Jury deliberation is tentatively expected to begin later today, as Testimony is wrapping up at the Wayne County Courthouse in the first-degree murder trial of Brodey I. Murbarger. Murbarger, 26, is accused of the disappearance and murder of 15-year-old Megan Nichols of Faifield on July 3, 2014. Murbarger was arrested on October 8th of 2020 in Evansville, IN after being indicted by a Wayne County Grand Jury. The State moved to dismiss one of the charges against Murbarger as the trial got underway. The Class-3 felony charge of concealment of a homicidal death was dismissed without prejudice and without objection. That charge alleged that Murbarger, with knowledge that Megan P. Nichols had died by homicidal means, knowingly concealed the death of Megan P. Nichols by causing her body to be buried in a shallow grave in a remote area of Wayne County.” Murbarger is standing trial for three counts of first-degree murder in the death of Nichols, who went missing on the evening of July 3, 2014. Her remains were found the day after Christmas, in 2017 in a shallow grave south of Boyleston. Officials say the victim died from “strangulation/suffocation”. Nichols remains were taken to Bloomington for autopsy, before being taken to the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia to confirm the identity of the remains. Murbarger has been lodged in the Wayne County jail for more than 2 years , with a $3 million bond. Jury selection took place on October 3rd and 4th, with the trial opening with Nichols’ mother testifying on the 4th and 5th. 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.
Sheriff Chris Otey has announced a large-scale methamphetamine seizure and arrest. A search warrant was obtained by Sheriff’s Deputies after an investigation led to evidence of a major methamphetamine distribution operation in Wayne County. On 10/10 at approximately 11:30pm, Sheriff’s Deputies executed a search warrant on a rural Fairfield residence with the assistance of the Fairfield Police Department and the Wayne City Police Department. Deputies arrived on the scene and immediately detained Jesse L. Owen and secured the property. A search was conducted resulting in Sheriff’s Deputies seizing approximately 2.4 pounds (1088 grams) of suspected methamphetamine and over $12,000 in United States Currency. The suspected methamphetamine has an approximate street value of over $50,000. 59-year-old Jesse L. Owen of Rural Fairfield was arrested and charged with Delivery/Possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine – Class X Felony, and Possession of Methamphetamine – Class X Felony. He is currently being lodged in the Wayne County Jail.
59-year-old Jesse L. Owen of Rural Fairfield
Seized Methampetamine (2.4lbs) & over $12,000 cash
The Fairfield Park Board will hold a meeting tonight at 6:00pm. In old business discussion will center around the Splash Pad Project. In new business the board will consider Ordinance 340 Approving Issuance of Park Bond, Conveyance of Lakeside Property to the City of Fairfield, and Pool Chemicals for the 2023 season.
On 10/06/22, at 11:27 AM, Fairfield Police stopped a Kawasaki side-by-side being driven by Matthew L Cline, 34 of Fairfield, in the 100 block of NW 4th Street, Fairfield. The side-by-side was unregistered, and it was not displaying a required slow moving vehicle triangle. Cline was cited for violation of the local UTV ordinance, and the side-by-side was towed.
On 10/08/22, at 6:33 PM, Fairfield Police responded to 105 SE 7th Street, Fairfield for a vehicle crash. Officers were notified that a vehicle had left the road and struck a building. Officers found a 2015 white Kia passenger car embedded into the building housing Parrent Electric Motors. The driver, Michael A Lile, 30 of Fairfield, had sustained serious injuries. He was transported by ambulance to the Fairfield Memorial Hospital and later air lifted to Evansville, IN for treatment of his injuries. There was substantial damage to the Parrent Electric building. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
On 10/12/22, around 3:00 PM, Fairfield Police responded to 308 S First Street, Fairfield, the First Baptist Church. They had reported that Jesse O Hedden, 56, was there trying to coerce them into providing him aid. Officers arrived and took Hedden into custody, charging him with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. He was transported to Fairfield Memorial Hospital, evaluated, and later lodged in the Wayne County Jail pending a bond hearing.
There have been multiple traffic crashes in Fairfield recently, including several on local business parking lots. Be aware of your surroundings when backing from a parking spot. If on foot, keep an eye out for vehicles preparing to leave their parking spot. Just because you notice them, it doesn’t mean they have seen you. Be careful.
With Halloween approaching the usual activities have begun. While some feel these are harmless pranks between friends, others do not appreciate the mess. Be aware that damaging property or pranking people who might take offense or who you do not know, to the point they contact Police is illegal and you can be charged with a crime. Consider your actions before you go too far so everyone can have a safe and happy Halloween
Seven people were recently booked into the Wayne County Jail.
On 10/02 Jillian D. Roberson was booked by Wayne County on an Arrest Warrant issued by Hamilton County. Also, on 10/02 FPD booked Anthony N. Alexander on an Arrest Warrant issued by Wayne County for a charge of Retail Theft, and William A. Barr on a charge of Methamphetamine Possession.
On 10/03 Wayne County booked Janie M. Jones on a charge of Methamphetamine Possession.
On 10/07 Wayne County booked the James L. Denham on a Failure to Appear Warrant issued out of Hamilton County, and Andy L. Bailey on a Bench Warrant issued by Saint Clair, IL and a Bench Warrant issued by Washington, IL.
On 10/08 Wayne County booked Sara M. Bailey on an Arrest Warrant out of Wayne County for a charge of Methamphetamine Possession.
Fairfield Memorial Hospital honors an employee each month who has been nominated by their peers for providing extraordinary patient care and customer services within and outside of the Hospital. Darian Kincart RN who works as a Registered Nurse for the Orthopedic Clinic at Fairfield Memorial Hospital, was selected as the October 2022 Employee of the Month. Darian has been with Fairfield Memorial Hospital since March of 2021. Darian is an essential part of the Orthopedic Team at Fairfield Memorial Hospital. “Darian has a compassionate demeanor and a positive attitude towards her patients. Darian acclimated to her position flawlessly and extended her abilities beyond the highest standard of care. She is a valuable asset to the Orthopedic Team, and we are thrilled to announce Darian as our October Employee of the Month.” stated FMH CEO Katherine Bunting-Williams.
Darian Kincart, RN – FMH Oct. 2022 Employee of the Month
Kids In Motion Summer Day Camp has been awarded $500 from the Walmart Foundation through their Local Community Grants program. Walmart local community grants are awarded through an open application process and provide funding directly from Walmart and Sam’s Club facilities to local organizations in the U.S. Walmart focuses their philanthropic support across these areas keeping diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of their philanthropy. Kids in Motion Summer Day Camp, operating during the summer months in Fairfield, Illinois, serves youth entering Kindergarten through entering eighth grade. Sponsored by Wayne County Volunteers for Youth, Kids in Motion serves the community by providing affordable, faith-based daycare in a day camp setting for elementary-aged children and at-risk youth. Campers experience educational activities, summer fun, and nutritious meals in a safe, secure, faith-based environment.
Make a Difference Day is coming up on Thursday, October 20th from 5-8 pm. Retail merchants and participating stores will have specials, raffles, and more during their Moonlight Madness Sales. Merchants will donate a portion of their sales to MADD. Other events for the day include Hayden Brown from 5-6:30 pm, and Nathanial James from 6:30-8 pm. Big Boy Catering will be serving Porkburgers and Drinks with a portion of all sales going toward MADD. There will also be donation boxes available with all proceeds going to FCHS for Make A Difference Day.
The Village of Wayne City will be flushing fire hydrants the week of October 17 through October 21. Village residents might experience periods of discolored water and pressure fluctuations. This will include the Village of Keenes.
Halloween is right around the corner! The staff of Fairfield Memorial Hospital wants everyone to have a safe, but fun time! Fairfield Memorial Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Department will be available the evenings of October 30th and 31st from 5pm until 9pm, for anyone that would like to bring their candy to be x-rayed free of charge. This is done to check for foreign objects in your treats. To have your candy x-rayed at no cost to you please bring your candy bag directly to the Admitting Department of Fairfield Memorial Hospital, who will contact the Diagnostic Imaging Technologist. There may be a little bit of a wait if staff are busy x-raying patients but they will take care of you as soon as possible! For more information about this free service, please call 618-847-8243.
The Edwards County Health Office in conjunction with the Edwards County Farm Bureau will be offering a drive-thru flu shot clinic on October 19, 2022 from 11:00am until 4:00pm at the Edwards County Fairgrounds in Albion, Illinois. “Offering a drive-thru clinic allows us the ability to serve our community in an efficient manner,” states Amanda McCoy of the Edwards County Health Office. The drive-thru flu shot clinic is for private pay, private insurance, and Medicare customers only. All Medicaid customers MUST call the health office and make an appointment to get a flu shot. Anyone ages six months and over can get a flu shot, however, the drive-thru clinic is recommended for only those ages 5 and up. Cost for private pay flu shots is $30 for low dose and $65 for high dose (for those over age 65). Anyone who wishes to get a flu shot at the drive-thru clinic will remain in their car and is urged to wear short sleeves. Those paying with private insurance or Medicare need to bring their insurance card. Those attending are asked to watch for traffic flow signs. This year there will be no flu shot clinics at the Senior Centers in the county. Seniors can come to the drive-thru clinic, make an appointment at the Edwards County Health Office, or visit their primary physician to get a flu shot. The drive-thru flu shot clinic is sponsored by the Edwards County Health Office in conjunction with the Edwards County Farm Bureau.
Friends of the Fairfield Public Library will conduct their semi-annual bake sale on Saturday, October 15, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the library on the corner at 300 SE Second Street. During the bake sale, there will also be hundreds of books available for $1 each, according to Librarian Michelle Conard. Baked goods for the sale should be brought to the library by 2 p.m. on Friday, October 14, or between 9 and 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. Books and DVDs can be donated whenever the library is open. Annual dues for Friends of the Library are $12 for an individual, $20 for a family, and $30 for non-profit organizations as well as businesses and professional offices, and they made be paid during the sale. All proceeds from dues and fundraisers the Friends conduct are used by the library for its programs and purchases.
The latest monthly crop production report is in, showing steady yields for both corn and soybeans. Crop statistician Mark Schleusener says it may be a record year for corn in Illinois. The Illinois soybean yield is forecast at 64 bushels per acre, down one bushel from last year. Soybean production is forecast at 685 million bushels, which is just slightly above the 2021 figures. Based on October first conditions, the Illinois corn yield is forecast at a record 210 bushels per acre, up eight bushels from last year. The Illinois alfalfa hay yield is forecast at four and a quarter tons. Production is forecast at 1.3 million tons, up 17 percent from 2021.
River stages as of this morning: the Little Wabash east of Fairfield stands at 4.99 feet, below the 17 ft. flood stage. Meanwhile, the Skillet Fork at Wayne City has a reading of 5.04 feet (flood stage is 15 ft.). The Little Wabash below Clay City is at 4.15 feet (flood stage is 18 ft.). Bonpas Creek at Browns reads 1.38 feet. The Little Wabash at Main Street in Carmi reads 3.30 feet, and the Wabash River at Mt. Carmel sits at 2.50 feet.
Today’s Crude Oil Price is $80.27 down $2.08 from yesterday . The November Crude Oil Price is $87.64 down $2.08 from yesterday morning.