Stoker named new Fayette EMA Director


Michael Stoker is the new Fayette County EMA Director.

Michael Stoker, a lifelong resident of Fayette County, began his new job as Fayette County’s Emergency Management Director on Monday, April 10. Stoker is a 1991 graduate of Fayette Academy, and has served the county for the past 31 years as an Emergency Medical Technician.

 

Fayette Community Foundation holds annual reception


Dr. Joel Hagood, president of Bevill State Community College, spoke concerning the importance of the Fayette Community Foundation.

The annual reception was held for recipients of grants from the Fayette Community Foundation on Tuesday, April 4 at the Fayette Civic Center. Fayette Community Foundation Chairman William Oswalt told the recipients that the foundation has awarded approximately $8 million in grants to organizations during the 18 years since the start of the foundation in 2005, including approximately $700,000 in grants for the current year

 

Glen Allen Council discusses Cleanup Day


Pictured is the former Glen Allen Community Center that was a topic of discussion during the council meeting.

The Glen Allen Town Council met in regular session on Tuesday, April 4 at the town’s community center. All council members were present for the monthly meeting. The council elected to conduct the annual spring cleanup on Saturday, April 29. The cleanup is being held in conjunction with the People Against a Littered State (PALS) “Don’t Drop it on Alabama” Statewide Spring Cleanup.

 

Baseball Roundup


Harrison Unger is shown pitching for Fayette against Winfield.

Fayette faced rival Winfield last week in a crucial three-game area series that could determine if either team would make the playoffs. Fayette began the series at home on Tuesday, losing to the Pirates by the score of 5-1.

 

Softball Roundup



The Berry Lady Wildcats defeated Hubbertville by the score of 2-0 on April 4 in the only game that either school played last week. Maggie Mauldin pitched the complete game shutout, allowing only five hits and striking out nine batters to record the victory.

 

Sheriff’s Office seeks public’s help


Kenneth Spinato is pictured above with his daughter Sherry Renshaw.

Editor’s Note: The following is a press release from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department asking for the community’s help in solving a murder investigation.

Over six months ago, in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, Kenneth Spinato was found deceased in his Fayette County home. Investigators quickly determined that Spinato was the victim of a homicide.

Wisemiller gives update to Fayette City Council


Tom Wisemiller, President and CEO of C3, is shown addressing the council.

The Fayette City Council held its regular council meeting on March 28. Councilwoman Virettia Whiteside was absent from the meeting, with all other council members present. Tom Wisemiller, President and CEO of the Northwest Alabama Economic Alliance, better known as C3, gave the council an update on projects that his organization has been working on.

 

Donation for ‘The Loft’


Ron and Anita Morris are shown presenting the check from the fundraiser to Dana Beavers (right), owner of The Loft.

Ron and Anita Morris held a St. Patrick’s day fundraiser to benefit “The Loft” and all of the many community projects that The Loft supports. The fundraiser, called “Soup for the Soul” included homemade soup, cornbread and pound cake made by Anita Morris along with a handcrafted bowl from Ron’s Pottery.

Local residents travel to the Holy Land


Fayette County Baptist Association Director John Killian is shown baptizing Sonja Goree in the Jordan River.

From Jan. 16 - 25, a group of Fayette County citizens joined with others on a trip to the Holy Land. For many, this was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. For the trip’s host, Fayette County Baptist Director John Killian, this was his seventh trip, and his wife, Jeanie’s, fourth pilgrimage.

 

Waste Management representative explains billing


Pictured at the March 27 Fayette County Commission meeting, from left: Commissioners John Underwood, Wesley Jacobs, Robert Townley, David Hubbert, Shane Hughes, Brad Cox and Commission Chairman Mike Freeman.

The Fayette County Commission held its March 27 meeting at the Wayside Community Voting Precinct, at the request of District 2 Commissioner Shane Hughes. All commissioners were present for the meeting. The meeting began with Commission Chairman Mike Freeman allowing citizens at the meeting to ask Waste Management Representative Kerry Howell questions concerning the recent Waste Management quarterly bills that were received by residents.

 

BOE votes to ‘non-renew’ Sawyer’s principal contract


Berry High School Principal Steve Sawyer is shown addressing the Fayette County Board of Education.

The Fayette County Board of Education voted during its March 16 meeting to non-renew Steve Sawyer’s contract as principal of Berry High School. All board members were present for the meeting. The meeting was attended by numerous concerned parents and citizens of the county, and the board also had its attorney present for the meeting. Sawyer was given three minutes at the beginning of the meeting to address the board, and read a prepared statement to the board members, superintendent and others who were in attendance for the meeting.