A fire heavily damaged the Darren and Connie Gaston home in the 4500 block of Kell Road about a mile west of Kell Thursday night. Assistant Kell Fire Chief Jason Franke was first on the scene and reported the home was heavily involved in flames. Connie Gaston was home at the time but was out on the fire department's arrival. However, she reported her two dogs were still inside. After getting most of the fire knocked down quickly, firemen began searching for the dogs. During the search, dr...

The Odin School Board has awarded Griffith Construction of Odin a contract to replace all of the windows in the grade school portion of the building over the next two summers. A total of 23 windows will be replaced for $29,000. Superintendent Belinda Kirgan says the work will be paid for through a COPS US Department of Justice grant. The 230,000 grant has also paid for security upgrades and the purchase of handheld radios to be used around the school. The board has named Principal Quinton ...

The Salem Grade School Board reviewed spending plans for upcoming and ongoing building projects in the district. The district is currently considering proposals from three different companies for replacing playground equipment at Franklin Park, paid for with 50/50 matching grant funding from the state. New doors at Hawthorn will be paid for with Health Life Safety money, and the installation of a water heater at Hawthorn and floor work in the fourth and fifth grade area at Franklin Park is pl...

A 40-year-old Centralia man has pleaded guilty to four drug and weapons charges pending against him in federal court. Anthony Pierce admitted to distribution of methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute meth, possession of a firearm in the furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Sentencing is set for August 14th in federal court at East St. Louis. The charges stem from a Clinton County arrest.[socast_ad_slot widget_name="Ad Slot" slot...

The Salem Fire Protection District reports a car was destroyed by fire on the South Hotze Road near the Lazy Acre Road curve early Thursday night. Firemen say the car was being driven by its owner Alysha Foppe when it caught fire. It was fully involved in flames upon the fire department's arrival around six Thursday evening.

Salem Police have arrested 36-year-old Levi Sullivan of North Broadway in Salem for alleged domestic battery. Police were called to his residence around three Thursday afternoon. Sullivan was taken to the Marion County Jail to await an appearance in court. Centralia Police arrested 20-year-old Jacob Dickerson of East Calumet in Centralia for alleged possession of meth and on an St. Clair County felony warrant. He was taken to the Marion County Jail. Salem Police arrested 41-year-old Ryan ...

Ban would take effect for manufacturers in 2027, retailers in 2028 By COLE LONGCOR Capitol News Illinois clongcor@capitolnewsillinois.com The Illinois Senate passed a bill Thursday that would ban four food additives that are found in common products including candy, soda and baked goods. Senate Bill 2637, known as the Illinois Food Safety Act, passed on a 37-15 bipartisan vote and will head to the House for consideration. The banned chemicals would include brominated vegetable oil, red dye No...

The US Geological Survey has recorded a 2.3-level earthquake seven miles northwest of Woodlawn along Interstate 64 in western Jefferson County. The quake was recorded at a depth of 17.2 kilometers at 8:05 Thursday night. No damage has been recorded from the minor quake. A few similar quakes have been recorded in the Jefferson County area so far this year.