Category Archives: Local News
Illinois DCFS reminds caregivers to practice the ABCs of safe sleep during Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month and all year long
(CHICAGO) - October is Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is reminding parents and caregivers of three steps parents and caregivers c...
Sep 30, 2025
Marion County Sheriff among those who desire greater cooperation with federal immigration official
As the U.S. government escalates immigration raids in Illinois and nationwide, some Illinois sheriffs including Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps are expressing support and a desire for greater coope...
Sep 30, 2025 File photo: Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Salem Community Theatre to hold open house for renovations
The first phase of renovation at the Salem Community Theatre is nearly complete and will be available for viewing from ten to noon on Saturday during Little Egypt Festival activities. Theatre Board Ch...
Sep 30, 2025 SCHS fall play assistant director Dusk Donoho (left) and Salem Theater Board Chair and SCHS fall play director Drew Johnson (right) sit in new seats inside the theater auditorium.
BCMW Community Services announces the start of the Energy Assistance Program
The BCMW Community Services has announced the application period for the LIHEAP winter energy assistance program will begin on Wednesday, October 1st. The program will once again this year serve incom...
Sep 30, 2025
Two Marion County railroad crossings to be closed for repairs
The Marion County Highway Department has announced the closure of two railroad crossings for repairs. Basom Road will be closed between Currie Road and Edgewood Road this week for improvements to the ...
Sep 30, 2025 William Ross / CC
City of Centralia to start leaf vacuuming October 20th for eight weeks
The City of Centralia will start the leaf vacuuming service for the fall season on Monday, October 20th. The vacuuming service will last for a period of 8 weeks ending on December 5, 2025. The service...
Sep 30, 2025 liz west / CC
Jefferson Fire handles shed and combine fires
Jefferson Fire officials say a combine caught fire while being used to harvest early Monday evening at the Nellie Barnett property on North Opdyke Lane. The fire spread to five to ten acres of soybean...
Sep 30, 2025
Police Beat for Tuesday, September 30th, 2025
Centralia Police have arrested 30-year-old Oton Valencia of Old US 51 in Centralia for alleged domestic battery, theft, and on an outstanding Washington County misdemeanor warrant. He was taken to the...
Sep 30, 2025
Centralia High School Board approves budget, holds discussion on academic watch list
The Centralia High School Board of Education approved a 2025-26 budget at its September meeting Monday night. Superintendent Chuck Lane said the budget currently shows a roughly $100,000 deficit based...
Sep 30, 2025
Kaskaskia College celebrates 85th Birthday
Kaskaskia College celebrated its 85th birthday over the weekend with various activities for the family, students, and potential students. Board Chair Bill Hawley opened the program. "This college has ...
Sep 29, 2025 Front of the Kaskaskia College campus during the 85th birthday celebration with bounce houses for the kids and tours of the mobile tech lab for adults and future students. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
