The Centralia City Council Monday night will be asked to approve a resolution to seek a federal community project grant through Congressman Mike Bost to purchase a new fire truck. City Manager Galen Mahle is recommending $1 million be sought. The other $100,000 needed for the purchase would come from the city's general fund. The money would allow for replacement of a 1993 Seagrave pumper truck. Mahle notes a new engine will add reliability to the department as the other engines have had sig...

The southbound lanes of I-57 between the Kinmundy and Salem exits were closed for about two hours Monday morning when a semi-trailer caught fire. The Salem Fire Protection District reports the driver for Insight Global Logistics had pulled the truck onto the side of the highway. However, the roadway still needed to be closed for firefighting efforts by the Salem and Odin Fire Protection Districts. The truck was hauling auto parts. The driver of the truck told authorities he first noticed sm...

The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis has suspended its investigation into the death of a 41-year-old Carlyle woman found dead inside her home on Tuesday morning. The group says an autopsy and the results of search warrants in connection with the death of Sadie Tull are currently incomplete. The case remains with the Major Case Squad pending the results. The Major Case Squad reports Tull died from a gunshot wound to the head. As of Friday, there were no persons of interest in the case. ...

Fire heavily damaged a home northeast of Mt. Vernon Sunday afternoon. Jefferson Fire officials say the fire was at the Melanie Cross home at 14809 Knox Road. Cross was not home but discovered smoke in the home when looking at her security camera on her phone. First arriving Mt. Vernon City Firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the eaves and front door. Both Mt. Vernon and Jefferson Fire were never able to gain entry to the home due to heavy fire and the eventual collapse of the floor ...

The SSM Health Good Samaritan Auxiliary has celebrated reaching giving of $1 million to the hospital's foundation. Built through years of fundraising efforts, volunteer hours, and community support, hospital officials say the achievement reflects a deep and unwavering commitment to the hospital and those it serves. SSM Health in Illinois Foundation Director Kay Zibby-Damron says $1 million is more than a number-it's a story. She notes that behind every dollar are countless acts of kindness,...

The Kell Fire Protection District raised $12,000 from a weekend BBQ fund raiser. Assistant Chief Jason Franke says the money will be used towards the purchase of stabilization equipment for vehicle and farm accidents. About 400 attended the event at the Kell Fire Station. The Kell Village Board was there to present a $2,500 donation towards the project.

Three people were brought to the Marion County Jail early Monday morning on separate domestic battery arrests. Marion County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 71-year-old Tommy Marler of Lakeside Drive in Centralia. Centralia Police arrested 20-year-old Jayden Middleton of West Kell in Centralia. 56-year-old Mark Black of West Main in Salem was arrested by Salem Police. All three are being held pending a final decision on charges and a first appearance in court.

Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps says an inmate taken to Salem Township Hospital Saturday afternoon for medical concerns later attempted to escape. The inmate, whose name has not yet been released, was arrested on new charges of felony criminal damage to property and escape. He was being held in the Marion County Jail on an outstanding warrant before the incident. The series of incidents began when the inmate asked to use the restroom while medical staff was conducting treatment. He was e...