New law strengthens pharmacy-doctor relations

WINFIELD - Hamilton pharmacist Cole Sandlin says that patients in Marion County are now set to receive better care from not only physicians, but the pharmacists themselves after two bills were recently signed into law in Montgomery.
Sandlin was present when Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law HB35, known as the Collaborative Practice Act, and SB73, the Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) Licensure and Regulation Act, during a bill-signing on Aug. 31.

Lolley embraces past, now Tuscaloosa City’s EMA director


Nick Lolley (right) is shown with the director of the Marion County Emergency Management Agency, Jimmy Mills (left). During Lolley’s upbringing in the City of Hamilton, Mills was a mentor to Lolley during their time together at the Hamilton Fire and Rescue Department.

HAMILTON - Nick Lolley, 34, is the director of the Tuscaloosa County Emergency Management Agency. He was born on April 4, 1983, in Tupelo, Miss., to Hamilton residents Kenneth “Junior” and Patsy Lolley. Lolley spent his youth being raised in Hamilton, where he met several men and woman who, according to Lolley, shaped his life and his work ethic, making him the man who he is today.

Alabama counties to improve over 1,000 road miles

MONTGOMERY - Alabama’s county governments plan to improve 1,000 road miles next year with the proceeds of the new gasoline and diesel fuel taxes being paid by motorists.
In the 2019-2020 work plans adopted statewide, counties are scheduled to improve 1,013 miles of deteriorating county roads and to perform maintenance on 20 county bridges.
According to the 2020 County Transportation Plan, Marion County plans to resurface 3.32 road miles on County Road 14 for a project that is estimated to cost $900,000.

Christmas for Kids update

HAMILTON - For the week-period ending Thursday, Nov. 14, a total of $5,400 has been donated toward this year’s Christmas for Kids campaign.
Sandy Sandlin, coordinator of the campaign, says this year’s goal is $40,000 to help purchase holiday gifts for more than 400 children.
All of the money will go toward buying clothing and shoes for children.
Among those who have made the most recent donations are:

 

BSCC issued positive review by committee

Bevill State Community College (BSCC) has received a “no recommendations” evaluation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) review committee.
The committee visited BSCC campuses and several off-site locations from Oct. 28-31 and issued an evaluation of  “no recommendations” for the college following their visit.
BSCC President Dr. Kim Ennis said the evaluation results were rare and  a tremendous accomplishment for Bevill State.

PD approved for new officer, two cruisers

Hamilton - The Hamilton Police Department has been approved to move ahead with the hiring of a new police officer and the purchase of two new Chevrolet Tahoe police cruisers.
The Hamilton City Council voted unanimously on Monday, Nov. 4, to move forward on the addition to the police force.
At a work session on Wednesday, Oct. 30, Hamilton Police Chief Ronny Vickery said he currently has 13 officers—including himself and two investigators.

NACOLG looks to RSM, community leaders to help with 2020 Census


Samuel Bentley, Director of the Ramp School of Ministry in Hamilton, is shown during a meeting concerning the 2020 Census at Hamilton City Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

HAMILTON - Keith Jones, executive director of the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments (NACOLG), met with local leaders to discuss planning for the upcoming 2020 Census at Hamilton City Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
In attendance were Hamilton Mayor Bob Page, Ramp School of Ministry (RSM) Director Samuel Bentley, NACOLG Regional Planner Robert Cooper, NACOLG Transportation Planner Ryan Hayse and Hamilton Attorney Scott Hunt.

Ivey funds community action agencies

MONTGOMERY - Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $386,250 to support a network of 20 Community Action Agencies across the state that assist Alabamians by providing programs to reduce and eliminate poverty.     
The Community Action Association of Alabama is using the funding to support programs offered by the local agencies to help low-income families improve their lives and achieve self-sufficiency.
This funding will also assist in the functions of the Marion-Winston Community Action Agency (MWCAA).