Category Archives: Local News
Marion County Board to take more active role in appointments
The Marion County Board says it will no longer just rubber stamp candidates brought before them for open board and department seats. Board Chair Steve Whritenour says he is troubled by the present sys...
Sep 24, 2025 Marion County Board Chair and Centralia Police Lieutenant Steve Whritenour.
On split vote, Marion County Board votes to make bid to buy Salem animal control facility
The Marion County Board has agreed to submit a bid to purchase the Salem Animal Control Facility on the Cartter Road in rural Kell. The announcement came from Board Chair Steve Whritenour following a ...
Sep 24, 2025 File photo: Marion County Courthouse.
Garage Destroyed by Fire in Centralia
A two-car garage used for storage was destroyed by fire late Tuesday afternoon at 725 West 5th in Centralia. Centralia City Firefighters say flames were shooting through the roof and touching the powe...
Sep 24, 2025 Centralia City Fire Truck. File Photo.
Central City applies for Safe Routes to School Grant
The Central City Village Board of Trustees gave approval on Tuesday to apply for an Illinois Safe Routes to School grant. The grant, if received, would pay for a $250,000 project to add sidewalks, sid...
Sep 24, 2025
Salem Community High School passes budget; plans $1 Million in summer improvements next year
The Salem Community High School Board has passed its budget for the coming school year. Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering says the four major funds are overall $100,000 in the black, with an estimated ...
Sep 23, 2025
Salem Grade School Board approves budget
The Salem Grade School Board has approved its budget for the coming school year. Superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe says they are looking at a deficit of just over $1 million. That amount was reduced $20...
Sep 23, 2025 File photo: Salem Grade School Board.
Salem Grade School Board reviews spring test score results
The Salem Grade School Board Monday night reviewed test scores taken by students last spring. Franklin Park Middle School Principal Tyler Lux says they have two staff dedicated to raising English test...
Sep 23, 2025
Centralia purchases vehicles for police department and public works
The Centralia City Council approved the purchase of two used vehicles at its regular meeting on Monday. One was a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado from Crump's Auto and Trailer Sales for $16,200 for use by Pu...
Sep 23, 2025 Centralia City Council presents proclamation for Kaskaskia College's 85th anniversary. Left to right: Council member Izzy Fontanez, Mayor Bryan Kuder, KC Executive Director of Development Michael Christensen, and council member Bunny Garrett.
KC Board approves Fiscal Year 2026 budget
by Steven Stilt The Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees on Monday evening approved a Fiscal Year 2026 budget that carries a projected deficit, but college officials say that shortfall is likely to dec...
Sep 23, 2025
Police Beat for Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025
Centralia Police have made two separate domestic battery arrests. 25-year-old Brynt Long, who told authorities he was homeless, was taken to the Marion County Jail along with 33-year-old Megan Stroud ...
Sep 23, 2025
