The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles has denied parole for Billy Ray Stowe, who is serving a life sentence following his 1983 conviction for first-degree rape in Fayette County.

The Berry Industrial Authority recently hosted a public input session to gather community ideas for a proposed multipurpose building or pavilion that could serve as a public gathering space near downtown. Authority President Wes Madison said the goal of the meeting was to hear directly from residents about how the space could best serve the community as plans move forward. Tom Wisemiller, President and CEO of the Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance, led the discussion.

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.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, couples across Fayette are celebrating love in ways that reflect their own stories, some with grand gestures, others with quiet evenings at home. For three local couples at different stages of life, the holiday isn’t about extravagance so much as appreciation, commitment and simply spending time together.

The Fayette County Commission approved a waste management contract renewal, supported a proposed property tax freeze for senior citizens and authorized a grant application benefiting local senior centers during its Jan. 27 meeting, which had been rescheduled due to inclement weather. The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. with an opening prayer led by Commissioner David Hubbard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All commissioners were present.

The Fayette County Board of Education met on Jan. 29, for its regular monthly meeting. All board members except Tom Hubbert were present. The meeting began with prayer, led by board member John Aaron, and the Pledge of Allegiance, led by board member Portia Stowe. Guest speaker Jerry Wilson addressed the board first. He told board members he would like to help launch a Bible literature class similar to one he taught for years in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Wilson said the course would be an elective and would not be required for students.

I am excited to officially announce my 2026 candidacy for Fayette County Revenue Commissioner. As most of you know, I was appointed by the governor to finish out Ruby Porter’s term as Revenue Commissioner back in September of last year. I am so thankful and honored for the opportunity to fill this position.

The Fayette City Council held a work session Jan. 27 followed by its regular meeting, focusing on long-term planning priorities, downtown revitalization efforts, infrastructure updates and upcoming community initiatives.

Qualifying has officially closed for the 2026 election cycle, setting the stage for a busy primary season in Fayette County with contested races across multiple local offices. The qualifying period for Democratic and Republican candidates ended Friday, Jan. 23. According to Brad Cox, a wide field of Republican candidates has entered the May primary, with several offices drawing multiple candidates and ensuring competitive races across the ballot.

Community members of all ages gathered in Fayette on Jan. 19 to honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the city’s annual MLK Commemorative March.

he Glen Allen town council met in regular session on Jan. 6 at the Town’s Community Center. All council members were in attendance for the regular monthly meeting. Mayor Allen J. Dunavant called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and Councilman Robert Aldridge opened with prayer. The mayor led the pledge of allegiance.

A Fayette man was killed in a single-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon in Fayette County. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the crash occurred at approximately 5:19 p.m. 

The Northwest Economic Development Alliance, known as C3, held its 15th annual State of the Region meeting on Friday, Jan. 16, at the Holiday Inn. Civic and business leaders from around the region met to discuss ongoing efforts to bring new industry and jobs into the region, and grow and develop what is already here.

The Fayette City Council received positive financial news, departmental updates and reports on community initiatives during its meeting Jan. 13, highlighting the city’s strong fiscal position and continued civic engagement. The meeting opened with a prayer led by the Rev. Carlos Moore from New Vision Christian Center followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes from the Dec. 23 regular meeting were approved and all council members were present.

Warrior Met Coal, Inc. celebrated the completion of the Blue Creek Mine project, a world-class longwall mine located in Tuscaloosa County. Warrior invested approximately $1 billion to develop the Blue Creek Mine, which will add more than 300 new jobs to the area.

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. 

The Fayette County Commission addressed animal shelter sanitation concerns and long-term road and bridge funding challenges during its meeting Jan. 12, highlighting both immediate public health issues and ongoing infrastructure shortfalls. The meeting opened with a prayer led by Commissioner Brad Cox, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All members except Commissioner Wesley Jacobs were in attendance. Chairman Mike Freeman called the meeting to order and began with public comment.

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.