Category Archives: Local News
Salem Community Theatre Board adopts $200,000 renovation plans
The Salem Community Theatre has expanded its renovation plans to include up to $200,000 in improvements if funds can be raised. The project started last month with approval of the replacement of the t...
Mar 14, 2025 Entrance to Salem Community Theatre. Photo from Salem Theatre website.
Salem Historical Commission to celebrate William Jennings Bryan's birthday
The Salem Historical Commission will celebrate William Jennings Bryan's birthday on Saturday with an open house and program. The City of Salem Historical Museum at 115 South Broadway and the Bryan Bir...
Mar 14, 2025 William Jennings Bryan Birthplace on South Broadway. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Both drivers receive minor injuries in rural Patoka crash
Both drivers were treated for minor injuries following a two vehicle crash late Thursday morning at the Seven Hills and Kinoka Roads in rural Patoka. Marion County Sheriff's Deputies say an SUV driven...
Mar 14, 2025
Medical issue causes motorcycle to crash on I-57 south of Salem exit
Marion County Sheriff's Deputies say a 61-year-old Mt. Vernon motorcyclist lost control and crashed into a guardrail on I-57 just south of the Salem exit late Friday morning. Todd Hoffman of Rose Lane...
Mar 14, 2025
Former Centralia Worship Minister pleads guilty to child pornography charges
A 40-year-old former Worship Minister at the Calumet Street Christian Church in Centralia has pleaded guilty to five counts of child pornography in exchange for three other counts, including two Class...
Mar 14, 2025
Raccoon Lake Association to meet Thursday night
The Raccoon Lake Association will meet at 7:00 Thursday night, March 13, at the Centralia Elks. The meeting is open to all individuals interested in preserving and improving the lake. Attendees are we...
Mar 13, 2025 File photo: Balloons over Raccoon Lake.
Centralia High School Drama performs Matilda this weekend
The Centralia High School Showcase on Stage will present Matilda the Musical Thursday, March 13 through Sunday, March 16. The title character, played by senior Eliza Glascock, is a smart girl with uni...
Mar 13, 2025 Ensemble performs the opening number of Matilda at Centralia High School. Photo by Austin Williams.
Salem Firemen responds to car fire and transformer explosion
Salem Firemen responded to an unusual car fire and an electrical transformer fire on Wednesday. Firemen were called to the David Garrison home in the 1500 block of Hawthorn Road when a car being used ...
Mar 13, 2025
Cities of Centralia and Salem issue warnings about placement of political signs
Both the cities of Centralia and Salem are reminding individuals that political signs are not permitted on state or city right of ways under city ordinance. City officials are kindly asking those runn...
Mar 13, 2025
Salem and Odin Fire Departments receive Fire Marshal Grants
Both the Salem and Odin Fire Protection Districts have received Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal Small Equipment Grants. They are among 178 fire departments around the state sharing in $4 mil...
Mar 13, 2025
