The Fayette County Board of Education met Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Courthouse Annex building board room. All board members were present. The meeting began with a prayer led by District Six Board Member John Stowe followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by District Two Board Member Tierre Agnew.

Fayette County Commission members pictured from left to right: Valerie Branyon (District Six), Wesley Jacobs (District Four), Billy “Jo Jo” Rodgers (District Five), Commission Chairman Mike Freeman, Shane Hughes (District Two), Brad Cox (District One) and David Hubbert (District Three).

FMC board members were on hand to receive a check from the city council. Pictured from left to right on the back row: Jerry Nichols, Tommy Williams, Aliska Hughes-Monroe and Eddie Campbell; front row from left to right: Rhonda Hicks, Jackie Waldon, FMC Administrator Rodney Clark, Hospital Board Chairman Charles Brandon, Mayor Rod Northam, Secretary of Treasurey Sandy Nolen, Heath Reed and Jason Nelson.

Military veterans in and around Fayette, Lamar, Marion, Walker and Winston Counties are invited for a special service session at the Wade Building, Bevill State Community College, located at 805 14th Street East in Jasper on Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. American Legion staff will be available to discuss veterans’ benefits, the Legion’s legislative efforts, membership opportunities, and service to the community. A veteran service officer will be available to discuss claims and other benefits questions.

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, Alabamian voters cast 2,264,780 ballots, reflecting a statewide voter turnout of 58.55%. This figure does not include provisional ballots. “Alabama voters received timely, unofficial election results, showcasing a safe, secure, and transparent election,” said Secretary of State Wes Allen. “Election security was the primary goal, and I am proud to say that, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated local election officials, that goal was achieved.”

The city of Fayette held a community meeting on Thursday, Nov. 7, to discuss a proposed comprehensive plan for future development.

Traveling to Arley on Friday night the Hubbertville Lions faced off against the Meek Tigers in the first round of the play-offs.

On Monday, Nov. 4, the Berry Town Council held its regular meeting at Berry City Hall. All members were present except Councilman Chris Lindsey. The meeting began with a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

A single-vehicle crash that occurred in the pre-dawn hours of Thursday, Oct. 31, has claimed the life of a Fayette man. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Thomas Bellsnyder IV, 32, was fatally injured when the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox he was driving left the roadway and struck a tree. Bellsnyder was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger in the Chevrolet Equinox, Jennifer L. Chaney Franks, 36, of Fayette, was injured and airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for treatment. The crash occurred on Co. Rd.

City of Fayette Councilwoman Virettia Whiteside has officially announced her resignation from her position representing Ward 1, effective Oct. 31, 2024. In a heartfelt letter addressed to the Mayor and City Council, Whiteside expressed pride in her years of service to the City of Fayette and its community. In the letter, Whiteside highlighted her dedication to enhancing the efficiency of city government and optimizing resources to better serve residents. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the City of Fayette the past four years,” she wrote.

As Veterans Day approaches, we reflect on the remarkable stories of service and sacrifice that have shaped our nation. One such story is that of Milborn Savage, whose service highlights dedication, faith, and unity.