Fairfield’s annual Fall Fun Fest will open this Wednesday evening in downtown Fairfield. Activities will include a performance by the Roasted Chestnuts beginning at 6 p.m. on the main stage. Other events through the week will include church night, the FNB 5K Run/Walk, prince and princess contest, miss Fall Fun Fest contest, and musical performances by Gruen Vocal Studios and 7 Bridges, Yoga in the Park, a fishing contest, the Lemonds Chevrolet Car Show, a bake off and kiddie parade. The event will wrap up this Saturday night with a performance by Dylan Wolfe at 6:30 p.m.
The latest numbers from the Illinois Department of Public Health shows a total of 3,716,318 cases of the coronavirus in the state as of this morning, and 34,811 total deaths. Reports from the area indicated Marion County has moved bavk into the “high” COVID-19 community transmission level, with 96 new cases reported and seven new hospitaliztions in a one-week period ending this past Thursday. Wayne, Jefferson and Fayette counties were also reported at the “high” level, with Wayne County reporting 69 new cases in the same period. Jefferson County had 75 new cases. Statewide, reports said there were 19,933 new cases in the state in the past week, and 64 deaths.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding motorists to follow the state’s Move Over Law. The law, also known as Scott’s Law, requires drivers to reduce speed and change lanes when approaching a vehicle on the side of the road with emergency lights or flashers activted. Violators face tough consequences, including fines of between $100 and $10,000. So far this year, at least 18 Illinois State Police squad cars have been struck by those not following Scott’s Law.
Organizers of the Belle Rive Days have a full lineup of activites for this year’s celebration. The event kicks off today with a Homecoming Service at 10:30 a.m. followed by a free pork chop lunch. Afternoon activities include a car show at 1 p.m., a Power Wheels Race at 2 p.m. and a Tractor Pedal Pull. The event will run through this Saturday, September 17th. The Little Miss Belle Rive & Talent Show is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 16th.
Area river stages as of this morning: Little Wabash River at Clay City is at 4.91 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet. At Carmi the river is at 4.18 feet. Flood stage is 27 feet. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City is at 5.12 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is at 3.75 feet. Flood stage is 19 feet. The Little Wabash River reading east of Fairfield was unavailable.