Alabama Power warns of scams

Alabama Power has recently dealt with various scam complaints such as scammers calling and claiming to be representatives of Alabama Power or claiming that they are working with a public agency or government office looking to acquire credit card information from the individuals they call.
The company has responded by providing a list of tips to help individuals defend themselves against potential scams.
According to a release by Alabama Power:
• Alabama Power will never come to your door and demand an immediate payment.

 

Winfield, Phillips high school robotics teams claim awards at IQ challenge event

MUSCLE SHOALS - Winfield Middle School and Colbert Heights Elementary School led the group of winners at the 2019 Northwest Alabama SCORE VEX IQ Challenge on Saturday, Nov. 16,  in the Patriot Center gym on the Northwest-Shoals Community College-Shoals Campus (NW-SCC).
Winfield Middle School’s team, Bad Memory, and Colbert Heights Elementary’s team, Bionic Blue, won the competition’s Excellence Awards.

Burt unopposed in first election

HAMILTON - Circuit Court Judge Daryl Burt will run unopposed in his first election to become one of two circuit court judges for the 25th Judicial Circuit.
Burt was appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey in February 2018 to his current position as circuit judge of the Alabama’s 25th Judicial Circuit, which covers Marion and Winston counties. He was selected by the governor to finish out the last three years of former judge John Bentley’s term, who was elected in 2014 and retired after 15 years on the bench.

17th Annual Toy Run slated for Dec. 7

MARION COUNTY - The 17th Annual Eldridge Children’s Home Toy Run benefit ride will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Individuals and motorcycle groups from Hamilton who wish to participate in the Toy Run should meet at the River Road Texaco in Hamilton at 10 a.m.
The store is located off of  Exit 14 on Interstate 22 and County Road 35, also known as River Road.
From the Winfield and Guin area, motorcycle riders are scheduled to meet at Jack’s or Webster’s Piggly Wiggly on U.S. Highway 43.

 

Henger: ‘We are making progress in every way possible’

Northwest Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Robert Henger is shown addressing the Winfield City Council during a regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Winfield City Hall.

WINFIELD - Northwest Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Robert Henger addressed the Winfield City Council concerning the current state and progress of the Northwest Medical Center in Winfield during a regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Winfield City Hall.
“We haven’t turned a corner yet, we don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel yet, but we are making progress in every way possible, I believe,” said Henger in the beginning of his address.

Alexander sworn in


Kathy Alexander is shown taking her oath as a Guin city council member during a regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 18, at Guin City Hall. Shown in the background is councilman Jerry Gann.

GUIN - Guin city councilwoman Kathy Alexander has officially returned to the position after swearing in during the regular meeting held on Monday, Nov. 18, at Guin City Hall.
Alexander’s appointment to the city council follows the death of former councilman Troy Hightower who served on the council for 25 years.
“Troy wanted to adjourn every meeting, Kathy, that may be your job now,” said Guin Mayor Max Maddox jokingly after Alexander’s swearing in.

Love’s delayed until March 2020

HAMILTON - Construction on a new Love’s Travel Stop and Country Store has postponed, company officials announced on Monday, Nov. 25.
Hamilton Mayor Bob Page told the Journal Record during a phone interview that Love’s real estate project manager, William Gleason, has said construction could be delayed to as late as March 21, depending on weather conditions.
According to Page, Love’s contractors are currently working on projects in the midwest and have run into delays that are resulting in the Hamilton location’s start date being pushed back.

 

Pyron estate donates $1.7M to MCHS

HAMILTON - A Marion County High School (MCHS) alumnus’ estate has made a donation of $1.7 million for scholarships to Guin students.
Birmingham attorney  Robert Cornelius appeared at the Marion County Board of Education’s monthly meeting on Thursday, Nov. 21, to announce the donation made by the estate of Wayne and Joyce Pyron.
Wayne Pyron attended MCHS where he played football and developed his love for the game and Alabama football.

Hundreds attend tree lighting


Hamilton Elementary School first- and second-graders sing during the City of Hamilton’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

HAMILTON - The City of Hamilton kicked off the holiday season Tuesday night, Nov. 19, during its Christmas Tree Lighting.
Hamilton Mayor Bob Page told the Journal Record he estimates that 600 to 800 people attended the city’s second official Christmas Tree Lighting event.
Page said the city hosted a lighting three years ago and only a handful of people attended. Last year, the city invited several youth performance groups to the event to participate, resulting in hundreds of people gathering at city hall.

Howell confronts council on enforcing the rules

HAMILTON - Real estate agent Kerry Howell wants city officials to do more to crackdown on land negligence and enforce ordinances that are in place.
Howell, who sells houses in Hamilton, addressed the Hamilton City Council on Monday, Nov. 18, saying property and business owners are not maintaining their land because there is no accountability.
Howell addressed the council at a November meeting last year, raising concerns that poorly-managed and neglected properties are damaging property values around the city.

Mills resigning from county EMA

Shown is Marion County Emergency Management Agency Director Jimmy Mills as he presented his letter of resignation to the Marion County Commission on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Mills’ resignation is effective Dec. 31. He served 12 years as the county’s EMA director.

HAMILTON - Marion County Emergency Management Agency Director Jimmy Mills handed in his letter of resignation during a Marion County Commission regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the commission office in Hamilton.
Mills is resigning after 12 years as Marion County EMA director effective Dec. 31, 2019.
“It has been an honor to serve the citizens, public safety agencies, businesses, as well as the municipalities and you (the commission) for the past 12 years,” said Mills.