Author Archives: Mark Wells

The Albion City Council held a special session on Monday night, entering into executive session to interview candidates for the position of Albion police officer. Following the executive session, the ...

35-year-old Michael A. Hays of Grayville is set to face trial this week in Wayne County Circuit Court on burglary and theft charges. Hays was charged on February 7th, 2020, with burglary, a Class 2 fe...

The Wayne City School District has announced upcoming preschool screenings for children from birth to five years old who are not yet enrolled in public school and are not eligible for kindergarten for...

Patrick James, founder of First Brands Group, has been released from custody after posting a $50 million bond, partly secured by his Hamptons home, amid charges related to the company's multi-billion-...

The Wayne County Raccoon Roundup has announced its second collection date, scheduled for Thursday, February 12th. from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Participants can bring raccoon tails to the Wayne County F...

The Edwards County Farm Bureau has announced its second "Raccoon Roundup" date, aimed at helping manage the local raccoon population. Community members are invited to participate by turning in raccoon...

The American Red Cross is reporting a severe blood shortage, with the national supply dropping by 35% as hospital requests continue to outpace available donations. According to the Red Cross, a surge ...

Illinois Leaders Highlight Expansion of STAR Bond Program Illinois leaders are highlighting the expansion of the Sales Tax and Revenue bond program to communities statewide. Officials say the program ...

ON THE SCHEDULE TODAY AT FCHS: Mules Basketball at Hamilton County (All 3 Levels) 5pm OTHER AREA SPORTS FOR TODAY: HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL: Wayne City at Woodlawn Cisne vs. NCOE (Cisne Senior Reco...

Gerald "Jerry" Downen, 81, of Rockford, IL passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026 at OSF St. Joseph in Bloomington, IL. He was born on August 12, 1944 at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. He...