Local pastors, community leaders, veterans and residents gathered Thursday, May 7, at the Fayette County Courthouse for the annual National Day of Prayer observance, joining communities across the country in prayer for families, schools, government leaders, the military, mental health and the nation as a whole. The event marked the 75th National Day of Prayer and featured multiple speakers and prayer leaders from throughout the community. Organizers encouraged attendees to continue making prayer and unity a visible part of life in Fayette County.

After helping reshape the local Drug Court program into one focused not only on accountability, but also community connection and recovery support, Drug Court Coordinator Art Alaniz will step down from his position May 15 to accept another job opportunity. Alaniz joined Court Referral Services, Inc. in April 2023 and said one of his biggest goals was helping participants feel accepted and valued within their communities while also encouraging the public to see recovery differently.

The Berry Town Council recognized Mental Health Awareness Month during its May 4 meeting before joining residents of Berry Manor at Heritage Park for refreshments and a community celebration. Mayor Mary Lollar called the meeting to order and the council approved the minutes for the last meeting and work session. All council members except Chuck Tidwell were present. Lollar read a proclamation declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month in the Town of Berry, emphasizing the importance of awareness, treatment and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Christians from across the Fayette area are expected to gather in downtown Fayette on Saturday, May 16, for the 28th Annual March for Jesus. The event will begin at 9 a.m. at the Fayette Depot. Registration will begin upon arrival, with biscuits being served at 8:15 a.m. and balloons handed out beginning at 8:30 a.m.

A routine traffic stop in Fayette on May 4 led to multiple drug and weapon charges after officers allegedly discovered methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and illegal firearm modifications during a vehicle search Sunday evening. According to the Fayette Police Department, Officer Kris Parson initiated a traffic stop near EZ Way Carwash on 2nd Avenue S.E. after observing a speeding vehicle. Police said Parson smelled marijuana upon approaching the vehicle and requested consent to search, which was granted. Officer Taylor Kelly responded to assist with the stop.

The Fayette County Commission approved routine business and received an update on ongoing road projects during a brief meeting held on a rainy evening this week.
Commissioners approved $102,430 in claims, including $35,761 from the General Fund, $39,878 from the Reappraisal Fund and $23,003 for road construction.
County Engineer Ben Snipes reported that paving work on County Roads 83 and 27 has been completed as part of ongoing Rebuild Alabama projects.

With the May primary approaching, the Fayette Junior City Council brought voters face-to-face with the three candidates for superintendent of education during a public forum held April 27 at the Fayette Civic Center.
Organized and led by Junior Mayor Sean White and the Junior City Council, the event featured candidates Steve Herring, Steve Sawyer and Dr. Jeremy Madden. They answered a wide range of questions on issues affecting Fayette County schools.

The Fayette City Council moved through a full agenda Monday night, approving contract renewals, hearing a proposal for revitalizing a downtown park and reviewing city finances, with officials expressing confidence that revenues remain on track despite a recent dip in monthly sales tax collections.
The meeting opened with an invocation from Fayette Church of God Pastor Jarrett Lovelace and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alana Lovelace. All council members were present. The council approved minutes from the April 14 meeting and moved into regular business.

Federal charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center are drawing renewed attention to the group’s earlier criticism of Fayette’s garbage billing practices. Authorities recently announced charges against the Montgomery-based nonprofit, alleging misconduct tied to its operations. According to federal authorities and multiple news reports, the case involves allegations of fraud and misrepresentation, though the details remain under investigation and have not been proven in court.

A Fayette man arrested last year on child pornography charges has pleaded guilty and been sentenced to prison. Ernest Alford Cargile, 67, entered a guilty plea April 13 to possession with intent to distribute child pornography. According to court records, Cargile was sentenced to 20 years in the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections. The sentence is to be served in full, with credit for 314 days already served. Cargile will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).