Category Archives: Local News
UNEMPLOYMENT RATES RISE ACROSS REGION ACCORDING TO NEW STATE DATA
The Illinois Department of Employment Security has released its January unemployment figures, showing higher jobless rates across the region compared to one year ago. Wayne County reported a 5.2 perce...
Apr 22, 2026
STATE PARKS IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS SEEK CAMPGROUND HOSTS FOR 2026 SEASON
Several state parks and historic sites operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) are still seeking campground hosts for the 2026 season. Sites in Southern Illinois actively searc...
Apr 22, 2026
MT. VERNON TO HOST GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR WALL OF REMEMBRANCE AND 20TH ANNUAL LCPL. J. KYLE PRICE MEMORIAL RIDE
This Friday and Saturday, Mt. Vernon will pay tribute to America's heroes as the Global War on Terror Wall of Remembrance arrives at the Mt. Vernon Airport in conjunction with the 20th Annual Lance Co...
Apr 22, 2026
BLUFORD RURITAN CLUB TO HOST ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST THIS SATURDAY
The Bluford Ruritan Club will hold its monthly all-you-can-eat breakfast on Saturday from 7 to 9am at the Ruritan Building. The menu features biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, gri...
Apr 22, 2026
BREAKFAST EVENT AT MILL SHOALS CHRISTIAN CHURCH SATURDAY
Local residents are invited to start their Saturday with a hearty breakfast at the Mill Shoals Christian Church. The event, hosted by the Skillet Fork Ruritan Club, will take place from 7:00 to 9:30 a...
Apr 22, 2026
ILLINOIS HOUSE ADVANCES BILL TO REGULATE SOCIAL MEDIA FEATURES FOR MINORS
The Illinois House has passed a sweeping new bill aimed at regulating how social media companies interact with minors, as concerns grow over the addictive nature of online platforms among children. Ho...
Apr 22, 2026
CELL PHONE BAN AT LATIN SCHOOL INSPIRES STATEWIDE PUSH IN ILLINOIS
After the Latin School of Chicago implemented a strict cellphone ban, school officials say students are more engaged, interact more with peers, and feel a stronger sense of community. Inspired by such...
Apr 22, 2026
WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES ARREST GOLDEN GATE MAN FOR DUI
Wayne County Sheriff's deputies arrested 62-year-old Cloyce R. "Chip" Crickman of Golden Gate during a traffic stop Monday night on IL Highway 15 at County Highway 3, east of Fairfield. Authorities sa...
Apr 21, 2026
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE CONTINUE TO INVESTIGATE FATAL SHOOTING IN CENTRALIA
Illinois State Police continue to investigate a shooting in Centralia that left one person dead and several others injured Sunday evening. According to Illinois State Police, the Centralia Police Depa...
Apr 21, 2026
FAIRFIELD GRADE SCHOOL BOARD REVIEWS BUDGET, MAINTENANCE UPDATES, AND STAFF CHANGES
The Fairfield Grade School Board of Education met Monday night, with Superintendent Kristina Gardner delivering her report. The district has received 81% of its revenue and expended 75% of the budget ...
Apr 21, 2026