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.
HAMILTON — For four hours on Tuesday, Sept. 16, Hamilton High School students and staff, along with law enforcement, reacted to the discovery of a 9mm cartridge found by a faculty member on a classroom floor.
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.
TUSCALOOSA — The Alabama Department of Transportation plans to resurface and install guardrail on SR-19 from the Lamar County line to the intersection of Sentry Road in Hamilton to improve mobility and safety.
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.
HAMILTON — Hamilton Police Department and Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with state troopers, responded to a dangerous situation on I-22 on Saturday evening, Sept. 13, when calls came in about a vehicle driving the wrong way.
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.
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.
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.
Events are now being held at the new Buttahatchee River Sportsplex in Hamilton, a multi-purpose sports facility available for use by all Marion County schools.
HAMILTON— During its Monday, Aug. 4, meeting, members of the Hamilton City Council heard an overview of the city’s 2024 municipal audit from Aimee Gilliland of the Riggs Accounting Firm, who was present with LeeAnn Jones.
Marion County Commission Chairman Greg Gunnin and Marion County Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sutton shake hands on Sept. 4 to help publicize an agreement between their organizations which will greatly benefit local school students.
MARION COUNTY — The Marion County Commission and the Marion County Board of Education have reached an agreement that reflects a shared commitment to the future of our communities’ children.
HAMILTON — For 18 years, the Marion County Domestic Violence Task Force has held a golf tournament on the first Friday in October to help raise funds for survivors of domestic violence.
With a Safeplace shelter now located in Marion County, all funds raised at this tournament stay in the county to help with needs at the shelter.
GUIN — The Guin City Council canvassed its election results from the Tuesday, Aug. 26, municipal elections during its council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Right, Judd Tucker has been approved to be moved from the police department to the fire chief position in Winfield.
WINFIELD — The Winfield City Council voted to approve the transfer of Judd Tucker from the police department to fill the soon-to-be open position of chief at the fire department during its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
There’s a new jail in town! Marion County Sheriff Kevin Williams stands in front of the new Marion County Detention Center, which also houses the Marion County Sheriff’s Department and the Emergency Management Agency.
MARION COUNTY — The Marion County Commission is proud to announce the official opening of the new Marion County Detention Facility, a milestone achievement in the county’s continued commitment to public safety, responsible governance and community well-being.
MARION COUNTY — Municipal elections were held across Marion County on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Citizens in the cities of Guin, Hackleburg, Hamilton and Winfield went to the polls and selected their candidates of choice for mayor and city council positions.
Roy May, construction manager for WAR Construction, stands near his truck with the new Marion County Detention Center shown in the background, a project he worked diligently on for two years.
HAMILTON — WAR Construction Manager Roy May provided more details on the county’s new detention facility, which took two years to complete.
