The arrest of a California man by Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputies this week has taken a strange twist. Thomas G. Lilley, 35 of Fontana, CA was arrested earlier this week for violating an order of protection for allegedly sending text messages to his estranged wife in violation of an active order of protection. As officers prepared to have Lilley’s 2004 Chevy Impala towed away as part of their investigation, they were informed by the suspect’s estranged wife that he may have a handgun in the vehicle. Deputies obtained a search warrant and investigated the case further. Under the hood, in the air intake box, police recovered a Walther 7.65 handgun and 6 rounds of ammo. Deputy Chris Otey’s K-9 Bolo was run around the vehicle and alerted on the driver’s side fender for the presence of drugs. Police recovered approximately 15.1 grams of suspected methamphetamine and a set of scales. Officers also recovered suspected smoking pipes and other drug paraphernalia during their search.
The Fairfield Rotary Club has awarded four $750 one-time scholarships to Fairfield Community High School graduating seniors who intend to enroll in a post-secondary educational program. Those receiving the awards are Leah Carter, daughter of Dr. Harry and Kim Carter; Kyle Ellis, son of Randy and Cindy Ellis; Katie Liston, daughter of Steve and Kim Liston; and, Cody Simpson, son of Clay and Lisa Simpson. Richard Mason serves as Chairman of the club’s Scholarship committee. Pictured left to right: Richard Mason, Katie Liston, Leah Carter, Kyle Ellis, Cody Simpson.
Illinois agriculture officials say there have been hundreds of cases of a deadly pig virus in Illinois. There were 360 cases of porcine epidemic diarrhea in Illinois through March. Hog farmers weren’t required to start reporting the illness until last week. PED has killed millions of pigs in 27 states since the illness started showing up in the U.S. last May.
Edwards County native Doug Hortin has been named head football at Edwards County High School. He replaces Logan Crum. Russ Gerlack of Wayne City is the new head basketball coach.
Republican leaders in Illinois have introduced a proposal that would force statewide officers to serve no more than two terms in office. If approved, the law would limit state constitutional officers to two four-year terms.
The Wayne County Coalition against Drug Abuse is hosting a Drug Take Back day on Saturday. Area residents are encouraged to drop off unused or outdated prescription drugs at Fairfield Memorial Hospital anytime from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The drop-off site will be on Dr. Scranton Drive in front of the hospital.