SPRINGFIELD — Democratic state representatives and senators from around the state are reacting to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s entreaties for cooperation made during Wednesday’s State of the State Address. Here is a sampling: State Rep. Dan Beiser, D-Alton: “Gov. Rauner claims that as a businessman he knows how to run the state,” Beiser said. “However,…

The O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce helped cut the ribbon recently for Bodywork Essentials, 7 Eagle Center, Suite 2, O’Fallon. The clinical massage therapy practice features methods better known on the West Coast and in Europe. Three of its four primary clinical methods are unique in the St. Louis Metro area. Tiffany Rhodes, Licensed Massage Therapist,…

ST. LOUIS – Ben Traetow and David Baalman of Byrne & Jones Construction’s sports division have earned Certified Field Builder accreditation. Tom Brockmann, also of Byrne & Jones Construction’s sports division, has earned Certified Track Builder. Byrne & Jones has installed more than 2,000 athletic surfaces in the Midwest, including artificial and natural turf fields…

  ST. LOUIS — United Way of Greater St. Louis recently honored Dr. Ann Beatty, of Edwardsville, with the 2016 Freeman-Kortkamp Award for 14 years of service in the St. Louis region. The award was created to honor the outstanding service and performance of a United Way of Greater St. Louis board member who makes…

Following is the text prepared for today’s 2017 State of the State Address by Gov. Bruce Rauner. “Good afternoon: President Cullerton Speaker Madigan Leader Radogno Leader Durkin Lieutenant Governor Sanguinetti Attorney General Madigan Secretary White Comptroller Mendoza Treasurer Frerichs Members of the General Assembly Ladies and Gentlemen: It is an honor to stand with you…

  SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary James Dimas says free income tax preparation and electronic filing are available for low-income workers and families. The services are provided at locations across the state to families with incomes up to $55,000 and individuals with annual incomes up to $30,000. “Many low income families don’t…

  In an ongoing partnership between the state’s Salvation Army agencies and Illinois American Water, at least 925 Illinois American Water residential customers received financial assistance in 2016 to help with payment of their water bills. The support came through the company’s customer assistance program, H2O Help to Others, an emergency assistance program to help…

EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County is set to hold its annual tax sale next month. Treasurer Chris Slusser said certified letters for unpaid taxes were mailed, which serves as final notice prior to the annual sale of delinquent property taxes. The annual sale will be held at 10 a.m. Feb. 21 at the Madison County Administration…

EDWARDSVILLE – Gori Julian & Associates, P.C. today announced that Kyrstin Beasley has joined the firm as an attorney. Beasley began her career at Gori Julian as a law clerk in May of 2015, researching claims for mesothelioma and lung cancer cases. Previously, Beasley clerked at Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc., in Alton,…

State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, invites residents to join her for their morning coffee and discuss state issues at the South Main Diner located at 421 S Main St. in Caseyville on Monday, Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. “These informal meetings give me an opportunity to listen to local residents’ concerns and…