Fairfield Water Dept employees will be flushing hydrants throughout the city through Friday, October 7. This is done each spring and fall to test the hydrants and help keep your water supply clean and pure. The City of Fairfield is required by ILL EPA to inform residents of the possible lead content in the water supply during hydrant flushing. While flushing the hydrants, you may notice that your water may be temporarily discolored. While flushing occurs, you may also experience a dip in water pressure, and it might affect the lead plumbing in and outside your home, if your home is equipped with lead plumbing. If your water is discolored, it does not mean it is unsafe to drink. It just means there is a temporary increase in the concentration of iron within the water. While lines are being flushed, residents are urged to check for discoloration of your water before doing laundry or similar activities. It is also encouraged you flush your line at the kitchen tap for 1-5 minutes as recommended by the EPA. The city will have Lead Information Sheets available at City Hall and the Water Dept. upon request. for questions or to obtain more information call the Water Department during regular business hours, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. The schedule of flushing will be as follows: Today – 2nd Ward every hydrant North of Elm between 1st and 7th. Wednesday – 3rd Ward every hydrant South of Elm between 1st and 7th. Thursday – 4th Ward every hydrant West of 7th stopping at Airport Rd. Friday – Outlying Areas, being Walmart, Petroleum Blvd., Brach Oaks, Highway 45 South, Highway 15 East to City’s Old Filter Plant.
Jury Selection in the murder trial of Brodey Murbarger continues today at the Wayne County Circuit Court. Currently 10 jurors have been selected, leaving opening for two jurors and two alternates. Murbarger is accused of the disappearance and murder of Megan Nichols on July 3, 2014. Murbarger was arrested on October 8th of 2020 in Evansville, IN after being indicted by a Wayne County Grand Jury. Nichols body was found Southern Wayne County in December of 2017 and taken to Bloomington for autopsy, before being taken to the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia to confirm the identity of the remains. The case is being presided over by Wayne County Circuit Judge Michael J. Molt. The Defense is being represented by Christian Baril. Prosecuting the case are Assistant Attorneys General Michael Falagario, Myra Yelle-Clark, and Wayne County States Attorney Kevin Kakac.
On 9/27 69-year-old Leslie J Craig pleaded guilty in Wayne County Court to a Class A Misdemeanor for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Craig was given one year of Court Supervision, credited with six days served, and ordered to pay fines and costs totaling $1,906.00. a hearing review has been set for 8/31/2023 at 9 a.m.
On 9/27 35-year-old Amanda R. Moore pleaded guilty in Wayne County Court to a Class C Misdemeanor charge of Disorderly Conduct. Moore was given one year Conditional Discharge, credited with one day served, and ordered to pay fines and costs totaling $1,255.00. A hearing review has been set for 8/31/2023 at 9 a.m.
On 9/27 49-year-old Christopher W. Moats pleaded guilty in Wayne County Court for a Class A Misdemeanor charge of Battery. Moats was given one year of Court Supervision, credited with 13 days served in county jail, and ordered to pay fines and costs in the amount of $1,609.00. Two additional charges were dismissed per his plea agreement. a review hearing is set for 8/31/2023 at 9 a.m.
On 9/29 31- year-old Ryan K. Asher pleaded guilty to a Class A Misdemeanor charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Wayne County Court. Asher was given one year of Conditional Discharge, and ordered to pay fines and costs totaling $1,516.00. Multiple other charges were dismissed per his plea agreement. Review hearing for this case has been set for 8/31/2023 at 9 a.m.
On 9/29 32-year-old Levi E. Eads pleaded guilty to a Class C Misdemeanor charge of Disorderly Conduct. Eads was given one year of Court Supervision and ordered to pay fines and costs totaling $739.00. A hearing review is set for 8/31/2023 at 9 a.m.
On 10/3 at approximately 10:43 p.m. Deputy Murray of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by Deputy Manahan and Corporal Curry, conducted a traffic stop at Delaware and SW 5th St in Fairfield on a 2001 White Ford F150 for improper lighting and an expired registration. The driver identified himself to officers as John R Knight, his passenger was identified as Janie M Jones. Knight consented to let officers search the vehicle, at which time officers located a small baggie with approximately 3.8 Grams of a crystal white substance that field tested positive as methamphetamine in a purse in the passenger area of the vehicle. Jones advised that the purse and all contents belonged to her. Jones was placed under arrest for Possesssion of Methamphetamine and transported to the Wayne County Jail where she awaits a bond hearing. Knight was given a verbal warning for improper lighting and expired registration and released.
The City of Fairfield will conduct a City-Wide Fall Cleanup on Saturday, October 8, from 8 A.M. to 12 P.M at the Street & Bridge Department at 908 East King Street. This service is for City of Fairfield residents only. You may be asked to show your utility bill/dr. license to enter. Commercial contractors will not be allowed, again this is a residential cleanup only. Dumpsters will be available for general waste, tires, and metal and appliances. Items that will not be accepted are construction/remodel debris, yard waste, electronics, liquid paint, batteries and items considered hazardous waste. Light truck tires can be disposed of for $3 each, passenger car tires $2 each, and bicycle and ATV tires $1 each. Residents are asked to line up on East King Street. Gates will open at 8 AM. Residents are required to unload their own items, but City personnel will be available to assist with heavy material as needed. Any questions or concerns may be direct to City Hall at 842-2294.
A reminder that petitions for the Consolidated Election to be held on April 4, 2023 are currently available in the office of City Clerk Tina Hutchcraft. Office hours are 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. A Mayor will be elected for a two-year term to fill the unexpired term of Mayor Dreith and one alderman from each of the City’s four wards will be elected for a four-year term. Petition circulation began September 20. Filing period for those petitions is December 12 – December 19.
Wayne/Edwards County FSA is seeking someone to fill a Temporary Program Technician position for the Wayne/Edwards Farm Service Agency. This is a temporary position in an agricultural office. Salary will range from $15.75 to $17.31 per hour. Wayne/Edwards County FSA recognizes and appreciates the benefits of diversity in the workplace. Individuals who share this belief and reflect a diverse background are encouraged to apply. Applications can be picked up at the Wayne/Edwards FSA Office at 23 Industrial Drive, Fairfield, IL. Applications will be accepted until close of business Tuesday, October 11, 2022. Applicants will be required to undergo a background investigation and/or fingerprint screening. FSA is an equal opportunity employer.
The Mount Erie Fall Festival is set begin this Friday, October 7, and run through Sunday, October 9. Friday’s events will include the Vendors Markets, setup begins at 9 a.m., Bingo at Mike’s Auction Barn at 6 p.m., and Fun Auction with Alan Thomas at the Ruritan Building, also at 6 p.m. On Saturday, there’ll be Vendor Markets, Inflatable & Rides, and a Petting Zoo beginning at 9 a.m. Also am 9 a.m. will be the Tractor Show (First 25 tractors receive a hood plaque). Power & Grace Tumbling will perform at 10 a.m., with the Presentation of the Car & Tractor Show trophies at 11 a.m. followed by the Parade at Noon and Entertainment by Union Road at 1 p.m. Other events happening on Saturday include the Chicken Races, Pedal Pull, Punk’n Chuck’n, and Bingo. The events will cap off on Saturday with Movies at the Corner, followed by Dierman DJ Service & Karaoke. Sunday will feature Vendor Markets, Community Church Services, a Community Dinner at the Ruritan Building, inflatables & Rides, and Gospel Music by the Judah First Band. For more information about the Mount Erie Fall Festival contact Committee Chairman Mike Smith at 516-1885. For more information on the Tractor Show, contact Steve Bass at 838-8398.
A reminder The Wabash Area Development, Inc., as administrator of the Home Energy Assistance Program in Edwards, Hamilton, Gallatin, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, and White Counties are currently taking applications for the LIHEAP energy assistance program to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane, and electric bills, as well as furnace assistance. Various requirements apply, including proof of documentation and more. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through May 31, 2023. There will be no priority groups this program year. Households in need are encouraged to apply. Prior year recipients are eligible to re-apply. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time benefits to income eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service. Propane customers are encouraged to apply when the program opens in September to take greater advantage of lower propane prices. Propane prices typically increase during the winter months so by applying early propane customers will see their LIHEAP benefit go further. Applications are being accepted at the county outreach offices in Edwards, Hamilton, Gallatin/Saline, Wabash, Wayne, and White. Call Wabash Area Development, Inc. at 963-2387 for outreach locations and schedules, and for information on what documents are needed to apply and different ways to submit your application.
Last month proved to be both drier and cooler than the previous year. The average high temperature here at the station for September of 2022 was 79.4 degrees, with an average low of 56.2 degrees, compared to September 2021 which shows average highs of 83.4 and average lows of 58.9. The warmest day of the month was the 21st when the high hit 95 degrees. The coldest evening was the 30th when temps hit 44 degrees overnight. The month was drier than this time last year, showing total precipitation for the month at 1.56 inches. The heaviest rain taking place on the 6th when we received .73 inches of rain at the station. The Sept 2021 totals show 2.62 inches of rain.
The FBI in Springfield is warning of Hurricane-Related Fraud. While the Midwest is not subject to the devastation caused by hurricanes, residents can fall prey to hurricane-related fraud attempts by scammers. When tragedies like Hurricane Ian occur, the public pulls together to help those in need. Scammers will leverage natural disasters to steal your money, your personal information, or both. Charity fraud schemes seek donations for organizations that do little or no work, using the money instead for the scammer’s own gain. Disaster and charity fraud can come in many forms, from emails and social media posts, to crowdfunding platforms and cold calls. FBI Springfield offers the following tips to avoid becoming a victim of charity or disaster fraud.
- Do your homework when it comes to donations. Research charity reviews online, state regulators of charities, and charity reports and ratings via the Better Business Bureau.
- Give to established charities or groups whose work you know and trust.
- Never make charitable donations by gift card or wire transfer. Credit cards are safer.
- After donating, be sure to review your financial accounts to ensure additional funds are not deducted or charged.
- Don’t believe your caller ID. Scammers often spoof agency phone numbers. It is always best to research the organization telephone number and call direct to verify. Do not be pressured or rushed to donate. If so, it may be a scam.
- Do not click on links from sources you don’t know. These could be attempts to download viruses onto your computer or cell phone. Manually type out links instead of clicking on them.
- Be wary of charity names which sound very similar to well-known charities, as well as email addresses which are not consistent with the charity soliciting donations.
- Check the charity’s website URL – most legitimate charity organization websites use .org, not .com.
- Government workers are required to carry official identification and show it if requested. Closely scrutinize any ID you see and call the agency directly to confirm a worker’s identity if you are unsure.
- Do not give out personal information without confirming the legitimacy of the person contacting you.
If you think you are a victim of disaster or charity fraud, report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721 or online at the Department of Justice National Center for Disaster Fraud. You can also report suspicious email solicitations or fraudulent websites to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
River stages as of this morning: the Little Wabash east of Fairfield stands at 5.11 feet, below the 17 ft. flood stage. Meanwhile, the Skillet Fork at Wayne City has a reading of 5.09 feet (flood stage is 15 ft.). The Little Wabash below Clay City is at 4.26 feet (flood stage is 18 ft.). Bonpas Creek at Browns reads 1.16 feet. The Little Wabash at Main Street in Carmi reads 3.42 feet, and the Wabash River at Mt. Carmel sits at 2.61 feet.
Today’s Crude Oil Price is $76.63 up $4.14 from Monday. The November Crude Oil Price is $83.95 up $0.83 from Monday morning.