Your Good Morning Monroe Newsletter

Trivia Question❓

Monroe County, IL was named after the fifth President of the United States, James Monroe. What year was the county officially established?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Good news about US Steel

US Steel reverses decision to close Granite City Works, saving thousands of jobs and boosting competitiveness.

US Steel has decided to scrap plans to halt operations at its Granite City Works facility in Illinois.

The decision comes after the company faced pressure from customers and lawmakers to keep the plant open.

This move will prevent the loss of over 2,000 jobs and will ensure that the facility can continue operations.

US Steel plans to invest in the facility in order to make it more competitive in the global market.

This decision is a positive development for both the company and the local community.

🏠 Key Market Metrics

Metric	Value / Trend	Notes
Typical / Average Home Value	~$324,900	The Zillow “home value index” is around this mark, up ~6.5% year‑over‑year. Zillow
Median Sale Price	~$344,900	From recent Redfin data; this is down ~6.5% compared to the same period last year. Redfin
Median Listing Price	~$335,000	Realtor.com reports this for August 2025, showing a drop ~16.7% year‑over‑year. Realtor
Days on Market / Time to Pending	~7 days to pending listings	Homes are moving reasonably quick. Zillow+1
Sales Volume / Activity	Moderate, somewhat declining	Around 29 homes sold in August (vs 31 same month last year) in Redfin data. Redfin
Price per Square Foot	~$166 per sq ft	According to Redfin; this is down from last year. Redfin

⚙️ Trends & Insights

Price pressures easing: While average values are up (per Zillow), the median sale price and listing prices are showing year‑over‑year declines. This suggests some softening on what buyers are willing / able to pay.
Fast sales: Homes still go pending quickly (≈ 6‑7 days) on average, indicating demand remains for well‑priced homes.
Inventory & supply: There’s some volatility; fewer sales in certain months compared to the prior year. But overall, supply seems constrained in many segments.
Affordability & taxes: Median home values and property taxes are significant factors. The county has a high homeownership rate.

· Median home value in 2023 was about $265,600, with a homeownership rate of ~83.8%.

This newsletter sponsored by

Stubborn German Brewing Company

📍 Address: 119 S Main St, Waterloo, IL 62298, USA

📞 Phone: +1 618-504-2444

🌐 Website: http://stubborngermanbrewing.com/

Rating: 4.9

Your Next Favorite Evening Starts with a Cold Beer—Here’s Why

Have you ever wondered why a single glass of beer can turn an average evening into a memorable one? For those who crave adventure with every bite and sip, the search for a truly satisfying drink is never just about what’s in the glass—it’s about the experience, the anticipation, and the community you share it with. Beer isn’t simply a beverage; it’s a cultural ritual, one that brings together people, flavors, and stories in unexpected ways.

The world of beer is as diverse and fascinating as the people who enjoy it. Whether you relish the complex notes of a stout or the crisp lightness of a wheat beer, there’s always more to discover. Beyond generic options, the craft beer landscape offers rich traditions and innovations. In towns that honor their roots and creative spirit, the right beer can be the centerpiece of an evening, heightening senses and opening doors to new culinary adventures. This isn’t about chasing a buzz—it’s about savoring life’s moments and turning every outing into an event to remember.

Read the Entire Article

HELP A PUP OUT

Big Al - 2025286C -

Big AL is a 10 year old male Maltese looking for a good home. He is currently in foster care but really looking for a "forever" home. Every senior do deserves a loving home to spend the remaining years of his life.

This pet is currently in foster care. Please call the shelter to arrange an introduction.

The adoption fee for adult dogs, seven months and older, is $250. All pets are microchipped, up to date on vaccines, and will be altered prior to adoption. If you are interested in meeting a dog, please stop by the shelter during open hours. Dogs may be in a foster home, therefore scheduling an appointment is recommended. If you have an existing dog at home, we recommend bringing it along to meet your possible new family member. helpingstrays.org

📅 Monroe County Events: Sept 22‑28, 2025

Illinois State Treasurer’s Office I‑Cash Event
📅 Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
🕒 Time: (Not listed)
📍 Location: Waterloo City Hall Front Conference Room, Waterloo, IL City of Waterloo, IL+1
🎟️ Admission: Free / Open to public (no cost listed) City of Waterloo, IL+1
📄 Details: An event by the State Treasurer’s Office to help people find unclaimed property or funds (“I‑Cash”). City of Waterloo, IL

2. Monroe County Farmers Market
📅 Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
🕒 Time: 7:30 AM ‑ 12:00 PM City of Waterloo, IL+2City of Waterloo, IL+2
📍 Location: Monroe County Annex, Waterloo, IL City of Waterloo, IL+1
🎟️ Admission: Free to attend; usual market pricing for vendors’ goods City of Waterloo, IL+1
📄 Details: Weekly farmers’ market with local produce, vendors, likely crafts etc. City of Waterloo, IL

Be the Light: Monroe County’s Walk for Hope
📅 Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
🕒 Time: 9:00 AM registration; 10:00 AM walk starts City of Waterloo, IL+1
📍 Location: Lakeview Park, Monroe County, IL City of Waterloo, IL+2City of Waterloo, IL+2
🎟️ Admission: (No fee listed; likely free or donation

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Monroe County, IL was officially established in 1816.