James Spann

Memorial service honors tornado victims


Meteorologist James Spann was the keynote speaker during the memorial service. Shown from left are Guin City Clerk Rebeca Markham, Spann, Guin Mayor Phil Segraves and Guin Assistant City Clerk Lorie Mayo.
GUIN — Scars have been on the hearts of many Guin residents for 50 years. Those scars were left by one of the strongest tornadoes ever recorded in history, as it came down on the city on April 3, 1974. Since then, the town has overcome the destruction and built the city back, though the loss of life is still felt, especially by the families of the 25 who perished in the tornado. These 25 were honored during a memorial service Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Guin First Baptist Church, a handful of hours from the minute the tornado struck 50 years prior

James Spann holds book signing event

James Spann, meteorologist, signs a copy of his latest book. Spann came to Winfield Aug. 20, on a book signing tour.

By Luke Brantley
Staff writer
WINFIELD — People gathered in Aromas Café in downtown Winfield on Saturday, Aug. 20, to “respect the polygon” and meet James Spann, the famed ABC 33-40 weatherman.
Spann met with people from Winfield and the surrounding area, exchanging jokes and stories about weather events and many other subjects, as well as signing copies of his books.