Category Archives: Local News
South Central School Board gets update on middle school building improvements; learns overall enrollment is up
The South Central Middle School bathroom renovation that is part of the $2.8-million upgrade of the school is complete and ready for the start of school this week. That was the update from Superintend...
Aug 17, 2023 Construction continues on the new outside connector hall to the South Central Middle School gym and the outside of the gym. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Salem schools begin for students Thursday; new SRO starts at Salem Grade
It's the first day of classes Thursday for the Salem Grade and High School Districts. At Hawthorn Grade and Franklin Park Middle School, there is a new school resource officer as Mason McMeen replaces...
Aug 17, 2023 Salem Grade School School Resource Officer Mason McMeen. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Centralia Balloon Fest set to begin three day run on Friday
Centralia Balloon Fest is set to open Friday afternoon with the weekend event based at Foundation Park including hot air balloons, live entertainment, and family activities. The annual event is sponso...
Aug 17, 2023 Balloons in the air over Foundation Park for last year's Balloon Fest. Photo by Austin Williams.
Trump, Rauner, policy wins on Democrats' minds during State Fair's political festivities
Pritzker calls Illinois a 'beacon for national success' when it comes to 2024 elections By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD - Donald Trump and Bruce Rau...
Aug 17, 2023 Gov. JB Pritzker speaks to the crowd at Governor's Day at the Illinois State Fair. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)
Governor signs bill capping cost of Epi-Pens
A new Illinois law will cap the cost of epi-pens. Epi-pens are the first line of defense in combating severe, allergic reactions. Senator Mike Halpin of Rock Island sponsored the legislation and expla...
Aug 17, 2023 Melissa Johnson / CC
Ex-Madigan aide was warned several times that lying to grand jury would result in perjury charges
Jury shown evidence that Mapes' communications with McClain contradicted previous testimony By HANNAH MEISELCapitol News Illinoishmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO - Nearly six months after forme...
Aug 17, 2023
Illinois will provide burial for migrant toddler who died on bus while traveling through Marion County
By JOHN O'CONNOR and MELISSA PEREZ WINDER Associated Press SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois will provide for Thursday's funeral and burial for the migrant toddler who died last week on a bus near Kin...
Aug 16, 2023 Hobi industri / Unsplash
Sleep in Heavenly Peace gets $10,000 grant from Kentucky Fried Chicken
The Salem based chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace has received a $10,000 grant from the Kentucky Fried Chicken Foundation. Chapter President Kevin Rakers said they had earlier been encouraged by mana...
Aug 16, 2023 Officials and volunteers of Sleep in Heavenly Peace accepted $10,000 check from KFC Foundation.
Salem woman charged with financial institution fraud
A 36-year-old rural Salem woman has been charged with financial institution fraud after allegedly spending more than $19,000 from two checking accounts opened with fraudulent checks. Ashley Scarlett w...
Aug 16, 2023
Police Beat for Wednesday, August 16th, 2023
Salem Police have arrested a 38-year-old homeless Salem man on two counts of domestic battery. Robert Visser is accused of striking two relatives during a disagreement at his mother's home in Salem. H...
Aug 16, 2023