Cork Tree Creative welcomes senior account executive
Edwardsville-based public relations and marketing firm Cork Tree Creative Inc. announced the addition of Julie Cheatham as a senior account executive. Cheatham, a Collinsville resident, has more than 10 years of experience in the communication industry including television media, governmental communications and healthcare public relations. Her diverse experience will assist in supporting the firm’s client-base…
Read MoreSchool reform passes, governor expected to sign
The Illinois Senate concurred Thursday with the House in a comprehensive, bipartisan K-12 school funding reform plan, and the governor is expected to sign the measure. “I recently heard former Obama Transportation Secretary and Republican Congressman Ray LaHood say ‘Big things happen only through compromise,’” said Sen. Pat McGuire, D-Joliet. “That certainly applies to today’s…
Read MoreBoil order lifted in O’Fallon, mall remains an exception
O’FALLON, Ill. – The boil order has been lifted for all O’Fallon water customers, including those in O’Fallon and Fairview Heights, with exception of the St. Clair Square Mall. The St. Clair Square Mall remains under a boil order until the O’Fallon Public Works Department finishes running water quality tests of the samples taken at…
Read MoreMadison County leaders launch Elder Justice Initiative
EDWARDSVILLE – Chief Judge Dave Hylla, Sheriff John Lakin and Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Gibbons today announced the inception of the Madison County Elder Justice Initiative. The combination of the aging population, along with the issues of abuse and access to justice, have led to the creation of the initiative, which includes a review…
Read MoreSenate expects to act Tuesday following House passage of Illinois school funding
Given a second chance, the Illinois House opted for compromise. After initially voting against a compromise education funding reform measure that includes a school-choice scholarship program supported by Gov. Bruce Rauner, representatives reconsidered and, in a dramatic revote Monday night, approved it. Initially, the compromise plan hammered out by top legislative leaders over the past…
Read MoreAutomatic voter registration initiative sponsored by Manar becomes law
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois this morning became the 10th state to enact automatic voter registration, a good-government and voting-rights initiative advanced by state Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill. Manar and numerous advocates were on hand as Gov. Bruce Rauner signed into law the measure, which establishes a more modern system by which eligible adults can have…
Read MoreEDGE tax credits could help Illinois’ case for car manufacturing plant
Business advocates say Illinois could land a massive new car manufacturing plant that would employ thousands, but the state’s policies aren’t helping their spot in the race. Japanese car-makers Toyota and Mazda announced this month that they plan to build a massive new facility, spanning more than 800 acres and employing more than 4,000 people.…
Read MoreCompany purchases former toy store in Edwardsville
GEM Properties, LLC purchased a 4,000-square-foot, single tenant, net-leased retail building at 2460 Troy Road, Edwardsville, from Once Upon a Toy Inc. BARBERMurphy Group represented both parties. *** Just close a commercial real estate deal in Southwestern Illinois? Tell us about it. We’ll need to know the buyer/lessee, whether it’s sale or lease, type of…
Read MoreBoil order issued for all of O’Fallon water system
O’FALLON, Ill. – The city of O’Fallon successfully repaired a break in a water main at the intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and Mark Drive. Water service has been restored to all water customers and a boil order is now in effect for the entire O’Fallon water system. The boil order is not anticipated to…
Read MoreGovernor vetos raising Illinois’ minimum wage
Gov. Bruce Rauner on Friday vetoed Democrat-approved legislation that eventually would increase Illinois’ minimum wage to $15 an hour. The legislation was opposed by business groups across the state who said it would lead to layoffs and fewer work hours for those who can afford such cuts the least. “Helping low-income families and individuals get…
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