Category Archives: Local News
Centralia City Council honors retiring fire lieutenant; moves forward on more home demolitions
The Centralia City Council Monday night honored retiring Fire Lieutenant Robert Smith, Junior. He served on the Centralia City Fire Department for 27 years. "Just the greatest job in the world. I've b...
Mar 14, 2023 The Centralia City Council honors Fire Lieutenant Robert Smith Junior on his retirement. Left to right: City Councilman Spanky Smith and Jeff Castellari, Mayor Bryan Kuder, Lt. Smith, and Councilmen Rob Jackson and Blake Griffin. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Pritzker signs measure guaranteeing five days paid leave for Illinoisans
Bill passed during General Assembly's lame-duck session in January By NIKA SCHOONOVERCapitol News Illinoisnschoonover@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD - Gov. JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 208 into...
Mar 14, 2023
UPDATE - 15 fire departments hunt for fire in bottom of Waltonville grain bin
Fifteen fire departments were called Monday to assist in trying to locate a fire burning inside a large grain bin at the Waltonville Gateway FS facility. Salem Assistant Fire Chief Bill Fulton is part...
Mar 14, 2023 FS Grain Facility in Waltonville.
Mt. Vernon man charged with February Shawneetown murder
A 20-year-old Mt. Vernon man has been charged with the first-degree murder of a Shawneetown man that occurred last month. Demetrius Walker is charged in connection with the February 15th murder of 45-...
Mar 13, 2023
Final days to order fish and trees from Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District
Time is limited to order fish and trees from the Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District Spring Fish and Tree Sales. The Albino Catfish are no longer available. All other species of fish ar...
Mar 13, 2023
Bill aims to guarantee youth sentenced to life in prison a chance at parole after 40 years
Measure would extend recently signed law retroactively for all individuals sentenced while under 21 By NIKA SCHOONOVERCapitol News Illinoisnschoonover@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD - Illinois la...
Mar 13, 2023 State Sen. Seth Lewis, R-Bartlett, speaks in favor of his bill that would effectively abolish life sentences for any incarcerated individual who was under the age of 21 when they received their sentence. (Credit: Blueroomstream.com)
Centralia Chamber of Commerce Home and Community Expo draws good crowd
After a two year absence, the Centralia Chamber of Commerce Home and Community Expo drew a good crowd over the weekend. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marcus Holland says everyone seemed pleas...
Mar 13, 2023 Photo: Pat Hodges
Centralia City Council to be asked to declare more homes dangerous and dilapidated
The Centralia City Council Monday night is being asked to declare 14 more homes as derelict and requesting permission to demolish them. The homes are at 862 East Broadway, 903 Howard, 903 North Beech,...
Mar 13, 2023
I-57 closures in southern Marion County begin Wednesday
The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced lane reductions on both north and southbound I-57 from just north of the Illinois 161 intersection to the Jefferson County Line will begin Wedne...
Mar 13, 2023
Murray Center expected to get up to 60 residents from Choate
Officials of the Illinois Department of Human Services told Murray Center officials and State Representative Charlie Meier during a Friday tour that they can expect up to 60 additional residents as th...
Mar 13, 2023 State officials tour Murray Center on Friday.
