$5 million available for watershed-based planning, education and information, monitoring, and best management practice projects By Tribune Staff • Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Director James Jennings today announced $5 million in funding through the Section 319 (h) Grant Program for projects addressing non-point source (NPS) pollution. The Section 319(h) Grant Program Notice of Funding…

By Brittany Blackwell Reporter • An aging garage and overgrown backyard behind a historic downtown Highland building have been transformed into a new space, demonstrating continued investment in the city’s business district. After purchasing the roughly 150-year-old building three years ago, owners Tricia Feyerabend and Shannon Hogg have steadily renovated Towne Square Terrace at 923…

By Brittany Blackwell Reporter • The Highland City Council has authorized staff to seek bids for a project aimed at extending the life of the city’s shared-use paths. The item was approved at the July 20 meeting, allowing the city to advertise for bids before final council approval.  Director of Public Works Joe Gillespie submitted…

By Tribune Staff • The Illinois Department of Transportation announced on July 21 that northbound Interstate 55 between the I-55/I-64 split and Exchange Avenue will be reduced to one lane on weekdays beginning Monday, July 27, to perform road maintenance, weather permitting. The lane closures will be in place from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.,…

By Tribune Staff • State Senator Erica Harriss is announcing the launch of her campaign internship program, providing students and young professionals with an opportunity to gain firsthand experience in public service, grassroots organizing, communications, and community engagement while helping build a stronger future for the Metro East. “Every successful campaign begins with grassroots efforts…