About a half inch of snow fell in the Fairfield area Monday afternoon and evening, making roads slick for a short period of time. Strong winds overnight have blown most of the snow off area roadways. Some scattered slick spots remain – especially on some north/south two-lane roads. Very cold temperatures will arrive by Wednesday morning, with wind chill values dropping to zero or below.
Donations of cases of bottled water are still being collected by Elastec as part of their Operation WET. The deadline to make a donation is this Friday, February 12. The Wayne County Farm Bureau in cooperation with the Geff Chatters 4-H Club will accept donations at the Wayne County Farm Bureau office until this Thursday afternoon. Others may drop off cases of bottled water at Elastec facilities in Fairfield or Carmi. The water will be trucked to Flint, Michigan where their municipal water system is contaminated with lead.
Eastern Illinois University at Charleston has announced the layoff of 198 civil service employees. The layoffs are the result of the state’s lingering budget crisis. In addition to layoffs, other employees will be required to take one day of furlough per week until further notice. The furloughs will start in March.
Today is the deadline to make a nomination for the annual Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year and Community Service Award. Nominations must be made no later than 5 p.m. today. The annual Chamber dinner has been set for March 14. Last year’s Business of the Year was Elastec. The Community Service Award went to Ed Potts.
The annual Wayne County Property Tax Sale has been set for Thursday, February 25. Delinquent taxpayers have until February 25 to pay their bills or face further sale costs.