Local News

Council bids farewell to longtime city attorney

Longtime Fayette City Attorney Dale Lawrence speaks during his final Fayette City Council meeting Sept. 8. Lawrence, who began working with the city in 1992 and took over as city attorney in the mid-1990s, reflected on decades of service and the changes he has seen in Fayette through the years.

Longtime Fayette City Attorney Dale Lawrence speaks during his final Fayette City Council meeting Sept. 8. Lawrence, who began working with the city in 1992 and took over as city attorney in the mid-1990s, reflected on decades of service and the changes he has seen in Fayette through the years.

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.

Board of Education presents proposed $34 million budget

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.

Glen Allen council approves new water rates, seeks quotes for building demolition

Glen Allen Mayor Allen J. Dunavant presents Councilwoman Cynthia Cowan with a framed letter of appreciation recognizing her service to the town. Cowan recently moved outside the town limits and will no longer serve in Council Seat 5.

Glen Allen Mayor Allen J. Dunavant presents Councilwoman Cynthia Cowan with a framed letter of appreciation recognizing her service to the town. Cowan recently moved outside the town limits and will no longer serve in Council Seat 5.

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.

Hubbertville crowns 2026 Homecoming Queen

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.

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.

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. 

Berry appoints new municipal court judge

The Berry Town Council appointed three officials to serve Berry Municipal Court during a special-called meeting Aug. 31. Pictured from left are Kaylee McCaleb, municipal court magistrate; Jack Bostick, municipal court judge; and Brandy Feltman, municipal court prosecutor. Berry Municipal Court will resume Sept. 29 at 6 p.m.

The Berry Town Council appointed three officials to serve Berry Municipal Court during a special-called meeting Aug. 31. Pictured from left are Kaylee McCaleb, municipal court magistrate; Jack Bostick, municipal court judge; and Brandy Feltman, municipal court prosecutor. Berry Municipal Court will resume Sept. 29 at 6 p.m.

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.

Flag Park plans beginning to take shape

Ben Wiseman of Your Town Alabama explains features of a conceptual design for improvements to Fayette’s Flag Park during a meeting Aug. 27. Several potential layouts and improvements were discussed as planning continues for the downtown park. The next step will be developing a final plan for the mayor before the city moves forward with implementing the project in phases.

Ben Wiseman of Your Town Alabama explains features of a conceptual design for improvements to Fayette’s Flag Park during a meeting Aug. 27. Several potential layouts and improvements were discussed as planning continues for the downtown park. The next step will be developing a final plan for the mayor before the city moves forward with implementing the project in phases.

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.

Benton’s bond reduced to $25K

Timothy Vess Benton

Timothy Vess Benton

Timothy Vess Benton, who was indicted last month on two felony violations of Alabama’s Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, has been released from the Fayette County Jail after his bond was reduced from $1 million to $25,000. Circuit Judge Ben A. Fuller granted Benton’s motion to reduce bond Friday, Sept. 4. The State of Alabama opposed the request.

56th Fayette Arts Festival scheduled for Sept. 12

The above painting by Fayette Art Museum board member Joel Haney is this year’s design for Fayette Arts Festival t-shirts, which will be available for purchase at the event.

The above painting by Fayette Art Museum board member Joel Haney is this year’s design for Fayette Arts Festival t-shirts, which will be available for purchase at the event.

The 56th annual Fayette Arts Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fayette Civic Center and Art Museum, 530 Temple Ave. N. One of the longest-running arts festivals in Alabama, the event will feature artists and craftspeople from across the region, food vendors, children’s activities and special events celebrating Fayette’s artistic heritage. The festival will be held indoors and outdoors, rain or shine.

West Alabama Mayors hold regional meeting

West Alabama Mayors Association

At a recent meeting of the West Alabama Mayors Association in Millport, state and local leaders gathered to discuss issues affecting the region. Pictured, front row, from left, are Kennedy Mayor Jackie Mitchell, Millport Mayor Stanley Allred and Carrollton Mayor Mickey Walker. Back row, from left, are state Rep.-elect Phil Segraves; Kelli Wolfe, congressional field representative for U.S. Sen. Katie Britt; Pickensville Mayor Donald Sherrod; Coaling Mayor Gary Averett; Fernando Montemayor, Steel Dust Recycling plant manager; Jonathan Rushing, Steel Dust Recycling inventory control manager; Fayette Mayor Rod Northam; and West Alabama Regional Commission Executive Director Dennis Stripling.

Municipal leaders from across West Alabama met Aug. 20 in Millport for a West Alabama Mayors Association meeting that included a presentation on Steel Dust Recycling, regional service updates and discussion about the challenges facing local governments. The association brings together mayors and other municipal officials from communities across West Alabama to share information, discuss common concerns and hear presentations on issues affecting the region. Meetings rotate among communities throughout the area.

Fayette City Council hears library update, approves sewer rates and paving plan

Fayette County Memorial Library Director Jessie Crowe shares the results of the library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program with the council.

Fayette County Memorial Library Director Jessie Crowe shares the results of the library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program with the council.

The Fayette City Council heard updates from Fayette County Memorial Library and approved sewer rate increases and moved forward with more than $682,000 in paving work during its Tuesday, Aug. 25, meeting. All council members were present. Fayette County Memorial Library Director Jessie Crowe began the meeting with an update on the library’s summer reading program and upcoming activities. Crowe said the library held 38 programs during the summer and recorded nearly 2,000 participants. The library also held seven summer camps with the assistance of 10 high school and college-age counselors.

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