traffic lights on the street for a trial run this past month.
Jail gets green light with new architect
Construction crews began working on the new jail site in Hamilton on Monday, March 13.
HAMILTON — Marion County has its new jail architect after the county commission unanimously voted to hire Jim Berry Associated Architect's new architect Paul Butler.
Cities react to upcoming bill
GUIN — During the Guin city council’s regular meeting on Monday, March 6, the council was reminded of pending legislation that would slowly phase out occupational taxes in the state of Alabama.
Hackleburg Panthers are county champions
Hackleburg Panthers are, front row from left, Jakoby Bruns, Kross Weeks, Chandler Benford, Gavin Heggy, Carson Swinney, JaQuan Reeder, Cameron Ingram and Maddox Vickery. Back row, Alan Slusher, Jon McKinney, Payton Scott, Edge Weeks, Jayce Ables, Blaise Vickery, Ross Hudson, Drew Williams, Abe Morgan, Aydan Beard, Braiden Godwin, Jaxon Fincher, Brynn McGuire and Rynn McGuire.
HACKLEBURG — The Hackleburg Panthers were crowned the Marion County Champions after beating Winfield, Marion County and Hamilton on home turf on Saturday, March 11.
Marion County back in C3
Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance (C3) CEO Tom Wisemiller speaks to Marion County Commissioners during a meeting.
HAMILTON — Marion County is back in the Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance (C3) after commissioners voted to rejoin the economic development group lead by CEO Tom Wisemiller.
Buddy Ball announced at Winfield
WINFIELD -- The Winfield Park and Recreation department is excited to announce Buddy Ball to the Winfield area for their new adaptive athletics program. Buddy Ball is a league devoted to the children with special needs.
Pyron elected state Beta Club VP
Caroline Pyron
GUIN — Marion County High School Junior Caroline Pyron was elected as the next state vice-president of the National Beta Club’s Alabama Convention.
Fatal fire at Ward residence
BEAR CREEK — A house fire proved fatal for a Bear Creek man, who was found by firefighters near the front door of his home while fire raged toward the back of the residence.
High winds, tornado leave path of damage
A chicken house in Hackleburg is pictured with the roof blown off due to high winds.
MARION COUNTY — Marion County was hit by severe weather last week, resulting in the Shottsville community being hit by an EF-1 tornado.
Lady Red Raiders make 1A state runners-up
Bottom row from left to right are Jasmine Wilson, Kaley Webb, Becca Junkin and Mckenzie Stephens. Top row, Erin Culp, Scott Veal, Anna Rea White, Addison Randolph, Krissa Comer, Porshia Lipsey, Lilly Robinson, Rachel Roberts, Alecia Shack, Bree Lipsey and Lexie Dishner.
BIRMINGHAM — The Marion County High School Lady Red Raiders are the 2022-23 season basketball 1A state runners-up.
Winfield reflects on lockdown, honors board members
WINFIELD — The Winfield City School Board heard from Police Chief Brett Burleson during its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 21, exactly one week after all three school campuses were placed on lockdown after a threat was received over the phone.
Marion County Ag Expo event presented to 10th graders
Pictured are, bottom row, left to right, Greg Carter, Lauranne James (executive director Northwest RC&D Council), Ronald Madrigal, Rick Pate (commissioner of agriculture and industries in Alabama), Isaac Burleson, David Sims, Gary Weatherly and Ginger Eatman (SNAP-Ed educator). Top row, left to right, Jared Carter (programs director AMRV RC&D Council), Katie Thomas (executive director, Alabama Association of RC&D Council), Vanessa King, Wade Hill (USDA district conservationist), Brett Miller, Sawyer Thompson, Hunter Garrard, Brent Shaw, Carla Lewis (Marion County CEC), and Rebecca Danley (Marion County 4-H FREA).
HAMILTON — The Marion County Extension Office partnered with Northwest RC&D, USDA, NRCS and Live Well Alabama to develop the Marion County Ag Expo.
The event took place on Friday, Jan. 20, at the Bevill State Community Center in Hamilton.
World War II veteran returns to Hamilton
IReynard Martin is a World War II veteran.
HAMILTON — Hamilton resident Reynard Martin is one of few left in Marion County who served the United States military during World War II.
Martin, 98, was born in the State of Texas to parents Manuel and Lela Martin in October of 1924.
He has two sisters, Hazel and Neva, and one brother, Herman.
“My mom and dad ran a little store. I remember I would get up in some of the shelves and take a nap,” said Martin.