Friendship Festival in Bear Creek set for Saturday, June 27

An overhead view from last year’s event shows Twin Forks Park on Upper Bear Creek and vehicles and vendors set up for the Friendship Festival.

An overhead view from last year’s event shows Twin Forks Park on Upper Bear Creek and vehicles and vendors set up for the Friendship Festival.

BEAR CREEK — Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, the Town of Bear Creek will hold it’s annual Friendship Festival on Saturday, June 27, at Twin Forks Park, located on Upper Bear Creek. Organizers noted, “Red, white and blue - food, music and community! Bring your family. Bring your lawn chair. Come celebrate community, freedom and friendship.”
Event highlights include live music all day, food and craft vendors, a truck and car show and the fireworks show at 9 p.m. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. and last till 10 p.m.

Freedom Fiber crews quickly restore fiber lines after over-height equipment encounter

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HAMILTON — In less than 12 hours on Wednesday, June 3, Freedom Fiber crews from Tombigbee Communications restored internet service to all of their customers after a truck hauling a trackhoe snagged into mainline fiber lines, dragging down a pole and impacting several service areas.

Winfield police seize drugs, guns from residence Substances included meth, fentanyl, and ‘Liquid G’ (GHB)

The Winfield Police Department netted a large amount of drugs and firearms on May 22.

The Winfield Police Department netted a large amount of drugs and firearms on May 22.

WINFIELD — The Winfield Police Department had a major breakthrough in an investigation over Memorial Day Weekend that led to the seizure of a large amount of drugs and a few firearms.

Hunter Fikes sworn in as district judge

Shown getting sworn in (right) is new 25th District Court Judge Hunter Fikes and his two sons, Townes and Tripp, standing nearby. Shown swearing Fikes in is 25th Circuit Court Judge Daryl Burt.

Shown getting sworn in (right) is new 25th District Court Judge Hunter Fikes and his two sons, Townes and Tripp, standing nearby. Shown swearing Fikes in is 25th Circuit Court Judge Daryl Burt.

— John Hunter Fikes was sworn in as the district judge for the 25th Judicial Circuit in Marion County on April 28 at the Marion County Courthouse in Hamilton.

Winfield schools receive multiple grants for gym

Left to right are Hilda Smith, Chris Carothers, State Senator Garlan Gudger, State Representative Tracy Estes, County Commissioner Larry Akers, Northwest Alabama RC&D Council Executive Director Lauranne James, Winfield Board of Education Chairman James Garner and Winfield Head Girls’ Basketball Coach Brad Cunningham.

Left to right are Hilda Smith, Chris Carothers, State Senator Garlan Gudger, State Representative Tracy Estes, County Commissioner Larry Akers, Northwest Alabama RC&D Council Executive Director Lauranne James, Winfield Board of Education Chairman James Garner and Winfield Head Girls’ Basketball Coach Brad Cunningham.

WINFIELD — Winfield City Schools have received multiple grants through NACOLG and Senator Garlan Gudger’s office to go toward improvements for the Winfield City High School gymnasium.

Black bear struck and killed on I-22

WINFIELD — A black bear was struck and killed by a motor vehicle on I-22 near Exit 30 in Winfield on Thursday morning, May 21.
The male bear weighed in at around 200 pounds. Photos of the bear were shared widely across social media on Thursday due to the rare nature of bear sightings in the area.
According to Alabama Forestry Commission Forestry Specialist Supervisor Joel Bartlett, bear sightings are exciting, but not unheard of in the State of Alabama and Marion County.

Gift shop reopens at North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton

Right, North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton Administrator Cathy Mitchell, center, celebrates the reopening of the hospital gift shop with Marion Regional Auxiliary volunteers, from left, Belinda McRae, Linda Potts, Pamela Perkerson, Shelia Wiginton and Belva Wiginton. The gift shop is currently open to the public from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday.

Right, North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton Administrator Cathy Mitchell, center, celebrates the reopening of the hospital gift shop with Marion Regional Auxiliary volunteers, from left, Belinda McRae, Linda Potts, Pamela Perkerson, Shelia Wiginton and Belva Wiginton. The gift shop is currently open to the public from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday.

HAMILTON — The Gift Shop at North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton is once again welcoming visitors and staff to browse for gifts and necessities.

New chiropractic clinic opens in Hamilton

Dr Mel Bishop and Chelsea Caldwell

Dr Mel Bishop and Chelsea Caldwell

The Hamilton Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Hamilton Family Chiropractic Clinic on Friday, May 1, at their location at 1897 Military Street South in Hamilton. Owner and chiropractor Dr. Mel Bishop (right), shown with clinic massage therapist Chelsea Caldwell, says she is excited about helping the community feel better and live better. The friendly, faith-based staff also includes “Ollie,” the clinic’s  four-legged companion. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

Dyson McLemore of Brilliant takes third place in state drawing contest

Dyson McLemore is shown with Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and his “2026 Governor’s Mansion Art Contest” winning entry, while Ivey holds his official certificate.

Dyson McLemore is shown with Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and his “2026 Governor’s Mansion Art Contest” winning entry, while Ivey holds his official certificate.

BRILLIANT — Dyson McLemore, age 9, a fourth-grader at Brilliant Elementary School, recently won third-place in a statewide drawing contest for fourth graders.

Graduation dates set

Marion County Schools:

All on Thursday, May 21

• Brilliant High School, 7 p.m., Brilliant High school Gym;
• Hackleburg High School, 6 p.m., Hackleburg High School Gym;
• Hamilton High School, 8 p.m., Sargent Stadium;
• Marion County High School, 7:30 p.m., Rayburn Stadium;
• Phillips High School, 7 p.m., Phillips High School Gym.

*Rain locations in the past have been the high school gyms.

Winfield City:

Sunday, May 17

• Winfield City High School, 3 p.m., Winfield City High School Gym.

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