Ruth de Jauregui Stories | West Central Reporter

Watchdogs unmoved by Nauvoo councilwoman threats on posted comments

By Ruth de Jauregui | Jul 2, 2017

Nauvoo Councilwoman Beverly Reynolds told the Edgar County Watchdogs (ECW) to take down her Facebook comments on Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) or face a lawsuit, the ECW's John Kraft posted on the group's Illinois Leaks website recently.

Workers' comp fraud can't be left on back burner, law firm argues

By Ruth de Jauregui | Jul 2, 2017

The budget battle in the Illinois Statehouse has allowed workers' compensation fraud to continue largely unchecked, the law firm Keefe, Campbell, Biery & Associates (KCBA) contends.

Budget breakdown lands Illinois one step from junk bond rating

By Ruth de Jauregui | Jun 8, 2017

Illinois did something this week that no state has ever done: received a downgraded credit rating to near-junk bond status.

LaHarpe mayor resigns in wake of arrest, accusations

By Ruth de Jauregui | Jun 4, 2017

LaHarpe Mayor Ryan Kienast put a copy of his resignation letter on every City Council member's seat prior to its meeting on May 22, according to the Edgar County Watchdogs.

Group not buying Carlinville's seemingly seedy CD story

By Ruth de Jauregui | Apr 28, 2017

Two separate CDs the City of Carlinville said it sent in response to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests by a government oversight group either got lost in the mail or never made it that far, the group argued on Tuesday.

Carlinville conflict sparks media war of words

By Ruth de Jauregui | Apr 22, 2017

Depending on one's point of view, either the Edgar County Watchdogs (ECW) have been attacking Carlinville's mayor and interfering in elections or the Blackburn College newspaper is a biased publication doing a "hatchet job" on a group acting in the public interest.

Iroquois told to deep-six 911 post

By Ruth de Jauregui | Apr 22, 2017

Iroquois County never had a 911 coordinator -- even when it did.

Watchdogs wait for Carlinville ... and wait ... and wait

By Ruth de Jauregui | Apr 14, 2017

Delay appears to be the main method of operation for the leadership of the City of Carlinville, according to the Edgar County Watchdogs (ECW), a a government oversight group.

State steps in after Carlinville denies FOIA request

By Ruth de Jauregui | Mar 19, 2017

The Illinois Attorney General's office has initiated an investigation into an alleged violation of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by the City of Carlinville after the Edgar County Watchdogs (ECW) filed a complaint.

Police chief's lawyer wants misconduct inquiry

By Ruth de Jauregui | Mar 12, 2017

The attorney for recently reinstated South Jacksonville Police Chief Joshua Hallock is calling for an official misconduct inquiry into the village regarding the release of privileged attorney-client material, the Edgar County Watchdogs reported recently.

WIU event shows lawmakers how university affects their districts

By Ruth de Jauregui | Feb 28, 2017

Western Illinois University (WIU) hosted Western 101 on Jan. 30 to show state legislators how the university impacts their districts.

GOP targets Manar in new anti-Madigan ad campaign

By Ruth de Jauregui | Feb 11, 2017

The Illinois Republican Party released the first video of a new ad campaign on Feb. 1.

Tracy takes Dist. 47 state Senate seat unopposed

By Ruth de Jauregui | Nov 8, 2016

Republican candidate Jil Tracy took the District 47 state Senate seat unopposed as incumbent John Sullivan (D-Quincy) did not seek re-election.

New trash service begins in Greenville

By Ruth de Jauregui | Aug 20, 2016

The city of Greenville has contracted with Doty Sanitation Services for trash pickup, and residents are required to use the new provided containers for trash pickup.

Western Illinois University receives state funding

By Ruth de Jauregui | Aug 20, 2016

Western Illinois University received its first allocation of approximately $5.5 million form the state last month.

Swanson touts his experience for House seat

By Ruth de Jauregui | Jun 18, 2016

Daniel Swanson, the Republican candidate for the Illinois House seat for District 74, presented his qualifications for office recently, including his agricultural roots and time spent as an officer of the Illinois National Guard.