The Wayne County Health Department has reported an additional 34 cases of the coronavirus in the county for the period of October 4th through 7th. The latest cases brings the total number for the county to 2938. The health department has also reported three additional deaths during the same period, bringing the total for the county to 61. 111 residents in the county are isolating. Reports from the area indicated the Marion County Health Department had 68 new cases Friday, and the southern region of Illinois had a seven-day positivity rate of 4.2 percent on October 4th, down from 4.7 percent on October 3rd. The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 1,650,108 total cases of the coronavirus in the state as of this morning and 25,224 total deaths. Friday's numbers amounted to 2744 cases and 35 deaths. Reports indicated 69 percent of Illinois' population has now received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and 54 percent of Illinois' total population is fully vaccinated. Edwards County celebrated its Homecoming on Friday night. The Queen candidates were Lexie Hill, Hailey Greifzu, Addie Cowger, and Sage Alka. Lexie Hall was crowned the Queen. The Lions football team played CZR in the Homecoming football game, but lost by a final score of 26 to 13. The Fairfield Rotary Club held their regular business meeting on Thursday. Darrin Rice was voted in as President Elect to succeed President Shari Winter. There was also a vote passed to reduce the scholarships to four in the amount of $750 from six $500 scholarships that were awarded last year. Illinois State Police District 19 Commander, Captain Nathan Douglas, has announced the ISP will conduct Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols in White and Saline counties during October. The patrols allow the state police to focus on seat belt and child safety seat laws. State police say safety belts are one of the most effective safety devices in vehicles, and are estimated to save neary 14,000 lives each year. Students and staff in the Eldorado Community Unit School District are mourning the death of a student that has passed away. According to a press release from the school, senior Heath Toothman, passed away when he lost his balance while jumping off the senior float on the way back from the Homecoming Parade and hit his head. First responders were on scene and he was lifeflighted to Deaconess Hospital where he passed away, the school said. The school is organizing a fundraiser to help the family with medical and funeral expenses. Those wishing to help can donate to the Eldorado High School Foundation via Paypal. Area river stages as of this morning: Little Wabash River east of Fairfield is at 5.92 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet. At Clay City the stage is 5.95 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet. At Carmi the stage is 4.56 feet. Flood stage is 27 feet. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City is at 5.21 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is at 4.81 feet. Flood stage is 19 feet.