Hoof or Paw donates pet microchip reader to HFD

Firefighter Will Warren scans Jenny Lee, while her mom, Sara McCracken, looks on.

Firefighter Will Warren scans Jenny Lee, while her mom, Sara McCracken, looks on.

HAMILTON — Hoof or Paw, a local animal welfare advocate, announced recently the placement of a state-of-the-art universal pet microchip reader at the Hamilton Fire Department. This strategic donation aims to significantly improve the chances of reuniting lost pets with their anxious owners by providing a readily accessible scanning point for stray animals found within the community.

Scott Robertson; running for Hamilton City Council Place #5

Scott Robertson, for Hamilton City Council Place 5

Scott Robertson, for Hamilton City Council Place 5

HAMILTON — My name is Scott Robertson, and I am proud to be a lifelong resident of Hamilton. I graduated from Hamilton High School and have deep roots in our community. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart, Denise, for nearly 30 years, and we have three children—Valarie (married to Tayten Lann), Natalie (married to Joseph Cox) and Bryson Robertson—as well as one granddaughter, Ady Lann.

Edward "Shane" Stidham; running for Hamilton City Council Place #1

Edward "Shane" Stidham, running for Hamilton City Council Place #1

Edward "Shane" Stidham, running for Hamilton City Council Place #1

HAMILTON — Hi, I'm Edward “Shane” Stidham and I'm proud to announce my candidacy for Hamilton City Council place #1. I am married to Misty and we have three children: Zac Hanford (Savannah), Mackenzie and Miley, and we have two grandchildren: Camden and Graylen Hanford.

Kith Furniture closes in Bear Creek

Kith Furniture, located off Highway 13 in Bear Creek, has shut down operations.

Kith Furniture, located off Highway 13 in Bear Creek , has shut down operations.

BEAR CREEK — The closure of Kith Furniture, which just two years ago employed up to 250 people, has been a devastating blow to the Town of Bear Creek, in the loss of employees, as well as occupational tax generated by the business.

Missy Miles captures the spirit of W.C. Handy with winning music festival poster

Local master muralist and multi-faceted artist Missy Miles recently won the poster contest for the W.C. Handy Music Festival held annually for 44 years to celebrate the “Father of the Blues.”

Local master muralist and multi-faceted artist Missy Miles recently won the poster contest for the W.C. Handy Music Festival held annually for 44 years to celebrate the “Father of the Blues.”

THE SHOALS — Missy Miles’ work will once again be a part of history as her poster design for the W.C. Handy Music Festival in The Shoals was selected as the official artwork for the 2025 event, the 44th annual festival held annually to celebrate the “Father of the Blues.” Miles noted past poster winners’ designs are displayed in the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia.

Express Rx welcomes new pharmacist, Bayleigh Brown, to staff

The Express Rx staff is ready to help you with your pharmacy needs. The store also has gift items, toys and other merchandise. Shown are, from left, Express Rx Registered Pharmacist/Pharmacist in Charge Mickey Gerstman, Certified Pharmacy Technician Lindsey Miller, Pharmacy Technician Taylor Franks, Pharmacy Technician Charyle Cagle, Pharmacy Technician Bethany Wiginton and Registered Pharmacist Bayleigh Brown.

The Express Rx staff is ready to help you with your pharmacy needs. The store also has gift items, toys and other merchandise. Shown are, from left, Express Rx Registered Pharmacist/Pharmacist in Charge Mickey Gerstman, Certified Pharmacy Technician Lindsey Miller, Pharmacy Technician Taylor Franks, Pharmacy Technician Charyle Cagle, Pharmacy Technician Bethany Wiginton and Registered Pharmacist Bayleigh Brown.
HAMILTON — Express Rx of Hamilton recently added a new registered pharmacist, Bayleigh Brown, to the staff, with manager/registered pharmacist Mickey Gerstman noting, “We’re thrilled to have her. She is an excellent pharmacist. She’s friendly, helpful and outgoing.

SNAP-Ed: Helping communities live well in Marion and Walker counties

SNAP-Ed Extension Agent Ginger Eatman is shown with students at a garden harvest at the Hackleburg High School and Hackleburg Elementary School garden. See column on page 4 and photo page on 12.

SNAP-Ed Extension Agent Ginger Eatman is shown with students at a garden harvest at the Hackleburg High School and Hackleburg Elementary School garden. See column on page 4 and photo page on 12.

MARION COUNTY — Across Alabama and the nation, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education, known as SNAP-Ed, is making a difference—one healthy choice at a time. Funded by the USDA, SNAP-Ed is designed to empower individuals and families who qualify for SNAP benefits by providing free nutrition education and promoting healthier lifestyles. The goal is simple: to help communities live well by encouraging smart food choices, active living and long-term health.

Voting calendar

JULY 27
Last day to establish residency to vote in the municipal general election.

AUGUST 11
Last day to register to vote for the municipal general election.

AUGUST 18 - AUGUST 25
Absentee ballot requirements begin and end. Please contact your city/town election officials regarding absentee ballots prior to these dates or search online for the Alabama League of Municipalities Elections Calendar.

Fireworks displays to light up the county on July 4-5

From JR staff reports

MARION COUNTY — There seems to be no doubt folks in and around Marion County love their fireworks displays, and we’re definitely sure most of the municipalities really enjoy making sure everyone celebrates Independence Day with a blast, hosting fireworks shows throughout the county both on Friday, July 4, and on Saturday, July 5, this year in

several locations.

Subscribe to