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.
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.

Marion County Stampede nears


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.

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 — 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.

Hamilton approves $600K for water backup


The Hamilton City Council votes unanimously on April 15 to accept a grant from ARC to help fund alternative water supplies for the city. Shown are (from left) councilors Scott Robertson, Wade Williams, mayor Bob Page and councilors Sherry Armstrong, W. Ross Reed and Scott Tyra.
HAMILTON — The City of Hamilton will put up $309,813 to match a $309,812 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to fund alternate water supplies. The total investment is $619,625, with the matching funds coming from the city’s American Rescue Plan/COVID monies.

Voters elect Sutton as Marion County superintendent


Patrick Sutton is elected Marion County Superintendent.
MARION COUNTY — Voters headed to the polls last Tuesday, April 16, and when the day was done, Patrick Sutton was declared the winner of the Marion County Board of Education superintendent race. He received 1,525, or 58.1 percent, of the votes compared to Josh Weatherly’s 1,100, or 41.9 percent, of the votes. This race was the only one on the ballot. Sutton will take office in January.

Reno 911: Escaped inmate recaptured within 24 hours


Chief Carter addresses DOC communication delay, Pictured is Ricky Brandon Reno
HAMILTON — The Hamilton Police Department, with assistance from the Hackleburg and Bear Creek police departments, as well as the Alabama Department of Corrections (DOC), arrested Rickey Brandon Reno after he escaped from work release on Tuesday morning, April 16.

Annual youth hunting event marks 13 years, 33 smiles


Participants in the 13th Annual Pine Hills & Oak Hollars Child Classic gather after their Saturday morning squirrel hunt where the kids killed 19 squirrels with the assistance of two hunting dogs. Shown are (standing, left side of truck) Andy Miller, Heath Atkins, Hunter Carter, Joshua Lewis, James Gillion, Noah Carter, Madden Ferrell, John Gillion, Jalen Lewis, Jackson Miller, Isaac Gillion, Shane Clanton, Karson Buckelew, Jake Robinson, Chris Robinson, Bobby Joe Childers, Scotty Harbor, Cody Davenport and Jordan Humphres, and (front row, squatting, from left) David Cochran, Jeff Carter and Rodney Buckelew.
HAMILTON — The 13th Annual Pine Hills & Oak Hollars Child Classic was held Jan. 4-7, with several youth able to experience the joy of hunting, along with other meaningful activities and events.

Free weather radio giveaway


Weather radios will be given out this Saturday in Bear Creek, Brilliant and Hackleburg.
MARION COUNTY — Households in the towns of Bear Creek, Brilliant and Hackleburg will be eligible to receive one free Midland Weather Radio while supplies last on Saturday, April 13, during giveaways in each town.

Memorial service honors tornado victims


Meteorologist James Spann was the keynote speaker during the memorial service. Shown from left are Guin City Clerk Rebeca Markham, Spann, Guin Mayor Phil Segraves and Guin Assistant City Clerk Lorie Mayo.
GUIN — Scars have been on the hearts of many Guin residents for 50 years. Those scars were left by one of the strongest tornadoes ever recorded in history, as it came down on the city on April 3, 1974. Since then, the town has overcome the destruction and built the city back, though the loss of life is still felt, especially by the families of the 25 who perished in the tornado. These 25 were honored during a memorial service Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Guin First Baptist Church, a handful of hours from the minute the tornado struck 50 years prior