Local Democrats gathered Feb. 21 for a “Lunch With the Democratic Candidates” event that brought several state and local candidates to Fayette County for an informal afternoon of introductions and voter engagement.

For nearly eight decades, the Fayette Progress Club II has quietly supported local programs, youth initiatives and community projects, often behind the scenes. According to club president Jessie Crowe, the organization’s focus is simple: service. “We are a women’s service organization that was founded in 1947,” Crowe said, explaining that the club began as an offshoot of the original Progress Club, which helped establish the Fayette Public Library.

Participants in the Fayette County Leadership Program traveled to Montgomery, Alabama for a day dedicated to learning about state government, leadership, and Alabama’s history. The experience provided participants with firsthand insight into the responsibilities of public officials and the legislative process. The group’s first stop was the historic Alabama State Capitol, where they toured the building and learned about its significance as the center of Alabama’s government. 

Local pastors and church leaders were honored Friday evening, Feb. 20, during the annual Pastors’ Appreciation Banquet hosted by the Gideons at Calvary Baptist Church in Fayette. The event brought together ministers, community members and Gideon representatives for a night of fellowship, encouragement and updates on the ministry’s ongoing work. Although Ron Goodwin had originally been scheduled to serve as moderator, Barrie Lowe stepped in to fill that role due to Goodwin dealing with a knee injury.

As election season approaches, many voters may hear about primary elections and wonder exactly what they are. A primary election is essentially the first round of voting that allows political parties to choose which candidate will represent them in the general election later in the year.

he Fayette County Commission met Feb. 23 for its regular scheduled meeting, chaired by Commission Chairman Mike Freeman. All commissioners were present except Brad Cox. The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before commissioners turned to a special recognition honoring the late Sammy Hindman, a longtime Fayette County resident known for his agricultural leadership and community involvement. Family members were present as the commission presented a formal resolution recognizing Hindman’s contributions to agriculture, civic organizations, and community development.

A two-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 12:50 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, has claimed two lives. Brianna H. Marchman, 24, of Northport, was fatally injured when the 2024 Toyota Camry she was driving collided head-on with the 2023 Ford Transit Van driven by Javarius Walker, 38, of Bessemer. Marchman was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Fayette Middle School held a Black History month program on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 10 a.m. The program was titled “The dream is still alive.” The program began with music by Walt Whitman titled “We are one”. Liz Davis followed with a short welcome speech, stating “Black history isn’t just something from the past, it’s still happening today.” 

The Fayette County Board of Education met on Feb. 10 at Fayette County High School (FCHS). The meeting began with a prayer led by board member Tom Hubbert, who expressed gratitude for the school system, its teachers and administrators while asking for continued guidance in helping students grow academically and personally. Board members and attendees then recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members Brenda Webb and John Aaron were not in attendance.

Postseason basketball continued to heat up last week as Hubbertville and Fayette County High School teams competed in area championship and sub-regional matchups, with several squads advancing deeper into tournament play.

The Fayette County Commission handled routine business during its Feb. 9 meeting, including board appointments, approval of claims and authorization to apply for grant funding. Chairman Mike Freeman called the meeting to order and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. All commissioners were present except Wesley Jacobs. Commissioners approved $7,929.07 in claims for the period, with expenses spread across several funds including the general fund, health tax fund, Alabama Trust Fund, reappraisal fund and road construction. Minutes from the previous meeting were also approved.

The Fayette City Council met Feb. 10 at City Hall, with Mayor Rod Northam calling the meeting to order. Dean Maddox of The Alabama News Wire opened the meeting with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The first order of business was appropriations to the library and Chamber of Commerce. Jessie Crowe of the Fayette County Memorial Library accepted a $10,000 check from the city. Crowe thanked the council for its continued support, noting the funds help maintain library services, programs and materials that serve thousands of residents annually.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Berry Police Department, responded to a call about an altercation resulting in an individual being shot at 91 Blue Water Trace Rd. in Berry on Friday, Feb. 13. Upon arrival, officers discovered a deceased adult male lying near the roadway. The victim was identified as Jordan Allen Lopez, age 26 of Oakman.   This scene was treated and investigated as a homicide.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has raised concerns about how the City of Fayette handles unpaid garbage collection bills, outlining those concerns in a Feb. 9 letter to Fayette City Attorney Dale Lawrence. In the letter, SPLC attorneys said the organization represents two current or former Fayette residents who faced criminal prosecution after falling behind on sanitation payments. The group is asking city officials to review existing policies and consider possible adjustments moving forward.

The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles has denied parole for Billy Ray Stowe, who is serving a life sentence following his 1983 conviction for first-degree rape in Fayette County.