An open house and ribbon cutting was held Wednesday afternoon to mark the completion of the renovation of the former Save-a-Lot building in Salem into the new headquarters for Air Apply Unmanned. The company specializes in serving the agriculture community with field spraying drones. Director of Operations Chad Eagan is pleased how the building renovation project has gone, starting in the fall of 2024 when they acquired the building at 406 West Main from the city. "It's coming together...

Continental's tire plant in Mount Vernon, Illinois, has become the company's first in the U.S. to earn the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification PLUS (ISCC PLUS). This globally recognized standard certifies that Continental meets specific documentation requirements relating to the use of renewable and recycled raw materials. It also confirms the completely transparent traceability of the raw materials used in the production process. It marks an important milestone in the compa...

The Polar Express Experience returns to the Salem Community Theatre this Friday and Saturday night. The Polar Express Experience is a family event that includes a viewing of The Polar Express. The experience includes seeing the conductor on the way into the theatre and enjoying photo opportunities in the decorated theatre before and after the show. All attendees will receive hot chocolate served during the movie, a decorated sugar cookie, and a themed bell upon exit. The Polar Express Experi...

A 32-year-old Centralia woman was arrested at the Marion County Courthouse on Wednesday for contempt of court and resisting arrest. Briana Barnes of South Cherry had reportedly been asked by the judge to sit in the courtroom to fill out paperwork when she allegedly left the room and had to be chased down by a court security officer. She will be back in court Thursday to determine her sentence for contempt of court. Marion County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 29-year-old Dustin Taylor of Hot...

by Brenden Moore, Capitol News Illinois December 9, 2025 Article Summary State lawmakers worked behind the scenes for weeks to craft a package to respond to the federal immigration campaign known as "Operation Midway Blitz." People attending court would be "privileged from civil arrest inside state courthouses and within a 1,000-foot buffer zone outside of the buildings. The law, among other provisions, would also allow Illinois residents to sue immigration agents who violate t...

A 52-year-old Sandoval man has been sentenced to a total of six years in prison after pleading guilty in Marion County on Tuesday to two separate possession of methamphetamine charges and driving on a revoked license. Michael Flanagan of Isle Street had additional charges of burglary and criminal trespass to a building on Jeff Road in rural Centralia that were filed along with one of the possession of methamphetamine charges dropped. In addition to the prison time, Flanagan will have to compl...

Central City Police arrested 31-year-old Zachary Roper of North Morrison in Central City for alleged domestic battery. He was taken to the Marion County Jail. Three others are being held on no bond felony Marion County failure to appear warrants. 31-year-old Lucas Hunter of East Liberty Road in Opdyke was arrested by Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputies and later transferred to Marion County. 47-year-old Amanda Hoffman of East 14th in Centralia was arrested by Wamac Police. 28-year-old Brita...

The Centralia City Schools Board of Education approved a resolution to support a twelve-year extension of Centralia's Tax Increment Financing District Three. Economic Development Director Rob Jackson and South Central Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission Executive Director Luke Eastin spoke to the board about the benefits of the TIF promoting business development and revitalizing downtown Centralia. The city has been seeking support from each of the local taxing bodies for th...