The Howard County community came together in solidarity Friday night with a candlelight vigil in support of fellow citizens who have undergone extreme tragedies in recent weeks. The gathering drew more than 200 people to the courthouse lawn in Fayette. Mourners held candles, and lighted bags with names of those who have suffered with yellow roses were displayed on the wall surrounding the courthouse in a show of sympathy for a community that has become so deeply afflicted.

This area has been the site of numerous trying events that include three house fires and the losses of loved ones. Two families lost everything in recent fires during the remorselessly cold weather. One man lost two sisters to COVID-19 in a span of less than two weeks. Most recently, the community was rocked by the death of 15-year-old Cash Valencia, who was killed in an accidental shooting inside his home.

Those in attendance shared stories and prayed together. The vigil was organized by Janet Mullanix and Kimberly Wayland through online discussions. Andy Oeth led the prayer.

“We have had many tragedies over the last few months and our reason for this vigil was to show that there is always someone there for you whether it’s to talk, or a hug, or just to cry,” Mullanix wrote in a Facebook post. “We stand strong.”