Government
Monroe County added to revised state storm disaster declaration
Monroe County and 13 other counties were included in an expanded disaster proclamation due to severe weather in Illinois that occurred June 29 through July 2, Gov. JB Pritzker announced…
Read MoreWaterloo, contractor at odds
The City of Waterloo and a local contracting firm are at odds over the future of a former local staple. A September 2022 fire heavily damaged Ahne’s Bakery at 201…
Read MoreMonroe County talks state disaster snub
Two weeks after the Columbia area suffered significant widespread storm damage, the Monroe County Board passed a disaster declaration for the impacted region. Monroe County Public Safety Director Kevin Scheibe presented…
Read MoreCourt upholds SAFE-T Act bail provision
A landmark criminal justice reform that eliminates cash bail in Illinois is constitutional, the state’s Supreme Court ruled Tuesday, paving the way for the change to take effect Sept. 18. …
Read MoreColumbia moves on from the storm
Even as cleanup continues from a June 30 storm that created havoc throughout town, the Columbia City Council moved forward during a busy meeting Monday night. Mayor Bob Hill began…
Read MoreSplash pad plans nearly ready
The Waterloo Park District Board last Wednesday came closer to moving forward with plans to build a splash pad at William Zimmer Memorial Park – though official action was deferred…
Read MoreLiquor store has Millstadt buzzing
Several business owners addressed the Millstadt Village Board in front of a standing-room-only crowd Monday night to discuss a proposed liquor store to be built on an empty lot at…
Read MoreBailey running vs. Bost
There will be a contested 2024 Republican primary race for the Illinois 12th Congressional District seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Mike Bost. Bost, who announced recently he is seeking…
Read MoreNew liquor store proposed in Millstadt
(NOTE: While the original print and online versions of this story indicated a Sav-On Liquor & Wine store was planning to open in Millstadt, Pour Decisions co-owner Jen Estes later…
Read MoreJail expansion moves ahead
The Monroe County Jail expansion project is moving forward, with a bid letting for the 8,500 square foot addition expected by the end of this month. Michael Schneider of Quadrant…
Read MorePostage hike begins July 9
The U.S. Postal Service will increase the price of first-class mail “forever” stamps to 66 cents from 63 cents. According to the USPS, this stamp price jumps on July 9.…
Read MoreGrocery tax resumes; gas tax increase
A new state fiscal year began July 1, ushering in reinstatement of a 1 percent tax on groceries and a second increase to the state’s motor fuel tax in 2023.…
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