Solar eclipse next Monday

MARION COUNTY— Unusual phenomenon in the heavens bring wonder and awe to the population. This will occur next week when parts of the United States will see a total solar eclipse Monday, April 8, when the moon blocks the sun from view.

RC&D grant period underway, Wide range of funding available


Lauranne James was able to enjoy a short-lived retirement from NACOLG before agreeing to head up the Northwest Alabama’s RC&D Council.
HAMILTON— During a recent Marion County Commission meeting, Lauranne James, the executive director of the Northwest Alabama Resource Conservation and Development Council shared valuable information on her organization, the grant process and the wide range of grants available through RC&D. Besides Marion County, RC&D also serves Colbert, Lauderdale, Franklin and Winston counties.

Byrd Fire and Rescue recognizes two of their own


Pictured are family members of Lynwood and Lorene Hamilton are shown gathered on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Byrd Fire and Rescue Department for a photograph with the mural commemorating the beloved couple and their dedication to the department. Gathered with the family are members of the BFRD and muralist Missy Miles (fourth from left), and her husband, Tommy (second from left)
DETROIT — On Saturday, Feb. 3, the Byrd Fire and Rescue Department gave honor to Lynwood and Lorene Hamilton.

Drug drop box open in Winfield


Northwest Alabama Mental Health Center prevention specialist Charity Cook stands next to the drug drop box holding a bag of medications someone brought in that day.
WINFIELD — Anyone with expired or unused prescription medication can now safely dispose of it at any time at the Winfield Police Department.

I-22 named for James Brown


The Brown family and friends stand next to the sign that will go up along I-22 in honor of James “Spike” Brown. Left to right, top row: State Representative Tracey Estes, Susannah Brown, Alexandra Leigh M.D., Beatrix Brown, Nathan Brown M.D./D.M.D., Meredith Brown and Kenneth Mays III (Tripp). Bottom row: Myrina (Minnow) Brown, Alexandra (Honey) Brown, Cynthia Brown and Dylan Mays.
HAMILTON — Family, friends and fellow state, county and local officials gathered at Hamilton City Hall on Friday, March 15, to honor the late James “Spike” Brown.

Outdoor expo a great success


Junior division turkey calling contest winners are shown with Northwest Alabama RC&D personnel. From left are Lauranne James, Anna Morrison, Thaylen Stone (first place), Clark Nichols (second place), Haysten Williams (third place) and Vanessa King.
HAMILTON — Multiple agencies have come together and created the inaugural Marion County Outdoor Expo. Held on Friday, March 1, it brought in youngsters from multiple parts of the county to participate in events, such as turkey calling, and a motivational speech by former Hamilton resident and BASS professional angler Clay Dyer.

Bevill State levels up: Hamilton unveils esports


Shown is the new logo for Bevill State’s esports.
HAMILTON — Bevill State Community College is excited to announce the introduction of esports to its Hamilton campus, with plans to commence competitive gaming activities in the upcoming fall semester. The introduction of esports at Bevill State's Hamilton campus is a testament to the college's dedication to staying at the forefront of modern educational trends and meeting the evolving interests of its student body. Esports, which has seen explosive growth in recent years, offers a unique platform for students to showcase their skills, foster teamwork and engage in competitive play.

Run-off April 16 for county superintendent


The E.T. Sims Jr. Recreation Center in Hamilton was busy at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, as Precinct 1A-1D voters cast their vote for the candidates of their choice during the 2024 primary election.
HAMILTON — The 2024 Marion County Schools superintendent and Board of Education District 4 primary elections are headed to a runoff election on Tuesday, April 16.

School house rock’d by Adam Calvert


Singer, songwriter and music video star Adam Calvert reaches out to an audience of Hackleburg High School students late last year during a concert in the school gym planned and executed by Family, Career & Community Leaders of America students and their teacher, Holly Chambers.

One of the most exciting days, if not the most exciting day, I’ve had so far back here at the Journal Record was my experience in Hackleburg when singer, songwriter and music video star Adam Calvert and his band and crew came through late last year.
We were short-staffed that day, so I didn’t get to stay for the entire concert, but I was totally blown away by what I did get to see and hear.
I’ve been to concerts in big cities and the stage production put on in Hackleburg High School’s gym was certainly no less than spectacular.

Primary results

County results for super and board don’t include provisional ballots yet

 

(From Paige Vick’s livestream last night)

22,233 registered voters in the county

5,937 ballots cast (16/17 precincts reporting in, but the 17th is provisional)

157 were for the Democratic primary

5,779 were Republican primary

1 only voted on amendment

 

Marion County Superintendent:

Gary McCarley: 1395 (25.21%)

Hackleburg police officer discovers house on fire, saves lives


Hero Hackleburg Police Officer Zach Booth (far right) is shown with police chief Kenny Hallmark (far left) and Lynn Albert Barnette, 72, the homeowner he helped get out of the burning structure, along with Barnette’s granddaughter and friend.
HACKLEBURG — Hackleburg Police Officer Zach Booth is a hero. He will star in this news article, and he could easily be written about by a screenwriter and have his own movie.

Council recognizes Aggie Track and Field team


Shown are Hamilton High School Indoor Track Team members (from left, leaning forward) Maya Jones, Madelyn Hulsey, Kyra Casey and Jane Wiginton, and (next row, from left) Anne Wiginton, Meg Wiginton, Gracie Sanderson, Bristol Evans, Elijah Dollar, Dylan Segraves, Jake Webb and Josh Webb, and (last row, from left) city councilors Scott Robertson and Wade Williams, mayor Bob Page, and councilors Sherry Armstrong, W. Ross Reed and Scott Tyra.
HAMILTON — The Hamilton City Council recognized the Hamilton High School Indoor Track and Field Team at its Tuesday, Feb. 20, meeting.

$2 million grant funding to benefit five county roads


An example of base failure on County Road 63 is shown here. Right: County Road 55 will be a main focus for improvements due to the deep rutting problems as shown here in this five-inch roadway depression. All road photos are courtesy of Marion County Engineer Chris Wilbanks.
HAMILTON — Governor Kay Ivey announced in a press release last month that more than $40 million in state transportation funding is being awarded to cities and counties for various road and bridge projects.