Category Archives: Local News
Illinois Gov. Pritzker signs law that gives benefits to Chicago first responders disabled by COVID
By JOHN O'CONNOR AP Political Writer SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday signed a law providing full disability benefits to Chicago police officers and firefighters struck by COVI...
May 11, 2023 With Illinois state Comptroller Susana Mendoza, right, looking on, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs a law at the state Capitol in Springfield on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 which provides full disability benefits for Chicago first responders who suffer from COVID-19 contracted on the job before vaccines were available. Mendoza's brother, police Det. Joaquin Mendoza, was denied benefits because he could not show the moment on the job that he contracted the disease. He suffers from long COVID that resulted in five strokes and the loss of both kidneys. (AP Photo/John O'Connor)
Mt. Vernon High School Superintendent reports no permanent damage from senior prank carried too far
Mt. Vernon High School Superintendent Melanie Andrews says cleanup has been completed and there was no lasting damage from a senior prank that was carried too far. Classes are resuming, as usual, Thur...
May 11, 2023 One of the debris filled hallways at Mt. Vernon High School following a senior prank. Photo provided by Melanie Andrews.
Centralia Community Youth Center Executive Director outlines plans with $249,000 state grant
The Executive Director of the Centralia Community Youth Center Herb Williams says an 80 by 100 foot addition is planned with a $249,000 state grant. Williams says the additional space will transform t...
May 11, 2023 Centralia Community Center Executive Director Herb Williams (file photo)
Centralia Rent One store celebrates renovation and remodeling
The Centralia Rent One store has completed an outside renovation and inside remodeling. Regional Manager Joe O'Neill says the project first started last October and was to last two months, but due to ...
May 11, 2023 Ribbon Cutting is held to mark the renovaton of the outside of the Rent One building and remodeling of the inside. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Centralia swears in new firefighter
A new Centralia City Firefighter was sworn in during ceremonies Wednesday at Centralia City Hall. Dakota Whritenour has been a firefighter at the Centralia Fire Protection District where he has comple...
May 11, 2023 Dakota Whritenour sworn in by Centralia City Clerk Kim Engh while his wife Sarah holds the Bible.
Salem Township Hospital honors long time nurse on retirement
A nurse who began her career at Salem Township Hospital 47 years ago was honored on her retirement Wednesday afternoon. Carolyn Dailey was presented with a clock and other items by the hospital and fe...
May 11, 2023 Retiring nurse Carolyn Dailey (left) with clock presented by hospital and other gifts from fellow employees. The clock presentation was made by Chief Nursing Executive Lisa Ambuehl. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Centralia man found guilty of aggravated battery to police officer
A Marion County Jury deliberated for an hour and a half Wednesday afternoon before convicting a 33-year-old Centralia man of aggravated battery to a police officer. Allen Hirsch was found guilty of pu...
May 11, 2023 Allen Hirsch
Bond set at $500,000 for Centralia teen charged with 10 Class X felony child pornography charges
Bond has been set at a half-million dollars for a 19-year-old Centralia man charged with ten Class X felony charges of child pornography. Brent Morris of East Calumet was arrested at his home Monday b...
May 10, 2023
Centralia man found not guilty by reason of insanity for aggravated battery to a police officer
A Marion County Jury deliberated just 15 minutes before finding a 47-year-old rural Centralia man not guilty by reason of insanity for aggravated battery to a police officer. Jason Hoffman of Old Sale...
May 10, 2023 Blogtrepreneur / CC
Salem Township Hospital Foundation names Employee of the Year
The Salem Township Hospital Foundation has named its Employee of the Year. Eydee Bumgarner, who is Director of the Health Information Management Department, was announced as the winner at the 'Employe...
May 10, 2023 Salem Township Hospital Foundation Employee of the Year with plaque and $1,000 check.
