A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 3 o’clock this afternoon through noon Saturday.  A mix or rain, sleet and snow will spread across the area late this afternoon, turning to all snow overnight tonight.  Around 3 inches of snow is expected.  Heavier pockets of snow are possible in the northern areas of the region.

Second season firearm deer harvest numbers were down sharply this year.  Hunters in Illinois bagged 18,483 deer during the second season – Dec. 5-8.  The total compares to last year’s second season harvest of 27,213.  Bad weather throughout the state caused the hunter success rate to fall sharply.

Illinois residents seeking information about the state’s new concealed carry law have a new tool to aid in their search.  This week, the ISP launched a website covering the state’s new concealed carry law. There is now a concealed carry link on the Illinois State Police website – www.isp.state.il.us.

Today’s winner in the Fairfield Community High School After Prom Committee’s 12 Days of Christmas Promotion is John Simpson.  John wins $150.  Saturday’s drawing will be worth $100.

Fairfield City Police are looking for the owner of two Case I-H scale model tractors – still in the box.  The tractors were recovered as part of a burglary investigation, and are thought to have been stolen. Anyone with information about the scale model tractors should call the Fairfield City Police Department at 842-2151.

34-year-old Brandon E. Garrett of Fairfield was arrested Thursday evening on charges of domestic battery and disorderly conduct.  He is accused of shoving his step-son, 19-year-old Corey J. Rinebold of rural Fairfield during an argument.

The post Headlines for Friday, December 13, 2013 appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

71-year-old Carmi resident, Richard A. Culp Sr. died at 10:35 p.m. Thursday, December 12 at Phoenix Rehab and Nursing Center in Carmi.  He was a retired taxi cab driver, and attended the World Harvest Church in Carmi.

Surviving are a son, Richard A. Culp Jr. of Carmi; one daughter, Mary Culp of Anna, IL; three brothers, Ronald of Carmi, James of Desoto, MS and Junior of Belleville, IL; and one sister, Delores Rose of Carmi.

Graveside services for Richard A. Culp Sr. will be at 1 p.m. Monday, December 16 at Smith Cemetery near Dale, IL.

Visitation will be from noon Monday, December 16 until the time of service at the Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice, and will be accepted at the Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro.

The post Richard A. Culp Sr appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

Fairfield Mayor Chuck Griswold says the recent ice and snow has made it dangerous and impossible for city meter readers to do their jobs.  As a result, Griswold says during the next couple of weeks it will be necessary to estimate some utility bills.  The mayor says estimating is an inexact science and that some mistakes may occur, but that every effort will be made to “correct these errors so none of you pay more than you should”.

34-year-old Dante L. Langston of Junction City, KS was cited for driving too fast for conditions, no valid registration and improper use of registration following an accident on I-64 just east of the 107-mile marker in Wayne County Friday evening.  State police said Langston was driving a Mercedes-Benz eastbound and attempted to pass a semi, driven by 53-year-old Stanley E. Adams of Terrell, TX, and lost control of his vehicle on the snow.  Police said Langston’s vehicle rotated 90 degrees and entered the right lane in front of the semi, with the semi hitting the Mercedes-Benz in the passenger door.  Langston was taken to Fairfield Memorial Hospital following the crash with minor injuries.

The Fairfield Community High School Board meets this Thursday night for their monthly meeting.  A Truth in Taxation Hearing will start at 7 p.m. followed by the regular meeting.  During the regular meeting the board is expected to approve several curriculum changes for next school year, and accept the resignation of Quentin Baker as assistant baseball coach.  The board is also expected to formally approve the establishment of the position of assistant principal for next school year.

No one matched all six numbers in last night’s Mega Millions jackpot, worth an estimated $425 million.  Tuesday’s jackpot will be an estimated $550 million, with the lump-sum cash option around $295 million.  Last night’s numbers drawn were 19, 24, 26, 27 and 70, with the megaball 12.

Today’s winner in the Fairfield Community High School After Prom committee’s 12 Days of Christmas  promotion is Diane Zurliene, who wins $100.  Sunday’s winner will also receive $100.  The promotion runs through next Saturday, December 21st.

The post Headlines for Saturday, December 14, 2013 appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

94-year-old Cisne resident, Esther Ingeborg Obrecht, died at 10 a.m. Friday, December 13 in Flora.  She was a homemaker and retired supervisor at Bell Telephone in Alton, IL.  She was a member of the United Methodist Women Enterprise West, Enterprise United Methodist Church where she was a Sunday School teacher for many years, the East Cisne Home Extension, Evergreen Garden Club of Cisne, and board member of the Wayne County Home Extension for several years and the Eastern Star Lodge #973.

Surviving are a daughter, Karen Cole of Cisne; one son, Ken of St. Louis, MO; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Esther Ingeborg Obrecht will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 17 at the Enterprise United Methodist Church in Enterprise, IL.  Burial will be in Cisne Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, December 16 at the Hosselton Funeral Home in Cisne, which is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Enterprise United Methodist Church or to the donor’s choice.

The post Esther Ingeborg Obrecht appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

30-year-old Melissa L. Sherrill of Aberdeen, MD received minor injuries in an accident on I-64 east of the 105-mile marker Saturday morning blamed on snowy conditions.  State police said Sherrill was westbound and lost control of her vehicle on snow and ice, causing it to leave the roadway and overturn before hitting a ditch.  Two passengers, 30-year-old William Sherrill and one-year-old Rebekah Sherrill were not seriously hurt.  Melissa L. Sherrill was cited for driving too fast for conditions.

Fairfield Mayor Chuck Griswold says the city will be estimating some utility bills the next couple of weeks after recent snow and ice made it dangerous and impossible for city meter readers to do their jobs.  The estimation may result in some mistakes, the mayor said, but noted every effort will be made to correct any errors.

The Fairfield Community High School board meets Thursday night, starting with a Truth in Taxation Hearing at 7 p.m. followed by the regular board meeting.  Several curriculum changes for the next school year are expected to be approved, and the board is expected to take action on the employment of fall coaches and accept the resignation of an assistant baseball coach.

Today’s winner in the Fairfield Community High School’s After Prom committee’s 12 Days of Christmas promotion is Randy Wilson, who wins $100.  Monday’s winner will also win $100, with the drawings continuing through this Saturday.

This Wednesday’s Powerball jackpot will be an estimated $50 million after no one matched all six numbers drawn last night.  The numbers were 14-25-32-33-41 with the Powerball 34.  No one matched the numbers drawn Friday night in the Mega Millions Jackpot as well, making this Tuesday’s jackpot worth an estimated $550 million.  The lump-sum cash option will be just over $295 million.

The post Headlines for Sunday, December 15, 2013 appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

82-year-old Irving, TX resident and Crossville native, Vernon E. Kallenbach, died Thursday, December 12 at his home.  He was a graduate of Crossville High School, a United States Air Force veteran, and a member of the Crossville United Methodist Church.  He was an aircraft mechanic and worked for American Airlines in Tulsa, OK, Nashville, TN, Los Angeles, CA and Dallas-Fort Worth, TX when he retired in 1994.

Surviving are a sister-in-law, Thelma Kallenbach of Carmi; a cousin, Eleanor Townsend of LaFayette, LA; three nieces, Cindy Kiehl of Grayville, Debra Brown of Elmira, NY and Barbara Kallenbach of Orlando, FL.

Funeral arrangements for Vernon E. Kallenbach are pending at the Cook Funeral Chapel in Crossville.

The post Vernon E. Kallenbach appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

89-year-old Fairfield resident, Dorothy Fears Goff, died at 5:15 p.m. Saturday, December 14 at her home.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Nale’s Funeral Home in Fairfield.

The post Dorothy Fears Goff appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

84-year-old Grayville resident, Doyle E. Copley died at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at his home. A veteran of the Korean War, he was an avid horseman and had worked in the oilfields and agriculture all of his life.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce Copley;  two daughters, Terrie (Mike) Morrill of O’Fallon, IL and Sandy (Rick) Davis of Grayville; a sister, Betty Murray of Albion; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Services for Doyle E. Copley will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 at Nale’s Funeral Home in Albion with burial at Graceland Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 until the time of service at Nale’s Funeral Home in Albion.

Memorials may be made to the National Urea Cycle Disorder Foundation and will be accepted at Nale’s Funeral Home in Fairfield.

The post Doyle E. Copley appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

52-year-old Ellery resident, Marcella Annette Mabrey Valentine died Thursday, Dec. 12 at her home. A U.S. Army Veteran, she worked for the State of Illinois as an accountant. She also served as a tour guide to historic sites in Springfield.

Survivors include her mother, Etta Mabrey; a daughter, Christa (Matt B.) Fisher; a sister, Mary (Richard) Short; three brothers, Donald (Mela) Mabrey, Anderson (Lisa) Mabrey and Dale (JoAnne) Mabrey and three grandchildren.

Funeral services for Annette Mabrey Valentine will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the Ingram Funeral Home in Albion with burial and military rites at Bethel Cemetery at Ellery.

Visitation will be from 5 – 7 Tuesday evening, Dec. 17 at the Ingram Funeral Home in Albion.  Annette was a “jeans and t-shirt” girl, so to honor her memory, those attending her visitation and funeral are encouraged to dress casually.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for funeral expenses. The Ingram Funeral Home of Albion is in charge of all the arrangements.

The post Marcella Annette Mabrey Valentine appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

Barbara J. Stuart, age 65 of Springerton, died Sunday morning December 15, 2013 at her home.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Judith (Kurt Pierce) Earl of Springerton; 2 sons, Casssey (Tanya) Earl and James (Bonnie) Earl, Jr. all of Fairfield; grandchildren and a brother, Merle Thomas of Fairfield also survive.

Arrangements are pending at the Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Enfield.

The post Barbara J. Stuart appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

Another defendant in the Oct. 18, 2012 home invasion and beating of Reggie Shemwell of Fairfield has been sentenced. In Wayne County Circuit Court Monday, Mary Denise Harrison, 43 of Cisne was sentenced to five years in prison after entering a guilty plea to a felony charge of burglary.   In addition to prison time, she was also ordered to pay restitution to the victim in the case – Reggie Shemwell, 37 of Fairfield with the amount to be determined later. In the attack, Shemwell suffered a broken neck, bruised lungs and severe head injuries. Harrison’s co-defendant in the case, John R. Robertson, 35 of Fairfield was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the attack of Shemwell.

A Mount Carmel man has been jailed on a class-X felony charge of home invasion after he allegedly forced his way into a house in Mount Carmel Sunday night and beat up a man. Robert Johnson, 30 of Mt. Carmel was arrested Sunday night by Illinois State Police.  He is accused of forcing his way into the home of 21-year-old Ethan Adams in the 800 block of 9^th street in Mount Carmel around 6 o’clock Sunday night.  While inside, Johnson is accused of beating up Adams in an alleged dispute over money. Adams was injured and taken to Wabash General Hospital where he was treated and released.  State Police arrested Johnson and booked him into the Wabash County jail at Mt. Carmel where he is being held pending the posting of $5,000 cash bond.

Pictured above is Pat Kenshalo, President of the Fairfield Memorial Hospital Foundation, (center) accepting a donation on behalf of the Fairfield Memorial Hospital Foundation from Susan Schoomer and Mike Podolsky from the Bernard and Naomi L. Podolsky Charitable Trust.  The generous donation, in the amount of $25,000, will be used for Fairfield Memorial Hospital’s new kitchen and dining room project.  Blueprints for the new kitchen and dining room are being finalized, with construction to begin sometime in 2014.

The family of a missing Shawneetown woman is offering a $1,000 reward for any information leading to her whereabouts.  33-year-old Chrissy Williams has been missing for two weeks. She was last seen on Dec. 2 leaving a home in Rosiclare.  She was last seen driving a red 2011 Ford Explorer.  There has been no activity on her cell phone or credit cards since her disappearance.  Volunteers and local law enforcement officials have been searching the Ohio River and areas of the Shawnee National Forest for the missing woman.

Because of icy conditions, Fairfield city workers will be estimating some utility readings over the next couple of weeks.  Lingering ice and snow has made it difficult for meter readers to complete their rounds.

The Fairfield Beautification Committee’s annual Christmas Light Tour for Senior Citizens has been cancelled tonight  because of icy road conditions.

Santa will be in his house in Freedom Park in downtown Fairfield this week.  Monday – Friday, Santa will be visiting with children from 5:30 – 7:30.

Today’s winner in the Fairfield Community High School After Prom Committee’s 12-days of Christmas Promotion is Sandra Henson.  Sandra wins $100.

The post Headlines for Monday, December 16, 2013 appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

Natalie Vaughn and Todd Garrison of Fairfield, along with their parents announce their engagement and upcoming wedding.
The prospective bride is the daughter of Mark and Dorothy Vaughn of Fairfield. The future groom’s parents are Randy Garrison, Fairfield and Marilyn Garrison, Fairfield.
The couple is planning a small private ceremony and reception in the spring of 2014.   Formal invitations will be sent.

The post Vaughn and Garrison to Wed appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

Greenwalt and Sons Construction Company of Wayne City has filed suit against the City of Albion and former Mayor Ryan Hallam over the stalled construction of a new fire station.  In the three-count breach of contract suit, Greenwalt alleges that a contract to build the fire station for $624,340 was executed and signed by former Mayor Ryan Hallam on January 18 of this year. On April 24, the City of Albion – though their attorney – issued a cease and desist order, alleging the contract was not valid. Greenwalt is seeking damages of more than $50,000 on each of the three counts.

Another defendant in the Oct. 18, 2013 home invasion and beating of Reggie Shemwell of Fairfield has been sentenced.  43-year-old Mary Denise Harrison of Cisne was sentenced Monday to five years in prison after pleading guilty to a felony charge of burglary.  Her co-defendant, John R. Robertson, 35 of Fairfield was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the home invasion.  Robertson’s wife, 36-year-old Jennifer Robertson is awaiting trial in the case.  Special Prosecutor Michael Valentine of Edwards County is handling the case.

30-year-old Robert Johnson of Mt. Carmel has been arrested on a class-X felony charge of home invasion.  Johnson is accused of forcing his way into the home of 21-year-old Ethan Adams Sunday night, beating him up. Police say the incident stemmed from an argument over money.

Today’s winner in the Fairfield Community High School After Prom Twelve Days of Christmas Promotion is Cathy York.  Cathy wins $100.  Tomorrow’s winner will receive $150.

The Albion Christmas Parade – postponed last weekend because of bad weather – has been rescheduled for this Saturday.  The parade will begin at 5 p.m.  The Albion Community Christmas Program will follow the parade from 6 – 9 p.m.

The post Headlines for Tuesday, December 17, 2013 appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

61-year-old Wayne City resident, Barbara Kennedy Owens died at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, IL. She had been a lab tech.

Survivors include her father, William Robert Kennedy of Wayne City; daughters, Kimberly Joyce Mureson of St. Peters, MO and Harlie Taylor Owens of Mt. Vernon; a brother, Ron and wife Darlene Kennedy of Wayne City and two grandchildren.

Services for Barbara Kennedy Owens will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the Richardson Funeral Home in Wayne City with burial in Olive Branch Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 until the time of service at the Richardson Funeral Home in Wayne City.

The post Barbara Kennedy Owens appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

69-year-old former Carmi resident, Betty Ann Rose of Vandalia, IL died at 4:30 P.M. Saturday, Dec. 14 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Survivors include her husband, Jim Rose of Vandalia; a daughter, Kimberly Rose of Vandalia; three sons, Johnnie Hampton of Belvidere, IL, Norman Hampton of Charlotte, NC and Troy Hampton of Wisconsin; two sisters, Judy Allen of Carmi and Sue Davis of McLeansboro; 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Services for Betty Ann Rose will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 at the Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro with burial in the IOOF Cemetery at McLeansboro.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 until the time of service at the Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro.

Memorials may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses and will be accepted at the Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro.

The post Betty Ann Rose appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

79-year-old Belle Rive resident, Magdalena (Lydia) Gowler died at 6 a.m. Monday, Dec. 16 at her home. She was retired from the Opdyke-Belle Rive Grade School where she served as a teacher’s aid. She was named Senior Saint for Jefferson County in 2011.

Survivors include three sons, Fred Gowler of Belle Rive; Kenneth Gowler, Jr. of Belle Rive and Donald Gowler of Bluford; two daughters, Barbara Williamson and Beverly Sears of Belle Rive; two brothers, Eernst Forrer of Nurenberg, Germany and Fritz Forrer of Diespeck Germany; 8 grandchildren  and 9 great-grandchildren.

Services for Magdalena (Lydia) Gowler will be 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20 at the Gholson Funeral Home in Dahlgren.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20 until the time of service at the Gholson Funeral Home in Dahlgren.

Memorials may be made to the March of Dimes Foundation or the American Heart Association and will be accepted at the Gholson Funeral Home in Dahlgren.

The post Magdalena (Lydia) Gowler appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

Significant rainfall is forecast for Thursday night through Sunday morning. Forecasters are calling for some areas to pick up between two to four inches or rain, which could cause area streams and rivers to leave their banks.  No winter precipitation is in the forecast.

At least two winning tickets have been sold in the $636 million Mega Millions jackpot. One ticket was sold in San Jose, CA – the other was sold in Atlanta, GA.

Today’s winner in the Fairfield Community High School After Prom Committee’s 12 Days of Christmas Promotion is Gary Oliver. Gary wins $150.  Thursday’s drawing will be worth $200.

53-year-old Loretta Kistner of Fairfield was injured Tuesday evening when the GMC Yukon she was driving on U.S. Rt. 45 near the Fairfield Airport was struck from behind.  The driver of the Ford pickup truck that hit Kisntner, 19-year-old Mychal K. Atwood of Flora was not injured.  Kisnter was taken to Fairfield Memorial Hospital following the 5:34 p.m. crash.

27-year-old Sean M. Detty of Evansville, IN was sentenced Tuesday for his role in the theft of scrap metal from the Quinn Hunley property in rural Edwards County earlier this month.  Detty was placed on 3 years of probation, was ordered to pay his share of $3,250 in restitution and forfeited his 2002 Dodge pickup truck to the Edwards County Sheriff’s Department.

A Grayville man has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for an arson fire last summer that left a Grayville firefighter seriously injured. 42-year-old Ernest C. McKenzie was found guilty of all charges against him following a day and a half long bench trial last month. The fire left Little Wabash Fire Protection volunteer firefighter Zack Weinberger of Grayville seriously injured.

The post Headlines for Wednesday, December 18, 2013 appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

66-year-old Dahlgren resident, David Wolf died at 11:20 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at the home of his daughter.  To many, he was known as Elder and taught many Bible studies and ministered everywhere he went.

Survivors include his wife Constance Wolf; two children, Cynthia and Scott Wolf. Cynthia married James Lenard and their children are Rhiannon and husband Logan; Adrienne and Chasidee. Scott has three children; a son, Marcus and wife Helena and their children, Grace, Madison and Farrah; a daughter, Tiffany and son, Averie; a daughter, Ariel and husband Dennis and their children, MaKenzie and Davance; a special friend, Karlah Hutchcraft and daughters, Laney and Lexey; two brothers, Willie and wife Mary and Dr. Jerome Wolf and wife Diana; three sisters, Becky and husband Biddy Blades, BB and husband Kenny Robert and Susie York and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Wolf’s remains have been cremated and a memorial service will be conducted at a later.  The Harre Funeral Home of McLeansboro is in charge of all the arrangements.

The post David Wolf appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

A boxer has been found in the area of 620 North,  South of Fairfield, just past Ferrellgas.  He has no collar and no tags and seems very hungry!  If you have lost your boxer and this sounds like him, please call 618-842-3123.

The post Boxer Found appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.

92-year-old Fairfield resident, Marjorie L. Vinson died at 8:36 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 at Fairfield Memorial Hospital. She was a homemaker.

Survivors include two sons, Kent Vinson of Fairfield and Gene Vinson of Interlachen, FL; four grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and a brother, Howard “Jiggs” Wood of Fairfield.

Services for Marjorie L. Vinson will be 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 at the Johnson & Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield with burial in Maple Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 1 – 3 Friday, Dec. 20 at the Johnson & Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield.

The post Marjorie L. Vinson appeared first on WFIW - WOKZ Radio Fairfield IL.