Hamilton PD increases patrols for area schools

Pictured from left are officers Chris Norris, Tyler Norton and Garrett Weeks. They stand on a road near Hamilton High School.

HAMILTON — Students in Marion County are back in the swing of things as school is back in session.
While many parents and students are adjusting into the daily routine once again, many in Hamilton have also likely noticed an increase in police presence on roads, especially in Hamilton.
Hamilton Police Chief Jordan Carter has increased the amount of safety patrol near schools in Hamilton.
He, along with his staff, are making efforts to have an increased presence on streets near schools after many have been speeding through the areas.

Bevill begins major upgrades with $3M

HAMILTON — Bevill State Community College in Hamilton is set to get a massive renovation project underway as they have received over $3 million to update facilities at the Hamilton campus.
This comes as part of $19 million, allocated by the Alabama Legislature,  for facility renovations and development as well as the purchase of needed program equipment at BSCC.
The Hamilton campus used funds to renovate the roof of the business center facility as well as renovate the cosmetology and welding program facilities.

 

Hamilton approves $90K police purchase

HAMILTON — The Hamilton City Council approved spending over $90,000 on new police vehicles for the Hamilton Police Department.
During a meeting held at Hamilton City Hall on Monday, Aug. 7, Hamilton Police Chief Jordan Carter addressed the council concerning the vehicles needed for the department.
“We have had these police vehicles ordered for several months now,” said Carter.
The Hamilton police chief explained that each vehicle costs $34,984.76.

Hamilton councilwoman sworn in at city hall Aug. 7

Council Member Sherry Armstrong, second from left, is being sworn in by Judge Mark Hammitte, far left. Also shown is Armstrong’s husband, Hollis Armstrong, and her grandson, Blayne Armstrong.

HAMILTON — New Hamilton City Councilwoman Sherry Armstrong was sworn in during a ceremony on Monday, Aug. 7, at Hamilton City Hall.
The swearing in ceremony took place prior to Hamilton’s city council meeting and was officiated by Judge Mark Hammitte.
“I’m excited, and I appreciate the opportunity to be able to serve the people in our city,” said Armstrong following her swearing in.
“I don’t know how to thank you all. I will try my best to do the best that I can for our (city).”

Hamilton Park and Recreation opens fall registration for NFL flag, soccer and volleyball

Hamilton Park and Recreation is having fall registration for NFL flag, soccer and football.
The price for NFL flag is $50 for 8U, 10U and 12U co-ed teams.
The price for soccer is $40 for 6U, 9U and 12U co-ed teams.
The price for volleyball is $40 for third and fourth grade or fifth and sixth grade.
NFL flag and soccer games will be held on separate nights for any wanting to participate in both.
For more information, call 205-921-4371 or visit hamiltoncityal.org.

Public invited to share 1974 tornado stories

HAMILTON — Tornado Talk, a website dedicated to tornado history, in partnership with the Journal Record, is offering a chance for the public to share their knowledge and stories concerning the 1974 Super Outbreak of tornadoes, for the approaching 50th anniversary. On Thursday, Aug. 10, representatives from Tornado Talk will be at the Journal Record office in Hamilton, at approximately 1:30 p.m., for research purposes and to record the stories from the public of the tragic events of that day.

Plans unveiled for new Winfield athletic complex

The plans, drawn up by Lathan Architects, shows an idea of what the new athletic complex might look like. The existing softball field is on the bottom right. The existing multipurpose facility is on the top left. The new facility would feature a turf football field, track, bowling lanes (labeled new gymnasium addition), parking and a new softball concession stand.

WINFIELD — The Winfield City Board of Education has unveiled plans for a new athletic facility that would bring multiple sports to one location.
The new facility would include a turf football field, surrounded by a running track, inside of a new stadium. The plans show the new stadium directly beside the existing multipurpose athletic facility on the high school campus.
The new plans also feature an add-on to the multipurpose facility which would give Winfield boys’, girls’ and co-ed bowling teams a set of lanes to practice and compete on.

Weekend storms strike Marion County

Pictured is a fallen tree in Hackleburg.

MARION COUNTY — Marion County was hit with storms this weekend on Saturday and Sunday in another string of summer storms that don’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.
According to Marion County Emergency Management Agency Director Eric Terrell, storms caused damage throughout the county with downed tree limbs and power lines affecting all areas.
“This is basically the same pattern we’ve had all summer. It’s been a pretty stormy summer,” said Terrell.
Terrell stated Marion County 9-1-1 was flooded with calls from all over reporting damage.

Two inmates struck and killed by vehicle on 278

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WHITEHOUSE — Two Alabama Department of Corrections inmates working with the Alabama Department of Transportation were struck and killed by a vehicle on Wednesday, Aug. 2, on U.S. Highway 278 near the Whitehouse community.
The victims of the single-vehicle accident were Ronnie Steven Cornelius, 30, and Colt Eugene Morris, 40.
“ADOC would like to express its deepest condolences to the families of these two men who were killed in this tragic accident,” said ADOC Corrections Commissioner John Hamm.

Vickery retires as DHR director

HAMILTON — Marion County Department of Human Resources Director Kier Vickery has retired from her position after over 12 years heading up DHR in the county.
Vickery, who began her journey in the DHR as a social worker in 1993, has served the community for 30 years in various roles.
Vickery served as a social worker, a JOBS case manager, a senior social work supervisor, an interim director for Pickens County and the director of Marion County DHR.

Winfield officials and residents still frustrated over stop light

Stop lights in Winfield were only supposed to be temporary, yet are still in use after nearly two years.

WINFIELD — City officials expressed frustration over the lack of progress being made on the traffic lights at the main intersection in downtown Winfield after a tornado destroyed the previous lights on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021.
That was nearly two years ago.
Now, a set of temporary lights still hang diagonally across the intersection. The awkward angle, combined with a lack of left-turn signals and a dangerous blind hill, have created a dangerous situation that has left citizens and city officials alike frustrated over the delay in repairs.

‘We’ve been done unfair’ - Winfield to challenge reporting law, committee handling

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WINFIELD — The City of Winfield is challenging the constitutionality of the state reporting law involving the collection of sales tax revenue from areas that are outside of city limits but within police jurisdictions.
The city unexpectedly found itself in violation of this law earlier this year, and by law, the city now must either stop providing services in those areas or abolish the jurisdiction all together.  

County residents eligible for 3M settlement

Pictured is the 3M facility located in Guin.

By Luke Brantley
Staff writer
Residents of Guin, Twin, Hamilton, Winfield, or any other residents of Marion County who have been affected by harmful chemicals such as PFAS may be entitled to compensation as part of the multi-billion-dollar settlement between 3M and numerous lawsuits from across the country involving the harmful effects of these forever chemicals.
Over the last few years, 3M has faced two lawsuits from within Marion County, and a multitude from without.

Literacy act in effect for the school year

Belinda McRae

By Louis Mellini
Staff writer
MARION COUNTY — Alabama schools are preparing for new rules that will see third graders who fail the reading portion of the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program test held back a grade.
In 2019, the Alabama Literacy Act was established to improve the reading proficiency of public school kindergarten through third grade students and to ensure those students are able to read at or above grade level by the end of the third grade.

Reese wins Winfield run-off

Pictured is Larry Reese Sr.

By Luke Brantley
Staff writer
WINFIELD — Larry Reese Sr. will fill the vacant city council seat after winning the run-off election held on Tuesday, July 11, between Reese and Kenneth Crumpton.
The run-off was held after no candidate received at least 51% of the vote in the first election on Tuesday, June 13.
A total of 268 votes were cast in person and through absentee and provisional ballots during the initial election.

Hamilton-Sullins house upgrades nearly complete

Pictured is the historic Hamilton-Sullins home located next tot the Marion County Commission in Hamilton.

By Louis Mellini
Staff writer
HAMILTON — Hamilton’s historic Hamilton-Sullins home, located right next to the Marion County Commission, is nearing its final days of renovations.
After beginning repairs and renovations approximately 10 years ago, the home, which has been undergoing heavy work in the past several days, is nearly ready to be used by the city.
Hamilton Mayor Bob Page discussed the significance of the home, which ties to the origins of the City of Hamilton.

Changes at courthouse: Entrance gets face lift

Construction crews work on the front of the Marion County Courthouse building.courthouse

HAMILTON — The Marion County Courthouse entrance has had quite the upgrade following some major construction in the past few weeks.
Marion County Emergency Management Agency Director Eric Terrell stated the courthouse has enclosed some of its front area in glass while also adding another handicap accessible ramp on the right side of the entrance.
“The whole front porch will be (enclosed) with glass and automatic doors. That will allow us to move all security checkpoints into that area, and the glass doors will be ADA compliant,” said Terrell.

Scott Hunt appointed county administrator

Scott Hunt

HAMILTON — Marion County Attorney Scott Hunt has been named as Marion County Administrator Kalyn Moore’s replacement following the announcement of her resignation just a few weeks ago.
Hunt’s official title will be Marion County’s chief administrative officer, as announced during a regular Marion County Commission meeting on Monday, July 10, in Hamilton.
Hunt will begin his work on July 24, following the resignation of Moore.