Local News

Older Americans are losing billions of dollars each year to scams, and experts say the problem is only getting worse. From phone calls and emails to text messages and even traditional mail, fraud schemes are becoming more sophisticated, often targeting seniors who may be less familiar with rapidly changing technology. While scams affect people of all ages, older adults tend to suffer the greatest financial losses. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), adults age 60 and older reported losing more than $2.4 billion to fraud in 2024.

Recovery, accountability and second chances were at the center of a recent Drug Court graduation ceremony for the 24th Judicial Circuit of Alabama, as participants who completed the intensive recovery program celebrated a major milestone in their lives. The ceremony was held in Pickens County on March 13 to honor participants who successfully completed the program serving Fayette, Lamar and Pickens counties.

The Fayette County Commission met Monday, March 9, with all commissioners present and Chairman Mike Freeman presiding. The meeting opened with a prayer led by Commissioner Brad Cox followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the commission’s Feb. 23 meeting.

The Fayette County Board of Educaton discusses the proposed new hire for a school improvement specialist at Berry High School. Pictured are (L-R): Jim Burkhalter, Brenda Webb, Julie Stough, Tierre Agnew, Portia Stowe, Tom Hubbert and John Aaron. 

How voting has changed in Fayette County

The Fayette City Council met March 10 at City Hall to review departmental reports, hear updates from city officials and approve several items of business. Mayor Rod Northam and council members began the meeting with an invocation by Barrie Lowe and the Pledge of Allegiance before approving minutes from the council’s Feb. 24 regular meeting.

The Fayette County Board of Education is exploring a partnership with Bevill State Community College to create a Career Pathways Academy that would expand career and technical education opportunities for local students. School officials plan to apply for up to $12 million in state grant funding to support renovations at Bevill State’s Fayette campus and establish the program.

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.

When voters head to the polls, the race for sheriff is often one of the most closely watched local contests. In Alabama, the sheriff is an elected position, chosen by voters in each county to serve a four-year term. Sheriffs may seek re-election and serve multiple terms, and there are no term limits for the office under state law. Sheriff elections follow the same general structure as other partisan county offices. Candidates typically qualify through a political party and compete first in that party’s primary election.

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.