McKindley V. Allen, 32, and DaLeon J. Fontennet, 28, pleaded guilty to committing burglary involving a controlled substance, conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and attempt to a burglary involving a controlled substance. The district court judge sentenced the two Houston, Texas, men to federal prison for burglarizing pharmacies of controlled substances in Casey, Illinois, and Poplar Bluff, Missouri. According to court documents, Allen and F...

A 41-year-old Odin man faces multiple charges following a police chase Thursday night. James Williams of Pine Avenue was taken to the Marion County Jail for fleeing and attempting to elude police, armed violence, unlawful use of weapons, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Three others were arrested on outstanding warrants. 41-year-old Nicole Newcomb of South Commercial in Central City was arrested by Clinton County Sheriff's Deputies on a no bond failure to appear felony warrant. 48-year...

The Daffy Dill Garden Club has announced the Downtown Salem Flower Box Decorating Contest winners. The theme this year was Frosty the Snowman. Taking first place was Marion County Savings Bank for their box on West Main by Sweney Corner. Jeannie Firnhaber of the marketing department did the design. "We just wanted to do something that could maybe be a little interactive," Firnhaber said. "We have a great downtown and with all the decorations it's so adorable during the Christm...

Salem Township Hospital CEO James Timpe says the hospital continues to move forward on planning for the renovation and expansion of the emergency and operating room facilities. He explains the first steps. "We think that the demolition is going to start in early spring, so we're moving ahead," Timpe said. "We have to put that up for bid and see who we get for doing that. Our vendors are working on that now. Once we do that demolition we'll know where we stand on that project. T...

By Cole Wimberly Gift cards have been given to each of the 693 students of Salem Community High School. Kelsey Pogue, the lead organizer of the gift card giving, seeks out donations from the community, businesses, individuals, and teachers. The gift cards worth spans from $10-$50. The total sum of donations added up to roughly $9,000 this year. Pogue has gained a lot of support from the community and the individuals around her. "The staff here, the teachers make donations," Pogue sa...

The South Central School Board was told Wednesday night significant reading and math test scores were seen at all three buildings last year. The school report cards now show South Central High School and Grade School have earned recognition status, while the Middle School is still on the target list due to some subgroups that need improvement. Superintendent Kerry Herdes is pleased. "We're continuing to improve our scores," Herdes said. "Our staff, our parents and our students ...

The Marion County Sheriff's Department has made a second arrest in connection with the armed robbery of a man taking a test drive in a vehicle before purchasing it. Sheriff Kevin Cripps says Blake Hills of Nations Road was taken into custody after a search warrant was executed at his home and a sawed off shotgun used in the commission of the armed robbery was recovered. He was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a weapon by a felon. ...

One person was injured in a two vehicle crash Wednesday evening at Noleman and Maple in Centralia. Centralia Police say a pickup driven by 29-year-old Brian Lowe of Cedar Street in Centralia was southbound on Maple Street when he disobeyed the stop sign and crashed into an eastbound car on Noleman driven by 54-year-old Dawn Jennings of Marion. Jennings was taken to SSM Heath St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia for treatment. Lowe was not hurt, but was ticketed for failure to yield at a stop int...