Category Archives: Local News

Salem man escapes serious injury in car-bicycle crash
A 39-year-old Salem man refused hospital treatment for apparent minor injuries sustained in a car-bicycle crash. Marion County Sheriff's Department reports indicate Elliot Edwards of Selmaville Road w...
Bruce Kropp Jul 06, 2023

One vehicle recovered and arrest made; five new thefts reported
It was a busy day on Wednesday for the Marion County Sheriff's Department and Odin Police in handling theft investigations. Sheriff's Deputies arrested 36-year-old Terry Winkler of South Walnut in Cen...
Bruce Kropp Jul 06, 2023

Three area fire departments fight wheat stubble fire southeast of Centralia
Three area fire departments combined efforts to bring a wheat stubble fire on the southeast side of Centralia under control late Wednesday afternoon. Centralia Fire Protection District Chief Ross Bosh...
Bruce Kropp Jul 06, 2023 Wheat stubble fire burns southeast of Centralia Wednesday afternoon. Photo by Tim Ferguson.

Salem and Centralia Fireworks conclude 4th of July holiday
Large crowds showed up near the Salem Reservoir in Bryan Memorial Park and in Fairview Park in Centralia to take in the annual fireworks displays. Here are a few shots enjoyed by crowds in both cities...
Bruce Kropp Jul 05, 2023 Tw of the fireworks shot off over the Salem Reservoir. Photo by Bruce Kropp.

Centralia celebrates 4th of July with parade honoring veterans
The 12th Annual Centralia 4th of July Veterans parade saw more participation again this year which pleased organizers. Wamac Mayor Butch Mathus served as parade chair. "It's getting bigger and more es...
WJBD Staff Jul 05, 2023 The top patriotic entry from the Prairie State Daughters of American Revolution 'Washington crossing the Deleware'. Photo by Pat Hodges.

Jefferson County Coroner identifies 7-year-old girl killed in I-57 crash south of Mt. Vernon
Jefferson County Coroner Roger Hayse has identified the person killed in an SUV rollover crash on I-57 south of Mt. Vernon as a seven-year-old Memphis, Tennessee girl. The coroner says Keyli Yulisa Ch...
Bruce Kropp Jul 05, 2023

Illinois trooper fatally shoots man suspected in 2 shootings in Iowa
DANVILLE, Ill. (AP) - A man who was shot and killed by an Illinois trooper was a suspect in two shootings in Iowa, police said Wednesday. Randy A. Jackson, 39, shot and wounded a man and woman in Clin...
Bruce Kropp Jul 05, 2023 Gregory Skylar454 / CC

Centralia Police arrest homeless man in connection with dozen broken vehicle windows
A 38-year-old homeless Centralia man was arrested by Centralia Police on Tuesday in connection with windshields or windows being broken out of a dozen vehicles. Jonathan Hiltibital was taken into cust...
Bruce Kropp Jul 05, 2023

Odin woman arrested after leading Central City Police on high-speed chase
A 28-year-old Odin woman has been charged with felony aggravated fleeing and eluding police after leading Central City Police on a high-speed chase Tuesday morning before crashing and attempting to fl...
Bruce Kropp Jul 05, 2023

Police Beat for Wednesday, July 5th, 2023
Centralia Police arrested a 38-year-old Salem man for possession of methamphetamine and on outstanding warrants. Joshua Gribler of Selmaville Road was wanted on a Marion County felony failure to appea...
Bruce Kropp Jul 05, 2023