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…

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County 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…

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Veto 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…

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Columbia 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…

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Judge 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…

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Cannabis 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…

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Officials 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…

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Local 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…

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Waterloo 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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