SPRINGFIELD – The state Department of Natural Resources today delivered long-awaited, revised rules to implement the Hydraulic Fracturing Regulatory Act, saying the rules are designed to ensure public participation, improve transparency, toughen penalties and protect the environment. The revised rules were submitted to the Illinois General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules for a required…

COLLINSVILLE – The U.S. Small Business Administration announced this week that St. Louis-based microlender Justine Petersen will expand its service territory to include 73 counties across central and southern Illinois. The expansion is targeted at assisting an increasing number of entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking greater access to affordable capital in the continued wake…

A Missouri couple pleaded guilty Thursday to an indictment charging them with robbing a bank in Columbia, Ill. Stephen R. Wigginton, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, said Darren E. Everett, 43, and his companion, Mackenzie A. Leonard, 28, both of St. Louis, face a term of imprisonment of not more than 20…

ST. LOUIS – The Hauser Group recently announced that Rachel Yann of Troy, Ill., and Tiffany Byndom of Florissant, Mo., have joined the firm as interns for the fall semester. The women will spend the next few months working alongside the firm’s team of professionals to gain valuable insight into the daily activities within a…

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Pat Quinn today announced investments totaling $9.4 million for construction projects at Illinois airports, including one at St. Louis Regional in Bethalto. “Airports are a vital part of our modern transportation infrastructure and are a driver of economic growth across our state,” Quinn said. “Properly maintaining and upgrading them creates jobs while…

ALTON – The Oasis Women’s Center and Senior Services Plus will be hosting a free conference, “Elder Abuse Prevention: Protecting Our Community” on Friday, Aug. 29, at Senior Services Plus. The event will take place inside the agency’s School House Grill from 1:30 to 4 p.m., located at 2603 N. Rodgers Ave. in Alton. The…

SESSER – U.S. Congressman Bill Enyart, D-Belleville, has announced that the City of Sesser will receive a $25,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture to purchase a new patrol vehicle for their police department. “Without grants like these, small communities have a difficult time obtaining up to date police cars and equipment,” said…

SPRINGFIELD – People who join fraternal benefit societies for life insurance will have greater protection under a new law that takes effect Jan. 1. “These benefit societies serve an important, unique role by offering insurance and advancing worthy causes. This law reinforces the trust many people place in these organizations,” said State Sen. Bill Haine,…

Madison County Treasurer Kurt Prenzler, center, addresses a meeting last week of Highland area veterans. EDWARDSVILLE – Madison County officials are developing a new program that will provide property tax relief for struggling military veterans. Madison County Treasurer Kurt Prenzler and Madison County Veterans’ Assistance Commission Superintendent Brad Lavite said they want to help honorably…

BELLEVILLE – U.S. Congressman Bill Enyart, D-Belleville, has formally requested a hearing into the loss of privately owned vehicles of military personnel through a third party contract with U.S. Transportation Command. “We need to get to the bottom of this – quickly,” said Enyart on Wednesday. “Today, I sent a formal letter of request to…