Category Archives: Local News
Raccoon Grade School 'Shrine' Week raises $23,469.46; Salem Mayor gets pie in face
Raccoon Grade School students, with the help of a 'pie in the face competition,' raised $23,469.46 for the Shriners organization this year. The featured event saw Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder give Sale...
Aug 24, 2026 Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder delivers a pie to the face of Salem Mayor Nic Farley after out fundraising him in the annual Shrine competition at Raccoon Grade School on Friday. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Federal Jury Convicts Fayette County Man of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
Following roughly 45 minutes of deliberation, a federal jury found a Fayette County man guilty of one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. 46-year-old James W. Berner Ramsey was charged ...
Aug 24, 2026
Carbondale educator accused of exploiting young girl in violent online 'cult'
The former high school teacher's aide faces 2 felony counts, denied bail until trial Article Summary Austin Knoob, 32, of Carbondale, faces two counts of sexual exploitation of a child. An unde...
Aug 24, 2026
Former Sangamon County deputy convicted of murder dies while in custody
State parole board denied a medical release for Sean Grayson just three weeks ago Article Summary Former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy Sean Grayson's defense attorney confirmed Grayson died Sunday ...
Aug 24, 2026 Sean Grayson’s mugshot a year ago after he was returned to Sangamon County from the Macon County Jail in 2025. (Photo courtesy Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department)
Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps addresses concerns about his retirement
Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps released a letter Monday afternoon to Marion County residents addressing controversy over how he will be replaced on the ballot for the November election. Cripps say...
Aug 24, 2026 File photo: Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Marion County Board Chair wants state investigation into process to replace sheriff on ballot
Marion County Board Chair Steve Whritenour has serious concerns about the way Sheriff Kevin Cripps has withdrawn from the race and the appointment of new Republican Precinct Committeemen who will help...
Aug 24, 2026 File photo: Marion County Courthouse.
Marion County Republican caucus Tuesday night to determine sheriff's candidate
The Marion County Republican Central Committee has scheduled a caucus Tuesday night to determine their candidate to replace Kevin Cripps on the ballot in the November election. Cripps announced last w...
Aug 24, 2026 Chief Deputy Anthony Decker, one of two candidates for the Marion County Sheriff's nomination. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Balloon Fest move to Fairview Park deemed a success by organizers
The Executive Director of the Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce Marcus Holland feels the move of Balloon Fest from Foundation to Fairview Park was a success with great weather also being a factor....
Aug 24, 2026 Balloons light up during the Saturday night balloon glow. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Centralia City Council to hold public hearing on three grant requests ahead of Monday city council meeting
The Centralia City Council will hold three public hearings to seek input on three upcoming grant or low interest loan applications prior to Monday night's regular meeting. The first hearing is at five...
Aug 24, 2026
Police Beat for Monday, August 24th, 2026
Marion County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 27-year-old Branden Bierman of South Oak in Sandoval early Monday morning for alleged domestic battery, criminal trespass to a residence, and interfering with...
Aug 24, 2026
