Category Archives: Local News
K-Pop Demon Hunters Fan Fest Coming to Castle Ridge
Castle Ridge will transform into a high-energy pop culture playground on Sunday, June 7th, as the K-Pop Demon Hunters Fan Fest brings an interactive, family-friendly entertainment experience to Southe...
Mar 24, 2026 File: Castle Ridge (Facebook photo)
Police Beat for Tuesday, March 24th, 2026
A 39-year-old Salem man was arrested by Salem Police on an outstanding Marion County DUI warrant. He was taken to the Marion County Jail where he posted $500 bond and was released.
Mar 24, 2026
William Jennings Bryan Credited with Starting Modern Campaign Methods
A retired Smithsonian Institute employee with an emphasis on political science says William Jennings Bryan started many of today's Presidential campaign methods. Dr. Clair Jesse spoke about Bryan's pl...
Mar 23, 2026 Dr. Clair Jesse speaks at the William Jennings Bryan birthday celebration in Salem. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Mt. Vernon Market Days Returns March 28 with Easter Egg Hunt, Golden Egg Quest and Live Music
Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. invites the community to downtown Mt. Vernon for the first Market Days of the season on Saturday, March 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at The Commons. The event will featu...
Mar 23, 2026
Shed Fire in Rural Salem Destroys Building and Contents
A fire fully engulfed a shed housing a substantial amount of equipment on the Gary Rinehart property in the 5400 block of Woodard School Road in rural Salem during the noon hour on Sunday. The fire wa...
Mar 23, 2026
Strong Cold Front Causes Wind Issues in Centralia Area
Strong winds early Sunday night caused issues in both Centralia and Central City. While most of the area escaped rain, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southern Fa...
Mar 23, 2026 Centralia first responders reroute traffic near a downed light pole and attached wire which landed across North Poplar at the entrance to the First General Baptist Church at 1118 N. Poplar. Photo by Tim Ferguson.
St. Mary's and Good Samaritan Wound Care Clinics Receive National Recognition
The Wound Care Clinics at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital and SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital have been honored with two outstanding achievement awards from RestorixHealth, recognizing exceptional c...
Mar 23, 2026
Centralia Set to Act on Animal Control Issues and New Fire Chief's Contract
The Centralia City Council Monday night will be asked to pass an ordinance to sell its animal control facility at 853 Woods Lane to Marion County for their new animal shelter. The county will pay the ...
Mar 23, 2026
Police Beat for Monday, March 23rd, 2026
Centralia Police arrested a 28-year-old Salem woman on an Effingham County warrant on Sunday. Sharesa Howser of Foxville Road was initially taken to the Marion County Jail and later transferred to the...
Mar 23, 2026
Gas Leak Causes Evacuation of Grace Church and Cancellation of Services
The Salem Fire Protection District evacuated the Grace Church on North Broadway in Salem Sunday morning after a strong smell of gas filled the church and drifted out into the parking lot. The fire dep...
Mar 22, 2026
