Local News

Fayette Middle School is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from Sept. 15-Oct. 15, as a time to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Throughout the month, FMS is highlighting the accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans in areas such as education, science, sports, music, art, literature and public service. Students also have opportunities to learn about the diverse countries, languages, traditions and experiences that make up Hispanic and Latino heritage.

The Berry Town Council adopted its budget for the upcoming fiscal year during its Sept. 14 meeting, which also included recognition of the town’s 2026 Man and Woman of the Year and the unveiling of a new web-based app for residents. Before the council began its regular business, members of the Berry Industrial Board recognized Calvin Madison as Berry’s 2026 Man of the Year. Madison was selected by an overwhelming vote in recognition of approximately 30 years of service to the community.

The Fayette County Commission heard updates from the Fayette County Extension Office, approved several annual agreements and resolutions and received an update on county road projects during its Monday, Sept. 14, meeting. All commissioners were present except Brad Cox. Ronni Rena Brasher from the Fayette County Extension Office updated commissioners on several new programs and introduced Kay Wiginton, the Extension Office’s new parent educator. The position was made possible through a grant-funded program.

A Fayette woman was killed Tuesday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash in Fayette County. The crash occurred at approximately 3:36 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, on Fayette County 26 near Vick Road, approximately eight miles southeast of Fayette. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Karon K. Collins, 69, of Fayette, was fatally injured when the 2018 Ford Explorer she was driving left the roadway. The vehicle struck a ditch and then a tree before catching fire.

State Sen. Matt Woods and State Rep. Bryan Brinyark announced today that the Fayette County Board of Education has been awarded a $5 million grant to expand career and technical education opportunities for local students. The grant was made possible through a $150 million legislative appropriation that established a statewide grant program to expand career and technical education and workforce training in Alabama’s K-12 schools. Fayette County does not currently have a standalone career and technical education school.

The Fayette City Council heard updates from Fayette Medical Center and the Fayette Aquatic Center, approved several personnel matters and reviewed a preliminary budget for the coming fiscal year during its Sept. 8 meeting. Before the regular meeting, the council held a public hearing concerning the proposed abatement of a property at 406 Temple Ave. S. No one spoke for or against the abatement. All council members were present for the regular meeting.

The Fayette County Board of Education presented its proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget during a public hearing Sept. 8 before moving into its regular monthly meeting. The proposed budget anticipates approximately $32.36 million in revenues and $34.09 million in expenditures. State funding represents the largest source of revenue at approximately $22.15 million, followed by about $6.15 million in local revenue and $3.94 million in federal funding.

The Glen Allen Town Council met Tuesday, Sept. 1, at the town’s community center, addressing several items ranging from water system maintenance and a future rate increase to street improvements and the demolition of the former community center. Council members Brad Whitehead and Dustin Youngblood were absent. Mayor Allen J. Dunavant called the meeting to order at 7:18 p.m. Councilman Robert Aldridge opened the meeting with prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Dunavant.

Addison Tucker was crowned Hubbertville High School’s 2026 Homecoming Queen during halftime festivities at the Lions’ homecoming game against Brilliant on Sept. 4. Tucker received the crown from 2025 Homecoming Queen Zoe Whitson as her escort, Heath Tucker, looked on. 

Plans for the future of Fayette’s Flag Park are beginning to take shape following another meeting with representatives of Your Town Alabama. Matt Leavell and Ben Wiseman met with local community members Aug. 27 to review ideas for redeveloping the downtown park and discuss how improvements could be completed in phases. The latest meeting followed an earlier planning session in June, when community members and local leaders discussed what they would like to see included in the park. Using that input, several concepts for the property were presented and discussed at the Aug. 27 meeting.