Category Archives: Local News
The father of American teenage hostage freed by Hamas says she is 'doing very good'
By CLAIRE SAVAGE, MELISSA PEREZ WINDER and LISA BAUMANN Associated Press EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) - The father of freed American teen hostage Natalie Raanan said Friday she's doing well following two weeks...
Oct 20, 2023 In this photo provided by the Government of Israel, Judith Raanan, right, and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie are escorted by Israeli soldiers and Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special coordinator for returning the hostages, as they return to Israel from captivity in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Hamas released the pair in what it said was a goodwill gesture late Friday, nearly two weeks after they were captured in a bloody cross-border raid by the Islamic militant group. The Hamas attack sparked a war that is entering its third week, and Hamas is believed to still be holding some 200 people hostage. (Government of Israel via AP Photo)
Illinois government employee fired after posting antisemitic comments on social media
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - An employee with the Illinois comptroller's office has been fired after she posted vulgar antisemitic comments on social media during an exchange about the latest Israel-Hamas...
Oct 20, 2023
Former Mt. Vernon bank vice president receives prison term for bank fraud and arson
A former vice president and loan officer for Community First Bank of the Heartland based in Mt. Vernon who committed bank fraud and multiple arsons was sentenced in federal court in Benton on Thursday...
Oct 20, 2023
Salem Police recover stolen car
Salem Police say they have recovered a car stolen in Jefferson County. The car was located off an alley behind the 300 block of East Boone Street. Police were initially called to investigate a suspici...
Oct 20, 2023
Salem Grade School District learns of formation of Foundation to help district
The Salem Grade School District Board learned Thursday night of plans to form the Salem 111 Foundation that will be designed to help the district. Rene Goza was the spokesperson for the group and expl...
Oct 20, 2023 File photo: Salem Grade School Board.
Salem Township Hospital sets date for low cost blood voucher sales
Salem Township Hospital has announced low cost blood test lab vouchers will be sold one day only on Thursday, November 2nd. Those wanting to purchase the vouchers should drive through under the front ...
Oct 20, 2023
Former pastor and grade school athletic director sentenced to three years in prison for grooming
A former pastor and grade school athletic director has been sentenced in Jefferson County Court to the maximum three years in prison after earlier pleading guilty to a grooming charge. 28-year-old Gar...
Oct 20, 2023
Sandoval Village Board moves forward on new water meters and police body cams
The Sandoval Village Board voted Monday night to replace all the water meters in the community and allow the police department which will soon have four fulltime members to enter into a five year leas...
Oct 20, 2023
Centralia woman faces felony charge for making phone threat against school official
A 48-year-old Centralia woman has been charged in Marion County Court with felony disorderly conduct after allegedly making a phone threat against a Centralia City Grade School principal. Stephanie Cr...
Oct 20, 2023 Blogtrepreneur / CC
Three face new felony drug charges in Marion County Court
New felony drug possession charges have been filed in Marion County Court against three Centralia residents. 57-year-old Charles Baker of North Hickory was charged with possession of under five grams ...
Oct 20, 2023 File photo: Marion County Courthouse.
