Commission upgrades employee’s status


Pictured at the June 12 meeting of the Fayette County Commission, from left: Commissioner John Underwood, Commissioner Wesley Jacobs, Commissioner Robert Townley, Commissioner David Hubbert, Commissioner Shane Hughes, Commissioner Brad Cox and Commission Chairman Mike Freeman.

The Fayette County Commission held its June 12 meeting at the Fayette County Courthouse Annex Building. All commissioners were present for the meeting. Commissioner Wesley Jacobs opened the meeting with a prayer.

 

Berry Council donates to club



The Berry Town Council held a brief meeting on June 5 to consider two items of business. Councilman Russell Madison and Councilman Troyce Townsel were absent, with all other council members present for the meeting. Also present for the meeting were Berry Mayor Jimmy Madison and Town Clerk Marie McCluskey.

 

Fayette remembers slain officers 20 years later


The Tuscaloosa Police Honor Guard poses for a picture at the memorial (also pictured is Roger Wallace at far left of the picture).

A crowd of more than 100 people gathered on the Fayette County Courthouse lawn on Friday, June 2 to reflect on the memory of three men who gave their lives 20 years ago on June 7, 2003 while protecting the citizens of Fayette County. Two Fayette police officers, Corporal James Crump and Officer Arnold Strickland, along with police dispatcher Leslie “Ace” Mealer, lost their lives that day due to the senseless act of violence committed by convicted murderer Devin Moore (also known as Devin Thompson).

 

Citizens speak at public transportation hearing


Samuel Matthews (seated in a wheelchair next to Pastor Scott Davis) was one of many at the public hearing who expressed the need for public transportation.

A public hearing for a proposed City of Fayette public transportation system was held on May 30 at Fayette City Hall. Fayette Mayor Rod Northam and all council members with the exception of Councilwoman Aliska Hughes-Monroe were in attendance at the public hearing.

 

Fayette native recalls World War II experience


Pictured is Wardell Wright, Sr. with his World War II cap and Certificate of Appreciation.

One of the heroes from the era that Americans call “The Greatest Generation” is Wardell Wright, Sr. of Fayette, who currently resides in Jasper.  Wright is 99 years old, with unique stories of being raised in Fayette County during what he calls “The Hoover Days,” referring to President Herbert Hoover’s time as president prior to President Franklin Roosevelt.

 

Memorial service to honor slain officers


Pictured is the memorial on the courthouse lawn where the anniversary service will occur.

Saturday, June 7, 2003 was a day that will forever be remembered in Fayette County for the heinous act committed in the early morning hours at the Fayette Police Department. Two Fayette Police Officers, James Crump and Arnold Strickland, along with police dispatcher Leslie “Ace” Mealer lost their lives that day due to the senseless act of violence committed by convicted murderer Devin Moore (also known as Devin Thompson).

 

Showa to have layoff



A press release from Showa Best Glove in Fayette, issued on May 24, indicates that the facility will undergo a major layoff of workers as it continues to upgrade its manufacturing facilities.

 

Junior City Council donates to library


Members of the Fayette Junior City Council are, from left: Sean White, Fayette Co. Library Director Jessica Crowe (accepting the check), Junior City Council Mayor Benjamin Olive, Semira King, Emily Huang, Ki-Jana King and Oscar Huang.

Members of the Fayette Junior City Council recently held a charity basketball tournament fundraiser and donated the $1,425 proceeds from the tournament to the Fayette County Memorial Library to help fund a section of the library that will be dedicated to “Autism Awareness.”

Commission holds meeting at Concord


Shown is a portion of the crowd that was in attendance for the May 22 Fayette County Commission meeting, held in the Concord Community.

The Fayette County Commission held its May 22 meeting at the fellowship hall of Concord Baptist Church, at the request of Commissioner Robert Townley. All commissioners were present for the meeting. A local pastor, Terry Oswalt opened the meeting with a prayer.

 

Fayette City Council considers request


Pictured at the May 23 Fayette City Council meeting, from left: Councilwoman Aliska Hughes-Monroe, Councilman Tommy Williams, Fayette Mayor Rod Northam, Councilman Eddy Campbell, Councilwoman Virettia Whiteside, Fayette Junior Mayor Benjamin Olive and City Clerk Dawn Clapp.

The Fayette City Council held its regular council meeting on May 23. Councilman Jerry Nichols was absent from the meeting, with all other council members present. The meeting was opened in prayer, led by Caleb Hall, pastor at Fayette Church of Christ.

 

‘March for Jesus’ draws huge crowd


Shown are some of the participants in this year’s “March for Jesus.”

Despite a light, misty rain during the start of this year’s event, Organizer Milborn Savage estimated that more than 500 people attended the 25th “March for Jesus” walk and rally held in downtown Fayette on Saturday, May 20. The march began at the Depot Museum and concluded at the Fayette First Methodist Church, where a rally was held for a standing-room only crowd. Before reaching the church, balloons with Bible verses were released to carry a portion of the Word to parts unknown.

 

Three arrested on drug charges


Shown are some of the items seized during the execution of the search warrant.

On May 21, the Fayette County Sheriff’s office, along with officers from the Berry and Fayette police departments, executed a search warrant in the 400 block of County Rd. 128 in Berry.
The search warrant was obtained after a lengthy investigation into the unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.

 

Cowart receives Balfour Award


FCHS Principal Jennifer Sanford is shown presenting the Balfour Award to Celie Cowart.

The Balfour Award, the only award given to a senior at Fayette County High School during graduation, was presented last Friday night to Celie Cowart by FCHS Principal Jennifer Sanford.

BOE hires Sanford as FCHS Principal


The Fayette County Board of Education posed for a picture prior to its May 16 meeting. Shown from left: Board members Brenda Webb, John Stowe and John Aaron, Superintendent Jim Burkhalter, board members Tom Hubbert, Tierre Agnew and Julie Stough.

The Fayette County Board of Education approved personnel items and contracts during its May 16 meeting. All board members were present for the meeting, with the exception of board member Julie Stough. At the beginning of the meeting, the valedictorians and salutatorians for the county schools were recognized.