Weddings in Alabama have changed a lot through the years, and especially during the past four years. In fact, you now do not need a wedding ceremony of any type to be legally married within the state.

A two-vehicle accident that occurred at approximately 11:44 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, claimed the life of a Berry woman. Casey M. Jackson, 30, of Berry was fatally injured when the 2014 Chevrolet Captiva that she was driving collided head-on with the 2005 Ford F-150 driven by Juan S. Sebastian, 33, of Northport.

A large crowd of DCH personnel, dignitaries and Fayette County citizens attended the open house and ribbon-cutting for the long-awaited reopening of the Berry Clinic. The clinic held its grand reopening on Monday, Feb. 27, and the event was welcomed by the Berry Community as a big step forward in needed healthcare for the area.

An ATM machine was severely damaged, but no money was stolen during a robbery attempt at Alabama Credit Union in Fayette. The attempted theft occurred at approximately 1:18 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, according to Fayette Police Chief Danny Jenkins.

David Thornell, Fayette County resident and former President and CEO of the Northwest Alabama Economic Alliance (also known as C3) has recently published a book concerning economic development for small towns. The book, called Small Town Solutions, was written as an economic development guide for small towns with a dream to grow their communities, thus providing better economic, housing, educational and recreational opportunities for its citizens.

Antoine Davis, the son of former Fayette County High School and University of Alabama basketball player Mike Davis, is within 64 points of surpassing an “unbreakable record,” the all-time NCAA basketball scoring record set by “Pistol” Pete Maravich.

The Fayette County Board of Education approved several personnel items and contracts during its Feb. 21 meeting. All board members were present for the meeting.

The Hubbertville baseball team lost its first two baseball games of the 2023 season, before winning its next two games. Hackleburg defeated the Lions 9-8 in the opening game of the season.

The Fayette Lady Tigers opened its season by playing a softball tournament in Lynn before hosting its “Tiger Slam” Tournament this Friday and Saturday. Lynn defeated Fayette 10-3 in the opening game of the Lynn Tournament. Harley Johnson scored two of the Lady Tigers three runs, and Karlee Clark suffered the loss, allowing six hits and eight earned runs in only 1/3 inning of pitching.

Fayette opened its 2023 baseball season with a 3-2 heartbreaking loss to traditionally strong Bibb County. Hollis Strawbridge and Cooper Sanford each had two hits to lead Fayette offensively. Harrison Unger pitched six strong innings for Fayette on the mound, with Blake Johnson pitching the seventh inning in relief.

Fayette Middle School held its annual “Black History Month Program” on Feb. 17, with Fayette First Baptist Church Pastor Scott Davis as the featured speaker for the program. Also participating in the program were several students, who spoke about the meaning of Black History Month and recounted significant events throughout the Civil Rights movement.

The 10th annual Alabama Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will be observed Feb. 24 - 26. The tax holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Friday Feb. 24 and continue until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26.

The Glen Allen Town Council voted during its Feb. 7 council meeting to make an in-kind donation of $1,785 to the Fayette County Board of Education. Councilwoman Bobbie S. McCraw and Councilman Dustin Youngblood were not in attendance for the regular monthly meeting.

The Fayette City Council approved a resolution accepting a supplement agreement that will allow the widening of the Highway 171/18 intersection during its Feb. 14 meeting. Councilman Eddy Campbell and Councilwoman Aliska Hughes-Monroe were absent from the meeting.

The Hubbertville Lady Lions’ basketball team completed its season last week by losing to Addison 57-36 in the sub-regional portion of the Class 1A playoffs.

Fayette County High School just completed its inaugural track season, and the results far exceeded the expectations of the coaches for the new program, said Assistant Coach Michael Magouirk.

Antoine Davis, the son of former Fayette County High School and University of Alabama basketball player Mike Davis, is within striking distance of surpassing an “unbreakable record,” the all-time NCAA basketball scoring record set by “Pistol” Pete Maravich.

The Berry Town Council voted to purchase land next to its current industrial park during its Feb. 6 meeting. All council members were present, with the exception of Councilman Troyce Townsel.
It was explained to the council that the town could purchase 35 acres of land from Jenny Ledlow at a cost of $111,110. The transaction would also be subject to a lease agreement for a small portion of the property.

Former Fayette County High School graduate Luke Tucker has been hired to start a new high school football program at Belgreen High School in Franklin County. Tucker has been the head football coach for the past two seasons at Dale County High School. He was an assistant football coach at Fayette County High School for several years, was the head FCHS baseball coach, and led the Tigers to an undefeated 15-0 football record and a state championship during the 1996 season as a junior quarterback for the team.

Basketball season has concluded for most of the county’s high school teams this season, but the Lady Lions finished second in its area tournament and will advance to the sub-regionals to play Addison on the road. The Hubbertville girls opened the tournament by defeating Brilliant 40-38.