Fayette County

Local business featured in national holiday gift guide

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.

Collins disappearance dominates headlines

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.

Cargile enters not guilty pleas in child porn cases

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.

Anderson indicted on 15 theft charges

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.

New arrest made in church burglaries

Zachary Seth Grace | Photo courtesy of the Fayette County Jail

In October 2024, multiple church burglaries were reported to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation initially led to the arrest of Jeanee Kay Vick, 50, who was charged with multiple counts of third-degree burglary, fourth-degree theft of property, third-degree forgery and criminal mischief on Nov. 7, 2024.

According to FCSO Investigator Branndon Collins, a second suspect, Zachary Seth Grace, 30, was identified as a participant in the burglaries.

Webb named BOE president

The Fayette County Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the courthouse annex building boardroom. The meeting began with a prayer led by District Six Portia Stowe followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by District Two Board Member Tierre Agnew. District Four Board Member Brenda Webb called the meeting to order with all members present.

Waldrop addresses commission

The Fayette County Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 10, at the Fayette County Courthouse Annex Building. The meeting opened with a prayer led by District One Commissioner Brad Cox, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Commission Chairman Mike Freeman called the meeting to order, with all commissioners present.