Council discusses Liberty Tree honor, water plant staffing

The Berry Town Council met April 6, opening with routine business before hearing from residents and addressing several items related to infrastructure, staffing and community development. All members except Russell Madison were present. Following approval of the minutes, the council heard a report from the fire department, noting 42 calls for the month of March and a successful recent rodeo fundraiser. The council then opened the floor to speakers.

Co. Commission reviews road work, hears engineer update

The Fayette County Commission met April 13 with Commissioner David Hubbert presiding in the absence of Chairman Mike Freeman. Commissioner Wesley Jacobs was also absent. Commissioners approved the meeting agenda and claims, which included expenses for animal control, reappraisal and more than $133,000 in road construction. During discussion of claims, commissioners briefly questioned recurring charges related to weather sirens and routine maintenance items, though no action was taken.

Glen Allen town council discusses water concerns, cleanup event and town projects

The Glen Allen Town Council met April 7 at the town’s Community Center, with several council members absent as officials addressed resident concerns, upcoming events and routine business. Mayor Allen J. Dunavant called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Councilman Robert Aldridge opened with prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmen Brad Whitehead and Dustin Youngblood were not present.

Restoration Springs supports men in recovery

The lake on the grounds of Restoration Springs.

Restoration Springs is offering men in recovery a structured place to rebuild their lives, providing transitional housing and support for those coming out of treatment, incarceration or other difficult circumstances. Located in Fayette and operated by the Will Bright Foundation, the program is designed to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and independent living.

Chamber works to coordinate county events

Chamber of Commerce Executive director Emily Montague addresses the luncheon group as they list their events on large calandar pages.

The Fayette Area Chamber of Commerce brought together local businesses and organizations on April 8 for its monthly luncheon at the Fayette Civic Center, with a focus on improving coordination of community events across the county. Led by Chamber Director Emily Montague, the luncheon centered on creating a shared event calendar aimed at reducing scheduling conflicts and increasing community participation.

Fayette Co. man sentenced to life

William Charles Elam

A Fayette County man has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to a charge of first-degree rape, according to a press release from the Office of the District Attorney, 24th Judicial Circuit of Alabama. William Charles Elam, 69, was indicted by a Fayette County grand jury on Oct. 31, 2022. He later entered a guilty plea to the charge on Nov. 17, 2025. Following a sentencing hearing held Thursday, Sam Junkin, a Fayette County circuit judge, sentenced Elam to life in prison.

Wildcats dominate Brilliant in doubleheader

Berry High School delivered a pair of dominant performances on March 31, sweeping Brilliant in a doubleheader with 11-0 and 16-0 victories. In the opener, the Wildcats were powered by a standout all-around performance from Walker Edmonson, who collected three hits and struck out 12 batters in four and two-thirds innings of no-hit baseball. Berry took an early lead in the first inning and added to it in the second behind a home run from Lake Norris and an RBI double from Edmonson.

Tigers defeat Curry in three-game sweep

Fayette County High School put together an explosive offensive showing, sweeping Curry in a three-game stretch March 30–31. The Tigers opened with a 16-0 win, using a balanced attack and strong pitching to set the tone early. Fayette County scored in every inning, highlighted by a four-run third that included an inside-the-park home run by Wade Jackson. Brayden Unger earned the win on the mound, allowing just one hit over four innings while striking out seven. Jeremiah Stowe led the offense with three hits, while Jackson, Brayden Unger and Brady Stocks each drove in two runs.

Lady Lions split games this week

Anna Sophia Walker takes first base after doubling in the third inning, scoring two for the Lady Lions against Pickens Academy on March 30.

Hubbertville softball picked up a dominant win over Pickens Academy before falling to Berry in recent action. The Lady Lions cruised past Pickens Academy with a 15-0 win on March 30, powered by a big day at the plate from Anna Sophia Walker, who drove in four runs on four hits, including three doubles. Hubbertville jumped out early and never slowed down, scoring in each of the first three innings.

FMC hosts DCH health fair April 3

FMC Registered/Licensed Dietician Nicole Johnigan speaks with an attendee during the Health Fair.

Residents had the opportunity to learn more about local health resources during the DCH Community Health Fair held Friday at Fayette Medical Center. The event featured a variety of informational booths covering topics such as emergency services, mental health, nutrition, home health care, hospice, and disease prevention. Representatives from multiple organizations were on hand to answer questions, provide educational materials, and connect attendees with available resources and services.

Hubbertville Annual Park Day opens season

Barrett Afshar holds the flag for the National Anthem before the start of the games.

Hubbertville residents gathered recently for the community’s annual Park Day, a tradition that marks the start of the Park and  Recreation ball season. The event brought players, families and supporters together as each team was introduced ahead of a full day of games. Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed youth baseball and softball action while also visiting craft and retail vendors set up around the park.

Bevill drops series at Wallace-Dothan

Bevill State opened the week with a split against Jackson State Community College before dropping a series to Wallace-Dothan in recent action. Bevill State rolled to a 6-0 win in the opener on March 31, powered by a dominant performance at the plate from Cole Payne, who went 4-for-4 with two doubles and two singles. The Bears struck early and added insurance in the third inning with RBI doubles from Payne and Nicholas Peters.

Hubbertville Lions overpower Marion County

Kane Rushing slides into third base during the game against Marion County on April 2.

Hubbertville continued its strong run with a pair of decisive wins over Marion County on March 31 and April 2, outscoring its opponent 34-2 across the two games. The Lions opened with a 20-0 rout on March 31, fueled by a huge performance from Kane Rushing, who drove in four runs on three hits, including an inside-the-park home run. Hubbertville broke the game open in the first inning, sending multiple runs across the plate, and never looked back.

Lady Wildcats split week, earn win over Brilliant

Maylon Keeton tags second base to get an out for the Lady Wildcats.

Berry High School softball picked up key wins over Brilliant and Hubbertville before going 2-2 in Bulldog Classic play in recent action. Berry opened the stretch with a 4-3 win over Brilliant on March 31, using a late rally to secure the victory. With the game tied in the seventh inning, Maylon Keeton delivered the go-ahead triple to score the winning run. Alivia Morrison drove in two runs earlier in the game, while Rylee Hill earned the win in relief, striking out nine over four and two-thirds innings.

What’s behind the increased gas prices?

Gas prices in Fayette are about $0.35 higher than in Tuscaloosa.

Gas prices have jumped in recent weeks, and Fayette County drivers are seeing it firsthand at the pump. As of this week, gas in Fayette is hovering around $3.99 per gallon. A short drive to Tuscaloosa shows lower prices, generally ranging from about $3.53 to $3.62. That difference (sometimes 30 to 40 cents per gallon) reflects a pattern many rural residents have noticed for years: gas often costs more in smaller communities than it does in nearby cities. Several factors are contributing to the latest increase, and most of them begin far beyond Fayette County.

County road work continues as officials balance needs and limited funding

County Road 21 North just north of Highway 18 has been repaved as part of the Rebuild program.

Road work is continuing across Fayette County as crews move forward with multiple projects while facing ongoing funding challenges, according to County Engineer Ben Snipes. Current work includes improvements on County Road 24 between Elm and Sand Springs roads, a section of County Road 73 in Glen Allen, County Road 21 North between Highways 18 and 38, and County Road 53 North between Highways 102 and 18. Crews are also performing spot leveling on County Road 4.