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The Berry Town Council has approved a new ordinance establishing rules for the use of Bay’s Lake in an effort to protect the town’s drinking water supply. Bay’s Lake serves as a reservoir for the Town of Berry’s municipal water system and has operated as a water source since the town purchased the property in 1985. The updated ordinance is intended to ensure the lake remains in suitable condition to continue serving as a reliable drinking water source while still allowing limited public use.

The Berry Town Council met Monday, March 2, at Berry Town Hall, with Mayor Mary Lollar presiding. The meeting began with approval of minutes from the town’s previous meetings following an earlier executive session. All council members were present except Calvin Madison. During the meeting, the council approved updated ordinances for Bay’s Lake. Mayor Lollar said the revised rules will be filed with the courthouse, posted at the lake, displayed in several locations around town and published for the public.

The Fayette City Council covered a wide range of community business during its recent meeting, including economic development updates, school funding, community projects, and city financial reports. The meeting opened with an invocation by local businessman Mark Brown, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. After confirming a quorum, the council approved minutes from the Feb. 10 regular meeting. Tom Wisemiller of the Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance (C3) provided an update on regional economic development efforts.

The Fayette County Board of Education met Feb. 25 for the first day of a termination hearing involving Fayette Middle School nurse Stephanie Hill. Board Vice President Julie Stough presided over the hearing, which was held in open session at Hill’s request. A court reporter recorded the proceedings.

An Aliceville police officer charged in a multi-agency child exploitation investigation is now being housed in the Fayette County Jail, creating a direct Fayette County connection in a case that has already led to the arrest of five individuals in Pickens County. Caminion Gary, 24, of Aliceville, was initially booked into the Pickens County Jail following his arrest by special agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation. He has since been transferred to the Fayette County Jail.

For nearly eight decades, the Fayette Progress Club II has quietly supported local programs, youth initiatives and community projects, often behind the scenes. According to club president Jessie Crowe, the organization’s focus is simple: service. “We are a women’s service organization that was founded in 1947,” Crowe said, explaining that the club began as an offshoot of the original Progress Club, which helped establish the Fayette Public Library.

Participants in the Fayette County Leadership Program traveled to Montgomery, Alabama for a day dedicated to learning about state government, leadership, and Alabama’s history. The experience provided participants with firsthand insight into the responsibilities of public officials and the legislative process. The group’s first stop was the historic Alabama State Capitol, where they toured the building and learned about its significance as the center of Alabama’s government.