
Local News
WAYNE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT SENTENCES ISSUED FOR PROBATION VIOLATION AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT
On Thursday in Wayne County Circuit Court, Lake Bittles, 24, of Sims, admitted to violating a previous two-year probation order stemming from a 2023 charge of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine. Judge Matt Vaughn sentenced Bittles to two years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). He is already serving ...
1h ago
WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ARRESTS MARVIN D. LEGG ON WARRANT FOR FAILURE TO APPEAR
The Wayne County Sheriff's Department arrested 65-year-old Marvin D. Legg on Thursday afternoon on a Wayne County warrant for Failure to Appear and Contempt of Court. Later that day, Legg was sentenced to 30 days in the Wayne County Jail for Violation of Pre-Trial Release. He is currently lodged in the county jail pend...
1h ago
WEBBER HIGH SCHOOL'S NATHANIEL MARLOW TO SPEAK DURING A YOUTH EVENT AT THE BRIDGE CHURCH WEST OF FAIRFIELD SUNDAY
Area communities and youth are encouraged to attend a special worship event to be held this Sunday, March 29th at 6pm at The Bridge Church, located on IL Hwy 15 west of Fairfield. Webber High School Senior, Nathaniel Marlow will be the featured speaker. Marlow recently closed out his high school basketball career with ...
1h ago
VILLAGE OF CISNE OFFERS FLEXIBILITY ON MARCH GAS BILL PAYMENTS AMID HIGH COSTS
In response to higher-than-normal natural gas bills due to recent extreme cold and rising gas prices, the Village of Cisne will not charge penalties on March gas bills, according to Village Collector Jennifer Eckleberry. Residents will have 31 days from March 1st to pay their bills in full, offering more flexibility th...
1h ago
ILLINOIS EASTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD APPROVES AUDIT, CONTRACTS, AND PERSONNEL CHANGES AT MARCH MEETING
The Board of Trustees of the Illinois Eastern Community College (IECC) District met Tuesday night at Wabash Valley College in Mt. Carmel for their regular meeting, addressing key financial, academic, and personnel matters. Board members unanimously approved a resolution to formally accept the Fiscal Year 2025 audit pre...
1h ago
NEW BLACK RIVER WELCOME CENTER OPENS ON I-64 IN INDIANA, HIGHLIGHTS HOOSIER HISTORY AND EXPANDED AMENITIES
Anyone traveling eastbound on I-64 into Indiana will notice a new and improved stop along their journey. On Thursday, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), joined by public officials and contracting partners, hosted a ceremonial ribbon cutting to mark the grand opening of the Black River Welcome Center near...
1h ago
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE TO CONDUCT NIGHTTIME ENFORCEMENT PATROLS IN EFFINGHAM, HAMILTON, MARION, AND WABASH COUNTIES DURING APRIL
Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 9 Commander, Lieutenant Bruce Waggoner, has announced that ISP will conduct Nighttime Enforcement (NITE) patrols throughout Effingham, Hamilton, Marion, and Wabash counties during April. The initiative is aimed at preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action on impaired driving...
1h ago
FREEZE WARNING ISSUED FOR SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES EXPECTED SATURDAY MORNING
The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a Freeze Warning for portions of southern Illinois, in effect from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday. Forecasters warn that sub-freezing temperatures as low as 29 degrees are expected during this period. According to meteorologists, a significant temperature drop will begin Fr...
7h ago
LITTLE CAESARS PLANNED FOR MACH-1 LOCATION IN FAIRFIELD
Mach-1 in Fairfield is set to expand its offerings with the addition of a Little Caesars Pizza. Store Manager, Heather Sargent confirmed that building permits have been requested for construction of the new pizza outlet, which will be added to the back side of the current Mach-1 building. Little Caesars, founded in Mic...
7h ago
KIDS IN MOTION SUMMER DAY CAMP ANNOUNCED BY WAYNE COUNTY VOLUNTEERS FOR YOUTH
The Wayne County Volunteers for Youth have announced the annual Kids In Motion Summer Day Camp, set to run from May 26th through July 31st. This exciting camp offers children a chance to stay active and engaged during the summer months, with a variety of fun and educational activities planned. Parents and guardians can...
7h ago
Obituaries

Cathy Lee (Legrande) Boewe, 72, of Rockwall, Texas (formerly of Albion)
Cathy Lee (Legrande) Boewe, 72, of Rockwall, Texas passed from this life on January 10, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. She was a gregarious, delightful soul who never met a stranger. She was easy to love. Cathy was born at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico on October 21,1953. As an Air Force "brat" sh...
3h ago

Donald E. Reynolds, 81, of Huntingburg, IN (formerly of Carmi)
Donald E. Reynolds, 81, of Huntingburg, IN and formerly of Carmi passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in McLeansboro, IL on February 11, 1945 the son of Eugene and Rosie (Kirsch) Reynolds. Don faithfully served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam ...
Mar 26, 2026

Brenda Kay Holloman, 77, of Carmi
Brenda Kay Holloman, 77, of Carmi, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Hamilton Memorial Hospital, in McLeansboro, Illinois. She was born on Friday, April 30, 1948, in Carmi, the daughter of Dearl and Hilda (Browning) Williams. Kay married William Lee "Bill" Holloman on May 1, 1964, and he preceded her...
Mar 25, 2026

Joanne C. Cornwell, 80, of Fairfield
Joanne C. Cornwell, 80, of Fairfield, passed away at 8:46am on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Cisne Rehabilitation and Health Care in Cisne, IL. Joanne was born on July 16, 1945, in Cicero, IL, to Amerigo and Claira Gentili. She had been a cashier for Walmart while she lived in northern Illinois. She is survived by her da...
Mar 25, 2026

Michael D. Collard, 78, of Danville, IL (formerly of Grayville)
Michael D. Collard, 78, of Danville, IL passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Wabash Senior Living and Rehab in Carmi. He was born on April 11, 1947 in Grayville the son of Charles and Norma (Mason) Collard. Michael married Judy Ann (Taylor) Bartley in June of 1993 and they shared over 32 years of marriage togethe...
Mar 23, 2026

Harold Lee Helm, age 87, of Rochelle, IL
Harold Lee Helm, age 87, of Rochelle, IL passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026. He was born on March 9, 1939, in Marion County, Illinois, the son of Ruffie and Ruby (Haizlip) Helm. Harold married Bettie Shuler on July 6, 1985 in Salem, IL. Before retiring, Harold worked as a welder-a career that suited his remarkabl...
Mar 20, 2026

June (Gott) Esch, 90, of Hurricane, WV (formerly of Carmi)
June (Gott) Esch, 90, formerly of Carmi IL, passed away peacefully on March 18 in her home in Hurricane WV, surrounded by her family. She was born June 1, 1935, in Concord IL. She was the daughter of Roy and Nigel Gott. June married John Robert Esch on December 23, 1953. June was preceded in death by her parents Roy...
Mar 20, 2026

Lewis Lee "Lewie" Gage, 74, of Dahlgren
Lewis Lee "Lewie" Gage, 74, of Dahlgren, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. He was born September 15, 1951 in McLeansboro at Vickers Memorial Hospital to Frank D. & Veneda Genevieve (Grimes) Gage. On September 1...
Mar 19, 2026

Tongsuk "Dolly" Romine, 82, of Sims
Tongsuk "Dolly" Romine, 82, of Sims, passed away at 11:49AM on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at her home. She had been a homemaker. Dolly was born in Thailand on January 1, 1944, to Peem Saengchan and Muang Jan Jansushm. Dolly is survived by her sons- Allen (Corey) Downen of Yorkville IL, Donnie (Whitley) Downen...
Mar 19, 2026

Thomas J. Goodman, age 76 of West Salem
Thomas J. Goodman, age 76 of West Salem, IL left his earthly body to lead the way to a celebration of his life so very well lived and so very well loved. He passed away at 11:44 pm, Saturday, March 14, 2026, at his home with his wife, family and friends gathering as quickly as possible to be by his side. Tom was born o...
Mar 17, 2026

James (Jim) Lowell Veatch, 76, of Carmi
James (Jim) Lowell Veatch, of Carmi, IL passed away on February 14, 2026, at the age of 76. Jim was born on October 10, 1949, to Eugene and Roseanne Veatch. Despite being a resident of Brazil, IN for the last few years, he lived most of his life in Carmi and still considered it home. He was fortunate to have many caree...
Mar 17, 2026
Sports
LOCAL AND AREA SPORTS FOR FRIDAY, MARCH 28TH
ON THE SCHEDULE TODAY AT FCHS: Mules Boys Baseball at Teutopolis 4:45 p.m. Mules and Lady Mules Track at the Illinois Indoor Top Times Meet at Illinois Wesleyan University. 3:00 p.m. OTHER AREA SPORTS FOR TODAY: HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASEBALL: Wayne City at Johnston City - CANCELLED AREA SPORTS RESULTS FROM THUR...
7h ago
LOCAL AND AREA SPORTS FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 26TH
ON THE SCHEDULE TODAY AT FCHS: Lady Mules Softball vs. Mt. Carmel at Southwest Park 4:30pm Mules Boys Tennis vs. Mt. Carmel at Lakeside Courts 4:00pm OTHER AREA SPORTS FOR TODAY: HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL: Wayne City vs. Oblong JR HIGH TRACK AND FIELD: Fairfield vs. Flora and Olney at FCHS COLLEGE BASEBALL: Front...
Mar 26, 2026
LOCAL AND AREA SPORTS FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25TH
ON THE SCHEDULE TODAY AT FCHS: Mules Boys Baseball vs. Waltonville at Veteran's Field 4:30pm Lady Mules Softball vs. Waltonville at Southwest Park 4:30pm Lady Mules Track at Lawrenceville 4:00pm Mules Boys Tennis vs. Carterville at Lakeside Courts 4:00pm OTHER AREA SPORTS FOR TODAY: HIGH SCHOOL BOYS ...
Mar 25, 2026
LOCAL AND AREA SPORTS FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 24TH
ON THE SCHEDULE TODAY AT FCHS: Mules Boys JV Baseball at Nashville 4:30pm Mules Boys Tennis vs. Casey-Westfield at Lakeside Courts 4:30pm OTHER AREA SPORTS FOR TODAY: HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASEBALL: Wayne City vs. Crab Orchard HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOFTBALL: Cisne vs. Grayville Wayne City vs. Crab Orchard COLLEGE BASE...
Mar 24, 2026
LOCAL AND NATIONAL SPORTS FOR MONDAY, MARCH 23RD
ON THE SCHEDULE TODAY AT FCHS: Mules Baseball vs. South Central at Veteran's Field 4:30pm Lady Mules Softball at Altamont 4:30pm OTHER AREA SPORTS FOR TODAY: HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASEBALL: Cisne at Odin Wayne City vs. Hamilton County HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOFTBALL: Cisne at Odin Wayne City vs. Hamilton County HIGH SC...
Mar 23, 2026
Sports Info for Saturday, March 21st
LOCAL SPORTS FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 21ST ON THE SCHEDULE TODAY AT FCHS: Mules Baseball vs. Mt. Carmel at Veterans Field 11:00 a.m. Mules JV Baseball vs. Mt Carmel at Veterans Field 1:00 p.m. Lady Mules Softball at DuQuoin 10:00 a.m. Lady Mules Softball vs. Crab Orchard 12:00 p.m. Mules Boys Tennis at the Herrin Invitation...
Mar 21, 2026
LOCAL AND NATIONAL SPORTS FOR FRIDAY, MARCH 20TH
ON THE SCHEDULE TODAY AT FCHS: NO EVENTS SCHEDULED OTHER AREA SPORTS FOR TODAY: HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASEBALL: Wayne City at Edwards County HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOFTBALL: Wayne City at Edwards County AREA SPORTS RESULTS FROM THURSDAY: HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASEBALL: St. Joe-Ogden 11, Fairfield 4 Fairfield was led by Jake Easton wh...
Mar 20, 2026
LOCAL AND NATIONAL SPORTS FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 19TH
ON THE SCHEDULE TODAY AT FCHS: Mules Baseball vs. St. Joe-Ogden at the Metro East Kickoff Classic at Edwardsville 4:30pm Lady Mules Softball at Pope County 4:30pm Lady Mules Track at the Marion Indoor Invitational 3pm Mules Tennis at Centralia 4pm OTHER AREA SPORTS FOR TODAY: HIGH SCHOOL BOYS ...
Mar 19, 2026
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