Community
Local stars in Super Bowl ad promoting bioplastics
During Sunday’s showing of America’s biggest football game, Monroe Countians were greeted with a familiar face asking viewers to imagine a future where plastics are not made from petroleum, but…
Read MoreMixed bag on mask optional schools
As local schools are settling into a new “mask optional” policy, mixed reactions are surfacing. The change was a result of Sangamon County Circuit Judge Raylene Grischow issuing a temporary…
Read MoreIllinois to end indoor mask mandate
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced Wednesday afternoon that the statewide indoor mask requirement will be lifted Feb. 28. At a press conference in Chicago, Pritzker cited COVID-19 hospitalization rates “declining…
Read MoreRuling sparks school changes
With Sangamon County Circuit Judge Raylene Grischow having issued a temporary restraining order regarding Illinois COVID procedures in schools, districts across the state are rethinking tpolicies. Grischow issued her ruling…
Read MoreFuture road extensions take shape
The Monroe County Board took action on future roadway plans during its Monday morning meeting. Monroe County Engineer Aaron Metzger presented two intergovernmental agreements for commissioners to sign. The first…
Read MoreCOVID-19 deaths up; cases down
While Monroe County sees the majority of COVID metrics declining – such as active cases, testing and positivity rates – deaths continue to mount. This week alone, Monroe County Health…
Read MoreCOVID deaths mount locally, but cases decline
As of Tuesday, Monroe County has recorded 127 COVID-related deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. Since last Tuesday, Monroe County Health Department Administrator John Wagner learned of five additional…
Read MoreU of I Extension director departs
After two years as a director with the University of Illinois Extension Office, Amy Cope saw her last day last Tuesday. Cope served as county extension director for Monroe, St.…
Read MoreLocal COVID death surge continues
Since the beginning of 2022, Monroe County has seen 13 new COVID-19 deaths. On Tuesday, Monroe County Health Department Administrator John Wagner reported a COVID-positive male in his 60s recently…
Read MoreLakes being restored in Old Valmeyer
Valmeyer is emblematic of the “it takes a village” mentality. In relocating an entire community or, more recently, revitalizing an under-used property, residents have historically shown they can work together…
Read MoreDeadly week for COVID in Monroe County
On the heels of three such deaths reported Wednesday, the Monroe County Health Department reported three more COVID deaths Friday. Monroe County’s overall COVID death toll now sits at 117.…
Read MorePandemic impacts mental health
The demand for mental health services has increased since the COVID pandemic began, with depression and anxiety making themselves known as the most prevalent concerns. The Centers for Disease Control…
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