Bevill State Community College continued its successful run on the baseball diamond during the 2026 season, finishing with 37 overall wins and a 24-12 conference record while remaining among the top programs in ACCC Division II play. The Bears put together one of the conference’s top offensive seasons, finishing first in triples with 16 and batting average at .340. Bevill State also ranked among conference leaders in runs scored (415), hits (532), RBIs (373), stolen bases (110) and strikeouts (345).

The Fayette County Board of Education recognized the academic achievements of graduating seniors, approved more than $300,000 in new social studies textbooks and discussed ongoing efforts to improve student achievement and school safety during its May 19 meeting. All board members were present for the meeting. The meeting began with recognition of the 2026 valedictorians and salutatorians from schools across the county. Students shared their plans for college and future careers.

Fayette County voters joined Alabamians across the state Tuesday in casting ballots in several closely watched primary races, with multiple local contests heading to runoff elections next month. Locally, the races for superintendent of education and revenue commissioner will continue into the June 16 runoff election after no candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote in the May 19 primary. In the Republican primary for superintendent of education, Steve Sawyer and Dr. Jeremy Madden secured the top two spots to advance to the runoff.

History belongs to Hubbertville. The Lions captured the first baseball state championship in school history Thursday night, defeating Fayetteville two games to one in the Class 1A state championship series and bringing a long-awaited title back to Fayette County. After suffering a tough loss in Game One at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Hubbertville responded with resilience, grit and timely hitting at Jacksonville State University, rallying for a dramatic extra-inning victory in Game Two before dominating the decisive Game Three to secure the championship.

Mayor Allen J. Dunavant called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. Councilman Dustin Youngblood was absent. Before regular business began, Dunavant informed attendees of the death of former Mayor Tom Henderson, who served from 1992-1996. Dunavant shared remarks about Henderson’s dedication to the town and asked those present to observe a moment of silence in his memory.

The Fayette City Council approved the city’s proposed 2027 transportation budget, recognized Mental Health Awareness Month and discussed ongoing infrastructure and community projects during its May 12 meeting. Mayor Rod Northam opened the meeting by highlighting several community accomplishments and welcoming guests, including Will Bright Foundation representative David Allen, who recently completed the Fayette County Leadership Program, and led the group in prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The streets of downtown Fayette were filled with worship music, prayer and a sea of maroon Saturday morning as hundreds gathered for the 28th Annual March for Jesus. Long before the official 9 a.m. start time at the Fayette Depot, residents from churches across Fayette County and surrounding communities had already begun arriving to fellowship and prepare for the annual march.

Residents gathered this week for a community dinner and question-and-answer session hosted by Silicon Ranch. Company representatives discussed plans for a proposed solar farm near Fayette and answered concerns ranging from taxes and land use to environmental impact and long-term maintenance. The meeting reflected growing public interest in a project that could bring a new form of economic development to Fayette County while also changing the landscape of a longtime family property east of town.

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.