Seven Johnsonville residents were hurt Sunday evening in a two-vehicle crash on Ill. 161 at County Road 725 E.  Anthony Sensenig, 38 of Johnsonville was hurt, along with six passengers in his vehicle. The other driver was Kristen Workman, 19 of Xenia. She was not hurt.  Police said Workman attempted to pass the Sensenig van as it was turning off 161.

25-year-old Michelle Q. Neaveill of Carmi has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to a class-4 felony charge of retail theft.  In addition to time in prison, she was ordered to pay $1096 in fines, fees and court costs, including $603 in restitution.

20-year-old James Christian Stevens of Carmi has been sentenced to three years in prison on a class-4 felony conviction of domestic battery and another three years in prison for a class-3 felony conviction of being in methamphetamine.  The sentences will run concurrently.

18-year-old Michael G. Whipkey, II of Keensburg was arrested Sunday by Wabash County Sheriff’s Police on charges of burglary and criminal damage to property.  Police responded to a report of a burglary in progress in Keensburg and found Whipkey hiding in a closet.

The City of Fairfield will not have a Fourth of July fireworks display this year.  However, the City of Carmi will have a fireworks show at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4 at the White County Fairgrounds in Carmi.   In Flora, there will be a fireworks display at dusk on Monday, July 3 at Charley Brown Park which is located west of Flora on Old Route 50.  Other activities will be held on the Fourth of July starting at 10 a.m. at Charley Brown Park.

77-year-old Flora resident, Ruth Steele died Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at her residence in Flora. Ruth was an elementary teacher for the Unit 35 School in Flora, IL for over 20 years. She enjoyed oil painting nature scenes and was an avid huntress. She was a member of Bloom Baptist Church and Women of the Outdoors. She loved to travel the world and her favorite place was Jerusalem.

Ruth is survived by her two sons, Kevin (Kayla) Steele, of Flora, IL and Walter (Suzanne) Steele of Clay City, IL. A Sister, Gail (Myron) Woomer of Flora, IL and three brothers, Everett (Karenanne) Williams of Rinard, IL, Donald (Debera) Williams and Johnny (Patsy) Williams of Flora, IL. Three Grandchildren, Keith (Brandi Holloway) Steele of Flora, IL, Sturling (Tara) Steele of Collinsville, IL and Trisha (Scott Schumer) Steele of Colombia, IL and one great-granddaughter, Lyla Jenn Steele.

Graveside Service will be 9am Friday, June 30, 2017, at Bunker Hill Cemetery. Please come directly to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Bunker Hill Cemetery and will be accepted at the Hosselton Funeral Home in Cisne

62-year-old Fairfield resident, Billy Joe Rains, died at 9:21pm on Monday, June 26, 2017 at Wayfair Nursing Home in Fairfield. He had worked in the oilfield, but most recently, had worked at Champion Laboratories.

Survivors include his mother, Opal (Hodges) Jackson of Fairfield, two daughters Chelsey (Colin) Tomlinson of Fairfield and Ashley Rains of Evansville, Indiana, nine grandchildren Sasha, Stormy, Roy, Tristan, Kristan, Daisy Tomlinson, Heidi Herrin, Dylan Robson, and Harley Shemwell, three sisters Kay Schaper of Fairfield, Valerie McQueen of Plainfield, Illinois, and Rae (Ed) Braden of McLeansboro, Illinois, one uncle Kenneth Hodges and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Billy Rains will be at 12pm on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield with burial in Maple Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 11am until the time of service at the funeral home. The family has requested casual dress. The family would also like to thank Clay County Hospice for their excellent care and any memorial donations can be made to them and will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

90-year-old McLeansboro resident, Katherine Smith McRoy died at 10:30 p.m. Monday, June 26 at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro.  A homemaker, she was a member of Ten Mile Baptist Church, serving as their pianist for many years, a Librarian at McCoy Library for many years, Coordinator of the Hamilton County Kitchen Band and President of the local AARP and was employed by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois. She and her husband had also volunteered as readers at East Side Elementary School.

Survivors include her husband, Donald L. McRoy of McLeansboro; a son, Dennis L. Smith and wife Judy of McLeansboro; two step-sons, Tim McRoy and wife Julie of Harrisburg and Shawn McRoy and wife Jennifer of Tampa, FL; two grandchildren, Laura Fox of McLeansboro and Jeremy Smith and wife Elizabeth of Macedonia; five step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, Samantha Lindsay, Samantha Rae Smith, Robert Alfred Smith and Miranda Grace Dennis; two great-great-grandchildren, Madison Nicole Lindsay and Connor Mathew Lindsay; a sister-in-law, Rosemary Gibbs of Portage, Wisconsin and several nephews and nieces.

Funeral services for Katherine Smith McRoy will be 12 noon on Saturday, July 1 at Ten Mile Church at McLeansboro with burial at Ten Mile Cemetery at McLeansboro.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, July 1 at the Ten Mile Church at McLeansboro.

Memorials may be made to the Carmi Baptist Children’s Home, Ten Mile Church or the National Parkinson’s Research Foundation and will be accepted at the church or the Harre Funeral Home of McLeansboro, which is in charge of all the arrangements.

BIG LOAD ! Illinois State Police, Department of Transportation workers and utility crews had a full day Tuesday helping move an oversized load through the area.  The giant vessel is being delivered to the Marathon Refinery in Robinson.  The Big Load made it across I-64, up Ill.  Rt. 1 and Rt. 130 before being parked for the night at the old rest area south of Albion.

Nominees are being sought for a new Third Ward Alderman in Fairfield. The seat became vacant after Third Ward Alderman Jason Reed resigned because of additional responsibilities from secondary employment.  Names of potential Third Ward candidates should be forwarded to Mayor Brent Maguire.

Lewis Scrap Metal, LLC has been approved for a $150,000 loan from the City of Fairfield Revolving Loan Fund.  Lewis Scrap will use its own cash and proceeds from the loan to purchase the former Southern Wholesale warehouse on South First Street in Fairfield.  Initially, Lewis plans to convert the property to a cardboard recycling facility.  The processed cardboard will then be shipped out by rail.

The City of Fairfield has acquired a contract with the U.S. Military to sell aviation fuel. The first customers – three Blackhawk helicopters – arrived late Monday night.  The local airport pumped 845 gallons of fuel at a cost of $2,970.  More military flights are expected to stop at Fairfield for fuel in the future.

Fairfield’s Water Department Superintendent Dennis Zurliene will retire this week. Zurliene has served the City of Fairfield for 31 years.

98-year-old Fairfield resident, Alberta L. Pennington died on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at Way-Fair Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fairfield. Alberta was a housewife and retired as a fifteen year cook from Johnsonville Grade School.  She was a member of Fairfield General Baptist Church. Alberta and her husband Rev. James Pennington pastored many area churches and held numerous revivals over a fifty year time period.

Alberta is survived by a daughter Sharon Carter of Geff, Illinois; son-in-law Andrew Mayo of Fairfield, Illinois; grandchildren Jana Barton of Fairfield, Illinois, Jay Carter of Fairfield, Illinois, Diann (Richard) Bennett of Orchardville, Illinois, Sandra Henson of Fairfield, Illinois, and Lisa (Tom) Konopasek of Fairfield, Illinois and great grandchildren Samantha Fly and Josiah Carter, Payden Meyers, Hunter Konopasek, Tiffany Lyons, Tracy, Bryan, Travis and Shane Bennett.  Also surviving are several great-great and great-great-great grandchildren

Funeral services for Alberta L. Pennington will be 10:00am Monday, July 3, 2017 at Hosselton Funeral Home with burial in Wesley Chapel Cemetery at Johnsonville, Illinois.  Visitation will be 4:00-6:00pm Sunday, July 2, 2017 at Hosselton Funeral Home.

Memorials in Alberta’s memory may be given to Fairfield General Baptist Church or Providence General Baptist Church at Johnsonville and will be accepted at Hosselton Funeral Home.

A BIG LOAD will be coming through Fairfield on July 5.  Fairfield Police Chief Keith Colclasure says the oversized load will enter Fairfield on Ill. Rt. 15 from Albion and be taken directly down Main Street.  The device being transported through the area is a giant vessel bound for the Marathon Refinery in Robinson.  Motorists in the area are being urged to avoid the area and make alternate travel plans on July 5.

TNT Fireworks has issued a recall for their Red, White & Blue Smoke fireworks.  They are being recalled after three individuals suffered burns setting them off.  TNT Red, White & Blue Smoke fireworks were sold at Kroger, Target, Wal-Mart and other retailers in Illinois from May through June of this year for about $5.

Powerball ticket sales were cut off Wednesday night because of the State of Illinois’ budget mess.  Mega-Millions sales in Illinois will be suspended at 9:45 Friday night.

34-year-old Jesse G. Stephens of Carmi has been sentenced to three years in prison after his probation was revoked on a conviction of being in possession of a controlled substance.  Stephens was also given a concurrent three-year sentence on a conviction of obstructing justice.

The Dr. Patrick Molt Open Tournament has been set for Saturday, July 8 at the Fairfield Public Golf Course.  Danny Graham of Salem is the defending champ. In the Senior Division, Judge Mike Molt will be going for a three-peat. Players can sign up at the golf course pro shop.

25-year-old Emily Jo Duckworth of Carmi has been arrested on warrants out White and Hamilton Counties.   Duckworth was wanted in White County for disorderly conduct and in Hamilton County for Failure to Appear in Court on a DUI Charge.

Alberta Elma Smith, 100, of Grayville, Illinois, died Thursday, June 29, 2017, at Lucy Smith King Care Center in Henderson, Kentucky.

Alberta was a homemaker and member of the First Christian
Church in Grayville and was a member of the Eastern Star.  She enjoyed square dancing and participating in a kazoo band that performed at the State Fair.  She was a strong Republican.

Survivors include son Robert (Sarah) Smith of Edgewater, Florida; grandchildren Bobby Simpson, Michael Cook, Diana Cook, Ronnie Simpson, Tommy Simpson, and John Smith; numerous great grandchildren; and numerous great great grandchildren.

Visitation is 5-7 pm, Tuesday, July 4, 2017, at Cook Funeral Chapel in Grayville.  Funeral is 10 am, Wednesday, July 5, 2017, a Cook Funeral Chapel with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery in Grayville.

Illinois State Police are mourning the loss of a trooper from Bellflower who died Wednesday as the result of a traffic crash on I-74.  Trooper Ryan Albin, 37 died after his patrol car was struck from behind by a semi at a highway construction zone.  Trooper Albin’s K-9 Biko was injured in the crash and was taken to the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Hours remain until the current 911 law in Illinois is set to expire.  Senate Bill 1839 has passed both houses of the legislature and is now on Gov. Bruce Rauner’s desk.  Rauner says he is opposed to the bill as it has an increase of funds for the City of Chicago.  The public is being encouraged to call the governor’s office to ask that he sign the bill to keep funding for 911 in place.

Illinois Senate Republican leader Christine Rodogno is resigning effective July 1 – the start of a new fiscal year.  Rodogno is resigning both her leadership role and senate seat.

Hamilton Memorial Hospital has announced the hiring of Diana Vaughn as a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner at their Carmi Family Clinic. A native of Norris City, Diana has 18 years of nursing experience and previously worked as an Emergency Room Nurse at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion for over seven years.

Volunteers for a Progressive Fairfield in cooperation with the Fairfield Kiwanis Club will present a movie night in the park this Saturday evening at Leo French Park.  The featured movie will be Independence Day staring Will Smith.  Concessions will be available.

Billy Gene Boyd, 77 of Lawrenceville died on June28, 2017 in Evansville, IN.  A U.S. Army veteran, he and his wife owned De Ja Vu Antiques, Thrifts and Gifts Shop.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine, 4 children; Tina (Ralph) Bowersock, Ken (Cullet) Davis, Trisha (Keith) Weger and Lori (Steven) Degley.  Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, one sister, Roasalie Muckway and one brother, Danny (Cindy) Boyd.

Visitation will be held from 10AM to 11AM on Monday, July 3, 2017 at Ingram Funeral Home in Allendale.  Funeral service will be conducted at 11AM with burial to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in St. Francisville, IL.  with military honors.

Memorials may be made to the family and will be accepted at the Ingram Funeral Home of Allendale, which is in charge of all the arrangements.

Hailey Jean Ann Luthe, age 14 and one-half, of rural Parkersburg died on Thursday, June 29.  Hailey loved music, listening to people visit and especially enjoyed being a part of everything.

Survivors include her grandparents, Kay Luthe and William and Barbara Kegler; her father, Clifton Luthe, two sisters:  Kayleigh Luthe and Alicia Luthe and three brothers:  William Davis, Shane Luthe and Bradley Luthe.  She is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Hailey will be held on Monday, July 3, 2017 from 2PM to 3PM at Ingram Funeral Home in West Salem.

A Celebration of Life for Hailey Jean Ann Luthe, will take place at 3PM Monday at the Ingram Funeral Home in Westg Salem with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery at Parkersburg.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southeastern Illinois, and will be accepted at the Ingram Funeral Home in West Salem.

Wayne County Sheriffs Police are investigating 2 burglaries and a criminal damage to property incident.  Robert Pittman Reports someone broke into and vandalized a trailer he owns.  Diana Jett-Rigg reports a burglary on property she owns west of Geff.  And, Silly Miller of Xenia reports the theft of her 2002 Honda TRX 400 EX ATV.  No value was listed on the loss.

A 38-year-old Salem man was formally charged Thursday in Marion County Court with felony battery following his arrest by Salem police.  Randy S. Mitchell was charged with Class 3 felony aggravated battery with a weapon.  According to reports, Mitchell struck a 23-year-old Centralia man with a bat.  Both men were injured in the incident and were taken to the hospital treatment.  Mitchell was arrested upon his release from the hospital.

Hamilton Memorial Carmi Family Clinic announced the hiring of Certified Nurse Practitioner, Diana Mugge Vaughn.  A native of Norris City Diana has over 18 years of nursing experience in Southeastern Illinois and Southwestern Indiana.  At the Carmi Family Diana’s practice will include a full range family medicine.

Lawmakers took a major step toward passing the state’s first full budget in two years, but it’s going to take them past the end of the fiscal year to finish the deal.  Friday, the House passed one major slice of the budget plan: the spending bill. It passed with 90 ‘yes’ votes, which has both Democratic and Republican leaders optimistic that party divisions are weakening.  But there’s still a lot to do. The House adjourned around 2 p.m. and will reconvene at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Attention all 4-H members, leaders and volunteers, please remember that the 4-H Fairgrounds clean-up day is today, from 9 a.m. to 11:00 am.  Please bring rakes, shovels, weed eaters and anything else you can think of to help clean up our grounds before the fair.  Your help would be greatly appreciated!!  The Wayne County 4-H Foundation will provide pizza and drinks to everyone that helps out.

The Fairfield Police Department issued a statement Saturday morning, regarding two nasty ransomware viruses that are prevalent. These viruses basically lock your data for a ransom. The FPD urge you to not open e-mails from a non-trusted source. A good rule to follow is if you did not request an attachment, do not open it. Police further stated they have been made aware of a phishing scam targeting Amazon users with fake order cancellation emails. Do not open these emails. It is much safer and recommended that you just delete them.

Illinois State Police District 19 Commander Captain Cory Ristvedt has announced the results of a Nighttime Enforcement patrol in Wayne and Hamilton Counties during June. There were four occupant restraint offenses, two registration offenses, four driver’s license offenses, one insurance violation, 12 total citations or arrests, and 36 written total warnings.

Hamilton Memorial Carmi Family Clinic announced the hiring of Certified Nurse Practitioner, Diana Mugge Vaughn.  A native of Norris City Diana has over 18 years of nursing experience in Southeastern Illinois and Southwestern Indiana.  At the Carmi Family Diana’s practice will include a full range family medicine.

Franklin County deputies, along with Benton police and the United States Marshals Service, arrested 27 year-old Kyle A. Ridlen, at 4 p.m. on Friday at his residence in rural West Frankfort. Ridlen is being charged with child pornography and grooming. The case is part of an ongoing investigation by the Franklin County Cyber Crimes Unit. Ridlen was released from custody after posting a $5,000 cash bond.

Illinois State Police District 19 Commander Captain Cory Ristvedt would like to remind motorists to drive sober or designate a driver while celebrating over the 4^th of July. DUI remains the number one cause of fatal crashes during the Independence Day holiday period. The ISP will be stepping up roving patrols and roadside safety checks this holiday weekend to help keep Illinois roadways safe. The ISP encourages those at celebrations involving alcohol to avoid driving under the influence altogether.

After initially saying there would be no votes this weekend, Speaker Mike Madigan now says the House will vote on a revenue bill today. Another leader meeting is scheduled for this morning. The tax hike vote isn’t scheduled until this afternoon. Illinois has started its third straight year without a full budget in place, which has raised the threat of bond rating agencies to drop the state’s credit rating to junk status. Madigan sent letters Friday to the three agencies asking them to delay any action on a downgrade while the Legislature continues working on a budget. In the letters, Madigan said the Legislature would work “through the next week” on a budget.

The forecast for the Fourth of July calls for a chance of showers and thunderstorms.  No widespread rain is forecast, so most holiday activities won’t be affected.  The best chance for additional – more widespread rain is expected on Wednesday – especially along the I-64 corridor.

A law has taken effect that increases 911 fees to help fund call-center operations.   Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed the bill, but lawmakers voted to override the governor.  In Southern Illinois, the 911 surcharge will go from 87 cents to $1.50 per month.

The City of Fairfield will not have a Fourth of July fireworks display this year.  However, Flora will present a fireworks show tonight at dusk at Charley Brown Park.  Carmi’s display will be at dusk on the Fourth at the White County Fairgrounds.  McLeansboro’s show will be this Friday, July 7 at McLeansboro Lake.

Fairfield City Police are warning consumers about a new ransomware virus that has appeared in the Fairfield area.  Police urge residents not to open emails from a non-trusted source.  A good rule to follow is – if you did not request an attachment, do not open it.

Movers are waiting for the Fourth of July end before bringing an enormous oversized load through Albion and Fairfield.   The giant vessel bound for the Marathon Refinery in Robinson will be hauled through Albion and Fairfield on Wednesday.  Motorists are warned that Rt. 15 west of Albion will be closed on Wednesday and parking will be restricted on Main Streets in both Albion and Fairfield on Wednesday.

Rosemary Eileen Frederick, age 71, of Mt. Erie passed away on July 1, 2017, at Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney. She worked at Champion Laboratories in Albion for 11 years, and she spent time as a homemaker.  Rosemary was an active member of the Moravian Church, where she helped with many church functions and meals.

Rosemary is survived by her husband of 45 years, Coy; daughter, Julie (Heath) Clodfelter of Calhoun; sons, Curtis (Heidi) Frederick of Mt. Erie and Clint Frederick of Taylorville; grandchildren, Levi Clodfelter, Seth Clodfelter, London Smith, Emery Frederick and Casen Frederick; sisters, Pat (Bob) Pampe of Olney and Ruth (Joe) Yonaka of Parkersburg; mother-in-law, Esther Frederick of Mt. Vernon, IL formerly of Mt. Erie; sisters-in-law Joyce Walker of Morton, IL and Coleen (Kent) Saxe of Mt. Vernon, IL; several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service for Rosemary Eileen Frederick will be held at 10 am on Thursday, July 6, 2017, with an hour visitation prior to service. Burial will follow the service at Travers Cemetery in rural Mt. Erie.

Visitation will be held from 5 pm – 7 pm on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, in the Hauser Room at the Moravian Church in West Salem, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Moravian Church Memorial Fund designated for Operation Christmas Child.

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

92-year-old Cisne resident, Rancel Elmer Carrell died on July 2, 2017, at the Cisne Nursing and Rehab Center.  He served in the Navy during World War II. He is a member of the Pleasant Grove Christian Church of Geff.  He was a past member of Cisne Rotary Club and the Bedford Township Fire Department. He worked as a roustabout for Union Oil Co. In the past, he owned Friendly Gas Co. and was a farmer.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Mary Jane; sons Vance and Stanley Carrell of Cisne; brother, Bill (Mildred) Carrell of Toledo, OH; nephews, Terry (Sue) Carrell of Sidney, IL, Kent (Laurel) Carrell of Marion, IL, Ronald (Mary) Carrell of Weatherford, OK, David (Susan) Carrell of Saline, MI; nieces, Becky (Steve) Ford of St. Joseph, IL, Lynnadene Carrell of Toldeo, OH, Dawn (Jim) Nowaczyk of Holland, OH, and Marla (Nathan) Brunaugh of Carbondale, IL.

A funeral service for Rancel Elmer Carrell will be held at 10am on Thursday, July 6, 2017, at Hosselton Funeral Home in Cisne with a burial following at the Cisne Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, from 6pm-8pm at Hosselton Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Rancel’s memory may be directed to Pleasant Grove Christian Church and will be accepted at Hosselton Funeral Home.

State lawmakers have passed an income tax increase as part of a budget plan. Lawmakers have also passed a $36 billion spending plan after the tax increase was approved. Gov. Bruce Rauner has promised to veto the tax increase.  Lawmakers say they have enough votes to override any veto.

Fairfield Retail Merchants have extended their Back to School Promotion until this Saturday.  Donate school supplies to the project and be registered to win a laptop computer.  Last year 360 backpacks full of supplies were given to needy students.  More information is available from the Chamber of Commerce office.

Harrisburg Mayor John McPeek has been cited for DUI.  The arrest happened this past weekend in Pope County.

58-year-old Mike Medler of Allendale was seriously injured after his car ran off the road south of Lawrenceville and overturned several times. Medler was ejected from the wreckage.  Police cited Medler for DUI.

Thieves broke into the Jake Campbell residence near Carmi, stealing several firearms.  Thieves also made off the resident’s security system.

Fireworks will be featured tonight at 9 p.m. at the White County Fairgrounds in Carmi.  Cisne will have fireworks Saturday night.  The McLeansboro fireworks show is set for Friday evening at McLeansboro lake.

Channel 44 News from Evansville will broadcast two of its newscasts live from the Fairgrounds in Fairfield next week. On Tuesday, July 11, Anchors Amanda Decker and Chris Cerenelli, Chief Meteorologist Chad Evans and Sports Director Jojo Gentry will be in Fairfield to broadcast the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts on CBS44.

The Illinois Senate has approved an income tax increase to raise $5 billion a year aimed at ending the nation’s longest state budget standoff since at least the Great Depression.  The Democratic-controlled senate voted to raise the personal income tax from 3.75% to just under 5%.

This week marks the third year Fairfield teenager Megan Nichols has been missing. Megan was last seen on the night of July 3. She was reported missing to police in the early morning hours of July 4. At the time of her disappearance, Megan was 15-years-old.  Anyone with information about the Megan Nichols case  is asked to phone the Fairfield City Police Department at 842-2151.

The Albion City Council has approved a new appropriations ordinance amounting to $2.4 million.  The council also voted to hire Pam Carter of Albion as the city’s animal control officer.

The half-scale Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is coming to Flora this Thursday through Sunday afternoon. The Wall will be open to the public 24-hgours a day on the grounds of Floyd Henson Junior High School in Flora.

The “Big Load” will be hauled through Albion and Fairfield today.  The 306-ft. long vessel is bound for the Marathon refinery in Robinson.  The device weighs nearly 1 million pounds.