Community
Mixed reactions to Roider verdict
Festivities were in the air outside the Monroe County Courthouse on Friday. Carnival rides lit up the late afternoon sky, complemented by laughter and live music. It was homecoming night. …
Read MoreIt’s back to masks?
A statewide indoor mask mandate went into effect Monday, but Monroe Countians may not be seeing many of their favorite shops around town masking up. Monroe County Health Administrator John…
Read MoreGo big or go home: Dairy farmers reflect on industry changes
For the Parkers and the Reinhardts, dairy farming literally runs in their blood. Both families have witnessed and adapted to changes in the industry over the years. According to a…
Read MoreHartman named Master Farmer
Three Illinois producers will be honored as 2021 Master Farmers at Prairie Farmer magazine’s annual recognition program, being held for the first time during the Farm Progress Show, in Decatur…
Read MoreSunflowers for a cause near Hecker
On Route 156 near Hecker, passers-by admire four acres of sunflowers lining the road. Now, the family farm is harnessing the flowers’ beauty to make a difference across the world. …
Read MoreTrain visit sparks memories of times past
A piece of American history will be rolling through the Bottoms this Saturday afternoon as Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 steam engine makes its way from Chester to St.…
Read MoreMonroe County vax rate tops 50 percent
Monroe County’s vaccination rate just exceeded 50 percent, but Monroe County Health Department Administrator John Wagner said even more need to get the shot. “It’s nice that we’re one of…
Read MoreQueen of Hearts helps SPPCS
The Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic School Queen of Hearts raffle saw its third jackpot winner last week, leading the pot to start at $5,000 this week. While there is…
Read MoreMonroe County gains residents
Results from the 2020 census were released by the U.S. Census Bureau on Thursday, which Illinois and other states will use to redraw congressional district maps. Of all the counties…
Read MoreOgle’s legacy lives on
The Columbia City Council approved a preliminary plat for the Ogle Estates subdivision on Aug. 2. While the development is a modest, 10-lot plan near Eckert Lane in the northern…
Read MoreCornerstone Laine back in play?
While Cornerstone Laine was not mentioned specifically, the Waterloo City Council on Monday amended city code to allow for an override of zoning board decisions on future special use permit…
Read MoreCOVID spike continues
Monroe County is seeing an average of about 15 new COVID-19 cases a day, with 115 active cases and three people hospitalized as of Wednesday. The number of new cases…
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