Category Archives: Local News
Precautions to take with Tick and Mosquito season underway
Area health departments have begun tracking efforts to find mosquitoes and ticks that are infected with diseases their bite can spread to humans. Marion County Health Department Administrator Melissa ...
Jun 02, 2026
'We didn't have time': Pritzker, leaders defend adjourning without Bears deal
by Brenden Moore and Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois June 1, 2026 Article Summary Gov. JB Pritzker acknowledged Monday that the Chicago Bears may be on their way to Indiana. But he and Democratic...
Jun 02, 2026
Hungry Hearts begins 9th Year of Serving Summer Lunches to Kids
The Hungry Hearts Program is beginning its ninth year of providing summer bag lunches to any person under the age of 18 in the Salem area. Marilyn Lewis is heading the program again this year and repo...
Jun 02, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Downs Trees and Traps 12 in Point Park on Raccoon Lake
A Monday evening severe thunderstorm caused several down trees in the Country Club Road area near the public boat docks on Raccoon Lake. Centralia City Firemen say 12 people were trapped at Point Park...
Jun 02, 2026 Falling tree crushes part of the roof of the Jim O'Neill home on Lackey Lane on Raccoon Lake early Monday evening.
Salem City Council Swears in New Deputy Police Chief; Will Have to Wait to Fill Openings
The Salem City Council has sworn in Ian King as the city's new Deputy Police Chief. King was promoted from Sergeant. King first joined the Salem Police Department in 2019 and became a sergeant last Ap...
Jun 02, 2026 Salem's new Deputy Police Chief Ian King is sworn in by Mayor Nic Farley while King's wife, Brooke, holds the Bible. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Salem City Council Approves New TIF Agreement and Funding for West Whitaker and Westgate Improvements
The Salem City Council Monday night approved $89,000 in funding through motor fuel tax funds to finalize the funding for resurfacing of West Whitaker Street from Westgate to Delmar and Westgate Avenue...
Jun 02, 2026 Salem City Clerk Tabatha Meador, Mayor Nick Farley, and City Attorney Matt WIlzbach at Monday's City Council meeting.
Police Beat for Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026
Centralia Police have arrested 25-year-old Destiny Berkel of West Rogers in Salem for alleged domestic battery. She was transported to the Marion County Jail to await a final decision on charges. A 22...
Jun 02, 2026
Kell Woman Escapes Serious Injury in Single Car Crash
A 24-year-old Kell woman escaped serious injury when she swerved to miss a possum on Kell Road just east of Route 37 and overturned in the roadside ditch. Marion County Sheriff's Department re...
Jun 02, 2026 Andrew Malone / CC
Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. Fall Fest Theme: "Stars, Stripes and Autumn Nights"
Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. is proud to announce the official theme and logo for the 2026 Mt. Vernon Fall Fest, set for September 25-26. The theme, "Stars, Stripes & Autumn Nights," celebrates ...
Jun 02, 2026
Salem City Council to Swear in new Deputy Police Chief, Review Two TIF Agreements
The Salem City Council Monday night will swear in new Deputy Police Chief Ian King. Two TIF agreements will come before the city council. One is a new agreement with H and H Property Holdings to renov...
Jun 01, 2026 File photo: May 2025 Salem City Council meeting. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
