Berry town council

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 Berry Town Council addressed several major issues during its Aug. 3 meeting, including a proposed residential development, police equipment upgrades, municipal court concerns and several infrastructure projects. After the invocation and pledge, Randall Kelley reported that the Berry Fire Department responded to 26 calls during July. Kelley also updated the council on the recent multi-agency kratom investigation that included the Berry Police Department. Kelley said investigators recovered 188 bottles of kratom products from one Berry store owned by an individual under investigation.

The Town of Berry kicked off Independence Day festivities early with its America 250 celebration on Thursday, July 2, bringing residents together at Berry Heritage Park to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. The evening honored America’s past, present and future while providing an opportunity for neighbors to gather in celebration. The event began with free hot dogs, chips and drinks for the first 250 attendees as families spread blankets and lawn chairs across the park in anticipation of an evening filled with patriotic music, fellowship and fireworks.

The Berry Town Council approved several appointments, selected a name for the town’s new museum and postponed action on a proposed police technology purchase during its regular meeting on July 6. Mayor Mary Lollar called the meeting to order with Council Members Calvin Madison, Russell Madison and Nancy Shepherd present. Council Members Charles Tidwell and Chris Lindsey were absent. The council approved minutes from its June 8 and June 22 meetings.

The Berry Town Council discussed public safety technology, preparations for the town’s upcoming America 250 celebration, employee policies and several infrastructure issues during its June 8 meeting. Berry Police Chief Gerald Dedeaux presented a department activity report covering Jan. 1 through May 31. During that period, the department recorded 27 arrests, including 15 drug-related arrests, worked three traffic accidents, completed 32 incident reports, issued 66 citations and approximately 185 written warnings.

The Berry Town Council met April 6, opening with routine business before hearing from residents and addressing several items related to infrastructure, staffing and community development. All members except Russell Madison were present. Following approval of the minutes, the council heard a report from the fire department, noting 42 calls for the month of March and a successful recent rodeo fundraiser. The council then opened the floor to speakers.

The Berry Town Council met Monday, March 2, at Berry Town Hall, with Mayor Mary Lollar presiding. The meeting began with approval of minutes from the town’s previous meetings following an earlier executive session. All council members were present except Calvin Madison. During the meeting, the council approved updated ordinances for Bay’s Lake. Mayor Lollar said the revised rules will be filed with the courthouse, posted at the lake, displayed in several locations around town and published for the public.

The Berry Town Council approved new protections for Bay’s Lake, heard updates on a proposed housing development and addressed ongoing park maintenance concerns during its recent meeting. Berry town council met on Feb. 2, all members were present. The meeting opened with a prayer led by council member Chris Lindsey, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous meeting minutes before Mayor Mary Lollar presented awards from the town’s annual Christmas Tree Walk.

Proposed ordinances aimed at protecting Bay’s Lake, shown above, have raised legal concerns. The lake is the town’s water supply | Photo by Jami Olive

The Berry Town Council held its monthly meeting Jan. 5 at Berry City Hall. Councilman Chris Lindsey opened the meeting with a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Mary Sue Lollar called the meeting to order. All members were present.

The Berry Town Council then held its regular council meeting on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Miner’s Diner. Mayor Mary Sue Lollar called the meeting to order. Present at the meeting were Councilors Nancy Shepherd, Charles Tidwell, Russell Madison, Chris Lindsey and Calvin Madison. Also present at the meeting was Town Clerk Marsha Locke.