Category Archives: Local News
No serious injuries reported in fiery three vehicle crash on Centralia's east side
A car caught fire following a three-vehicle crash on Route 161 near Crestwood Drive on the east side of Centralia Friday afternoon. Centralia Fire officials say one of the cars ran into the roadside d...
Jan 13, 2024
Centralia man charged with four counts of failure to register as a sex offender
A 30-year-old man has been charged with four counts of failure to register as a sex offender. Joshua Witkowski of South Hickory Street is accused of not registering a change of address within three da...
Jan 13, 2024
Extreme cold weather brings concerns about fires and injuries from the cold
The extreme cold weather is raising concerns about the potential for fire hazards. Salem Assistant Fire Chief Bill Fulton says some of the bigger concerns are overheated furnaces and space heaters. "T...
Jan 13, 2024 Arisa Chattasa / Unsplash
A weekend of ferocious winter weather could see low-temperature records set in the US heartland
By JIM SALTER and JENNIFER PELTZ Associated Press O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) - A long weekend of ferocious winter weather loomed across the U.S. on Saturday, as a continuing wave of Arctic storms threatened t...
Jan 13, 2024 Snow blows and drifts over County Road K22 near Merrill, Iowa, on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Woodlawn home heavily damaged by fire
A Woodlawn home was heavily damaged by fire Friday night. Woodlawn Fire Chief Bill Shega says the fire started as a chimney fire, spread to the attic, and eventually throughout the two-story home. He ...
Jan 13, 2024
Kentucky man ordered held without bond following large I-64 drug bust
A 43-year-old Louisville, Kentucky man faces three felony drug charges following a Wednesday drug bust on I-64 near Okawville where an estimated $500,000 in illegal drugs were allegedly seized. Trevor...
Jan 12, 2024 Washington County Deputy Andrew Howard with his canine Luna with the seized drugs from an I-64 traffic stop near Okawville. (Washington County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page)
Centralia Chamber announces theme and special awards at 100th Annual Banquet
The Centralia Chamber of Commerce has announced plans for its 100th Annual Banquet as well as those who will receive special awards. The banquet will be held on Thursday, February 8th, at the Centrali...
Jan 12, 2024 Centralia Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marcus Holland
Fire heavily damages rural Woodlawn home
A rural Woodlawn home was destroyed by fire late Thursday night. Jefferson Fire officials say the fire was at the Vince Kiesow home on Yale Road. All three occupants of the home got out safely. The fi...
Jan 12, 2024
Dog Kennel damage by fire in Centralia
A 20-by-40-foot dog kennel building was damaged by fire in Centralia late Thursday night. The fire appears to have started around the wood burning flu of the building at 1607 South Pine owned by Tammy...
Jan 12, 2024
I-57 reopened at Ina following fiery crash late Friday morning
Illinois State Police reports Interstate 57 has reopened going both directions at the Ina exit. The Interstate was shut down in both directions after two passenger cars and a tractor-trailer truck col...
Jan 12, 2024