Category Archives: Local News
Government offices announce holiday schedules and trash collection changes
Salem and Centralia officials have announced closures and trash pickup schedules for the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Salem City Hall will be closed both Monday and Tuesday of next week for Chri...
Dec 21, 2023 Christmas tree lit on Sweney Corner in December 2023. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
All South Central School students to get free lunch and breakfast another four years
South Central School Superintendent Kerry Herdes told the school board this week that after a successful School Nutrition Audit, the district will be able to continue the free breakfast and lunch prog...
Dec 21, 2023
Expanded Angel Elf program in Centralia expands to serve 300 kids
More than 300 kids in the Centralia area will have Christmas gifts thanks to the expanded Angel Elf program held for the first time this year at the Calumet Street Christian Church. Sharon Hall has co...
Dec 21, 2023
Both drivers injured in two car crash on west side of Salem
Both drivers were injured in a two vehicle crash on the west side of Salem Wednesday afternoon. Salem Police say the collision occurred in the 2300 block of West Main Street west of XPO. They report 3...
Dec 21, 2023
Centralia High School Board approves $600,000 distance learning grant; will work with 8 other schools
The Centralia High School Board has approved a $600,000 grant for a distance learning program that will also benefit eight other schools. Patoka, Odin, South Central, Sandoval, Trico, Crab Orchard, an...
Dec 20, 2023
Centralia High School approves 5.99% property tax levy increase
By Austin Williams The Centralia High School Board held a Truth in Taxation hearing before it met this week. There was no one in attendance to object to the 5.99 percent increase in the levy over coll...
Dec 20, 2023 A rendition of the artificial turf field presented at the December school board meeting.
Photo by Austin Williams.
Long-vacant downtown Sandoval building being renovated into a new business
The long-vacant Bill's Cafe on Main Street in Sandoval is going to be renovated into a hair salon. The son of the owner of the cafe owner told the village board Tuesday night that after being unsucces...
Dec 20, 2023
Jefferson County inmate passes away after allegedly harming himself
A 27-year-old Waltonville man has died after being found unconscious and unresponsive in his Jefferson County Jail cell early Wednesday morning after apparently harming himself. The Jefferson County S...
Dec 20, 2023
Mt. Vernon home a total loss following Tuesday morning fire
An investigation is underway into a suspicious fire that destroyed a small Mt. Vernon home Tuesday morning. Fire Chief Kevin Sargent says the fire was at the Paul Miller home at 1318 South 18th Street...
Dec 20, 2023
Homeless Salem man charged with burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, and possession of meth
A 26-year-old homeless Salem man has been charged in Marion County Court with burglary without causing damage, possession of a stolen vehicle, and possession of under five grams of methamphetamine. Ed...
Dec 20, 2023
