Ameren Illinois crews worked throughout Wednesday to set up a mobile substation on high ground, in case of a breach involving the levee protecting the town of Prairie du Rocher, located approximately four miles east of the Mississippi River in Randolph County. A breach would compromise a major Ameren Illinois substation in that area. As…

From Illinois Business Journal News Services SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Bruce Rauner today issued a state disaster proclamation for seven counties to ensure continued state support to help affected communities respond and recover from flooding caused by the recent heavy rains. Counties included in the proclamation include Calhoun, Jackson, Jersey, Madison, Monroe, Randolph and St. Clair.…

  From Illinois Business Journal news services ALTON – While the budget stalemate continues in Springfield, state Rep. Dan Beiser, D-Alton, has reached a hand across the aisle to encourage bipartisan support of House Resolution 890, which would continue a ban on the taxation of retirement income. “I believe that people who have retired have…

  Alton Mayor Brant Walker issued a letter to the business community Monday, advising businesses of flooding concerns. Here is a copy of the letter: Here is the disaster checklist, referred to in the letter above:  

  From Illinois Business Journal news services EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County Chairman Alan Dunstan issued a local declaration of disaster Monday in the wake of excessive flooding throughout the county following three days of heavy rainfall. At the chairman’s direction, the Madison County Emergency Operation Center was activated over the weekend and is currently working…

  From Illinois Business Journal news services ALTON – Argosy Casino Alton  temporarily suspended operations Monday night because of flooding on the Mississippi River. In a letter to customers, officials said they do not expect the casino to be closed for a prolonged period but cannot predict when the Mississippi River will recede to the…

From Illinois Business Journal news services SPRINGFIELD — Illinois home prices posted continued gains with November marking 39 consecutive months of year-over-year increases while sales slowed slightly amid tighter inventory, according to the Illinois Association of Realtors.Statewide home sales (including single-family homes and condominiums) in November 2015 totaled 9,640 homes sold, down 3.5 percent from…

  From Illinois Business Journal News Services BELLEVILLE – The Realtors Association of Southwestern Illinois has released the November 2015 Metro East housing statistics. St. Clair, Monroe, Clinton, and Randolph counties again reported an increase in year-to-date home sales in November 2015 compared to November 2014. 2015 is proving to be a stellar year for…

  From Illinois Business Journal news services EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville-based custom homebuilder Spencer Homes announced the addition of Heather Budwell as a design specialist to its growing team of designers and staff. Budwell (left) graduated from Georgia Southern University in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in interior design and spent time studying interior design in…

  From Illinois Business Journal news services O’FALLON  – Mayor Gary L. Graham says O’Fallon Fire Rescue is selling T-shirts to help celebrate its 125th anniversary. T-shirts are being sold throughout 2016. The proceeds will go towards funding anniversary celebrations in 2016. “O’Fallon is very lucky to have such a great group of volunteers, dedicated…