Findings: Department violated state's purchasing process, allows overtime pay for employees on leave By BEN SZALINSKI & MAGGIE DOUGHERTY Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com Article Summary Illinois lawmakers say the Illinois Department of Corrections must fix a slew of errors that were revealed in a recent audit. The audit found the department allows people to take a vacation day but show up to work on the same day and receive overtime pay. Auditors also found the departme...

The Centralia City Schools Board of Education approved the school calendar for the 2026-27 school year at its regular meeting on Tuesday. Teachers will return to school on August 13, and the first day of school for students will be August 14. The last day of school will be May 20 for students and May 21 for teachers. The board authorized the superintendent to begin the search process for a district architect. The district does not currently have any major construction projects in the works, b...

A group of over 30 participants dressed in blue shirts turned out for the Marion County Child Abuse Prevention Coalition's first Walk for Child Abuse Prevention in Centralia on Tuesday. Weather was favorable as supporters walked through Carillon Park carrying blue pinwheels to represent a safe upbringing for children. Coordinator Jessica Palazzolo said that having a walk in Centralia carries personal significance for her as a resident of Centralia. Palazzolo said the coalition's goal in setti...

The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce has made a final decision to move Balloon Fest to Fairview Park for August 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. With the move, the event will be free to attend. In making the announcement, the chamber tried to answer some concerns. They note that the size of Fairview Park is very similar to the area used at Foundation Park. No vehicles of any kind will be allowed into Fairview Park, with free parking available at Fairview Park Plaza. West Broadway from Buena Vista t...

Two people arrested following separate incidents in Salem over the weekend were ordered held without bond until their next court appearance after a judge found their release was a threat to the victims or community. 28-year-old Joshua Scott of Cedar Road in Centralia was charged with threatening a public official and felony domestic battery. Scott is accused of throwing a family member over a bed on April 11th. The charge was a felony due to a past domestic battery conviction in Marion Co...

The University of Illinois Extension Center is once again sponsoring the Salem Community Garden again this year. The garden is located at 317 South Pearl Street on the west side of the Salem Bryan Bennett Library. It is available to anyone that would like a small plot to plant some fruits, vegetables or herbs. The plots are free of charge to use. Master Gardeners will be available to help people get their plots started and keep them maintained. There will be an open house from 9:30 to noon ...

Four area counties are in the top for youth turkey harvest this spring. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reports Jefferson County is first in the state with 75 birds harvested. That's up from 72 last year. Fayette County is second with 74 turkeys taken, compared to 63 last year. Marion County is third in the state with a harvest of 68 birds. That up 20 from last year. Clay County is fifth in the state with 62 birds harvested, up from 50 last year. Clinton County young hunters br...

Two people were brought to the Marion County Jail on Tuesday on outstanding warrants. 41-year-old Randy Jennings of Green Street Road in Centralia was arrested on a no bond failure to appear major traffic warrant. 51-year-old Michael Lafour of South Washington in Salem was arrested by Salem Police on a no bond failure to appear Marion County felony warrant.