Local News

Restoration Springs supports men in recovery

The lake on the grounds of Restoration Springs.

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.

Chamber works to coordinate county events

Chamber of Commerce Executive director Emily Montague addresses the luncheon group as they list their events on large calandar pages.

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.

Fayette Co. man sentenced to life

William Charles Elam

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.

FMC hosts DCH health fair April 3

FMC Registered/Licensed Dietician Nicole Johnigan speaks with an attendee during the Health Fair.

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 Annual Park Day opens season

Barrett Afshar holds the flag for the National Anthem before the start of the games.

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.

What’s behind the increased gas prices?

Gas prices in Fayette are about $0.35 higher than in Tuscaloosa.

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.

County road work continues as officials balance needs and limited funding

County Road 21 North just north of Highway 18 has been repaved as part of the Rebuild program.

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.

Standing together for children: A call to action this Child Abuse Prevention Month

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.

Commission approves claims, seeks $6.5M for road projects

The Fayette County Commission reviews agenda items at the March 23 meeting. Pictured from left to right are Commissioners Valerie Branyon, Wesley Jacobs, Billy Jo Rodgers, David Hubbert, Shane Hughes and Chairman Mike Freeman.

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.