Morning Sentinel

Morning Sentinel Local news and information for Marion, Jefferson, Bond, Washington, and Clinton Counties since 1863.

12/08/2025

Walk in the Woods
The Annual Walk in the Woods will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14 at Heritage Woods, 2049 E. McCord St. in Centralia. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees may stroll through the building to see the Christmas trees and holiday decorations. All trees are decorated and/or sponsored by local businesses and Heritage Woods.

Centralia Orphans have another torrid shooting performance in going 27 of 44 overall Saturday in a 68-30 decision over M...
12/07/2025

Centralia Orphans have another torrid shooting performance in going 27 of 44 overall Saturday in a 68-30 decision over Mattoon in the home opener in Trout Arena. Michael Organ has 17 points, Jaxson Hancock 14, and Kenny Bratton 13 including a dunk to close the first half and give the Orphans (6-0) a 39-13 lead. Lincoln Hayes had 11 for the Green Wave (3-2). Centralia makes the century mile trip to Jerseyville on Tuesday. Centralia jayvees beat Mattoon 53-45. Dre Hooper had 17 points and Caden Lamb for the Orphans.

Patoka's Warriors rallied in the second half for a 35-30 victory Saturday over Metro-East Lutheran in the Hoops Vs. Canc...
12/07/2025

Patoka's Warriors rallied in the second half for a 35-30 victory Saturday over Metro-East Lutheran in the Hoops Vs. Cancer Shootout held in Odin's Ples Wilson Gymnasium. Lincoln Roberts had 14 points for the Warriors incluidng a go-ahead 3-pointer with 2.5 seconds left in the third quarter that put the Warriors ahead to stay at 26-24. Ben Spencer had eight points, Kody Burks seven and Brady Cain six for the Warriors. Kaleb Turney had 10 points for the Knights.

Centralia BPW President Patty Brough, LEFT, and Membership Chairman Karen Walsh, RIGHT, welcome new members Sherry Rober...
12/05/2025

Centralia BPW President Patty Brough, LEFT, and Membership Chairman Karen Walsh, RIGHT, welcome new members Sherry Roberts, Georgia Lambert, Vonda Rosado, Amanda Shroyer and Steffany Slininger. Centralia BPW President Patty Brough thanks guest speaker Todd Glispie for sharing about All Hours of Love.

Centralia Business and Professional Women held the November meeting at Calumet Street Christian Church on Nov. 12 beginning with a meal of Italian beef and pasta salad catered by Simply Soul and chocolate chip cookies provided by Tischa Daugherty. The meeting began at 6 p.m. President Patty Brough welcomed members and guests Lisa Moore, Sherry Roberts, Georgia Lambert, Amanda Shroyer, Vonda Rosado and Steffany Slininger.

She then began the meeting with the reciting of the Collect and Pledge of Allegiance.

President Patty Brough introduced Todd Glispie, representative for All Hours of Love, a housing and homeless shelter. The local warming and cooling center located at 801 N. Poplar, Centralia and will be providing warmth and comfort to individuals in need during the hours of 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. All Hours of Love is known for providing essential services, including emergency shelter, food and clothing to individuals in need. They rely heavily on donations and volunteer support to continue their mission. Their services include laundry facilities, showers and meals to some of the 50-plus homeless in the area. Those interested in volunteering, donating or just wanting more information may call (618) 204-0325. The greatest need at this time is volunteers to work shifts during the open hours.

Birthday greetings were sung to Nancy James, Vickie McDaniel and Gabby Curtner, all celebrating in November. October minutes were approved. The treasurer’s report was presented and will be filed for audit. Thinking of you cards were sent to several members. Finance Chair Stephanie House reported the mid-year review will be conducted in December. Semi-annual audit committee members are Lorraine Bassett, Bev Virobik and Sally Tiemann.

Legislation Committee reported that plans are being made to hold an Equal Pay Day Rally. Membership Chair Karen Walsh had the honor of installing Sherry Roberts, Georgia Lambert, Vonda Rosado, Amanda Shroyer and Steffany Slininger as new members. The membership is now 62 and continues to grow. More information about Centralia BPW is available by contacting Walsh at (618) 967-3919.

PR/Social Media Chairman Sally Tiemann informed the club that the December meeting will include the annual Christmas party with dinner catered by Simply Soul featuring a menu of baked ziti, salad and garlic bread with cookies and candies prepared by the committee. A white elephant gift exchange and a special presentation will be the entertainment for the evening.

Patty Brough, Trivia Chair, reported the 2026 event theme will be All Around the World and trivia night will be held on Jan. 31 at the Centralia American Legion. Entry fee remains the same at $80 per team of eight or less paid in advance or $100 at the door. More information about BPW Trivia Night and registration is available by emailing [email protected] or calling Patty Brough at (618) 322-7886.

Community Outreach stated that BPW will again participate in the Adopt A Child program sponsored by Centralia Community Youth Center and has selected three children to receive gifts. Members donated to purchase gift cards for the One Hope United Christmas campaign, with the cards to be used for residents and program incentives.

Centralia BPW Education Foundation meeting was held on same date with election of the Tischia Daugherty, Sally Tiemann and Lisa Guthrie for a four-year term to the board of directors.

The next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Dec, 10 and will be followed with the Christmas party.

Boy Scout Troop 260 conducted a Flag Retirement Ceremony for the Centralia Daughters of the American Revolution and Amer...
12/05/2025

Boy Scout Troop 260 conducted a Flag Retirement Ceremony for the Centralia Daughters of the American Revolution and American Legion Post 446 at Wamac City Park. Participants included Wamac Mayor Butch Mathus and troop representatives Paul Ruez, Scout Joshua Stafford, Gabreil Stafford, Waylon Jourdan and Aaron Striker.

The Central City Lions Club will be having their pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. this Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Centr...
12/05/2025

The Central City Lions Club will be having their pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. this Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Central City Lions Shelter 2025. Tickets will be $12 each. The Central City Lioness Club will also have their cookie sale this Saturday, with cookies priced at $7 a dozen.

Trinity Lutheran School of Centralia enjoyed food and fellowship during a Thanksgiving lunch, with Trinity Lutheran Chur...
12/05/2025

Trinity Lutheran School of Centralia enjoyed food and fellowship during a Thanksgiving lunch, with Trinity Lutheran Church of Centralia Altar Guild members serving attendees. Trinity Lutheran School of Centralia offers classes for students age 3 to eighth grade, with more information available by calling the school office at (618) 532-5434.

Faith Lutheran Church of Mt. Vernon recently welcomed Jeff Wielt and Jennifer Martin as new members and volunteers decor...
12/05/2025

Faith Lutheran Church of Mt. Vernon recently welcomed Jeff Wielt and Jennifer Martin as new members and volunteers decorating inside and outside the church for the Christmas season.

Faith Lutheran Church (LCMS) of Mount Vernon began the Advent season this week with Pastor Joseph Nehring confirming two new members to the Church. The Church members and visitors welcomed Jennifer Martin and Jeff Wielt after the service.

Sunday morning begins with the youth attending confirmation class at 8 to 9 a.m. this Sunday, Dec. 7. The Church service will start at 9:30 a.m. with Pastor Joseph Nehring leading the congregation through Divine Service One in the Lutheran Service Book. A second blue candle will be lit on the Advent wreath. This Sunday is the Festival of the Second Sunday In Advent. The Opening hymn will be “O God, Lord of Heaven and Earth” and the (ESV) First Reading will be from Isaiah 11:1-10. The Epistle Reading (sermon) will come from Romans: 15:4-13. Romans 15:5-7 says—May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. The last ESV reading of the service comes from the Gospel Matthew 3:1-12.

The Sermon hymn will be “On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry” and the Communion hymn will be “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.” Donna Beehn will sing the communion hymn “solo” and will be accompanied by Pat Carlson playing the organ. Pat plays the organ for all the hymns and in the Divine Service as needed. The Closing hymn will be “Lift High the Cross.” Bible study will be held after the service in the Faith Living Center and refreshments will be served.

The Advent Midweek Service starts at 6:30 p.m. and will be the Service of Prayer and Preaching. The songs for the service are “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come,” “My Soul Now Magnifies the Lord,” and “Abide with Me” (stanzas 4-6). An Advent meal with be served from 5 to 6 p.m. before the service. “Please come enjoy the meal and fellowship,” shared the membership.

“The Elders will have a meeting this week. Please contact Don Magnus to find out the date and time when it will be held. Pastor Joseph Nehring is available to talk to anyone interested in joining the Faith Lutheran (LCMS) Church. Please contact him at (314) 517-6393. Faith Lutheran Church encourages its members and community visitors to attend the worship services the Church has. Wonderful time of year to get back to Church! The Board would like to “Thank” everyone who helped with the decorating of the church for the Christmas season.”

Sandoval Elementary school recognized the Students of the Month for November. The students were chosen because of their ...
12/05/2025

Sandoval Elementary school recognized the Students of the Month for November. The students were chosen because of their outstanding display of trustworthiness in building a good reputation, having the courage to do the right thing and being honest and true to yourself, family, friends, school and country. The assembly was sponsored by Renea Bauer of Grand Canyon University. Honorees for November are Kayson Nelson, John Henry Reed, Levi Hurst, Daniel Knolhoff, Brynleigh Conrad, Ella Schmollinger, Vincent Koch, Leeam Winters, Delaney Hongsermeier, Annabelle White, Brandon Reed, Abigail Hansen, Chance Davis and Cali Mishler. Pictured with the students is Renea Bauer of Grand Canyon University.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SALEM COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2026 ILLINOIS STATE SCHOLARS!More Illinois State Scholars fr...
12/05/2025

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SALEM COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2026 ILLINOIS STATE SCHOLARS!
More Illinois State Scholars from area schools will be featured in upcoming print and online editions of the Sentinel - schools may email photos and names of their Illinois State Scholars to [email protected] for publication in Sentinel print and online editions

Thirty students from the Class of 2026 at Salem Community High School have been recognized as Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). This year’s group represents the largest number of Illinois State Scholars in a single class in the school’s history, marking a significant milestone for the Wildcat community.

This prestigious honor is awarded annually to high-achieving Illinois high school students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance.

“We are extremely proud of these students and their dedication to academic excellence,” said Mr. Clint Wolfe, Principal. “Having a record number of Illinois State Scholars is a testament not only to their hard work, but also to the commitment of our staff and families who support them.”

The Illinois State Scholar program identifies top-ranking students from high schools across the state based on a combination of standardized test scores and sixth-semester GPA.

SCHS congratulates the following Wildcats on this exceptional achievement: Maci Thorsen, Abbigail Onhiser, Eden Russell, Atiana Pitty, Taylor Blackburn, Zoey Heiple, Ameerah Adenekan, Finley Puricelli, Ella Smith, Sierra Malone, Avery Jones, Elara Brubaker, Kinsey Jarrett, Hannah Smith, Aubrey Bandy, Jordan Kessler, Kale Benjamin, Sada Hempen, Brooklyn Bookhout, Zoey Eastin, Robby Shober, Kyler Sapp, Jarett Rushing, Hunter Malan, Brody Collier, Eli Baker, Carter Lowe, Jackson Green, Morgan Parkinson and Dylan Crawford.

Come enjoy a treasured local holiday tradition at 3 p.m. this Sunday, Dec. 7, at City Hope Church as the Centralia Philh...
12/05/2025

Come enjoy a treasured local holiday tradition at 3 p.m. this Sunday, Dec. 7, at City Hope Church as the Centralia Philharmonic Orchestra and Centralia Choral Society present the Holiday Festival Concert: Home for Christmas

The first candle of Advent was lit this past Sundayby Jami and Gary Elmore and their grandson, JackMiddendorf. The secon...
12/05/2025

The first candle of Advent was lit this past Sunday
by Jami and Gary Elmore and their grandson, Jack
Middendorf. The second candle of Advent will be lit this Sunday by Stuart, Debra, Chloe and Adalynn Lankford.

First Presbyterian Church in Centralia gathers for a 10 a.m. Sunday worship service. The church's Pastor is Joannie Naraghi. Holy Communion will be served. Scripture readings will be from Isaiah 11:1-10 and Matthew 3:1-12. Liturgist will be Dr. Dee Boswell. Ushers will be Elaine Schlau, Beth Mainer, Matt Dennison and Stephanie Aarons-Dennison. Communion Servers will be Susie Francois, Jami Elmore, Beth Loyd, Vivian Creed, Eddie Veltman and DeAna Manns.

Tasha Aarons and Daphne Minor are Nursery attendants; the Nursery volunteer will be Tena Smith.

Special music will be the Chancel Choir and Diana Brink presenting “Speak His Name,” Lister.

Fellowship time begins at 9:15 a.m. Sunday and will be hosted by a group of friends this week.

The chancel flowers will be given this week by Lloyd and Joanne Vestal in celebration of their 55th wedding anniversary.

Sunday school classes for all ages will begin at 9 a.m. Happiness and Light Adult Class will meet in the parlor, children’s Sunday school will meet in the School Room upstairs and junior and senior high school youth will meet downstairs in the Little Chapel.

Choir rehearsals are at 9:40 a.m. on Sundays and 7 p.m. on Thursdays.

The Wham Memorial Carillon plays concerts of faith daily at 9 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The Parkinson’s Support Group meets at 2 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at Heritage Village in Centralia. These meetings are open to all who are affected by Parkinsons. The next meeting is Dec. 10.

The next Deacon’s meal will be on Sunday, Dec. 14 immediately following Worship. The menu will include Fettucine Alfredo, with or without chicken, salad, garlic bread and dessert. This will be in honor of the Choir and to thank them for sharing their talents. Donations of desserts are requested and there is a sign-up in the fellowship room.

Session meeting is at 6 p.m. Dec. 15 in the church basement.

On Dec. 21, children's pageant will be presented at the 10 a.m. worship service and CCBA collection will be taken, deacons will meet in the parlor after the service and plans are being made to go Christmas caroling following worship, preceded by a light lunch.

Deacons will meet in the parlor after the Dec. 21 worship service.

Christmas candlelight service is at 6 p.m. Dec. 24.

Poinsettia orders to decorate the sanctuary may be placed at the church office.

First United Presbyterian Church of Centralia services are livestreamed, with the link on the church’s page, located at First Presbyterian Church – Centralia, IL and services can also be accessed on YouTube.

Elevator access is available on the south side of the church building.

Centralia First Presbyterian has a Free Little Food Pantry to the church grounds. Donations may be put directly in the Little Free Food Pantry or may be dropped off at the church. Donations from the community are encouraged and appreciated. Items needed are non-perishable food items, including peanut butter, crackers, canned ravioli, toiletries and any thing grab and go that is non perishable.

Address

232 E Broadway
Centralia, IL
62801

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+16185325604

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