Category Archives: Local News
COVID-19 and Flu Cases Remain High in Salem Area
Salem Township Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Lisa Ambuehl says COVID and flu cases being seen in the hospital's emergency room and medical clinics remains high. In the period from February 1st to Feb...
Feb 26, 2026
A four-year ag degree now possible without leaving the area
It's now possible to earn a four-year degree in agriculture without leaving the area. Kaskaskia College and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale have entered into a new partnership designed to e...
Feb 25, 2026 The agriculture degree partnership between KC and SIU is signed at the John D. Cavaletto Agriculture Center. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Marion County Board to Begin Work on Finding New Supervisor of Assessments
The Marion County Board set a procedure in place to search for a new Supervisor of Assessments when Mark Miller retires at the end of the year. The board has established a new sub-committee under the ...
Feb 25, 2026 File photo: Marion County Board meeting. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Marion County Board Gets Update on New Animal Pound
The Marion County Board gave approval Tuesday night to a joint operating agreement that has allowed them to take over operation of the Centralia Animal Pound. Board Chair Steve Whritenour expects to a...
Feb 25, 2026 File photo: Marion County Courthouse.
16-Year-Old Salem Juvenile Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Attempted Murder
A 16-year-old Salem juvenile boy tried as an adult in a stabbing last June of a 16-year-old Salem girl has been sentenced to 17 years in prison on a Class X felony charge of attempted first degree mur...
Feb 25, 2026 Blogtrepreneur / CC
Carlyle man sentenced to prison for maintaining a drug house
A federal district judge sentenced a 52-year-old Carlyle man to 46 months' imprisonment after he admitted to operating a drug house near a park. John E. Kock pleaded guilty to one count of maintaining...
Feb 25, 2026
Kell Man Arrested for Burglary to Odin Business
A 29-year-old Kell man has been arrested in connection with an early Wednesday morning burglary to the Toad Alley Smoke Shop at 110 West Poplar in Odin. Dillon Charlton of 6th Street was taken to the ...
Feb 25, 2026
National Weather Service to Hold Storm Spotter Class in Salem Wednesday Night
The National Weather Service will provide a storm spotter class at the Salem Community Activity Center at 416 Oglesby in Salem Wednesday night. The program will run from 6:30 to 8:30. Those attending ...
Feb 25, 2026
Police Beat for Wednesday, February 25th, 2026
Centralia Police have arrested an 80-year-old Carlyle man on weapons charges. Malcolm McGregor of Hickory Street was taken to the Marion County Jail by Centralia Police for alleged possession of a sto...
Feb 25, 2026
As Illinois increasingly becomes destination for abortion access, a new public-private partnership emerges
by Nikoel Hytrek and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR), Capitol News Illinois February 23, 2026 Article Summary Since 2022, Illinois has seen more travelers seeking abortions from out of state than a...
Feb 24, 2026 Megan Jeyifo, executive director of Chicago Abortion Fund, speaks at a news conference announcing the Prairie State Access Fund in January. (Submitted photo taken by Alicia Hurtado, Chicago Abortion Fund)
