Category Archives: Local News
One Injured in East Main Street Crash in Salem (updated 6:30 pm Saturday)
Salem Police have released more details on a Saturday night crash on East Main Street in Salem. Police say they were following a pickup driven by 25-year-old Cody Johnson of East Liberty Road in Mt. V...
Aug 03, 2025
Woman found outside car after vehicle became stuck on railroad tracks in Centralia
Centralia Police say they located a woman lying in a yard near the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks after her car had gotten stuck on the tracks early Sunday morning. Initial information indicates tha...
Aug 03, 2025
Pritzker signs bill to implement mental health screenings in schools
Screenings would begin at public schools in the 2027-28 school year By BEN SZALINSKI Capitol News Illinois bszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com Article Summary: A new Illinois law is scheduled to implem...
Aug 03, 2025 Students are pictured in a file photo working on laptops at Lanphier High School in
Springfield. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Campbell)
Illinois joins suit against Trump administration orders limiting gender-affirming care
Raoul declines to give guidance to Illinois hospitals that have fallen in line with federal guidelines By BEN SZALINSKI Capitol News Illinois bszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com Article Summary: Illino...
Aug 03, 2025 Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is pictured on the floor of the Illinois Senate on May 30, 2025. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)
Salem man wanted following June chase is arrested
A 32-year-old Salem man has been arrested in connection with a June police chase that followed an attempted bicycle traffic stop. Salem Police say Cody Buchanan of Salem Mobile Home Park fled the bicy...
Aug 02, 2025
Farina man faces drug and fleeing charges following motorcycle chase
A 64-year-old Farina man is accused of leading a Clay County Sheriff's Deputy on a Wednesday night chase. Henry Dietz was arrested for possession of more than five grams of methamphetamine, obstructin...
Aug 02, 2025
Near Capacity Crowd on Hand for Friday night's Demolition Derby at the Fair
The grandstand and pit area bleachers were filled to near capacity as a large crowd turned out Friday night for the Marion County Demolition Derby. There were four classes of cars. Drake Guthrie of Ca...
Aug 02, 2025 File photo: Demo derby at the Marion County Fairgrounds. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Fire destroys standalone garage in Central City
Fire destroyed a standalone garage and two cars at 235 North Morrisson in Central City on Thursday morning. Flames were already coming through the roof when firefighters arrived. One car parked inside...
Aug 01, 2025 Centralia Fire Protection District responds to the garage fire on N Morrison. Photo by Tim Ferguson.
Entry forms to Little Egypt Festival Parade now available
Entry forms for the 54th Annual Little Egypt Festival Parade on Saturday, October 4th are now available. Forms may be picked up at the WJBD-WSIQ studios at 310 West McMackin or at Salem City Hall. You...
Aug 01, 2025 File: Photo of the 2024 Little Egypt Parade from the aerial platform of the Salem Fire Protection District Truck. (Photo: Salem Fire Protection District)
Centralia Woman Sentenced to Prison for Weapons Charge; Salem Man Get Delay in Sentence to Participate in Drug Court
A 45-year-old Centralia woman has pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. Christy Hamburg of Old Salem Road in Centralia received a two-year prison term in the Illinois Departmen...
Aug 01, 2025 Left: Christy Hamburg Right: Gilbert Sidener
