Fairfield Water Dept employees will be flushing hydrants throughout the city through Friday, October 7. This is done each spring and fall to test the hydrants and help keep your water supply clean and pure. The City of Fairfield is required by ILL EPA to inform residents of the possible lead content in the water supply during hydrant flushing. While flushing the hydrants, you may notice that your water may be temporarily discolored. While flushing occurs, you may also experience a dip in water pressure, and it might affect the lead plumbing in and outside your home, if your home is equipped with lead plumbing. If your water is discolored, it does not mean it is unsafe to drink. It just means there is a temporary increase in the concentration of iron within the water. While lines are being flushed, residents are urged to check for discoloration of your water before doing laundry or similar activities. It is also encouraged you flush your line at the kitchen tap for 1-5 minutes as recommended by the EPA. The city will have Lead Information Sheets available at City Hall and the Water Dept. upon request. for questions or to obtain more information call the Water Department during regular business hours, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. The schedule of flushing will be as follows: Today – 2nd Ward every hydrant North of Elm between 1st and 7th. Wednesday – 3rd Ward every hydrant South of Elm between 1st and 7th. Thursday – 4th Ward every hydrant West of 7th stopping at Airport Rd. Friday – Outlying Areas, being Walmart, Petroleum Blvd., Brach Oaks, Highway 45 South, Highway 15 East to City's Old Filter Plant. Jury Selection in the murder trial of Brodey Murbarger began yesterday at the Wayne County Circuit Court. Murbarger is accused of the disappearance and murder of Megan Nichols on July 3, 2014. Murbarger was arrested on October 8th of 2020 in Evansville, IN after being indicted by a Wayne County Grand Jury. Nichols body was found Southern Wayne County in December of 2017 and taken to Bloomington for autopsy, before being taken to the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia to confirm the identity of the remains. The case is being presided over by Wayne County Circuit Judge Michael J. Molt. The Defense is being represented by Christian Baril. Prosecuting the case are Assistant Attorneys General Michael Falagario, Myra Yelle-Clark, and Wayne County States Attorney Kevin Kakac. The City of Fairfield will conduct a City-Wide Fall Cleanup on Saturday, October 8, from 8 A.M. to 12 P.M at the Street & Bridge Department at 908 East King Street. This service is for City of Fairfield residents only. You may be asked to show your utility bill/dr. license to enter. Commercial contractors will not be allowed, again this is a residential cleanup only. Dumpsters will be available for general waste, tires, and metal and appliances. Items that will not be accepted are construction/remodel debris, yard waste, electronics, liquid paint, batteries and items considered hazardous waste. Light truck tires can be disposed of for $3 each, passenger car tires $2 each, and bicycle and ATV tires $1 each. Residents are asked to line up on East King Street. Gates will open at 8 AM. Residents are required to unload their own items, but City personnel will be available to assist with heavy material as needed. Any questions or concerns may be direct to City Hall at 842-2294. A reminder that petitions for the Consolidated Election to be held on April 4, 2023 are currently available in the office of City Clerk Tina Hutchcraft. Office hours are 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. A Mayor will be elected for a two-year term to fill the unexpired term of Mayor Dreith and one alderman from each of the City's four wards will be elected for a four-year term. Petition circulation began September 20. Filing period for those petitions is December 12 – December 19. Wayne/Edwards County FSA is seeking someone to fill a Temporary Program Technician position for the Wayne/Edwards Farm Service Agency. This is a temporary position in an agricultural office. Salary will range from $15.75 to $17.31 per hour. Wayne/Edwards County FSA recognizes and appreciates the benefits of diversity in the workplace. Individuals who share this belief and reflect a diverse background are encouraged to apply. Applications can be picked up at the Wayne/Edwards FSA Office at 23 Industrial Drive, Fairfield, IL. Applications will be accepted until close of business Tuesday, October 11, 2022. Applicants will be required to undergo a background investigation and/or fingerprint screening. FSA is an equal opportunity employer. The Mount Erie Fall Festival is set begin this Friday, October 7, and run through Sunday, October 9. Friday's events will include the Vendors Markets, setup begins at 9 a.m., Bingo at Mike's Auction Barn at 6 p.m., and Fun Auction with Alan Thomas at the Ruritan Building, also at 6 p.m. On Saturday, there'll be Vendor Markets, Inflatable & Rides, and a Petting Zoo beginning at 9 a.m. Also am 9 a.m. will be the Tractor Show (First 25 tractors receive a hood plaque). Power & Grace Tumbling will perform at 10 a.m., with the Presentation of the Car & Tractor Show trophies at 11 a.m. followed by the Parade at Noon. Other events happening on Saturday include the Chicken Races, Pedal Pull, Punk'n Chuck'n, and Bingo. The events will cap off on Saturday with Movies at the Corner, followed by Dierman DJ Service & Karaoke. Sunday will feature Vendor Markets, Community Church Services, a Community Dinner at the Ruritan Building, inflatables & Rides, and Gospel Music by the Judah First Band. For more information about the Mount Erie Fall Festival contact Committee Chairman Mike Smith at 516-1885. For more information on the Tractor Show, contact Steve Bass at 838-8398. A reminder The Wabash Area Development, Inc., as administrator of the Home Energy Assistance Program in Edwards, Hamilton, Gallatin, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, and White Counties are currently taking applications for the LIHEAP energy assistance program to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane, and electric bills, as well as furnace assistance. Various requirements apply, including proof of documentation and more. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through May 31, 2023. There will be no priority groups this program year. Households in need are encouraged to apply. Prior year recipients are eligible to re-apply. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time benefits to income eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service. Propane customers are encouraged to apply when the program opens in September to take greater advantage of lower propane prices. Propane prices typically increase during the winter months so by applying early propane customers will see their LIHEAP benefit go further. Applications are being accepted at the county outreach offices in Edwards, Hamilton, Gallatin/Saline, Wabash, Wayne, and White. Call Wabash Area Development, Inc. at 963-2387 for outreach locations and schedules, and for information on what documents are needed to apply and different ways to submit your application. Last month proved to be both drier and cooler than the previous year. The average high temperature here at the station for September of 2022 was 79.4 degrees, with an average low of 56.2 degrees, compared to September 2021 which shows average highs of 83.4 and average lows of 58.9. The warmest day of the month was the 21st when the high hit 95 degrees. The coldest evening was the 30th when temps hit 44 degrees overnight. The month was drier than this time last year, showing total precipitation for the month at 1.56 inches. The heaviest rain taking place on the 6th when we received .73 inches of rain at the station. The Sept 2021 totals show 2.62 inches of rain. The FBI in Springfield is warning of Hurricane-Related Fraud. While the Midwest is not subject to the devastation caused by hurricanes, residents can fall prey to hurricane-related fraud