Category Archives: Local News

JUDGE DENIES PRETRIAL RELEASE FOR FORMER JAILER DARREN HAYS IN SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CASE
Cumberland County Judge Jonathan T. Braden has denied pretrial release for Darren Hays, the former White County jailer accused of unlawful sexual contact with first-degree murder suspect Megan Valenti...
Mark Wells Mar 23, 2026

CARTERVILLE COACH ON LEAVE AMID SEXUAL ABUSE INVESTIGATION AND PRIOR MISCONDUCT
John "Jake" Wakey, Carterville High School assistant football coach and teacher, has been placed on paid administrative leave amid a criminal sexual abuse investigation. School records show Wakey was ...
Mark Wells Mar 23, 2026

MT. VERNON FESTIVALS KICKS OFF MARKET DAYS WITH EASTER FUN AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES MARCH 28TH
Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. is inviting the community to downtown Mt. Vernon for the first Market Days of the season on Saturday, March 28th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at The Commons. The popular eve...
Mark Wells Mar 23, 2026

IDNR SEEKING CAMPGROUND HOSTS FOR 2026 SEASON AT ILLINOIS PARKS AND SITES
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is looking for campground hosts for the 2026 camping season at state parks, recreation areas, and historic sites throughout Illinois. Campground hos...
Mark Wells Mar 23, 2026

SIU CARBONDALE STUDENTS FEATURED IN CEDARHURST CENTER FOR THE ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
The photographic talents of 12 Southern Illinois University Carbondale students and recent graduates will be showcased in a new exhibition at the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mount Vernon. Titled...
Mark Wells Mar 23, 2026

STATE NEWS BRIEFS FOR MONDAY, MARCH 23RD
BBB WARNS OF HOME REPAIR SCAMS AS STORM SEASON ARRIVES The Better Business Bureau is cautioning homeowners that warmer weather and recent storms are likely to bring an increase in fraudulent schemes r...
Mark Wells Mar 23, 2026

WAYNE COUNTY CRIMESTOPPERS OFFER REWARD IN BURGLARY CASE
Wayne County Crimestoppers is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for a recent burglary at the residence of Danna Sutton. Several items were re...
Mark Wells Mar 23, 2026

WILL LEWIS RECOGNIZED AS STATE FFA PROFICIENCY WINNER
Will Lewis, a member of the Fairfield FFA Chapter, has been named the State FFA Proficiency Winner in Environmental Systems by the Illinois Association FFA. The prestigious recognition honors students...
Mark Wells Mar 23, 2026

ALBION MAN CHARGED WITH SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION VIOLATIONS IN EDWARDS COUNTY
69-year-old David E. Collins of Albion has been charged in Edwards County with failure to report weekly and failure to have a fixed address, both violations of the Illinois Sex Offender Registry Act. ...
Mark Wells Mar 23, 2026

FNB COMMUNITY BANK ANNOUNCES DAVID KINNEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR LOCAL AG STUDENTS
FNB Community Bank in Fairfield is proud to announce that applications are now open for the David Kinney Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship honors the legacy of David Kinney, one of the community'...
Mark Wells Mar 23, 2026