The Fayette County Commission hired a new county engineer during its July 25 meeting, held at the Belk Community Center at the request of District 1 Commissioner Brad Cox. All commissioners were present for the meeting. Commission Chairman Mike Freeman announced that the commission has been without an engineer for the past two – three months following the resignation of the previous engineer Josh Knight. He said that three applicants had been interviewed for the position, and that one candidate for the position had received a second interview.

The new school year for students within the Fayette County School System begins on Monday, Aug. 8. Fayette County Superintendent Jim Burkhalter said that teachers and the administrative staffs of the schools have been working hard in an effort to open schools in a traditional and normal fashion this year, following disruptions the past two years due to COVID restrictions.

The Fayette City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, July 26. All council members, with the exception of Councilman Jerry Nichols, were present for the meeting. City Accountant Rick McCabe opened the meeting with prayer and Mayor Rod Northam led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Berry Town Council met for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, Aug. 1 at Berry Town Hall. Councilman Calvin Madison and Councilman Charles Tidwell were absent from the meeting, with all other council members present. Councilman Russell Madison led the council in prayer, with Councilwoman Mary Sue Lollar leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

On Sunday, July 24, DCH’s Fayette Medical Center hosted a welcome reception for Dr. Mark Randall. Dr. Randall is trained in general and laparoscopic surgery and will begin offering services at Fayette Medical Center starting Aug. 1.

Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield announced on Monday, July 25 that O’Neal Manufacturing Services (OMS) plans to invest $5.5 million to open a 130,000-square-foot steel fabrication facility in Fayette as part of a project that will create 70 full-time jobs within three years after operations commence.

The Fayette County Board of Education met on July 19 to consider the 2022-23 salary schedule and several personnel items. All board members were present for the meeting, with the exception of Board Member John Stowe.

The Berry Town Council held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, July 11. All council members were present for the meeting. The July meeting of the Berry Town Council was held one week later than usual, due to its regular meeting date falling on the Independence Day holiday.

Students can start the FIRST CHAPTER of their Bevill State story in a day!
Bevill State Community College (BSCC) will be hosting “First Chapter” events at all five of its locations during the month of August. These events will allow new students to take a campus tour, apply for admission, complete their FAFSA, take any necessary placement tests, meet with an advisor, and register for Fall classes.

The more than 40 limelight hydrangeas that are located throughout Fayette are now in full bloom. The plants, along with numerous other plants located within the city, are taken care of by the Fayette Garden Club.

The Fayette City Council discussed its plans and options concerning several possible upcoming projects during its July 12 meeting. All council members were present for the meeting. Kelcey Hale led the council in prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance prior to the beginning of the meeting.

The Fayette County Commission adopted a resolution to join in a statewide opioid settlement with other counties and municipalities during its July 11 meeting. Commission Chairman Mike Freeman was absent due to attending a state conference, and Commissioner Barry Corkren was also absent from the meeting.

The City of Fayette will receive a grant in the amount of $24,545 to purchase equipment to begin a cardboard recycling program.

Fayette celebrated Tomato Sandwich Day by giving out free tomato sandwiches on July 12 during the hours of the Fayette Farmers Market.

Meeting in regular session on Tuesday, July 5, the Glen Allen Town Council adopted two resolutions concerning the town’s grant application with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) in an attempt to address paving and drainage issues on the town’s streets.

The first of five defendants in a double murder case from 2018 pled guilty on Friday, July 8, agreeing to serve two consecutive life sentences. The sentencing of Michael Evan Council, 28, a New Jersey resident, was announced by 24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Andy Hamlin.
Council was one of the defendants responsible for the shooting deaths of Hernan Antonio Padilla and Allen Clifford Sandlin.  

The Fayette  County Sheriff’s Department recently completed three significant drug arrests as the result of serving warrants at local residences.

Note: The following are sentences released by the Fayette County Circuit Court for the month of June.

The municipalities of Fayette and Berry, in conjunction with Fayette County and the State of Alabama, will participate in the annual school sales tax holiday on July 15 - 17. This is the 14th year that Alabama has held the tax holiday, and the third time that the event has been held in July. The sales tax holiday will begin on Friday, July 15 at 12:01 a.m. and end on Sunday, July 17 at 11:59 p.m.

The Fayette County Board of Education met on June 28 to consider several personnel and contract items. All board members were present with the exception of Julie Stough. Prior to the start of the meeting, Josh Taylor, of the Alabama Examiners of Public Accounts, delivered the results of the latest state audit to the board, stating that there were no significant problems with the audit.