News

The Monroe County Health Dept. on Jamie Lane on the north end of Waterloo.

Third Monroe Countian Tests Positive For COVID-19

By Independent | March 25, 2020

She had contact with another local person infected. There are now three Monroe County citizens who have tested positive for the coronavirus. All three are females – one in her 40s and two in their 60s. The ladies are being quarantine and are not believed to have needed prolonged hospitalization. Two of the women are …

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Confirmed Case In Monroe County

By Monroe County Independent | March 22, 2020

The inevitable has happened… the viral infection quickly spreading across the globe has arrive in Monroe County. A Columbia woman in her 40s has tested positive for COVID-19, reports the Monroe County Health Department. The woman is believed to have contracted the illness while traveling out of state. She is under quarantine. Local Health Department …

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Local officials Brian Eckert (Environmental Health Officer), Kelton Davis (Regional Superintendent of Schools) and John Wagner (Health Director) discuss the evolving covid-19 situation with the County Commissioners during a March 16 courthouse meeting.

County Approves Coronavirus Quarantine Regulations

By Independent | March 20, 2020

The county has taken its first official action in direct response to the coronavirus crisis that has rattled the nation, empowering the Monroe County Health Department to impose isolation of individuals suspected of having contracted the virus. Some of the county’s top public safety officials – Health Department Administrator John Wagner, Environmental Health Officer Brian …

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Current Headlines

The latest news from Monroe County and beyond.

Stay At Home FAQ

By Monroe County Independent | March 23, 2020

On Friday, March 20th, Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 2020-10 requiring all Illinoisans to stay in their homes to prevent the further spread of COVID-19....

Columbia Council Rejects Hubbard’s Freimuth Farm Development

By Independent | March 20, 2020

By Joe Leicht Columbia’s precautions against the Covid-19 epidemic may have held their meeting attendance numbers in check, but those residents of the Country Crossings...

Oak Hill, Monroe County’s senior living facility.

Oak Hill Working To Reduce Risk Of Covid-19

By Independent | March 20, 2020

Monroe County’s nursing home, Oak Hill, is taking all necessary precautions to lower the risk of the corona virus spreading to its Waterloo facility. “Ensuring...

Illinois’ Schools, Bars And Restaurants Closed Through End Of Month

By Independent | March 20, 2020

Governor Working With Legislators To Reduce Economic Burden From Pandemic Over the weekend, the Illinois governor announced several measures in an attempt to minimize the...

Jeff and Denise Vogt joined their family in welcoming patrons - longtime regulars and new customers - to the JV’s 35th Anniversary Party on March 8.

JV’s Celebrates 35 Years In Downtown Waterloo

By Independent | March 20, 2020

Jeff and Denise Vogt thank patrons for making J.V.’s a popular downtown Waterloo hangout the past 35 years. Jeff and Denise...

Federal Charges Filed In Hopkins Case

By Monroe County Independent | March 19, 2020

Nicholas Hopkins Christopher R. Grant of East St. Louis was been charged Wednesday with eight counts stemming from the Aug. 23,...

Harry Reichert Passes

By Monroe County Independent | March 15, 2020

Former County Commissioner Dedicated His Life To Community Service Harry R. Reichert Jr., 98, of Columbia, died March 14, 2020 at his residence. He was...

St. Clair County Building at the square in downtown Belleville.

Two COVID Cases In St. Clair County

By Monroe County Independent | March 14, 2020

It was inevitable – the Corona virus is making its way into Southern Illinois. Two St. Clair County women have tested positive for COVID-19, reports...

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911 Report

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Third Monroe Countian Tests Positive For COVID-19

By Independent | March 25, 2020

She had contact with another local person infected. There are now three Monroe County citizens...

Car Barrels Through Columbia Yards

By Independent | March 25, 2020

A woman lost control of her Kia hatchback today while driving north on Main Street...

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Around The County

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Gov. Pritzker Lays Out Measures to Increase Testing, Hospital Capacity in Preparation for Additional Need

By Independent | March 25, 2020

As the state continues to build on its robust response to the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for increased demand across the state’s health care system, Governor J.B. Pritzker provided an update on the state’s current testing and hospital capacity and laid out measures to increase that capacity to meet the anticipated need in the coming……

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