Bevill State and Marion County Schools to expand dual enrollment opportunities with new Marion County College & Career Academy

HAMILTON — Bevill State Community College and Marion County Schools have entered into a new agreement to expand dual enrollment opportunities for students through the creation of the Marion County College & Career Academy on the Bevill State Hamilton campus. The Memorandum of Understanding was approved by Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker of the Alabama Community College System and signed by Baker and BSCC President Dr. Joel Hagood on Wednesday, Aug. 13. Dr. Patrick Sutton, superintendent of Marion County Schools, signed the agreement following approval by the Marion County Board of Education on Aug.15.

Stay of execution for death row inmate

David Lee Roberts

David Lee Roberts

MONTGOMERY – On July 10, 2025, the Marion County Circuit Court stayed the execution of David Lee Roberts, which had been scheduled for Aug. 21, 2025, pending completion of an evaluation to determine Roberts’ competency to be executed. The State of Alabama concurred with the need to conduct the evaluation pursuant to Section 15-16-23 of the Code of Alabama, provided that the competency evaluation is conducted on an expedited basis.

Public hearings to be held on county road closures

MARION COUNTY — As published in the Journal-Record’s legals section on Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27, the Marion County Commission will hold public hearings on Monday, Sept. 15, at the commission office at 9 a.m. for the purpose of receiving the public’s input on vacating the following public roads: • Ridge Road and a portion of County Road 301 from the Northern Loop of Ridge Road to County Highway 13; and • County Road 414.

Schools change policies regarding cell phone use

A new act signed into law this year will eliminate the kind of scenes shown above during school hours. The FOCUS Act calls for cell phones and other wireless devices to be off and off the person at school. Shown above, from left, are students Lizzie Lockhart, Corey Hooper and Titus McCarley.

A new act signed into law this year will eliminate the kind of scenes shown above during school hours. The FOCUS Act calls for cell phones and other wireless devices to be off and off the person at school. Shown above, from left, are students Lizzie Lockhart, Corey Hooper and Titus McCarley.

MARION COUNTY — School begins tomorrow for the 2025-2026 school year for Marion County Schools and today for Winfield City Schools. What do students, and parents, need to know about the new legislature act concerning cell phone use in schools?

Three properties rezoned at Hamilton Council meeting

Shown are various possible renderings of a three-phase development under progress off of Highway 278 on the east side of Hamilton.

Shown are various possible renderings of a three-phase development under progress off of Highway 278 on the east side of Hamilton.

HAMILTON — The Hamilton City Council meeting on Monday, July 7, began immediately after two public hearings were held on three separate zoning change considerations.
During the public hearings, those in attendance were invited to speak either for or against the rezoning requests.
The first hearing regarded the rezoning of a 5.22 acre property located on Highway 278 East at 2172 Bexar Avenue East, from an R2 (Multi Family District) to a B1 (General Business District).

Pedestrian struck and killed on Highway 187

HAMILTON — A single-vehicle crash involving a pedestrian that occurred at approximately 5:45 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, has claimed the life of a Hamilton woman. The pedestrian, Terri V. Holland, 53, who was in the roadway at the time of the crash, was critically injured when she was struck by the 2013 Honda CRV driven by Stacey A. McCarley, 59, of Hodges. Holland was airlifted to North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Miss. On Thursday, July 31, Holland succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Dustin Hulsey; running for Winfield City Council Place #1

Dustin Hulsey; running for Winfield City Council Place #1.

Dustin Hulsey; running for Winfield City Council Place #1.

WINFIELD — My name is Dustin Hulsey, and I'm proud to announce my candidacy for Winfield City Council Place #1 of the great City of Winfield. I'm running because I believe in a future for our city that is smart, sustainable and supportive of every resident. I worked for the city for years as a law enforcement officer and served in the roles of a patrol officer, narcotics investigator, was assigned to the state drug task force and last as the lieutenant chief investigator. I am 42 years old and a 2002 graduate of Winfield City High School.

Regenia Wisecarver; running for Hamilton City Council Place #2

Regenia Wisecarver; running for Hamilton City Council Place #2.

Regenia Wisecarver; running for Hamilton City Council Place #2.

HAMILTON — My name is Regenia Wisecarver, and I’m proud to be running for Hamilton City Council, Place 2. I was raised in Hamilton and graduated from Hamilton High School. I earned my nursing degree from Northwest Alabama Community College and later completed a bachelor of science in healthcare from St. Francis University. I spent over 35 years serving others as a registered nurse—a career built on compassion, quick thinking and creating solutions. During my nursing career, I developed leadership, communication and listening skills that I will continue to use for the people of the City of Hamilton.

Frankie Kerr; running for Hamilton City Council Place #2

Frankie Kerr; running for Hamilton City Council Place #2.

Frankie Kerr; running for Hamilton City Council Place #2.

HAMILTON — Hi. I am Frankie Kerr, and I am proud to announce my candidacy for Hamilton City Council place #2. I have been married to my wife, Ellen Kerr, for 53 years, and we have twin daughters, Shana Clayton (John) and Dana Davis (Jeff), and two grandsons, Ethan and Dalton Davis.
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