The Centralia City Council appears to be ready to name its recently appointed recreation director as its new city manager to replace Kory Smith who announced his resignation at the end of Monday's meeting. Part of the agenda for a special city council meeting called for Thursday evening indicates a conditional offer has been made to Galen Mahle as the next City Manager for the City of Centralia. The appointment would be effective January 21st of next year. The resolution indicates the cit...

Salem Police Chief Susan Miller announced her resignation as Police Chief effective January 3rd at Monday night's city council meeting. Miller who is in her 29th year at the Salem Police Department says it was not her plan to stay in the position for only two months and cited personal reasons for the decision to step down. While Miller will officially leave her post on January 3rd, she will still be available to answer questions and help with the transition. The city council also approved D...

By Cole Wimberly During the school board meeting on Monday, Salem Community High School Principal John Boles commended students for their participation in programs to help the less fortunate in the community. He reported projects have been underway throughout December, including one where the homeroom class of Pete Colclasure earned money to Adopt a Family through the WJBD/Centralia Community Youth Center program. "It truly is a group effort," Boles said. "We have separate home...

During his report at the end of Monday night's city council meeting, Centralia City Manager Kory Smith announced that he would be resigning as city manager and returning to private practice. Smith said he didn't take the decision lightly. "I want to thank Mayor Kuder and the council for their support," Kuder said. "The one thing that I did receive from this job is the solidifying notion that the people of Centralia are good, they want good, and they'll keep your feet to the fir...

The Centralia city council approved a new comprehensive plan at its regular meeting on Monday. The comprehensive plan's purpose is to guide development and planning for the city of Centralia and inform decisions about zoning, infrastructure investments, and other key policies. The last comprehensive plan was adopted in 2009. Luke Eastin of the South Central Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission helped to facilitate the new plan. According to Eastin, a comprehensive plan shoul...

By Steven Stilt The Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees, during its meeting Monday night, approved the charter for a new student club, which will be known as the Wellness Club. According to college officials, the club will aim to foster a supportive community focused on physical health, mental resilience and emotional balance. The organization will be open to all students, with a targeted outreach to psychology majors. KC President George Evans says the club will be a welcome addition to the ...

Salem City Attorney Mike Jones is stepping down after 44 years as city attorney. Jones says he's very humbled to have served the city so long and being given the chance when first hired as a young man. He plans to shut down his law firm at the end of the year. Jones notes he served under nine city managers, six mayors and police chiefs and five city clerks. The city is currently searching for a new city manager. The council appointed Jill Combs as the city's new treasurer following an...

The Marion County Sheriff's Department received three complaints Monday night about drones flying over the area. None could be confirmed by responding deputies. A resident in the 1700 block of Green Street Road east of Central City reported a dozen drones flying close to her home. She reported they were white in color and flying at tree level. The drones were described as a continuing issue. She was asked by a deputy if they returned to try and get a photo of them. The department received...