Category Archives: Local News

ILLINOIS SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION OFFERS 2026-27 COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
The Illinois Sheriffs' Association will award more than $58,000 in scholarships statewide for the 2026-2027 academic year. Scholarships may be used for tuition, books and fees, and recipients must be ...
Mark Wells Jan 21, 2026

WESTERN WAYNE WATER BOIL ORDER LIFTED
Western Wayne Water has announced that all boil orders for the Western Wayne Water District have been lifted. Residents no longer need to boil their water before use. Water service has returned to nor...
Mark Wells Jan 21, 2026

MILL SHOALS BOARD REVIEWS HYDRANT RESTITUTION, POLICING, RATE HIKE, AND WATER PROJECT
At the latest Mill Shoals Village Board meeting, trustees revisited an issue from December involving a resident who struck a village fire hydrant and has not made a payment since April 2025. The resid...
Mark Wells Jan 21, 2026

ILLINOIS OPENS 2026 TAX FILING MONDAY; APRIL 15TH DEADLINE
The Illinois Department of Revenue says it will start accepting 2026 individual income tax returns Monday, the same day the IRS opens federal filing. Illinois returns are due Wednesday, April 15th. ID...
Mark Wells Jan 21, 2026

RED CROSS REPORTS SEVERE BLOOD SHORTAGE; FAIRFIELD DRIVE SET FOR MARCH 11TH
The American Red Cross says it's facing a severe blood shortage, with supply down about 35 percent nationwide. The Red Cross says requests from hospitals are now exceeding the available blood supply. ...
Mark Wells Jan 21, 2026

TRAVIS TRITT COMING TO CASTLE RIDGE IN CENTRALIA AUGUST 15TH
Country music star Travis Tritt is set to perform at Castle Ridge in Centralia on Saturday, August 15th. The outdoor show will be staged along Raccoon Lake and is expected to draw several thous...
Mark Wells Jan 21, 2026

WINTER STORM THREAT THIS WEEKEND; ARCTIC BLAST TO FOLLOW
The National Weather Service says a significant winter storm is developing for the weekend, with high confidence a major system will impact the Tri-State area and could bring heavy, impactful snowfall...
Mark Wells Jan 21, 2026

​CARMI-WHITE COUNTY COMMUNITY MOURNS DEATH OF FORMER STUDENT & ATHLETE
The Carmi-White County community is mourning the loss of former student and multi-sport athlete Cade Allen, who died Monday at the age of 19. Allen collapsed at his home around 9:30 Monday morning and...
Mark Wells Jan 21, 2026

WAYNE CITY EMS PERSONNEL RESPOND TO SINGLE-VEHICLE CRASH TUESDAY SOUTH OF WAYNE CITY
Wayne City Fire and Ambulance were called out Tuesday afternoon at 1:45 to a single-vehicle crash south of Wayne City. Wayne City Fire Chief, Scott Clark says the vehicle left the roadway on County Ro...
Mark Wells Jan 21, 2026

FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL RELEASES FALL 2025 HONOR ROLL
Fairfield Community High School has released its Fall 2025 Honor Roll, recognizing students for academic achievement. To qualify for the Honor Roll at FCHS, students must earn at least a 3.000 semeste...
Mark Wells Jan 21, 2026