Local News

Alabama Sunshine, pictured above, was featured in the 12th edition of Made in America Gift Guide which highlights local businesses across all 50 states.

Alabama Sunshine was a hot topic in this year’s holiday gift spotlight. The business was featured in the 12th edition of Made in America Gift Guide for its locally grown, Southern‑made sauces.

July

• The school board approved updated policies aligning with Alabama’s new FOCUS Act, prohibiting student use of phones and other personal electronic devices inside county schools.
• Community members gathered at Guthrie Smith Park on July 2 to honor Kahleb and Ryleigh Collins, with law enforcement recognized for their work in the case.
• A July 3 crash left the driver injured after a dump truck overturned on Hwy.

The Fayette City Council held its regular meeting Tuesday, Dec. 23, at city hall. The meeting opened with a prayer led by Corey Baker, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Rod Northam called the meeting to order with all members present except Councilman Steve Herring.

The Fayette County Community is celebrating a milestone as the Fayette Medical Center Hospital announces the addition of a state-of-theart rural health clinic and new physician offices.

Year in Review

January

• Wendy Pamela Jean Bailey, 22, was arrested and charged in connection with the death of her one year old son, Kahleb Rowan Collins.
• A fatal shooting on Water Mill Road in Pickens County led to the arrest of 23‑year‑old Russell Douglas Beede of Fayette. Beede was taken into custody and charged with murder.
• 84‑year‑old Fayette resident Phyllis B. Thompson died following a three‑vehicle collision on Hwy. 96 near Co. Rd. 21.

The charred remains of a home in the White’s Chapel community, belonging to Tommy and Donna Turner, are seen above after a devastating fire on Sunday, Dec. 14. | Photo by Gina Lynn

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, marks one year since authorities reported the disappearance of 1-year-old Kahleb Rowan Collins, a case that has drawn widespread attention and continues to weigh heavily on the community.

The Fayette City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at city hall. The meeting opened with a prayer led by Larry Humber, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ernest Alford Cargile | Photo courtesy of the Fayette County Jail

A Fayette County Grand Jury has indicted Ernest Alford Cargile, 67, of Fayette, on 11 counts of possession of child pornography of obscene matter of a person under 17. His bond was set at $1,102,000 on Oct. 10. According to court documents, on Nov. 20, Cargile entered pleas of not guilty and not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

Dana Mullins Anderson | Photo courtesy of the Fayette County Jail

A Fayette County grand jury has indicted Dana Mullins Anderson, 63, of Fayette, on 15 counts of first‑degree theft of property. The charges stem from an alleged long‑term theft at Garry W. Magouirk, MDPC, where Anderson allegedly served as office manager since 2011.