Hamilton mayor announces retirement: hopes to see "a good slate' of candidates

Standing outside the office he'll remain in for five more months, Hamilton Bob Page is all smiles after making his announcement during a city council meeting that he'll not run again for re-election.

Standing outside the office he'll remain in for five more months, Hamilton Bob Page is all smiles after making his announcement during a city council meeting that he'll not run again for re-election.

HAMILTON — During the Hamilton City Council’s regular meeting on Monday, June 2, during discussion on municipal office qualifying dates and times, mayor Bob Page announced he would not be running again for office.

Long named WCHS prinipal

Mallory Long

Mallory Long

WINFIELD — Mallory Long has been hired as the new principal of Winfield City High School after former principal Adam Aldridge accepted the principal position at T.R. Miller. Long has served as the Winfield Elementary School principal and is entering into her 10th year working for Winfield City Schools, her seventh year as an administrator.

Traffic accident leads to arrest of Hackleburg councilman

Darrin Wiginton

Darrin Wiginton

HACKLEBURG — Hackleburg Town Councilman Darrin Wigginton was arrested on Friday, May 30, and charged with possession of a controlled substance after a traffic accident. According to Hackleburg Police Chief Kenny Hallmark, Wigginton’s vehicle was involved in a collision with another vehicle that was traveling south on State Highway 253 near Old Hackleburg Road.

Christian Center of Concern in Hamilton offers community-funded assistance to those in need

Christian Center of Concern Director J.J. Headrick began as a volunteer in 1995. She has been the director for the last 10 years.

Christian Center of Concern Director J.J. Headrick began as a volunteer in 1995. She has been the director for the last 10 years.

HAMILTON — The Christian Center of Concern in Hamilton is an answer to prayers for many, providing food and aid in various ways to those going through tough times or to the elderly, whose limited incomes don’t often match their current needs.

Hamilton sets municipal candidate fees at $50; qualifying begins June 10

HAMILTON — The majority of the Hamilton City Council’s Monday, May 19, meeting concerned matters associated with the upcoming municipal election. The council approved the posting of the “Notice of Election” for the City of Hamilton, which states, “Notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, Aug. 26, an election will be held for the purpose of electing a mayor and five city council members for the City of Hamilton.

Jeff Fleming chosen as Hamilton’s ‘Citizen of the Year'

The family of "Citizen of the Year" Jeff Fleming (center) are shown, from left, daughter Amy Sanderson, wife Dana, and son Patrick Fleming and his wife Abby.

The family of "Citizen of the Year" Jeff Fleming (center) are shown, from left, daughter Amy Sanderson, wife Dana, and son Patrick Fleming and his wife Abby.

HAMILTON —During the grand finale of the “Best of Hamilton” awards during the chamber’s annual “Dinner on First” event on April 22, pastor Jeff Fleming was chosen as “Citizen of the Year.”

MCBOE’s Dr. Sutton notes of retirees: ‘Immeasurable value to our schools; blessed multitudes of students’

Shown with the MCBOE are, from left, Brilliant School representatives Crystal Nelson (teacher), Levi Norris (student), Richard Ross (student) and Dr. Kim Davis (principal), who showed appreciation to the BOE on April 25 for approving their recent trip to Italy, and presented a trip summary with photos. Photo by Marion County Schools Parent Community Liaison Angela Wilds.

Shown with the MCBOE are, from left, Brilliant School representatives Crystal Nelson (teacher), Levi Norris (student), Richard Ross (student) and Dr. Kim Davis (principal), who showed appreciation to the BOE on April 25 for approving their recent trip to Italy, and presented a trip summary with photos. Photo by Marion County Schools Parent Community Liaison Angela Wilds.

HAMILTON — During the Marion County Board of Education’s Friday, April 25, meeting, MCBOE Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sutton noted the school system is losing “some outstanding, experienced people” due to retirements.

The Band Loula to headline CoalFest this Saturday: festival kicks off Friday night

CoalFest

CoalFest

BRILLIANT — Brilliant Mayor Perry Franks has invited everyone out to CoalFest’s 25th Anniversary Festival on Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24. With lots of family-friendly attractions and entertainment, CoalFest is a great Memorial Day Weekend activity for one and all.

Elder’s suffers heat, smoke, water damage

Courtesy of the Hamilton Fire Department, this photo shows first responders on First Street Southwest looking toward Elder’s as smoke fills the air.

Courtesy of the Hamilton Fire Department, this photo shows first responders on First Street Southwest looking toward Elder’s as smoke fills the air.

HAMILTON — The Hamilton Fire Department responded to a fire at Elder’s Tacos & Steaks on Saturday, May 17, at approximately 11:15 p.m., and promptly extinguished the fire, which was located in a storage room.

Brilliant celebrats 25th anniversary of CoalFest on May 23, 24

Special CoalFest 25th Anniversary T-shirts are now on sale. Shown displaying a couple are town clerk Jessica Lee, right, and water clerk Candie Linley. Extra small kids’ sizes to adult XL sizes are $10. Sizes 2XL and 3XL are $12. Shirts are available in light purple, light pink, lime green, royal blue, charcoal gray and black colors.

Special CoalFest 25th Anniversary T-shirts are now on sale. Shown displaying a couple are town clerk Jessica Lee, right, and water clerk Candie Linley. Extra small kids’ sizes to adult XL sizes are $10. Sizes 2XL and 3XL are $12. Shirts are available in light purple, light pink, lime green, royal blue, charcoal gray and black colors.

BRILLIANT — For 25 years, the Town of Brilliant has held one of the very best festivals in the area. Organizers note 2025’s edition is gearing up to be no less than possibly the best ever. Held annually on the Friday and Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend, this year’s CoalFest is set for Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24.

High school graduation schedules announced

Marion County Schools: (All on Thursday, May 22)
Brilliant High School, 7 p.m., Dickinson & Walker Memorial Stadium (Rain location - high school gym);
Hackleburg High School, 6 p.m., Hackleburg high school gym;
Hamilton High School, 8 p.m., Sargeant Stadium (Rain location - HHS gym);
Marion County High School, 7:30 p.m., Rayburn Stadium (Rain location - J. Shelton Akers Gymnasium); and
Phillips High School, 7 p.m., Phillips High School gym.

Winfield City: Friday, May 23
Winfield City High School, 7 p.m., Estes Hudson Stadium.

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