Wayne County Illinois News and Discussion

09/02/2026

2026 Harvest

While we hope and pray for a Safe & Productive Harvest (with record yields). We also encourage motorist to use caution when meeting or passing these huge farm implements along area roads and highways.

(Photo taken in Rural Wayne County)

09/02/2026

Granite City, Illinois

Granite City Police issued the following statement after a train derailment in Granite City just moments ago.

"Be advised there is a train derailment that is blocking Edwardsville Road near 20th Street and extends to State Street in Madison. Please take alternate routes."

09/02/2026

Wayne County, Illinois
Richland County, Illinois

BUCHANAN RESENTENCED IN WAYNE

35 year old Geff resident Cody Buchanan was back in court on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 for resentencing on a 2025 Possession Of Methamphetamine case that led to a plea agreement including 2 years Probation as well as fines, fees and assessments of the court totalling $4685 of which $2425 has been paid to date leaving a balance in this case at $2260. That previous sentence was handed down in January of 2025

Since that time Buchanan was arrested in Wayne County for Operating A Motor Vehicle Without A License in March of 2025 and again arrested for Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine as well as Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in July of 2025.

Those cases ultimately along with other mitigating factors caused the Probation Department to confer with the prosecutor and a Petition to Revoke Probation was filed.

In the hearing yesterday it was noted that Buchanan had become gainfully employed, had completed a drug rehab program successfully and an initial offer of 2 years Conditional Discharge with an attached 180 day jail sentence also attached to begin serving this Friday, September 4, 2026.

Judge Aud ultimately refused this since Buchanan had previously served another 180 day sentence in the same matter, and could not lawfully be Re-Sentenced in the same fashion to another 180 day jail sentence.

A discussion was then had at this point to discuss other options by legal counsel.

After 20 minutes or so the legal counsel all emerged back into the courtroom where another deal had been tentatively reached in the matter.

Buchanan ended up with 4 years in the Illinois Department Of Corrections, 6 months Mandatory Supervised Release, with all current fines, fees and assessments still attached to the new sentence.

All other cases in Wayne County were ultimately dismissed per the plea agreement leaving the only conviction for one of his numerous charges over the past several years.

Buchanan was given credit for 99 days already served in the Wayne County Jail towards his new sentence.

Meanwhile in neighboring Richland County where it was told that Buchanan was doing very well, it seems another criminal matter has recently emerged. As of July 2026, Buchanan was arrested and charged with Battery Causing Bodily Harm. That case is set to next be heard on September 28, 2026 in Richland County Circuit Court for a First Appearance.

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

Come and shop at Fairfield's only locally owned and operated Grocery Store.

Thats Save A Lot located at 709 West Main

The temps are hot outside abd the deals are heating up inside!

09/01/2026

Fairfield, Illinois

As earlier reported, an apparent firearm involved incident, occurred sometime on the evening of August 29, 2026 in an area near Sunset Lake.

We understand through information, that the victim suffered firearm inflicted wounds to the face and chest. We understand she was left in this condition overnight and until someone made that lifesaving report to the Sheriff’s Department which prompted deputies to respond, and make a gruesome finding.

We do not understand what caused all of this to go the way it did. We do know that a victim is being said to be in stable condition and recovering from their injuries. Yes we know the name of the victim. To save them a little trauma we are not releasing that at this time. If you hear it elsewhere so be it. The poor soul has went through plenty enough as it is. She needs our prayers, not our gossip.

With that said, Rawleigh Bailey was in court today to face charges of Attempted Murder, Domestic Battery and Reckless Discharge Of A Firearm.

Attempted Murder can carry a hefty enough Penalty without a Firearm involved. The range can be from 6 to 30 years. With disfigurement, permanent disability, or death it can carry a lot of extra time. As described it can carry 55 to 85 years or even Natural Life in Prison upon conviction

Domestic Battery has several stipulations that it can be a Class 3 Felony if the defendant had 3 previous convictions. Domestic Battery can be a Class 2 based on a defendant having 4 previous convictions of the same. In this case it appears that a firearm was used and that great bodily injury took place upon the victim which appears to enhance the level of Felony which is charged as. CLASS 2 against Bailey.

Finally Reckless Discharge Of A Firearm is charged as a Class 4 Felony and it doesn't require any enhanced sentence for this crime regardless if it is committed once or five times. However this is the third count against Bailey.

It was discussed in open court about a detention hearing. That detention hearing never formally occurred due to the defendant, through his court appointed attorney, accepted the fact that the detainment could be proven, by clear and convincing evidence. Bailey accepted this deal to stay in jail pending a trial on the matter.

Bailey will next have court in September 24, 2026 for a Preliminary Hearing unless a Grand Jury returns a True Bill of Indictment where in the next setting would be an Arraignment Hearing.

Bailey remains in the custody of the Wayne County Jail pending further action of the court.

***Bailey is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in the court of law.***

09/01/2026

SIMS ILLINOIS

BOIL ORDER EFFECTIVE September 1, 2026 until further notice.

The Village of Sims has issued a boil order for all customers until further notice due to chlorine issues.

09/01/2026

EXTREME HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL
8 PM CDT / 9 PM EDT/SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with peak daily heat index values
103 to 109 degrees; actual maximum air temperatures will range from
95 to 101 degrees daily!

* WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western
Kentucky, and southeast Missouri.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during
extreme heat and high humidity events.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...This week of extreme and dangerous heat shows
no signs of abating. Climatologically extreme high forecast
temperatures a good 10 to 15 degrees above their seasonal normals
will combine with the effects of humidity to increasingly make this
week a dangerous period of prolonged heat. Heat index values hit
triple digits every day and may top out up to 109 degrees. Actual
air temperatures reach to near or even above 100 degrees multiple
days in a row. Numerous nights might have warm record overnight low
temperatures in the mid 70s as well, so there is really no
significant break offered from the heat as we head into the holiday
weekend and all the numerous activities and outdoor events that may
be planned.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of
the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose
fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning
or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and
heat stroke.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, stay informed.

09/01/2026

💙 A LITTLE BLUE WILLOW LOVE 💙

There’s just something about Blue Willow that never goes out of style!

That iconic blue-and-white pattern has been gracing tables and china cabinets for more than 200 years. Inspired by Chinese porcelain designs, the pattern became wildly popular in England in the late 1700s and has since been produced by dozens of makers around the world.

And here’s part of the fun: not all Blue Willow is the same! 👀 Different makers, backstamps, shades of blue, borders and tiny variations in the design make hunting for pieces half the fun.

Collectors look for everything from plates and cups to serving pieces, pitchers, bowls, canisters and those unusual little pieces you don’t see every day.

Whether you collect one particular maker, mix and match your patterns, or just love that classic blue & white cottage look, Blue Willow is one of those vintage patterns that looks just as beautiful today as it did generations ago.

And judging by this cabinet… we may have a little Blue Willow situation happening at RJ on Main. 😂💙

Are you a Blue Willow collector? And if you are—do you use yours, display it, or BOTH?

09/01/2026

FLORA, ILLINOIS

UPDATE:

The parking lot at Mcdonald's is now open. The accident investigation is being completed by the Illinois State Police. All further information will be provided by their agency.

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Accident Investigation – McDonald’s, 200 Given Street, Flora

The Flora Police Department is currently conducting an accident investigation at the McDonald’s located at 200 Given Street in Flora.

Due to the ongoing investigation, McDonald’s will be closed to vehicle traffic for an undetermined amount of time.

Members of the public are asked to avoid the area and use alternate routes until the investigation is complete and the location is reopened.

The Flora Police Department appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation. Additional information will be provided when available.