Fayette County

Alabama residents can take advantage of the Back to-School Sales Tax Holiday starting 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 18 through midnight Sunday, July 20.

During this time, purchases of certain school-related items will be exempt from state sales tax, though local taxes may still apply.

Eligible items include:

• Clothing priced at $100 or less per item

• Computers, software, and school computer supplies priced up to $750 per purchase (complete packages only) • Books with a sales price of $30 or less

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a single vehicle accident on Thursday, July 3. The crash occurred in the 6400 block of Hwy. 96. Sheriff Byron Yerby reported that the occupant of the vehicle was transported by Fayette County EMS. Walnut Lane Volunteer Fire Department and Fayette County EMA assisted at the scene. The cause of the crash is unknown at this time and is under investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Community members gathered at Guthrie Smith Park on Wednesday, July 2, to honor and celebrate the lives of Kahleb and Ryleigh Collins with a candlelight vigil. . The drawings, pictured above, were done in honor of the Collins children who tragically lost their lives.

In the morning hours of Thursday, June 26, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single vehicle accident in the 12000 block of Hwy 171 S. Sheriff Byron Yerby reported that the occupant of the vehicle sustained minor injuries and was treated on scene by Fayette County EMS then transported by private vehicle. Walnut Lane Volunteer Fire Department and the Alabama Department of Transportation also assisted at the scene. The crash is under investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), as well as the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and Fayette Fire Department, is urging the public to make safety a top priority on the roads and at home.

Heavy rain on Monday, June 16, led to flooding in several areas of the city, including portions of Second Ave. N.E., where rising waters caused minor travel delays. Flooding was reported at Guthrie Smith Park covering part of the entrance to the aquatic center. 

On Thursday, June 19, high winds and rain caused scattered storm damage throughout the county. Sheriff Byron Yerby reported several downed trees, including one pictured above at the intersection of Co. Rd. 87 and Smith Road.

 ...I will say that there is no one on this commission that is trying to hide anything, no one on this commission is taking that money.  - Brad Cox Fayette County Commission, District One

The Fayette County Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, June 9, at the courthouse annex building. The meeting began with a prayer led by District Three Commissioner David Hubbert, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Commission Chairman Mike Freeman called the meeting to order with all commissioners present.

We have seven minutes to be en route once the call comes in. - Greg Rainey

Across the nation, emergency medical services (EMS) are struggling under increasing financial and logistical pressures. Fayette County, along with other rural areas, is experiencing funding and staffing challenges that can pose risks for residents needing urgent care. Greg Rainey, who has dedicated 38 years to serving his community, offers a sobering look at the unseen struggles of rural EMS.

The Fayette County Board of Education held a meeting on Thursday, May 22 at the Courthouse Annex building board room. The meeting began with a prayer led by District Five Board Member Julie Stough followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by District Two Board Member Tierre Agnew.

Sam Woods, a native of Fayette County, shared his journey of military service, reflecting on sacrifice, duty and remembrance. After graduating from Fayette County High School in 1999, he joined the U.S. Army, inspired partly by his family’s military background and the desire for personal growth beyond college.