Crash result in injuries

Photo by Fayette County Sheriff Byron Yerby

In the morning hours of Thursday, June 26, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single vehicle accident in the 12000 block of Hwy 171 S. Sheriff Byron Yerby reported that the occupant of the vehicle sustained minor injuries and was treated on scene by Fayette County EMS then transported by private vehicle. Walnut Lane Volunteer Fire Department and the Alabama Department of Transportation also assisted at the scene. The crash is under investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Qualifying ends for muncipal elections

Fayette County had a key race for the District Five State Senate seat on Tuesday, June 24. In the unofficial report, Democrat Ryan Cagle received 109 votes (9.68 percent) to Republican Matt Woods 1,014 votes (90.05 percent).

Municipal elections will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 26.

The qualifying period for municipal offices concluded on Tuesday, June 24. The council positions and mayoral offices for both Berry and Glen Allen were unopposed. The City of Fayette closed qualifications with the following candidates to appear on the Aug. 26 ballot.

Storms, heavy rain cause damage across county

Photo by Fayette County Sheriff Byron Yerby

Heavy rain on Monday, June 16, led to flooding in several areas of the city, including portions of Second Ave. N.E., where rising waters caused minor travel delays. Flooding was reported at Guthrie Smith Park covering part of the entrance to the aquatic center. 

On Thursday, June 19, high winds and rain caused scattered storm damage throughout the county. Sheriff Byron Yerby reported several downed trees, including one pictured above at the intersection of Co. Rd. 87 and Smith Road.

Commission explains money issues

 ...I will say that there is no one on this commission that is trying to hide anything, no one on this commission is taking that money.  - Brad Cox Fayette County Commission, District One

The Fayette County Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, June 9, at the courthouse annex building. The meeting began with a prayer led by District Three Commissioner David Hubbert, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Commission Chairman Mike Freeman called the meeting to order with all commissioners present.

 

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.