The Berry Heritage Festival took place on Friday and Saturday, bringing the community together for a weekend full of excitement. Vendors filled Heritage Park, selling everything from handmade crafts and trinkets to delicious treats. Kids had a blast bouncing in the inflatable house, riding carnival rides, and playing with adorable baby goats. On Friday night, Brandon Malone and The Whiskey Over Ice Band kept the crowd entertained and on their feet with live music. Saturday morning kicked off with a car show, where classic and custom vehicles were on full display for attendees to admire.

On Friday, April 25, Fayette County Sheriff Byron Yerby proudly presented Mackenzie Nelson with her diploma as she completed the Jefferson County Sheriff's Training Academy after 17 weeks of intensive training. Deputy Nelson, a Fayette County native, graduated from Fayette County High School in 2020 and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Alabama. Nelson is a new addition to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.

Scrap Iron Quilting welcomed a special guest on Thursday, April 24. Fred Hunter, known for hosting Absolutely Alabama, a television series dedicated to sharing the unique stories of people and places across the state, visited to explore the history and legacy behind the business. Pictured above from left to right: Kevin Worthington, Rebecca Devenuta, Tirzah Devenuta, Thad Campbell, Phyllis Campbell, Fred Hunter, Lisa Bryant, Linda Rushing, Jackie Moore and Janet Moss.

The Fayette City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 22, at city hall. All members were present except for Councilman Steve Herring. The meeting began with a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The C+ Plus Band took center stage on April 19 at the Fayette Civic Center, paying tribute to the life and legacy of guitarist Sammy Renfroe. His guitar, amp and songbook rested on stage throughout the night as a lasting symbol of his presence. From their beginning as The Rebels in the 1960s to their revival as C+ in 2001, the band has spent over 20 years entertaining many with Southern rock songs at several local events. Pictured above in no particular order: Steve Fowler, Daniel Hindman, Drew Hattaway, Chris Ballinger, Dr. Bruce Perry, Diana Fisher, Scott Robertson, Dr. Charles W.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about recent reports of scam calls in the county. According to the FCSO Facebook page, scammers are claiming that individuals must visit the sheriff’s office to be finger printed in order to verify their identity and/or signature. The sheriff’s office stated they will never call to request that you come in for fingerprinting to verify your identity or signature. They also stated they will also never ask for your personal information over the phone.

The Hubbertville varsity boys fell to the South Lamar Stallions 5-2 on Monday, April 14. On Friday, April 18, the Lions defeated the Coosa Christian Conquerors 4-3 in game one of the first round of playoffs.  In game two, Hubbertville faced an 8-6 loss to the Conquerors. In the final game, the Lions won 9-2 against Coosa Christian.

The Hubbertville varsity girls defeated the Brilliant Tigers 15-4 on Monday, April 14. The Lady Lions defeated Marion County 7-4 on Tuesday, April 15, and earned an 11- 10 victory over Winston County on Wednesday, April 16.

The Fayette County Varsity boys fell 2-1 to the Sipsey Valley Bears on Monday, April 14. The Tigers lost 8-3 against the Etowah Blue Devils on Thursday, April 17, in game one of a doubleheader. In game two, Fayette County lost 8-0 against the Blue Devils. 

The Fayette County varsity girls lost to Marion County 9-7 on Monday, April 14. The Lady Tigers beat the Pickens Academy Pirates 7- 3 on Tuesday, April 15. Fayette County girls faced a narrow defeat, 5-4, to the Berry Wildcats on Friday, April 18.

On Tuesday, April 15, a large tree fell in the roadway in the 700 block of Columbus St. W. No injuries were reported during the incident.

The Fayette County Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, April 14, at the courthouse annex building. The meeting began with a prayer led by EMA Director Michael Stoker, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Commission Chairman Mike Freeman called the meeting to order with all commissioners in attendance.

On Thursday, April 10, lightning struck a power pole on Hwy 18 E. during the storms, resulting in a small fire.

The Fayette County Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 15 at the Courthouse Annex building board room. The Meeting was led with a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

In the early morning hours of Sunday, April 6, severe storms swept through Fayette County, leaving 85 roadways damaged with 13 still deemed impassable. According to the county engineering department, preliminary estimates put the repair costs at $434,250, though assessments are still ongoing.

The 13 roads are listed as follows: Blondie Road, Jud Cook Road, Morris Loop Road, Dodson Circle, Pender Road, Brasher Lane, Fords Valley Road, Fowler Road, Rabbit Road, Pikeville Road, Kirkland Road and Griffin Drive.

Born and raised in Fayette County, Junior Stripling has become a cherished local icon, known for spreading the word of Jesus through his music.