Government
County OKs fee changes, hears ROE update
The Monroe County Board lost no time starting its new calendar year, meeting in public session Tuesday morning at the courthouse. Continuing a review of fees for services by county…
Read MoreBicentennial history book finally arrives
On New Year’s Day 2016, bell-ringing ceremonies throughout the county heralded the coming year and set off a year-long observance of the 200th anniversary of Monroe County, which was founded…
Read MoreNew laws for Illinois in 2018
State legislators have passed more than 200 new laws that will take effect in Illinois on Jan. 1, 2018. Here’s a list of key laws taking effect in the new…
Read MoreDrone is Columbia’s newest firefighter
Though trained to brave the extreme conditions of a smoldering fire or the perils of an icy pond, Columbia firefighters know that with each call, safety is never 100 percent…
Read MoreColumbia discusses gambling
Video gaming and raffle licenses topped the list of agenda items during a Columbia City Council Committee of the Whole meeting Monday night. As video gaming gains popularity in Illinois,…
Read MoreCandidates file for 2018 elections
The slate of candidates running for state, federal and local offices has finally taken shape following last week’s deadline to file for the 2018 elections. State offices Illinoisans will see…
Read MoreCounty approves budget
The Monroe County Board on Monday morning gave final approval for the fiscal year 2018 budget, which actually began Friday and runs through Nov. 30 of next year. Jim Schmersahl…
Read MoreCounty nears budget approval
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners gave unanimous preliminary approval to the county’s fiscal year 2018 budget during its Monday meeting. The 52-page document detailed expected revenues and expenditures of…
Read MoreColumbia addresses pot, staffing
The Columbia City Council on Monday night approved an intergovernmental agreement that allows city police officers to enforce the county’s new ordinance setting fines for minor marijuana possession under the…
Read MoreLocal violence prevention office transformed
Over the past year, the community has stepped up to ensure some of the most troubled of residents in the area can continue receiving services. The Monroe County Violence Prevention…
Read MoreFriends rally around Dupo fireman battling cancer
Paul Morris has given his time to serving others, including volunteering as a Dupo firefighter over the past 17 years. He and his wife, Kelly, have two daughters. Kaitlyn was…
Read MoreWaterloo talks drones, parking
The Waterloo City Council amended ordinances dealing with drones and the parking of recreational vehicles, trailers and construction equipment on Monday night. The council also learned that Waterloo’s population increased…
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