Government
Hitzemann running for judge
Monroe County State’s Attorney Chris Hitzemann, a Republican, officially announced Thursday evening that he is running in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court as resident judge for Monroe County in the…
Read MoreKorando running for state’s attorney
There will be at least one contested county race in 2020, as Democrat Celeste A. Korando announced she is running for Monroe County State’s Attorney. As things currently stand, Korando…
Read MoreCounty briefed on new budget
Monday’s meeting of the Monroe County Board began with a request by outgoing Monroe County Assessment Board of Review member Daniel Schumer asking why he was not reappointed to another…
Read MoreVeto session wrap-up
Illinois lawmakers finished their legislative responsibilities for the year on Thursday as the General Assembly concluded this year’s veto session. With a Democratic majority in the House, Senate and governor’s…
Read MoreColumbia drafting cannabis zoning
The future of a possible cannabis dispensary in Columbia took a step forward at Tuesday’s city council committee meeting. Columbia Director of Community Development Scott Dunakey sought the council’s guidance…
Read MoreMore drama for Sunset Overlook
The liquor license of Sunset Overlook in Columbia is under review, but not by the city’s liquor commissioner, Mayor Kevin Hutchinson. The Columbia City Council on Nov. 4 voted to…
Read MoreJudge Doyle to retire
Monroe County Circuit Court Judge Dennis Doyle is set to retire next year. Doyle, a Democrat, confirmed that his retirement date is Dec. 6, 2020 after Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court…
Read MoreCannabis biz ban in Waterloo
Waterloo is saying no to weed, at least when it comes to allowing recreational cannabis businesses in town. In June, Illinois became the 11th state to allow recreational marijuana. Effective…
Read MoreConcerns over proposed cell tower
The Monroe County Board on Monday listened to concerns from rural Columbia residents in regard to a proposed new AT&T cell tower. Monroe County Director of Mapping and Platting Mike…
Read MoreOfficials mulling cannabis
As Waterloo and Columbia take steps to decide whether they will allow adult-use recreational marijuana businesses in their towns, other local governments are also in that process. Monroe County Commissioner…
Read MoreLocal projects in capital plan
Lawmakers and Illinois Department of Transportation officials released details last week of work planned as part of the approximately $45 billion capital plan the General Assembly passed this year. The…
Read MoreWaterloo weighs in on weed
After hearing from residents on the issue during a public hearing last Tuesday, the Waterloo planning and ordinance committees voted 5-3 on Monday for an ordinance that prohibits retail recreational…
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