News

Guideline For Workplace Reopening In Phase 3

By Monroe County Independent | May 24, 2020

Industry-specific guidelines have been announced which allow for the safe re-opening of businesses as the state progresses into the next phase of the Restore Illinois plan. All four regions of the state are on track to advance to Phase 3 by May 29, allowing businesses to reopen in the following industries: retail, offices, manufacturing, barbershops …

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No Joy In The ‘Loo – The Mighty Covid Strikes Out WSA

By Monroe County Independent | May 21, 2020

Waterloo Sports Association President Tony Morrow is the bearer of bad news today. After considering the Covid-19 pandemic sweeping the world and Illinois’ social distancing restrictions, the WSA board has decided that this summer there will be no youth baseball, softball and tee ball. On behalf of the Waterloo Sports Association (WSA) board of directors, …

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Nurses On The Front Lines

By Monroe County Independent | May 21, 2020

With daily, if not hourly or minute-to-minute, pandemic updates, it’s easy for even those staying home to let fear and negativity cloud their thoughts. But for nurse Julie Valerius of Waterloo, the positive outcomes help balance the bad days. Valerius, a nurse in the trauma intensive care unit at St. Louis University Hospital, has been …

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Current Headlines

The latest news from Monroe County and beyond.

Guideline For Workplace Reopening In Phase 3

By Monroe County Independent | May 24, 2020

Industry-specific guidelines have been announced which allow for the safe re-opening of businesses as the state progresses into the next phase of the Restore Illinois...

Republican State’s Attorney Candidate Drops Out Of Race

By Monroe County Independent | May 23, 2020

By Joe Leicht Monroe County Republicans are - not unexpectedly - searching for a candidate for state's attorney on the November ballot. Ryan Martin, former...

Washy's Saloon in Waterloo is hoping to have diners again at their patio.

Outdoor Seating, Retail And Hair Salons Okay In Phase 3

By Monroe County Independent | May 20, 2020

Well, it is something positive…. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker agreed to add additional establishments once a region qualifies for Restore Illinois’ Phase 3, as early...

Five Named For Oak Hill Director Search Committee; 8 Resignations, Still No Covid Cases Among Residents

By Monroe County Independent | May 20, 2020

by Joe Leicht Oak Hill's record of zero covid-19 cases among its residents remains intact, though three employees have tested positive for the virus according...

Commissioners Set Salaries For Elected Officials

By Monroe County Independent | May 20, 2020

Coroner Disgruntled With 18-Percent Raise by Joe Leicht The Monroe County Board of Commissioners at its May 18 meeting established the salaries for three...

Donning appropriate facial protection during a recent County Board meeting are, left to right, Commissioners Vicki Koerber, Bob Elmore and Dennis Knobloch, and County Clerk Jonathan McLean. - photo by Joe Leicht

County Resolves To Seek Shutdown Relief From Governor

By Monroe County Independent | May 19, 2020

By Joe Leicht At a May 18 meeting that featured an emotional appeal for bipartisan unity from Commissioner Dennis Knobloch, the Monroe County Board unanimously...

Columbia School Board Making Covid Decisions

By Monroe County Independent | May 13, 2020

On April 23, during its most recent meeting, the Columbia School Board announced that its last day of school would be May 22 and that...

How The Illinois’ Stay At Home Order Is Being Enforced

By Monroe County Independent | May 13, 2020

The Illinois State Police is working with the state’s public and local law enforcement in order to enforce Governor J.B. Pritzker's executive order and the...

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911 Report

Law enforcement, fire and emergency response news you can use.

Nurses On The Front Lines

By Monroe County Independent | May 21, 2020

With daily, if not hourly or minute-to-minute, pandemic updates, it’s easy for even those staying...

Waterloo Firefighter Blake Novack assesses the fire from a second-story rear window.

Rural Maeystown Home Damaged By Fire

By Monroe County Independent | May 15, 2020

Waterloo firefighter Jeff Davis gains entry into the burning homes’ second...

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Around The County

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Columbia Considering Expansion Of Light Industrial Zoning

By Monroe County Independent | May 21, 2020

By Joe Leicht Columbia officials are considering expanding light-industrial zoning on the north end of the city in order to attract more commercial prospects. Community Development Director Scott Dunakey told the city council at its May 18 meeting that a sizable area west of Admiral Parkway-Route 3 (the bottoms), which was rezoned at BP-2 (business)……

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