Benton case takes new turn

Submitted by Devin Dudley on Fri, 10/24/2025 - 15:52
Breaking News Alert

Timothy Vess Benton | Photo courtesy of the Alabama Department of Corrections

Attorney General Steve Marshall and the State of Alabama have requested a renewed motion to modify Timothy Vess Benton’s sentence to serve the remainder of his sentence in the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections. According to court documents, based on Benton's violation while under the Fayette Community Corrections program, the state has moved for Benton to be ordered to complete the remainder of his sentence in this case in the department of corrections. The motion was filed on Thursday, Oct.

Minor injuries reported in crash

Photo by Fayette County Sheriff Byron Yerby

On Thursday, Oct. 16, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 2500 block of Co. Rd. 24. According to Sheriff Byron Yerby, minor injuries were reported during the incident. Marion County EMS assisted at the scene, along with the Hubbertville/Glen Allen Volunteer Fire Department. The cause of the crash remains unknown. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is investigating.

Lady Wildcats finish second in region

Pictured from left to right on the front row are Bella Taylor, Maggie Norris, Hailey Medders and Sydney Rice; back row, Assistant Coach Sarah Rice, Aubrey Helms, Alex Wilson, Leah Ward, Sophie Nelson, Camryn Frost, Emma Kathrine Bozeman and Coach Samantha Estes. (Not pictured is Julia Cook) | Photo by Shelly Hess

The Berry High School girls varsity volleyball team finshed their regular season with a 9-12 overall record, finished 2-0 (2nd) in the region and finished second runner up in area tournament on Thursday Oct. 16.

Lady Lions finish fourth in region

Hubbertville varsity girls’ volleyball seniors who were recognized on Senior Night from left to right are Bailey Edgil, Georgia Grace Gardner, Zoe Whitson and McKenzie Mahan. | Photo by Leah Hollingsworth

The Hubbertville girls’ varsity volleyball team finshed the season with a 4-13 overall record and finished 1-5 (4th) in the region.

Wildcats defeat Pickens County Tornadoes 30-18

Berry’s Max Westbrook (1) rushes the ball past the Pickens County defenders. | Photo by Sarah Rice

The Berry Wildcats returned to Region 5 play when they traveled to Reform to face the Pickens County Tornadoes. The game was a tale of different halves. The Wildcats led 6 - 0 at half time. In the second half, the two teams combined for 42 points as Berry took the 30 - 18 victory.

Commission approves 2026 budget

The Fayette County Commission held a special meeting on Monday, Sept. 29 at the Courthouse Annex building to amend the current road construction budget and finalize the fiscal year 2026 budget. All commissioners were present except District Two Commissioner Shane Hughes. District One Commissioner Brad Cox opened the meeting with a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Grand jury to hear Benton Case

Submitted by Devin Dudley on Fri, 10/17/2025 - 09:15
Breaking News Alert

A Fayette County grand jury will decide if Timothy Vess Benton will remain on house arrest or return to prison. Judge Jim Gentry issued the ruling in a Tuscaloosa County Court room on Thursday, Oct. 16.

Benton allegedly violated the SORNA Act and as a result was arrested on  Sept. 4 after being placed in the Fayette County Community Corrections Program. 
 

Zombies are on the move on Hwy. 107

Pictured above are the “Zombies of Hwy 107”, Rebecca Reeks, Bloody Bentley, Jerry Jawbreaker, Zelda Zombie and Melted Mike. They have been stalking the Holmes family for the last 11 years.

For the Holmes family, October means mums, pumpkins and reanimated corpses -- or at least it’s been that way for the last eleven years.

Chris and Amber Holmes said that in 2014 is when “they” started showing up. At first there were just two, Rotted Ralph and Zombie Zeke. But, it seemed where one or two aimlessly amble, others began to congregate.

Vehicle crash results in serious injuries

Photos by Fayette County Sheriff Byron Yerby

On Sunday, Oct. 12, at approximately 6:10 a.m., the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two vehicle crash in the 4800 block of Co. Rd. 67 in Bankston.

Sheriff Byron Yerby said that one driver sustained serious injuries and was airlifted from the scene and the other driver sustained minor injuries. Fayette County and Marion County EMS transported the patients and Bankston/Stough and North River Rescue Squad assisted at the scene.

Berry Fire wins award

The Berry Town Council held its regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 6 at Berry City Hall. Mayor Mary Sue Lollar called the meeting to order with all members present except Councilor Charles Tidwell. The meeting began with a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor Chris Lindsey.

Camp Watkins celebrates 50th Anniversary

Pictured above from left to right are Rod Northam, Sandy Porter, Belinda Watts, Gayle Langley, Sue Northam, Kelley Strickland and Steven Nolen. | Photo by Amy Kizzire

Camp Watkins celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 20, with a reunion that brought together generations of Scouts from Troop 45 B, formerly Troop 54 and Troop 45 G of Fayette County.

Morgan wins council seat

Rodney Hannah is pictured at right congratulating Micky Joe Morgan after the receiving the results from the runoff election on Tuesday, Sept. 23.

Micky Joe Morgan was officially declared the winner of the Ward 2 City Council seat following a canvassing of election results held on Tuesday, Sept. 30.