A structure and farm equipment were lost in a fire yesterday afternoon in Edwards County. Officials say a large barn at the Rotramel Farm southeast of Browns caught fire, and the Browns, Albion, Little Wabash, and Belmont fire departments were called to battle the blaze. A combine inside the barn was destroyed, as well as other equipment, but no injuries were reported. 41-year-old Ray E. Tate appeared by Zoom in Wayne County Circuit Court Tuesday for a status hearing. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole in April after pleading guilty to the murder of Wayne County Deputy Sean Riley, and he filed a motion to withdraw that plea and vacate the sentence in May. No action was taken at the status hearing, as the court reporter asked for another 30 days to prepare transcripts from previous court appearances, as required by law, for the State and defense to review. Judge Michael Molt noted the request was reasonable, given the length of the sentencing hearing, and another hearing
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning until 8 p.m. on Wednesday for most of the listening area. Heat index values of up to 115 degrees are anticipated in the afternoon today, tomorrow, and Wednesday, and extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, especially for those working or participating in outdoor activities. Overnight lows will be in the mid- to upper-70s, providing little relief. 31-year-old Fairfield resident Steven M. Thomas was sentenced to prison in Wayne County Circuit Court last week by Judge Michael Molt. He admitted to violating probation in March on an original offense of aggravated assault, a Class 4 felony. Thomas was sentenced to two years in prison and credited with 57 days served. The sentence will run concurrently with a separate one from the county, and he was ordered to pay $577 in fines and court costs. Wayne County deputies arrested 51-year-old Cisne resident Misty G. Kistner rece