On Monday, Aug. 5, the Berry Town Council held its regular meeting at Berry City Hall. All council members were present, except for Councilman Russell Madison. The meeting commenced with a prayer led by Councilman Chris Lindsey, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance recited by Councilman Charles Tidwell.
The Glen Allen town council met on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the town’s community center. All councilors were in attendance for the monthly meeting. Following standard opening meeting procedures, Mayor Allen J. Dunavant addressed the council with items of old business.
The Fayette County Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 30, at the Courthouse Annex building. All board members were present. District One Board Member John Aaron led the meeting with a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by District Two Board Member Tierre Agnew. The meeting was attended by over 150 parents and community members who passionately advocated for their principal, Tim Dunavant, of Hubbertville School.
Pictured from left to right, Sherry Simpson Grey was recognized as Berry Woman of the Year for 2024, and Landon Aldridge was recognized as Berry Man of the Year for 2024. The ceremony was held on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 at the Berry Civic Center. Grey was nominated by the Berry Women’s Club, and Aldridge was nominated by the Industrial Board.
The Town of Berry Industrial Development Authority (IDA) held its organizational meeting on June 27 at the Berry Civic Center. All board members were present except for board member Scott Madison. President Wesley Madison initiated the proceedings, and Vice President Kenneth Bozeman led an opening prayer, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
For over 50 years, Coach Sandra Holliman has been a respected pillar of the volleyball community. Holliman is a 1959 graduate of Fayette County High School. She attended the University of Alabama (UA) where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1963 and received her Master’s in Education in 1965.
Municipal elections in Alabama will now be held in 2025 to avoid the overlap with the presidential election this November. The bill, SB-119, sponsored by Sen. Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills) and Rep. Jim Hill (R-Moody), moved the upcoming 2024 municipal elections to 2025, extending current leaders’ terms by one year.
On Saturday, July 27, at approximately 9:10 p.m. Tuscaloosa Police responded to reports of a shooting in the parking lot of Embassy Suites in downtown Tuscaloosa located on 2410 University Blvd. According to Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) Captain Jack Kennedy, one male was found deceased at the scene. The victim was identified as Howell Booth Holland III, 21, of Fayette.
On Monday, July 22, the Fayette County Commission held its regular meeting at the Lawrence Mill Community Center, hosted by District Three Commissioner David Hubbert. The meeting commenced with Hubbert leading with prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All commissioners were present and introduced themselves and each district they represent.
Junior City Council Mayor Emily Huang is shown surrounded by council and community members during her last Fayette City Council meeting.
The Fayette City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 23, at Fayette City Hall. All council members were present except for Councilwoman Aliska Hughes-Monroe. The meeting commenced with a prayer led by Scott Smyth, pastor at Vision Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance recited by Councilman Jerry Nichols.
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 Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) recognized 107 high schools that were ejection and sportsmanship fine free for the 2023-24 school year. The $1,000 Sportsmanship grant, which was provided by the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association (AHSADCA), was awarded to 10 of the schools, one from each district and two from districts 4 and 8, in a show of commitment and support for the AHSAA’s sportsmanship initiatives.
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
(Photo courtesy of Fayette County Sheriff Byron Yerby)
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.
