The night sky will offer some rather unusual phenomena tonight. Not only is the full moon what is known as a Supermoon, but there will also be a total lunar eclipse along with a Blood Moon. The total lunar eclipse will begin this evening shortly after 8:00 p.m. with the moon totally eclipsed by 9:11 p.m. The SIU Stadium in Carbondale and Bald Knob Cross in Alto Pass are both expecting many spectators tonight to view the phenomena.

Rome Grade School in Dix was placed on lockdown Thursday after a nearby manhunt for a suspect who allegedly attacked a woman at an old abandoned lumber yard in Dix, then fled on foot. Police later found the man and took him into custody. Charges are pending.

Salem police believe they may have an arsonist at work after two fires this week. The more than century old Brown Shoe Company building was destroyed by fire Wednesday night. Then, an early Friday morning fire destroyed the Pregnancy Care Center and Yohe Laundry buildings on South Walnut Street in downtown Salem.

43-year-old Jeffrey S. Townsend of Winchester, KY has been found guilty of robbing a Saline County bank last December. A jury found Townsend guilty of robbing the First Southern Bank in Carrier Mills on Dec. 10, 2014. Court records show he robbed the bank with a loaded revolver, making off with $7,877. Townsend was apprehended by FBI agents in May of this year in Midland, VA. Townsend remains in custody pending a November 18 sentencing.

74-year-old Marilyn Sue Colbert of Albion died at 6:15 p.m. Friday, September 25, 2015 at her home.  She worked as a cook and was a member of the 1st Baptist Church and Ladies of the Moose.

She is survived by a son William Dale Colbert and his wife Shelia of Albion; a daughter Dina Reid and her husband Dustin of West Salem; a sister Deborah Cowling of Albion;  4 grandchildren Savanah (Jared) Giese, Logan Dale (Sammi) Colbert, Mariah (Andrew) Charles and Alexandria (Ben) Weedon; and 6 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Marilyn Sue Colbert will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29th at Nales Funeral Home in Albion with burial at Graceland Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday at Nales Funeral Home in Albion.  Memorials may be made to Celtic Hospice of Mt. Carmel.

Two people were injured Monday afternoon in a collision between a truck and a passenger car. One of the vehicles then struck a school bus.   The accident happened a little after 3:30 on Ill. Rt. 15 at Windelin Rd.  No one on the school bus was injured. Names of the injured were not immediately available.  Fairfield Rural Firemen, Wayne County Ambulance Service personnel, Wayne County Sheriff’s Police and Illinois State Police responded to the crash.

The Mayor of West Salem has resigned. Don Cornelius submitted his letter of resignation on Friday. He cited health reasons for his decision to leave the job. At tonight’s regular meeting of the West Salem Board of Trustees, a new mayor will be appointed. Mr. Cornelius was elected Mayor during the election last April. He took office in May.

Fairfield’s Aaron McCune has joined the popular bluegrass and country band – Dailey and Vincent. McCune, the husband of the former Ivy Moats of Fairfield is replacing bass singer Christian Davis who recently departed the band to record on his own. A native of Clay West Virginia, Aaron was formerly with the Gold City Quartet for five years. He grew up playing bluegrass with his family and friends and plays the guitar. Aaron made his debut with Dailey and Vincent at the recent Land Fest event in Denton, North Carolina. He is also expected to be featured on Dailey and Vincent’s new music and variety show that airs on the RFD network.  Aaron is pictured above with the Dailey and Vincent band (second from right).

21-year-old Cory J. Rinebold of N.W. 7th Street in Fairfield has been jailed on a charge of aggravated domestic battery. He is accused of trying to strangle his wife, 19-year-old Jessica Rinebold during an altercation on Friday. He is also accused of throwing her on the bed, striking her head on the headboard and a nearby fan. She did not seek medical attention for her injuries.

The Frontier Community College Bobcats and Wayne-White Electric are co-sponsoring a “Night for Gerry Kinney” tonight at the Fairfield Community High School. A cookout will start at 4:30 with the Bobcats volleyball squad taking on Rend Lake College at 6:30. All proceeds will go to Gerry to help with medical expenses. Jerry was seriously injured earlier this year when he came in contact with a high-voltage power line. His injuries were so severe that doctors had to amputate both of his hands.

The Fairfield Community High School Class of 1965 will donate a signature park bench and trees to the Fairfield Park District this Friday at Leo French Park. The 1 p.m. dedication will be part of the 50th class reunion events planned for this weekend.

Thirty-two players participated in the Mixed Couples Scramble Saturday at the Wayne County Golf Course. Julie Pfeifer and Andrew Williams shot a combined 32 to win by one stroke over Lynzi Buchanan and Trevor Strange. Pictured left to right – 3rd Place, Anthony and Beth McNeil; 2nd Place, Trevor Strange and Lynzi Buchanan; 1st Place, Julie Pfeifer and Andrew Williams.

Despite a court order blocking him from laying off workers, Gov. Bruce Rauner is moving forward with plans to close the Illinois State Museum and the World Shooting and Recreation Complex near Sparta. Rauner announced the closures and layoffs, arguing there isn’t money to pay for the facilities. The state has been operating without a budget since July 1.

West Salem has a new mayor. At Monday night’s meeting of the Board of Trustees, members appointed longtime board member Larry Simms as the new mayor. Simms is replacing Don Cornelius who submitted his letter of resignation on Friday. Mr. Cornelius had served less than six months. He was elected this past April and took office in May. Mr. Cornelius cited health reasons for stepping down from the job.

Two people were injured Monday afternoon in a three-vehicle crash on Rt. 15 near Wayne City. A car and a pickup truck collided with one of those two vehicles then hitting a school bus. No one on the bus was hurt. The names of the injured were not immediately available. Rt. 15 was shut down for nearly an hour as the wreckage was cleared away.

Fairfield City Police are investigating an accident that happened late Monday night in which the driver fled the scene. Shortly before midnight, police were called to 702 E. Main Street to investigate a report of a traffic accident. When police arrived, they found a red mini-van had run off the road and struck a tree. The airbags had deployed, but no one was around. Police have contacted the owner of the vehicle, but have not been able to ascertain at this time who was driving or if the driver was injured.

81-year-old Thomas Scanlan of Clay City has died from injuries sustained in a Sunday afternoon crash on the Dieterick Blacktop. Scanlan was trying to pass a grain truck as it started to make a left turn.

Margaret Branum has formally announced her candidacy for Edwards County Circuit Clerk. She has served as the Deputy Circuit Clerk for more than 13 years.

Secretary of State Jesse White says Illinois’ budget standoff could lead to the electricity being shut off at the Capitol along with other issues related to late payments. Vendors that serve the state are threatening to suspend services because they are not getting paid.

The Illinois Eastern Community College system has received more than $142,000 from the Economic Development Administration to establish a truck driving course in Noble. The entire program will cost $285,000.

Blanche Winter, 92, of Carmi died at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at Wabash Christian Retirement Center in Carmi.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Janet and Kenny Woolsey and Sheila and Doug Westfall all of Carmi; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Richard Winter of Sesser, Alan and Teresa Winter of Cleveland, TN and Kevin and Kelly Winter of Carmi; nine grandchildren, Jarrett Winter, Sabrina Shun and husband Brian, Stacey Woolsey, Angie French and husband Jeff , Chris Winter, Melanie Winter, Ben Westfall and wife Ashley, Sarah Haley and husband Todd and Rachel Attebury and husband Brad; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Blanche Winter, 92, of Carmi will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 2, 2015 at Zion United Methodist Church near Carmi. Burial will be in White County Memorial Garden in Carmi.

Visitation will be from 4 – 8 Thursday evening at the Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi and on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the Zion United Methodist Church in Carmi

65-year-old William L. Baker of West Salem was injured Tuesday when the pickup truck he was driving in rural Wabash County ran off the road and overturned in a ditch. Baker was taken to a nearby hospital following the 10:20 a.m. accident.

65-year-old Clifford C. Anderson of 310 Hiland Avenue in Fairfield has been arrested on a charge of unlawful production of marijuana. Police seized 12 suspected pot plants from his home. The plants were growing in five gallon buckets. Police also seized a quantity of drug paraphernalia.

FCHS Mulebackers will be serving BBQ sandwiches and nachos with the all the trimmings at the Homecoming football game this Friday. Mulebackers will also be raffling off a duffle bag full of Mules spirit wear and other gear. The items were donated by Fairfield Printing and Graphics.

The FCHS Homecoming queen candidates this year are Jorji Demaret, Sidney Eckelberry and Gemma Loss. The king candidates are Colton Land, Sky Kollak, Holden August and Michael Mitchell. The retiring king and queen are Grace Borah and Jagger Wolf.

The 15th annual charity golf scramble to benefit Special Olympics Illinois is this Saturday at the Wayne County Golf Course. Breakfast is at 8 with play beginning at 8:30. The event is a four-person scramble. More information is available at the golf course.

Participants are needed for the Fairfield Memorial Hospital and Frontier Community College “Run for your life” 5-K this Saturday. Registration starts at 7 a.m. with the race starting at 8. Entry forms are available on either sponsor’s website.

84-year-old Xenia resident, Frances Jeanette Dean died on Monday, Sept. 28 at NorthCare Hospital in North Kansas City, MO.

Survivors include two daughters, Kay (Randy) Miller of Johnsonville and Linda (Jim) Kirkpatrick of Kansas Cityk, MO; a
sister, Mabel Hufhines of Flora; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Frances Jeanette Dean will be 12 noon Sunday, Oct. 4 at the Community of Christ Brush Creek Congregational Church near Zenia with burial at a later date in the Brush Creek Cemetery.

Visitation will be 6 – 8 Saturday night, Oct. 3 at the Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora and 11 a.m. until the time of service Sunday at the Church.

Memorials may be made to the church or the Brush Creek Campground and will be accepted at the Farnk & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.

Myrna Jacqueline “Jackie” Atteberry, 83 of the Enterprise area died at 7:05 AM, Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at Fairfield Memorial Hospital Skilled Care Unit. She was a homemaker and a beautician for many years, running a shop in her home, as well as a member of the Enterprise United Methodist Church, and the Enterprise United Methodist Church Women’s Group.

Survivors include her husband Lowell Atteberry of Enterprise, daughters Peggy (Richard) Parker of Enterprise and Susan (Steve) Donath of Cisne, grandchildren Lloyd Lowell Parker, Richard Logan Parker, Lindsey Parker (Lance) Endsley, and Calley Donath (Joshua) Beardsely, 2 great grandchildren Katherine Elaine Endsley and Parker Grace Endsley, sisters Billie Farmer of Fairfield and Dorothy (Dean) Lambrich of Cisne, sister in law Thelma Adams of Ellery, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Her wishes were to be cremated and a private family graveside memorial service will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hope Ministries in Geff.

The Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield is in charge of the arrangements.

Black’s Fashion Flowers in Fairfield has a new owner. Effective today, Chance and Mandy Berg are the new owners. The Bergs purchased the popular flower shop from John Black. Located at 310 E. Main Street in downtown Fairfield, Black’s Fashion Flowers has been in operation since 1956. Owner John Black has worked there for 45 years and turned the reigns over to the Bergs officially on Thursday. Owner Chance Berg says he plans to make some improvements to the store over the coming months. Remodeling work will take place on the weekends, Chance said, and would not interrupt the operation of the store.

Former Wayne-White Electric manager of finance and office services Bruce L. Johnson has reported to prison to begin serving an 18 month sentence for embezzlement. According to federal prison records, Johnson has checked in at the federal prison in Memphis Tennessee. The medium security prison currently houses 1,340 inmates. Johnson, 51 of Wayne City, drew the 18-month sentence for defrauding both Wayne-White Electric and the First Christian Church in Wayne City. In addition to the 18 month term of imprisonment, Johnson was ordered to pay $400 in special assessments to the United States and restitution as follows: 1) a total of $334,871.24 to Wayne-White Electrical Cooperative and its insurer, Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange; and 2) a total of $47,876.96 to the First Christian Church of Wayne City and its insurer, Erie Insurance Company. Johnson was also placed on a 3 year term of supervised release to follow his incarceration during which time he will be required to perform 250 hours of community service.

Former Frontier Community College President Mike Dreith could learn today if he will get a new job. Dreith, the current president of John A. Logan College in Southern Illinois is a finalist for the top job at the Dodge City Community College in Kansas. The Dodge City Board meets this afternoon to discuss the hiring of a new president. Dreith has been president at John A. Logan the past three years.

Home day care workers in Illinois are seeking a refund of millions of dollars in a lawsuit challenging a rule that nonunion workers should pay “fair share” union dues. A Supreme Court decision recently overturned the “fair share” requirement. A status hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled for October 15.

ARF’s HOWLoweeen Hairball has been set for Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Fairfield Elks Club. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. ARF’s annual Car Show and dog costume contest and pet parade has been set for Oct. 10 at Leo French Park.

First Financial Bank in Fairfield will provide an opportunity for residents to have confidential documents and other papers shredded on Saturday, Oct. 10. The bank is also encouraging folks to bring a non-perishable food item and clothing for Hope Ministries. The bank will also accept old or worn U.S. flags, which will be given to the Fairfield VFW for ceremonial disposal at a later date.

Enfield Mule Days is underway. The Prince and Princess Contest is tonight at 7:30. Friday will feature the Miss Mule Day Queen Contest at 7, the Junior Miss Contest at 7:30 and a street dance from 9 – 11. The annual Mule Day parade will be at 1:30 Saturday.

88-year-old Fairfield resident, Larkin Burl Price died at 4:20 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1 at Way-Fair Nursing and Rehab Center in Fairfield. He had been a professor of literature at the University of Illinois. After retirement, he moved back to Wayne County and divided his time between here and Costa Rica.

Survivors include a nephew, Ed Clark of St. Louis and several cousins.

Upon his wishes, the body is to be cremated with burial at a later date.

Nale’s Funeral Home of Fairfield is in charge of the arrangements.

42-year-old Matthew E. Jolley of Mill Shoals has been jailed on a charge of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child. Jolley was taken into custody Thursday afternoon by Wayne County Sheriff’s police based on a warrant issued through Wayne County State’s Attorney David Williams’ office. The case against Jolley was investigated by detectives of the Illinois State Police. Jolley is currently being held in the Wayne County jail at Fairfield under $10,000 cash bond.

25-year-old Ryan Tibbs of Cisne has been jailed following a domestic disturbance early this morning in Cisne. Ryan Tibbs is accused of attempting to strangle 23-year-old Mary E. Tibbs of Fairfield during an altercation. Ryan Tibbs told police that during the alleged altercation, he grabbed a knife to defend himself, then stabbed himself in the thigh. Ryan Tibbs was taken to Fairfield Memorial Hospital for treatment of a stab wound. He was later released to the Wayne County jail where he has been lodged on a preliminary charge of aggravated domestic battery.

49-year-old Gary L. Powell of Grayville has been sentenced to 8 years in prison after pleading guilty to a Class-1 Felony charge of residential burglary. Powell was sentenced this morning in Edwards County Circuit Court in Albion. In pleading guilty, Powell admitted to burglarizing the home of Frederick and Wilma Jackson on Spring Street in Grayville. The case was investigated by the Grayville City Police Department. In addition to 8 years in prison, Judge David Frankland ordered Powell to serve another two years of parole once he is released from custody. The judge also gave Powell credit for 42 days he has spent in jail awaiting the disposition of his case.

It’s Homecoming weekend at Fairfield Community High School. The annual Homecoming Parade is set for 2:30 this afternoon. Those attending the parade are reminded that there is a new parade route this year. Lineup for the parade will be on North First Street near the High Rise. The parade will disband on N.W. 4th Street at the Airtex parking lot.

If you cannot attend today’s Homecoming parade through downtown Fairfield, you can listen to all of the activities live on WFIW FM 104.9 with Bruce Dickey and Billy Rodgers. The broadcast is being sponsored by Fairfield National Bank.

The Fairfield Community High School Mulebackers will be serving BBQ pork sandwiches and nachos at tonight’s Homecoming football game. Mulebackers will also be selling raffle tickets for a duffle bag filled with Mules spirit wear and other gear. Fairfield will face Vienna in tonight’s Homecoming game.

The presidents of Illinois’ nine public universities are urging Governor Bruce Rauner and leaders in the General Assembly to end the ongoing state budget stalemate. The presidents say the uncertainty over how much state money the schools will get this fiscal year is beginning to damage their ability to teach and do research.

Kiddie Kollege, located in Fairfield has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children – the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals. The designation places Kiddie Kollege in the top 8% in high quality early childhood programs in the nation.

The Fairfield Rotary Club’s guest speaker Thursday was Rhonda Knight with the Southeaster Area of the Special Olympics. She spoke about the operations of Special Olympics in the region and reminded members about a 4-person golf scramble this Saturday at the Wayne County Golf Course.

Eugene Large, 95 and Katie Large, 91 of Fairfield, died Thursday, October 1, 2015 at Wabash Christian Retirement Center, Carmi, IL. She and Eugene were married for 74 ½ years at the time of their death. Eugene retired from Airtex products after 44 years, ending as the Quality Inspector for over 20 years. He served for many years as a Trustee on the Executive Board for Local 543 United Auto Workers Union. Eugene was a member of the First Christian Church having served over the years as a teacher for both youth and adult, Financial Secretary, as a Deacon then Elder, as the Chairman of Elders, and Chairman of the Church Board. Before he moved to Fairfield in 1952 from Mill Shoals, he was the Odd Fellow Vice-Grand and Noble Grand for several years. Eugene bowled on the Airtex league earning many trophies. He also coached Pee Wee Little League in Fairfield for several years.
Through the years Katie worked at the Red and White grocery store, then at the Index Five and Dime variety store, then at Airtex products from which she took an early retirement.

Katie was a member of the First Christian Church having served over the years with her husband Eugene as a teacher for youth groups, as a nursery worker, and a member of the Martha Circle.

Eugene and Katie are survived by a son, Ken (Angie) Large of Geff; daughters, Bonnie (Roger) Brown of Terre Haute, IN, Terry (Steve) Prizer of OFallon, IL, Karen (Don) Burr of St Louis, MO; 14 grandchildren: Tracey Baroody of Sterling, VA, Todd Epperson of Strawberry Plains, TN, Jeff (Mary) Brown of Brownsburg, IN, Eric (Tammy ) Burr of Pocatello, ID, Kirsten Burr of St Louis, MO, Jennifer (Tim) Bose of Terre Haute, IN, Chris Cunningham of St Louis, MO, Matthew (Rebecca) Epperson of Sevierville, TN, Joe Brown of West Terre Haute, IN, Justin (May) Large of Chandler, AZ, Pat (Daphne) Cunningham of Scott Air Force Base, IL, Zack (Stephanie) Large of Danvers, IL, Emma (Chalan) Love of Fairfield, and Hannah (Buddy) Harrison of Fairfield; 22 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. Eugene is also survived by a sister, Wanda Tullis of Louisville, KY.

Their funeral services will be held Monday, October 5, 2015 at 2 PM with burial in Shrewsbury Cemetery, Mill Shoals.

The visitation will be 12:00 to 2:00 PM, at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home.

The annual Homecoming parade was held yesterday through downtown Fairfield. Winning first place and $100, was the freshman class float “Kiss the Eagles Goodbye.” Featuring class members dressed like the band Kiss. Second place went to the Mule backers float, and the senior class float won 3rd.

42-year-old Matthew E. Jolley of Mill Shoals has been jailed on a charge of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child. Jolley was taken into custody Thursday afternoon by Wayne County Sheriff’s police based on a warrant issued through Wayne County State’s Attorney office. The case against Jolley was investigated by detectives of the Illinois State Police. Jolley is currently being held in the Wayne County jail at Fairfield under $10,000 cash bond.

25-year-old Ryan Tibbs of Cisne was jailed following a domestic disturbance early Friday in Cisne. Ryan Tibbs is accused of attempting to strangle 23-year-old Mary E. Tibbs of Fairfield during an altercation. Ryan Tibbs told police that during the alleged altercation, he grabbed a knife to defend himself, then stabbed himself in the thigh. Ryan Tibbs was taken to Fairfield Memorial Hospital for treatment of a stab wound. He was later released to the Wayne County jail where he has been lodged on a preliminary charge of aggravated domestic battery.

49-year-old Gary L. Powell of Grayville has been sentenced to 8 years in prison after pleading guilty to a Class-1 Felony charge of residential burglary. Powell was sentenced Friday morning in Edwards County Circuit Court in Albion. In pleading guilty, Powell admitted to burglarizing the home of Frederick and Wilma Jackson on Spring Street in Grayville. The case was investigated by the Grayville City Police Department.

The Smith Mill in Rinard will be having its 2015 fall open house on Sunday October the 11th from 1 – 4. The 18 foot water wheel will be operating as well as the blacksmith shop. This year there is a playground for the kids featuring various noisemakers, and there will be a batch of giant bubble stuff for the young and the young at heart. Smith Mill is five miles south of the Huck’s in Flora on the Blue Mound Road or 5 miles north of the 161 extension on the Blue Mound Road west of Cisne.

Helen M. Handlin, age 91, of Flora, Illinois died on Friday, October 9, 2015, at Clay County Hospital in Flora.

She is survived by her sister: Dorothy Engelmeier of Flora; brother: David (Rosa) Owen of Clay City; along with several special nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Helen Handlin will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2015, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with burial in the Cisne Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the hour of service on Monday at Frank & Bright Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be given to Fur A Good Paws or Clay County Cancer Support Group and will be accepted at the Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.

Frontier Community College is adding men’s baseball to its Bobcats athletics program in the fall of 2016. Jeff Baker, long time Cisne High School baseball coach, was hired to serve as the head coach and is currently recruiting players. “When we began the search for a head coach I knew we needed a great baseball mind, but we also wanted someone that could represent the type of character we expect in our athletes,” stated Tommy Kent, Athletic Director. “We got both of those in Jeff. He will be vital in building our foundation for success both on and off the field.” FCC’s athletic program presently offers women’s volleyball and softball.

Wayne County States Attorney David Williams is warning area residents about a possible phone scam going around. Williams reports that a resident received a call from someone claiming to be David Williams. The caller claimed the states attorney’s office was holding a sum of money for them. If you get one of these calls just hang up, never give personal information over the phone. If you’ve received one of these calls you should contact your local law enforcement office.

Two Norris City residents have been jailed on charges they stole a Ford F-250 pickup truck and a trailer load of items in DeWitt County. The suspects are Joseph D. Abell, 25 and Anissa K. Emerson, 36 of Norris City. The items in the trailer were worth an estimated $11,000. The suspects also face charges related to the possession of meth-related items. A third suspect, Andrew L. McCaulley, 30 of Carmi was arrested on a warrant out of Jefferson County. He was located during the White County Sheriff’s Department investigation into the theft.

The Fall Foliage Paint Out concludes today. Today’s activities start with the quick paint at 7:30. The Kids Paint Out will be at 10am at Fairfield city hall, also at 10 will be the four corners paint on the courthouse square. Four Artists will begin paintings of the courthouse and after an allotted amount of time passes they will switch to the next painting. For $5 you can purchase a chance to win one of the four paintings. Final awards will be announced at 1:30 at the Landing.

Arf’s “Bark in Park” car show and pet parade is today at Leo French Park. Registration for the Car, Truck, Tractor, and Motorcycle show is from 9 until noon and the registration fee is $15. The pet parade and costume contest registration will be near the concession stand at 11am with the pet parade around the lake at noon.

Smith Mill in Rinard will hold their Fall Open House this afternoon from 1:00-4:00 p.m. There will be no admission charged. There will be many activities available for all ages, including washer pitching and a playground for the kids. The 18-foot waterwheel will be running and there will be exhibits of old hand tools and farm machinery. Blacksmith Eldred Simpson of Fairfield will be working in the Smith Mill Forge. Smith Mill is located 5 miles south of Hucks in Flora, on Blue Mound Road; or 5 miles north of the 161 extension west of Cisne on the Blue Mound Road.

Longtime Cisne High School Baseball Coach Jeff Baker has been hired as the head coach for the Frontier Bobcats Men’s Baseball team which begins play in the fall of 2016. Baker is currently recruiting players for the program. FCC’s athletic program presently offers women’s volleyball and softball. Questions regarding baseball or Bobcats athletics should be directed to the Athletic Department at Frontier Community College at 618-842-3711, ext. 4003.

Wayne County State’s Attorney David Williams has announced he will seek re-election. Williams is facing a challenge from former Wayne County Circuit Judge and former multi-term Wayne County State’s Attorney Kevin Kakac in the March 15 Republican Primary Election. The General Election isn’t until November of 2016.

22-year-old Demandre Black of Swansea has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the 2011 shooting death of Charles Ellis, a cab driver in Mt. Vernon. Four boys, who were teens at the time, were linked to the crime. All four have seen multiple trial delays since that time. Part of Black’s plea deal could require him to testify against his co-defendants. Black will be required to complete 85% of his sentence.

The 4th Annual Crafters and Vendor Fair to benefit Ashley’s House will be held on Saturday, October 17th at Crossroads Bible Church in Norris City.
Ashley’s House is a smoke trailer owned by the Omaha Fire and Rescue Department to help teach children fire safety and prevention. It’s named Ashley’s House in honor of 17-year-old Ashley Weir who died in a car accident on February 9, 2011. Ashley was very active in the Omaha Fire & Rescue. For more information about Ashley’s House, visit them on Facebook.

84-year-old Caroll G. Worlow of Flora passed away Saturday, October 10, 2015 at Flora Garden Healthcare.  Caroll was employed by Waukesha as a mechanic for over 42 years.  He also enjoyed camping.

He is survived by his wife Maxine of Flora; a daughter Linda (Terry) Garvert of Plymouth, MN; grandchildren Brannon Garvert of Ashville, NC and Stacie (Daniel) Shea of Greenwich, CT; one great-grandchild Colby and another great-grandchild soon to arrive.  He is also survived by one sister Garnet Martin of Champaign, IL and one brother Doyle (Linda) Worlow of Girard, IL.

Funeral service will be at 12 noon Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at the Hosselton Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Cisne Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the Clay County Hospice and will be accepted at Hosselton Funeral Home.  Arrangements under the direction of Hosselton Funeral Home of Cisne.

The Fairfield VFW Post 4535 unveiled a plaque Saturday in honor of Fairfield native and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Kenny Kays. The marble plaque, bearing Kays’ photo and a likeness of the Medal of Honor was unveiled Saturday during a brief ceremony. Kays received the medal for his actions on May 7, 1970 during a fierce firefight during the Vietnam War.

47-year-old Tim E. Dickinson of Fairfield was arrested Friday on a Wayne County warrant charging him with criminal sexual abuse. The case was investigated by Fairfield City Police. Dickinson was booked into the Wayne County jail pending the posting of $5,000 cash bond.

44-year-old Stephanie L. Morgan of Fairfield was arrested over the weekend on a White County warrant charging her with aggravated drunk driving. She was also cited for driving revoked in Wayne County. Morgan was lodged in the Wayne County jail pending the posting of $3,500 cash bond.

Bob Green, Rafe Gonzalez, Chip Judge, and team captain Joe Mitchell shot a 8 under par 62 as a team for 18 holes to win the Medler Mowing & Lawn Care Golf Scramble at Wayne County Golf Course on Saturday, October 10th under perfect weather conditions. Twenty-Seven players comprised seven teams selected by captain’s pick. Taking second with a 63 were Clifford Reever, Mike Short, Jerry Vaughan and team captain Andrew Williams. J.R. Smith won the closest to the pin contest on the 18th hole. For lunch players enjoyed the delicious beef stew pot pie casserole baked by Bill Book. Pictured left to right: Joe Mitchell, Chip Judge, tournament sponsor Chris Medler of Medler Mowing & Lawn Care, Rafe Gonzalez, and Bob Green.

Clay County Water has announced a rate increase of fifteen cents per 1,000 gallons of usage for customers in rural Clay and Wayne Counties. Gateway Water Company approved the increase. The increase will amount to an approximate .45 cents on the average monthly water bill.

Government officials have announced there will be no cost of living increase for Social Security recipients in 2016. This is only the third time in 40 years that Social Security recipients won’t see an increase in their monthly benefits.

The Illinois Department of Public Health says it has approved about 3,100 patients to use medical marijuana in the state’s pilot program. The figure includes 16 children. Locally, medical marijuana is being grown at a facility in Albion. Growers say they will have products ready to sell later this month in licensed dispensaries.

Wanda Lee Clark, age 82, a resident of Macedonia, IL passed away at 6:14 pm on Sunday, at the McLeansboro Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in McLeansboro, IL. She operated Clark’s Corner Store near Macedonia for many years.

Survivors include two daughters: Marcella Clark Lane of Mt. Vernon, IL and Marlene Clark (husband Greg) Pepple of McLeansboro, IL; 2 grandchildren: Trevor Joseph Kane and Jolene Marie (husband Tyler) Steele; several nieces and nephews, several great nieces and great nephews, and several great great nieces and great great nephews also survive.

Funeral services for Wanda Lee Clark will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 14th, 2015 at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church near Macedonia. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm Wednesday at the church. Burial will be at the Antioch Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Antioch Baptist Church and will be accepted at the church or at the Gholson Funeral Home of McLeansboro, which is in charge of the arrangements.