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Local News

A 45-year-old Belleville man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for his role in a Washington County murder. Kevin Loucks is one of three men charged with the July 2023 murder of 44-year-old Montez Pearson of East St. Louis. He had been found guilty by a Washington County Jury in October. Pearson was located deceased near Lunte Creek Road. Loucks was taken into custody four days later after a search warrant was executed at his residence in Belleville. Charges are still pending against...
4h ago
By KATHLEEN FOODY, RICK CALLAHAN and COREY WILLIAMS Associated Press CHICAGO (AP) - A 22-year-old man has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder in a frenzied stabbing rampage that killed four people in a matter of minutes in a northern Illinois city, authorities said Thursday. Winnebago County State's Attorney J. Hanley said during a news conference that Christian Soto will be in court Thursday afternoon to hear the charges and for a judge to determine if he will remain in jai...
5h ago
The Salem Township Hospital Board on Wednesday passed an $8.8-million budget for the coming fiscal year that begins April 1st. Hospital Interim President Lisa Ambuehl says a 20-percent net profit is forecast. "We are very strong. Our budget will obviously have a positive bottom line. He are hoping the new year is going to be as prosperous as the year we are just finishing up. We do have a couple of large projects he are paying out of our cash. That will affect that sum, but for the mo...
5h ago
It is Gary Gaetti Day in Centralia. The honor is bestowed upon the 20 year major league baseball player who earned many achievements and records during his storied career that included stints with six teams including the Cardinals and Cubs. The proclamation also honors his hard-work, dedication and God-given ability that has provided years of enjoyment and pride to the citizens of Centralia. Gaetti was at this week's Centralia City Council meeting where Mayor Bryan Kuder declared the day. &q...
11h ago
The Salem Lion's Club will continue an 88-year tradition on Sunday when it holds an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids in Bryan Memorial Park. Lions Club President Leon Chapman says the hunt will begin at two with over 4,000 eggs hidden and a chance to visit with the Easter Bunny. "I think the Easter Bunny will be on the stage from 1:30 and after the hunt for kids to get a picture with him. And this year we have 90 prizes we are giving away a total of 6 bikes/tricycles and other prizes in the...
11h ago
The House Supervisor at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia has been honored with the DAISY Award for extraordinary nursing. Registered Nurse Nathan Hebenstreit was recognized by his colleagues for instances that exemplified his passion for nursing and eagerness to go above and beyond for patients including. "I would like to recognize Nathan for his leadership in the Emergency Department (ED) while helping to stabilize multiple critical patients at one time. Despite dealing with ...
11h ago
Three people were taken to the Marion County Jail on Wednesday on no bond warrants. Sandoval Police arrested 33-year-old Tyler Foster of East Mississippi in Sandoval on an outstanding Washington County felony warrant. Centralia Police arrested 36-year-old Michael Lutz of Centralia on a no bond Marion County failure to appear warrant on pending burglary and theft charges. Centralia Police also arrested 33-year-old Donna Crabtree of East 3rd in Centralia on a failure to appear warrant for posse...
11h ago
By JOHN O'CONNOR AP Political Reporter SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois Supreme Court will hear an appeal of actor Jussie Smollett's disorderly conduct conviction for staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019, then lying to Chicago police about it. The court on Wednesday accepted the appeal from Smollett, formerly a cast member of the television drama "Empire." It will review a December state appellate court ruling that upheld his 2021 conviction by a Cook...
11h ago