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(Times-Commoner Photo by Dennis Rosenberger) The students at Odin School donned their costumes and paraded around the block on Friday afternoon for the annual Odin School Halloween Parade. The day included a wide array of different costumes, including these students dressed as a soldier, Jack Skellington from the movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and a pirate.

Costumes on Parade

By Dennis Rosenberger | November 6, 2025

The students at Odin School donned their costumes and paraded around the block on Friday afternoon for the annual Odin School Halloween Parade. The day included a wide array of different costumes, including these students dressed as a soldier, Jack Skellington from the movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and a pirate.

(Times-Commoner Photo by Dennis Rosenberger) SCHS senior Finley Puricelli was helping out at the Salem Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry last Thursday morning.

Salem Food Pantry sees growing need

By Dennis Rosenberger | November 6, 2025

Annual SCHS Food Drive to provide big boost later this month By DENNIS ROSENBERGER stceditor@salemtc.net As the holiday season approaches, the Salem Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry has seen the need for its services grow. The demand has been so strong that food pantry officials note they have been struggling to keep up with the need…

Members of the Marion County Board discuss the need to add new part-time animal control officers to help with a rise in calls.

County looks to hire additional help for animal control

By Dennis Rosenberger | November 6, 2025

Marion County has seen rise in animal control calls since adding Centralia to duties By DENNIS ROSENBERGER stceditor@salemtc.net The animal control staff in Marion County will be expanding, following action taken by the Marion County Board last week. The board approved a plan to post job openings for a couple of part-time positions for animal…

(Times-Commoner Photo by Dennis Rosenberger) SCHS senior Laci Harrell holds a copy of the book that contains her award winning short story.

SCHS senior finds success in creative writing competition

By Dennis Rosenberger | October 30, 2025

Laci Harrell’s short story wins nationwide contest By DENNIS ROSENBERGER stceditor@salemtc.net SALEM — Laci Harrell has long enjoyed expressing her creative side and the Salem Community High School (SCHS) senior was recently recognized for her creativity with a short story that was submitted to the Young Writers USA competition. Laci’s submission, a short mystery…

Quilting talent on display

By Dennis Rosenberger | October 30, 2025

Happy Hearts host annual Quilt Show in Salem By DENNIS ROSENBERGER stceditor@salemtc.net SALEM — For the past two decades, the Happy Hearts Quilt Guild has been putting the work of their members on display during the annual quilt show in Salem. The 20th Annual Happy Hearts Quilt Show was held on Saturday, Oct. 25,…

(Submitted Photo) One of the matchups for Pillow Pandemonium on Nov. 15 will feature James Fulton (left) taking on Benjamin Trinkle (right).

Pillow Pandemonium set to invade Community Center

By Dennis Rosenberger | October 30, 2025

Fundraising event will be held on Nov. 15 in Salem By DENNIS ROSENBERGER stceditor@salemtc.net SALEM — The Forge Boxing Club is teaming up with the Salem Community Activities Center to bring a fun and unique event to Salem on Saturday, Nov. 15, with Pillow Pandemonium. A number of local residents will be putting their…

(Times-Commoner Photo by Dennis Rosenberger) Some of those who turned out for the grand reopening of the Salem Theatre on Saturday try out the new seats that were installed as part of the recent renovations.

Salem Theatre reopens after renovations

By Dennis Rosenberger | October 23, 2025

First phase of improvements adds new seating By DENNIS ROSENBERGER stceditor@salemtc.net SALEM — A ribbon cutting and grand reopening was held on Saturday, Oct. 18, to celebrate completion of the first phase of renovations at the Salem Community Theatre. The renovation work, which got under way in June, included removal of all of the…

(Times-Commoner Photo by Dennis Rosenberger)

Pretty as a Princess

By Dennis Rosenberger | October 23, 2025

Dressed in her princess outfit, Zoe Lane, 5, of Salem, has her face painted by Taylor Mann, from Freedom Church in Salem, during the Salem Recreation Department’s Fall Family Night event on Friday evening in Bryan Memorial Park. The night featured some fun activities for local families to enjoy, in addition to free food and…

(Times-Commoner Photo by Dennis Rosenberger) Kell first grader Jackson Wilkins decorates a pumpkin during Saturday evening's Fall Festival at Kell Elementary School, as event volunteer Glenna Mount looks on.

Fall Fun for the Community

By Dennis Rosenberger | October 16, 2025

Kell Elementary welcomes families for night of activities By DENNIS ROSENBERGER stceditor@salemtc.net KELL — Saturday evening included fun and games at the Kell Elementary School, as the school and staff hosted a Fall Festival for local families to enjoy. In addition to a variety of games, the event also included a s’mores station and…

(Times-Commoner Photo by Dennis Rosenberger) Work to replace the roof at the Marion County Public Service Building is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

Roof replacement work moving forward at Public Service Building

By Dennis Rosenberger | October 16, 2025

Project expected to be finished by end of October By DENNIS ROSENBERGER stceditor@salemtc.net SALEM — A project to replace the roof on the Marion County Public Service Building is moving forward quickly after the county board approved a bid for the work at a special meeting on Tuesday, Oct 7. County Board Chairman Steve…