County commission keeps road open
HAMILTON — The Marion County Commission held a public hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 6, to discuss the possible closure of Walker Bottom Road, in the southeast portion of the county, with property owners.
RC&D awards for Marion County total $123,661
RC&D grant recipients are shown with RC&D officials, area, state and local officials, county commissioners and others who attended the 2025 grant announcements presentation held at the Hamilton Fire Department. From left, back row, are Josh Weatherly (formerly Guin Elementary School) Matt McCracken (Hamilton Fire Department), Bartlett Kimbrough (Phillips High School), Ray Cantrell (Craft Volunteer Fire Department), Kevin Rye (Marion County Cattleman’s Association), Ryan Sanderson (Brilliant High School), Will Riley (Winfield Fire & Rescue), Blake Farley (Winfield Fire & Rescue), Tracy Estes (state representative), Garland Gudger (state senator), Larry Akers (county commission), Bob Page (former mayor of Hamilton), Keith Nichols (county commission), Kenneth Cochran (county commission), Stefanie Weeks (CTE-Winfield), Dr. Patrick Sutton (Marion County Schools), Norman Ballard (Hamilton Middle School) and Dustin Silas (Guin Elementary School). And front row, from left, are Autumn Sizemore (Northwest Regional Library), Starr Montgomery (Clyde Nix Public Library), Tina Coan (Phillips Elementary School), Brittany Bailes (Sen. Gudger’s office) Ginger Eatman (formerly of Extension), Lauranne James (RC&D), Don Barnwell (RC&D board, Hackleburg council), Katherine Parham (Brilliant Elementary School) and Randall Shedd (Sen. Gudger’s office).
MARION COUNTY — More than $123,661 was awarded by the Northwest Resource Conservation & Development Council during 2025.
Winfield council approves turnout gear purchase
WINFIELD — The Winfield City Council approved the purchase of new turnout gear for the Winfield Fire Department during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 6.
Guin council seeks clarity on cemetery ownership
GUIN — The Guin City Council once again sought clarity regarding the ownership of a cemetery during its regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 5.
Journal-Record to run free candidate profiles
HAMILTON — The 2026 elections this year will be held on Tuesday, May 19.
The Journal-Record is offering candidates the option to run profiles beginning Wednesday, Feb. 4, through Wednesday, April 22.
Kemp Meadows residents evacuated after
The fire was located in one room in the older wing of the building, shown here. Journal-Record staff was not allowed inside.
WINFIELD — Kemp Meadows Assisted Living residents were evacuated as fire crews responded to a small fire there on Monday night, Dec. 22.
Stewarts indicted
HAMILTON — Tristen Amani Stewart, Kenneth Larry Stewart and Tahisha Stewart Cameron have been indicted on charges of capital murder, obstructing governmental operations, hindering prosecution and more.
Sign up starts soon for Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
MARION COUNTY — Qualifying seniors should mark their calendars and prepare now to submit their application starting in mid-January for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
Third Annual Shop with a Cop is another great success!
Most of the children participating in this year’s Shop with a Cop event are shown with their favorite toy and all of the law enforcement and Walmart personnel who helped make this very special day possible. Photo courtesy of HPD.
HAMILTON - The Third Annual Shop with a Cop event was held on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Hamilton Walmart Supercenter.
Farmers, businesses, students recognized at Farm-City Banquet
HAMILTON — Marion County farmers, county and local officials and business owners gathered at Tombigbee Electric Cooperative in Hamilton for the annual Farm-City Banquet on Thursday, Nov. 13.
Hamilton renews C3 membership for $25K
HAMILTON — The Hamilton City Council voted unanimously on Monday, Dec. 15, to renew the city’s membership with the C3 of Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance.
Winfield to re-stripe Pike Road
WINFIELD — The Winfield City Council voted to re-stripe Pike Road during its regular city council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Marion County High School names court after Scott Veal
GUIN— Marion County High School named its basketball court after Head Girls’ Basketball Coach Scott Veal before a home game against Hamilton on Friday, Dec. 5.
Chambless family thankful for Rainey’s lifesaving action
WINFIELD — Isaac Chambless and his mother, Denise, are both thankful after Victoria June Rainey, who also goes by Tori, saved Isaac’s life by performing the Heimlich maneuver.
Garbage schedules announced for holiday season
MARION COUNTY — Holiday garbage pickup schedules have been shared by local sanitation services and departments for the county, and the cities and towns in Marion County.
City signs resolution against lawsuit involving online sales tax redistribution
HAMILTON — During its Monday, Dec. 1, meeting, the Hamilton City Council unanimously passed a resolution in favor of being included in the unified filing against the Simplified Sellers Use Tax Lawsuit.
$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.