The Fayette County Commission passed its fiscal year 2022 budget during its Sept. 27 meeting. All commissioners were present for the meeting. Prior to the start of the meeting, William McCollum, a student at Fayette County High School and an Alabama 4-H ambassador, led the commissioners in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag. McCollum was attending the commission meeting on his 16th birthday.

The Fayette City Council voted to approve its budget for fiscal year 2022 during its Sept. 28 meeting. All council members were present for the meeting. At the beginning of the meeting, members of the local Girl Scout troop led the council in the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer.

Fayette traveled to Northside last Friday for a regional game and was shutout by the Rams by a score of 34-0. Northside used a strong running game to control the line of scrimmage and take control of the contest. The Rams also had a very effective passing game to balance the offense, completing four-of-six passes for 85 yards and four touchdowns

The Berry Wildcats picked up its first road win of the year against the Lynn Bears. The Wildcats used some big offensive plays and defensive stands to take the 59–18 victory. Lynn won the toss and elected to defer until the second half.

Approximately one year ago, local professional boxer Anthony Stewart was on the edge of realizing step one of a long-time dream – winning a pro title and belt. On Aug. 22, 2020, he was scheduled to face Arturo Aguilar in a match at Fort Payne for the vacant USA Alabama State Cruiserweight Title He had been training hard in anticipation of the event, and the day before, he had traveled to Fort Payne with his trainer and friend Seth Leonhard for the official weigh-in.

Brad Cox took the oath of office as Commissioner of District 1 on Monday, Sept. 20. His first official meeting as commissioner was on Monday, Sept. 27.

Following a year’s absence, the Fayette County Frog Level Festival will be returning in full force this year. As an added attraction, the festival will also help celebrate the 200th anniversary of Fayette as an incorporated city.

In January 1821, almost four years before Fayette County was created, Fayette Court House Town was created. Through the years, there have been many name changes, both official and unofficial. However, through all of the changes, through fires, wars, The Great Depression and other catastrophic events, the town has survived and now Fayette officially celebrates its 200th birthday.

The Berry Town Council voted to approve one-time pay adjustments for all of the town’s employees during its Sept. 14 meeting. All council members were present at the meeting.
The council approved the $1,415 per employee pay adjustments through funds received by the town from the American Rescue Plan. Councilman Charles Tidwell made the motion for the adjustments, and the motion was seconded by Councilman Russell Madison. The motion was approved unanimously.

The game wasn’t pretty, but when the contest was over, Fayette had captured a 21-7 homecoming win over the South Lamar Stallions. The Tigers overcame more than 100 yards in penalties, including two touchdowns that were disallowed because of infractions.

The Berry Wildcats were seeking to get back on the winning track and play spoiler on Class 2A Lamar County’s homecoming last week. However, the Bulldogs got out to an early first half lead by scoring two touchdowns. The Wildcats fought hard in the second half, but could not overcome the deficit in the 24–0 loss.

Hubbertville celebrated homecoming on Friday night by hosting the Hackleburg Panthers. The Panthers won the coin toss and elected to defer, sending Gage Alexander and T.J. Keeton back to receive the opening kick.

Many of us remember the Whitney House, a large old hotel/boarding house that sat among huge oak trees on the property where the Fayette Fire Department and Fayette Police Station now stand. The house was built by Marion F. Caine, a 50- year-old farmer, who was elected sheriff of Fayette County and served from 1884 -1888. Caine purchased the two-acre plot from Balus E. and Annie E. Grace on June 6, 1884 for $1,100, a very large amount in those days.

Fayette’s first town, Fayette Court House Town, located on the hill at Five-Points, was only seven years old when Dr. Reuben Davis arrived to begin his practice on Dec. 24, 1828. He was just one month shy of his 17th birthday.

The first hotel in Fayette Court House town or Fayetteville was built by John C. Moore in approximately 1840, 181 years ago, and it still stands today. It is the oldest home in Fayette.

At 6:15 a.m. on Friday, March 24, 1911, Benjamin Thornton was walking down the main street of Fayette on his way to work in his office at the Fayette Mill and Fertilizer Company, located southeast of the train depot. As he reached the northern-most part of the business district, he noticed flames coming from Dr. J. D. Young’s drug store, located on the east side of Temple Avenue near where Robbie’s store is today.

After the creation of the State of Alabama in 1819, early settlers began moving into an area where they found a haven, flanked by the Sipsey and Luxapilila Rivers. Its river bottoms furnished fine farming land, and the hillsides rich with timber furnished logs to build homes. There was also a bountiful supply of wild game for food. These settlers formed a small village located on the hill between Five-Points and Highway 18 (Vernon Highway). In January of 1821, almost four years before Fayette County was created in Dec.

Bradley Cox was named by Governor Kay Ivey as the new Fayette County District 1 Commissioner, effective Sept. 17. Cox replaces Joe Acker as the District one Commissioner. Acker announced his resignation at the July 26 Fayette County Commission meeting, and made his resignation official the next day by turning in the appropriate paperwork. Cox received the endorsement of the Fayette County Republican Party as Acker’s replacement during a special meeting on Aug. 17, and also met with Governor Ivey’s staff concerning the appointment on Sept. 7.

Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Transportation announced on Monday, Sept. 20 that $2.08 million in special “Rebuild Alabama” grants have been awarded throughout the state. The City of Fayette. and Fayette County received $250,000 during this special grant allocation for the paving of 25th St. NE and McConnell Loop, beginning at Hwy. 171 near Bevill and concluding back at Hwy 171 north of Walmart.