Berry

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.

Women’s Club receives grant to refurbish “Old Town Well”


The “Old Town Well” pictured here was refurbished with a grant from Tombigbee RC&D.

The Berry Women’s Club received a grant from Tombigbee RC&D to refurbish the “Old Town Well”. The gazebo was reconstructed featuring a blue interior roof and topped with a weather vein on the shingled roof. The bright white exterior brings attention to the beautiful structure. Attached benches are provided for visitors. The grounds were landscaped with plants, a tree, rocks, and signage. The tree was donated by Mickey Lollar in memory of Toni Morgan.

Berry High School receives Sportsmanship Grant


AHSAA incoming Executive Director Heath Harmon (far right) and Associate Executive Director Kim Vickers (left) congratulate the 10 schools receiving a $1,000 Sportsmanship Grant from Friday. Representing the schools were, from left: Danny Raines, Berry HS; Zac Welch, Alexandria HS; Adam Fossett, B.B. Comer HS; Eric Hines, Paul Bryant HS; Edwin Burke, Murphy HS; Luther Riley, Greensboro HS; David Offerle, St. Michael Catholic HS; David Watts, G.W. Long HS; Albert Weeden, Loachapoka HS; and Josh Wallace, Sardis HS. (Contributed photo)

The  Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) recognized 107 high schools that were ejection and sportsmanship fine free for the 2023-24 school year. The $1,000 Sportsmanship grant, which was provided by the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association (AHSADCA), was awarded to 10 of the schools, one from each district and two from districts 4 and 8, in a show of commitment and support for the AHSAA’s  sportsmanship initiatives.

Painting a lifelong passion for Paul Yerby


Oil painting of turkeys in a field at an old homestead by local artist Paul Yerby

For over eight decades, Paul Yerby, a cherished local artist, has been painting the canvas of life through his art. Yerby was born in 1937 in the Salem community north of Boley Springs in Fayette County, and has lived in or near Berry all of his life. His journey began in grammar school, where he was recognized as the class artist by his teachers and peers. “I’ve been drawing ever since I can remember, and I did a lot of drawing in school,” he said. “I reckon the Lord just gave me some talent for it.” This sparked a passion that would last a lifetime.

Pharmacy bandits nabbed in Tuscaloosa


From left to right: Jaylun Dshaun Murray and Keante R. White (Photo courtesy of the Fayette County Sheriff's Office)

On Saturday, June 29, around 1:18 a.m., Berry Police were alerted to a possible break in at Berry Discount Apothecary.  According to Berry Police Officer Randall Kelley, surveillance cameras began recording the incident when the suspects broke out the windows of the establishment. 

Berry City Council meets



The Berry City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, April 1. The session was attended by all council members. The meeting commenced with a prayer led by Councilman Chris Lindsey, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Jimmy Madison proposed the approval of the minutes
from the March 4 meeting. The motion was approved with Councilman Russell Madison moving to accept and Councilwoman Mary Sue Lollar seconding it.