Category Archives: Local News

Centralia High School hosts 2023 Academic Pep Assembly
Photos by Pat Hodges. Gallery attached below. As the final days of the school year approach, so do the assemblies and ceremonies. Centralia High School held its annual Academic Pep Assembly on Friday,...
Bruce Kropp May 14, 2023

Intermittent daytime closures this week on Kinoka/Boat Dock Road
The Illinois Department of Transportation is alerting motorists that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place in both directions of Kinoka Road/Boat Dock Road, from North Oak Street to just ...
Bruce Kropp May 14, 2023

Police Beat for Sunday, May 14th, 2023
Salem Police have arrested a 54-year-old Salem man for aggravated domestic battery and interference with a report of domestic violence. Bryan Hester of East Rainey was taken into custody following an ...
Bruce Kropp May 14, 2023

Christopher man arrested for distribution of child pornography
A 29-year-old Christopher man faces multiple child pornography charges following an investigation by the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation. John Mercks is charged with eight Cla...
Bruce Kropp May 14, 2023

Marion County Sheriff's Department arrest man on weapons and aggravated battery charges in Junction City
The Marion County Sheriff's Department is investigating an incident at a Junction City home that ended in an altercation and arrest of a man on aggravated unlawful use of weapons and aggravated batter...
Bruce Kropp May 14, 2023

More details released on four county motorcycle chase that ended in Sandoval
The Williamson County Sheriff's Department has released more information on a Friday night high-speed motorcycle chase that traveled through four counties before ending in a crash in Sandoval. Dennis ...
Bruce Kropp May 14, 2023

Salem Police investigating an armed robbery at Circle K on West Main Street
Salem Police say there was an armed robbery at the Circle K convenience store at 1531 West Main Street early Sunday morning. Police say the suspect entered the store, presented a knife, and demanded m...
Bruce Kropp May 14, 2023 Armed robbery suspect at counter of Circle K store with knife.

Kaskaskia College graduates urged to go on to do great things
Kaskaskia College graduates were encouraged to go boldly after their dreams, stand tall, and do great things during Friday night's commencement. The words of encouragement came from College President ...
Bruce Kropp May 13, 2023 Kaskaskia College graduates, family, and frineds fill the college gym after the potential of rain forced the ceremony inside. Photo by Bruce Kropp.

Fire heavily damages Centralia home
Fire has heavily damaged the Dustin and Montel Fields home at 401 North Walnut Street in Centralia. Centralia city fire officials say they had left about a half hour before the fire was discovered in ...
Bruce Kropp May 13, 2023 House fire on North Walnut vents through the roof. Photo by Tim Ferguson.

Wamac man faces Class X drug charge
A 52-year-old Wamac man has been charged in Marion County Court with A Class X felony charge of possession with intent to deliver 15 to 100 grams of methamphetamine. Jackie Scanlan of Wabash Avenue al...
Bruce Kropp May 13, 2023