Hayward Lee Herrin Jr., 35, of Fairfield passed away at 7:48AM Saturday Nov. 5 at his home.  He had worked in the oilfields.

Survivors include his parents-Hayward SR and Judy Herrin of Fairfield; his wife Melissa (Lancaster) Herrin of Fairfield.; a daughter, Heidi Herrin and son Dillon Lee both of Fairfield; a sister-Judy (Steven) Hamilton of Geff; a brother, Riley Robert Tatum of Fairfield; six nephews and two nieces also survive.

Funeral Services for Hayward Herrin Jr. will be at Noon Wednesday Nov. 9 at Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home with burial in Richland Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 10AM until the time of service of Wednesday 11/9 at Johnson & Vaughn Funeral Home.

In lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made to the funeral home to help the family with funeral expenses and will be accepted at Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home

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

Stephen Wayne “Steve” Elliott, 73, of Albion died on October 21, 2016 at Rest Haven Manor in Albion.

Steve was retired from the United States Air Force, and was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Eagles, Elks, and Masonic Lodge in Victorville, California.

Survivors include a 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 graveside service with full military rites will be held Friday, November 11, 2016 at 3 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Grayville, Illinois. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

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

VALENTINE WINS IN EDWARDS COUNTY – In the race for Circuit Judge in Edwards County – Democrat Michael Valentine easily defeated his challenger,Republican Brian Shinkle.  The final vote –  Valentine 2,264 votes to Shinkle’s 1,055. Voter turnout in Edwards County was 79%.

The Albion City Council met Monday night.  The council approved the installation of a new sidewalk in front of the Public Library.

A retirement reception for Edwards County Resident Judge David Frankland has been set for Friday, Nov. 18 in the courtroom of the Edwards County courthouse. The reception will run from 2 – 4:30 with a program at 3 p.m.  Judge Frankland is retiring after 18 years on the bench.

Fairfield’s Veterans Day observance has been set for 11 o’clock this Friday morning at Maple Hill Cemetery.  The featured speaker will be retired Army Sgt. First Class Charley D. Holstein, Sr.  A veteran of the Vietnam War, Holstein currently helps families of deceased veterans in obtaining VA furnished headstones and grave markers.

Ronnie Vaughan and Jeff Grieve will host a benefit cookout this Saturday for the Festival of Lights project at Leo French Park.  Money is needed to replace older Christmas displays that were purchased 12 years ago.  The cookout – in front of the Wayne County courthouse, will feature fish dinners and BBQ sandwiches. Donations can also be delivered to Christy Hornung at Carnaby Square in downtown Fairfield.

UDPATE – MISSING GIRL FOUND – One of two White County girls reported missing Tuesday has been located in West Frankfort. White County Sheriff Doug Maier says the other girl has been spotted in the area but not apprehended at this time. The incident appears to be a runaway situation, the sheriff said. No foul play is suspected……..Previously…..White County, Ill. authorities are asking the public for help in locating two missing teenage girls.  Emma M. Tate, 15 and Jena G. Weathers, 14 have been missing since late Tuesday afternoon. Sheriff Doug Maier says the girls did not return home from Carmi White County High School Tuesday afternoon. “It is possible both girls took the bus from Carmi to Crossville,” Sheriff Maier said. “They disappeared after that point.” A resident of Carmi, Emma Tate is described as 5’2”, 100 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a black hoodie with “Boston” in pink letters and “Massachusetts” in white letters.  Jena Weathers is 5’4”, 115 pounds with black hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing a gray short sleeve shirt with “Ten Mile Baptist Church” on the front, black stretch pants and a black and white spotted jacket. Jena lives at 949 E. 1300 N. near Carmi.Anyone with information about the whereabouts of either of these girls should contact the White County Sheriff’s Department at 618-382-5321.

Fairfield Mayor Chuck Griswold announced Tuesday night that he will not seek re-election in the upcoming municipal election.  Griswold told the council he wants to spend more time visiting his children and grandchildren.

Michael Valentine has been elected Edwards County Circuit Judge.  Valentine defeated former State’s Attorney Brian Shinkle by a more than 2 to 1 margin. He will replace retiring Circuit Judge David Frankland.  Voter turnout in Edwards County was 79%.  Eric St. Ledger has been elected Edwards County State’s Attorney.  St. Ledger ran unopposed.

In Wayne County, Kevin Kakac has been elected Wayne County State’s Attorney. Pam Southerd has been elected Circuit Clerk with Jimmy Taylor being elected coroner. All three ran unopposed.  Voter turnout in Wayne County was 69%

Margaret Branum has been elected Circuit Clerk in Edwards County. She replaces Patsy Taylor who recently retired.

Edwards County Coroner Mark Curtis has been re-elected. He will begin his 10^th term in office this December.

In Wabash County, Shawn Keepes has defeated incumbent Larry Hodgson for county coroner.

Wabash County voters have approved a one percent sales tax to support construction and maintenance of local schools.

Republican Dale Fowler has defeated incumbent 59^th District State Senator Gary Forby. Dale Fowler had 55.3% of the vote.

86-year-old former Geff resident, Noma I. Lawrence of Cisne died at 5:17am Wednesday, November 09, 2016 at her home. She was a homemaker and a member of the Brush Creek Community of Christ Church near Orchardville, IL.

Noma is survived by one daughter Sarah Zerfas of Cisne, IL; one sister Ella Mae (Chet) Clevenger and one brother Jack (Kathy) Leathers both of Tampico, IL.  Also surviving are three grandchildren Bobbi Zerfas of Clay City, IL; Albert (friend Cindy Eskew) Zerfas of Cisne, IL; Kelly Davis of Cisne, IL and two great grandchildren Tristan Zerfas and Kylie Davis.  Also several nieces and nephews survive.

A graveside service for Noma I. Lawrence will be 11:30am Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 at Poplar Creek Cemetery.

Visitation will be 10am – 11am Saturday, at the Hosselton Funeral Home in Cisne.

Memorials may be given to the family and will be accepted at Hosselton Funeral Home.

Both missing Carmi teenage girls have been located. One of the missing teens was found in West Frankfort. Emma Tate, 15 and Jena Weathers, 14 were reported missing Tuesday when they failed to return home from Carmi High School. No foul play is suspected in the girls’ disappearance. Sheriff Doug Maier thanked all those involved in the search for the missing girls.

29-year-old Brant P. Duffy of Carmi has been sentenced to ten years in prison after pleading guilty to charges he burglarized the Plum Street Pharmacy in Carmi.  Police arrested Duffy on Oct. 16 after finding boxes and bottles of blood-covered prescription medication near his apartment.

Leech Township officials have announced that Ditch Bank Road from Ill. Rt. 15 south to the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks will be closed today for maintenance and repairs.

Fairfield’s Veterans Day observance will be Friday at 11 a.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery.  Retired Sgt. First Class Charley D. Holstein, Sr. will be the featured speaker.

Albion’s courthouse flag display opens today and runs through Sunday. Albion’s Veterans Day observance will be at the Memorial Arch at 11 a.m. Friday.

Golfing in the Tri-State will feature the Wayne County Golf Course this Saturday and Sunday on Evansville’s Channel 44.  The show is hosted by Joe Blair and airs at 11 a.m. this Saturday and 6:30 a.m. this Sunday.

Charles W. “Charlie” Cunningham, 60, of Peoria, Illinois, formerly of West Salem died on Sunday, November 6, 2016 in Peoria. Charlie was an automotive detailer, working for his father at Cunningham Service Station.

He is survived by one sister, Vicki Wagner of West Salem; one brother, Allen Cunningham of Albion; two nephews: Chris Wagner of Olney, Illinois and Jerimy Cunningham of West Salem; one niece, Hanna (Mike) Griggs of Olney; and one aunt, Mary Ellen Ridenour of Texas.

Graveside services for Charles W. “Charlie” Cunningham will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13 at the Moravian Cemetery in West Salem.

Visitation will be 5 – 7 held Saturday evening, November 12 at the Ingram Funeral Home in West Salem.  .

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital, and will be accepted at the Ingram Funeral Home in West Salem, which is in charge of all the arrangements.

At Thursday night’s meeting of the Wayne County Board, members voted NOT to raise county’s tax levy. The vote followed about 45 minutes of public comment about the issue.  Members admitted that tough financial times are ahead for the county, as sales tax revenues are down and operating expenses are up. Also at Thursday night’s meeting, members approved a loan of $150,000 from the county’s Revolving Loan fund to the Frontier Community College Foundation.  The money will be used for the completion of the Bobcats Baseball Field project.  Interest on the loan is ½ percent.

Today is Veterans Day.  A number of events are planned around the region to honor veterans.  Fairfield’s Veterans Day observance is at 11 this morning at Maple Hill Cemetery.  Retired Army Sgt. First Class Charley D. Holstein, Sr. will be the featured speaker.

Albion’s Veterans Day service will be at 11 this morning at the Memorial Arch.  Pastor Marc Dalton will be the featured speaker.

The flagpole at the new Wayne City High School will be dedicated at 9 this morning.  The service is being held in memory of Col Jason Chamness.

The Fairfield Community High School Varsity Scholastic Team captured second place Thursday in a Southern Illinois Academic Conference.  FCHS defeated Mt. Vernon and Herrin, but fell to Salem and Carbondale.

The Fairfield Mulebackers are hosting a Bingo and Silent Auction tonight in the upstairs of the Fairfield Elks.  The event will begin at 7 p.m.  A listing of items available in the silent auction can be found on the FCHS Facebook page.

The Fairfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church sponsored Secret Santa tree will be on display Saturday at Kincaids in Fairfield.  A bake sale will also be held to kick off the annual event.  Residents are urged to take a tag and return a wrapped gift no later than Dec. 12.

George D. Duncan age 92, a resident of Belle Rive, Illinois passed away  at 10:10 A M Thursday November l0 2016 at his home.

Funeral arrangements for George D. Duncan are pending at the Gholson Funeral Home in Dahlgren, Illinois.

At Thursday night’s meeting of the Wayne County Board, members voted NOT to raise county’s tax levy. The vote followed about 45 minutes of public comment about the issue.  Members admitted that tough financial times are ahead for the county, as sales tax revenues are down and operating expenses are up. Also at Thursday night’s meeting, members approved a loan of $150,000 from the county’s Revolving Loan fund to the Frontier Community College Foundation.  The money will be used for the completion of the Bobcats Baseball Field project.  Interest on the loan is ½ percent.

At the next meeting of the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Trustees, members are expected to discuss the purchase of lighting for the new FNB Baseball field on the campus of Frontier Community College.  The project is expected to be funded by Fairfield National Bank which was granted exclusive naming rights last month. Also to be discussed is the construction of a concession stand at FNB Field.  The IECC trustees will meet Tuesday, Nov. 15 at Lincoln Trail College in Robinson.

A Chester man was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a Chester police officer last month.  The Belleville News-Democrat reports 34-year-old Jason M. Stoker was charged in the death of Chester police officer James Brockmeyer, who died from injuries he suffered in a crash after he was pursuing Stoker on Oct. 28.  Randolph County State’s Attorney Jeremy Walker wrote that Stoker drove his vehicle at a high speed while failing to comply with Brockmeyer and while knowing such acts could cause Brockmeyer death or bodily harm.

Hunters in Illinois are being reminded to make safety a top priority this fall and winter.   So far this hunting season, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has investigated 10 hunting incidents, 8 of which have involved hunters falling from elevated tree stands or falling while climbing into or out of tree stands.  Illinois’ most popular hunting season, firearm deer season begins Friday November 18^th.

In the USDA’s recent Illinois Crop Production Report based on November 1st conditions, the Illinois corn yield is forecast at a record 202 bushels per acre, up 27 bushels from a year ago. The state’s corn production is forecast at 2.32 billion bushels, a 15% increase from last year; if realized, this would be the second highest production on record behind 2014.  For Soybeans based on November 1st conditions, the state’s yield is forecast at 62 bushels per acre, a 6 bushel per acre increase from last year; if realized, this would be the highest yield on record for Illinois.

72 year-old James T. Browning of Crossville, passed away Friday November 11, 2016 at Carmi Manor Nursing Home. He worked in the oilfield his whole life. He loved to fish, hunt and sing karaoke.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; sons, Daniel Lea (Tennille Neal) Browning and James W. (Holly) Browning; daughter Beverly Collins; fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; sisters, Shirley Turner, Alice Kick and Cathy Faulkner.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at the Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Carmi with burial in Union Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 until service time. Memorials are suggested to the family to help defray funeral costs.

Online condolences may be left at stendebackfamilyfuneralhome.com.

A southern Illinois soldier serving in the United States Army was killed in a suicide bombing Saturday morning at Bagram Airfield in the northern part of Afghanistan. Perry County authorities confirmed Tyler Iubelt of Tamaroa was one of four killed in the attack. Iubelt was a graduate of Pinckneyville High School, and joined the army right after graduating. According to U.S. Military officials, the bombing at Bagram Airfield killed two U.S. service members and two contractors. The Taliban released a tweet, claiming responsibility for the attack. The investigation continues.

The Fairfield Mulebackers-sponsored bingo event Friday night was a success, as the event netted $3,711 for the evening. Several rounds of bingo was played, and a silent auction was held. A portion of the money raised will be donated to the “This Able Veterans” program – an agency that provides service dogs to veterans suffering from PTSD. The Mulebackers also received $720 from Fairfield National Bank. The money represents a cash donation for every Fairfield Mules touchdown made during this year’s football season.

The Fairfield Community High School varsity scholastic team competed Saturday in the Washington University Fall Academic Tournament.  FCHS went 6-4 of the day, placing 13^th out of 32 teams in the tournament featuring teams from Missouri, Ohio, and Illinois. Answering tossups for FCHS were Sam Beach with 33, Brice Todd with 23, Amy Chen with 6, Ethan Kakac with 3, and Leia Nobles with 1.  Chloe Hodges also participated for FCHS.

Today through Saturday, November 19 is Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Illinois. The week is to encourage Illinois residents to prepare for winter’s snow, cold, and ice. Tips to help prepare for the harshness of winter include creating a family emergency kit for home and travel, winterizing your home, preventing frozen pipes, preparing for possible isolation in your home for several days, and preparing your vehicle. More information can be found at weather.gov/Paducah.

Schnuck’s supermarket chain is recalling certain grilled, marinated chicken breasts in Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana. The recall pertains to their “72 Butter Garlic Grilled Marinated Chicken Breasts”. Customers who bought the affected product from the Deli/Chef’s Express department at one of the stores Wednesday or Thursday are encouraged to return it for a full refund. Locations in our area include Centralia and Evansville.

An elevated fire danger continues throughout the region today.  Dry conditions will keep the fire danger elevated through at least Thursday.  There is a chance for showers and thunderstorms Friday and Friday night.

The Fairfield Mulebackers held a Bingo event Friday night, raising $3,711 for the evening.  Part of the proceeds will be shared with the “This Able Veterans” program. The project provides service dogs to veterans suffering from PTSD. In addition to the Bingo proceeds, FNB donated another $720 to the Mulebackers. The money represents a cash donation for every FCHS Mules touchdown during this year’s football season.

A Mt. Vernon woman has been sentenced to ten days in the Jefferson County jail after she ignored two subpoenas to testify in the first-degree murder trial of Steven Murphy. Desiree Oxford ignored subpoenas issued by both the state and defense during the Murphy trial. Public Defender Matt Vaughn of Fairfield prosecuted the case against Ms. Oxford. Judge Jerry Crisel imposed the sentence.

Another Southern Illinois soldier has been killed in Afghanistan.  20-year-old Tyler Lubelt of Tamaroa died Saturday in a suicide bombing at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. He was a graduate of Pinkneyville High School.

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NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH DAY – Fairfield Memorial Hospital will join the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health and other state/national rural stakeholders in celebrating National Rural Health Day on Thursday, November 17, 2015.  NOSORH created National Rural Health Day as a way to showcase rural America; increase awareness of rural health-related issues; and promote the efforts of NOSORH, State Offices of Rural Health and others in addressing those issues.  Rural communities are wonderful places to live and work, which is why nearly 62 million people – nearly one in five Americans – call them home. These small towns, farming communities and frontier areas are places where neighbors know each other, listen to each other, respect each other and work together to benefit the greater good. They are also some of the best places to start a business and test your “entrepreneurial spirit.” These communities provide the rest of the country with a wealth of services and commodities, and they are the economic engine that has helped the United State become the world economic power it is today. These rural communities also have unique healthcare needs. Today more than ever, rural communities must address accessibility issues, a lack of healthcare providers, the needs of an aging population suffering from a greater number of chronic conditions, and larger percentages of un- and underinsured citizens. And rural hospitals – which are often the economic foundation of their communities in addition to being the primary providers of care – struggle daily as declining reimbursement rates and disproportionate funding levels make it challenging to serve their residents.

That is why the National Organization of State Offices of Rural sets aside the third Thursday of every November – November 17th, 2016 – to celebrate National Rural Health Day. First and foremost, National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to “Celebrate the Power of Rural” by honoring the selfless, community-minded, “can do” spirit that prevails in rural America. But it also gives us a chance to bring to light the unique healthcare challenges that rural citizens face – and showcase the efforts of rural healthcare providers, State Offices of Rural Health and other rural stakeholders to address those challenges.

In Illinois for example, Fairfield Memorial Hospital supports rural citizens through services including primary care services to many specialty services including Diabetes Education, Senior Life Solutions, Pain Center, Urgent Care, Podiatry, Oncology, Cardiology, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Orthopaedics, Surgical Services, Urology, Balance Recovery Program, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Dialysis, Behavioral Therapy, Cardiopulmonary, Skilled Nursing, and much more.  For a rural hospital to be providing this many specialty services, it speaks loudly of their strength.  The number of services that FMH delivers to its community is astounding!  So, join Fairfield Memorial Hospital in celebrating National Rural Health Day by doing something “healthy” – eat more vegetables, bike instead of drive to work, get your blood pressure or cholesterol checked, attend a yoga class or wellness event, etc., and invite a friend to join you.  It may be your first step toward a healthier future!   Additional information about National Rural Health Day can be found on the Web at www.celebratepowerofrural.org.  To learn more about NOSORH, visit www.nosorh.org; to learn more about Fairfield Memorial Hospital, visit www.fairfieldmemorial.org.

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Hunters in Illinois are being reminded to make safety a top priority this fall and winter. So far this hunting season, DNR officers have investigated ten hunting accidents – eight of which involved hunters falling out of tree stands.  The first firearm deer hunting season opens this Friday and continues through Sunday, Nov. 20.  The second firearm season starts on Dec. 1 and runs for four days.

Steven F. Cook, age 64, a resident of Macedonia, Illinois passed away Saturday, November 12, 2016 in the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon, Illinois.

Funeral arrangements for Steven F. Cook are pending at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro.

36-year-old Jason N. Koons of Mt. Carmel has been sentenced to 4 ½ years in prison after pleading guilty in White County Circuit Court to a felony charge of being in possession of a controlled substance.  Koons drew a consecutive sentence of 30 months of probation for the offense of aggravated battery.  Grayville City Police and the White County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case against Koons.

36-year-old Brannon I. Randall of Equality has been jailed in Jefferson County on charges he was in possession of meth, marijuana and prescription drugs.  When Randall was stopped by police on Sunday, he was allegedly driving a vehicle stolen from a business in Carmi.  Randall remains in the Jefferson County jail at Mt. Vernon pending the setting of bond.

FAIRFIELD MEMORIAL NAMED FOUR STAR FACILITY – Fairfield Memorial Hospital seems to continue to defy the odds in quality as they tackle the challenges of delivering care in the current healthcare climate.  Despite the challenges, Fairfield Memorial Hospital’s quality continues to rise!   “I am very pleased to share that Fairfield Memorial Hospital has been rated as a four star facility by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The significance of this particular rating as it pertains to hospitals can be confusing, so we will break this down for you,” stated Katherine Bunting-Williams, Ph.D., FMH CEO.     To begin, the Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating was created to help individuals, their family members, and caregivers compare hospitals in an easily understandable way. Over the past decade, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published information about the quality of care across the five different health care settings that most families encounter.  The new Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating summarizes data from existing quality measures publicly reported on Hospital Compare into a single star rating for each hospital, making it easier for consumers to compare hospitals and interpret complex quality information. This overall rating supplements the star ratings currently posted for hospitals on their patient experience of care data (https://www.medicare.gov/HospitalCompare/Data/Patient-Experience-Domain.html), based on data from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) Survey.  “Therefore, in short, a hospital’s star qualities can be similarly, but not exactly, compared to the star ratings of a hotel. We may not have all the amenities of a five star hotel, but we offer quality service at its finest. Those who use our services fill out a HCAHPS Survey telling us and CMS how we are doing.  Of course, we can’t provide all services a metropolitan hospital can; however, Fairfield Memorial Hospital is a rural facility that offers many of the most crucial services to its community. The stakes are high to meet the needs of each patient with tight resources, but the quality of the services that we provide in our facility are highly rated and will continue with the excellent team of providers we have on staff.  Our staff members are our number one driving factor in our quality rating, and it is an honor to be leading a four star facility,” stated Dr. Bunting-Williams.

James Leon Fenton, LPN has been named the October Employee of the Month at Fairfield Memorial Hospital.  Fenton has been with Fairfield Memorial for over 40 years and works as the Unit Clerk on the Medical Surgical Unit and more recently has been cross-training at Horizon Healthcare.

Hamilton Memorial Hospital’s Auxiliary will host a Christmas Open House this Friday from 9 – 3 in the hospital’s gift shop.  Free refreshments will be provided throughout the day for all shoppers.

Donald T. King, 92 of Mill Shoals, Illinois passed away on Monday November 14, 2016 at 7:53 A.M. at Wabash Christian Retirement Center in Carmi, Illinois.  Donald was an electrician with the IBEW Local 702 for 46 years.  He worked for French Electric in Fairfield, Cunningham Electric in Browns, and his last two years he worked for a contractor in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.  He retired in 1989.  He was graduate of Mill Shoals High School.  Donald was a veteran of WWII.  He enlisted in the Navy and was deployed four times to the Mariana Islands in the South Pacific from 1942 to 1945.

He was a member and trustee of the Mill Shoals Baptist Church.  He was a White County Supervisor, a member of the Mill Shoals school board, the Mill Shoals town board, and a former Mayor on two separate occasions.  Donald was a 32 degree Mason and a current member of the Carmi VFW.

On August 13, 1945 he was united in marriage to Mary Catherine Dosier. They were married 71 years.

Survivors include his wife Mary of Mill Shoals; two daughters- Vicky King of Carbondale & Karen (Steve) Baker of Fairfield; two grandchildren- Cory Baker of Fairfield and Jenna (Brad) Dunnigan of Columbia Illinois; one Great-Grandchild- Xavier Allen Baker and 1 Great-Grandchild due in May.  2 Nieces- Lynn (Craig) Cunningham & Glenda (Gene) Martin both of Georgetown TX, and several cousins from the state of Missouri.

Funeral Services for Donald T. King will be Saturday November 19 at 1PM at Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield with burial in Shrewsbury Cemetery in Mill Shoals with Full Military Rights.

Visitation will be from 11AM until the time of service at Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Mill Shoals Missionary Baptist Church or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home.

Bridgette Lanette Gammon, 53, of Clifton Park, NY, formerly of Orchardville, passed away 8:03PM Saturday, November 12, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.  She loved music, movies, and liked giving hugs.

Bridgette is survived by her sister Vesta Wegner and brother in law Carl Wegner of Clifton Park, NY. She is also survived by an aunt, uncle, and cousins.

Funeral services for Bridgette will be 2:00PM Thursday, November 17, at the Hosselton Funeral Home in Cisne. Burial will be in Jacob’s Chapel Cemetery near Orchardville. Friends may call from noon until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Salvation Army and will be accepted at Hosselton Funeral Home.

Jon Raymond Westfall, 78, of Carmi, passed away at 10:40 p.m., Monday, November 14, 2016 at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN. From 1956-1959 Jon served in the United States Navy at Bethesda Naval Medical Center before being transferred to the Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Jon was a Carmi city police officer from 1960 to1989.

Jon was a United Methodist Minister from 1985 to 2014. He served at several churches in his 29 years of ministry including Brownsville, Springerton, Mill Shoals, Dorris Heights, Mt. Morriah in Galatia, McHenry, Enfield and Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. Jon served as a Youth Leader, Sunday School teacher, and Lay Leader at the Emmanuel Methodist Church. He was a boy scout leader with troop 454 in which he helped organized. Jon was the President of the Carmi Rifle and Pistol Club, and a member of the NRA.

Jon is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marilyn; two sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Lei Anne Westfall of Norris City and Doug and Sheila Westfall of Enfield; a brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Peggy Westfall of Marion, IL; five grandchildren, Tiffany Bickett and husband, Jerad, Lori Couts and husband, Jon, Ben Westfall and wife, Ashley, Sarah Haley and husband, Todd and Rachel Attebury and husband, Brad; ten great-grandchildren, Tate and Kendall Bickett, Myla Couts, Chase, Nathalie, Kambrea, and Kynzee Westfall, Eva Marie and Raley Attebury and Niah Haley and her new sister due in March.

Funeral service for Jon Westfall will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, November 18, 2016 at the Emmanuel United Methodist Church at 203 Edgewood Lane in Carmi with burial will be in White County Memorial Garden with Military Rites by the Carmi VFW and American Legion.