Category Archives: Local News
Half of Illinois counties now at medium or high level for COVID-19, Marion County still low
The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 51 counties, or half of the counties in the state, are now at the medium or high level for COVID-19 hospitalizations. As a result,, they are advis...
Dec 15, 2023
U.S. Supreme Court refuses to block assault weapons ban as full legal challenges progress
Pritzker says he still believes law is constitutional By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD - The U.S. Supreme Court issued two orders this week turning d...
Dec 14, 2023 Gov. JB Pritzker takes questions at a news conference Thursday in Springfield. Pritzker said he believes Illinois' assault weapons ban is constitutional as gun rights advocates prepare to challenge the law before the U.S. Supreme Court. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock)
After pushing for law targeting 'crisis pregnancy centers,' attorney general backs off legal fight
Bill sponsor calls Kwame Raoul's decision 'heartbreaking' and a 'gut punch' to women By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com A little over six months after pushing Democ...
Dec 14, 2023 Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is pictured on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives during debate over a measure he supported in the spring legislative session. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)
Centralia man pleads guilty in Marion County Court to criminal sexual abuse
A 43-year-old Centralia man has pleaded guilty to criminal sexual abuse from an incident that occurred in November 2005. Francisco Rojas of West Rexford admitted to committing sexual abuse with a pers...
Dec 14, 2023
Centralia man pleads guilty to reduced charge following March grooming arrest
A 34-year-old Centralia man originally charged with grooming has pleaded guilty to a reduced misdemeanor charge of endangering the health and life of a child. Micah Johnson of Clear Lake Drive enterin...
Dec 14, 2023
Salem Elks make $6,000 in donations to two area food pantries
The Salem Elks presented checks totaling $6,000 to two area food pantries on Wednesday evening. The Elks grant writer Mike Hooe says the money is coming from the Elk's National Foundation's 'Beacon Gr...
Dec 14, 2023 Salem Elks Exhalted Ruler Bob Lafenhagan (left) presents a check to Rae Daleo of the Salem Ministerial Alliance along with Grant Writer Mike Hooe.
Centralia Mayor and Liquor Commissioner decides not to revoke Centralia House liquor license
Centralia Mayor and Liquor Commissioner Bryan Kuder has decided NOT to suspend, terminate or revoke the liquor license of Ramey's Centralia House Restaurant. Kuder held a hearing last week on his prop...
Dec 14, 2023 Centralia Mayor and Liquor Commissioner listens to testimony at last week's Liquor Commission hearing. (Photo by Bruce Kropp)
Marion County Highway Engineer outlines funded projects for next five years
Marion County Highway Engineer Mike McCormick has compiled a list of road and bridge projects that have been funded during the next five years. The list includes six bridges that are either closed or ...
Dec 14, 2023 Marion County Highway Department building.
Rural Centralia man pleads guilty to aggravated battery to a child
A 47-year-old rural Centralia man has pleaded guilty to aggravated battery to a child. Benjamin Beard of West 4th was charged with grabbing a girl under the age of 13 around the neck. He was placed on...
Dec 14, 2023
Father of July 4th Illinois parade shooting suspect released early from jail for good behavior
WAUKEGAN, Ill. (AP) - The father of the suspect in a deadly 2022 Fourth of July parade shooting in suburban Chicago has been released early from jail after serving part of a 60-day sentence for sponso...
Dec 14, 2023 Robert E. Crimo Jr., talks to his attorney George Gomez as he appears before Judge George D. Strickland at the Lake County Courthouse, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Waukegan, IL. . (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, Pool)
