76-year-old Gary R. Warren of Wayne City was cited for failure to yield the right of way at a stop intersection following a two-vehicle accident Friday morning north of Sims. Wayne County Sheriff’s police said Warren was stopped at the intersection of Wayne County Road 1100N at County Highway 9 when he pulled away from a stop sign and into the path of a vehicle driven by 28-year-old Stephanie M. Smith of Flora. Smith was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL for treatment of her injuries, while Warren was taken to Fairfield Memorial Hospital.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources released its set of proposed rules for the process of oil and gas drilling known as fracking on Friday. Previous draft versions of the rules have been criticized as being too lenient, while industry groups have criticized the delay of rules that has resulted in no drilling permits being issued for sites in southern Illinois. The practice of fracking is expected to bring an oil boom to the area once rules are in place and permits are issued. The IDNR report has been delivered to the Joint Committee on Administration Rules, which has 45 days to act on the rules, or let them take effect as they are presented.
Illinois State Police will be stepping up their patrols on area roadways this Labor Day Weekend. Through this Tuesday, troopers will be enforcing the four most common traffic violations, which include speeding, DUI, not wearing seat belts and distracted driving. State police say they will also be on heightened alert monitoring intelligence from the Statewide Terrorism Intelligence Center for suspicious vehicles, special alerts, and any criminal activity crossing state lines.
The annual Elm River Chowder is set for today at the Elm River Chowder Grounds. Serving of the chowder will begin around 12:30 this afternoon with the cost by donation. The Elm River Chowder Grounds is located four miles east of Rinard off U.S. Route 45. Along with the chowder, pulled pork, porkburgers, hot dogs and pies will be available during the event, which has been held for over 100 years.
The Wayne County Golf Course will be hosting Patriot Golf Day this Labor Day weekend, and will be collecting donations for the Folds of Honor, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to the families of service men and women who have been disabled or killed in service to their country. WCGC is collecting a minimum $1 donation from each player through Monday, September 1st.