Category Archives: Local News
Local Students Collaborate to Build and Launch Neighborhood Pantry
Students from the SCHS Construction Class and the Selmaville Beta Club have joined efforts to make an impact in their community through the creation of a new Neighborhood Pantry Box. The pantry, desig...
Mar 25, 2026
2nd Annual Salem Community Easter Meal Set for Saturday
The Second Annual Salem Community Easter Meal is set for this Saturday. The free meal will be at the Grace United Methodist Church at 116 East Schwartz Street from ten to noon. Chris Watkins of Saved ...
Mar 25, 2026 File photo: Visitors dining in at the 2025 Community Easter Dinner. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Both Drivers Hurt in Wednesday Morning Crash on Route 161 West of I-57
Both drivers were injured in a Wednesday morning crash on Illinois Route 161 west of I-57 near the entrance to Biggies. Marion County Sheriff's Deputies say 50-year-old Sheryl Watwood of Kingshighway ...
Mar 25, 2026
Bicyclist Hurt in Hit and Run Crash on Selmaville Road
The Marion County Sheriff's Department is seeking a maroon minivan that struck a bicyclist Tuesday night on the Selmaville Road and failed to stop. Initial reports indicate 27-year-old Jenna Phillips ...
Mar 25, 2026
Kaskaskia College Hosts Successful 2026 High School Welding Competition
The Kaskaskia College Welding Program recently hosted its 2026 Annual High School Welding Competition at the Harry L. Crisp Manufacturing and Trades Center, welcoming 51 skilled student welders from a...
Mar 24, 2026 High school students participated in the first day of the competition from New Approach in Vandalia, Okawville, Greenville, Carlyle, and Breese Central high schools.
Franklin Park School in Salem collects 9,162 items for Food Pantry
The Franklin Park Middle School in Salem has collected 9,162 items in their recent two-week food drive to benefit the Salem Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry. Carol Ann Short at the food pantry welcome...
Mar 24, 2026
Marion County Sheriff and State's Attorney say County Residents Paying for Improper Placement of Troubled Juveniles by DCFS
Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps and State's Attorney Tim Hudspeth say Marion County residents are unfairly paying the cost of placement mistakes by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Se...
Mar 24, 2026
Local advocates to host events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
At Monday night's meeting, the Centralia City Council proclaimed the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness month in partnership with SAFE Crisis Center to raise awareness and promote advocacy for...
Mar 24, 2026 SAFE organizers are presented with the Sexual Assault Awareness month proclamation at Centralia City Hall. Photo by Austin Williams.
Centralia approves sale of animal control facility to Marion County
The Centralia City Council has approved the sale of the Centralia animal control facility to Marion County. The county will pay the city $160,000 for the 2.5 acres of property. As part of the transact...
Mar 24, 2026
Centralia approves new contract for fire chief
The Centralia City Council approved a resolution to set the salary of new fire chief Blake Perez at $99,050 a year plus benefits. The contract takes effect March 30, and the formal swearing-in ceremon...
Mar 24, 2026 Incoming Centralia Fire Chief Blake Perez
