Category Archives: Local News
A Look Inside Kaskaskia College's New Gym During First Basketball Games This Weekend
The Kaskaskia College Blue Devils and Blue Angels both earned victories as the new gym at Kaskaskia College was used for the first time Saturday. In fact, the Blue Devils used the opportunity to upset...
Feb 23, 2026 The KC Blue Angels in action on the new gym floor. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce Leaders Very Enthusiastic About the Future
The Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce held an Open House on Friday evening to discuss future plans and gain input from members. Outgoing President Siretha Howe says the chamber is in a rebuilding mode...
Feb 23, 2026
Marion County Coroner Says Autopsy Confirmed 40-Year-Old Farina Man Died from Massive Heart Attack
Marion County Coroner Claude Howell says an autopsy confirms that a 40-year-old Farina man died from a massive heart attack while in the drive through line at the Salem Taco Bell last Thursday night. ...
Feb 23, 2026
Salem Man Found Dead in His Apartment Had History of Heart Issues
Marion County Coroner Claude Howell says a 52-year-old Salem man found dead in his apartment died as a result of on-going medical problems. Michael Hill of Glenwood Acres apparently had been dead sinc...
Feb 23, 2026
Fire Hits Machine Shed at Kinmundy-Alma Fire Chief's Home
Kinmundy-Alma Fire Chief Kevin Day had to call the fire department Saturday afternoon to put out a fire that spread rapidly through a large machine shed just ten feet from his home at 615 South Jeffer...
Feb 23, 2026 liz west / CC
Centralia City Council to Vote on New Firefighters Contract
The Centralia City Council Monday night will consider approval of a four-year contract agreement with the International Association of Firefighters Local Union #618. The firemen have already approved ...
Feb 23, 2026
Police Beat for Monday, February 23rd, 2026
Centralia Police arrested a 26-year-old Centralia man for aggravated DUI and driving on a suspended or revoked license. Hugo Aguilar of North Maple was also wanted on a Marion County felony no bond fa...
Feb 23, 2026
Fire Damages Mobile Home in Wamac
Fire has damaged a mobile home in Wamac. Centralia Fire Protection District Chief Ross Boshera says the fire was at a mobile home owned by Paul Snyder at 314 Frazier. The fire appeared to have started...
Feb 22, 2026 The center part of a mobile home on Frazier Street in Centralia caught fire while the occupants were away late Saturday afternoon. Photo by Tim Ferguson.
Abandoned Trailer Heavily Damaged by Fire in Centralia
An abandoned trailer in Centralia was heavily damaged by a suspicious late Friday night fire. The fire was at 1027 South Hickory Street. A neighbor spotted the fire when flames shot out of one end of ...
Feb 22, 2026 A long abandoned mobile home is heavily damaged by fire at 1027 South Hickory in Centralia late Friday night. Photo by Tim Ferguson.
Police Beat for Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
Centralia Police have arrested 23-year-old Thj Billberry of South Maple in Centralia for alleged domestic battery and criminal damage to property. He was taken to the Marion County Jail to await a dec...
Feb 22, 2026
