The Wayne County Board met Thursday Evening in the Basement of the Wayne County Courthouse. In appointments, Randy Ellis was appointed to the board of directors for the Rural Fairfield Fire District while Steve Deitz was named to the Orchardville Fire Protection District to fill the remaining term of Bill Lowry. It was approved in the meeting that work will be taking place soon on the State Road 161 Extension. The work will cover 8.91 miles of resurfacing from Johnsonville to the Marion County Line. The cost of the work is $3 Million with 80% of the cost covered by the state. Kevin Kakac was on hand as the board approved Wayne County to join into the Opiod Settlement. The County gave a go-ahead towards work for a new website. Finally, a resolution was approved by the board for a mobile home tax sale.
The Wayne County Board met last night. County Highway Engineer Dennis Seidel reported the road project at Enterprise and the Route 161 Extension is scheduled for the next letting, which should be in June; he estimated the project will begin on or around August 1st. County Clerk Liz Ann Woodrow said 172 years of county records have been digitized; she said it was a major project, and she was proud it had been completed. In action items, Larry McCormick was appointed to a three-year term as Trustee for the Orchardville Fire Protection District. The board reviewed requests for American Rescue Plan dollars, as well. Board Chair Amy Pollard said the money must be spent for governmental purposes, per current guidance, and it can't be held in any type of reserve. The county has received about half of its three million dollar payment. The Fairfield Park Board met last night and approved the purchase of new playground equipment at Lakeside Park. The new feature came at a cost of $24,000 an
Illinois State Police say 68-year-old Geff resident Kathy Richardson was killed in a car accident yesterday shortly after noon. Preliminary investigation indicates, at approximately 12:05, 45-year-old Cisne resident Robert Cline was westbound in a 1996 Volvo semi on Route 15 just east of 105 East in Wayne County, and Richardson was eastbound in a 2014 Buick Enclave. For unknown reasons, she crossed the center line, and Cline attempted to avoid a collision but was struck in the front driver's side. Richardson was pronounced deceased on-scene by the Wayne County Coroner; Cline and a child-passenger with Richardson reported no injuries. The Fairfield Community High School Band is in Champaign today to play in the IHSA boys state basketball tournament. The band will play the first sessions today, meaning for the 1A and 2A semi finals. Assistant Principal Bobby Wells says this is the first time FCHS has had its band play at state, though some individuals have been chosen to sing the Na
COVID-19 vaccinations are currently available for Fairfield residents, and will be distributed on Tuesday, March 16
th. Anyone interested in making an appointment to receive the vaccine should contact the Wabash County Health Department at 263-3873.
The much-anticipated decision on the fate of the Wayne County Courthouse will not be known for at least some time. The board failed to take any action during the meeting concerning the building, but an Executive Session at the conclusion of the meeting concerned the possible purchase, lease or acquisition of property. No action was taken by the board at the conclusion of the Executive Session. David Harl addressed the board in support of keeping the courthouse, citing its architectural and historic value to the community. Jail Committee Chairman Nathan Jones stated that the board was investigating its options if the Qualified Immunity for Police Bill passes in the Illinois Legislature. Jones stated that the board fully supports the Wayn