On Sunday, August 28, 2022 at 09:09 a.m., local fishermen reported that a body was in the Salem Reservoir. Officers responded and located the deceased, a white male approximately 20-30 years in age. With the assistance of the Salem Fire Protection District, a recovery operation was completed. At this time, there is no evidence of foul play but the case is still being investigated. Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded $870,800 in FY22 Live and Learn Construction Grants to 18 public libraries to help pay for essential capital improvements. Whites says that he's pleased to award these grants to help maintain our public libraries so that they remain open and the best information resource available to residents. He continues by stating many public libraries simply do not have sufficient funds to pay for these structural improvements on their own and he's proud to provide this necessary support. In central and southern Illinois, the Flora Public L
Wayne County property tax bills are being mailed out today. Property owners will have more than thirty days between due dates for the first time in many years. The bills this year are GREEN in color. If you have several bills they will be mailed together, but only if they have the exact name and address. The first installment of taxes are due on October 7th with the second installment due on December 9th. Certified letters will be mailed on January 6th, 2023, publication of the annual delinquent tax list will be on January 19th, Judgment will be February 6th, and the annual delinquent tax sale will be held on February 8th. The total in taxes to be collected this year is $20,055,049.66, last year the county collected $19,118,774.94. You may pay your taxes in the Wayne County Treasurer's Office or the drop box (envelopes are provided). Be sure to put a phone number on your check or envelope if you are using the drop box. Payments will be returned if there is a problem identifying th
Crimestoppers is offering a reward for the person or persons who stole an ATV, described as a 2013 Green Polaris Ranger, from the Greg Burgess residence in Golden Gate. If you have any information about this, or any other crime, call or text crimestoppers at 842-9777. 11 people were recently booked into the Wayne County Jail: On 8/14 the Wayne County Sheriff's Office booked Andrew Noel Gregory on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Obstructing Justice, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, and Abby N. Koontz on a charge of Violation of an Order of Protection. On 8/15 Wayne County booked Matthew A Beck on a Failure to Appear Warrant for Resisting or Obstructing a Peace Officer, and a Failure to Appear Warrant for Driving with License Suspended or Revoked. On 8/16 Wayne County booked Kayland D. Coach on an unspecified Arrest Warrant out of St. Louis, Mo; FPD booked Tracy L. Drawhorn on an Arrest Warrant for Disorderly Conduct, a
The Fairfield City Council met in regular session last night and worked through an 8-item agenda. After an Executive Session, the council voted unanimously to sell the former Fairfield Auxiliary Police Building on South 1st St. The minimum bid for the property is $60,000 with a retail buyer preferred. The bid opening is scheduled for the first council meeting in October. Discussion was held concerning the proposed water tower on NW 7th St. It was announced that the cost of the project had blossomed from $1.4 million to $1.8 million. The project is TIF eligible and $200,000 has been pledged from Senator Darren Baileys office. An ordinance was approved allowing city access to utility meters which may be inside fenced properties. An ordinance was passed allowing for the abatement of certain fines imposed in municipal court. The abatement will allow the city to recover some of its costs if the Street & Bridge Dept. has to haul off debris from property cleanup. The airport maintenance a
The Fairfield City Council will hold their Regular Meeting tonight at 6pm. Items in Routine Business include Award Bid for Water Filter Chemicals, IML Agreement Revision FY 22-23, Airport Maintenance Agreement with Albion Radio Communications, and Ordinance Requiring Access to Utility Meters. Also, in Routine Business the council will discuss an Ordinance for the Abatement of Certain Fines Imposed in Municipal Court, Discussion with Possible Action Concerning the Auxiliary Building, and the Water Tower Tif Agreement. FCHS has released their 2022 Make A Difference Day Activities. In Scheduled Events is Center Street Hat Day – Any Center Street Student, Faculty, or Staff member who would like to wear a hat on Friday, August 26 can pay $1 and wear a hat. Ongoing Activities include: FCHS Faculty/Staff Jean Days – FCHS faculty and staff have been challenged to pay $1 to wear jeans on Friday, or $10 to wear jeans between now and MADD. All Wayne County Schools and businesses are challenge