Category Archives: Local News
Organizer of Prevention Picnic in Centralia Pleased With Turnout
The Executive Director of the Amy Center is pleased with the turnout at the first-ever Prevention Picnic held at Fairview Park in Centralia over the weekend. Amy Wharton wanted to hold a resource even...
Apr 27, 2026 Booths from multiple organizations provided information on their services during the Prevention Picnic Saturday in Fairview Park in Centralia.
Salem High School Green Team Collects 34 Pallets of Discarded Electronic Items
The Salem High School Green Team had another successful electronic recycling day on Friday. Coordinator Drew Johnson says 34 pallets of no-longer-wanted electronics were brought to the rear of the hig...
Apr 27, 2026 Students gather recyclables at the electronic recycling day on Friday. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Salem Lion's Still in Need of Donations for Post Prom
The Salem Lion's Club is seeking help in raising funds for Post Prom that will take place following Friday night's Prom at Salem Community High School. Tabitha Meador helps coordinate Post Prom each y...
Apr 27, 2026
Kaskaskia College dedicates Bill Hawley Court
A crowd of friends, family, and community members came to Kaskaskia College on Saturday to celebrate the career and legacy of KC Board of Trustees Chairman Bill Hawley at the dedication of Bill Hawley...
Apr 27, 2026
Fire Destroys Two Car Garage Behind Vacant Home in Centralia
Fire destroyed an empty two car garage behind a vacant residence at 517 North Cherry on Centralia's northwest side late Sunday afternoon. The fire also damaged the siding on the house as well as a sid...
Apr 27, 2026 A Centralia firefighter works to put out what remains of a garage fire on North Cherry Street. Photo by Tim Ferguson.
Out of Control Trash Fire South of Salem Damages Storage Building
A trash fire spread to some tires and railroad ties before eventually producing enough heat to set the inside of a nearby storage building on fire. The noon hour fire on Sunday was at the James VanMea...
Apr 27, 2026
Centralia City Council to Consider Purchasing New Street Sweeper
The Centralia City Council Monday night will be asked to purchase a new street sweeper through a tax-exempt municipal lease. The cost of the street sweeper will be $389,289. The lease agreement will b...
Apr 27, 2026
Police Beat for Monday, April 27th, 2026
A 44-year-old Centralia man was arrested by Centralia Police on an outstanding Marion County no-bond failure to appear major traffic warrant. Jesse Cummins of South Poplar was taken to the Marion Coun...
Apr 27, 2026
Chance of Severe Weather Has Been Increased by National Weather Service
The National Weather Service has upgraded the chance of severe weather for late this afternoon and evening in South Central Illinois from enhanced (3 out of five on severe weather scale) to moderate (...
Apr 27, 2026
Salem Community High School Prom Set for This Friday, May 1st
Salem Community High School Prom will be held on Friday, May 1st. Doors will open to the public at seven pm, with Prom scheduled from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m at B.E. Gum Gymnasium. This year's theme is...
Apr 26, 2026
