Category Archives: Local News
At least seven die in tornados that hit St. Louis and southeast Missouri; 14 dead in Kentucky
ST. LOUIS (AP) - At least seven people died and authorities searched from building to building for people who were trapped or hurt after severe storms including at least one possible tornado swept thr...
May 17, 2025 Debris is seen after a severe storm moved through Friday, May 16, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
South Central Illinois spared severe weather on Friday
South Central Illinois was reporting little damage and no reports of tornado touchdowns as another line of severe weather pushed over the region Friday afternoon. The only damage reported in Marion Co...
May 17, 2025 danieldep / Depositphotos.com
Marion County Jury finds Ricky Norwood guilty of second-degree murder
A Marion County Jury deliberated for about one and a half hours Friday afternoon before finding Ricky Norwood of Centralia guilty of second-degree murder in connection with the August 2015 shooting de...
May 16, 2025
Two Vandalia teens escape serious injury in crash at Mills Cart and Baldridge Lane in Salem
Both occupants of a car that missed the stop sign at the end of Baldridge Lane and drove into trees on the other side of Mills Cart Road escaped with only minor injuries. The intersection is located a...
May 16, 2025
Salem man arrested twice Thursday following incidents with ex-girlfriend
Salem Police say they arrested a 32-year-old Salem man twice on Thursday following incidents involving his ex-girlfriend. Garrett Horton of East Bryan in Salem was initially arrested for aggravated as...
May 16, 2025
Odin Village Board reorganizes, promises ordinance violation crackdown after this weekend's cleanup
Odin Mayor Greg Smith was sworn in for an additional four years as mayor at Thursday night's meeting. Smith has just completed a two-year unexpired term in the position. One new council member was swo...
May 16, 2025 Odin Village Hall (credit: Odin Village Hall Facebook page)
Marion and surrounding counties declared State Disaster Area
The State of Illinois has declared Marion and contiguous counties disaster areas following the severe storms and flooding that occurred April 2 through 6. The contiguous counties included are Clay, Cl...
May 16, 2025
Salem Grade amended budget shows increased deficit
The Salem Grade School Board has scheduled an amended budget hearing for June 16 at 6:00 p.m. ahead of the regular June meeting. In discussion with the board on Thursday, superintendent Dr. Leslie Fop...
May 16, 2025 Franklin Park bowling team recognized at the school board meeting for an undefeated season. Photo by Austin Williams.
Big renovations happening at the Redemption Church in Salem
By Cole Wimberly The Redemption Church Salem is undergoing huge renovations throughout the entire facility. Redemption Church Salem's pastor, Josh Philips, is the one leading the charge. Rural Compass...
May 15, 2025 Renovations underway at Redemption Church in Salem. Photo by Cole Wimberly.
Salem Township Hospital Foundation names Janet Bunting 'Employee of the Year'
The Salem Township Hospital Foundation "Employee of the Year" is Janet Bunting in patient registration. She has worked in that area of the hospital since August 1981 and saw the original conversion to...
May 15, 2025 Janet Bunting is presented with the Employee of the Year award by Myron Lloyd. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
