The Cisne Village Board met recently. Items of business discussed included what to do with the problems with the dumpster. The board decided to invite the Bedford Township Board to the next meeting to discuss more options of what to do to keep the dumpsters in some way. Restrictions on times, making everyone show proof of residency and security cameras were all discussed as options. The board also approved a request to place a bench in the park in memory of Daniel Cates.
Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has announced the awarding of over $1.4 million in FY 22 School District Library Grant Program awards to 672 public school districts. More than 1.5 million Illinois students served by school library programs will benefit from the grants. Grant recipients locally include the Fairfield grade and high school districts, as well as Wayne City and Albion school libraries, each receiving grants of $850.
The high cost of gasoline and diesel is having impacts on firefighters and school districts in the state. Reports said firefighters in Springfield were sent a memo this past week asking fire stations to be more efficient with gas when using trucks and equipment, and the fire chief of Taylorville said they were weighing the possibility of potential cuts to the workforce. Some southern Illinois school districts are also feeling the pinch, with reports saying one district is paying nearly a dollar more a gallon for gasoline than this time a year ago.
For those that are eager to start their spring yard work, a University of Illinois Extension Horticulturist is offering some ideas. They include cleaning up dead branches, twigs and pinecones. Old perennial growth can be left alone until temperatures are consistently in the 50s, offering protection from late frost and rabbits. Soil temperatures should also be in the 50s for the best success when planting flowering bulbs.
Area river stages as of this morning: Little Wabash River east of Fairfield is at 20.43 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet. At Clay City the stage is 8.18 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet. The river at Carmi is at 22.5 feet. Flood stage is 27 feet. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City stands at 5.87 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is at 14.01 feet. Flood stage is 19 feet. Rain chances re-enter the forecast beginning late Monday night.