Local News

The renovation of Fayette’s Flag Park is growing closer. In a meeting on Friday, Oct. 9, Fayette Mayor Rod Northam showcased conceptual plans of the fully renovated site, which included a 7,000 square foot lawn with a bench and play area, a stage with a storm shelter underneath, restrooms, and a parking lot. That specific plan would cost around $2.5 million to complete. This meeting comes after two previous meetings held on June 24 and Aug. 27, in which the idea was workshopped around between community members and consultants from Your Town Alabama.

The Fayette City Council approved its fiscal year 2027 budget, authorized bids for the first phase of improvements to Bill’s Trail and took action on several infrastructure projects during its regular meeting Tuesday, Sept. 22. All council members were present. Gavin Norris, student and youth pastor at Southside Baptist Church, opened the meeting with prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Prior to the regular meeting, the council held a public hearing concerning the elimination of the city’s floodplain zoning district.

Fayette Medical Center will remain open as local leaders and DCH Health System begin planning for the future of health care in Fayette County following the announcement that the hospital’s long-standing operating agreement will not be renewed in its current form. The Fayette County Hospital Board and the board of the DCH Health Care Authority announced Friday, Sept. 25, that the current lease agreement, which expires Sept. 30, 2027, cannot continue under its existing terms.

A new transitional living home in Fayette County is offering women rebuilding their lives a safe place to take the next step toward independence. Laci Jordan Agape House held an open house Sept. 15, giving community members an opportunity to learn more about the Christ-centered nonprofit and the services it will provide to women following incarceration, addiction treatment, domestic violence or homelessness. For the safety and privacy of residents, the location of the home is not being published.

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.