Category Archives: Local News
Effingham County man admits to federal charges for financially exploiting an elder out of more than $330,000
BENTON, Ill. - An Effingham County man appeared in federal court to plead guilty to several charges for exploiting an elder out of an estimated $338,773. Edward L. Stief, Jr., 42, pleaded guilty to on...
Aug 19, 2025
Balloon Fest 2025 Cardboard Boat Race Results
The annual cardboard boat races were held at Balloon Fest on Sunday as part of Family Fun Day. A total of nineteen contestants competed across three races. This year's first place winner was Hattie Ki...
Aug 19, 2025 This year's cardboard boat race trophy winners. Photo by Austin Williams.
Balloon Fest 2025 Car Show Results
The following are the results of the 2025 Balloon Fest Car Show. Best Car - Karen Bierman, 1957 Nash Metropolitan Best Truck - Greg Tate, 1955 Chevy 3100 Best Paint - Tom Wernsman, 1939 Ford Ca...
Aug 19, 2025 Award winners at this year's Balloon Fest car show take a group photo. Photo by Austin Williams.
Balloon Fest draws crowds despite hot weather
Balloon Fest endured the hot humid weather over the weekend as all events went off as scheduled. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marcus Holland feels the event was a success despite the tempera...
Aug 19, 2025 Crowds by Catfish Pond watch the Balloon Glow on Saturday. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Salem High School Board gets update on summer construction and lightning strike
The Salem Community High School Board Monday night received an update on summer construction projects and damage from a late July lightning strike on the school. Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering says ...
Aug 19, 2025
Salem City Council to keep 1-Cent grocery sales tax
The Salem City Council has agreed to keep the one-cent sales tax on groceries once the state stops collecting the tax October 1st. Mayor Nic Farley emphasized this was not a new tax. "During the last ...
Aug 19, 2025 File photo: May 2025 Salem City Council meeting. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Salem City Council approves four tax increment financing agreements
The Salem City Council Monday night approved four tax increment financing agreements. One of the proposals from Abby and Alex Williams will result in a downtown building at 100 North Washington to be ...
Aug 19, 2025
Clinton County Board unanimous against 'Proud Boys' billboard near Breese
The Clinton County Board voted unanimously in an advisory vote Monday night that they are against the 'Proud Boy's' recruiting billboard that has gone up next to Breese Central High School. There were...
Aug 19, 2025 A billboard promoting the Proud Boys, a right-wing extremist group, appears in a cornfield in Clinton County, Illinois. (Molly Parker/CNI)
Police Beat for Tuesday, August 19th, 2025
Salem Police have arrested Timothy Finley for criminal trespass to the Toss and Wash Laundry on West Main Street where he was earlier banned. Due to violating three pre-trial release agreements on oth...
Aug 19, 2025
Flag Raising Ceremony for new large Interstate Flag set for Tuesday evening
The new large interstate US Flag will be dedicated during ceremonies at five Tuesday evening. The new flag pole is located behind the city welcome sign at Kinney Boulevard and West Main Street, next t...
Aug 19, 2025 Mike Mozart / CC
