Former police officer charged for custodial sexual misconduct
HALEYVILLE - A Haleyville man has been arrested, charged with an ethics violation in relation to his work as a probation officer.
Bills boost new county jail build
MONTGOMERY - The Marion County Commission is another step closer to a new Marion County Jail.
Marion County State Rep. Tracy Estes, R-Winfield, introduced local bills to the Alabama House of Representatives during the 2020 Legislative session, one of which may help the Marion County Commission in its plans to build a new jail facility.
One bill sees Marion County applying a new 7% lodging tax that Estes stated will see individuals visiting the county effected and not residents inside the county.
Twelve students achieve top marks on ACT
HAMILTON - Twelve Marion County School students finished the school year with a 30 or higher on the ACT.
Marion County Superintendent of Education Ann West says this is the largest group of seniors the system has ever had score so well.
The group was recognized during a Marion County Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, May 20, at in the system’s central office bus shop.
The 12 county school students join six others from the Winfield City Schools System, giving Marion County a total of 18.
More concerns amid pool opening
GUIN - With the City of Guin’s waterpark set to open on the weekend of May 30, the Guin City Council discussed concerns for the reopening of the park during a regular meeting over telephone on Monday, May 18.
Mayor Max Maddox and councilman Bobby Bellew both recommended that hand sanitizer be placed at the facility and that whoever is placed in charge over the facility after opening take care to enforce social distancing.
Sanitation, street departments split
Hamilton Street Superintendent Mike Johnson discusses how the city will benefit from splitting its current street department into a street and sanitation department. Also shown is Hamilton Water Superintendent Rodney Williams.
HAMILTON - Street and sanitation operations will be divided into their own departments.
The Hamilton City Council voted unanimously to divide the city’s street department during a meeting on Monday, May 18.
The division came at the recommendation of former Hamilton Street Superintendent Mike Johnson, who says the two departments will better serve the city with a separate supervisor managing street and sanitation work.
Northam becomes local foreign exchange coordinator
HAMILTON - International Cultural Exchange Services of Hurricane, W. Va., has announced Tammie Northam as a new local coordinator.
Northam will be working with families and schools in Hamilton and in the surrounding area. As the local coordinator, Northam is available to answer questions, give advice and provide general support to students and host families throughout the experience.
Safer at Home order amended further
Gov. Kay Ivey speaks during a press conference on Thursday, May 21, where she announced that State Health Office Dr. Scott Harris would be updating Alabama’s Safer at Home order.
MONTGOMERY - Governor Kay Ivey issued an amended Safer at Home order on Thursday, May 21, to be applied statewide.
The order, which includes an expanded list of items to reopen, went into effect Friday, May 22, at 5 p.m. and will expire on Friday, July 3, at 5 p.m.
This order effects the opening of entertainment venues, athletics programs, educational facilities, daycare programs and various camping facilities.
Local hotel receives major award
(From left) Hilda Smith, Director of sales and events, and Shae Tidwell, Front Office Manager are pictured with the coveted Connie Award in the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Winfield.
WINFIELD - The Hampton Inn hotel in Winfield received its corporation’s coveted Connie Award on Friday, April 24, after being named the #1 Hampton Inn hotel in Alabama and being ranked the #6 Hampton Inn hotel in the world.
According to Hotel General Manager Chad Clark, the award, named after Hilton founder, Conrad Hilton signifies the hotel as one of the top performing properties within the brand and is only presented to hotels that have excelled in service and growing customer loyalty.
Officials reopen courthouse
Marion County Commission Chairman Keith Nichols (center) announced that the Marion County Courthouse will reopen on Monday, May 18, during a meeting on Monday, May 11, at the commission office in Hamilton. Also shown are commissioners Dale Holt (left) and Kenneth Cochran. [LOUIS MELLINI/STAFF]
• Commission buys Bedford Industrial Park land for new jail
By LOUIS MELLINI
Staff Writer
Graduation ceremonies set for Thursday, Friday
By Scott Johnson
and Louis Mellini
Loosened public health orders have made room for graduations to take place.
Graduations at high schools across Marion County will take place beginning tomorrow (Thursday, May 21) and again on Friday, May 22.
High School seniors statewide with passing grades have been considered “graduates” since in-class instruction was suspended in March.
The graduation ceremonies are now set to commence due to updated public safety orders which took effect on Monday, May 11.
Hamilton water manager requesting grease ordinance
Hamilton Water Superintendent Rodney Williams (left) discusses sewage issues with the Hamilton City Council. Williams believes facilities are not properly emptying their grease traps. Also shown are (clockwise, from left) Tami Lewis Williams and Gene Sanderson, mayor Bob Page and councilors Wade Sullins and Herb Winsett. [Scott johnson/staff]
By Scott Johnson
Managing Editor
HAMILTON - Officials want to tighten up accountability for how Hamilton businesses and facilities are disposing of grease.
Hamilton Water Superintendent Rodney Williams appeared before the Hamilton City Council during a work session on Wednesday, May 13, explaining the need for a local ordinance that would empower the city to obtain documented proof of how local facilities are disposing of their grease.