Government
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…
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…
Read MoreMiles Cemetery prairie protected
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will soon recognize the natural prairie area adjacent to the Miles Mausoleum at Eagle Cliff-Miles Cemetery West of Waterloo. A dedication ceremony will take…
Read MoreThe highs and lows of cannabis
Local governments throughout the state are starting the process of deciding whether they will allow marijuana businesses within their jurisdictions when the drug becomes legal for adult recreational use Jan.…
Read MoreHolder joins 116th race
The Republican field for state representative of the 116th district got a little more crowded, as David M. Holder announced his candidacy. Holder, 65, of Baldwin, has served on the…
Read MoreCounty talks dispatching, pot, UTVs
The Monroe County Board revisited a few topics of recent interest during its Monday morning meeting at the courthouse. An agreement for a contract setting forth Waterloo’s payment for emergency…
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