Community Corner

🌱 Centralia community remembers the life of Walter Grimes

And on the Centralia Patch calendar - Very Merry Christmas Chamber Member Lunch at Jerry's Grill & Bar — The Greater Centralia Chamber of…

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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.

Find out what's happening in Centraliafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

📸 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!)

Find out what's happening in Centraliafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • 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

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Centralia

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📣 Centralia Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Tuesday December 16
  • Band/Choir Christmas Concert
    Centralia Jr High School Centralia, IL 62801
    6:00 pm
    • Wednesday December 17
  • GS Christmas Program
    Sandoval Jr/Sr High School Sandoval, IL 62882
    6:00 pm
    • Thursday December 18
  • 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

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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