Rollin’ on the rivers
The Mississippi River is sure to be a familiar sight for anybody in Monroe County, but few locals have gotten quite as acquainted with the river as boating enthusiast Quinton…
Read MoreTeachers, buses and Zahnow
It’s been a busy time for school districts in Monroe County as students have returned and classes are once again underway. The Waterloo School District in particular has encountered a…
Read MoreLocal schools handling learning loss
Students throughout Illinois still show signs of struggling with learning loss brought on during the COVID-19 pandemic, though local schools seem to be faring somewhat better. An article by Peter…
Read MoreElection seasons on horizon
Voters will soon be casting their ballots in the 2024 general election, with a local election coming up soon after in the spring. Monroe County Clerk Jonathan McLean spoke with…
Read MoreColumbia wonders about water
Due to a July 16 storm which caused parts of Columbia to be under three feet of water, much of last week’s Columbia City Council meeting focused on how to…
Read MoreDog days in Monroe County
The premise that Helping Strays is more a community of animal lovers than just a Monroe County shelter was re-emphasized last week. Volunteers with Helping Strays, along with concerned residents…
Read MoreLocals enjoy Illinois State Fair
The Illinois State Fair ran from Aug. 8-18 in Springfield, and Monroe County residents once again made this area proud as they received a number of awards and other recognitions…
Read MoreFunds raised to save hill prairie
Thanks to a successful fundraising campaign, a rare hill prairie in rural Monroe County will be saved. Since 1989, HeartLands Conservancy has been a catalyst for transformative change and resilience…
Read MoreUSDA forecasts record yields
Record high corn and soybean yield estimates headlined the USDA’s August crop production report. The agency forecasted a national average corn yield of 183.1 bushels per acre, up 5.8 from…
Read MoreLion or Lamb | Ott Observations
den’s presidency that I hear from conservative friends is that he is weak on defense and our country is more vulnerable than ever. It is, in fact, a very…
Read MoreBefore the memory fades | Mark’s Remarks
I’ve said this before, so forgive me if I’m repeating myself: I have a pretty good memory. My family and friends have been amazed over the years with what I…
Read MorePolice Blotter | 8-21-24
(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 More