Category Archives: Local News
'Totality' takes place across large part of South Central Illinois
The total solar eclipse was plainly visible as it crossed South Central Illinois Monday afternoon. Some residents from other parts of Illinois as well as other states joined local residents for the ra...
Apr 08, 2024 Total eclipse over the Bell Tower in Centralia. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Two young girls may have averted large downtown fire (updated 12:30 pm)
Salem Assistant Fire Chief Bill Fulton says two observant girls may have prevented a large downtown fire Sunday night as they spotted a fire burning out one of the back doors of Steve's Antiques at 12...
Apr 08, 2024 Area fire departments wait as a search is underway to determine if a fire had spread from an elevator shaft at Steve's Antiques in Salem Sunday night. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Wabash Communications receives $23.1-million grant to expand broadband service in area
Wabash Communications Co-Operative has announced it has been awarded a $23,197,592 grant through the Connect Illinois Program to expand broadband access in underserved rural areas. The investment will...
Apr 08, 2024
Area officials ready for influx of visitors Monday for totality
A large number of visitors are anticipated for the full solar eclipse across much of the area early Monday afternoon. Salem is one of three hubs set up by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and ...
Apr 08, 2024 Emergency vehicles set up outside IEMA warehouse in Salem's westside industrial park. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Toronto, Canada astronomer in Centralia for eclipse explains what will be happening
There is an astronomer who will be watching the eclipse from the Centralia Regional Library Monday afternoon. Mubbi Rahman of Toronto, Canada has relatives in Greenville. He notes the sun and moon are...
Apr 08, 2024 Mubbi Rahman (Photo from sidratresearch.com)
IDOT officials say treat Monday like a snow day when you travel
A spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Transportation expects heavy traffic conditions Monday for those coming to the area to see the total eclipse. Paul Wappel says if you are driving Monday t...
Apr 08, 2024
Fire at Steve's Antiques confined to elevator shaft (Updated 6 am)
A large number of fire departments were called for what Salem Firemen feared was going to be a large downtown fire at Steve's Antiues at Main and Washington Street. Assistant Fire Chief Bill Fulton sa...
Apr 07, 2024 Firefighters inside the rear of Steve Antique's trying to find source of light smoke coming from building. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Marion County Sheriff warns about trespassing during solar eclipse
As South Central Illinois braces for a large influx of people to view the full solar eclipse Monday afternoon, Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps is warning that trespassing on private property is aga...
Apr 07, 2024 Raymond Larabie / CC
One Tech Tip: How to use apps to track and photograph the total solar eclipse
By KELVIN CHAN AP Business Writer Monday's total solar eclipse might become one of the most filmed and photographed events of the year. As the moon passes in front of the sun, plunging a swath of Nort...
Apr 07, 2024 FILE - People watch a total solar eclipse in La Higuera, Chile, Tuesday, July 2, 2019. Small towns and rural enclaves along the path of April’s 2024 total solar eclipse are steeling for huge crowds of sun chasers who plan to catch a glimpse of day turning into dusk in North America. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix, File)
Marion County Sheriff encouraging those interested in police work to apply for upcoming merit test
Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps says Monday at four is the deadline to apply to be a Marion County Sheriff's Deputy. The merit board will be conducting testing soon after the deadline. Cripps says ...
Apr 07, 2024
