Letter From the Editor — The Villagers Voice

Connors’ Request to Narrow Conger Street Rejected by Property Owners at Dead End

February 15, 2025 by Kathy Sands

Conger Street dead ends at the McKenzie property. Dale and Gidget Connor own parcels 1,2,3 and 4,5,6 (marked in blue) on both sides of the street. The house on parcel #1 burned down a couple of weeks ago. Map photo provided.

Things became a bit heated last night as the Norris City Village board held a special meeting to consider a request from Dale and Gidget Connor for an easement on the Conger Street side of their property. Jeff McKenzie owns the property at the dead end of Conger and was unwilling to narrow the street, citing his own family’s property interests. [Read more...]

Special Meeting Called Friday Evening for Norris City Village Board

February 12, 2025 by Kathy Sands

Special Meeting Agenda
Conger and Cherry Street
February 14, 2025
6:00 p.m.
City Hall

Roll Call
Prayer & Pledge
Conger and Cherry Street (Gidget and Dale Conner Request)
Adjourn

Carmi Man Fatally Hit by Train This Morning

February 10, 2025 by Villagers Voice

On 02/10/25 at approximately 7:16 a.m. White County Dispatch received a 911 call of a train versus pedestrian accident at the Stewart St. crossing near Brooks Drive. Carmi Police were dispatched and upon arrival, determined the male pedestrian was deceased.

Police were able to speak with witnesses who advised the male pedestrian was eastbound on Stewart St. The CSX locomotive was also heading east. As the train was approaching the Stewart Street crossing, the railroad crossing arms were down and the warning lights were activated and working properly. [Read more...]

Pedestrian Fatality at Railroad Crossing in Carmi, Sheriff Requests Avoiding the Area

February 10, 2025 by Kathy Sands

The White County Sheriff's Department has issued a notice to avoid the railroad crossings at Burrell, Stewart, and Fifth Streets in Carmi at this time as an investigation is ongoing into the fatal train and pedestrian accident that occurred at the Stewart Street crossing in Carmi.

Sen. Bryant Reacts to DOJ Lawsuit Over Illinois Sanctuary Policies

February 7, 2025 by Villagers Voice

State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s lawsuit against the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago over their immigration sanctuary policies:

"This lawsuit is a direct consequence of Governor Pritzker’s dangerous decision to put politics ahead of public safety. Instead of allowing law enforcement to work with federal authorities to deport violent criminals, he has doubled down on policies that shield offenders and put innocent Illinoisans at risk." [Read more...]

Repeater Expected to Improve Law Enforcement Communications, Legion to Get Updated with TIF Funding

February 5, 2025 by Kathy Sands

Emergency communications for law enforcement will get a boost with the installation of a repeater on the Norris City water tower some time in the near future. Norris City board member Wayne McKenzie said at Monday night’s board meeting that some kind of communication "blackout" has always existed in the Norris City area, frustrating law enforcement communications. McKenzie said he has been talking to White County 9-1-1 Director Julie Irvin, who says she has funds to add the repeater that can be mounted on the Norris City water tower for the use of emergency services. This should enable police radios and scanners to communicate with each other better. Norris City would also pay the electric bill to use it. A portable backup generator is also under discussion for the equipment. [Read more...]

Accident on Hwy 1 This Morning Takes One to Hospital

February 4, 2025 by Kathy Sands

This morning, White County Dispatch was made aware of a two vehicle accident with severe injuries on IL Highway 1 at approximately County Road 300 East. Eyewitness reports stated that a silver vehicle, later identified to be driven by Jonathan Shaw, was traveling south on IL 1 when Shaw went into the oncoming lane and struck a Wayne White truck driven by Nathan Coston. Shaw was flown by helicopter to Evansville for injuries sustained. Coston denied medical treatment on scene. [Read more...]

April 1 Election: Bond Issue Vote, Five Candidates Vie for Four NCOE School Board Seats

February 1, 2025 by Kathy Sands

The April 1 Consolidated election approaches, as well as early voting at the County Clerk's office, which will begin on February 20. On the same date, mail in ballots will be sent out to those on the permanent vote by mail list and to those voters who have requested one. Vote by mail application requests started on January 2 and presently continues at the Clerk's office.

In this election, voters will vote for their local government officials, such as village boards, township boards, school boards, and college boards.

In the Norris City School District, a Public Question will be on the ballot regarding the issuing of bonds. The matter will be worded in this manner: [Read more...]