Old Fashion Christmas returns to Fayette

Pictured above at last year’s “Old Fashion Christmas” are carolers singing Christmas hymns in downtown Fayette. | Contributed photo

An Old-Fashion Christmas returns to downtown Fayette for its fifth season. Established during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, an Old Fashion Christmas has become a beloved holiday tradition for many. The festive event will take place on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 5 - 8 p.m. in downtown Fayette.

Glen Allen to hold tree lighting event

The Glen Allen town council held their regular session on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at the Town Hall. Councilman Robert Aldridge and Councilwoman Bobbie S. McCraw were not in attendance for the monthly meeting. The council elected to hold the town’s annual Christmas tree lighting event on Monday, Nov. 9, at the Town Hall parking lot with activities beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Animal shelter receives generous donation

James and Karen Savage of Washington, D.C. are shown above with their beloved pets. | Contributed photo

Do you know how many counties in the USA are named “Fayette”? Imagine how easy it would be to make a mistake about which one you were trying to contact. James Savage was born in Uniontown, Pa., a city in Fayette County Pennsylvania. James and his wife, Karen, support animal welfare leagues and shelters. 

BOE bids farewell to Stowe


The Board of Education presented John Stowe, pictured above, with a resolution honoring his 18 years of service

The Fayette County Board of Education met Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Courthouse Annex building board room. All board members were present. The meeting began with a prayer led by District Six Board Member John Stowe followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by District Two Board Member Tierre Agnew.

New commissioners sworn in

Fayette County Commission members pictured from left to right: Valerie Branyon (District Six), Wesley Jacobs (District Four), Billy “Jo Jo” Rodgers (District Five), Commission Chairman Mike Freeman, Shane Hughes (District Two), Brad Cox (District One) and David Hubbert (District Three).

FMC board updates council on expansion plans

FMC board members were on hand to receive a check from the city council. Pictured from left to right on the back row: Jerry Nichols, Tommy Williams, Aliska Hughes-Monroe and Eddie Campbell; front row from left to right: Rhonda Hicks, Jackie Waldon, FMC Administrator Rodney Clark, Hospital Board Chairman Charles Brandon, Mayor Rod Northam, Secretary of Treasurey Sandy Nolen, Heath Reed and Jason Nelson.

Wildcats defeat Panthers


Berry's Lake Norris (0) rushes the ball for a first down attempt. | Photo by Kelly Bonner

The Berry Wildcats traveled to face the third ranked Spring Garden Panthers for the first time in school history. On paper, it should have been a high scoring game as two high octane offenses met with the Wildcats averaging 54 points a game and Spring Garden averaging 44 points a game. As so often happens, what fans got was an entertaining defensive battle that the Wildcats ultimately won 6 - 0 to punch their ticket to round three.

American Legion Posts to Help Fayette, Lamar, Marion, Walker, and Winston County Veterans

Military veterans in and around Fayette, Lamar, Marion, Walker and Winston Counties are invited for a special service session at the Wade Building, Bevill State Community College, located at 805 14th Street East in Jasper on Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. American Legion staff will be available to discuss veterans’ benefits, the Legion’s legislative efforts, membership opportunities, and service to the community. A veteran service officer will be available to discuss claims and other benefits questions.

Election brings historic changes to local offices



On Tuesday, Nov. 5, Alabamian voters cast 2,264,780 ballots, reflecting a statewide voter turnout of 58.55%. This figure does not include provisional ballots. “Alabama voters received timely, unofficial election results, showcasing a safe, secure, and transparent election,” said Secretary of State Wes Allen. “Election security was the primary goal, and I am proud to say that, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated local election officials, that goal was achieved.”

Single vehicle accident claims life of Fayette man


Contributed photo

A single-vehicle crash that occurred in the pre-dawn hours of Thursday, Oct. 31, has claimed the life of a Fayette man. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Thomas Bellsnyder IV, 32, was fatally injured when the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox he was driving left the roadway and struck a tree. Bellsnyder was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger in the Chevrolet Equinox, Jennifer L. Chaney Franks, 36, of Fayette, was injured and airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for treatment. The crash occurred on Co. Rd.

Whiteside resigns council position



City of Fayette Councilwoman Virettia Whiteside has officially announced her resignation from her position representing Ward 1, effective Oct. 31, 2024. In a heartfelt letter addressed to the Mayor and City Council, Whiteside expressed pride in her years of service to the City of Fayette and its community. In the letter, Whiteside highlighted her dedication to enhancing the efficiency of city government and optimizing resources to better serve residents. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the City of Fayette the past four years,” she wrote.

Military service leads to birth of a church

Milborn Savage, pictured to the left, is shown with a member of clergy at the church that was constructed in Iraq. | Photo courtesy of Milborn Savage

As Veterans Day approaches, we reflect on the remarkable stories of service and sacrifice that have shaped our nation. One such story is that of Milborn Savage, whose service highlights dedication, faith, and unity.