Headlines for Saturday, September 4, 2010
Two people were killed and four others hurt in a two-vehicle accident around 10 o'clock Friday night on U.S. Route 45 about two miles north of I-64 near the Barnhill Crossroads. Wayne County Coroner Jimmy Taylor identified those killed in the accident as 18-year-old Benjamin Ingram and a passenger, 16-year-old Taylor Dawn Cokley both of Enfield. The two were southbound when their Ford Ranger crossed the centerline and hit a Jeep Wrangler head-on, occupied by four FCHS football players, Cody Yarnell, Andrew Atteberry, Colton Slover and Luke Harl. Ingram and Cokley were not wearing their seat belts and were pronounced dead at the scene. The Mules football players were wearing their seat belts and were injured in the accident. Reports indicated they had been attending the Carmi-Chester football game at Carmi prior to the crash. Today's FCHS Mules football game at Vienna has been postponed because of the accident.
Saline County Sheriff Keith Brown is seeking help from the public about several suspicious fires of hay bales that occurred early Friday morning in separate locations in northwest Saline County. An estimated 400 bales of hay were destroyed in the fires, which are being investigated as arson. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Saline County Sheriff's Office at (618) 252-8661.
Peoples National Bank will be opening a branch in Carmi by the end of this year. A report in the Carmi Times says the facility will be located at 180 Commerce Street on the city's west side, where site preparation is already underway. At least nine people are expected to be hired initially. Peoples National Bank has several locations in southern Illinois, including Fairfield.
A federal judge has ruled that statements embattled Gallatin County Sheriff Raymond M. Martin made to investigators about an alleged murder-for-hire plot in his marijuana dealing case can be used at his upcoming trial. Judge J. Phil Gilbert issed the ruling Friday morning. Martin faces witness tampering charges for allegedly soliciting individuals to kill two of the witnesses cooperating with the prosecution in his drug dealing case. Martin remains in the Jackson County Jail at Murphysoro, IL pending a September 13th trial in U.S. District Court at Benton.
This summer was the seventh warmest summer in Illinois, with the average temperature nearly three degrees above normal. State Climatologist Jim Angel says the hottest summer was in 1936 when the average temperature was nearly 79 degrees, compared to this summer's average of 76.4 degrees. Rainfall was above average statewide, amounting to nearly 17 inches.
Illinois State Police troopers will be out in force this Labor Day holiday weekend in an effort to keep area roadways safe. Troopers in District 19 will be conducting Roadside Safety Checks, looking for unsafe drivers, and those driving drunk or distracted. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is also encouraging motorists to drive safely this weekend. It was reported that last year during the Labor Day weekend, 40 percent of deaths from crashes were alcohol-related.
Headlines for Friday, September 3, 2010
A federal judge has ruled that statements embattled Gallatin County Sheriff Raymond M. Martin made to investigators about an alleged murder-for-hire plot in his marijuana dealing case can be used at his upcoming trial. Judge J. Phil Gilbert issued the ruling Friday morning. Martin (pictured at left) faces witness-tampering charges for allegedly soliciting individuals to kill two of the witnesses cooperating with the prosecution in his drug dealing case. He remains in the Jackson County jail at Murphysboro pending a September 13 trial in U.S. District Court at Benton.
Pollard Realty conducted an open house today at its new location at 200 E. Main Street in downtown Fairfield. To kick off the grand opening, the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning (pictured above). Pollard Realty is operated by Amy Pollard of Fairfield, cutting the ribbon.
The Deb A. Smith Memorial Fine Arts Scholarship recently presented a $2,000 award to Rachelle Gillard of Mount Erie. Rachelle (pictured left) is a 2010 graduate of Frontier Community College who now attends Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Rachelle is pursuing a degree in fashion merchandising.
The Bone Gap Fire Department is the recipient of a $15,897 grant through the Federal Firefighters Operations and Safety Program. The money will be used to buy personal protective equipment.
Thursday's guest at the Fairfield Rotary Club was Jim Onstott, talking about the local Shrine Club. The Wayne County Shrine Club is part of the 35 member Ainad Shrine. There are currently 191 temples in the U.S. with the Ainad Shrine the 10th largest. Shriners operate 20 Shriners hospitals in the United States. Rotarian Jamey Hodges arranged for Thursday's program. Pictured are Rotarian Jamey Hodges (left) and Jim Onstott.
Illinois State Police will be out in force this Labor Day holiday weekend. Troopers from District 19 Carmi will be conducting roadside safety checks looking for unsafe drivers. They will be concentrating on motorists who drink and drive, those who are distracted or those breaking other traffic laws.
Former Marion County Sheriff Brad Wolenhaupt will spend the remainder of his 180 day jail sentence for official misconduct behind bars. Wolenhaupt wanted his sentence converted to home confinement. Judge James Eder denied the request. In addition to jail time, the former sheriff has been ordered to pay nearly $16,000 in restitution to Marion County.
The Redneck Yacht Club Storyteller and Songwriters will perform from 6:30 til 7:45 tonight at the Grayville Days Celebration. The Carl Acuff Jr. Variety show starts at 8 tonight. The annual Grayville Days Parade is set for 3 p.m. Saturday.
Headlines for Thursday, September 2, 2010
Two Fairfield men have been arrested for allegedly using stolen checks to make purchases at the Wal-Mart stores in Fairfield and Salem, then returning the items for cash. Cody R. Buchanan, 19 and Christopher A. Rogers, Jr. 20 face charges of burglary and theft over $300. Nearly $2,000 in unlawful purchases were made, police said.
18-year-old Logan G. Walker of Fairfield and 17-year-old Devin A.Renfrow of Cisne have been nabbed in connection with a burglary earlier this week at the J & L Ice Cream Shop in Cisne. County police found the two asleep in tent at a campsite near the Evangelical Cemetery. Numerous items believed to have been taken in the heist were found strewn around the campfire. Both face charges of burglary and criminal trespass.
25-year-old Thomas R. Young of Sims was injured Wednesday evening when the grain truck he was driving ran off a rural Wayne County road and overturned in a ditch. Young was taken to Fairfield Memorial Hospital.
Wabash County Sheriff Joe Keeling says he is concerned about the local availability of a synthetic marijuana known as "K2." Sheriff Keeling and Mt. Carmel Police Chief Jeff Besing have spoken to local merchants about the harmful affects of the substance. Most have agreed to remove it from their shelves.
21-year-old Anthony M. Garrison of Fairfield was arrested Wednesday night by Wayne County Sheriff's Police on charges of drunk driving and unlawful possession of cannabis. He was booked at the county jail pending the posting of bond.
19-year-old Cody R. Buchanan of Fairfield has been arrested on felony charges of theft over $300 and burglary. He is accused of entering a home to steal a check book, then using the checks to make unlawful purchases.
66 pints of blood were collected during a Red Cross blood drive Wednesday at the Community of Christ Church in Fairfield. Two first time donors were recorded. They were Tammy Musgrave and Nancy Stallings.
Haley Malone has been crowned Miss Grayville during a pageant held Wednesday night in the historic Wabash Theater in downtown Grayville. Macy Stockton received the title of Junior Miss Grayville. Tonight's activities at the Grayville Days Celebration includes the Grayville Community Arts Association Variety Show.
The Fairfield Community High School Agriculture Department will be selling mums at the FCHS greenhouse starting Sept. 15. These 9-inch mums will be available in orange, lavendar, pink, red, bronze and yellow at a cost of $8 each.
Headlines for Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The funeral director and embalmer license of Keith York of Wayne City has been revoked by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. Officials said the license was revoked for unprofessional conduct and a criminal conviction.
The euthanasia license of the Jefferson County Animal Control facility in Mt. Vernon has been reprimanded for failing to comply with the requirements of the Humane Euthanasia in Animal Shelters Act. The facility was also fined $10,000.
Tuesday was the last day on the job for Larry Rost, President and CEO of Fairfield National Bank. An open house was held Tuesday at the bank. Mr. Rost has been with the bank since 1989. Pictured above left are Mr. and Mrs. Rost at the bank open house on Tuesday. A come and go reception was held Tuesday for Carroll Hilliard, Assistant Dean of Students at Frontier Community College. Mr. Hilliard retired August 31. He had been with the college since 1986. Pictured above right are Mr. and Mrs. Hilliard at the reception held at Foundation Hall on the campus of Frontier Community College.
Frontier Community College has partnered with Rides Mass Transit to offer an FCC Student Card. The card is good for an entire semester and can be used for unlimited rides to any location in Wayne County using the on-demand bus on any existing route. The card costs $100 for those under 60 living in Wayne County and $140 for those outside Wayne County.
Stanley's Real Estate in Fairfield has closed its doors. Owner Russell Blackford has officially retired. Listings for Stanley's Real Estate have been turned over to Pollard Realty at 200 E. Main Street in Fairfield.
Retired Marion, IL attorney Robert Drew is being held under $100,000 cash bond in a Terre Haute, IN jail on charges he tried to smuggle marijuana and heroin into the federal prison at Terre Haute. Investigators said he had two ounces of heroin taped to his body.
Wabash Area Development is now making appointments for the Winter Energy Assistance Program for Wayne and surrounding counties. Contact your local WADI office for eligibility requirements.
Headlines for Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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Stanley's Real Estate in Fairfield has closed its doors. Owner Russell Blackford says he has officially retired. Stanley's Real Estate's listings have been transferred to Pollard Realty at 200 E. Main Street in downtown Fairfield. Owner Amy Pollard confirmed the transaction, adding that she is hosting an open house at her new headquarters this Friday.
Someone stole 1,200 feet of electrical wire from an irrigation system owned by David Brown in Hawthorne Township, south of the Carmi water plant. Brown says the loss will likely top $7,000.
Thieves entered the J & L Ice Cream Shop in Cisne on Thursday, stealing ice cream mix, sodas and a quantity of BBQ. No value was listed on the loss.
Wayne County is set to harvest the fourth best corn crop ever at 147 bushels per acre. That would be down a few bushels from last year and well below the record of 164 bushels set in 2004. The projected soybean yield this year in Wayne County is 41.1 bushels per acre. The annual crop tour, sponsored by the Wayne County Corn Growers was held Monday.
50-year-old Monte A. Garringer of Fairfield was arrested Monday night on charges he violated an order of protection and resisting arrest. Garringer is accused of repeatedly calling his estranged wife, threatening her. Police had to deploy a Tazer to arrest Garringer at the home of his sister on N.W. 3rd Street around 8 o'clock Monday night.
A major insurance carrier has filed a civil suit against Fairfield businessman Roy D. Finley. Pekin Insurance is seeking payment of $56,061 from Finley for a fire claim they paid out in connection with a 2005 arson fire that destroyed Finley's home and business. Finley was subsequently sentenced in connection with the fire.
30-year-old Neil Barrall of Centralia has been sentenced to life in prison for the October 2007 slaying of Walnut Hill school teacher, Michele Cavaletto. Previously, Barrall entered a plea of guilty but mentally ill in connection with the slaying.
Peabody Coal has been ordered to pay a $174,000 fine for safety violations at its Willow Lake Mine near Equality, Ill. Federal regulators had argued the mine continues to endanger workers.
Headlines for Monday, August 30, 2010
The Wayne County Corn Growers conducted their 28th annual corn and soybean yield tour today. The projected corn yield came in at 147 bushels per acre. The soybean estimate came in at 41.1 bushels per acre. Corn Grower President Gregg Barnard said he expected the corn crop would have been a little higher, but overall the forecast yields are pretty good for 2010.
Illinois State Police made three arrests for DUI in Wayne County over the weekend. Police arrested 52-year-old Dennis D. Love of Fairfield, 24-year-old Charles R. Breaux of Sims and 53-year-old Ricky G. Summers of Opdyke. They also arrested 19-year-old Thomas B. Woodcock of Bluford on a charge of unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor.
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27-year-old Griffin P. Spicer of W. Douglas St. in Fairfield was arrested Saturday on a Wayne County warrant charging him with criminal fortification of a home and production of marijuana. City Police seized 17 suspected marijuana plants and over 30 grams of suspected pot from his home. Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Lou Jenkins of 415 N.W. 5th St. in Fairfield reports that someone stole a large quantity of lumber from her home. The theft of 19 pieces of lumber was reported Saturday evening.
Work will begin soon on a project to reopen the long-shuttered Carmi White County Hospital in Carmi. Thanks to the efforts of the Phoenix Foundation and a $3 million Capital Development Grant from the State of Illinois, the hospital is expected to undergo a major renovation project in the coming months. Gov. Pat Quinn was in Carmi Saturday afternoon to make the grant announcement. The hospital has been closed since December of 2005.
35-year-old Anthony J. Leonardi of Fairfield was jailed Friday afternoon after he allegedly showed up at the home of Dorothy A. Davis in violation of an order of protection. He was jailed pending the filing of formal charges and setting of bond.
Charges are pending against a Norris City man who fled the scene of an accident Saturday in Gallatin County that left a passenger seriously injured. A Ford Explorer driven by 30-year-old David A. Jolley ran off Rt. 1 and overturned several times. A passenger, 40-year-old Joseph P. Quartermous of Norris City was seriously injured. State Police found Jolley later at a house in New Haven.
Pollard Realty at 200 East Main Street in downtown Fairfield will have a grand opening celebration this Friday starting at 9 a.m. The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce will conduct a ribbon cutting to kick off the grand opening.
Advance ride tickets for the Fairfield Fall Fun Fest go on sale today at the offices of McDowell, Kenshalo & Jesop in downtown Fairfield. Advance tickets will be on sale through Sept. 15.
WFIW received .47" of rain this morning.
Headlines for Sunday, August 29, 2010
One of the region's most notable philanthropists has died. William H. "Bill" Mitchell, a longtime resident of Albion died Saturday at Newburgh Health Care following a battle with Alzheimer's. He is survived by his wife, Trudy Mitchell. In Albion, Mr. Mitchell owned M & M Oil Company. Some of the notable recipients of Mitchell's philanthropy include the Mesker Park Zoo in Evansville, Deaconess Hospital and the University of Southern Indiana. At Deaconess, the Mitchells assisted with the purchase of the first CT scanner in 1978. The USI campus named Mitchell Auditorium in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell and bestowed honorary Doctoral degrees in 1985 for their long time support of the campus. Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Ziemer Funeral Home's East Chapel in Evansville.
Governor Pat Quinn was in Carmi Saturday afternoon to present a $3 million grant that will be used to reopen the long shuttered Carmi-White County Hospital. The hospital has been closed since December of 2005 after the former owners decided it would be impossible to staff the hospital with the number of patients being admitted. The grant will be administered by the non-profit Phoenix Foundation which gained ownership of the hospital through a foreclosure proceeding. Officials hope to have renovations completed by the end of August, 2012.
40-year-old Joseph P. Quertermous of Norris City was seriously injured Saturday when the Ford Explorer he was a passenger in ran off Rt. 1 in Gallatin County and overturned several times. The driver, 30-year-old David A. Jolley of Norris City fled the scene. He later turned up at a home in New Haven and was taken to the hospital in McLeansboro. Charges are pending in the crash.
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has launched an effort to track down the state's most prolific traders of Internet child pornography. Madigan says her office has identified more than 8,000 Internet address that have been transmitting still photos and videos of child porn over the past month.
The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to attend a ribbon cutting next Friday, Sept. 3 for Pollard Realty. The new business is located at 200 E. Main Street in Downtown Fairfield. The event will kick off a grand opening at 9 a.m. next Friday.
Advance ride tickets for the Fairfield Fall Fun Fest go on sale Monday. Tickets will be available at the offices of McDowell, Kenshalo & Jesop in downtown Fairfield. The tickets will be available through Sept. 15.
Headlines for Saturday, August 28, 2010
Recipients of the annual Walter R. Davis and Marie Foley Davis scholarships have been announced. Receiving $1000 scholarships are Laura A. Simpson and Amanda Etheridge. Receiving $500 scholarships are Caleb Smith, Hayden McDuffee, Aaron Donoho, Lauren Williams and James Murphy. The scholarships were established by Mr. and Mrs. Davis to assist graduates of Fairfield Community High School and help them obtain a college education at an Illinois college or university.
19-year-old Ricky Wayne Brown entered a guilty plea in Jasper County Circuit Court this week to charges of stealing a pickup truck and has been sentenced to three years in prison. Brown was accused of stealing the truck and taking a 13-year-old Wayne County girl from her home in Wynoose last month. The vehicle that Brown stole was later abandoned in Parke County, Indiana, and Brown and the 13-year-old girl then showed up at a relative's home in Indiana seeking shelter. Brown will be transferred to Wayne County to face a felony charge of child abduction of a juvenile under the age of 16 when he was at least two years older than the alleged victim.
A pretrial hearing was conducted Thursday for embattled Gallatin County Sheriff Raymond M. Martin in his marijuana dealing and witness tampering case. Martin is scheduled to stand trial September 13th, according to the clerk of the U.S. District Court at Benton. Court records indicate arguments in a defense motion to supress some evidence in the case will be held Tuesday, September 7th at 10 a.m. Martin remains in custody pending a September 13th trial.
The annual Wayne County Corn and Soybean Yield Tour is set for Monday. Eight teams will travel several routes in the county checking at least ten soybean and ten corn fields to compile this year's yields. The teams will depart from JT's in Wayne City at 7 a.m. and meet back there at noon to compile the results.
Headlines for Friday, August 27, 2010
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Convicted killer Bruce D. Mendenhall of Albion was back in court Thursday to appeal his murder coviction. The judge denied his attorney's motion for a new trial. Mendenhall was sentenced to life in prison back in June for the slaying of Sara Nicole Hulbert. Her body was found stuffed in a trash can at a Lebanon, TN truck stop in 2007.
Problems with New Wave Communications and Alltell Cell Phone service across Southern Illinois have been corrected. A fiber-optic cable was cut on Thursday between Enfield and mcLeansboro. The problem has been corrected, and service was restored shortly after 10 this morning.
19-year-old Ricky Wayne Brown of Willow Hill, IL has been sentenced to 3 years in prison for stealing a vehicle in Jasper County. Brown is accused of using the stolen vehicle to take a 13-year-old Wayne County girl from her home near Wynoose last month and fleeing to Indiana. The stolen truck was found abandoned in Parke County, IN. Brown will be transferred to Wayne County where he faces a felony charge of child abduction.
Robbers armed with handguns held up the Subway restaurant south of Grayville Wednesday night. Grayville police say the gunmen made off with $700 cash and the store's safe.
Thursday's guest at the Fairfield Rotary Club was Barb Lemons, owner and operator of Bare Bunz Tanning Salon, located in Westport Plaza, across from Buffalo Country. Lemons previously worked at Movie Gallery in Fairfield. Lemons' business is open Monday thru Saturday 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sundays from noon til 4. Pictured is Barb Lemons.
Advance ride tickets for the Fairfield Fall Fun Fest will go on sale this Monday through Sept. 15. Tickets will be available at the office of McDowell, Kenshalo & Jesop in Fairfield and on Sat. Sept. 11 at Joe's Body Shop from 8 a.m. until noon. Organizers also say there are still a few booth openings on Main Street as well as the Chamber of Commerce Tent and Craft Tent.
Fairfield Rural Firefighters will stage their annual Drive-Thru Pork Chop Dinner this evening. The meal costs $8 per person with an extra pork chop going for $4. Proceeds will be used to purchase needed firefighting equipment. Serving will be from 4:30 - 6:30.
The annual Wayne County Corn and Soybean yield tour has been set for next Monday. Volunteers with the Wayne County Corn Growers will be sampling fields from throughout the county, checking for yield potential. The county's corn harvest is already underway, making it one of the earliest harvests on record.
Headlines for Thursday, August 26, 2010
Authorities are searching for three Hispanic males that robbed the Subway Sandwich Shop south of Grayville Wednesday night. Grayville Officer Mark Worlds say two of the three suspects were armed with handguns and forced two employees onto the floor while they stole money out of the cash register. A third suspect entered the store and helped steal the restaurant safe. A female employees suffered a cut on her finger after one of the suspects forced her at gunpoint to climb over the counter. Police have no information at this time about a possible getaway vehicle. The restaurant is located on Ill. Rt. 1 near the intersection of Interstate-64.
18-year-old Cody M. Kell of Water St. in Grayville was arrested Wednesday on felony charges of residential burglary and criminal trespass to a residence. He is being held under $3,000 cash bond. Kell is accused of entering a home in the 100 block of W. Walnut St. in Albion.
Wayne County Sheriff Jim Hinkle (pictured left) reports the delivery of a new state-of-the-art piece of law enforcement equipment. An AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) has been delivered to the county jail. The device was purchased with a governmental equipment grant. Sheriff Hinkle says he expects the device to be operational in a few days with employee training to start on Friday. Pictured with Sheriff Hinkle is Wayne County Correctional Officer Britt Fulk (right).
A former Richland County Sheriff's deputy entered a guilty plea Wednesday afternoon to charges he stole $600 from a suspect he arrested in June of 2008 for domestic battery. Johnnie D. “J D” Robinson, 32 of Noble, IL entered a guilty plea Wednesday to felony charges of official misconduct and theft over $300. Appellate Prosecutor David Rands said Robinson had arrested Edward P. Shaw on June 20, 2008 for domestic battery at his home on W. Market Street in Olney. As the suspect was being lead away in handcuffs, his wife handed him a wallet containing $600 that was supposed to be used to post bond. In pleading guilty, Robinson admitted to stealing the cash. In an unrelated case, Robinson was charged with stealing a Winchester 1300 .12 gauge shotgun from Jim Knight of rural Noble during a vehicle stop..
Fairfield City Police are encouraging residents to keep their cars locked at night after a rash of vehicle burglaries over the past few days. Thieves most recently targeted cars on N.W. 7th, N.W. 5th and W. Water Street. Items taken included change, fishing gear and miscellaneous items.
Health officials are investigating an illness that sent 70 students home from the North Ward Elementary School in Tuscola on Wednesday. Investigators are questioning students about what they may have eaten. The affected students were stricken with abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
University of Illinois scientists say they've found a destructive mildew in the state's pumpkin crop that could also affect vegetables such as cucumbers and squash. Researchers say that "downy mildew" can spread quickly, turning leaves brown in just ten days.
The Fairfield Rural Fire Department will conduct its annual Drive Thru Pork Chop Dinner on Friday on the Wayne County courthouse square. Serving will run from 4:30 - 6:30. The meal will include pork chop, green beans, river potatoes, and homemade rolls. Money raised will be used to buy needed equipment.
Headlines for Wednesday, August 25, 2010
52-year-old Donald E. Bunting of Albion has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of methamphetamine dealing in Posey County, IN. Bunting, a former Albion area plumber, was arrested after Indiana authorities executed a search warrant at his girlfriend's mobile home in Mount Vernon, IN and found a meth lab.
47-year-old Sean B. Metcalf, 47 of Rt. 2 McLeansboro has been jailed on a Wayne County warrant charging him with failure to appear in court on a charge of cyber stalking. Unable to post $500 cash bond, Metcalf remains in the county jail.
Frontier Community College President Dr. Tim Taylor (pictured) addressed the Fairfield City Council meeting Tuesday night, seeking $250,000 in TIF funds to pay for the construction of six classrooms in the Workforce Development Center. If approved by the council, the FCC Foundation would borrow the money with the City of Fairfield paying off the loan over the period of several years with TIF funds. The college has plans to add several new courses of study, including Fire Science, Paramedic Training, Construction Trades and Health Informatics.
The embattled Chief Deputy of the Saline County Sheriff's Department has retired. Todd Fort, 43, (pictured) faces ten felony charges for allegedly having unlawful sexual contact with a departmental intern. He posted $25,000 cash bond last Saturday and was released from custody pending a Nov. 3 trial.
An oil slick on the roadway is being blamed for a crash Tuesday morning that left two Mt. Carmel residents injured. Illinois State Police report that Jeff Knight, 49, was driving a 2004 Kawasaki motorcycle southbound on the Orchardville-Keenes Road in rural Wayne County when the bike hit a hydraulic oil spill on the roadway, causing him to lose control and crash. Knight and his passenger, Kenzie Knight, 19, of Mount Carmel were injured and taken by ambulance to Fairfield Memorial Hospital. The accident happened about two miles south of Orchardville at 11:47 Tuesday morning.
The corn harvest has started in Wayne County. Several combines were seen Tuesday evening shelling corn in Jasper Township. The Illinois Ag Statistics Service says it's one of the earliest corn harvests on record.
Illinois State Police will be conducting a roadside safety check in Wayne County on Friday, September 3 and in Saline County on Saturday, September 4. Troopers will be watching for drunk drivers and motorists driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Headlines for Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The former courtyard at Fairfield Memorial Hospital is being transitioned into office space. Because of the work, pedestrian and parking lot traffic will be directed by hospital staff members Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. A large crane is bring brought in to set beams for the new offices.
A young Wabash County coal miner remains in a coma at an Evansville hospital after being critically injured in a four-wheeler accident early Sunday morning. 20-year-old Aaron Foshee remains at St. Mary's Hospital where he underwent surgery over the weekend to relieve pressure on his brain from a severe head injury. Foshee was riding with a group of Saline County coal miners in Pope County when he was thrown from his four-wheeler and hit a tree.
19-year-old Stephen J. Vallette of Rt. 4 Albion faces two counts of aggravated battery after he allegedly broke the jaw of one individual and got another alleged victim in a headlock and threw him to the ground. Both alleged incidents happened at the Albion City Park. Vallette's bond has been set at $4,000 cash.
The Chief Deputy of the Saline County Sheriff's Department has posted $25,000 cash bond and is now out of jail on ten felony charges. 43-year-old Todd Fort is accused of having unlawful sexual contact with a 17-year-old departmental intern. He also serves as the president of the Harrisburg School Board. He faces five counts of criminal sexual assault and five counts of official misconduct. An order of protection has also been issued in the case, preventing him from being on Harrisburg High School property or anywhere near the alleged victim.
A $250 Crimestoppers reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in a burglary near Norris City. Burglars broke into a building owned by Scott Garrett and stole $6,000 worth of tools and other equipment.
An open golf scramble to benefit juvenile diabetes research has been set for Saturday, Sept. 18 at the Wayne County Golf Course in Fairfield. The field will be limited to 36 teams of four golfers. The team entry fee is $400 plus a $6 cart fee. More information is available at the pro shop.
Headlines for Monday, August 23, 2010
20-year-old Aaron Foshee of Mt. Carmel was critically injured Saturday night in a 4-wheeler accident near Williams Hill road in Pope County. Foshee had been riding with several co-workers from a Saline County coal mine when he apparently struck a tree. Friends found Foshee and called for help. He was airlifted from the scene to St. Mary's Hospital in Evansville where relatives say he is in a coma, suffering from severe head injuries.
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A retirement reception has been set for next Tuesday, August 31 for Carroll Hilliard, Assistant Dean of Student Services at Frontier Community College. Hilliard (pictured left) joined the Illinois Eastern Community College District in 1986 as Director of Financial Aid. He remained in that position until January of 2009 when he was promoted to his current position. The reception will be held at Foundation Hall on the campus of Frontier Community College from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. next Tuesday.
With a vote of 224 - 122, members of the United Auto Workers Local 543 have ratified a new three-year contract with Airtex Products in Fairfield. The vote came Sunday afternoon at Northside School. Both sides negotiated for a new contract over the weekend after members rejected the first contract offer 190-156 Saturday morning. The new agreement covers approximately 400 rank and file workers.
Dental records were used Sunday to identify a Clay City teen killed in a fiery traffic crash Friday afternoon east of Clay City. 19-year-old Dami Eastin(pictured) died after the Dodge Durango he was driving ran a stop sign and was hit broadside by a semi on the Big Four Road. Investigators say they believe Eastin was texting on his cell phone moments before the fatal crash.
49-year-old John R. Perkins of Olney was arrested Sunday morning after he allegedly burglarized the Rural King in Mount Carmel. Mt. Carmel Police Chief Jeff Besing reports police investigating a report of a suspicious vehicle around 4 a.m. Sunday arrested Perkins. He faces charges of burglary, criminal damage to property and driving revoked. He is being held under $2,500 cash bond in the Wabash County jail.
23-year-old Chelsey L. Staley and 29-year-old William C. Staley of Fairfield were arrested on charges of aggravated battery Friday night. The two are accused of battering 27-year-old Destiny R. Staley of Fairfield during an altercation at the Murphy Gas Station near the Fairfield Wal-Mart.
Dr. Tim Taylor, president of Frontier Community College will address the Fairfield City Council Tuesday evening. The City of Fairfield is considering using TIF funds to help pay for the construction of new classrooms in the Workforce Development Center. Frontier is considering the addition of several classes to their curriculum, including Fire Science, Paramedic Training and Construction Technology.
Headlines for Sunday, August 22, 2010
The due date for Wayne County Mobile Home tax bills is this Friday, August 27th. The total amount to be collected this year is just over $190,000. Wayne County property owners have until September 10th to pay the first installment of Wayne County Real Estate tax bills with the second installment due on November 5th. Questions about either bill can be directed to the Treasurer's office at 842-5087.
The activity lineup for the Grayville Days 2010 Remember When celebration has been announced. The Little Miss and Little Mister Pageant will be held Tuesday, August 31st at 6:30 p.m. The Jr. Miss and Miss Grayville Pageant will be held Wednesday, September 1st at 6:30 p.m. One of the highlights of the event will be a performance by the CMA Band of the Year, Shenandoah at 7:30 Saturday night, September 4th. Activities wrap up Sunday, September 5th with a fireworks display on the riverfront and a performance by Orry Kraw.
Residents in Illinois who have not had health insurance coverage for the past six months can now apply for a new federally-funded health insurance program. Enrollment will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The government has set aside nearly $200 million for Illinois, which is expected to cover between 4000 and 6000 people. Forms can be filled out and submitted online at the Illinois insurance department's website at www.insurance.illinois.gov
Headlines for Saturday, August 21, 2010
BREAKING NEWS - Another tentative agreement has been reached between Airtex Products and the United Auto Workers Local 543. The agreement was reached shortly before 7 p.m. Saturday. Union members are asked to report to Northside School at 3 p.m. Sunday to vote on the new agreement. The first proposal was rejected Saturday afternoon by a vote of 190-156. The current contract has been extended through midnight Sunday night. The contract covers aproximately 400 union workers.
An autopsy will be conducted today to determine the identity of a man killed early Friday afternoon when the Dodge SUV he was driving was hit broadside by a semi east of Clay City. Clay County Coroner Gary Bright says the SUV was headed east on a Clay County road, when it apparently ran through a stop sign on the Big-4 Road. A northbound flatbed semi hit the SUV, knocking it into a cornfield. Both vehicles burst into flames upon impact, with the driver of the SUV pronounced dead at the scene.
Applications for the Bill Brower Educational Scholarship are available through Frontier Community College. The deadline to apply is this Tuesday. The scholarship will award a $500 cash scholarship to a Wayne County resident enrolled at Frontier. More information is available by contacting the college.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced this week a grant of over $31 million to Delta Communications in Harrisburg. The Broadband Technologies Opportunities Partnership grant funds will be used to support a fiber optic infrastructure in 23 counties in southern Illinois. Part of the grant will be used to assist with the implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 in 18 counties. Clay, Richland, Marion, Jefferson, White, Wabash, Saline and Gallatin counties are among the counties that are included.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn visited the Helmets to Hardhats program at Rend Lake College Friday with a promise to do more for the program and spin its model into new initiatives across Illinois. A brief press conference preceded the governor's tour of Rend Lake's welding lab, where he met veterans in the Helmets to Hardhats program. The program helps connect National Guard, Reserve and active-duty military service members with industry training and employment opportunities.
Al Fritschle, First Bank's president and chief executive officer, announced Thursday that the Carmi-based bank plans to open a branch in the former Ehtan Allen stand-alone building at 7506 Eagle Crest Blvd, off the East Lloyd Expressway in Evansville. Fritchle says he hopes to have the bank open by January 1st.
Rainfall overnight at WFIW amounted to 1.09".
Headlines for Friday August 20, 2010
Illinois State Police arrested a rural Gallatin County man this morning on charges he was in possession of dynamite, detonation cord, guns, and marijuana plants. Police had gone to the home of 30-year-old Brian Mann in search of 56-year-old John H. Robinson on a Saline County arrest warrant when they stumbled upon a quantity of guns and explosives. ATF agents and officers from the Illinois Secretary of State Bomb Squad joined State Police detectives in searching Mann's property throughout the day on Thursday. Mann (pictured right) is being held in the White County jail on charges of being in possession of explosive devices and marijuana production. Robinson (pictured left) is being held under $125,000 bond in the Saline County jail on felony charges of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
Members of the United Auto Workers Local 543 will vote Saturday on a new Airtex contract. An explanation of the proposed contract will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at Northside School. A vote will follow. Doors open at 8:30 Saturday morning.
The Fairfield Community High School Board hired Sally Kirk of Waltonville as a temporary PE, Health and Drivers Ed instructor. She replaces Haven Kirkpatrick who has been suspended with pay after being arrested for aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Mrs. Kirk previously taught PE at Galatia. She is married and has two children.
With "no" votes from Nathan Vaughn and Darin Hopper, the FCHS Board reinstated Aaron Book as an assistant football coach. With one "no" vote from Darin Hopper, the board also reinstated Chet Snyder as assistant basketball coach.
Mt. Carmel Police are investigating a report that a 15-year-old girl was attacked by a man while jogging on College Drive. The alleged victim said she cut through a grassy area and was attacked by a male suspect wearing a dark ski mask at about 9:15 Thursday night. The girl was taken to Wabash General Hospital where she was examined and released.
Thursday's guest at the Fairfield Rotary Club was Terry Bruce, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Illinois Eastern Community College District. Bruce (right) told Rotarians that as of August 15, Frontier Community College was the only college of the four campuses in the district to increase enrollment. Bruce added that the IECC District is in good financial shape. Rotarian Mike Sullivan (left) arranged for the program.
Headlines for Thursday, August 20, 2010
A tentative agreement has been reached between Airtex Products in Fairfield and the United Auto Workers Local 543. The agreement extends the current contract through Friday. Workers will vote on the proposed agreement this Saturday. The current contract officially expired at midnight last Tuesday.
Starting today, the Wayne County Ambulance Service will be operating as an Advanced Life Support Ambulance Service. The upgrade means that there will always be an advanced level EMT on the ambulance. These advanced level EMT's include Intermediate and Paramedic level personnel. Pictured above in front of a new Ambulance (left to right) are Jack Higham, Wayne County Ambulance Director; Sharon Pollard, RN, FMH Emergency Nurse Manager/EMS Coordinator; B.J. Pennington, EMT-I; Sam Grimes, EMT-I; Karen Rahmoeller, EMT-P, Lead Medic; Katherine Bunting, FMH CEO; Dr. Kyle Kakac, Assistant EMS Medical Director; Dr. Michelle O’Neill, FMH Emergency Department/EMS Medical Director; and Cindy Meagher, FMH CNE.
Jesse Milner of Cisne competed in the Illinois State Championship Pedal Pull Wednesday at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield and took 1st place. His division was 30-45 lbs weight class for sanctioned pull winners. Jesse qualified at Carmi's county fair on August 7 for the sanctioned pull at state. He has also won at Edwards County fair this year. Jesse is the son of Brian Milner and Andrea Harrell of Cisne. He is the grandson of Donnie and Janice Milner of Johnsonville, Randy Harrell of Cisne, and Guy and Twila Henry of Mt Vernon. He also has a big brother, Brody Milner of Cisne.
State Senator John O. Jones says he's not surprised about the outcome of the Rod Blagojevich corruption trial. Jones says Federal Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald did a poor job of presenting the case. He hopes that the second time around he won't get outsmarted by the Blagojevich defense team.
Andrew Davenport has waived extradition from Maryland back to Illinois to face charges that he was involved in a fatal police chase. Cowden Police officer Jeremy Hubbard was chasing Davenport's pickup truck when his squad car went out of control and crashed. He died a short time later at a local hospital.
The Illinois Eastern Community College Board of Trustees have approved a grant application for a new parking lot at Frontier Community College. If approved by the Illinois Community College Board, the grant would provide over $207,000 for the project.
The Fairfield Public Library and Wayne County Historical Society have teamed up to raffle off a hand crafted one-inch scale model log cabin. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5 and are available at the library. Money raised from the raffle will benefit both groups.
Headlines for Wednesday, August 18, 2010
At this month's meeting of the Illlinois Eastern Community College Board of Trustees, members voted to approve a new fiscal year budget. Officials project operating revenues of $31.5 million for the education and operations and maintenance fund, an increase of $59.130 over last year. A Capital Renewal Grant application has been approved for a new parking lot at Frontier Community College in Fairfield. Several personnel items were handled during the meeting, including the hiring of Juanita Rae Medler as a Clerk-Receptionist at Frontier Community College. The resignation of Dennis Shular as Information Systems Technician at Frontier was accepted, and the retirement of George Woods as Dean of Workforce Education was accepted, effective September 1st.
The union representing teachers at the Illinois Eastern Community College District have filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the district over their handling of a Reduction in Force action announced in March. The district laid off 21 teachers to save $1.2 million, then recalled 8 of those teachers in May.
The family of an 11-year-old boy sexually abused by his former pastor in Geff has brought suit against the church and the religious conference that oversaw the church. The civil suit is being brought against the former Geff United Methodist Church and the Great Rivers Conference of the United Methodist Church over former pastor Lawrence Reinke's sexual abuse of a boy who attended his church. The family is seeking more than $75,000 on each of four counts of neglect against the church. Reinke (pictured) is currently serving an open-ended sentence at the Big Muddy prison at Ina as a Sexually Dangerous Person.
The Jefferson County Crimestoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in connection with the murder of 15-year-old Deon Feggins. The reward offer ends September 17.
Gov. Pat Quinn has signed a law requiring utilities to buy a percentage of their power from solar energy sources by 2015. The law says utilities must purchase a half-percent of solar power by June of 2012. The mandatory percentage doubles each year until reaching 6% in 2015.
Headlines for Tuesday, August 17, 2010
A ten-year-old boy has been arrested for aggravated assault after he allegedly pulled a knife and threatened to stab six girls. The alleged incident happened Monday at the Iuka Grade School. The boy said he pulled the knife because the girls were picking on him. The suspect has been released to his parents pending action in juvenile court.
Negoti
ations continue between Airtex Products and the United Auto Workers Local 543 on a new contract. The current three year contract expires at midnight tonight. The contract covers approximately 400 hourly union employees. Union members previously authorized a strike if both sides cannot come to an agreement.
A federal jury today convicted former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich on only one of 24 counts against him, lying to the FBI. The jury said they were deadlocked on the other 23 counts, and all four counts against his brother, Robert. A mistrial was declared on the other counts, and the judge hearing the case gave prosecutors until August 26th to decide whether to retry the former governor and his brother. Prosecutors indicated it is their intent to retry them.
The Fairfield Grade School Board voted Monday night to accept $3.9 million from the Capital Development Board to pay for construction projects at Northside and Center Street schools. The board also voted to issue $2.7 million in Debt Certificates to pay the district's share of the project cost.
Edwards County High School students with five or more unexcused absenses in a school year will face a ten percent reduction in their grades. The new policy was approved at Monday night's meeting of the Edwards County Community Unit School Board.
A school shooting scenario was conducted Monday at the Mount Carmel High School. Wabash County Sheriff Joe Keeling reports that the drill involved a suspect setting fire to the principal's car, then running into the school where he shot several students and fired on police. City and county police, along with fire department and ambulance personnel participated in the mock shooting scenario.
Gov. Pat Quinn has approved a tax amnesty program that officials hope will raise $250 million this fall. The law allows residents who are overdue on taxes over the past eight years to pay up before facing doubled penalty and interest payments. The amnesty period runs from Oct. 1 to Nov. 8.
Fairfield National Bank President Larry Rost will present a program tonight at the Wayne County Historical Society about Fairfield National Bank's acquisition of First National Bank during the depression. The program starts at 7 tonight in the Fairfield Public Library meeting room.
Headlines for Monday, August 16, 2010
Fire destroyed a mobile home owned by Rick West near Crossville early Saturday morning. The trailer was unoccupied and according to family members, for sale. Crossville and Carmi firefighters responded to the blaze in the early morning hours on Saturday. No one was hurt. The Illlinois State Fire Marshal's office is investigating.
22-year-old Aaron K. Musgrave of Rt. 1 Bt. Prairie was arrested early Sunday morning on a charge of DUI. Musgrave was arrested after county police pulled his vehicle over for having a license plate light out on a county road north of Sims around 1:26 a.m. Failing field sobriety tests, he tested .11 on the state's Breathylizer.
According to a report in this weekend's edition of the Bloomberg News, the Carlyle Group is seeking a buyer for United Components, Inc. - the parent company of Airtex Products in Fairfield and Champion Labs in Albion and West Salem. According to the report, KKR & Co. is among the bidders for the Evansville-based company.
Darin Hoppers' petition efforts to get the size of the Wayne County board reduced from 14 to 7 were not in vain. Despite a vote by the County Board last Thursday to keep the question off the November ballot, County Clerk Donna Endsley says the matter will be placed before voters in November. Because Hopper met all of the required deadlines, and because he brought the question as a private citizen, not as a unit of government, the State Board of Elections says the matter will be placed on the upcoming ballot.
61-year-old Geraldine Smith of Henderson, KY remains hospitalized after falling out of the back of a pickup truck on a county road north of Mt. Carmel Saturday afternoon. Smith was trying to hold down a large rubber raft when a gust of wind blew it out of the truck, taking her with it. The driver of the truck - Regina Kind of Friendsville was not hurt.
Illinois is looking at a record corn crop this fall. The U.S. Department of Agriculture numbers released last week forecast average corn yields of 180 bushels an acre across Illinois. If the numbers hold, that would tie a six year old state record.
Fairfield Memorial Hospital is holding a Salad Luncheon this Friday at the First United Methodisit Church in Fairfield to benefit the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Advance tickets are $8 each and can be purchased from any Fairfield Memorial Hospital team member. Tickets at the door will be $10.
Headlines for Sunday, August 15, 2010
Some relief from the extreme heat of the past several days is expected this week. High temperatures are expected to be closer to normal this week, which is around 90, with nighttime lows getting down well into the 60's. The area had been under an Excessive Heat Warning the past several days because of the heat. A complex of showers and thunderstorms moved through parts of southern Illinois early this morning, dropping rainfall amounts of up to two inches in parts of Franklin county and areas to the south. No severe weather has been associated with the storms.
61-year-old Geraldine F. Smith of Henderson, KY, was seriously injured Saturday afternoon after falling out of the back of a pickup truck on a rural Wabash County road north of Mt. Carmel. Sheriff Joe Keeling said Smith was in the pickup attempting to hold down a large rubber raft when a gust of wind caught the raft and pulled her out of the truck. She suffered serious injuries after landing on the pavement and was airlifted to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville for treatment.
The Wayne County Historical Society will have a meeting Tuesday night at 7 in the Fairfield Public Library meeting room. Fairfield National Bank President Larry Rost will speak on the negotiations that took place between the First National Bank and Fairfield National Bank on November 21st and 22, 1931. A bank failure was avoided in Fairfield during the Great Depression when Fairfield National Bank acquired the accounts and assets of the First National Bank. The public is welcome to attend Tuesday's meeting.
Fairfield Memorial Hosptial will be holding a Salad Luncheon on Friday at the First United Methodist Church in Fairfield to benefit the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting Michelle Ward at 847-8242 or from the hospital's Diagnostic Imaging Department. Proceeds from the Race for the Cure is given back to the community in the form of grants to do mammograms on those who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover the costs.
Deliberations in the corruption trial of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich are expected to resume on Monday. The jury is reportedly deadlocked on several of the charges against the former governor, which include scheming to sell President Barack Obama's former Senate seat and shaking down businessmen and others for campaign contributions. In a note sent to the judge hearing the case late last week, the jury had indicated they had reached a unanimous decision on only two of the 24 felony counts.
Congressman John Shimkus' Traveling Help Desk will be conducted in Carmi on Monday, August 23rd. A member of Shimkus' staff will be at the Carmi City Council Chambers from 11 a.m. til 12:30 p.m. to talk with constituents. Used cell phones will also be accepted during those hours for the Donate-A-Phone Program.
Headlines for Saturday, August 14, 2010
The question of reducing the size of the Wayne County Board will appear on the November, 2010 ballot, despite the board's vote Thursday night rejecting the question. Officials with the Illinois State Board of Elections state that because the petition to place the question on the November ballot was brought by a private citizen and not a unit of government, the issue MUST be placed on the ballot. Darin Hopper gathered 740 signatures from throughout the county to get the question on the November ballot only to be rejected by the county board. A closer look by County Clerk Donna Endsley and the State Board of Elections clarified the issue, ensuring the question WILL be placed before the voters on the November ballot. Hopper wants the size of the county board reduced from its current configuration of 14 members down to 7.
The Fairfield Community High School Board meets this Thursday night at 7 for their monthly meeting. Items expected to be discussed by the board include the accepting of bids for several vans in the district, the hiring of an assistant football coach, and the recalling of an assistant basketball coach. Also on the agenda is a motion to move the September board meeting from the 16th to Monday, September 20th.
A St. Louis man wanted in connection with a vehicle pursuit Tuesday that killed a Cowden, IL police officer has turned himself in to Howard County, Maryland authorities. 31-year-old Andrew Michael Davenport is being held in the Howard County, Maryland Detention Center in Jessup, Maryland on a fugitive warrant pending extradition proceedings. He faces a felony charge in Illinois for aggravated fleeing from a police officer. Cowden, IL Police Officer Jeremy Hubbard was involved in a chase of Davenport Tuesday when he lost control of his squad car on an Effingham County road and overturned. Hubbard was pronounced dead at a Greenville, IL hospital. The chase began after Davenport allegedly drove off without paying for $100 worth of diesel at a station in Staunton, IL.
Activities wrap up today at the annual Cisne Reunion. Today's highlights include the parade at 2 p.m. today. Roy Atwood is this year's Parade Grand Marshall. Tonight the Blue Suede Crew will perform starting at 7 p.m.
The 91st annual Bone Gap Chowder will be held today at the Bone Gap Chowder Grounds. Serving of the chowder starts at 4 p.m. and the gospel group, Predestined will perform. Due to the heat, a drive-through will be offered for those wishing to purchase the chowder. A gallon of chowder will sell for $14.
Jury deliberations are expected to resume on Monday in the corruption trial of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Reports indicated on Friday that the jury is deadlocked on at least several of the charges against the former governor, and have only been able to come to a unanimous decision on two of the 24 felony counts against Blagojevich, which include scheming to sell President Barack Obama's former Senate seat. Deliberations have been underway for nearly two weeks.
An Excessive Heat Warning Remains IN Effect Until 8 PM CDT This
Evening. • Maximum Afternoon Heat Index Values Today Will Likely Exceed 110 Degrees IN Most Locations. The Dangerous Heat Has Now Been In Place Over Most Of The Region Since Monday Afternoon.
Headlines for Friday, August 13, 2010
Shae Bullard, the daughter of Brian and Kim Bullard has been crowned Miss Cisne Reunion. Kirsten Powell, the daughter of Jessica Wood and Jeff Murphy was crowned Little Miss Cisne Reunion.
The Cisne Reunion continues through Saturday night. The annual parade is at 2 p.m. Saturday with Roy Atwood serving as the grand marshall.
The old Bone Gap Depot will be open for tours from noon til 6 Saturday as part of the 91st annual Bone Gap Chowder celebration. The depot contains several items about Bone Gap's history and railroad equipment.
On a narrow 7 - 6 vote, the Wayne County Board approved $30,000 from the county's Revolving Loan Fund to Nate McGaha for the establishment of a sports bar at a location west of Fairfield. McGaha is putting in $37,000 of his own money, plus $28,000 in bank loans. The bar will be built on a 5 acre piece of land west of the Fairfield Municipal Airport.
The Wayne County Board approved a request from the North Wayne Ambulance Service to increase their tax levy from 25 cents per $100 assessed valuation to as much as 30 cents. The measure was needed, officials said, to buy a new ambulance.
A proposal is being studied to employ a debt collection agency to go after individuals who have not paid their fines and costs through the Wayne County Circuit Court system. If approved, the collection agency would tack on another 30% fee on top of what is owed.
The Wayne County Highway Department has only been able to oil and chip 13 1/2 miles of county roads this year because of rising oil and rock prices. In the past, the highway department has been able to oil and chip as many as 65 miles of roadway.
Thursday's guest at the Fairfield Rotary Club was Marty Slover with the SportZone, talking about its operation and beginnings. Slover is a coach at Center Street Grade School. The SportZone was started by Slover and Jim Gifford as a way to provide sports facilities and training for kids to improve their athletic abilities. The program was arranged by Rotarian Mike Molt (right)
An Excessive Heat Warning Remains IN Effect Until 8 PM Cdt
Saturday. • Maximum Afternoon Heat Index Values Today And Saturday Will Likely Exceed 105 Degrees...And Many Locations Will Top Out Closer To 110. The Dangerous Heat Has Now Been IN Place Over Most Of The Region Since Monday Afternoon.
Headlines for Thursday, August 12, 2010
22-year-old James C. Broyles of Johnsonville has been arrested on charges of reckless conduct, assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest. County police went to Broyles' home Wednesday to arrest him on a reckless conduct warrant when he allegedly tried to resist being handcuffed and became abusive to officers trying to take him into custody. He posted $250 bond and was released.
Illinois State Police are searching for a full size red Dodge pickup truck involved in a police chase that ended in a crash Tuesday night, claiming the life of a Cowden police officer. Above is actual police dash cam video of the truck believed to have been involved in the chase. The officer, 35-year-old Jeremy Hubbard died after his squad car went out of control and rolled several times on a rural Effingham County road. He was ejected from the vehicle. The vehicle Hubbard was chasing was involved in the alleged theft of $100 worth of diesel from a local gas station.
During the month of July, Illinois State Police issued 418 speeding tickets in the counties served by District 19. Officers also wrote another 451 written warnings for speed and arrested 8 suspected drunk drivers.
Terry Bruce, CEO of the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges has been named to a new legislatively mandated commission to study higher education finance in Illinois. The commission will recommend options for the General Assembly to consider to better align funding for colleges and universities.
The 91st annual Bone Gap Chowder will be held this Saturday at the Bone Gap Chowder Grounds. Tractor and train rides for kids will be offered throughout the afternoon. Serving of chowder will begin at 4 p.m.
Plans have been announced for the 8th annual Outrageous Dog Show sponsored by Animals Requesting Friends. The event will be held on the main stage Saturday, Sept. 18 starting at 4:30 p.m. during the Fairfield Fall Fun Fest.
The Excessive Heat Warning Is Now IN Effect Until 8 PM Cdt
Saturday. • Maximum Afternoon Heat Index Values Each Day Through Saturday Will Likely Exceed 105 Degrees...And Many Locations Will Top Out Closer To 110.
Fairfield, Ill. on Saturday. The vote was 190-156. Local 543, representing approximately 400 rank and file employees, have been working without a contract since the current three year agreement expired at midnight last Tuesday. Union members gathered at Northside Elementary School in Fairfield at 9 a.m. Saturday for an explanation of the proposed contract, completing the voting process by noon. A spokesman for Local 543 said Saturday afternoon that a decision on a possible strike had not been made. The union voted earlier this month to authorize a strike if talks broke down or the union rejected the company’s latest offer.