Category Archives: Local News
Sources: Darren Bailey to run for governor again in Illinois
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois September 9, 2025 Article Summary Former State Sen. Darren Bailey will announce a second campaign for governor, according to sources close to Bailey. Cook Count...
Sep 10, 2025 Former state senator and unsuccessful candidate for governor and later Congress Darren Bailey is pictured at the 2023 Illinois State Fair during his unsuccessful congressional campaign. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)
$5-million community solar farm proposed for south side of Wamac
A $5-million community solar farm is being proposed off of U.S. 51 on the southside of Wamac. Kiersten Sheets of Prejectory Energy brought the project before the Marion County Board's Community Relati...
Sep 10, 2025 File photo: Marion County Courthouse.
Marion County Highway Department wrapping up summer work
Marion County Highway Engineer Alex Kreke reported to the county board's road and bridge committee Tuesday night that road oiling has been completed for this year and final mowing of county road right...
Sep 10, 2025 Marion County Highway Department building.
Centralia City Schools expecting $2.7 million deficit
The Centralia City Schools Board of Education held a budget hearing ahead of its regular meeting on Tuesday for a 2025-26 budget that shows a deficit of approximately $2.7 million. According to superi...
Sep 10, 2025
Police Beat for Wednesday, September 10th, 2025
The Marion County Sheriff's Department returned 24-year-old Jacob Boss of North 5th in Mt. Vernon from Jefferson County on an outstanding Marion County no bond major traffic warrant. He was released o...
Sep 10, 2025
25th Annual Southern Illinois Construction Industry Career Expo set for September 23-25
High school students from Johnson, Jefferson, Union, Hamilton, White, Saline, Perry, Jackson, Williamson, Franklin and Washington Counties will have the opportunity for a hands-on learning experience ...
Sep 09, 2025
SSM Health in Southern Illinois welcomes new foundation board members
SSM Health in Southern Illinois has announced the appointment of three community leaders to the boards of the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation and the SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital Found...
Sep 09, 2025
Salem Theatre renovation nears end of phase one
The first phase of renovation of the Salem Community Theatre is near completion. Theatre Chair Drew Johnson says community help, including Salem Community High School students both in and outside of t...
Sep 09, 2025 File photo: New seats installed at the Salem Theater. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Centralia city councilman to become economic development director
Centralia City Manager Galen Mahle confirmed at Monday night's regular council meeting that council member Rob Jackson will resign his seat on the council and become the city's economic development di...
Sep 09, 2025 Centralia City Councilman Rob Jackson.
Centralia adds half cent sales tax
The Centralia City Council approved an ordinance for an additional 0.5% non-home rule municipal sales tax at Monday night's regular meeting. The added tax is projected to raise $929,000 in new revenue...
Sep 09, 2025 The Centralia City Council presents Fire Department Lieutenant Andrew Sneddon with a 25-year service award.
