The 2024 FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) took place in Seattle, WA, from June 29 – July 3, drawing more than 8,000 students, educators, and guests from across the nation. This gathering provided a valuable platform for attendees to expand their leadership skills, sharpen their talents, explore career pathways, and listen to inspiring speakers. The highly anticipated Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events were at the heart of the conference.

The Berry Women’s Club received a grant from Tombigbee RC&D to refurbish the “Old Town Well”. The gazebo was reconstructed featuring a blue interior roof and topped with a weather vein on the shingled roof. The bright white exterior brings attention to the beautiful structure. Attached benches are provided for visitors. The grounds were landscaped with plants, a tree, rocks, and signage. The tree was donated by Mickey Lollar in memory of Toni Morgan.

The Berry Fire Department interacted with seniors at the Berry Civic Center, discussing fire safety and the smoke alarm program organized by the State Fire Marshal Office. They appreciated the opportunity to engage with these esteemed individuals

On Tuesday, July 16, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 96, located near M&M Service Center, in Fayette Co. FCSO also received reports of a single vehicle crash on Thursday, July 18. in the 4400 block of Co. Rd. 53 N.

For over eight decades, Paul Yerby, a cherished local artist, has been painting the canvas of life through his art. Yerby was born in 1937 in the Salem community north of Boley Springs in Fayette County, and has lived in or near Berry all of his life. His journey began in grammar school, where he was recognized as the class artist by his teachers and peers. “I’ve been drawing ever since I can remember, and I did a lot of drawing in school,” he said. “I reckon the Lord just gave me some talent for it.” This sparked a passion that would last a lifetime.

Fayette County School Superintendent Jim Burkhalter held an open meeting to address concerns about Fayette Middle School on Thursday, July 18 at the FMS gym. Deputy Superintendent Mary Raines and FMS Assistant Principal Ray Trull were in attendance, along with many concerned parents.

By Amber Sitton | Guest editorial

Missing persons cases cast a long shadow across the United States. It’s a problem that plagues communities nationwide, leaving families in anguish and uncertainty. Alabama, like many states, grapples with this issue, but a beacon of hope shines from Fayette County in the state’s northwest corner. Remarkably, Fayette County currently has no missing persons reported.

Each year, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) joins fellow highway patrol and state police agencies across the nation vying for the top spot in the American Association of State Troopers’ (AAST) “Best-Looking Cruiser” Contest. Photos are chosen through popular vote and placed in the AAST’s calendar.

Bungalow’s RealtySouth held a ribbon cutting for their new real estate office, located inside Bungalow’s Venue, on Thursday, July 11. Several were in attendance. Pictured above, front row, left to right: Belinda Watts, Anita Morris, Jennifer Roberts, Emily Montague, Jamie Mansfield Farris (Broker w/scissors), Peyton Mansfield, Rebecca Green, Sherry Terry, Melanie Warren and Marla Kizzire. Back Row, left to right: Ron Morris, Floyd Rogers, Dolan Lyle (Agent), Jeff Farris, Mayor Rod Northam, Daxston Farris and Willy Ivey.

Departments in Fayette County were recognized and shown appreciation for their service of commitment and training to keep Alabama safe. Shown above, bottom row, left to right: Chris Roos (Alabama Forestry Department), Paul Madison (Boley), Terrell Stripling (Belk), Eddie “Bunky” Hayes (Lawrence Mill), David Dozier (Hubbertville) and Logan Fisher (Alabama Forestry Department).

Governor Kay Ivey on Monday encouraged Alabamians to begin preparing for the upcoming academic year by participating in Alabama’s annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, held Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21. Items available for purchase and exempt from sales tax during the weekend include pencils, paper, binders, calculators, rulers and even computers, as well as school uniforms, gym suits and other types of clothing.

The Glen Allen Town Council met in regular session at the Town Community Center on Tuesday, July 2. All council members were in attendance for the monthly meeting. Following standard opening procedures for the meeting, Mayor Allen J. Dunavant informed the council that he had received a bid proposal for purchasing the old water meters which were recently replaced with the Automated Meter Reading (AMR) water meters.

The Fayette County Commission convened for a work session at the Fayette Courthouse Annex Building on Monday, July 8. All commissioners were present, except for District Five Commissioner Robert Townley. Fayette County Commission Chairman Mike Freeman stated the meeting was primarily about discussing and putting together plans for 2025 that are due by the end of August. He mentioned that this is not the only meeting, and there will be more discussions in the future.