Crappy healthcare for all | Ott Observations
When I once consulted in the healthcare field, I had a colleague who was fond of saying, “Everyone is entitled to crappy healthcare.” This simple statement included two very…
Read MoreTeacher brain and adjusting | Mark’s Remarks
I get asked all the time how retirement is going. I retired a year and a half ago after 34 years as a classroom teacher, mostly with kids in grades…
Read MorePolice Blotter | 1-7-26
(Information in this report is gathered from police agencies, county courts and emergency radio dispatch. The public is reminded that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty and charges may…
Read MoreReal Estate Transactions | Dec. 29, 2025 – Jan. 2, 2026
The location of real estate transactions with only the parcel number listed may be viewed be entering the number on the Monroe County GIS website ‘Parcel Viewer.’ All transactions may…
Read MoreMina L. Brown | Obituary
Mina Lee Brown, nee Hutchison, 97, of Waterloo, passed into the embrace of Jesus Christ on Jan. 7, 2026, at Memorial Care Center, Belleville. Mina was born on Feb. 14,…
Read MoreElroy W. Penke | Obituary
Elroy W. Penke, 89, of Waterloo, born Aug. 22, 1936, in Danube, Minn., Jan. 7, 2026 at St. Clare Hospital in Fenton, Mo. Elroy was retired from the U.S. Air…
Read MorePolice nab pair for auto dealer thefts
Two St. Louis residents were arrested last week following a stolen vehicle report near Waterloo that followed a similar pattern of thefts elsewhere. Shortly before 4:30 p.m. last Wednesday, Monroe…
Read MoreEmma Sue Wills | Obituary
Emma Sue Wills (nee Hammonds), 80, of Waterloo, died Jan. 8, 2026, in Waterloo. She was born May 25, 1945, in Whitesburg, Ky. Sue is a member of Ss. Peter…
Read MoreAlan R. Hoock | Obituary
CW5 Alan Ray Hoock, USA (Ret.), 75, died in Columbia on Jan. 2, 2026, surrounded by family. He was born in East St. Louis on April 13, 1950, to the…
Read MoreBoniface W. Biethman | Obituary
Boniface “Bonnie” W. Biethman, 96, of Prairie du Rocher, died Jan. 6, 2026, at Oak Hill, Waterloo. He was born to the late Albert and Mabel (nee Kennedy) Biethman on…
Read MoreLocal tie to federal bank fraud case
A district judge sentenced a Georgia man to 70 months in federal prison last week after he admitted to leading a check cashing conspiracy that involved stealing the identities and…
Read MoreNice ring to America 250
Residents of Monroe County joined countless other Americans throughout the country Thursday as they marked the start of not only the new year but also the nation’s 250th anniversary. Events…
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