*The following story is based on the most up-to-date information as of the Journal-Record’s press deadline on Monday evening, Jan. 20.
The search for Chastity Ann Terry continues, as of Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, after she was declared missing just over a week before.
Marion County Sheriff Kevin Williams said on Jan. 16, first responders of various departments and agencies were coming together to begin a grid search of the wooded areas near the site where they believe she might have gone missing.
Hamilton Elementary School has been selected as a Distinguished School by the National Elementary and Secondary Education Act pro- gram. Shown above are Marion County Superintendent Ann West rec- ognizing HES Principal Gary McCarley with a plaque. Shown in the back are Sandra Loden, left, and Lisa Wiginton.
HAMILTON — The Alabama State Board of Education has named Hamilton Elementary School to the National Elementary and Secondary Education Act’s Distinguished School’s program. The state board passed a resolution congratulating the school on Thursday, Dec. 12, and the Marion County Board of Education awarded a plaque to the school at their last board meeting on Dec. 17.
The resolution states the school was
selected for Category 1 of the program, which is awarded for excellence in student performance and academic growth.
Also helping out with the Thanksgiving meals are, from left, Lindsey Shotts, Gena Holloway and Linda Richards.
HAMILTON — The Hamilton Methodist Church hosted its 38th annual Thanksgiving Dinner for community members unable to attend or unable to afford a family meal on Nov. 28. There were 250 plates provided to those who signed up through Fred’s Pharmacy or the church.
Wreaths Across America
MARION COUNTY — Nearly 5,000 locations held Wreaths Across America ceremonies nationwide in December, with more than 3 million wreaths placed on interred veterans graves. Shown are photos taken in Hackleburg, Hamilton, Bexar and Weston. The American Legion Sonny James Post 165 held a ceremony and wreath placement on Dec. 14 at Cedar Tree Cemetery in Hackleburg with assistance from Bikers Against Bullies NWA and BSA Troop 56 of Hamilton. Scout Troop 56 of Hamilton held a ceremony on Dec. 16 at the Marion County Courthouse with wreath placements at the city cemetery afterwards.
On the right, Samford University Head Coach Terry Bowden is shown with #25 Jamie Brown, about 1991.
Hamilton High School Alumnus Jamie Brown is set to be inducted into the NCAA Hall of Fame and the Samford University Hall of Fame in 2025.
For Brown’s senior year at Samford University, under head coach Terry Bowden, the Bulldogs went 12-2 overall, making it to the semifinals of the national championship, resulting in their being number three in the nation. Brown was awarded the most knock outs of a competing team in a single season with 18.
Luke Herring, center, a senior at Hackleburg High School, has signed a track and field scholarship to attend the University of Central Arkansas. On the left is his mother, Jody Herring. His father, Kevin, is on the right.
HACKLEBURG — His goal is to train to make the U20 Canadian National World team that will compete in the World Athletics Championship in Oregon in 2026. He has many accolades. He is ranked number one in shot put, number one in hammer and number one in weight in the State of Alabama going into the 2025 track season. He is also just 17.
Bear Creek Mayor Rob Taylor stands at the break-in site, next to a sign warning any tampering with the facility is a federal offense.
BEAR CREEK — The Bear Creek Town Council had to take quick action at their Wednesday, Dec. 18, meeting, to keep the water department in operation after over $20,000 in equipment was stolen during a break-in.
“We’re working on leads, and we have some leads,” pointed out Bear Creek Police Chief Eddie Collins.
Sometime between 1-4 a.m. on Nov. 26, suspect(s) cut open a fence behind the metal facility located by two water tanks on County Highway 106, entering the property, police said.
