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...

The shotgun deer hunting harvest was up statewide and locally. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reports 82,946 deer were taken during the two-weekend season that ended on December 8th. The total was up for 76,494 last year. In Marion County, 551 additional deer were harvested in the second weekend of the season, bringing the total to 1,823. That's 154 more deer than harvested last year. In Clinton County, 1,012 deer were harvested, including 277 in the second weekend. That's a...

Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps has received information from Santa Claus that he will arrive at the Marion County Courthouse Thursday evening. Santa's time of arrival is 5:05 Thursday evening. Any child who would like to see Santa and tell him what they want for this Christmas, should come to the Marion County Courthouse at five pm. The sheriff has also received word that the Grinch does not like Santa's plans and is making plans of his own to attend as well. Santa will only be at the co...

by Cole Wimberly The Marion County Board representative member of the Marion County Board of Health attended his first Marion County Board of Health meeting. Dr. Mike Douglas believes that the Marion County Board should be able to provide additional support to the Marion County Board of Health. "I just think there is outline duties that the Marion County board should provide for the board of Health, and I just want to make sure we are doing our duty." After reviewing the budget line...