Local News

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 Fayette County Commission met April 13 with Commissioner David Hubbert presiding in the absence of Chairman Mike Freeman. Commissioner Wesley Jacobs was also absent. Commissioners approved the meeting agenda and claims, which included expenses for animal control, reappraisal and more than $133,000 in road construction. During discussion of claims, commissioners briefly questioned recurring charges related to weather sirens and routine maintenance items, though no action was taken.

The Glen Allen Town Council met April 7 at the town’s Community Center, with several council members absent as officials addressed resident concerns, upcoming events and routine business. Mayor Allen J. Dunavant called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Councilman Robert Aldridge opened with prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmen Brad Whitehead and Dustin Youngblood were not present.

Restoration Springs is offering men in recovery a structured place to rebuild their lives, providing transitional housing and support for those coming out of treatment, incarceration or other difficult circumstances. Located in Fayette and operated by the Will Bright Foundation, the program is designed to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and independent living.

The Fayette Area Chamber of Commerce brought together local businesses and organizations on April 8 for its monthly luncheon at the Fayette Civic Center, with a focus on improving coordination of community events across the county. Led by Chamber Director Emily Montague, the luncheon centered on creating a shared event calendar aimed at reducing scheduling conflicts and increasing community participation.

A Fayette County man has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to a charge of first-degree rape, according to a press release from the Office of the District Attorney, 24th Judicial Circuit of Alabama. William Charles Elam, 69, was indicted by a Fayette County grand jury on Oct. 31, 2022. He later entered a guilty plea to the charge on Nov. 17, 2025. Following a sentencing hearing held Thursday, Sam Junkin, a Fayette County circuit judge, sentenced Elam to life in prison.

Lisa Bright, left, of the Will Bright Foundation is pictured with Dr. Monty Burks, director of the Center for Faith at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, during an April 9 meeting of the Association of Christian Recovery Ministries at Restoration Springs in Fayette.

Residents had the opportunity to learn more about local health resources during the DCH Community Health Fair held Friday at Fayette Medical Center. The event featured a variety of informational booths covering topics such as emergency services, mental health, nutrition, home health care, hospice, and disease prevention. Representatives from multiple organizations were on hand to answer questions, provide educational materials, and connect attendees with available resources and services.

Hubbertville residents gathered recently for the community’s annual Park Day, a tradition that marks the start of the Park and  Recreation ball season. The event brought players, families and supporters together as each team was introduced ahead of a full day of games. Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed youth baseball and softball action while also visiting craft and retail vendors set up around the park.

Gas prices have jumped in recent weeks, and Fayette County drivers are seeing it firsthand at the pump. As of this week, gas in Fayette is hovering around $3.99 per gallon. A short drive to Tuscaloosa shows lower prices, generally ranging from about $3.53 to $3.62. That difference (sometimes 30 to 40 cents per gallon) reflects a pattern many rural residents have noticed for years: gas often costs more in smaller communities than it does in nearby cities. Several factors are contributing to the latest increase, and most of them begin far beyond Fayette County.