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Hamilton Council declares January Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Month
HAMILTON — To raise awareness and help prevent Human Trafficking, the City of Hamilton proclaimed the month of January as “Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month.”
Search continues for missing Hamilton woman
Hamilton police and Alabama state troopers blocked County Highway 45 on Monday, Jan. 13, to search the area for Chastity Ann Terry, who they think may have been walking along the road.
*The following story is based on the most up-to-date information as of the Journal-Record’s press deadline on Monday evening, Jan. 20.
The search for Chastity Ann Terry continues, as of Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, after she was declared missing just over a week before.
Marion County Sheriff Kevin Williams said on Jan. 16, first responders of various departments and agencies were coming together to begin a grid search of the wooded areas near the site where they believe she might have gone missing.
Police search for missing woman
Chastity Terry
HAMILTON — State, county and local law enforcement agencies are continuing the search for Chastity Ann Terry, 39, and who is considered a missing person. She was last seen on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, according to a release from the Hamilton Police Department that was posted late Sunday night.
Charges against Estes dismissed
Misdemeanor domestic violence charges against State Representative Tracy Estes, who was arrested in September, 2024, based on an alleged incident that took place a month prior, have been dismissed, in return for conditions outlined in a plea agreement reached Thursday, Jan. 9, in Marion County District Court.
Hamilton renews C3 partnership
HAMILTON — The City of Hamilton renewed its membership with the C3 of Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance on Nov. 18 for $25,000 for fiscal year 2025 for its continued efforts to recruit businesses, jobs and economic development within the 3-county region of Marion, Fayette and Lamar.
Addie’s Place to have open house Jan. 23
DOUBLE SPRINGS — Addie’s Place Child Advocacy Center, serving both Winston and Marion counties, is developing its first five-year strategic plan and seeking public input during its open house planned for Thursday, Jan. 23.
CAPNA Head Start program openings available in county
MARION COUNTY — Community Action Partnership of North Alabama currently has openings in its Head Start programs in Marion County.
Sutton sworn in as county school superintendent
Dr. Patrick Sutton, left, is sworn in by 25th Circuit Court Judge Daryl Burt on Jan. 2. Sutton’s wife Amy holds the Bible as he is sworn in.
HAMILTON — Dr. Patrick Sutton is now officially the superintendent of Marion County Schools. He was sworn in by 25th Circuit Court Judge Daryl Burt at Xtra Events and Parties on Thursday, Jan. 2.
County sustains light storm damage Dec. 28
Tina Poston shares a photo of damage at her home in Brilliant. A camper was heavily damaged when a tree fell on it during the storm on Dec. 28.
MARION COUNTY — A fast-moving storm passed through Marion County on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, dealing some damage to a few homes and knocking out power in parts of the county.
Marion County was placed under a tornado warning that night, which was issued by the National Weather Service at 9:48 p.m. after radar detected rotation.
Hamilton Municipal Plea Schedule to change in 2025
HAMILTON — The City of Hamilton’s Municipal Court System is changing its plea court schedule in 2025.
Valentine Sweetheart Pageant coming soon
WINFIELD — Winfield Park and Recreation is proud to present the 19th annual Mr. and Miss Northwest Alabama Valentine Sweetheart Pageant on Sunday, Feb. 9, at 2 p.m. at the Winfield Elementary School auditorium.
Ainsworth to be featured speaker at C3 event
Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth will be the featured speaker at the 14th Annual State of the Region C3 meeting on Jan. 16.
GUIN — The 14th Annual “State of the Region” Meeting of C3 of Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance, Inc. will be held on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. This event will be at the Vernon City Hall at 44425 State Highway 17 in Vernon.
Hamilton Elementary named Distinguished School
Hamilton Elementary School has been selected as a Distinguished School by the National Elementary and Secondary Education Act pro- gram. Shown above are Marion County Superintendent Ann West rec- ognizing HES Principal Gary McCarley with a plaque. Shown in the back are Sandra Loden, left, and Lisa Wiginton.
HAMILTON — The Alabama State Board of Education has named Hamilton Elementary School to the National Elementary and Secondary Education Act’s Distinguished School’s program. The state board passed a resolution congratulating the school on Thursday, Dec. 12, and the Marion County Board of Education awarded a plaque to the school at their last board meeting on Dec. 17.
The resolution states the school was
selected for Category 1 of the program, which is awarded for excellence in student performance and academic growth.
Thankful to help those in need, and those working on Thanksgiving
Also helping out with the Thanksgiving meals are, from left, Lindsey Shotts, Gena Holloway and Linda Richards.
HAMILTON — The Hamilton Methodist Church hosted its 38th annual Thanksgiving Dinner for community members unable to attend or unable to afford a family meal on Nov. 28. There were 250 plates provided to those who signed up through Fred’s Pharmacy or the church.
Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America
MARION COUNTY — Nearly 5,000 locations held Wreaths Across America ceremonies nationwide in December, with more than 3 million wreaths placed on interred veterans graves. Shown are photos taken in Hackleburg, Hamilton, Bexar and Weston. The American Legion Sonny James Post 165 held a ceremony and wreath placement on Dec. 14 at Cedar Tree Cemetery in Hackleburg with assistance from Bikers Against Bullies NWA and BSA Troop 56 of Hamilton. Scout Troop 56 of Hamilton held a ceremony on Dec. 16 at the Marion County Courthouse with wreath placements at the city cemetery afterwards.
Hamilton graduate to be inducted into halls of fame
On the right, Samford University Head Coach Terry Bowden is shown with #25 Jamie Brown, about 1991.
Hamilton High School Alumnus Jamie Brown is set to be inducted into the NCAA Hall of Fame and the Samford University Hall of Fame in 2025.
For Brown’s senior year at Samford University, under head coach Terry Bowden, the Bulldogs went 12-2 overall, making it to the semifinals of the national championship, resulting in their being number three in the nation. Brown was awarded the most knock outs of a competing team in a single season with 18.
Herring signs scholarship to University of Central Arkansas
Luke Herring, center, a senior at Hackleburg High School, has signed a track and field scholarship to attend the University of Central Arkansas. On the left is his mother, Jody Herring. His father, Kevin, is on the right.
HACKLEBURG — His goal is to train to make the U20 Canadian National World team that will compete in the World Athletics Championship in Oregon in 2026. He has many accolades. He is ranked number one in shot put, number one in hammer and number one in weight in the State of Alabama going into the 2025 track season. He is also just 17.
Bear Creek Break-In a federal offense
Bear Creek Mayor Rob Taylor stands at the break-in site, next to a sign warning any tampering with the facility is a federal offense.
BEAR CREEK — The Bear Creek Town Council had to take quick action at their Wednesday, Dec. 18, meeting, to keep the water department in operation after over $20,000 in equipment was stolen during a break-in.
“We’re working on leads, and we have some leads,” pointed out Bear Creek Police Chief Eddie Collins.
Sometime between 1-4 a.m. on Nov. 26, suspect(s) cut open a fence behind the metal facility located by two water tanks on County Highway 106, entering the property, police said.