The shotgun deer hunting harvest was up statewide and locally. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reports 82,946 deer were taken during the two-weekend season that ended on December 8th. The total was up for 76,494 last year. In Marion County, 551 additional deer were harvested in the second weekend of the season, bringing the total to 1,823. That's 154 more deer than harvested last year. In Clinton County, 1,012 deer were harvested, including 277 in the second weekend. That's a...

Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps has received information from Santa Claus that he will arrive at the Marion County Courthouse Thursday evening. Santa's time of arrival is 5:05 Thursday evening. Any child who would like to see Santa and tell him what they want for this Christmas, should come to the Marion County Courthouse at five pm. The sheriff has also received word that the Grinch does not like Santa's plans and is making plans of his own to attend as well. Santa will only be at the co...

by Cole Wimberly The Marion County Board representative member of the Marion County Board of Health attended his first Marion County Board of Health meeting. Dr. Mike Douglas believes that the Marion County Board should be able to provide additional support to the Marion County Board of Health. "I just think there is outline duties that the Marion County board should provide for the board of Health, and I just want to make sure we are doing our duty." After reviewing the budget line...

by Cole Wimberly The Salem Community High School Band and Choir had their annual Christmas Concert this past Friday the 13th. The concert began with the choir singing festive songs. Then, soloists took the stage for an outstanding performance. The band continued with beautiful classic Christmas pieces, and as always Krampus made an appearance. However, this time there was a special guest from the North Pole, Buddy the Elf, who gave Krampus back his Christmas cheer. The Salem Community High Sc...

The City of Centralia has received a $43,000 OSLAD grant to make improvements to Laura Leake Park. Economic Development Director Derek Sherman says the city will use the money along with a $43,000 match from the city to construct a new 50 by 30 foot shelter in Laura Leake Park. The pavilion was selected by the city's Parks and Recreation Committee after a public hearing. Sherman says because of limit city match money being available, they had to go with a smaller project. Sherman says the n...

The Sandoval Village Board unanimously approved its new comprehensive plan. The plan is designed to guide the city on Economic Development, housing, land use, infrastructure, utilities and quality of life. Public Comment was sought during the development of the plan. The economic development portion of the plan focuses on new business attraction especially in the Industrial Park, develop a recognition program, retain young people, and develop a program to help new business owners. The boa...

A 65-year-old Louisville woman was pronounced dead on the scene of a single vehicle crash in Wayne County on Sunday. The victim is identified as Kim Davis. State Police say Davis was traveling northbound on U.S. 45 when she lost control, ran off the west side of the road and rolled over. Davis was pronounced dead on the scene by Wayne County Coroner Carrie Jo Dagg. The crash occurred around five Sunday morning.

Centralia Police arrested two people following separate domestic battery incidents. 26-year-old Karrissa Crabtree of South Cherry and 20-year-old Monte Moore of South Locust in Centralia were both taken to the Marion County Jail to await a decision on final charges and a first appearance in court. A 29-year-old Wamac man has been sentenced to five days in the Marion County Jail for contempt of court. Tyler Atchison of Wabash Avenue is accused of cursing a judge during a court appearance.