🌱 Centralia community remembers the life of Walter Grimes
Hi there, Centralia! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Centralia community remembers the life of Walter Grimes
- Why a Centralia man remains jailed after a Collinsville robbery attempt
- Centralia and Sandoval communities mourn the loss of Amanda Melton
Also on today's calendar: Board Meeting and 5 more events.
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Centralia? Post it to Centralia photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Tuesday: Sunny and not as cold, with a high of 47 and low of 32 degrees.
- Wednesday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 51, low: 39.
- Thursday: Windy; rain and a t-storm, with a high of 55 and low of 21 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• 202 12/19 (southernillinoisnow.com) — Centralia is mourning the loss of 67-year-old resident Walter Grimes, remembered as a devoted “fun uncle,” Star Trek fan, and longtime mechanic at Baldridges. A graveside service is set for Friday, December 19, at Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Odin, with memorials requested to the Centralia Humane Society. 
• Centralia Man Charged In Attempted Collinsville Robbery (riverbender.com) — A 45-year-old Centralia resident is being held in Madison County after prosecutors filed a felony attempted aggravated robbery charge tied to an incident at a Collinsville liquor store earlier this month. Police say store video, employee statements, and items found in the suspect’s vehicle supported the charge, and a petition has been filed to keep him in custody before trial.
• 2025 12/20 (southernillinoisnow.com) — Family and friends in Centralia and Sandoval are mourning Amanda Nicole Melton, born in Centralia and active at Crossroads Church, where her celebration of life will be held this Saturday. The 38-year-old mother of four was known for her compassionate work in caregiving and her dedication to the church’s annual Christmas Drive and her close-knit extended family.
📸 Around Centralia
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓
Upcoming Events in
Centralia
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
-
Very Merry Christmas Chamber Member Lunch at Jerry's Grill & Bar — The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce
Jerry's Grill & Bar, 835 Wabash Ave, Centralia
12:00 pm
Wednesday December 17
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
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Board Meeting
Centralia Regional Library , Library Park , 515 E Broadway , Centralia
4:00 pm -
Girls Basketball vs Marion
Centralia Jr High School Centralia, IL 62801
5:30 pm -
Breakfast With Santa at Centralia Recreation Complex — The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce
Centralia Recreation Complex , 115 E 2nd St , Centralia
9:00 am -
Sippin' With Santa 🎄🎅@ Castle Ridge
Castle Ridge , Centralia
6:00 pm -
Miss Rita's Story Time
Centralia Regional Library , 515 E Broadway , Centralia
4:00 pm -
Crochet Club February Meetings @ Centralia Library – Centralia, IL
Centralia Regional Library , Library Park , 515 E Broadway , Centralia
4:00 pm -
Darla's CRUSH
Arizona Joe's , 1435 S Hickory St , Centralia
8:00 pm
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
Saturday December 20
Monday December 22
Saturday December 27
📣 Centralia Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
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Band/Choir Christmas Concert
Centralia Jr High School Centralia, IL 62801
6:00 pm -
GS Christmas Program
Sandoval Jr/Sr High School Sandoval, IL 62882
6:00 pm -
Boys Basketball @ Carterville
Centralia Jr High School Centralia, IL 62801
5:30 pm -
Girls Basketball vs Marion
Centralia Jr High School Centralia, IL 62801
5:30 pm
Tuesday December 16
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Bell American Group, LLC posted a job opening for Overnight Shift Leader in Centralia. Apply here.
- Wendy's posted a job opening for Team Member * in Centralia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Centralia here.
🗞 Nearby News
Carlyle
- U.S. Attorney's Office announces results of 'Operation Safe Christmas' (riverbender.com)
Ok Centralia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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