Community
Waterloo native’s book explores life with ALS
Denise Benyo wouldn’t go down easy. After being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, she spent five grueling years fighting tooth and nail against the disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative…
Read MoreSchools open without state funding
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s amendment to Senate Bill 1 not only drew ire from Democrats, the decision also prompted the Senate to override his veto during a Sunday special session.…
Read MoreTeaching in India a life-changer for Mehrtens
Along with cutting through American and Indian stereotypes, Heather Mehrtens’ recent teaching experience in New Dehli helped her enjoy the most interesting facets of a foreign culture. Mehrtens, 29, faced…
Read MoreMillennials band together to serve community
A group of millennials in Monroe County will attempt to slash stereotypes and show the community that leadership can come from a myriad of ages and backgrounds. “The mission of…
Read MoreUpcoming eclipse drawing local interest
The date of the total solar eclipse, Aug. 21, is fast approaching, as Monroe County residents scramble to find safety glasses and make plans for viewing the event. A total…
Read MoreMarquardt rules the roost as poultry superintendent
Hank Marquardt strode into the poultry and rabbit barn last Wednesday afternoon at the Monroe County Fair. Another volunteer followed behind, carrying a box overflowing with hundreds of tags awarding…
Read MoreSmooth sailing at this year’s fair
Mild temperatures and largely clear skies brought out the masses last week to the 70th annual Monroe County Fair. “It was just a great fair this year,” said Monroe County…
Read MoreCountdown to Illinois Bicentennial to begin in Randolph County
The governor’s office of the Illinois Bicentennial announced that Kaskaskia Island has been selected as the site to begin the 100-day countdown to the Illinois Bicentennial celebration. Events are being…
Read MoreColumbia to recognize 100 years of scouting
Eighty years have passed since Florence Haberl, a Columbia resident currently at Oak Hill, was among the few to join the first Columbia Girl Scout troop, led by Lucille McKinney.…
Read MoreHartman crowned queen; Cissell is little miss
The 70th annual Monroe County Fair kicked off in grand fashion Sunday night with the crowning of a new fair queen and little miss in the main arena of the…
Read MoreCounty fair gets underway
The 70th annual Monroe County Fair takes place July 23-30 at the fairgrounds located off Route 156 at the western end of Waterloo. “We have new outside metal on the…
Read MoreWriting makes Griffith feel at home
Kathryn Meyer Griffith, 67, has had her world rocked by tragedy on more than one occasion. In 1971, the Columbia author’s brother, Christopher, was murdered by his best friend over…
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