Local News

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.

Road work is continuing across Fayette County as crews move forward with multiple projects while facing ongoing funding challenges, according to County Engineer Ben Snipes. Current work includes improvements on County Road 24 between Elm and Sand Springs roads, a section of County Road 73 in Glen Allen, County Road 21 North between Highways 18 and 38, and County Road 53 North between Highways 102 and 18. Crews are also performing spot leveling on County Road 4.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month—a time set aside to recognize the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. It is also a time to reflect on our shared responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us—our children. At the West Alabama Child Advocacy Center, we see firsthand both the heartbreaking reality of abuse and the incredible resilience of children. Every child who walks through our doors deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported.

The Fayette County Commission met March 23, approving routine business and taking steps toward additional road funding. The meeting opened with a prayer led by Chairman Mike Freeman and the Pledge of Allegiance. All commissioners were present except Commissioner Brad Cox. Commissioners approved the agenda, adding an executive session to discuss personnel matters, and approved minutes from the March 9 meeting without discussion.

As local elections approach, voters in Fayette County may notice that their ballots do not always look the same as someone else’s, even within the same community. That difference often comes down to how districts are drawn. Some local offices, such as members of the Fayette County Board of Education or County Commission, are elected by district rather than countywide. This means only voters who live within a specific district will see that race on their ballot.

The Fayette City Council met March 24 at City Hall with all members present, opening with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, led by District Judge Merrill Nolen. Council members approved minutes from the March 10 meeting before moving into agenda items that included community partnerships, facility needs and equipment purchases. Luke Porter also addressed the council to recognize the Fayette Junior City Council for its volunteer work supporting Magnolia Ranch, a nonprofit working to develop homes for foster children.