Author Archives: Mark Wells

STATE NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4TH
>>Pritzker Denies Epstein Trip After Recanted Clinton Testimony (Springfield, IL) -- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker denies ever traveling on Jeffrey Epstein's plane. The statement from the govern...
Mark Wells Mar 04, 2026

LOCAL AND NATIONAL SPORTS FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4TH
ON THE SCHEDULE TODAY AT FCHS: Mules Basketball vs. Tolono-Unity at the IHSA Class 2A Monticello Sectional Semi-Final 6:30pm OTHER AREA SPORTS FOR TODAY: HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL SECTIONAL SEMI-FIN...
Mark Wells Mar 04, 2026

Charles Wilburn Wheeler Jr. 71 of Benton
Charles Wilburn Wheeler Jr. 71 of Benton, IL. passed away Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Helia Healthcare in Benton, IL. Charles was a son of Charles Wilburn Wheeler Sr. and Patricia Sue (Carr) Wheele...
Mark Wells Mar 03, 2026

IECC MOBILIZES TO SUPPORT WORKERS IMPACTED BY CHAMPION LABORATORIES CLOSURE IN ALBION
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC) is taking swift action to support more than 1,000 workers and families affected by the abrupt closure of Champion Laboratories in Albion. The college system ...
Mark Wells Mar 03, 2026

JOB FAIR FOR DISPLACED WORKERS AFTER CHAMPION LABS PLANT CLOSURE SET FOR TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY)
One of the largest upcoming events for displaced workers is a job fair organized by the Albion Chamber of Commerce. The event is set for tomorrow (Wednesday) and will take place in the Exhibition Buil...
Mark Wells Mar 03, 2026

THE HOPE CENTER IN ALBION OFFERS EXTRA FOOD AND SUPPLIES TO COMMUNITY
The Hope Center in Albion will open its doors tomorrow (Wednesday) at 9:00 AM, inviting local residents to stop by and receive a variety of free resources. The center has an abundance of food, includi...
Mark Wells Mar 03, 2026

FAIRFIELD NATIVE MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST FEMALE POLICE CHIEF IN MT. CARMEL
The Mt. Carmel Police Department officially has a new leader, as Erin Peach was unanimously approved as Chief during the Mt. Carmel City Council's regular meeting on Tuesday. Peach, a native of Fairfi...
Mark Wells Mar 03, 2026

2026 FAIRFIELD PAINTOUT RETURNS FOR 15TH ANNUAL PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
Artists and art enthusiasts are invited to add a splash of color to Southeastern Illinois as the 2026 Fairfield PaintOut returns for its 15th annual plein air festival. This year's event will take pla...
Mark Wells Mar 03, 2026

WAYNE AND EDWARDS COUNTY STUDENTS URGED TO APPLY FOR ILLINOIS SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIPS
The Wayne and Edwards County Sheriff's Departments is encouraging local students to apply for college scholarships offered by the Illinois Sheriff's Association for the 2026-2027 academic year. Over $...
Mark Wells Mar 03, 2026

BAILEY DEL MAR CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES 7-DAY "GET OUT THE VOTE!" BUS TOUR ACROSS SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
The Darren Bailey, Aaron Del Mar campaign for Governor and Lt. Governor has another "Get Out The Vote!" 7-Day Bus Tour, making stops across Southern Illinois to energize voters ahead of the cru...
Mark Wells Mar 03, 2026