Montgomery County residents and landowners in the pathway of the carbon dioxide pipeline and sequestration sites should support the following legislation, SB2421/HB3119. This bill establishes protections for human health and existing property owners through the life cycle of CCUS along the 292-mile Illinois pathway. Some of the pipeline protections include:  1.  Ensure pipelines are not […]

Dear Constituents of the 95th Legislative District, As my service in the Illinois House comes to a close, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks. It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve you and be your voice in Springfield for the past eight years. Illinoisans have seen many changes big and […]

Dear Editor,  At a time when Illinois Democrats have passed dangerous policies that will make our communities less safe and that make it harder for law enforcement to do their jobs, having strong Law Enforcement leadership at the county level should be the top priority for every voter in Macoupin County. That is why I […]

Carbon dioxide pipelines and storage will be a safety hazard should it enter and be stored in Montgomery County. The plans of Heartland Greenway were stated in the Montgomery County Board meeting on September 13, 2022.  Heartland Greenway’s representative, Mr. Jim Prescott, presented the proposed development to establish carbon dioxide storage and pipeline development (CCS) […]

Public Meeting on Closure of Coffeen Coal Ash PondsCoffeen School 200 School St., Coffeen, IllinoisTuesday, June 14, 2022, at 3 PM and 5:30 PM Protection of our water resources will be dependent upon the construction permit submitted to Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for the safe closure of the coal ash areas at the closed Coffeen […]

Dear Editor: Time for new thinking. This virus we are battling worldwide is here to stay for decades. Time to recognize that because no matter what we do here, if it is in the world, all mutations will find their way here. One of them will evade our vaccines.  Whoever is reading this, please recognize […]

The August issue of Illinois Country Living asks readers “use your voice” to delay closure of  Prairie State Energy Campus (PSEC) coal plant, Illinois biggest carbon emitter. The reasons given are not correct and are based on invalid assumptions.  Around 2007, communities in the Midwest seemed convinced that coal-fired PSEC was the way to get […]

As I write these words, I do so with a heavy heart. I must have hope and believe in a society that will reverse the course of identity politics. If we continue down the path of blame and indignation and do not find common ground, we will never move forward.   I do have hope, and I believe […]

To the Editor, Elder abuse is on the rise in America and individuals living with dementia are particularly susceptible. In fact, as many as 62% of the 5.8 million Americans living with dementia experience psychological abuse, and as many as one-fourth have been physically abused. As someone who has been personally impacted by this disease […]

Yesterday Governor Pritzker warned that unless a federal bailout came along Illinois would have to make major budget cuts. To those of us who have been advocating for fiscal responsibility for years at the statehouse, this comes as no surprise. This is what happens when you pass budgets that are out of balance by billions […]

You’ve likely heard that it is the year for the census – the time once every ten years when the US gets an official count of people living in the United States and its territories. If you have already submitted your census document, thank you! This is a super important and easy step to help […]

Dear Editor, Free money from the Census! A couple of minutes can make the difference between having or not having a local Fire Department or a Hospital. A couple of minutes can provide funding to repair that bumpy road we all complain about. It will help our schools. This free money is at our fingertips. […]

Dear CUSD #7 Families, I hope you are continuing to enjoy your summer, as everyone’s thoughts turn toward the fall and the upcoming school year. Unfortunately, many more questions still exist than do answers. As districts begin to release their re-opening plans, I wanted to pass along two of the options members of the school board, […]

It’s business as usual in America, the dislike and distrust machine is cranking out more of us every day. Have you heard of the new vote by mail program coming to Illinois? Some are attempting to make a partisan issue out of it. People like me are thankful for the privilege and convenience of being […]

The family of Jesse L. Remer would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who has reached out to our family during our time of grief. Our family has been blessed with comfort and love from each and every person who took a minute to send their condolences. The flowers, cards, food, gifts, […]

Dear editor, I am a Democrat who is going to the ‘Open Macoupin County Now’ rally today (Saturday) in Carlinville. I am going because I believe it is past time for Governor Pritzker to allow businesses that wish to reopen or open. Make no mistake, I applaud his quick and decisive action in early March […]

Editor’s note: This letter is in reply to Mayor Jim Kelly’s letter to the editor which was written in response to Kenneth Snider’s initial letter to the editor. Links are included for your convenience above and below. Dear Editor,       In response to the letter by Mayor Kelly of Benld, he is correct in […]

To the editor, I wanted to take a moment to thank the Benld Police Department. Thank you to all the men and women who took the oath to protect and serve. We all know that it’s not the pay that brought you into this profession and to Benld. Your devotion to the profession is recognized, especially when […]

To the Editor: In response to Mr. Ken Snider’s letter published in your newspaper, as the Mayor of the City of Benld, I am providing the following information for clarity.  Previously to the Special Meeting of April 17, 2020, a public meeting was held in July of 2018 to discuss a proposal from the City […]