Fayette County

I want to know where the money is from the equipment that was sold. That’s what the people in the county want to know. Where’s that money at? Somebody knows.  - Billy “Jo Jo” Rogers

The Fayette County Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, May 12, at the courthouse annex building. The meeting began with a prayer led by Commission Chairman Mike Freeman, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Freeman called the meeting to order with all commissioners present except District Four Commissioner Wesley Jacobs.

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, local and state law enforcement agencies are reinforcing the importance of safety on Alabama’s roadways and waterways. To help ensure a safe holiday weekend, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office is ramping up enforcement efforts.

Investigators sifted through 14 barrels of debris from burn piles collected at the family’s residence at 13635 Hwy. 129 in Glen Allen. | Photo courtesy of the Fayette County Sheriff's Office

In an exclusive interview, Fayette County Sheriff Byron Yerby shared details about the investigation that led to the discovery of remains believed to be those of missing toddler, Kahleb Rowan Collins. The sheriff’s office, along with the assistance of multiple agencies, launched an intensive search immediately after Kahleb’s disappearance that was reported on Dec. 9, 2024.

On Saturday, May 17, community members will gather for the 27th Annual March for Jesus. The March will begin at 9 a.m. at the Fayette Train Depot Museum in downtown Fayette and will conclude with a prayer rally at Fayette First Baptist Church. This year’s theme, inspired by Titus 2:13 — “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ”— sets the tone for a powerful day of praise and fellowship. For early marchers, biscuits will be served at 8:15 a.m., and balloons will be handed out at 8:30 a.m. before the event begins.

The Fayette County Board of Education held a work session on Tuesday, May 6, in the Courthouse Annex building board room. The session began with a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The following statement was released by the Fayette County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, May 8:

New charges have recently been filed in the case of the missing toddler. A preliminary hearing for John and Wendy Bailey was held Wednesday, April 9, at the Fayette County Courthouse. According to court documents, a grand jury indicted Wendy Bailey and her father in connection with the case of her missing son, Kahleb Rowan Collins.

A Fayette County man has been indicted by a grand jury in connection with the death of 21-year-old Laci Cheyenne Whitson. According to a grand jury indictment dated March 19, Michael Wade Tucker, 38, was indicted on charges of murder, abuse of a corpse and certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm. 

On Friday, May 2, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Fayette County EMA and Kirkland Bluff Wayside Volunteer Fire Department responded to 1259 Kirkland Road in Fayette County after four trees fell on the residence of Joyce Gann during the evening storms. No injuries were reported during the incident.

On Friday, April 25, Fayette County Sheriff Byron Yerby proudly presented Mackenzie Nelson with her diploma as she completed the Jefferson County Sheriff's Training Academy after 17 weeks of intensive training. Deputy Nelson, a Fayette County native, graduated from Fayette County High School in 2020 and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Alabama. Nelson is a new addition to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.