Category Archives: Local News

FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES TAX LEVY, CHROMEBOOK PURCHASE, AND ARCHITECT RETENTION
The Fairfield Community High School Board of Education met Thursday night to address a range of business items, including approval of a new tax levy, technology purchases, and faculty changes. During ...
Mark Wells Dec 19, 2025

COURT UPHOLDS 22-YEAR SENTENCE FOR FORMER CARMI CHILDREN'S HOME HOUSE PARENT
The Fifth District Court of Appeals has upheld the 22-year prison sentence of Daniel Lanning, a former house parent at the Carmi Baptist Children's Home, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-...
Mark Wells Dec 19, 2025

FAIRFIELD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL TURNS FINANCIAL CORNER
Fairfield Memorial Hospital is stabilizing financially after bringing in new leadership from Deaconess Health Systems. CEO Andy Flemer and CFO Jim Basch joined the Evansville-based system through an a...
Mark Wells Dec 19, 2025

EFFINGHAM COUNTY MAN SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR DEFRAUDING ELDERLY VICTIM
A district judge has sentenced an Effingham County man to 12 years in prison after he admitted to defrauding an 89-year-old man out of more than $400,000. Edward L. Stief, Jr., 42, pleaded guilty to o...
Mark Wells Dec 19, 2025

POWERBALL JACKPOT SOARS TO $1.5 BILLION, MARKING HISTORIC HOLIDAY STREAK
The Powerball jackpot has surged to an estimated $1.5 billion for Saturday night's drawing, continuing the game's remarkable holiday jackpot streak. The jackpot's estimated cash value stands at $686.5...
Mark Wells Dec 19, 2025

POPULAR DAIRY-FREE FROZEN DESSERT RECALLED DUE TO STONE AND HARD OBJECT CONTAMINATION
A popular dairy-free frozen dessert is being recalled amid concerns that it may contain "small stones and other hard objects." Danone U.S. has issued a recall for select pints of its "So Delici...
Mark Wells Dec 19, 2025

STATE NEWS BRIEFS FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19TH
Illinois AG Condemns Proposed Rules Banning Health For Transgender Youth (Chicago, IL) -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is condemning two proposed federal rules that could ban health care for ...
Mark Wells Dec 19, 2025

FAIRFIELD NATIONAL BANK APPOINTS DAN VIGANO AS CHIEF LENDING OFFICER
Fairfield National Bank has announced the appointment of Dan Vigano as its new Chief Lending Officer, effective November 24th. Vigano brings more than 25 years of experience in banking and finance to ...
Mark Wells Dec 19, 2025

POLICE SEARCH FOR FUGITIVE MICHAEL J. MEZO, CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS
(Photo credit: McLeansboro PD Facebook page) The McLeansboro Police Department, in coordination with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, is asking for the public's assistance in locating 63-year-old...
Mark Wells Dec 19, 2025

SAFE HAVEN CHURCH INVITES COMMUNITY TO CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
Safe Haven Church is inviting the community to a special Christmas Candlelight Service on Sunday, December 21st. The morning will begin with fellowship from 8:30 to 9 a.m., featuring sweet treats, war...
Mark Wells Dec 19, 2025