Acting on a tip from the public, Emergency Management and local law enforcement officials searched a wooded area south of Fairfield on Saturday for evidence related to the disappearance of Megan Nichols. Megan was 16-years-old when she went missing from her Douglas Street home in Fairfield on the Fourth of July, 2014. Assistant Police Chief Silas Eckelberry said authorities received a tip that the remains of Megan may have been left in a thickly wooded area off the Burnt Prairie blacktop south of Fairfield. For over two hours, EMA officials, along with Fairfield City Police, Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputies and auxiliary police combed the area, finding no evidence of the missing teen. The search started a little after 8 Saturday morning and lasted over 2 ½ hours – again, with no results.
Snow showers are expected to develop across the Tri-State today. Some areas could pick up an inch of snow. Gusty northwest winds through Tuesday night will bring much colder air to the region. Wind chill readings by daybreak Wednesday morning should bottom out between zero and five below along the Interstate 64 corridor.
White County State’s Attorney Denton Aud is being hailed as a hero by many fellow State’s Attorneys around the state. The accolades are coming in after Aud filed suit last week against the Comptroller and Director of the Department of Revenue over their refusal to release funds to pay a portion of the salaries for the State’s Attorney, Public Defender and Supervisor of Assessments. One day after Aud filed his suit, the Attorney General’s office notified Aud that the state would be releasing support payments to every county in the state. Several other counties had filed suit in the past.
Illinois owes Springfield’s two largest hospitals $76 million for the care of state workers, retirees and their dependents. The state also owes millions in other unpaid bills, including utility bills for state-owned buildings.
The Fairfield Community High School Varsity Scholastic Team captured sixth place Saturday in the 24-team Eastern Illinois University Honors Tournament. FCHS moves to 17-20 on the year. They will be back in action Feb. 18 in Mount Vernon.
Fairfield Memorial Hospital will be holding a Valentine’s Bake Sale this Friday to benefit special projects and equipment purchases for the hospital. The sale will be from 9 – 1 in the FMH Medical Arts Complex Community Education Room.