Category Archives: Local News
Local advocates to host events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month
At Monday night's meeting, the Centralia City Council proclaimed the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness month in partnership with SAFE Crisis Center to raise awareness and promote advocacy for...
Mar 24, 2026 SAFE organizers are presented with the Sexual Assault Awareness month proclamation at Centralia City Hall. Photo by Austin Williams.
Centralia approves sale of animal control facility to Marion County
The Centralia City Council has approved the sale of the Centralia animal control facility to Marion County. The county will pay the city $160,000 for the 2.5 acres of property. As part of the transact...
Mar 24, 2026
Centralia approves new contract for fire chief
The Centralia City Council approved a resolution to set the salary of new fire chief Blake Perez at $99,050 a year plus benefits. The contract takes effect March 30, and the formal swearing-in ceremon...
Mar 24, 2026 Incoming Centralia Fire Chief Blake Perez
Carlyle Lake Facilities Opening Soon
Spring has arrived, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) facilities at Carlyle Lake will soon open for the 2026 recreation season. This includes the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, campgrounds, a...
Mar 24, 2026
Kaskaskia College to add Machining Technology certificate
By Steven Stilt Kaskaskia College will add a new certificate program to its offerings next school year, following action Monday night by the college's board of trustees. The board voted in favor of ad...
Mar 24, 2026
K-Pop Demon Hunters Fan Fest Coming to Castle Ridge
Castle Ridge will transform into a high-energy pop culture playground on Sunday, June 7th, as the K-Pop Demon Hunters Fan Fest brings an interactive, family-friendly entertainment experience to Southe...
Mar 24, 2026 File: Castle Ridge (Facebook photo)
Police Beat for Tuesday, March 24th, 2026
A 39-year-old Salem man was arrested by Salem Police on an outstanding Marion County DUI warrant. He was taken to the Marion County Jail where he posted $500 bond and was released.
Mar 24, 2026
William Jennings Bryan Credited with Starting Modern Campaign Methods
A retired Smithsonian Institute employee with an emphasis on political science says William Jennings Bryan started many of today's Presidential campaign methods. Dr. Clair Jesse spoke about Bryan's pl...
Mar 23, 2026 Dr. Clair Jesse speaks at the William Jennings Bryan birthday celebration in Salem. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Mt. Vernon Market Days Returns March 28 with Easter Egg Hunt, Golden Egg Quest and Live Music
Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. invites the community to downtown Mt. Vernon for the first Market Days of the season on Saturday, March 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at The Commons. The event will featu...
Mar 23, 2026
Shed Fire in Rural Salem Destroys Building and Contents
A fire fully engulfed a shed housing a substantial amount of equipment on the Gary Rinehart property in the 5400 block of Woodard School Road in rural Salem during the noon hour on Sunday. The fire wa...
Mar 23, 2026
