Lasca L. Warren, age 92, formerly of Dale, Illinois passed away  Saturday, October 22, 2016 in the Hillside Villa Care Center  in Madisonville, Kentucky.

Funeral arrangements for Lasca L. Warren are pending at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro.

Stephen Wayne “Steve” Elliott, 73, of Albion died on Friday, October 21, 2016 at Rest Haven Manor in Albion. Steve was retired from the United States Air Force. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Eagles, Elks, and Masonic Lodge in Victorville, California.

He is survived by one sister, Suzanne (Russell) Roosevelt of rural Albion, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Dennis Elliott, Jr., Carolyn Frankland, Jack Elliott, David Elliott, Barry Elliott, Lad Elliott, Bud Elliott, and Mike Elliott.

Cremation rites were Steve’s wishes, and a private service will be held at a later date.

The Ingram Funeral Home of Albion is in charge of all of the arrangements.

Former Fairfield resident, 86 year old Clyde Englebright, died on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at his home in Carlsbad, NM.   He was a veteran of the US Army and had received a master’s degree in Education from Southern Illinois University.  Clyde moved to New Mexico in 1959 and taught school for a total of 31 years before retiring in 1985.

Survivors include his wife Julia of Carlsbad, NM, a daughter Rhonda Englebright Ray of Weatherford, OK, a son Thomas (Tabitha) Englebright of Phoenix, AZ, grandson Adam (Natalie) Ray of Lincoln, NE, a great grandson Michael Ray of Lincoln, NE, and a brother Allen (Nancy) Englebright of Paris, IL.

Funeral services for Clyde Englebright will be 10 AM, Monday, October 24, 2016 at the First Baptist Church in Carlsbad, NM.

A graveside service will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, October 27 at Maple Hill Cemetery in Fairfield with Military Rites.

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

A body found in 2011 in Kentucky has been identified as a woman who is believed to be one of the victims of suspected serial killer Bruce Mendenhall of Albion.  Mendenhall (left)  who was an over the road truck driver, was convicted first in 2010 of murder in the slaying of a 25-year-old woman in Nashville, Tennessee. He was sentenced to life and prison at the time. The body, which was located in Barren County, Kentucky, was identified as Carma J. Purpura, the Louisville, Kentucky, Medical Examiner’s Office announced earlier this week. Purpura (pictured right) was 31 when she was reported missing from Indianapolis in 2007, and Mendenhall was charged with murder in connection with her death in 2008. Purpura was last seen at truck stop on July 11, 2007, a day before Mendenhall was arrested in Nashville and accused of another killing. When questioned by police after his arrest, Mendenhall reportedly gave information about the deaths of six women in Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. During that interview, he also reportedly told police that he killed a woman he picked up at an Indianapolis truck stop — presumably Purpura — and dumped her body in a nearby trash bin. Police searched the area at the time but did not find a body

Three Fairfield teens were injured Monday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash on South First Street near the Center Street Intersection. A passenger car driven by Ricky Dean Garner apparently failed to reduce speed and ran into the back of a passenger car driven by FCHS teacher Katie White.  White was not injured. Garner and two passengers in his car, Dillon Grubb and Dakota Williams were injured and taken to Fairfield Memorial Hospital following the 3:16 p.m. accident.

47-year-old David Leon Gibson of Noble was injured Monday morning when the crude oil tanker he was driving ran off of Ill. Rt. 130 south of Albion and overturned.  Gibson swerved to avoid a collision with a pickup truck driven by 38-year-old Robert Gray of Olney.  Gray was not injured. None of the crude oil spilled, police said. The crash happened a little after 7 a.m. Monday.

47-year-old Steven Chingis of Glenview, Ill. was injured Monday night when the semi he was driving missed a curve on U.S. Rt. 45 at Ill. 161 in Wayne County and overturned. Upon impact, the trailer split open, spilling its contents. Chingis was taken to a local hospital following the 8:11 p.m. crash.

27-year-old Blake Howell of Mt. Vernon has been arrested on a felony charge of drug induced homicide.  Howell is accused of delivering heroin to Bridget Jimenez who was found dead at a Mt. Vernon motel in June of last year. Howell is being held in the Jefferson County jail at Mount Vernon under a $500,000 bond.

18-year-old Emmanuel Z. Pitts of Eldorado has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to a Class-X felony charge of predatory criminal sexual assault.  According to court records, the victim in was only 5-years-old. Pitts will be required to serve at least 85% of his time behind bars and will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Clay County Highway Engineer Michael Quandt has died.  Mr. Quandt died Saturday after becoming ill at his home.  He was 57.

At this month’s meeting of the North Wayne School Board, members accepted the resignation of Matt Racinowski as Cisne High School head basketball coach. No replacement has been named at this time.

According to the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office, 46 year-old Timothy M. Schieve of Princeton, Indiana was arrested at a residence in Mt. Carmel on Wednesday afternoon. Schieve was found hiding under a couch and ordered out and taken into custody without incident. He had an outstanding warrant out of Gibson County, Indiana for charges which are Child Molestation, a Class 1 felony, and Incest, a Class 4 felony, the warrant carried a bond of $75,000. Schieve was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he later signed extradition and was transported back to Gibson County.

A body found five years ago in Kentucky has been identified as a woman who is believed to be one of the victims of suspected serial killer Bruce D. Mendenhall of Albion. The body, found in Barren County, Kentucky, has been identified as Carma J. Purpura. Mendenhall is currently in the Wilson County, Tennessee jail awaiting trial on an unrelated homicide.

45-year-old Shelley Lynette Paris of Mount Vernon, Indiana has been charged with felony theft for allegedly embezzling more than $10,000 from the Royal Cantrell Drilling and Producing Company in Crossville.  Paris posted $5,000 cash bond and has been released pending a court appearance.

23-year-old Dakota S. Wheeler of Evansville has been formally charged in connection with a stabbing Sunday night at a house in Mt. Carmel. The victim, 22-year-old James B. Agnew of Mt. Carmel was taken to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville for treatment of his injuries.

A three-month continuance has been granted in the murder trial of a Southern Illinois man accused of stabbing two bank workers to death in Cairo and critically wounding a third. Attorneys for James Watts want a hearing to determine the suspect’s mental status. Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in the case.

The Fairfield Community High School Mulebackers will be hosting a “Bingo and Silent Auction Night” on Friday, Nov. 11 in the upstairs of the Fairfield Elks Club. The fundraising event is being held in honor of all area veterans.  Moderators for the evening will be Len Wells and Bruce Dickey.  The event will begin at 7 p.m.

Gates will open at 10:30 a.m. for the Fairfield Mules playoff football game as they will host the Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats on Saturday. All tickets are $5.00 with babies in arms free, and no passes of any type will be accepted. All children under the age of 12 need to be accompanied by an adult. Those that are tailgating must set up in the designated tailgate parking on the practice field or gravel area near the tracks. Alcohol and tobacco products are prohibited, and no bicycles, scooters, or athletic balls are to be in use for the duration of the contest. The football game will start at 1 p.m. and will be broadcast on WFIW 104.9 and online at wfiwradio.com, and will be archived on Network 1 Sports.

Physician’s Assistants James Hopper and Lisa Feather will be staffing Fairfield Memorial Hospital’s new Urgent Care facility. The facility is set to open on November 1. An open house has been set for Tonight from 5 – 8 p.m.  Two registered nurses, Megan Jackson and Krystal Seibert will also be part of the staff.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an early Tuesday evening shooting that has sent the victim to a St. Louis hospital for treatment.  The sheriff’s Department reports Stepfon Smith was shot in the neck at a home at 1415 North Abbott Lane in Belle Rive. He was last known to be in stable condition. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies, Illinois State Police, Ina Police and Litton’s Ambulance all responded after a 9-1-1 call was received.  Smith was initially taken to a Mt. Vernon hospital and later transported to St. Louis University Hospital.  The shooting remains under investigation and so far no arrests have been made.

The Grayville City Council held their second meeting for October Monday night.  The Council agreed to authorize a feasibility study by USDA Rural Development for the formation of the Wabash Valley Water Commission along with Albion, Mt. Carmel, and Keensburg.  The study should take 6-9 months, and if approved will facilitate the construction of a joint waterworks for the participating communities.

Wednesday, officers with the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force arrested four individuals as a result of an ongoing investigation in Franklin County. Arrested in Valier, were, Joshua P. Gray, 28, Crystal S. Flood, 29, Michelle A. Conner, 31, and Jeremy L. Connor, 32.  All four were charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful disposal of methamphetamine manufacturing waste, unlawful possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of methamphetamine manufacturing materials.  Those arrested were taken to Franklin County Jail pending an appearance in court. The case is being prosecuted by Franklin County State’s Attorney Evan Owens. The investigation is ongoing.

Federal agriculture officials say the corn and soybean harvest is almost finished in Illinois.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture said this week the corn harvest in the state is 83 percent complete. That’s compared to 91 percent complete the same time last year. However on the five-year average, the corn harvest by this time of the season was 77 percent complete.  The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service also says winter wheat planting is getting well underway in Illinois. So far 68 percent of the crop has been planted and 38 percent of it has emerged.

The first question on Illinois ballots in November’s election isn’t for president or senator, but on a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting diversion of public money targeted for transportation projects to other state budget needs.  Despite widespread bipartisan support, some opponents have surfaced, including social service groups who argue it’s unfair to protect transportation over other issues.  The proposal seeks to prevent money generated through tolls and other transportation-related sources from being spent elsewhere. To pass, the measure needs either 60 percent of those voting on the amendment or a majority of those voting in the election.

Ann Litherland, age 78 of rural Allendale, passed away on Wednesday, October 26, at Wabash General Hospital, Mt. Carmel, IL.  Ann attended and later worked at Vincennes University in her younger years, as well at working part time for the Farm Service Agency. She tutored for 13 years at Mt. Carmel W.A.V.E. and also did taxes at H & R Block for several years.

She leaves many wonderful, sweet and funny memories for those close to her to cherish; which includes her children: daughter, Janice Kennard of Albion, IL, 2 sons: Kevin Litherland of Allendale and Brian (Holly) Litherland of Newburgh, IN, 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers: Ronald (Bev) Simmons of Lawrenceville, IL, Sidney (Nancy) Simmons of Greenforks, IN and Gary Simmons of Lawrenceville, several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Ann will be laid to rest in a private burial service at the Allendale Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate the life of Ann Litherland at a Memorial Service to be held at the Orio Presbyterian Church in rural Allendale on Saturday, October 29, at 1PM in the afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, Ann’s wishes were that memorials be made to: United Caring Shelter, American Diabetes Association or Wabash General Hospital-Oncology Unit.

Ingram Funeral Home of Allendale is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Thursday afternoon agents from the Edwards County Sheriff’s Department along with the DEA, Albion Police, the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, Illinois State police and Federal Marshals Service descended upon the town of Albion.  Taken into custody was 53-year-old Alma Garcia Tapia, of Bon Pas Street in Bone Gap, on a Federal arrest Warrant charging her with Criminal Drug Conspiracy.  Tapia was out on bond from an arrest earlier this year for possession of methamphetamine.

Fairfield City police were called to the 700 block of SW 7^th street Wednesday night on the report of a female on the railroad tracks.  Police spoke with a Wuilson G Canche 35, of Fairfield who said he was driving and almost struck 55-year-old Cheryl L Windle, who was intoxicated and had apparently fell off a bicycle onto the railroad tracks.  Canche told officers a train was coming so he helped Windle off the tracks.  Windle did not require medical attention, was cited for being a pedestrian under the influence and escorted home.

45-year-old, Robert J Crnovich was arrested Tuesday for domestic battery.  Officers were called to NW 6^th street on Tuesday night where Dian L. French, 68, reported that Crnovich had pulled her out of a chair, knocked her down and took her Cell phone when she tried to call the police.  French also has an active order of protection against Crnovich.  Crnovich was found in the bedroom of the home, and transported to the Wayne County Jail pending the setting of bond on charges of Domestic Battery, Violation of an order of protection and interfering with the reporting of Domestic Violence.  French was taken to Fairfield Memorial Hospital where she was treated and released.

A nice sized crowd attended last nights open house and ribbon cutting at the Fairfield Memorial Hospitals new Urgent Care Facility.  Officials stated that by opening Urgent Care, the hospital will lower wait times, and the cost of emergency visits will decrease, not only for the patient, but also for the hospital.  The Urgent Care will open to the public on Tuesday November 1^st.

42 year old Heather L Browning of Carmi surrendered at the Carmi Police Department Wednesday afternoon after a White County warrant was issued for her arrest.  Browning was wanted on charges of burglary and theft over $500 in relation to a case of stolen oilfield equipment being investigated by the White County Sheriff’s Department.  Browning was processed at the White County Jail just before 4 pm and was released after posting a $5000 cash bond.

Wayne County Treasurer Donna Masterson is reminding residents that today is the due date for the first installment of Wayne County Taxes.  Taxes can be paid in person, at the drop box on the west side of the Courthouse.  The second installment will be due on December 2.  A total of $15,833,432 will be collected.

Thelma Louise York, 91, of Grayville, died Thursday, October 27, at the Meadowood Nursing Home in Grayville.  She was a member of the First Christian Church in Grayville, and was retired from Spartan Manufacturing.

Her survivors include son Robert (Judy) York of North Little Rock, Arkansas; daughter Sharon Spencer of Grayville; grandchildren Rob (Denise) Spencer, Ken (Andrea) Spencer, Cindy (Dane) Hart, Shelli York, Jennifer (David) Brown; great grandchildren Tabitha Spencer, Amber Gore, Gabriella Spencer, Mary Taylor Spencer, Lauren Hart, Austin Hart, Peyton Crow, Presli Crow, Jordan Brown, Jaylynn Brown; great great grandchildren Kennedy Frederick and Jackson Gore.

Visitation and funeral for Thelma Louise York will be Sunday, October 30, at Cook Funeral Chapel in Grayville. Visitation is at 12:00 noon, and funeral is at 1:00 pm, with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery in Grayville.

Gary Brian Cullison, 54, of Albion, passed away on October 24, at his home.  Gary was a welder and concrete finisher. He also trained bird dogs professionally, and was a bull rider, traveling the circuit for seven years.

He is survived by his father, Don, of Albion; his brother, Philip (Colleen) Cullison of Albion; and one niece, Jacqueline.

A private graveside service for Gary Cullison has been held at Ebenezer Cemetery near Samsville.

Ingram Funeral Home of Albion is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements

Donna Bowles, 60, of Fairfield died on Wednesday October 26^th at her residence.

Survivors include a son Shannon (Alicia) Bowles of Glasgow, Kentucky, a daughter Jennifer (Justin) Mathews of Fairfield, four brothers Clifton Byrd, Tony Byrd and Gary Byrd all of Glasgow, Kentucky, and Carlos Byrd of Nashville Tennessee.  Eleven Grandchildren also survive.

The body has been cremated with a memorial service to be held at a later date.  The Nales Funeral Home in Fairfield is in Charge of all of the arrangements.

100-year-old Geneva Pearl Sledge of Fairfield died Thursday morning at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville.

Survivors include one sister, Georgia Bruner of Fairfield and several nieces and Nephews.

Funeral services for Geneva Sledge will be Sunday Oct 30^th at 2 pm at the Archie L. Sanders Memorial Chapel at the Thomason Cemetery in Wayne City.  Visitation will be from 1pm until the service time.  Burial will be in the Thomason Cemetery at Wayne City.  The Richardson Funeral Home in Wayne City is in Charge of all the arrangements.

John Curtis Robison III died Thursday afternoon, October 27, at his home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  John is a 1991 graduate of Fairfield Community High School.  He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Iowa in 1995 and a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration from West Virginia University in 1998.  He was employed by the University of Iowa Community Credit Union.  He attended St. Jude Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids.

John is survived by his parents, John and Leslie Robison, of Fairfield, by sisters Melissa Pfafflin (Erich), Evansville, and Anne Hoover (Matt), St. Peter, Illinois, and his maternal grandmother Rosemary Manns, Godfrey, Illinois.  He is also survived by three nephews, Evan Hoover and Aiden Hoover of St. Peter, Illinois, and Benjamin Pfafflin of Evansville, and a niece Abigail Pfafflin of Evansville; two uncles James Manns, Overland Park, Kansas, and Thomas Manns, Olivette, Missouri and an aunt, Judy (Robison) Tanner, Sacramento, California, and by seven cousins.

Visitation for John Curtis Robison III will be on November 2, from 4-7 PM at St. Edward Catholic Church, with a recital of the Rosary at 7 PM.  The funeral mass will be held at 10 AM on November 3, at St. Edward Catholic Church.  Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial Contributions may be made either to St. Edward Catholic Church or to the Dr. Dennis Scranton Memorial Cancer Fund.

Two people werehurt in a late morning crash on US 45 North near the Saline-Gallatin County line.  A 17 year old female, from Norris City, was extricated from a 1995 Jeep Cherokee, and was flown from the scene by St. Mary’s Lifeflight and taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville, Indiana, with serious injuries.  A passenger in the vehicle, Ashley T. Frost, 19 of Norris City was transported by Med-Force EMS to Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado, with minor injuries.  Frost was headed south on US 45, when she ran off the roadway, overcorrected and left the roadway on the west side of the road, before striking a tree. The accident is still under investigation.

FMH is not only introducing new services, but also new providers.  Four new and familiar faces have joined the organization to help care for patients in the Urgent Care facility and at Horizon Healthcare.  At the Urgent Care Facility Physician Assistant, James J. Hopper, comes to Fairfield with over 25 years of experience in Urgent Care.  Also at the new Urgent Care Facility Physician Assistant, Lisa Feather, who has 35 years of clinical experience treating patients. Horizon Healthcare is adding Physician Assistant John Snowden, who has over 20 years of experience and will be seeing patients of all ages.  Also at horizon will be Nurse Practitioner, Heather Curtis, who comes to Fairfield with a goal as a mid-level provider to teach patients and caregivers, comfort them, and use her skills for the well-being of all who she is able to help.

On Thursday Mt. Carmel Police arrested 26 year old Justin M. Bray of Mt. Carmel after he was stopped by police in the 300 block of W. 9th Street.  The arresting officer knew that Bray was wanted on a felony warrant out of Gibson County.  During the traffic stop it was discovered that Bray was in possession of two smoking devices that are commonly used to smoke methamphetamine.  Bray was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and he was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and failure to have a firearm owner’s identification card when required.  Bray was also served the Gibson County warrant.  Bray is being held pending the posting bond.

Laura G Wright of Carmi reported to Carmi city police Thursday that someone had taken her cell phone from her vehicle while it was parked in the Wal-Mart parking lot.  The theft occurred at about 7:30 on Thursday. Early Friday morning Caitlin D. Williams of Carmi turned herself in at the White County jail.  Williams was wanted on a Wabash county warrant for a violation of her probation. Williams was processed at the White County Jail, and released after posting a $500 bond.

A Chester Police Officer that was killed in a high speed pursuit Friday night has been identified. The officer has been identified as 22 year-old James Brockmeyer. Brockmeyer was killed after crashing his car into an embankment on Palestine Road about two miles outside of Chester. A suspect in the high speed chase, 34 year-old Jason Stoker, fled after Brockmeyer attempted to pull him over around 10 p.m. Stoker is still on the run, and is believed to be driving a 2006 red Pontiac G6, bearing license plate number: Z121833. Stoker is a white male, 5’10”, 155 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. Anyone with information to the whereabouts of Stoker is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency or call the Illinois State Police at 618-542-2171.

An 11-year old Waltonville boy is dead, following an ATV accident. The crash happened around 3 p.m. at the Wright Mud Fest in Zeigler Saturday. The boy was taken to Herrin Hospital and pronounced dead shortly after. The Williamson County Coroner and Franklin County Police are still investigating how the crash happened. An autopsy is scheduled for today.

The first day of trick-or-treating in the Fairfield city limits is from 5-8 p.m. tonight. Hours for trick-or-treating for Halloween are also from 5-8 p.m. The Fairfield Police Department posted safety tips through their Facebook page recently. You can also read these safety tips through our Facebook page at WFIW Radio.

Two people were hurt in a late morning crash on US Highway 45 North near the Saline-Gallatin County line. A 17 year-old female from Norris City, was extricated from a 1995 Jeep Cherokee, and was flown from the scene by St. Mary’s Lifeflight and taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville, Indiana, with serious injuries.  A passenger in the vehicle, 19 year-old Ashley T. Frost, of Norris City was transported by Med-Force EMS to Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado, with minor injuries. The two were heading south on US 45, when the Jeep ran off the roadway, over corrected and left the roadway on the west side of the road, before striking a tree. The accident is still under investigation.

A Trunk-or-Treat will be held at the Learning Resource Center parking lot at Frontier Community College on Monday, from 4-6 p.m. It is sponsored by several student clubs at the college. Parents are encouraged to bring their children for treats and fun for the whole family. Other Halloween-related events on Monday include Halloween in the Park at Cisne, Way-Fair Nursing & Rehabilitation is hosting a Spooktacular Halloween from 5pm to 6:30, and the Wayne County Misfits and the Fairfield First Christian Church will be having a trunk or Treat on Monday night from 5 – 7pm on the west parking lot of the Church. More information on these events can be found on our Community Calendar page.

Trick or Treat hours tonight in the city of Fairfield will be from 5-8.  Residents are reminded to turn on their porch lights if you have candy to hand out.  If you are driving tonight be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially young children in costume.  Police and Auxiliary police will be on patrol and careless or reckless driving will not be tolerated.

A Trunk or Treat will be held this evening at the Frontier Community College Learning Resource Center parking lot from 4-6. In Cisne tonight Halloween starts with Chili at the Fire house at 4, then a costume parade at 6 around the square.  Wayfair is hosting a Spooktacular Halloween from 5 – 6:30 and the Wayne County Misfits and the First Christian Church in Fairfield will have a trunk or Treat from 5-7 tonight, on the west parking lot of the Church.

Both drivers were injured in a crash at the Iuka Road and U.S. 50 Friday night.  State Police report preliminary information indicates a pickup driven by 74-year-old Marcus Booth of Flora had stopped at the stop sign on the Iuka Road, but then pulled into the path of a car on U.S. 50 driven by 31-year-old Beth Marie Warren of Vincennes, Indiana.  Booth was taken to the Clay County Hospital for treatment, while Warren was taken to Salem Township Hospital.  Booth was ticketed for failure to yield at a stop intersection.  The crash occurred at 8:38 Friday night.

The Randolph County Sheriff confirms police have a fresh lead in their search for Jason Stoker.  Stoker, 34, is wanted after Chester Police Officer James Brockmeyer was killed in a car crash Friday night while trying to pull him over.  Saturday afternoon, authorities say a Sheriff’s Deputy spotted Stoker’s getaway car, a 2006 red Pontiac G6, in Evansville, Illinois.  Right now Illinois State Police are leading the search effort, which remains focused in Randolph County.  If you have any information on Stoker’s whereabouts, you’re asked to call police.

A Carbondale, man had to be rescued Saturday afternoon after getting stuck on a bluff at Giant City Park.  The Jackson County Dispatch received a call on Saturday, reporting a male who had gotten stuck on a bluff at Giant City Park near Devil’s Stand Table.  Upon arrival, authorities and rescue crews located a male, later identified as Zacharia Bolander, 20, of Carbondale, stuck on a bluff approximately 20 feet off of the ground.  The Makanda Township Fire Department was able to set up a rescue by rappelling down the bluff and safely lowering Bolander to the ground.  Bolander was not injured.

Robert A. Taylor, 77, of Grayville, died Sunday, October 30, at Gibson General Hospital in Princeton, Indiana. Robert was retired from farm implement sales and service and a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include his friend and neighbor, Dennis Bredenkamp of Grayville; brother Lenard (Patricia) Taylor of Albion, Illinois; mother-in-law Lorene Edmondson; sister-in-law Willa (John) Hubele and their daughter, Melinda, all of Carmi, Illinois; nephew Scott (Jennifer) Taylor; and niece Abbi Taylor.

Graveside services for Robert A. Taylor will be at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, November 2, 2016, at North Maple Ridge in Carmi.

Cook Funeral Chapel in Grayville is in charge of arrangements.

64-year-old Fairfield resident, Jan P. Brendal, died at 4:10am Sunday, October 30, at Deaconess VNA Charlier Hospice Center in Evansville, IN. He had been a Field Service Engineer for Web Printing for the past 30 years.

Survivors include his wife, Becky (Rush) Brendal, two sons Nathan Brendal of New York City, NY, Jerad Brendal of Fairfield, one daughter Kelsey Brendal of Fairfield, one sister Lynn (Glen) Woodrow of Kansas.

A memorial service will be held at 6pm on Thursday, November 3 at The Journey.  His ashes will be buried in Maple Hill Cemetery at a later date.  Memorials can be made to the Brownsville School and will be accepted at the church or funeral home.

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

Velma Arlene Dickey, 88, of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, passed away October 29.  Velma was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing. She also crocheted many rugs, which she often gave to family members and friends.

Survivors include her sons, Elbert Dickey (Peggy) of Lincoln, NE; Steven Dickey (Janice) of Cisne, IL; Norman Dickey (Rita) of Rockton, IL; daughter, Virginia Bayless (Mike) of Locust Grove, OK; daughter-in-law Peggy Dickey of Mt. Erie, IL; and sister Nona Greene of Flora, IL. She also had sixteen grandchildren: Stacey Simpson, Debra Benca, Michelle Crawford, Chad Dickey, Julie Myskow, Mark Dickey, Lisa Giesbrecht, Andrew Dickey, Janet Kueker, Dovie Bayless, Matthew Dickey, Michael Dickey, Ryan Dickey, Felecia Bayless, Clarissa Bayless and Allen Bayless. She also had twenty-seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be 11:30am Thursday, November 3, at Dickeyville Cemetery near Sims. Visitation will be 10:00 to 11:00am Thursday at Hosselton Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to American Diabetes Association and will be accepted at Hosselton Funeral Home.

75-year-old Fairfield resident, Raymond Edward Straube, Sr. died at 4:30pm, Sunday, October 30, at his home. He had been a lab technician for Borg Warner for 35 years before his retirement. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Survivors include his wife, Alice (Brown) Straube; three sons Raymond E. Straube, Jr of Chicago, IL, Michael Frazier and David (Misty) Straube both of Fairfield, two daughters Angela (David) Dresser of Wheaton, IL, and Schannon (James) Altizer of Fairfield, 11 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and one brother Ronald Straube of Chicago, IL.

Raymond Straube’s body is being cremated with a celebration of life service being held in Chicago, at a later date. His ashes will also be interred at a later date. The Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of all of the arrangements.