Hackleburg accepts governor’s grant for paving project
HACKLEBURG — The Town of Hackleburg held its regular council meeting on Thursday, July 17, where it was announced that Hackleburg had received a nearly $250,000 grant through Rebuild Alabama.
Bobby Bellew; running for mayor of Guin
Bobby Bellew; running for mayor of Guin.
GUIN — Hi, My name is Bobby Bellew. I’m running for the office of mayor for the City of Guin, Alabama.
Dustin Hulsey; running for Winfield City Council Place #1
Dustin Hulsey; running for Winfield City Council Place #1.
WINFIELD — My name is Dustin Hulsey, and I'm proud to announce my candidacy for Winfield City Council Place #1 of the great City of Winfield. I'm running because I believe in a future for our city that is smart, sustainable and supportive of every resident. I worked for the city for years as a law enforcement officer and served in the roles of a patrol officer, narcotics investigator, was assigned to the state drug task force and last as the lieutenant chief investigator. I am 42 years old and a 2002 graduate of Winfield City High School.
Regenia Wisecarver; running for Hamilton City Council Place #2
Regenia Wisecarver; running for Hamilton City Council Place #2.
HAMILTON — My name is Regenia Wisecarver, and I’m proud to be running for Hamilton City Council, Place 2. I was raised in Hamilton and graduated from Hamilton High School. I earned my nursing degree from Northwest Alabama Community College and later completed a bachelor of science in healthcare from St. Francis University. I spent over 35 years serving others as a registered nurse—a career built on compassion, quick thinking and creating solutions. During my nursing career, I developed leadership, communication and listening skills that I will continue to use for the people of the City of Hamilton.
Frankie Kerr; running for Hamilton City Council Place #2
Frankie Kerr; running for Hamilton City Council Place #2.
HAMILTON — Hi. I am Frankie Kerr, and I am proud to announce my candidacy for Hamilton City Council place #2. I have been married to my wife, Ellen Kerr, for 53 years, and we have twin daughters, Shana Clayton (John) and Dana Davis (Jeff), and two grandsons, Ethan and Dalton Davis.
Hoof or Paw donates pet microchip reader to HFD
Firefighter Will Warren scans Jenny Lee, while her mom, Sara McCracken, looks on.
HAMILTON — Hoof or Paw, a local animal welfare advocate, announced recently the placement of a state-of-the-art universal pet microchip reader at the Hamilton Fire Department. This strategic donation aims to significantly improve the chances of reuniting lost pets with their anxious owners by providing a readily accessible scanning point for stray animals found within the community.
Marion County School System receives system wide accreditation
HAMILTON — The Marion County Board of Education recently achieved system-wide accreditation from Cognia, with MCBOE Curriculum Director Dr. Tracy Handley helping to lead the process and making a report at the board’s June 27 meeting.
Two Tahoes approved by council for Hamilton PD
HAMILTON — Two different police department matters took up the majority of the Hamilton City Council’s Monday, June 16, meeting.
Tami Lewis Williams; running for Hamilton mayor
Tami Lewis Williams, running for mayor of Hamilton
HAMILTON — Known to many as Tami from Dr. Rice’s office, I am the daughter of Dr. Susan Rice and Dwayne Lewis. A graduate of Hamilton High School and the University of North Alabama, I am married to Chris Williams and mother to Connar Franklin and Eli and Morgan Williams.
Candace Ingram; running for Hamilton City Council Place #4
Candace Ingram; running for Hamilton City Council Place #4
HAMILTON — I’m Candace Ingram, and I’m excited to announce I’m running for Hamilton City Council – Place 4!
Brad "Bob" Burroughs; running for Winfield City Council Place #5
Brad “Bob” Burroughs; running for Winfield City Council Place #5
WINFIELD — I'm Brad “Bob” Burroughs, and I’m running for Winfield City Council Place #5, and I'd be honored to earn your support.
Scott Robertson; running for Hamilton City Council Place #5
Scott Robertson, for Hamilton City Council Place 5
HAMILTON — My name is Scott Robertson, and I am proud to be a lifelong resident of Hamilton. I graduated from Hamilton High School and have deep roots in our community.
I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart, Denise, for nearly 30 years, and we have three children—Valarie (married to Tayten Lann), Natalie (married to Joseph Cox) and Bryson Robertson—as well as one granddaughter, Ady Lann.
Edward "Shane" Stidham; running for Hamilton City Council Place #1
Edward "Shane" Stidham, running for Hamilton City Council Place #1
HAMILTON — Hi, I'm Edward “Shane” Stidham and I'm proud to announce my candidacy for Hamilton City Council place #1. I am married to Misty and we have three children: Zac Hanford (Savannah), Mackenzie and Miley, and we have two grandchildren: Camden and Graylen Hanford.
Wade Williams; running for mayor of Hamilton
Wade Williams, running for mayor of Hamilton
HAMILTON — Wade Williams is a visionary leader committed to community growth and is seeking to be your next mayor of Hamilton.
Mackly twins earn Eagle Scout rank
HAMILTON — Twin brothers Jacob and Caleb Mackly earned the rank of Eagle Scout last year by completing a project to build picnic tables and benches at two locations in Hamilton.
Jacob and Caleb said they both joined the Boy Scouts to have something to do and learn valuable skills.
Kith Furniture closes in Bear Creek
Kith Furniture, located off Highway 13 in Bear Creek , has shut down operations.
BEAR CREEK — The closure of Kith Furniture, which just two years ago employed up to 250 people, has been a devastating blow to the Town of Bear Creek, in the loss of employees, as well as occupational tax generated by the business.
Missy Miles captures the spirit of W.C. Handy with winning music festival poster
Local master muralist and multi-faceted artist Missy Miles recently won the poster contest for the W.C. Handy Music Festival held annually for 44 years to celebrate the “Father of the Blues.”
THE SHOALS — Missy Miles’ work will once again be a part of history as her poster design for the W.C. Handy Music Festival in The Shoals was selected as the official artwork for the 2025 event, the 44th annual festival held annually to celebrate the “Father of the Blues.”
Miles noted past poster winners’ designs are displayed in the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia.
Express Rx welcomes new pharmacist, Bayleigh Brown, to staff
The Express Rx staff is ready to help you with your pharmacy needs. The store also has gift items, toys and other merchandise. Shown are, from left, Express Rx Registered Pharmacist/Pharmacist in Charge Mickey Gerstman, Certified Pharmacy Technician Lindsey Miller, Pharmacy Technician Taylor Franks, Pharmacy Technician Charyle Cagle, Pharmacy Technician Bethany Wiginton and Registered Pharmacist Bayleigh Brown.
HAMILTON — Express Rx of Hamilton recently added a new registered pharmacist, Bayleigh Brown, to the staff, with manager/registered pharmacist Mickey Gerstman noting, “We’re thrilled to have her. She is an excellent pharmacist. She’s friendly, helpful and outgoing.
SNAP-Ed: Helping communities live well in Marion and Walker counties
SNAP-Ed Extension Agent Ginger Eatman is shown with students at a garden harvest at the Hackleburg High School and Hackleburg Elementary School garden. See column on page 4 and photo page on 12.
MARION COUNTY — Across Alabama and the nation, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education, known as SNAP-Ed, is making a difference—one healthy choice at a time.
Funded by the USDA, SNAP-Ed is designed to empower individuals and families who qualify for SNAP benefits by providing free nutrition education and promoting healthier lifestyles. The goal is simple: to help communities live well by encouraging smart food choices, active living and long-term health.
Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday set for July 18-20
MARION COUNTY — Parents and guardians may want to take note of next weekend’s 2025 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday and plan their shopping trip for school supplies to help save money.