New arrest made in church burglaries

Zachary Seth Grace | Photo courtesy of the Fayette County Jail

In October 2024, multiple church burglaries were reported to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation initially led to the arrest of Jeanee Kay Vick, 50, who was charged with multiple counts of third-degree burglary, fourth-degree theft of property, third-degree forgery and criminal mischief on Nov. 7, 2024.

According to FCSO Investigator Branndon Collins, a second suspect, Zachary Seth Grace, 30, was identified as a participant in the burglaries.

Early morning accident under investigation

Photo by Fayette County Sheriff Byron Yerby

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single vehicle crash that occurred around 4:40 a.m. at the junction of Hwy. 171 N. and Hwy. 102. Sheriff Byron Yerby said the driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to Fayette Medical Center by Fayette County EMS. Lawrence Mill Volunteer Fire Department also assisted at the scene. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is investigating and the cause of the crash is unknown at this time.

Webb named BOE president

The Fayette County Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the courthouse annex building boardroom. The meeting began with a prayer led by District Six Portia Stowe followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by District Two Board Member Tierre Agnew. District Four Board Member Brenda Webb called the meeting to order with all members present.

Volunteer of the Year and Citizens of the Year honored by Chamber of Commerce

Steven Nolen, Francis Butler and Sean White were all honored by the Fayette Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Nov. 6 at the Fayette Civic Center. Steven Nolen was named 2025 Citizen of the Year, Francis Butler was named Volunteer of the Year and Sean White was recognized as Junior Citizen of the Year. Pictured above from left to right are Mayor Rod Northam, Sean White, Celeste Kennard, Steven Nolen, Francis Butler, Kathy Bordelon, Rep. Bryan Brinyark, Emily Montague, Jennifer Robertson and Kelly Foster.

Waldrop addresses commission

The Fayette County Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 10, at the Fayette County Courthouse Annex Building. The meeting opened with a prayer led by District One Commissioner Brad Cox, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Commission Chairman Mike Freeman called the meeting to order, with all commissioners present.

Addison ends Wildcats playoff run

Berry’s Lake Norris (0) and Luke Ward (60) team up for a tackle on a Bulldogs’ ball carrier. | Photo by Sarah Rice

The Berry Wildcats traveled to Addison to face the sixth ranked Bulldogs in the second round of the state playoffs. The Wildcats kept the game close in the first half, but could not get any traction in the second half as they fell to Addison by a score of 39 - 6.

Drug bust yields multiple arrests

Photos contributed by the Fayette County Sheriff's Office

On Wednesday, Oct. 29, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force agents assisted Alabama Probation and Parole during a home visit in the 23000 block of Hwy. 18 E. in Berry involving probationer Grady Pendley. 

According to Sheriff Byron Yerby and Investigator Branndon Collins, officers discovered multiple narcotics and drug paraphernalia items. Substances found included fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana and Xanax.

Wildcats advance to next round

Berry’s Max Westbrook (1) rushes in a touchdown for the Wildcats. | Photo by Sarah Rice

The Berry Wildcats started the playoffs by welcoming the Fayetteville Wolves to Fred Webster Stadium. The Wildcats took an early lead and looked to be on their way to a comfortable victory, but the Wolves fought back and kept the game close in the fourth quarter. However, the Berry defense made a stand late in the game to give the Wildcats a 44 - 37 win.

Fayette City Council Members sworn in

The Fayette City Council held its organizational meeting Monday, Nov. 3. The meeting opened with a prayer led by the Rev. Jeff Bridges, followed by the posting of colors and the Pledge of Allegiance, conducted by members of VFW Post 5406. Mayor Rod Northam called the meeting to order. Probate Judge Mike Freeman administered the oath of office to the newly elected council members. Pictured above, from left to right, are Floyd Rodgers Jr., Tommy Williams, Cedric Wilson, Rev. Jeff Bridge, Fayette Co. Probate Judge Mike Freeman, Mickey Joe Morgan, Steve Herring and Mayor Rod Northam.