Category Archives: Local News
Little More Than Half Illinois Municipalities Pass Own Grocery Tax to Replace Retiring State Tax
Illinois' statewide 1% grocery tax will go away on Jan. 1, though many people will continue to pay it at the local level. Data compiled by the Illinois Municipal League shows that 656 municipalities -...
Dec 30, 2025 teamtime / Depositphotos.com
Salem Community Activity Center Open Gym Changing Due to Vandalism
The Salem Community Activity Center has shutdown open gym until Friday due to vandalism by some of those utilizing the gym. Community Center Executive Director Marcie Auvil says when open gym resumes ...
Dec 30, 2025
New laws: aquifer protections begin
by Ben Szalinski and Brenden Moore, Capitol News Illinois December 23, 2025 Here are some of the other laws that will take effect in the new year set by governor J.B Pritzker Hotel soaps phased out Th...
Dec 30, 2025
Staunton restaurant owner headed for deportation
by Beth Hundsdorfer, Capitol News Illinois December 29, 2025 Article Summary U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement rejected a stay filed on behalf Ismael Ayuzo Sandoval. Now, he faces return to Mex...
Dec 30, 2025
Salem and Centralia, as well as Carlyle, are offering options to get rid of live Christmas trees
City officials from Salem, Centralia, and Carlyle are offering options for community members to get rid of their live Christmas trees from this past Christmas season. Salem is offering city residents ...
Dec 30, 2025 http://www.christmasmarine.com/ / CC
Southern Illinois Player wins $250,000 iLottery Jackpot after accidental purchase
An accidental iLottery purchase paid off in a big way for Holly of Johnston City, who won a $250,000 FastPlay jackpot on the Illinois Lottery's $20 Magnificent Multiplier. Holly revealed she bought th...
Dec 30, 2025 Holly of Johnston City, Illinois, celebrates with a big smile after winning a $250,000 jackpot playing the Illinois Lottery’s Magnificent Multiplier FastPlay game online.
Two Arrested in Connection with Missing Gun in Shooting of Salem Juvenile Boy
Two 19-year-old Salem brothers have been charged in Marion County Court in connection with the disappearance of a gun from what is believed to be an accidental shooting of a 17-year-old Salem juvenile...
Dec 30, 2025 Tyree Wilborn
Homeless Man Delivers on Promise to 'Rob Again' When Judge Wouldn't Keep Him in Jail
A 38-year-old homeless man who promised a judge he would 'rob again' if not allowed to stay in jail at a Marion County Court hearing last Friday has lived up to his threat. Salem Police arrested Mitch...
Dec 30, 2025
Marion County Emergency Telephone System Board Completes School Indoor Mapping Project
The Marion County Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) has successfully completed a school indoor mapping project funded through an Illinois State Police (ISP) 911 Grant. The project provided detai...
Dec 29, 2025
Fire Destroys Garage and Car in Early Morning Wamac Fire
An 18 by 20 foot garage and a 2000 passenger car were destroyed in an early Monday morning fire in Wamac. Centralia Fire Protection District Chief Ross Boshera says the fire was on the Mark Buller pro...
Dec 29, 2025 Fire engulfs a home at a vacant home at 509 North Hickory in Centralia. Photo by Sherre Goad.
