By Scott Johnson
General Manager

HAMILTON - Females ages 17-34 are statistically the largest demographic to litter, according to a non-profit litter prevention director.
“They want to keep their car clean,” said Denise Taylor, Keep Alabama Beautiful Executive Director, during a recent meeting with a group of Hamilton community volunteers.
Taylor said this information comes from studies on litter and it matches up with what she hears from students during educational events around the state.

By Scott Johnson
Managing Editor

Double Springs - Jimmy Dale Cooper has pleaded guilty to the murder of Donnie Miller and Linda Cole and has been sentenced to life in prison without the opportunity of parole.
The development abruptly closes the five-year-old case that only lasted three hours in its jury setting,  held at the Winston County Courthouse in Double Springs.

WINFIELD – Congressman Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, and state Rep. Tracy Estes, R-Winfield, have announced the procurement of a $2.5 million federal grant to assist in the renovation of the emergency department at Northwest Medical Center in Winfield.
The announcement was made through the congressman’s office on Friday, May 21, with several news outlets across the state carrying the story regarding the deal. The federal grant will be partnered with a $1.5 million investment by Northwest Medical Center to complete the $4 million project.

By LOUIS MELLINI
Staff Writer

HAMILTON - Many individuals in both academics and athletics play a part in shaping the hearts and minds of young people throughout their early lives from teachers to coaches.
But, perhaps an overlooked profession that could have a positive and lasting impact on youth development is that of a sports official.
Norm Tilberg, 78, of the Byrd community, has been working side by side with kids in athletics for a large portion of his life, hoping to make a positive and lasting impact for their futures.

A good many of you enjoyed the George Wallace story I shared with you a few weeks ago. Allow me to reminisce and share two more funny Wallace era stories.
I became acquainted with Governor Wallace when I was a young Page in the legislature.
I was elected to the legislature in 1982. Ironically, my district was comprised of my home county of Pike and also the portion of Barbour County that was Wallace’s home, including Clayton and Clio.

By Matt Clark
ACLL Executive Director

By Scott Johnson Managing Editor With May as National Foster Care Month, there has been a local push to promote the need for additional foster families. According to Marion County Department of Human Resources (DHR) Director Kier Vickery there are currently five foster families with 18 children in care. According to Vickery, it is normal for the county to maintain care for between 15 and 20 children. Vickery said that the lack of foster homes for at-risk children is a significant problem--one that is being experienced locally.

Fulton, Miss. – Students were awarded associate of arts or science degrees during an online commencement ceremony May 13 and 14 at Itawamba Community College (ICC) in Fulton, Miss.
They include: Tristan Luke Glasgow, Guin - Associates of Arts.
Honor students were also announced:
Dean’s List scholars who have a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.79 include:
Hamilton - Reagan Humphries

The following Marion County residents were announced as graduates of the University of West Alabama:
• Anna Lucas, Winfield, Master of Education - Special Education.
• Casey Fox,  Guin, Master of Education - Physical Education.
• Deborah Hankins, Educational Specialist, Early Childhood Education.
• Morgan McCarley, Hackleburg, Master of English.
• Christopher Williams, Hamilton, Master of Education, Physical Education.
• Mallory Tidwell, Eldridge, Education Specialist, Instructional Leadership.

By Scott Johnson
Managing Editor

SULLIGENT – An elderly Hamilton man was killed in a two-vehicle collision on Tuesday, May 18.
According to Alabama State Trooper Public Affairs Officer Gregory Corble, Arthur Webb, 81, of Hamilton was killed when the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt he was driving left the roadway and struck a tree off of Lamar County Road 35 seven miles north of Sulligent. Webb was pronounced dead at the scene.

By LOUIS MELLINI
Staff Writer

WINFIELD - Both the Winfield and Hamilton SITEL call center buildings will now have a new use after the Winfield City Council approved deeding the Winfield property to the Winfield City Schools System.
This took place during a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 18, at Winfield City Hall.
“It took about seven years to get back this building from SITEL and, now the third-biggest employer in Winfield (Winfield City Schools) has contacted me about purchasing it,” said Mayor Randy Price.

By Scott Johnson
Managing Editor

HAMILTON - Two students have been recognized for academic excellence for their performance on the ACT.
Taylor Hawkins of Marion County High School in Guin and Carson Spiller of Hamilton High School were both recognized by the Marion County Board of Education on Friday, May 21, and received plaques commemorating them both for achieving an ACT composite score of 30 or higher.
The Marion County Board of Education annually recognizes seniors in Marion County Schools who achieve scores at this level.

By LOUIS MELLINI
Staff Writer

WINFIELD - The Winfield City Schools Board of Education gave special recognition to the nine students who scored a 30 or higher on their ACT tests during this school year.
This occurred during the regular Winfield BOE meeting held on Tuesday, May 10, at Winfield Middle School.
“Last year we had six seniors who scored 30 or higher on the ACT. This year, as you can see, we have more than six,” said Winfield City Schools Superintendent of Education Chris Cook.

Hamilton - Bevill State Community College-Hamilton presented its honor awards during a ceremony on Wednesday, April 7.
Chaston McCarley was named the General Education Student of the Year and Sheena Bourland was named the Career Technical Student of the Year.
Leadership award recipients included Kenzley  Carnathan for the Student Nursing Association and Justin Webb for Bevill’s Ambassador program.
All USA Transfer Nominees include Jaclyn Bishop and Chaston McCarley.

Special to the
 Journal Record

OXFORD - The Hamilton Lady Aggies saw their season come to an end after suffering back-to-back losses in the Class 4A State Softball Tournament.
The Lady Aggies made it to the state tournament after going undefeated in the 4A West Regional Tournament, claiming the regional title.
The last time the Lady Aggies won the regional tournament and advanced to state competition was in 2009.

By Scott Johnson
Managing Editor

HAMILTON - Kenton Steele, 18, has signed to play basketball for the Bevill State Bears.
With signing, Kenton, who is a 6-foot-6-inch small forward/ wing for the Hamilton High School Aggies, is fulfilling a life-long dream to play college basketball.
Kenton is the son of April Franks and Wesley Steele. He has three brothers - Talen Steele, Grantley Steele and Bayler Franks.

Scott Johnson
Managing Editor

High School seniors all across Marion County will walk the stage to complete perhaps one of the most unconventional school years in recent history.
Graduation ceremonies for both Marion County and Winfield City schools will take place on Friday night, May 28.