The Marion County Sheriff's Department was the winner of the Battle of Badges Blood Drive held Monday by the Red Cross at the Salem Community Activity Center. A total of 45 units of blood were collected. 13 donated on behalf of the Marion County Sheriff's Department. Ten donated for the Salem Police Department. The Salem Fire Department received nine donations and United Medical Response four units of blood. The Red Cross thanks everyone for their donation to help give the gift of life.

A 33-year-old Kinmundy man has been ordered detained without bond after being charged in Marion County Court on Monday with eight felony charges in connection with sex acts allegedly committed since October 2023 with a girl under the age of 17. The charges against Daniel Belfiore of 1st Street include six counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse for improper touching. Another count charges indecent solicitation of a child with the intent that an act of aggravated criminal sexual assault be...

A 46-year-old Centralia man faces multiple charges in Marion County Court after allegedly striking a household or family member in the leg with a car. Emanuel Neal of Cormick Street was arrested on Saturday for alleged aggravated battery, two counts of domestic battery, and a single count of reckless conduct. The incident occurred in the 800 block of South Lincoln. The alleged victim declined hospital treatment. During his first court appearance, Neal was sanctioned to serve ten days in th...

Get Covered Illinois' marketplace will replace Healthcare.gov for Illinoisans, improving access to quality affordable healthcare Get Covered Illinois announced today that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved Illinois' transition to a state-based health insurance marketplace. Launched in 2013 as a branded portal to access Healthcare.gov, Get Covered Illinois will now operate as a full state-based marketplace. Beginning November 1, Illinois citizens who were previously enroll...

Coles Creek Beach at Carlyle Lake will be temporarily closed to swimming from Thursday, August 21, 2025, through Sunday, August 24, 2025, to host the water trials for the 2025 Portuguese Water Dog Club of America (PWDCA) National Specialty. The 33rd PWDCA National Specialty, sponsored by Purina, will take place at the Purina Farms Event Center in Gray Summit, Missouri, with the water trial events held at the dog-friendly beach at Coles Creek on Carlyle Lake. During this special event, approxi...

A car owned by a Salem woman was destroyed in a Monday afternoon fire on the Moonglow Road just off Route 161 East of Centralia. The driver, Yolanda Gordon of South Franklin, was traveling on Route 161 then she noticed the car on fire. She was able to pull onto the Moonglow Road and safety get out of the vehicle. The car was fully engulfed in flames upon the arrival of the Centralia Fire Protection District. The vehicle was destroyed. Centralia Fire Protection District Chief Ross Boshera says...

A 54-year-old Mt. Vernon man has been arrested on multiple drug charges following a traffic stop by Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputies on Sunday night at South 17th and Casey Avenue in Mt. Vernon. Corey A. Williams was initially stopped because deputies knew his license was revoked. The department reports a subsequent investigation led to the discovery and confiscation of large amounts of illegal drugs in the vehicle. Williams was transported to the Jefferson County Jail, where more illegal ...

The Centralia City Council will be asked Monday night to allow for a mural honoring the five Centralia men who played on the Globetrotters. The mural would be placed on a city owned building in Laura Leake Park. The Centralia Juneteenth Committee, in partnership with the Centralia Chamber of Commerce Image Committee and local artist Jamie Allen, has proposed the mural to celebrate community culture, history, and community spirit. The five Centralia Players are Bobby Joe Mason, Fred Pearson, K...