Two-hour class begins 1:30 p.m. at Tombigbee

By Scott Johnson
Managing Editor

It’s time to step up your game on your business’ website and social media page.

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. -  A local boxer will be traveling to the Sunshine State in hopes of securing a title belt.
Trevon Daquan Thomas, 19, Guin, will be traveling to southeast Florida on Aug. 28-30 to complete in the 2020 Sugar Bert Boxing National Qualifier - World Boxing Council  (WBC) Green Belt Challenge at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda.

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.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak hitting Marion County, local businesses have stepped up to the occasion to do what they can to help preserve much-needed personal protection equipment (PPE).
Sugar Bend Sewing in Hamilton has been operating for three years and, on any normal business day, would be working its niche--quilts, alterations and other projects.
But with non-essential businesses shutting down due to coronavirus, a normal business day for sewers Doris Gardner and Mary Rye now looks like sewing face masks covers.

Various factors are resulting in lower costs at the pump in Marion County.
Birmingham-based American Automobile Association (AAA) spokesperson Clay Ingram says he’s expect fuel prices to continue to decline until the spring.
The AAA statewide average gas price average was $2.15 per gallon on Thursday, Feb. 13. The nationwide average that day was $2.43.

Marion County’s December 2019 unemployment rate experienced a slight increase.
According to data published by the Alabama Department of Labor on Friday, Jan. 24, Marion County’s rate rose to 3%—a 0.2% increase from the previous two months, which maintained rates of 2.8%.
The county’s unemployment rate this time last year was 4.2%.
Surrounding counties’ unemployment rates include: Fayette County at 2.7%, Franklin County at 2.4%, Lamar County with 2.7%, Walker County with 2.8% and Winston County with 3%

HAMILTON - The Marion County Probate Judge’s office is being recognized for its improvement in registering motorists to be organ donors.
Legacy of Hope, a Birmingham-based organ procurement organization, announced the local probate office as the second most improved department of motor vehicle (DMV) offices in the state.
The organization held a special reception for the local probate office and staff on Friday, Sept. 27, at the Marion County Courthouse in Hamilton.

MONTGOMERY - Beginning Saturday, Oct. 12, all local calls made within the Alabama 205 Area Code will have to be placed using the 10-digit telephone number (area code plus the seven-digit telephone number).
Calls that are currently local will continue to be local, even though 10-digit dialing will be required.
A six-month grace period began on April 13, 2019, to give consumers adequate time to adjust to the changes.
During that period, local calls were able to be made with either seven or 10 digits.

MONTGOMERY -  A northwest Alabama organization that helps child abuse victims in six counties will continue providing services with the help of a $1.01 million grant awarded by Gov. Kay Ivey.
The grant will enable Cramer Children’s Center in Florence to provide free assistance to victims and their families in Marion, Winston, Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale and Lawrence counties while also helping to prosecute offenders.
“Child abuse victims and their families face painful obstacles because of the reality of their circumstances,” Ivey said.

HAMILTON - In Spring 2020,  Stage Stores has announced the Goody’s in Hamilton will be re-opened as a Gordmans.
Stage Stores Brand Publicity Manager Blakely Graham confirmed the transition with the Journal Record by email, stating that Stage has been converting a number of its Goody’s stores as consumers are responding positively to Gordmans’ offerings.
The stores in Haleyville and Russellville will be converted as well. Close-out sale signs have been posted, offering up to 40% off of merchandise.