The Sentinel

FEATURED

New aerial truck begins service for Salem Fire Protection District

By Dennis Rosenberger | February 13, 2026

By DENNIS ROSENBERGER stceditor@salemtc.net SALEM — The Salem Fire Protection District (SFPD) put a new aerial truck into service this week … at least, it’s new to them. Aerial Platform 9538 was purchased, used, from a district in Missouri. “After an extensive nationwide search for an exceptional used aerial to replace the current 40-year-old aerial…

DRIVING INSIDE — Centralia’s Kaylee Bowdler drives the ball while Mt. Vernon’s Arwyn Wilkey defends during a game earlier this season. Sentinel File Photo

Lady Rams, Annies face in regional

By Paul Hines | February 13, 2026

By PAUL HINES phines@morningsentinel.com A trio of regular season games between Mt. Vernon and Centralia served as preamble for the girls basketball postseason. The final matchup between the two teams occurs Monday night at Centralia in the 3A regional semifinal. The game starts at about 7:30 p.m. It’s the second semifinal of the evening…

RLC celebrates opening of Banterra Sports Complex

By Travis Morse | February 12, 2026

By TRAVIS MORSE tmorse@morningsentinel.com INA — It was a milestone day for the Rend Lake College athletic program Wednesday as the college celebrated the opening of the new Banterra Sports Complex at the Ina campus. RLC officials, students, athletes, donors and supporters came together for the momentous occasion, which was held inside the…

SHARING THE MOMENT — Webber coach Jaxon Helm and Nathaniel Marlow hug after the senior surpassed 3,000 career points Wednesday against Edwards County. Sentinel Photo/PAUL HINES

Marlow’s milestone career hits 3K

By Paul Hines | February 12, 2026

By PAUL HINES phines@morningsentinel.com BLUFORD — The Trojans’ top goal was winning Wednesday’s game against Edwards County. The secondary goal took center stage late in the contest. On senior night, Nathaniel Marlow drained a 3-pointer with 2:52 left in the fourth quarter. The points pushed him past 3,000 for his career. “I’ve been working…

Brinkerhoff collection on display at Salem museum

By Dennis Rosenberger | February 11, 2026

By DENNIS ROSENBERGER stceditor@salemtc.net SALEM — A new exhibit opened on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Salem Area Historical Museum, featuring hundreds of old photos from the collection of longtime Salem historian Frank Brinkerhoff. Salem Historical Commission member Myron Lloyd explained that Brinkerhoff donated many photos from his collection to the museum. The photos include…

JC Historical Society hosts annual Children’s Valentine Party

By Travis Morse | February 8, 2026

By TRAVIS MORSE tmorse@morningsentinel.com MOUNT VERNON — It was a day for local families to celebrate love and Valentine’s Day Sunday as the Jefferson County Historical Society hosted its annual Children’s Valentine Party in the Schweinfurth Museum at the Historical Village. The event drew a number of children, parents, grandparents and other relatives who…

Centralia Chamber holds Annual Banquet

By Jo Allen | February 6, 2026

CELEBRATE PROGRESS — The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce hosted its Celebrate Progress – Annual Banquet Thursday evening at Kaskaskia College’s Lifelong Learning Center. The event featured a keynote speech from Marion County Associate Judge Ericka Sanders, as well as several recognitions for community partnerships and milestone anniversaries. Shannon and Mindy Cooney of Crooked Creek…

Early voting begins for Primary Election

By Travis Morse | February 5, 2026

By TRAVIS MORSE tmorse@morningsentinel.com MOUNT VERNON — This year’s March 17 Primary Election is right around the corner and early voting officially kicked off on Thursday, Feb. 5, in Jefferson County. The early voting period runs from Feb. 5 through March 16 at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 S. 10th St. in Mount Vernon.…

THIRD PLACE — Mt. Venron’s boys bowling team finished third overall at the state finals. Submitted Photo

Rams place 3rd at bowling state

By Paul Hines | February 3, 2026

By PAUL HINES phines@morningsentinel.com Six pins became a common number over the course of the boys bowling state finals. It was the margin Mt. Vernon used to advance onto the second day of action. It was also the same number the Rams used to secure a trophy, beating out Waterloo in a reverse of…

Tenth annual Eagle Watch takes flight

By Corey Johnson | February 2, 2026

By COREY B. JOHNSON cjohnson@unionbanner.net CARLYLE — It’s a bird. It’s a plane, no, it’s Superman. Well, actually, it was a bird. From the original superhero and American icon to the first American icon, the bald eagle. Three eagles didn’t take flight but did uplift the hearts of all in the Case Maddux Room in…

Breaking News

February 16, 2026

FEATURED

New aerial truck begins service for Salem Fire Protection District

Lady Rams, Annies face in regional

RLC celebrates opening of Banterra Sports Complex

Marlow’s milestone career hits 3K

Brinkerhoff collection on display at Salem museum

JC Historical Society hosts annual Children’s Valentine Party

Centralia Chamber holds Annual Banquet

Early voting begins for Primary Election

Rams place 3rd at bowling state

Tenth annual Eagle Watch takes flight

AREA NEWS

New fundraiser planned for Continental Toy Ride

Salem man flees police following shoplifting incident

Salem residents arrested in Nashville after alleged fentanyl was tossed from car

New ‘Partners in Progress’ initiative gives area police an option beyond arrest

Shots fired at Centralia police during high-speed chase

Farny denied pretrial release

AREA SPORTS

Rams hold off Marshalls in foul fest

Rams roll past Cahokia

Lady Rams, Annies face in regional

Lady Rams fall to Harrisburg

Trojans rout Edwards County

Marlow’s milestone career hits 3K

E-EDITIONS

LIFESTYLES

Tri-Chi Food Drive

‘Getting to Know You: The Historic Centralia House Comes Alive — Once Again’

CHS Class of 1968 gathers for 75th birthday party

COMMENTARY

Vision to reality

Trivia night and more principles

A generational moment