Fayette

After months of preparation, and thousands of prayers seeking wisdom, direction and guidance, the “Festival of Hope 2023” begins in Fayette next week. The festival, a Christian Crusade that seeks to change lives and see souls saved for Jesus, will be held nightly from Sunday, Oct. 1 through Wednesday, Oct. 4 in John Morgan Brown Stadium (Fayette County High School’s football stadium). Services will begin each night at 7 p.m.

Charles Bianco, a Fayette resident and former University of Alabama bowling coach, won a gold medal in the team bowling event, and a bronze medal in the individual bowling event at the National Senior Games, held July 7-18 in Pittsburgh, Penn.

The Fayette County Board of Education held a brief special-called meeting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19 to take action on four personnel items. All board members were in attendance except for board member Brenda Webb.

September is “Childhood Cancer Awareness” month. FCHS Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) performed several activities during the month, including designing a t-shirt to be worn every Tuesday in September, created and posted posters and flyers about childhood cancer and had a Pediatric Cancer float in the parade.

The Fayette Community Foundation will soon begin accepting grant applications for 2023.

The special Republican primary election to fill the unexpired Alabama House District 16 seat, formerly held by Kyle South, will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 26. There will be no Democratic primary for the open seat, as John Underwood was the only Democratic qualifier. As the only Democratic candidate, Underwood will automatically be in the Jan. 9, 2024 general election.

Fayette County High School crowned its 2023 Homecoming Queen prior to the start of the Fayette - Carbon Hill football game.

Fayette County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Michael Stoker is advising all local residents that there will be a loud test of the nationwide Emergency Alert System on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The Fayette County Board of Education approved personnel items and contracts during its Sept. 12 meeting. All board members were present for the meeting, with the exception of board member John Aaron.

The Fayette City Council held its regular council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 12. All council members were present for the meeting. Fayette resident Rickey Ary opened the meeting with prayer. Councilman Tommy Williams led the Pledge of Allegiance. City Engineering Consultant Luke Porter gave the council an update on recent projects.