Category Archives: Local News
Cardboard boat race returns to Catfish Pond for Balloon Fest '22
The cardboard boat races returned to the Sunday lineup at Balloon Fest '22. After using their craftsmanship to build their boat, they then took to the water. Julia Cushman had the last boat floating. ...
Aug 22, 2022 The cardboard boat race held in 2022 at Catfish Pond during Balloon Fest. Photo by Pat Hodges.
All but one flight gets off for Balloon Fest '22 with organizers pleased with crowds
While the wind and nearby storms made the 2022 Centralia Balloon Fest a challenge, the entire event went off as scheduled except the Saturday night flight. Centralia Chamber of Commerce Executive Dire...
Aug 22, 2022
High Fly Cup Award Handed Out
There's no longer a flight competition at Centralia Balloon Fest, but the pilots still take the time each year to honor one of their own. The annual High Fly Cup is presented each year to a pilot who ...
Aug 22, 2022 'America' balloon pilot wins High Fly Cup award. Photo by Garrett Ford.
Evening glows and Sunday morning flight wait out weather concerns
Photos Courtesy of Pat Hodges and Jeannell Charman After the Saturday evening balloon flight was canceled due to thunderstorm activity in the region, a wait allowed a window to open to hold a shortene...
Aug 21, 2022
Six felony drug arrests in Jefferson County following two drug busts
The Mt. Vernon Police Department Jefferson County Sheriff's Department High-Risk Team executed two search warrants last week and made a total of six felony drug arrests. 43-year-old Nickolas Wuebbels ...
Aug 21, 2022 The Mt. Vernon Police Department Jefferson County Sheriff's Department High Risk Team execute a search warrant Friday morning at a home on Salem Road where two were arrested on drug offenses. (Provided photo)
Marion County Sheriff's Deputies arrest three on felony drug charges
The Marion County Sheriff's Department arrested all three occupants of a vehicle on felony drug charges following a traffic stop in the 100 block of Bennett Street in Salem. The driver, 30-year-old Je...
Aug 21, 2022
Balloon Fest off to a good start
Good weather has allowed the first two flights and the first glow of Centralia Balloon Fest '22 to go off as scheduled. A crowd estimated at more than 10,000 filled Foundation Park on Friday night to ...
Aug 20, 2022 Lift off! Balloons start to take off Friday night from Foundation Park for the first flight of Balloon Fest. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Salem Mayor swears in new Police Chief, Sergeant, and Patrolman
The retirement of Salem Police Chief Sean Reynolds has resulted in promotions and the hiring of a new patrolman. Mayor Nic Farley swore in the city's new Police Chief Kyle Ambuehl. As a result of Ambu...
Aug 20, 2022 Salem's new Police Chief Kyle Ambuehl (center) is sworn in by Mayor Nic Farley as Ambuehl's wife Lisa holds the Bible.
Retiring Salem Police Chief Sean Reynolds honored at large retirement party
Retiring Salem Police Chief Sean Reynolds was honored at a large retirement party Friday night at the Salem Country Club. Mayor Nic Farley told the crowd he could not have been a good mayor without Re...
Aug 20, 2022 Retiring Salem Police Chief Sean Reynolds (left) received a Plaque of Appreciation from Salem Mayor Nic Farley.
Another crash on I-57, this time involving three semis and two SUVs
Southbound Interstate 57 had to once again be shut down late Friday afternoon for a five-vehicle crash in a work zone area. Initial information indicates a semi driver was unable to slow for traffic i...
Aug 20, 2022
