Government
Early voting starts Feb. 8
The general primary election is Tuesday, March 19 in Illinois, with early voting beginning Thursday, Feb. 8. Registration and voting aids are available at the Monroe County Clerk’s Office inside…
Read MoreTax season begins Jan. 29
The Internal Revenue Service has set Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, as the official start date of the nation’s latest tax season when the agency will begin accepting and processing 2023…
Read MoreNew year, new laws
More than 300 new laws took effect Jan. 1, ranging from a ban on book bans to the regulation of “deepfake porn” and prohibitions on videoconferencing while driving. Thanks to…
Read MoreSheriff presents annual report
Monroe County Sheriff Neal Rohlfing continued an ongoing defense of his department during Monday’s meeting of the Monroe County Board. During meetings over the past several months, Rohlfing has responded…
Read MoreA gun conundrum for some
The second major component of the Protect Illinois Communities Act is set to go into effect at the start of the new year, requiring that every resident who owns any…
Read MoreWaterloo plans for future
An eye toward 2024 was the theme Monday night for the Waterloo City Council – the last such regular meeting of the year. In addition to approving a tax levy…
Read MoreCounty talks jail and tax bills
During its final meeting of 2023 on Monday, the Monroe County Board approved the final revision of an expansion project for the Monroe County Jail which will begin in 2024. …
Read MoreSolar energy shining for local business
The move toward solar energy has become a major goal for the United States and Illinois, with Governor JB Pritzker pushing for an expansion of solar and renewable energy sources…
Read MoreAssault weapons ban registration deadline nears
Gun owners face a Jan. 1, 2024 deadline to register assault weapons with the state under Illinois law. But between lawsuits and ongoing policymaking, the exact guns, accessories and ammunition…
Read MoreCounty OKs budget; talks SAFE-T Act
Friday, Dec. 1 marked the first day of a new fiscal year for Monroe County. After several budget hearings throughout the month, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners approved the…
Read MoreTax levy increase proposed in Waterloo
The Waterloo City Council on Monday night set a Truth in Taxation public hearing date for its proposed tax levy and approved measures related to the splash pad and water…
Read MoreColumbia OKs tax levy
If current projections are accurate, property owners in Columbia will experience a reduction in property tax rates for the fourth consecutive year. The Columbia City Council on Monday night approved…
Read More