Lawmakers secure $3 million for Marion County Lake

Like having patience with fishing pays off, officials are asking the public to have patience for upgrades to be made to the Marion County Lake that will greatly increase the useability, enjoyableness and longevity of the natural attraction.

Like having patience with fishing pays off, officials are asking the public to have patience for upgrades to be made to the Marion County Lake that will greatly increase the useability, enjoyableness and longevity of the natural attraction.
HAMILTON — The Marion County Lake will soon be the site of more than $3 million in structural improvements after more than two years of negotiations directed by Rep. Tracy Estes (R-Winfield) and Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman).

Ann Davis retires after 25 years at Brilliant

Brilliant Mayor Perry Franks presents town water clerk Ann Davis with a plaque recognizing her 25 years of service on May 9 at Cedar Landing with Brilliant council members, town employees and other guests in attendance during a retirement celebration held in her honor.

Brilliant Mayor Perry Franks presents town water clerk Ann Davis with a plaque recognizing her 25 years of service on May 9 at Cedar Landing with Brilliant council members, town employees and other guests in attendance during a retirement celebration held in her honor.
BRILLIANT — Brilliant Town Water Clerk Ann Davis has mixed emotions about her retirement this Friday, May 31.

CoalFest kicks off this weekend in Brilliant

Brilliant’s CoalFest musical lineup will include Area 51 on Friday night, May 24, and The Georgia Thunderbolts and Lee Roy Parnell on Saturday, May 25, along with other local and national acts.

Brilliant’s CoalFest musical lineup will include Area 51 on Friday night, May 24, and The Georgia Thunderbolts and Lee Roy Parnell on Saturday, May 25, along with other local and national acts.
BRILLIANT — The 23rd Annual CoalFest in Brilliant will kick off this Friday, May 24, at 5 p.m. with local legend Lloyd Moses taking the stage first, a feat he continues to accomplish each and every year to the delight of all involved in the festival.

23rd annual CoalFest set for May 24-25

Brilliant CoalFest T-shirts are in stock. Get yours now to wear to the festival or pick one up on Friday and Saturday, May 24-25 at the 23rd annual event. Shown displaying a few examples are (from left) town water clerk Ann Davis, town clerk Jessica Lee and town water clerk Brittany Reid. The t-shirts vary in cost according to size and color from $10 to $20. Besides those shown, other colors include black, gray and pink.

Brilliant CoalFest T-shirts are in stock. Get yours now to wear to the festival or pick one up on Friday and Saturday, May 24-25 at the 23rd annual event. Shown displaying a few examples are (from left) town water clerk Ann Davis, town clerk Jessica Lee and town water clerk Brittany Reid. The t-shirts vary in cost according to size and color from $10 to $20. Besides those shown, other colors include black, gray and pink.
BRILLIANT - Many Marion Countains know that Brilliant’s CoalFest is one of the best festivals in the area.

Estes named Alabama Arts Alliance Legislator of the Year

Representative Tracy Estes is shown with his award for being named the Alabama Arts Alliance’s Legislator of the Year.

Representative Tracy Estes is shown with his award for being named the Alabama Arts Alliance’s Legislator of the Year.
BIRMINGHAM – Rep. Tracy Estes (R-Winfield) has been honored by the Alabama Arts Alliance as the statewide organization’s Legislator of the Year, based on his dedication to arts education in schools and his love and devotion to the students served as a result.

Local winter guard group wins gold

To the right, pictured with their gold medals for winning the 2024 Independent Regional A Championship are Ethos Independent Winter Guard members (front row, from left) Bailey Romine, 13; Kailyn Sullivan, 17; Keirstynne Smith, 15; and coach Kim Lolley, and (back row, from left) coach Eric Zills, Conner Zills, 15; Ryleigh Gallardo, 16; Sydney Spaulding, 15; Braydan Williams, 18; and coach and director Brandon Owens.

Pictured with their gold medals for winning the 2024 Independent Regional A Championship are Ethos Independent Winter Guard members (front row, from left) Bailey Romine, 13; Kailyn Sullivan, 17; Keirstynne Smith, 15; and coach Kim Lolley, and (back row, from left) coach Eric Zills, Conner Zills, 15; Ryleigh Gallardo, 16; Sydney Spaulding, 15; Braydan Williams, 18; and coach and director Brandon Owens.
HAMILTON — The color guard group “Ethos Independent Winter Guard,” based in Hamilton, recently received a gold medal at the Southeastern Color Guard Circuit Championship on Saturday, April 6, in Bowling Green, Ky.

Guin’s Springfest to feature Petty car

One of NASCAR Grand National Championship Legend Richard Petty’s 1974 Dodge Chargers will be on display at the Springfest Car & Bike Show on Saturday, May 11. Festivities kick off Friday, May 10, at 6 p.m. with KGB Band, Cooter Brown Band and T. Graham Brown. (Photo courtesy of Mopar editor Rob Wolf

One of NASCAR Grand National Championship Legend Richard Petty’s 1974 Dodge Chargers will be on display at the Springfest Car & Bike Show on Saturday, May 11. Festivities kick off Friday, May 10, at 6 p.m. with KGB Band, Cooter Brown Band and T. Graham Brown. (Photo courtesy of Mopar editor Rob Wolf
GUIN — One of the most famous NASCAR cars of all time will appear at Springfest this weekend in Guin on Saturday, May 11.

Break-in at school results in educational program

At the program educating Phillips High School students about vaping are, from left, Bear Creek Police Officer Noah Markham, School Resource Officer David Richards, Elaine Softley with the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service and Bear Creek Police Chief Eddie Collins.

At the program educating Phillips High School students about vaping are, from left, Bear Creek Police Officer Noah Markham, School Resource Officer David Richards, Elaine Softley with the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service and Bear Creek Police Chief Eddie Collins.
BEAR CREEK — A recent break-in at Phillips Schools was one of the factors behind a recent educational program warning students of the dangers of vaping.

High speed chases leave Bear Creek patrols in need

Bear Creek Police Chief Eddie Collins tells the town council additional measures of safety are needed.

Bear Creek Police Chief Eddie Collins tells the town council additional measures of safety are needed.
BEAR CREEK — Bear Creek Town Council members weighed options for better officer safety at a Saturday morning, April 20, meeting, after high speed pursuits of two different suspect vehicles days apart left one Bear Creek Police vehicle totaled and another in the shop damaged.

Marion County Stampede nears

Shown are two flag bearers during the Marion County Stampede in 2023.

Shown are two flag bearers during the Marion County Stampede in 2023.

The Third Annual Marion County Stampede takes place this weekend on Friday and Saturday, May 3-4, at the Hamilton Industrial Park. Gates open at 5 p.m. Muttin’ Bustin’ begins at 6:30 p.m. (register by 6:15) and the rodeo starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, with all proceeds to benefit the Hamilton Aggie Football Booster Club. Children three and under are admitted free. Professional rodeo riders from all over the country will appear at this fun family fundraising event. Merchandise and food vendors will be onsite.

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