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.

The Berry Industrial Authority recently hosted a public input session to gather community ideas for a proposed multipurpose building or pavilion that could serve as a public gathering space near downtown. Authority President Wes Madison said the goal of the meeting was to hear directly from residents about how the space could best serve the community as plans move forward. Tom Wisemiller, President and CEO of the Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance, led the discussion.

The Berry Town Council approved new protections for Bay’s Lake, heard updates on a proposed housing development and addressed ongoing park maintenance concerns during its recent meeting. Berry town council met on Feb. 2, all members were present. The meeting opened with a prayer led by council member Chris Lindsey, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous meeting minutes before Mayor Mary Lollar presented awards from the town’s annual Christmas Tree Walk.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, couples across Fayette are celebrating love in ways that reflect their own stories, some with grand gestures, others with quiet evenings at home. For three local couples at different stages of life, the holiday isn’t about extravagance so much as appreciation, commitment and simply spending time together.

The Fayette County Commission approved a waste management contract renewal, supported a proposed property tax freeze for senior citizens and authorized a grant application benefiting local senior centers during its Jan. 27 meeting, which had been rescheduled due to inclement weather. The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. with an opening prayer led by Commissioner David Hubbard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All commissioners were present.

The Fayette County Board of Education met on Jan. 29, for its regular monthly meeting. All board members except Tom Hubbert were present. The meeting began with prayer, led by board member John Aaron, and the Pledge of Allegiance, led by board member Portia Stowe. Guest speaker Jerry Wilson addressed the board first. He told board members he would like to help launch a Bible literature class similar to one he taught for years in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Wilson said the course would be an elective and would not be required for students.

I am excited to officially announce my 2026 candidacy for Fayette County Revenue Commissioner. As most of you know, I was appointed by the governor to finish out Ruby Porter’s term as Revenue Commissioner back in September of last year. I am so thankful and honored for the opportunity to fill this position.

The Fayette City Council held a work session Jan. 27 followed by its regular meeting, focusing on long-term planning priorities, downtown revitalization efforts, infrastructure updates and upcoming community initiatives.

Qualifying has officially closed for the 2026 election cycle, setting the stage for a busy primary season in Fayette County with contested races across multiple local offices. The qualifying period for Democratic and Republican candidates ended Friday, Jan. 23. According to Brad Cox, a wide field of Republican candidates has entered the May primary, with several offices drawing multiple candidates and ensuring competitive races across the ballot.

Community members of all ages gathered in Fayette on Jan. 19 to honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the city’s annual MLK Commemorative March.