Fayette man charged with possession of child porn

Photo of Ernest Alford Cargile | Photo courtesy of the Fayette County Jail

A Fayette man has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of child pornography following a four-month investigation.

According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Branndon Collins, the investigation began after they received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) was being downloaded at a residence in Fayette County.

Widespread damage after weekend storms

Photo by Fayette County EMA Director Michael Stoker

Severe storms swept through Fayette County on Saturday afternoon leaving widespread damage and knocking out power for many residents. A second round of storms followed in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 8. Fayette County EMA Director Michael Stoker reported extensive tree damage across the county, with more than 1,000 left without electricity. One residence on Co. Rd. 134, pictured above, suffered significant damage when a tree fell on the home.

County considered an “ambulance desert”

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.

Woods sheds light on unspoken burden veterans carry

Photo of SPC. Ray Joseph Hutchinson of Texas, who was killed in a roadside bomb attack during their tour of Iraq. | Contributed photo

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.

Where is the money? Concerns raised over possible misappropriations

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.

Annual March for Jesus held downtown

March for Jesus participants are shown releasing balloons at this year’s event.

The 27th annual March for Jesus took place on Saturday, May 17, drawing in a crowd of over 400 participants. Organizer Milborn Savage expressed his excitement over the event’s turnout, noting that this year’s march surpassed expectations.