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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.

The Berry Heritage Festival took place on Friday and Saturday, bringing the community together for a weekend full of excitement. Vendors filled Heritage Park, selling everything from handmade crafts and trinkets to delicious treats. Kids had a blast bouncing in the inflatable house, riding carnival rides, and playing with adorable baby goats. On Friday night, Brandon Malone and The Whiskey Over Ice Band kept the crowd entertained and on their feet with live music. Saturday morning kicked off with a car show, where classic and custom vehicles were on full display for attendees to admire.

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.

Scrap Iron Quilting welcomed a special guest on Thursday, April 24. Fred Hunter, known for hosting Absolutely Alabama, a television series dedicated to sharing the unique stories of people and places across the state, visited to explore the history and legacy behind the business. Pictured above from left to right: Kevin Worthington, Rebecca Devenuta, Tirzah Devenuta, Thad Campbell, Phyllis Campbell, Fred Hunter, Lisa Bryant, Linda Rushing, Jackie Moore and Janet Moss.

The C+ Plus Band took center stage on April 19 at the Fayette Civic Center, paying tribute to the life and legacy of guitarist Sammy Renfroe. His guitar, amp and songbook rested on stage throughout the night as a lasting symbol of his presence. From their beginning as The Rebels in the 1960s to their revival as C+ in 2001, the band has spent over 20 years entertaining many with Southern rock songs at several local events. Pictured above in no particular order: Steve Fowler, Daniel Hindman, Drew Hattaway, Chris Ballinger, Dr. Bruce Perry, Diana Fisher, Scott Robertson, Dr. Charles W.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about recent reports of scam calls in the county. According to the FCSO Facebook page, scammers are claiming that individuals must visit the sheriff’s office to be finger printed in order to verify their identity and/or signature. The sheriff’s office stated they will never call to request that you come in for fingerprinting to verify your identity or signature. They also stated they will also never ask for your personal information over the phone.

On Tuesday, April 15, a large tree fell in the roadway in the 700 block of Columbus St. W. No injuries were reported during the incident.