Category Archives: Local News
Salem man arrested for failure to register as a sex offender
A Salem man has been arrested for failure to register as a sex offender. Russell Wimberly told Salem Police he was homeless and had not registered his current situation. He was taken to the Marion Cou...
Dec 15, 2025
Detached garage destroyed by fire in rural Walnut Hill
A detached garage at the Clayton Vaughn home at 361 Gilliland Road in rural Walnut Hill was destroyed by fire Sunday afternoon. Centralia Fire Protection District Chief Ross Boshera says the 30 by 30 ...
Dec 15, 2025
Salem City Council to consider two TIF projects Monday night
The Salem City Council Monday night will consider two tax increment financing district projects. One would allow Dustin Gansauer to move Ace Auto Sales to the vacant Rollinson's Home Center at 121 Wes...
Dec 15, 2025
Centralia City Council looks to begin relending program, once again waiving demolition fees
The Centralia City Council Monday night will be asked to authorize the city to apply for a loan program designed to spur economic development. If approved, the $500,000 would be used to create a revol...
Dec 15, 2025
Ashley Man Arrested by Wamac Police on Weapons and Drug Charges
A 49-year-old Ashley man faces multiple charges after he was allegedly found in possession of drugs and a weapon after backing into a pole at the Casey's General Store in Wamac. Melvin Creps was taken...
Dec 14, 2025 blinow61 / Depositphotos.com
Salem Firemen Name Justin Burner as Fireman of the Year
The Salem Fireman of the Year is Justin Burner. Burner was presented the award at the annual Salem Fire Protection District Ball Saturday night at the Salem Elks. He also received his five-year servic...
Dec 14, 2025 Firefighter Justin Burner receives the Firefighter of the Year Award from Board of Trustees President Mike Squibb.
Marion County Sheriff's Department Names Deputy and Correctional Officers of the Year
Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps presented the Deputy of the Year and the Correctional Officers of the Year awards at the department's Christmas Party at the Salem Elks Saturday night. Cripps named ...
Dec 14, 2025 Ed Rankin (left) and Steve Burroughs (right) accepted Correctional Officer of the Year Award from Sheriff Kevin Cripps. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Illinois ag director says Trump trade policies are 'crushing' farmers
Jerry Costello II says latest aid package insufficient; warns of long-term impact By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com Story Summary The Trump administration announc...
Dec 14, 2025 Jerry Costello II, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, speaks at a Christian County farm alongside Gov. JB Pritzker (left) and Cameron Joost, assistant director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The group discussed the impact of tariffs on Illinois farmers in an October visit. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)
New Pet Business Opens in Salem
The Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting to welcome Modern Paw Pet Company to Salem. The business owned by Lauren Fox is located at 730 North Broadway in the former Paradise Flowers...
Dec 13, 2025 Dog groomer Ashley Featherstun (left) and owner Lauren Fox (right) behind the counter at Modern Paw Pet Company.
Iuka Fire Upgrades with Purchase of New Engine
The Iuka Fire Protection District has purchased a new first-out engine for structure fires. The engine was purchased used from the Waynesville Rural Fire Protection District in Missouri. Fire Chief Ke...
Dec 13, 2025 Representatives of the Romine Prairie Church present a check to help equip the Iuka Fire Department's new first response unit.
