Clinton County Coroner Phillip Moss says the decomposed body found in rural Centralia on October 10th has been identified as 57-year-old John Hunt of Centralia. Moss believes Hunt had been dead about a month before his body was found in an area off the Jolliff Bridge Road northwest of Centralia. Hunt was most likely homeless at the time, having been evicted from his residence with no income. He is believed to have died from environmental factors. Hunt had not been reported as missing. Moss ...

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued an updated standing order which adds Illinois public libraries to the list of locations that are permitted to keep a supply of opioid overdose reversal agents on hand, and to allow trained staff to administer them in the event of a suspected overdose on their premises. The revised standing order will make it easier for libraries to comply with new provisions of the Illinois Local Library Act which will take effect on January 1, 2026. ...

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is reminding customers that the state's winter weather rule is in effect from December 1 - March 31. The winter weather rule limits utilities from disconnecting eligible customers who use electric or gas as their primary source of home heating. "Illinois winters are known for frigid temperatures and frequent snowfall. The winter weather rule protects customers who might otherwise struggle to stay warm during the coldest months of the year," sai...

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Carlyle Lake will be performing boundary maintenance work from December 15, 2025, through January 9, 2026, on multiple sections of the boundary line at Carlyle Lake, specifically the area from Coles Creek Recreation Area to Boulder Recreation Area. The boundary line maintenance work will consist of uniformed Park Rangers walking the boundary lines, replacing signposts, identifying encroachments on government property, inspecting mowing permits, and clearing...

Marion County has joined the Downstate Major Case Squad. Sheriff Kevin Cripps asked the Marion County Board to approve the memorandum of understanding which sets out the guidelines of how the squad would be used in the event of a homicide or other major incident. "While acting as part of the Major Case Squad, if you would happen to go into Marion County and help me with a case, that county is actually responsible for that officer while he's here," Cripps said. "It takes a lot o...

As part of the vocational school program at the Centralia Correctional Center, approved inmates have been given the chance to receive HVAC certification by receiving instruction in a newly established classroom. HVAC is the prison's newest vocational program, and on Monday the second round of students completed the certification. Instructor Zachary Miller says the students have to put in the work to learn a variety of skills. While the first class learned while installing much of the equipmen...

Centralia Police are investigating an apparent sexual assault to a 15-year-old female resident of One Hope United who was found in Fairview Park with injuries consistent with a sexual assault. Police were initially called to the park at 1:50 am on December 1 to assist EMS. The girl told police she had consumed and was under the influence of Ibuprofen and didn't remember what happened. The juvenile was taken to SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital for treatment of injuries and to have a sexual ass...

The Village of Sandoval will celebrate Christmas in the village Friday night. The event will feature the lighting of the Christmas Tree and an indoor vendor market at the General Martin Building, Library, Village Hall and Fire Station. A number of free events will be featured between five and eight on Friday evening. They include meeting with Santa at the library, a live nativity at the Sandoval Community Church, Roast S'mores with the Sandoval Fire Department, Hot Chocolate with the Sandova...