Government
Reopening 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…
Read MoreColumbia attorney gives back
March 18 marked the 57th anniversary of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that greatly expanded the need for one of the most overlooked roles in the criminal justice system.…
Read MoreLiefer joins county legal team
Monroe County State’s Attorney Chris Hitzemann recently announced that he hired Lucas Liefer to take over the assistant state’s attorney job vacated by Ryan Martin. “I am delighted to become…
Read MoreColumbia discusses budget
The Columbia City Council held its second meeting without an in-person audience Monday night. The first meeting featuring online-only viewing and participation was held March 27 to announce a Declaration…
Read MoreFour coronavirus cases in Monroe County; 2 deaths in St. Clair County; 6 Randolph County cases
Monroe County health officials reported a fourth positive coronavirus case on Saturday. Monroe County Health Department Administrator John Wagner said it is a woman in her mid-70s who remains hospitalized.…
Read MoreSchultheis went ‘above and beyond’
The community is mourning the death of Monroe County Commissioner Ronald Schultheis, the man who “never met a stranger,” according to his family. Schultheis, 68, died Monday from complications due…
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