Category Archives: Local News

Indiana woman pleads guilty to murder of rural Dix man
A 43-year-old Evansville, Indiana woman has pleaded guiilty to the first-degree murder of a rural Dix man. Retha McIntire was sentenced Thursday in Jefferson County to 25 years in prison for the Septe...
Bruce Kropp May 04, 2023

Police Beat for Thursday, May 4th, 2023
A 29-year-old Centralia man has been arrested by Centralia Police for aggravated battery and theft/possession of stolen property. Deondre McGowen of South Lincoln was taken to the Marion County Jail. ...
Bruce Kropp May 04, 2023

Salem Lions to once again host SCHS Post Prom; donations still being sought
The Salem Lions Club will continue its tradition of hosting the Salem Community High School Post Prom. The event is chaired by Lion's Club members Tabitha Meador and Scott Steward. Meador says a numbe...
WJBD Staff May 04, 2023 2022 Post Prom participants try out the hula hoops.

Two Centralia residents enter guilty pleas to separate aggravated battery incidents
Two Centralia residents have entered guilty pleas in Marion County Court to separate aggravated battery incidents. 31-year-old Laquisha Lockett of Marquis Drive in Centralia admitted to elbowing a Cen...
WJBD Staff May 04, 2023 Blogtrepreneur / CC

SSM Health Illinois begins program to enhance safety of patients and staff
SSM Health Illinois has partnered with Arjo Inc. to implement a program designed to enhance the safety of patients and reduce workplace injuries. The SSM Health Illinois program, named LIFTsmart: Livi...
WJBD Staff May 04, 2023 New SmartLift equipment at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia.

Leaf fire started by lawn mower starts blaze that destroyed home in rural Texico
Jefferson Fire says a leaf fire started by a man cutting grass spread to a home that ended up being a total loss. The fire was in the 21,000 block of North Stratford Lane in rural Texico. When firefig...
WJBD Staff May 04, 2023

5th graders throughout Marion County attended Conservation Day
Several hundred fifth-graders from schools throughout Marion County attended the annual Conservation Day at the fairgrounds on Tuesday and Wednesday. Cara Boozer with the University of Illinois Extens...
WJBD Staff May 04, 2023

Bill on Governor's desk to prevent book banning in public and school libraries, draws fire from local legislators
Illinois lawmakers are voting to prevent books from being banned at public and school libraries. The legislation denies funding to libraries that toss out certain books. It was spearheaded by Secretar...
WJBD Staff May 04, 2023 Emma London

Salem Township Hospital Foundation names finalist for Employee of the Year
The Salem Township Hospital Foundation has named the finalists for Employee of the Year. The annual award is a joint recognition project with Dr. and Mrs. Lakshmanan. The winner will receive a $1,000 ...
Bruce Kropp May 03, 2023

Marion Countywide Rabies Clinics begin Saturday
The 38th Annual Marion County Rabies Clinic conducted by Dr. A.J. Sprague will be held throughout the county beginning this Saturday, May 6th. The clinics provide pet owners living in the country an o...
Bruce Kropp May 03, 2023 Marliese Streefland / Unsplash