Republic-Times

07/12/2025

Closed Metro East bar and restaurant files bankruptcy >> See the full article below ⬇️

07/12/2025

The City of Waterloo announced Friday that it did not provide required water samples within the designated timeframe as required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

"We want to emphasize that this reporting violation is solely due to the delayed submission of required samples,” the city’s press release stated. “Test results confirm that the water quality meets or exceeds safety standards and remains excellent quality and completely safe to drink."

The sample collection was delayed by eight days due to what appears to be an oversight, the city said.

"We are currently working to identify the root cause of this issue,” the press release states. "While the delay was unintentional, it does not relieve the city of its responsibility. Please be assured that the samples have since been collected and submitted to the lab for analysis."

A similar issue occurred in February involving distribution samples submitted 10 days late.

"These delays are unacceptable, and we are actively working to correct the underlying issues to ensure timely compliance going forward,” the city said. "Despite these incidents, we continue to meet the other regulatory deadlines. This includes submission of the monthly routine samples, completion of 60 lead and copper samples by the June 30 deadline, preparing the Consumer Confidence Report, and Public Notices as required by the IEPA."

In the event of water main breaks that require public notification, the city said it continues to promptly notify all affected customers with a boil order advisory, along with the IEPA and Monroe County Health Department.

"We believe that if the IEPA determined our water to be unsafe or our practices to be non-compliant with regulations, they would have the authority to intervene,” the city said. "At this time, we have received no such indication. We appreciate your understanding and remain fully committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of water quality for our community."

07/10/2025

Two locals involved in the St. Louis Shock professional pickleball organization are John Kleinschmidt of Columbia and Karen Valerius of Waterloo...

Pickleball has exploded in popularity in recent years both at the national level and locally, with a number of communities in the area setting up courts that are kept busy…

07/10/2025

Prairie du Rocher SD 134's Board of Education welcomes Dr. Margo Schmitt as the new Superintendent/Principal! Dr Schmitt has over 20 years of experience as a Teacher, Assistant Principal, School Improvement Coach, and Director in Teaching and Learning and Human Resources. She was selected from multiple qualified candidates to lead PDR SD 134 for the next three years. The Board of Education wishes Mr. Pipher the best in his next school district.

07/09/2025

07/09/2025

A 2023 smash and grab vehicle burglary at the Monroe County YMCA has led to the identification, arrest and formal charging of two Florida men now linked to an organized multi-state crime ring...

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department announced that a local investigation into a vehicle burglary at the Monroe County YMCA has led to the identification, arrest and formal charging of two…

07/09/2025

“I’d say we probably get four to five balls in our yard a week,” Matt Weiler said. “You have kids coming over, jumping the fence. I’ve had grown men jump the fence. It’s just one of those, ‘What can I do about this?’ We love our spot. I love being by the field. Shoot, I’ll be sitting in the backyard watching the game most of the time.”

ely already seen a nearby box set up like a free little library over the past few weeks, allowing them to trade memorabilia and borrow any balls or bats they…

07/09/2025

This fall's football game will take on extra meaning as part of the Great American Rivalry Series. This series highlights games across the country and is presented by the Marines and US Army.
FeedTheD.A.W.G.

07/07/2025

Images from the 2025 Valmeyer Midsummer Celebration, including the parade on July 6, 2025.