On Monday, Nov. 4, the Berry Town Council held its regular meeting at Berry City Hall. All members were present except Councilman Chris Lindsey. The meeting began with a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
A single-vehicle crash that occurred in the pre-dawn hours of Thursday, Oct. 31, has claimed the life of a Fayette man. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Thomas Bellsnyder IV, 32, was fatally injured when the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox he was driving left the roadway and struck a tree. Bellsnyder was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger in the Chevrolet Equinox, Jennifer L. Chaney Franks, 36, of Fayette, was injured and airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for treatment. The crash occurred on Co. Rd.
City of Fayette Councilwoman Virettia Whiteside has officially announced her resignation from her position representing Ward 1, effective Oct. 31, 2024. In a heartfelt letter addressed to the Mayor and City Council, Whiteside expressed pride in her years of service to the City of Fayette and its community. In the letter, Whiteside highlighted her dedication to enhancing the efficiency of city government and optimizing resources to better serve residents. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the City of Fayette the past four years,” she wrote.
Milborn Savage, pictured to the left, is shown with a member of clergy at the church that was constructed in Iraq. | Photo courtesy of Milborn Savage
As Veterans Day approaches, we reflect on the remarkable stories of service and sacrifice that have shaped our nation. One such story is that of Milborn Savage, whose service highlights dedication, faith, and unity.
Fultondale High School’s varsity football program has recently been fined and placed on probation for violating the AHSAA Transfer Rule by playing ineligible players, according to a release from the AHSAA. As a result, the program has forfeited all games in which these players participated. Fultondale forfeited wins against Cordova, Hamilton, and Fayette County High School. This puts Fayette County in a favorable position, as the Tigers will now advance to the playoffs.
Closing out regular season play, Hubbertville hosted the Hackleburg Panthers. The Lions elected to receive the opening kick.
The Berry Wildcats finished the regular season by traveling to Pell City to face the Victory Christian Lions. The game saw the two teams score a combined 125 points and the Wildcats set a new school record for points scored in a game in the 78 - 47 victory.
The Fayette County Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 28, at the Courthouse Annex Building. The meeting began with a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Asher Cox. All commissioners were present except for District Five Commissioner Robert Townley.
Fayette was forever changed by a heartbreaking tragedy that occurred one summer night in 1971. On Wednesday, July 21, six-year-old Mary Ann Johnson was found dead. According to the Broadcaster newspaper, her unclothed body was discovered in a wooded area near the Spring Street Housing Project after a frantic search by local law enforcement. The incident cast a long shadow over the community, a sorrow that lingers even today.
A single-vehicle crash that occurred around 5:45 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, has claimed the life of a Florence woman. Madalyn G. Powell, 28, was fatally injured when the 2009 Kia Rio she was driving left the roadway and struck a culvert. Powell was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The crash occurred on Hwy 13 near mile marker 237, approximately seven miles north of Berry. The crash is under investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
On Sunday, Oct. 27, at approximately 6 p.m., Fayette Police responded to a single vehicle accident in the 1300 block of Temple Ave. Reports show that the driver of the Ford 150 was traveling North on Temple Ave, when a vehicle pulled out of Dollar General in front of the driver of the Ford. The truck then swerved to the left to avoid colliding with another vehicle. Once the Ford swerved left, the truck left the roadway into the parking lot of the Exxon gas station and hit a pole just before hitting a concrete barrier.
The Berry Wildcats traveled to Brilliant to face the Tigers in their fourth road game of the year. The Wildcats came away with a victory that closed out region play and solidified Berry as the two-seed in the upcoming playoffs.
The Hamilton Aggies hosted the Fayette Tigers on Friday night, Oct. 25.
The Hubbertville Lions traveled to Sumiton Christian on Friday night to take on the Eagles.
The Fayette County Board of Education held a meeting on Tuesday Oct. 22 at the Berry Elementary School Library. All board members were present except for District Two Board Member Tierre Agnew.
The Fayette City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at Fayette City Hall, with all members present. The meeting began with a prayer led by Pastor of LifePoint Ministry and Worship Center, Darryl Ballew, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance recited by Arrow of Life Cub Scout Jaxon Watkins.
The Fayette County Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 22, at the Courthouse Annex Building. Commission Chairman Mike Freeman led the meeting, opening with a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All commissioners were present except for District Four commissioner Wesley Jacobs.
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance for any information regarding break-ins at three local churches. The burglaries have occurred over the past month. The churches that were targeted are all within the same geographical area on County Road 35. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with any information is urged to call the sheriff’s office at (205) 932-3205.
A defendant responsible for the murder of his former wife has been sentenced to serve two life sentences in prison, 24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Andy Hamlin announced.
In the small town of Fayette, clogging was more than just a dance; it is a way of life for Bama Renfroe Bates. The local instructor turned her passion into a vibrant community. With her jingling taps, she continues to welcome students of all ages to her classes.
