Qualifying is underway for the 2026 primary elections, which will be held on Tuesday, May 19. The Times-Record is offering candidates the option to run candidate profiles through Wednesday, March 25. The TimesRecord has set guidelines for free political profiles to be published in its print edition, which is also reproduced in a digital edition. Free profiles will be published on a first-come, first-serve basis. Candidates can start running their profiles on Friday Jan. 30, 2026.

On Saturday, Jan. 10, a single vehicle crash occurred on Hwy 96, west of Co. Rd. 16 near Belk, where an overturned vehicle was recovered from a ditch. Belk Volunteer Fire Department and Fayette County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene. No injuries were reported and the vehicle was removed by Jimmy Black with Black’s Wrecker Service and Justin Watkins.

Proposed ordinances aimed at protecting Bay’s Lake, shown above, have raised legal concerns. The lake is the town’s water supply | Photo by Jami Olive

The Berry Town Council held its monthly meeting Jan. 5 at Berry City Hall. Councilman Chris Lindsey opened the meeting with a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Mary Sue Lollar called the meeting to order. All members were present.

Alabama Sunshine, pictured above, was featured in the 12th edition of Made in America Gift Guide which highlights local businesses across all 50 states.

Alabama Sunshine was a hot topic in this year’s holiday gift spotlight. The business was featured in the 12th edition of Made in America Gift Guide for its locally grown, Southern‑made sauces.

July

• The school board approved updated policies aligning with Alabama’s new FOCUS Act, prohibiting student use of phones and other personal electronic devices inside county schools.
• Community members gathered at Guthrie Smith Park on July 2 to honor Kahleb and Ryleigh Collins, with law enforcement recognized for their work in the case.
• A July 3 crash left the driver injured after a dump truck overturned on Hwy.

The Fayette City Council held its regular meeting Tuesday, Dec. 23, at city hall. The meeting opened with a prayer led by Corey Baker, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Rod Northam called the meeting to order with all members present except Councilman Steve Herring.

The Fayette County Community is celebrating a milestone as the Fayette Medical Center Hospital announces the addition of a state-of-theart rural health clinic and new physician offices.

Year in Review

January

• Wendy Pamela Jean Bailey, 22, was arrested and charged in connection with the death of her one year old son, Kahleb Rowan Collins.
• A fatal shooting on Water Mill Road in Pickens County led to the arrest of 23‑year‑old Russell Douglas Beede of Fayette. Beede was taken into custody and charged with murder.
• 84‑year‑old Fayette resident Phyllis B. Thompson died following a three‑vehicle collision on Hwy. 96 near Co. Rd. 21.

The charred remains of a home in the White’s Chapel community, belonging to Tommy and Donna Turner, are seen above after a devastating fire on Sunday, Dec. 14. | Photo by Gina Lynn

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, marks one year since authorities reported the disappearance of 1-year-old Kahleb Rowan Collins, a case that has drawn widespread attention and continues to weigh heavily on the community.

The Fayette City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at city hall. The meeting opened with a prayer led by Larry Humber, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ernest Alford Cargile | Photo courtesy of the Fayette County Jail

A Fayette County Grand Jury has indicted Ernest Alford Cargile, 67, of Fayette, on 11 counts of possession of child pornography of obscene matter of a person under 17. His bond was set at $1,102,000 on Oct. 10. According to court documents, on Nov. 20, Cargile entered pleas of not guilty and not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

Dana Mullins Anderson | Photo courtesy of the Fayette County Jail

A Fayette County grand jury has indicted Dana Mullins Anderson, 63, of Fayette, on 15 counts of first‑degree theft of property. The charges stem from an alleged long‑term theft at Garry W. Magouirk, MDPC, where Anderson allegedly served as office manager since 2011.

The Belk Town Council held its regular town meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Mayor Matt Belk, council members Deana Belk, Don Byars, Sherry Spack, Terrell Stripling and Zoey Thomas were all present, along with Brianna Owens, clerk. The meeting was called to order with prayer by Byars.

The Hubbertville Varisty Boys Basketball team were named Northwest Alabama Conference (NAC) Tournament Champions after defeating Lynn (78-36), Berry (84-54) and Hackleburg (95-61) in the NAC tournament on Dec. 11-13. Kane Rushing, Blaize Wakefield and Cameron Pendley made the NAC All Conference team.

Fayette County’s Marqualan Maddox (33) knocks the jump ball towards the Tigers to start play. | Photo by Devin Dudley

Fayette Co. High School Varsity Girls

On Dec. 9, the Lady Tigers earned a 47-44 win over Winfield.  On Dec. 12, the Tigers lost to Marion County 79-42.

Fayette Co. High School Varsity Boys

On Dec. 9, The Tigers lost to Winfield 66-48.  On Dec. 11, the Tigers fell to South Lamar 68-51. 

Berry High School Varsity Girls Basketball team was recently crowned Pickens Academy Thanksgiving tournament champions. Anna Raley Palmer, Caylee Westbrook and Shayla Mayfield made the All-Tournament team. Palmer was named the MVP of the tournament. Pictured from left to right on the front row are Shayla Mayfield, Anna Raley Palmer, Caylee Westbrook and Bella Taylor; back row are Head Coach Danny Raines, Abbie Lollar, Sydney Rice, Za’Riah Jackson, Kryssa Fields, Delaina Powers and Coach Linnie Shepherd Booth. | Contributed Photo

Berry High School Varisty Boys basketball team was named the Pickens Academy Thanksgiving tournament champions. Jordan Jackson was named MVP of the tournament, Jerrode Jackson and Max Westbrook made the All Tournament team. Pictured above from left to right are Kayson Simmons, Drayke Parr, Jerrode Jackson, Jordan Jackson, Coach Jonathan Thomas, Head Coach Ryan Stephens, Max Westbrook, Jayden Smith, Mason Parr and Seth Traweek. | Contributed Photo

The Hubbertville Varsity Football team was recently recognized as the 2025 NAC Champions. Head Coach Caleb Hynds was named the Football NAC Coach of the Year, Cole Brand was recognized as the Football NAC MVP and Varisty Football All conference team was awarded to Bryce Afshar, Cole Brand, Braylon Hill, Blaize Wakefield, Tyler Stricklin, Kane Rushing and Lawson Dodd. Pictured above from left to right on the front row are Braxton Madison, Landon Dodd, Sawyer Bowen, Mac Brasher, Trevor Benton, Bo Brasher, Gavin Hubbert, Cruz Kizzire, Brennon Hill and Ethan Browning.

The Fayette County Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec 9, at the Hubbertville School Library. The meeting began with a prayer led by District Three Board Member Tom Hubbert, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance conducted by Board Vice President Julie Stough. Board President Brenda Webb called the meeting to order with all members present.