The Wayne County Health Department has provided its latest release on coronavirus numbers in the county. They say for the period of January 3rd through 6th, there were 116 new cases in the county and one additional death. The total number of cases is at 3762 with 67 total deaths. 302 residents in the county are isolating. The Illinois Department of Public Health, as of this morning, is reporting 2,382,437 total cases in the state and 28,361 deaths. The 7-day positivity rate from December 31st through January 6th has jumped to 15.2 percent.
Officials with “Friends of Edwards County” held a pork chop and porkburger fundraiser in Albion Friday for the family of Sean Riley. The total raised from the sale of food and baked goods, donations from churches, local businesses and individuals, and a Wal-Mart gift card raffle was $26,110. According to a Facebook post, $7664 was raised Friday night at Fairfield Community High School during a fundraiser for the family. Another fundraiser is set for today at the Bedford Township Fire Department in Cisne starting at 11 a.m. The event will be drive-thru with signs posted. A smoked pork chop dinner will be served.
The Fairfield Lions Club is collecting Christmas lights that no longer work today from 9 a.m. til noon at the west side of Fairfield’s First United Methodist Church. The club will also accept donations of eyeglasses, hearing aids, empty ink cartridges, cell phones, soda tabs and keys. Proceeds will be used to help fund Lions Club programs throughout the state.
Clay County Sheriff Andy Myers reports that a Cisne motorist was involved in an accident on January 4th at the intersection of old Highway 50 and Hanging Rock Road in Clay County. Sheriff Myers said a 17 year old male from Flora was believed to be operating a vehicle and stopped at the intersection and continued across, hitting a vehicle driven by 22 year old Kameron Backs of Cisne. The male juvenile was cited for disregarding a stop sign.
Area river stages this morning: Little Wabash River east of Fairfield is at 23.25 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet. At Clay City the stage is 8.85 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet. At Carmi the stage is 23.17 feet. Flood stage is 27 feet. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City is at 5.55 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is at 19.26 feet. Flood stage is 19 feet.