Government
County, Oak Hill talk COVID
The coronavirus pandemic was a main point of discussion during Monday’s meeting of the Monroe County Board. The meeting was held in public session at the courthouse and virtually via…
Read MoreColumbia holds brief meeting
In a short meeting of the Columbia City Council Monday night, the council voted to establish guidelines for public input during virtual meetings and approved several changes to boards, commissions…
Read MoreCoronavirus maintains its grip: 74 cases, 11 deaths in county
The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in 74 positive cases and 11 deaths in Monroe County, with much of the attention placed on local senior facilities. The latest death was another…
Read MoreLocal pushback on Pritzker’s order
Gov. JB Pritzker said Thursday that he plans to extend Illinois’ stay at home order until the end of May with some modifications. “Make no mistake, Illinois has saved lives.…
Read MoreCity, county finances in limbo
Almost everyone, from individuals to businesses, have seen their finances affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and the same is true for local governments. With many businesses closed or seeing revenue…
Read MoreReopening plans proposed
As data appears to show social distancing and stay at home orders have slowed the spread of the novel coronavirus, federal and state officials are preparing to “reopen” the country…
Read MoreCities OK budgets in uncertain times
The Waterloo and Columbia city councils on Monday night approved budgets for the 2020-21 fiscal year despite an uncertain economic future due to the coronavirus pandemic. Municipalities must pass a…
Read MoreUnemployment skyrockets in county
One of the most devastating impacts of the coronavirus pandemic is the toll it is taking on the workforce, with millions of Americans filing claims for unemployment insurance over the…
Read MoreRestrictive reopening of courthouse begins Monday
During Monday’s meeting of the Monroe County Board, Monroe County Health Department Director John Wagner discussed with commissioners ways to safely reopen the Monroe County Courthouse to the public. The…
Read MoreGuest Column: Monroe County’s late property tax bills are holding up Illinois income tax refunds
By Michael Braun, CPA of Braun Accounting & Tax Service in Waterloo Monroe County’s late 2017 property tax bills are still causing headaches for local taxpayers. The Illinois Department of Revenue…
Read MoreKnobloch joins county board
A familiar face has returned to Monroe County government. During its meeting last Wednesday night, the Monroe County Republican Central Committee recommended to Monroe County Board Chairman Bob Elmore that…
Read MoreWaterloo City Council meets outside
Monday night, the Waterloo City Council conducted it first meeting during the state’s “shelter in place” order under the stars in the parking lot of City Hall. The six aldermen…
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