Fire at Northwest Alabamian delays printing


Dark smoke billows out of the side door to the press room at the Northwest Alabamian Monday, Sept. 23, as Haleyville firefighters suit up to go in and battle the fire.
HALEYVILLE — An electrical fire contained to the press room area of the Northwest Alabamian newspaper office on Monday, Sept. 23, did not result in any injuries to employees, but did cause an evacuation of the building and a temporary shutdown of the business, affecting deadline schedules last week.

Speed limit change on Lewis Hill; other Hamilton council updates


This speed limit sign on Highway 43 going down Lewis Hill toward Interstate 22 was recently changed from 45 mph to 50 mph as a safety measure.
HAMILTON — Before the start of two city meetings on Aug. 19, Hamilton Mayor Bob Page said he was notified earlier that day by Wes Spiller of the local Alabama Department of Transportation that they were changing the speed limit on Highway 43 South as you go down Lewis Hill, past where the trooper station is toward I-22.

Weapons threat was hoax


Hamilton Police Chief Jordan Carter
HAMILTON — It is essential for our community to exercise caution when sharing unverified information or accusations on platforms like Facebook, especially when lacking accurate knowledge of a situation.

Francine brings lots of rain


Scenes such as this one on State Highway 118 were seen throughout the county during and after remnants of Hurricane Francine passed through. The county suffered little damage.
MARION COUNTY — Tropical Depression Francine might have dumped significant rainfall on Marion County, but officials say it did little damage.

17th annual golf tournament will benefit local domestic violence survivors


Shown in front of last year’s golf tournament sponsorship banner are several members of the Marion County Domestic Violence Task Force, including (from left) treasurer Kier Vickery, secretary Sarah Emerson, co-chair Kim Lolley, Robyn Zills, Melissa Key and Gena Holloway. Not pictured is co-chair Bobby Blaylock.

HAMILTON — The Marion County Domestic Violence Task Force will host its 17th Annual Golf Tournament Friday, Oct. 4, at the Pikeville Country Club.
Registration is held the day of the event, with two tee times available: either 8 a.m. or 1 p.m. Entry fees are $65 per player and include a lunch to be served at noon for all participants.
The golf tournament is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the task force, which uses all the funds raised to help support local domestic abuse survivors and the Safeplace shelter in Marion County.

Elks Lodge donates to local task force, shelter


Marion County Domestic Violence Task Force Co-chair Bobby Blaylock (fourth from left) receives a $2,900 donation from Marion County Elks Lodge Treasurer Vickie Hayes on Aug. 21 at the Marion County Courthouse. Also shown (from left) are Elks members Joel Vickery and Lenny Gilliland, and task force co-chair Kim Lolley, task force member Gena Holloway and Elks Lodge member Teena Vickery. Concerning Elks members, Joel Vickery is the local Elks Lodge Secretary, the Alabama Elks Association Secretary and the state hoop shoot chairman. Gilliland is the local organization’s chaplain. Teena is the state Americanism chairman. Regarding task force members, Blaylock is also a sheriff’s deputy assigned to the courthouse. Lolley is a financial support worker at the Marion County Department of Human Resources. Holloway is a victim services officer with the Marion County District Attorney’s office.
HAMILTON — With all proceeds earmarked for local needs, the Marion County Elks Lodge made a $2,900 donation to the Marion County Domestic Violence Task Force on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the courthouse in Hamilton.

City helps fund new chamber position


Hamilton Area Chamber of Commerce Officers are shown at an event held earlier this year. From left are President Ethan Mattingly, vice president Ashley Palmer, secretary John Boyett and treasurer Nicki Harbor. Also pictured is former office manager Jennifer Stidham, current chamber board member and the marketing director for First National Bank.
HAMILTON — To aid in assisting the growth of the City of Hamilton, as well as annual events planning and overall marketing efforts, the Hamilton City Council voted on Monday, Aug. 19, to increase its yearly donation to the Hamilton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber to hold free pickleball clinic; tournament to follow


Mark your calendars for the first pickleball tournament hosted by the Hamilton Area Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 21.
HAMILTON — The Hamilton Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its first-ever pickleball tournament on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Hamilton Pickleball Court, located on 10th Avenue Southwest, near the tennis courts.