$3 million in improvements planned for Marion County Lake

The Marion County Lake is shown on Thursday, Aug. 21. Although the lake had to be drained for work on the dam to be done, some amount of water still remains and will be removed by the contractor.

The Marion County Lake is shown on Thursday, Aug. 21. Although the lake had to be drained for work on the dam to be done, some amount of water still remains and will be removed by the contractor.

HAMILTON — A mandatory pre-bid conference was held on Thursday, Aug. 21, at the Marion County Lake for those interested in bidding on site improvements needed to return the lake to fishing, picknicking and other recreation and tourism opportunities.

Hamilton mayor holds informal discussion with hopsital officials; study underway

North Mississippi Mecdical Center-Hamilton is shown.

North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton is shown.

HAMILTON — Hamilton Mayor Bob Page told the city council, the public in attendance and the news media on Aug. 18 he’d had an informal sit-down meeting with hospital officials about the North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton situation.

Bevill State and Marion County Schools to expand dual enrollment opportunities with new Marion County College & Career Academy

HAMILTON — Bevill State Community College and Marion County Schools have entered into a new agreement to expand dual enrollment opportunities for students through the creation of the Marion County College & Career Academy on the Bevill State Hamilton campus. The Memorandum of Understanding was approved by Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker of the Alabama Community College System and signed by Baker and BSCC President Dr. Joel Hagood on Wednesday, Aug. 13. Dr. Patrick Sutton, superintendent of Marion County Schools, signed the agreement following approval by the Marion County Board of Education on Aug.15.

Stay of execution for death row inmate

David Lee Roberts

David Lee Roberts

MONTGOMERY – On July 10, 2025, the Marion County Circuit Court stayed the execution of David Lee Roberts, which had been scheduled for Aug. 21, 2025, pending completion of an evaluation to determine Roberts’ competency to be executed. The State of Alabama concurred with the need to conduct the evaluation pursuant to Section 15-16-23 of the Code of Alabama, provided that the competency evaluation is conducted on an expedited basis.

Public hearings to be held on county road closures

MARION COUNTY — As published in the Journal-Record’s legals section on Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27, the Marion County Commission will hold public hearings on Monday, Sept. 15, at the commission office at 9 a.m. for the purpose of receiving the public’s input on vacating the following public roads: • Ridge Road and a portion of County Road 301 from the Northern Loop of Ridge Road to County Highway 13; and • County Road 414.

Schools change policies regarding cell phone use

A new act signed into law this year will eliminate the kind of scenes shown above during school hours. The FOCUS Act calls for cell phones and other wireless devices to be off and off the person at school. Shown above, from left, are students Lizzie Lockhart, Corey Hooper and Titus McCarley.

A new act signed into law this year will eliminate the kind of scenes shown above during school hours. The FOCUS Act calls for cell phones and other wireless devices to be off and off the person at school. Shown above, from left, are students Lizzie Lockhart, Corey Hooper and Titus McCarley.

MARION COUNTY — School begins tomorrow for the 2025-2026 school year for Marion County Schools and today for Winfield City Schools. What do students, and parents, need to know about the new legislature act concerning cell phone use in schools?
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