Local Spotlight

Washington County Theatre’s latest offering is Shrek the Musical, presented on July 24, 25, and 26 (details below) at the Salem Middle School Auditorium. It’s the story of how an unlovable ogre finds love when he least expects it.

Pekin is preparing for its 196th Fourth of July Celebration, a two-day event organizers describe as the nation’s oldest consecutive Independence Day celebration. The 2026 event is scheduled for July 3 and 4 at Pekin Park with the time “Our American Story,” tying this year’s festivities to the nation’s 250th anniversary.

A fundraising effort has been launched to help the family of 17-year-old Hunter Blaine Rowley, who tragically passed away Saturday evening following an apparent shooting and vehicle crash in rural Washington County.

"The Spirit of Washington County Through the Lens of Cecil Smith" opened Saturday at the Depot Railroad Museum, located at 206 South College Avenue. The exhibit will remain open from June 13 through June 27 as part of the local celebration of America's 250th Birthday.

Mosier Family Chiropractic celebrated the grand opening of their new location on Mulberry Street Saturday afternoon! It was a wonderful community turnout, with refreshments and food provided by Hayes Lemonade and BBQ Paradise.

Mayor Justin Green joined us to discuss Friday evening’s Art On The Bricks event that took place on Market Street from 6–8pm.

On June 6 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, Mosier Family Chiropractic will be celebrating the grand opening of their new location in what used to be Save A lot at 1110 W Mulberry Street, Salem.

As the school year comes to a close, a group of fourth grade girls at Bradie Shrum Elementary is being recognized for an act of kindness after coming together to support a struggling classmate and help him feel confident heading into fifth grade.

We met up with the new owners of Little Twirl to join in on their ribbon cutting ceremony this morning in celebration of the grand re-opening of the beloved Washington County staple!

The Little Twirl, a longtime staple in Washington County, is under new ownership and preparing for its grand re-opening as “The Little Twirl on Main” Friday, May 8, with a mix of familiar favorites and new additions. The grand re-opening will take place at 9:30 a.m. and feature a ribbon cutting with the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant in Livonia has been purchased by sisters Dana Brewer, Tiffany Brewer and Jessica Allen, along with their stepfather, John

Mosier Family Chiropractic is preparing for a major move and expansion, bringing new space, new services, and a familiar face back to Salem. The practice, currently located at 304 E. Market St., will relocate to a larger facility on West Mulberry Street in the former Save-a-Lot building near O’Reilly Auto Parts. The new location is set to open with a grand opening event on Saturday, June 6 at noon. The event will include a ribbon cutting with the Washington County Chamber of

H & R Bakery has officially been sold! We had the pleasure of sitting down with new owners, Corey and Adrienne Baker, as well as previous owners Dwayne and Juanita Daugherty, to discuss the details.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the family of 14-year-old Jameson Crawford, whose death Sunday evening in Salem remains under investigation.

Investigators have released the identity of the 14-year-old who died Sunday evening in Salem. He has been identified as Jameson Crawford, 14, of Salem. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

The Washington County Family YMCA is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the Y is recognizing some of the people who helped build and sustain the organization over the past quarter century. Lovingly dubbed "YCons", the group includes founding leaders, longtime volunteers, staff members, and early supporters who played a role in establishing and growing the YMCA in Washington County. Some helped launch the effort in the early days, while others ha

FEED ME, SEYMOUR! West Washington Drama will bring a darkly comedic classic to the stage this weekend with its production of Little Shop of Horrors , a cult-favorite musical that blends humor, horror, and a cautionary tale about ambition. The story follows Seymour Krelborn, a timid florist’s assistant who discovers a mysterious plant after a solar eclipse. Naming it Audrey II in honor of the woman he loves, Seymour soon learns the plant has... an unusual appetite. As the plan

The Ashbys present the DAR, Salem VFW Auxiliary, and the Women's Auxiliary of the American Legion with their checks. A Washington County home sale resulted in donations to several local veteran-related organizations after the seller expressed interest in supporting fellow veterans. Richard Webb, a U.S. Army veteran, recently sold his home through A White House Realty, operated by Mike and Tifini Ashby. According to Mike Ashby, Webb initially asked whether the home could be so

The Washington County Family YMCA is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the Y is recognizing some of the people who helped build and sustain the organization over the past quarter century. Lovingly dubbed "YCons", the group includes founding leaders, longtime volunteers, staff members, and early supporters who played a role in establishing and growing the YMCA in Washington County. Some helped launch the effort in the early days, while others ha

Cameron "Cannonball" Sons sat down with us to discuss Special Olympics and how it has shaped his life. He is currently in Athlete Leadership University, where he was tasked with completing interviews with various publications.

The Washington County Family YMCA is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the Y is recognizing some of the people who helped build and sustain the organization over the past quarter century. Lovingly dubbed "YCons", the group includes founding leaders, longtime volunteers, staff members, and early supporters who played a role in establishing and growing the YMCA in Washington County. Some helped launch the effort in the early days, while others ha