Category Archives: Local News
New Illinois Bill allows poultry farmers better opportunity for distribution
Numerous pieces of legislation went into effect on the 1st of January in the state of Illinois. One of those sponsored by State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) makes it easier for small pou...
Jan 08, 2026 Steven-L-Johnson / CC
Carlyle named one of best boating cities in country for 2026
Carlyle has been named one of the 12 Best Boating Cities in the United States for the second year in a row. The list is put together by BoatBooker. Carlyle Lake is recognized for its calm lake setting...
Jan 08, 2026
Marion County Coroner's office handles 442 deaths in 2025
The Marion County Coroner's Office handled 442 deaths in 2025. Coroner Claude Howell says the number is up for 415 in the prior year. Howell reported 421 of the deaths were the result of natural cause...
Jan 08, 2026 File photo: Marion County Courthouse.
Salem woman joins staff of United Way of South Central Illinois
United Way of South Central Illinois is welcoming Trish Mulvaney of Salem as the newest member of its team. The Executive Director of United Way of South Central Illinois Natalie Shook says they are i...
Jan 08, 2026
Illinois Department of Human Services reports yearslong data breach
by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois January 6, 2026 Article Summary IDHS says it inadvertently stored protected health information on a publicly accessible website involving more than 32,000 Divis...
Jan 07, 2026 Capitol News Illinois File Photo
Marion County's first animal control administrator calls the job 'a passion project'
Marion County's first Animal Control Administrator began as a volunteer for the Marion County Animal Control program and is looking forward to her expanded role. Whitney Purcell has set a number of go...
Jan 07, 2026
Surge of type 'A' flu and COVID-19 being recorded in Salem area
Salem Township Hospital is reporting a surge of Type 'A' flu and COVID-19 cases since Christmas week and continuing into the New Year. Chief Nursing Officer Lisa Ambuehl reports in December there were...
Jan 07, 2026
Salem firemen fight fire along railroad tracks at country club
The Salem Fire Protection District was called out Tuesday night to a fire stretched out along the Union Pacific Railroad Tracks at the Salem Country Club. Firemen say the fire covered about three-four...
Jan 07, 2026
Police Beat for Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
Illinois State Police arrested 45-year-old Erik Hubbert of North Elm Street in Vernon on a no bond Marion County major traffic warrant. He was taken to the Marion County Jail. A 34-year-old Salem man,...
Jan 07, 2026
Marion County Board appoints first Animal Control Administrator
The Marion County Board has named its first Animal Control Administrator. Board Chair Steve Whritenour says Whitney Purcell of Salem is being hired in connection with the county's purchase of the Cent...
Jan 06, 2026 File photo: Marion County Courthouse.
