Government
Land of Governors: Monroe County’s ties to top state post
In July, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced his intention to seek a second term as governor. Former Illinois State Senator Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo) announced earlier this year he will seek…
Read MoreFormer Red Bud mayor indicted
Tim Lowry, who was mayor of Red Bud until his resignation earlier this month, was indicted Wednesday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois in East. St. Louis. …
Read MoreColumbia talks development, video gambling
The Columbia City Council met Monday night and discussed residential development and the future of video gambling in the city. For the first item of unfinished business, the council voted…
Read MoreWaterloo buys new water tower land
The Waterloo City Council on Monday night approved the purchase of land on the Waterloo VFW property for the city’s new water tower. The real estate purchase amount was $75,000. …
Read MoreHarbaugh is new Red Bud mayor
During a special meeting Monday night, the Red Bud City Council unanimously elected Susan Harbaugh as acting mayor following the resignation of Tim Lowry. Lowry announced at a city council…
Read MoreProgress on tax process
Property assessments have been received, appeals have been handled and the state has issued an official multiplier. Now, Monroe County is waiting for the county clerk’s office to complete the…
Read MoreColumbia annexation aggravation
The Columbia City Council met for more than three hours in regular session on July 6. Nearly one third of that time was dedicated to discussion of a proposed annexation…
Read MoreSouthwest Illinois Connector sees some progress
After being talked about for decades, the massive Southwest Illinois Connector project is getting closer to starting construction, as it recently secured new funding and the Illinois Department of Transportation…
Read MoreColumbia mulls new TIF district
As one tax increment financing district ends in Columbia, another one may be beginning. At last Tuesday’s Columbia City Council meeting, Columbia Director of Community Development Scott Dunakey requested the…
Read MoreZoning board OKs Sugar Spring pavilion, with restrictions
Owners of a rural Columbia wedding venue recently destroyed by fire approached the Monroe County Zoning Board of Appeals on Wednesday night to ask that ceremonies and receptions be allowed…
Read MoreCounty talks COVID funds, schools
The Monroe County Board met Tuesday morning and discussed how to handle $6.7 million of recovery funds allotted through the American Rescue Plan Act passed in March. Monroe County Clerk…
Read MoreRed Bud mayor resigning
Red Bud Mayor Tim Lowry issued a statement at Tuesday’s city council meeting regarding his intent to resign. The matter of his resignation was listed as an agenda item. Lowry…
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