Fire danger advisory issued by the Alabama Forestry Commission

Dry conditions persist, even with a recent small rainfall, as the area dips into the fall season. In this photo taken on Steele Street on Oct. 2, low water levels can be seen in the pond, along with a tinge of color in the treeline.

MARION COUNTY — As drought conditions worsen, due to the recent lack of precipitation and high temperatures, the Alabama Forestry Commission is issuing a Statewide Fire Danger Advisory. Until the state receives sufficient rainfall to alleviate the severe dry situation, especially in central Alabama, this elevated fire danger will persist for the foreseeable future. Mitigation measures should be considered to protect lives and property from wildfire damage. If possible, refrain from burning until fire danger has diminished. Always obtain a permit for prescribed burns, and ensure adequate equipment and personnel are present.

Mitchell Hill Pumping Station bid awarded for $503,850

HAMILTON — The City of Hamilton continues its water supply improvements with the awarding of a bid for the Mitchell Hill Pumping Station on Sept. 2 during a regular city council meeting.

HAMILTON — The City of Hamilton continues its water supply improvements with the awarding of a bid for the Mitchell Hill Pumping Station on Sept. 2 during a regular city council meeting.

Extension Open House set for Thursday, Oct. 9

The staff of the Marion County Extension Office are shown, from left, Extension Agent – Home Horticulture Makahla Holloway; Administrative Support Associate Deana Warner; Extension Agent – Alabama 4H Rebecca Danley; County Extension Director Carla Lewis; SNAP Educator Josh Berryhill; and Extension Agent – SNAP-Ed Ginger Eatman. Not shown is TES Administrative Support Judi Headrick.

HAMILTON — Marion County Extension is excited to host our Extension Week Open House on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marion County Extension Office. Please stop by the office located at 372 Seventh Avenue Southwest in Hamilton to meet our staff and enjoy some refreshments. Attendees will also have a chance to be entered for a door prize drawing at the end of the day.

I-22 receives new traffic signs

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) plans to replace older traffic signs with new signs on I-22 from the Mississippi state line to the I-65 interchange in Birmingham.
The 96-mile project, which also includes new traffic counters in Jefferson County, began Monday, Sept. 22, and will continue until fall 2026, weather permitting.
Ozark Safety Services was awarded the project at $1.71 million.

ACAP Math Scores rise 10% for Marion County Schools

HAMILTON — The Marion County Board of Education held its August meeting on Friday, Aug. 15. The board dealt with a variety of school matters, including approving school trips and the use of school facilities, as well as personnel changes--which are listed below. Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sutton was asked later to comment on the recent 2025 Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program results, where Marion County stood out as one of the schools with double-digit growth in ACAP math scores.

Winfield Lions Club seeks to serve community

The Winfield Lions Club met July 21 at the Holiday Inn in Guin to celebrate ladies night and to install new officers. Members present included L-R Steve Dodd (Brilliant Lion's Club), Jimmy Mays with 44 years of membership, Robert "Bubba" Carothers with 55 years of service, James Odum with 34 years of service, Rob Crook with 26 years of service, Aaron Rao with one year of service, Robert Hawkins with 30 years of membership, Chris Davis with 12 years of membership and Bobby Bryant with 14 years of membership. Not pictured are members John Elliot with 44 years of membership, Mike Hynds with 24 years of membership, Jim Weeks with 18 years of membership and Scott Williams with one year of membership. New members include Dr. Alex Smith, Roger Davis and Greg Watkins. New officers are President Rob Crook, Past President Chris Davis, Secretary Mike Hynds, Treasurer James Odum and Tail Twister Aaron Rao.

WINFIELD — The Lions Club is a global non-profit service organization that provides humanitarian aid and serves their communities through volunteer efforts. Their mission, summarized by the motto "We Serve," focuses on key areas including vision care, hunger relief, childhood cancer support, environmental programs, diabetes awareness and youth outreach. Lions Clubs engage in local projects, partner with various organizations and raise funds to support their international initiatives and make a positive impact on the lives of people in need.

Inaugural ‘Purple Mile Walk’ set for Friday, Oct. 17; order T-shirts now

On the left, the front of the “Purple Mile Walk” T-shirts being sold now to benefit Safeplace can be seen in this photo of Safeplace Director Sandra Ells. Right, Safeplace Victim Advocate Avery Williams holds up one of the shirts showing the back screenprint. Please see the ad on this page and order your T-shirt now to wear at the event.

HAMILTON — The inaugural “Purple Mile Walk” in Hamilton will be held on Friday, Oct. 17, beginning at 9 a.m., and starting at the Marion County Courthouse.

Gudger secures grant for every band program in district

Grant funding secured by Senator Garlan Gudger’s office provides $5,000 for each public school in his district for their band programs, which can use the funds for much-needed equipment, travel expenses or any other needs they have. Gudger presented checks to each school’s band directors and other staff and students on Monday, Sept. 8

MARION COUNTY — State Senator Garlan Gudger announced that he has secured grant funding for each public school’s band program in his district. According to a press release from his office, the 18 presentations across all schools will total $90,000.

‘Let’s Talk: A community conversation on mental health & suicide prevention’ set for 9/26

HAMILTON — Members of “Project Zero Suicide,” a VitAL initiative, would like to extend an invitation to the Marion County community to come together for “Let’s Talk: A Community Conversation on Mental Health & Suicide Prevention,” an open house and town hall event designed to spark real conversations, share solutions and build a stronger, safer community. The event will be held on Friday, Sept. 26, from 2-4 p.m. at the Hamilton Police Department Municipal Courtroom (auditorium) at 422 2nd Street, Hamilton, AL 35570.

REV Construction awarded Cooper Lift Station project in Hamilton for $1,222,000

The Cooper Lift Station in Hamilton will be imporved by REV Construction of Tuscaloosa.

HAMILTON —At its Monday, Aug. 18, meeting, the Hamilton City Council awarded the Cooper Lift Station Improvement Project to the lowest bidder, REV Construction of Tuscaloosa, for $1,222,000.