Local News

A Fayette man arrested last year on child pornography charges has pleaded guilty and been sentenced to prison. Ernest Alford Cargile, 67, entered a guilty plea April 13 to possession with intent to distribute child pornography. According to court records, Cargile was sentenced to 20 years in the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections. The sentence is to be served in full, with credit for 314 days already served. Cargile will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

A significant collection of works by late Fayette native Fred Webster has been donated to the Fayette Art Museum, expanding its display of Alabama folk art. The donation, made by Jim Shepherd, honors the memory of his mother, Dr. Linda W. Acker, and her husband, Dr. Joe Acker. Along with the collection, Shepherd also gifted a Thomasville lighted curio cabinet to house the pieces, fulfilling his mother’s wish to see them permanently displayed.

The Fayette County Board of Education approved several major items during its April 14 meeting, including new textbooks, technology purchases and the 2026-27 school calendar. The board unanimously approved the adoption of new social studies textbooks for all grade levels. The selected materials include Alabama Social Studies (Gallopade) for grades K-5, Studies Weekly for grades 6-8 and McGraw-Hill for grades 9-12.

The Fayette City Council reviewed declining sales tax revenues and approved several purchases and personnel actions during its April 14 meeting. City Treasurer Dawn Clapp reported that March sales tax collections totaled $307,240.96, with net general fund revenue of $263,358.50. The total represents a decrease of more than $30,000 from the previous month and nearly $27,000 compared to the same time last year.

While illegal drugs remain a serious concern in Fayette County, Chief Deputy and Investigator Branndon Collins says recent trends point to progress with drug arrests down, fatal overdoses declining and more resources available than ever for enforcement and recovery. Collins, who serves on both the State Drug Task Force and the Homeland Security Task Force of Birmingham, said Fayette County continues to contend primarily with methamphetamine and marijuana, while fentanyl, though present, has not reached the levels seen in some neighboring counties.

The Berry Town Council met April 6, opening with routine business before hearing from residents and addressing several items related to infrastructure, staffing and community development. All members except Russell Madison were present. Following approval of the minutes, the council heard a report from the fire department, noting 42 calls for the month of March and a successful recent rodeo fundraiser. The council then opened the floor to speakers.

The Fayette County Commission met April 13 with Commissioner David Hubbert presiding in the absence of Chairman Mike Freeman. Commissioner Wesley Jacobs was also absent. Commissioners approved the meeting agenda and claims, which included expenses for animal control, reappraisal and more than $133,000 in road construction. During discussion of claims, commissioners briefly questioned recurring charges related to weather sirens and routine maintenance items, though no action was taken.

The Glen Allen Town Council met April 7 at the town’s Community Center, with several council members absent as officials addressed resident concerns, upcoming events and routine business. Mayor Allen J. Dunavant called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Councilman Robert Aldridge opened with prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmen Brad Whitehead and Dustin Youngblood were not present.

Restoration Springs is offering men in recovery a structured place to rebuild their lives, providing transitional housing and support for those coming out of treatment, incarceration or other difficult circumstances. Located in Fayette and operated by the Will Bright Foundation, the program is designed to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and independent living.

The Fayette Area Chamber of Commerce brought together local businesses and organizations on April 8 for its monthly luncheon at the Fayette Civic Center, with a focus on improving coordination of community events across the county. Led by Chamber Director Emily Montague, the luncheon centered on creating a shared event calendar aimed at reducing scheduling conflicts and increasing community participation.