Area News
Rep. Mary Miller announces applications open for FY 2027 appropriations
U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL-15th District) announced recently that applications have opened for Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriations. “Over the last funding cycle, I was proud to secure $24 million for central Illinois infrastructure projects that strengthen our communities and improve essential services,” said Congresswoman Miller. “I look forward to continuing to deliver critical investments for…
Read MoreUS trade rep: Renewal of deal with Mexico, Canada not a ‘rubberstamp’
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said while there is value with the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the US will not rubberstamp the agreement with its current shortcomings. “USTR will keep the president’s options open, negotiating firmly to resolve the issues identified, but only recommending renewal if resolution can be achieved,” according to…
Read MorePoettker Industrial Services increases its 2025 revenue by 20 percent
Poettker Industrial Services, a woman-owned business specializing in utility and renewable energy construction, increased its 2025 revenue by 20 percent and grew its employee base by over 35 percent. After only four years of operation, Poettker Industrial already achieved recognition as the 37th Top Midwest Specialty Contractor by Engineering News-Record Midwest. “We are grateful…
Read MoreIllinois regional library systems to host virtual town hall with school stakeholders
Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS) and Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) will host Libraries + Education: Creating Community through Collaboration, a virtual town hall focused on practical, partnership-driven strategies to strengthen literacy and learning in Illinois schools. The online event is scheduled for Jan. 20, 2026. One session is planned for 3 to 4…
Read MoreMCC Network Services LLC, dba ‘Metro’ and ‘Conxxus,’ acquires MTCO Communications
MCC Network Services, LLC (doing business as “Metro” and “Conxxus”) recently announced its successful acquisition of MTCO Communications. The acquisition follows MTCO Communications’ decision to sell the company and reflects Metro’s ongoing commitment to expanding high-quality fiber internet access and telecommunications services while supporting the growth and sustainability of the communities it serves. Metro’s purchase…
Read MoreGeorgia man’s $90K+ bank fraud, identity theft scheme garners 70-month federal prison sentence
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge recently sentenced a Georgia man to 70 months in federal prison after he admitted to leading a check cashing conspiracy that involved stealing the identities and checks belonging to local business owners and defrauding financial institutions across central and southern Illinois. Traveon H. Reese, 31, of Atlanta,…
Read MoreMadison County sells surplus vehicle to Grantfork Fire District for $1
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office sold one of its surplus vehicles to the Grantfork Fire District for $1, continuing a county practice aimed at extending the useful life of public assets while supporting local emergency services. Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor said the department regularly evaluates its fleet to determine when vehicles are no longer practical for patrol use. “When…
Read MoreEdwardsville Police release holiday enforcement campaign results
Over the holiday season, the Edwardsville Police Department teamed up with the Illinois Department of Transportation and law enforcement agencies statewide for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” and “Drive High. Get a DUI.” campaigns. As part of this campaign, officers conducted 25 traffic stops. These stops were in addition to those made during…
Read MoreTWM welcomes Peoria-based Mohr & Kerr Engineering to its firm
TWM Inc., one of the top engineering and geospatial firms in the metro-east St. Louis area, recently announced that Mohr & Kerr Engineering & Land Surveying, P.C., of Peoria, Ill., has become part of TWM. This strategic addition strengthens TWM’s presence in central Illinois and the Midwest, significantly expanding the firm’s civil engineering, land surveying,…
Read MoreO’Fallon City Council meetings to adjust start time beginning Feb. 2026
The City of O’Fallon has announced that, beginning in February 2026, regular city council meetings will start an hour earlier, moving up to 6 p.m. from 7 p.m. The Jan. 20, 2026 city council meeting will still begin at 7 p.m. “By shifting the start time to 6 p.m., we hope to make it easier…
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