Category Archives: Local News
Jefferson Fire breaks ground on new $6.3-million fire station
The Jefferson Fire Protection District has broken ground on a new $6.3-million fire station next to the current station off Route 37 on the south end of Mt. Vernon. Johannes Construction of Centralia ...
Oct 13, 2026 Jefferson Fire officials and firefighters join in the groundbreaking for the new $6.2-million fire station Monday night. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Brush fire gets out of hand, burns 1/2 acre
The Salem Fire Protection District was called Monday afternoon to a brush fire that got out of control at the Joanie Tate property at 4703 Carter Road in rural Kell. Firemen were able to keep it from ...
Oct 13, 2026
SSM Health in Southern Illinois Volunteen Program Inspires Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals
What began in 2022 with just 11 students has grown into a thriving pipeline program that is helping high school students across Southern Illinois discover careers in healthcare while building the futu...
Oct 12, 2026
Annual Holiday Native American Market returns to Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in November
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site will host its annual Holiday Native American Market Nov. 27-29 at the site's Interpretive Center in Collinsville. Artists representing several tribal nations will pa...
Oct 12, 2026 zrfphoto / Depositphotos.com
Marion County Budget deficit down to $350,000 after $400,000 in capital improvements are cut (corrected 7 am 10-13-26)
The Marion County Board's budget and finance committee will meet Tuesday night to continue trying to find ways to eliminate the now-$350,000 budget shortfall. County Board Chair Steve Whritenour says ...
Oct 12, 2026 File photo: Marion County Courthouse.
Centralia City Council to consider consultant to bring in more retail
The Centralia City Council Tuesday night will consider entering into a three-year agreement with Retail Strategies, LLC for retail recruitment, market analysis, real estate analysis, and economic deve...
Oct 12, 2026
Centralia Police investigating hit and run accident involving car later reported stolen
Centralia Police are looking for a hit and run driver of a vehicle left at a crash scene in the 600 block of Robinett that was later reported as stolen. The car reportedly hit a parked SUV at 12:35 Mo...
Oct 12, 2026
Police Beat for Monday, October 12th, 2026
Salem Police arrested a 31-year-old Salem woman on an outstanding Clinton County warrant. Jordan Manion of West Bryan was later transferred to the Clinton County Jail at Carlyle. Illinois State Police...
Oct 12, 2026
Monday is Columbus Day
Monday is Columbus Day, a holiday for some. Most state and federal offices and most schools are closed. Area courthouses will also be closed. Centralia City Hall will be closed, but Salem City Hall is...
Oct 11, 2026
Two semis collide; dumping cat litter on I-57 north of Kinmundy
Two semis collided on northbound I-57 at mile marker 133 between Kinmundy and Farina early Sunday morning. Initial information from the Marion County Sheriff's Department indicates one truck broke dow...
Oct 11, 2026
