Category Archives: Local News
Disabled resident killed in Mt. Vernon house fire is now identified (Updated 3:00 pm)
A 64-year-old disabled resident has died from injuries sustained in a fire in a home on Page Avenue in Mt. Vernon on Sunday night. Jefferson County Coroner Roger Hayse has identified the victim as Rob...
Dec 22, 2025
ICC issues decision on Ameren rate reconciliation
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) struck $11.2 million from Ameren Illinois' $59.6 million multi-year rate reconciliation request. The decision is the first in a new performance-based evaluation ...
Dec 22, 2025
Lifestar Ambulance to once again provide "Home for the Holidays"
Lifestar Ambulance Service, Inc. has announced that they are again this year participating in their annual "Home for the Holidays". Lifestar Ambulance Service will transport people in the Centralia ar...
Dec 22, 2025
Powerball Jackpot up to $1.6-Billion
The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.6 billion for tonight's drawing. If won, this prize would become the fourth-largest Powerball jackpot and the fifth-largest lottery jackpot in U.S....
Dec 22, 2025
Kaskaskia College announces holiday schedule and closure of main campus Tuesday for planned power outage
The Kaskaskia College Main Campus will be closed on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, due to a planned power outage needed for electrical system upgrades. All KC Education Centers will remain open, and Main...
Dec 22, 2025
Centralia High School superintendent named IPA's Superintendent of the Year
Centralia High School Superintendent Dr. Chuck Lane has been named this year's Superintendent of the Year by the Kaskaskia Region of the Illinois Principal's Association. Lane was nominated by Central...
Dec 22, 2025 Centralia High School superintendent Dr. Chuck Lane. Photo source: Centralia High School website.
Franklin Park teacher receives lifetime achievement award
A teacher for more than 25 years at Franklin Park Middle School in Salem has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kaskaskia Division of the Illinois Principal's Association. Joni Dorff was...
Dec 22, 2025 Franklin Park 7th Grade Teacher Joni Dorff. Photo source: Salem Elementary District website.
Fire damages home east of Central City
An early Monday morning fire has damaged a home east of Central City. Centralia Fire Protection District Chief Ross Boshera says the fire was at the Jarrod Heltsley at 1049 Green Street Road. The fire...
Dec 22, 2025
Salem man gets six-year prison term in attack on neighbor who gave him a ride
A 44-year-old Salem man who attacked his neighbor and stole her car after she gave him a ride has been sentenced to six years in prison. Rodrelle Sanders of West Church pleaded guilty to unlawful poss...
Dec 22, 2025
Centralia Police Department Names Officer and Civilian Employee of the Year
The Centralia Police Department named its Officer of the Year and Outstanding Civilian Employee of the Year at its annual Christmas Party. The Officer of the Year was presented to Detective Mickey Jad...
Dec 21, 2025
