Board of Education approves contracts

The Fayette County Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at the Courthouse Annex building. All board members were present except for District Three Board Member Tom Hubbert and District One Board Member John Aaron. District Five Board Member Julie Stough led the meeting with a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Hub wins big against Curry, Winston County in jamboree


Hub’s Lane Barnes (16), Tyler Stricklin (7) and Bryce Afshar (61), are shown taking down a Curry player | Photo by Leah Hollingsworth

The Hubbertville Lion’s football team along with five other teams participated in a fall jamboree at Malcolm Blake Stadium at Winston County High School on Friday, August 16. Other team’s participating in the jamboree were the South Lamar Stallion’s (Class 1A), Falkville Blue Devil’s (Class 2A), Sulligent Blue Devil’s (Class 2A), Curry Yellow Jacket’s (Class 4A) and the home team; Winston County Yellow Jackets (Class 2A).

Commission asked for long-term financial solution for emergency medical services

On Monday, Aug. 12, the Fayette County Commission held its regular meeting at the Courthouse Annex Building. Prior to the regular session, a public hearing was conducted to discuss the updated Solid Waste Management Plan. With no comments from the public, the hearing was adjourned. Commission Chairman Mike Freeman noted that the commission would vote on the plan at the next meeting on Aug. 26. The meeting commenced with District Five Commissioner Robert Townley leading a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Poynor to speak at St. Michael’s Episcopal


Pictured are, left to right, David Poynor, Bishop Marc Andrus, Poynor and Paula Poynor.

The Rev. Tom Poynor, will be the guest priest at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, Sept. 1. The service will begin at 10 a.m. Poynor is a 1993 graduate of Fayette County High School. He received his undergraduate degree from The University of the South (Sewanee) in Sewanee, Tenn. and has earned Master’s Degrees from Oxford University in England, and the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He was ordained a priest on June 8, 2024 at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco by Bishop Marc Andrus.

WATCH OUT! Armyworms crawling across the area

Pictured here are fall armyworms that are green in color, and have a distinct "upside down Y" pattern on their head and four dark "dots" on the end of their abdomen.

It’s that time of year again. Fall armyworms are currently crawling across Fayette County. Armyworms damage grass by chewing plant tissue. They are most active on turf in the early morning or late afternoon/early evening, but may feed any time of day. Fall armyworms are green in color, and have a distinct "upside down Y" pattern on their head and four dark "dots" on the end of their abdomen. Scouting your lawn during the most active period may be beneficial for identifying the armyworms before they damage your lawn.

Staff shortage at Northriver Rescue raises safety concerns for citizens

On Monday, Aug. 5, the Berry Town Council held its regular meeting at Berry City Hall. All council members were present, except for Councilman Russell Madison. The meeting commenced with a prayer led by Councilman Chris Lindsey, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance recited by Councilman Charles Tidwell.

Vote to cancel principal’s contract fails


A crowd of over 150 members of the Hubbertville community attended the board of education meeting on Tuesday, July 30, in support of Hubbertville School’s principal, Tim Dunavant. (Photo by Leah Hollingsworth)

The Fayette County Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 30, at the Courthouse Annex building. All board members were present. District One Board Member John Aaron led the meeting with a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by District Two Board Member Tierre Agnew. The meeting was attended by over 150 parents and community members who passionately advocated for their principal, Tim Dunavant, of Hubbertville School. 

Berry Woman and Man of the Year honored

Pictured from left to right, Sherry Simpson Grey was recognized as Berry Woman of the Year for 2024, and Landon Aldridge was recognized as Berry Man of the Year for 2024. The ceremony was held on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 at the Berry Civic Center. Grey was nominated by the Berry Women’s Club, and Aldridge was nominated by the Industrial Board.

Town of Berry Industrial Development Authority holds organizational meeting

The Town of Berry Industrial Development Authority (IDA) held its organizational meeting on June 27 at the Berry Civic Center. All board members were present except for board member Scott Madison. President Wesley Madison initiated the proceedings, and Vice President Kenneth Bozeman led an opening prayer, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Coach Holliman’s legacy spans over 50 years


Holliman is shown with a few of the players on the West Alabama Junior Volleyball travel team.

For over 50 years, Coach Sandra Holliman has been a respected pillar of the volleyball community. Holliman is a 1959 graduate of Fayette County High School. She attended the University of Alabama (UA) where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1963 and received her Master’s in Education in 1965.

Fayette man killed in shooting


Photo of Jackson Luke Overton (Photo courtesy of Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office)

On Saturday, July 27, at approximately 9:10 p.m. Tuscaloosa Police responded to reports of a shooting in the parking lot of Embassy Suites in downtown Tuscaloosa located on 2410 University Blvd. According to Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) Captain Jack Kennedy, one male was found deceased at the scene. The victim was identified as Howell Booth Holland III, 21, of Fayette.

2025 Rebuild Plan approved

On Monday, July 22, the Fayette County Commission held its regular meeting at the Lawrence Mill Community Center, hosted by District Three Commissioner David Hubbert. The meeting commenced with Hubbert leading with prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All commissioners were present and introduced themselves and each district they represent.

City Council says goodbye to Junior Mayor

Junior City Council Mayor Emily Huang is shown surrounded by council and community members during her last Fayette City Council meeting.

The Fayette City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 23, at Fayette City Hall. All council members were present except for Councilwoman Aliska Hughes-Monroe. The meeting commenced with a prayer led by Scott Smyth, pastor at Vision Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance recited by Councilman Jerry Nichols.

Berry FCCLA students attend national leadership conference


Berry FCCLA students who attended the National leadership Conference are, pictured above in no particular order, Kryssa Fields, Danni Kate Naramore, Sydney Frost, Anna Raley Palmer and Collin Lowery (Contributed photo)

The 2024 FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) took place in Seattle, WA, from June 29 – July 3, drawing more than 8,000 students, educators, and guests from across the nation. This gathering provided a valuable platform for attendees to expand their leadership skills, sharpen their talents, explore career pathways, and listen to inspiring speakers. The highly anticipated Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events were at the heart of the conference.