Local News

A new state-backed initiative is giving Alabama taxpayers a unique opportunity to directly support their local hospital without increasing their tax burden, and Fayette Medical Center is encouraging residents and businesses to take advantage of it while funds remain available. The Rural Hospital Investment Program, passed by the Alabama Legislature, allows individuals and businesses to redirect a portion of their state income tax liability to eligible rural hospitals, including Fayette Medical Center. 

For nearly seven decades, the people of Fayette knew they could count on Dr. Richard Oliver Rutland Jr., MD, not just as a physician, but as a steady, compassionate presence in their lives. His passing on Jan. 12 marks the end of an era in Fayette medicine, but his influence remains woven into the fabric of the community he faithfully served.

Jami DeLoe Olive has recently been hired as the News Editor of The Times-Record.

A single vehicle crash on Monday, Jan 5. has claimed the life of a Fayette man. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Gregory Hill, 79, was fatally injured when the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe he was driving left the roadway, struck a tree and overturned. Reports show he was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash occurred on Hwy. 102, about seven miles north of Berry. The incident is under investigation by ALEA and the cause of the crash is unknown at this time.

Qualifying is underway for the 2026 primary elections, which will be held on Tuesday, May 19. The Times-Record is offering candidates the option to run candidate profiles through Wednesday, March 25. The TimesRecord has set guidelines for free political profiles to be published in its print edition, which is also reproduced in a digital edition. Free profiles will be published on a first-come, first-serve basis. Candidates can start running their profiles on Friday Jan. 30, 2026.

On Saturday, Jan. 10, a single vehicle crash occurred on Hwy 96, west of Co. Rd. 16 near Belk, where an overturned vehicle was recovered from a ditch. Belk Volunteer Fire Department and Fayette County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene. No injuries were reported and the vehicle was removed by Jimmy Black with Black’s Wrecker Service and Justin Watkins.

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.

Alabama Sunshine, pictured above, was featured in the 12th edition of Made in America Gift Guide which highlights local businesses across all 50 states.

Alabama Sunshine was a hot topic in this year’s holiday gift spotlight. The business was featured in the 12th edition of Made in America Gift Guide for its locally grown, Southern‑made sauces.

July

• The school board approved updated policies aligning with Alabama’s new FOCUS Act, prohibiting student use of phones and other personal electronic devices inside county schools.
• Community members gathered at Guthrie Smith Park on July 2 to honor Kahleb and Ryleigh Collins, with law enforcement recognized for their work in the case.
• A July 3 crash left the driver injured after a dump truck overturned on Hwy.

The Fayette City Council held its regular meeting Tuesday, Dec. 23, at city hall. The meeting opened with a prayer led by Corey Baker, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Rod Northam called the meeting to order with all members present except Councilman Steve Herring.