Category Archives: Local News

FAIRFIELD RETAIL MERCHANTS ANNOUNCE MOTHER'S DAY PROMOTION
The Fairfield Retail Merchants are inviting the community to shop local during a special Mother's Day promotion set for Saturday, May 2nd. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with partici...
Mark Wells Apr 29, 2026

ONE DEAD, TWO INJURED IN HEAD-ON CRASH SOUTH OF EFFINGHAM
A fatal two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon south of Effingham claimed one life and left two others injured. The collision happened around 12:45 p.m. on U.S. Route 45, just south of Heartville. Accordi...
Mark Wells Apr 29, 2026

FLORA HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT TO HOST MATTRESS FUNDRAISER
The Flora High School Music Department is inviting the community to support its students during a unique one-day fundraising event next month. The fundraiser will take place at Flora High School on Sa...
Mark Wells Apr 29, 2026

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS MAN KILLED, ANOTHER CHARGED AFTER SHOOTING OUTSIDE DOLLY PARTON'S STAMPEDE IN TENNESSEE
(Photo credit: Sevier County Sheriff's Department) A Southern Illinois man is dead and another has been charged following a shooting Saturday evening in the parking lot of Dolly Parton's Stampe...
Mark Wells Apr 29, 2026

PINCKNEYVILLE DISTRICT #204 SUPERINTENDENT PLACED ON LEAVE PENDING INVESTIGATION
The superintendent and principal of Pinckneyville Community Consolidated School District #204, Jerry Travelstead, has been placed on administrative leave while school officials investigate allegations...
Mark Wells Apr 29, 2026

ILLINOIS CROPS PROGRESSING AHEAD OF AVERAGE, USDA REPORT SHOWS
The latest weekly crop report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates winter wheat development is ahead of the normal pace across Illinois, aided in part by warmer temperatures in the southe...
Mark Wells Apr 29, 2026

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE GRADUATE 20 NEW TROOPERS FROM CADET CLASS 152
The Illinois State Police welcomed 20 new troopers Friday during a graduation ceremony for Cadet Class 152 at the ISP Academy in Springfield. The new troopers will report to their assigned posts acros...
Mark Wells Apr 29, 2026

FEDERAL APPEALS COURT UPHOLDS MICHAEL MADIGAN'S CORRUPTION CONVICTIONS
A federal appeals court on Monday upheld the 10 guilty verdicts against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, rejecting his legal team's arguments and affirming the validity of the jury's dec...
Mark Wells Apr 29, 2026

FAIRFIELD LIONS CLUB HONORS STAR STUDENT, EDUCATORS TUESDAY NIGHT
The Fairfield Lions Club recognized an outstanding student and educators during its annual Star Student Awards Ceremony held Tuesday night at the Community of Christ Church on Windsor Lane in Fairfiel...
Mark Wells Apr 29, 2026

FAIRFIELD FFA CHAPTER SPRING GREENHOUSE PLANT SALE SET FOR FRIDAY & SATURDAY
The 2026 Fairfield FFA Chapter Spring Greenhouse Plant Sale is this Friday and Saturday at their greenhouse at corner of NW 4th and College, located just west of Fairfield Community High School. The s...
Mark Wells Apr 29, 2026