Category Archives: Local News
Centralia City Council issues $218,480 in building permits in November
The City of Centralia issued $218,480 in building permits in November. There were 14 total permits, five were for installation of roof mount solar arrays. A permit for a $10,000 addition to a home on ...
Dec 03, 2025
Contractor cuts gas line at rear of Salem Township Hospital
A contractor on the Salem Township Hospital construction project at the rear of the hospital cut a natural gas line while removing a concrete parking lot on Tuesday. Salem Township Hospital CEO Jim Ti...
Dec 03, 2025 Construction in progress at Salem Township Hospital. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Salem Community High School Has Record Number of State Scholars
Salem Community High School has its largest number of Illinois State Scholars in a single class in the school's history this year. The Class of 2026 has had 30 students recognized by the Illinois Stud...
Dec 02, 2025
Salem City Council tightens nuisance and building code ordinances
The Salem City Council has tightened up its nuisance and building code ordinances. Under changes in the nuisance ordinance, recreational vehicles and boats will no longer be allowed to park long term ...
Dec 02, 2025
Salem City Council told sale of building housing NAL Operation will help finance expansion of another industry
The Salem City Council has agreed to move tax increment financing district benefits to a new owner of an industrial building at 2028 West Main that is utilized by North American Lighting. Aaron Robb i...
Dec 02, 2025 File photo: May 2025 Salem City Council meeting. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Salem takes another step forward on sewer project
The Salem City Council has agreed to seek up to a $2-million low interest EPA loan to pay engineering costs for a sewer project the city is seeking grant money to complete. Public Works Director Travi...
Dec 02, 2025
Slippery spots remain on major highways
The Illinois Department of Transportation reports scattered slippery spots remain on even the major highways in Marion, Fayette and Clay Counties. Major roads in Clinton, Washington and Jefferson Coun...
Dec 02, 2025
Wamac council approves changes to water shutoff fee structure
By Steven Stilt The Wamac City Council on Monday evening approved a new water shutoff fee structure for customers who are failing to pay their bills. Under the new plan, a first shutoff fee will be $5...
Dec 02, 2025 File photo: Wamac City Hall
City of Centralia approves next year's budget
The Centralia City Council approved the city's FY26 budget at the regular council meeting on Monday night. The budget shows an overall surplus of roughly $455,000. A public hearing was held before the...
Dec 02, 2025
Some Ameren Illinois customers to receive bill credit in market manipulation settlement with Dynegy
Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that some Ameren Illinois (Ameren) customers in central and southern Illinois will receive a credit on their upcoming power bills. The credits are the result of ...
Dec 01, 2025
