The Wayne City Village Board began its Monday evening meeting by approving an increased donation of $950 to Southern Illinois Critter Fixers, a Cisne-based animal welfare nonprofit. The amount was raised from a proposed $700 after trustees expressed admiration for the organization’s work. The motion passed with only one dissenting vote from Trustee Gary Cline. The recommendation to boost the donation came from Trustee Tim Piper, who praised Critter Fixers’ efforts in humanely capturing, spaying or neutering, vaccinating, and returning feral cats to the area. Piper noted that the group’s services may be even more impactful than those previously provided by the Wayne County Humane Society under a $250-per-month agreement.
In 2025, Critter Fixers reported preventing the birth of nearly 1,900 potential kittens, with about 220 of those prevented in Wayne City alone. The group also neutered and released five male cats, further reducing the risk of future litters. The nonprofit’s operations are free to the public and rely entirely on donations and fundraisers. Mary Murphy, president of the 501(c)(3) organization, attended the meeting to emphasize that all funds raised in Wayne City are reinvested back into the community. “Any money we make in this area comes right back here,” she stated.
Captured feral cats are marked with a “tipped” ear to indicate they have been sterilized, helping volunteers identify treated animals.
The board also unanimously approved two $250 donations to support this year’s Wayne City High School prom and post-prom event.
Mayor Rocky Hedden reported the village recently received demolition bids for two properties: the old Mary Neff property near Wayne City Park and the abandoned West Robinson Shell station off Main Street. Because the bids arrived too late to be added to February’s agenda, they will be considered at the March board meeting.