Category Archives: Local News
Severe Thunderstorm Downs Trees and Traps 12 in Point Park on Raccoon Lake
A Monday evening severe thunderstorm caused several down trees in the Country Club Road area near the public boat docks on Raccoon Lake. Centralia City Firemen say 12 people were trapped at Point Park...
Jun 02, 2026 Falling tree crushes part of the roof of the Jim O'Neill home on Lackey Lane on Raccoon Lake early Monday evening.
Salem City Council Swears in New Deputy Police Chief; Will Have to Wait to Fill Openings
The Salem City Council has sworn in Ian King as the city's new Deputy Police Chief. King was promoted from Sergeant. King first joined the Salem Police Department in 2019 and became a sergeant last Ap...
Jun 02, 2026 Salem's new Deputy Police Chief Ian King is sworn in by Mayor Nic Farley while King's wife, Brooke, holds the Bible. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Salem City Council Approves New TIF Agreement and Funding for West Whitaker and Westgate Improvements
The Salem City Council Monday night approved $89,000 in funding through motor fuel tax funds to finalize the funding for resurfacing of West Whitaker Street from Westgate to Delmar and Westgate Avenue...
Jun 02, 2026 Salem City Clerk Tabatha Meador, Mayor Nick Farley, and City Attorney Matt WIlzbach at Monday's City Council meeting.
Police Beat for Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026
Centralia Police have arrested 25-year-old Destiny Berkel of West Rogers in Salem for alleged domestic battery. She was transported to the Marion County Jail to await a final decision on charges. A 22...
Jun 02, 2026
Kell Woman Escapes Serious Injury in Single Car Crash
A 24-year-old Kell woman escaped serious injury when she swerved to miss a possum on Kell Road just east of Route 37 and overturned in the roadside ditch. Marion County Sheriff's Department re...
Jun 02, 2026 Andrew Malone / CC
Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. Fall Fest Theme: "Stars, Stripes and Autumn Nights"
Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. is proud to announce the official theme and logo for the 2026 Mt. Vernon Fall Fest, set for September 25-26. The theme, "Stars, Stripes & Autumn Nights," celebrates ...
Jun 02, 2026
Salem City Council to Swear in new Deputy Police Chief, Review Two TIF Agreements
The Salem City Council Monday night will swear in new Deputy Police Chief Ian King. Two TIF agreements will come before the city council. One is a new agreement with H and H Property Holdings to renov...
Jun 01, 2026 File photo: May 2025 Salem City Council meeting. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Police Beat for Monday, June 1st, 2026
Salem Police arrested 21-year-old Andrew Blasdell on Sunday for domestic battery. He said he was homeless. Blasdell was taken to the Marion County Jail to await further court action. 47-year-old Layce...
Jun 01, 2026
Centralia Police Break Up Burglary in Progress, but Suspect Gets Away
Centralia Police say they broke up a burglary in progress at the Ameren facility at 1008 East 14th early Monday morning, but those responsible got away. Entry was made to a fenced in area behind the b...
Jun 01, 2026
Centralia Police Make Arrest Following 4-Wheeler Chase
The Centralia Police Department arrested a 36-year-old Centralia man Sunday night after he fled an attempted traffic stop on a four wheeler at 13th and Marion Streets. Police say Jeffrey Gallatin of S...
Jun 01, 2026
