Several counties recently received grants from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).

A deal on school funding, a meeting with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and a briefing on the Illinois Department of Employment Security's initiative to streamline payroll filings kept Sen. Paul Schimpf's (R-Waterloo) busy lately, according to a press release.

The men and women chosen as "Leaders Among Us" by the Southern Business Journal will be celebrated by the Southern Illinois Regional Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon on Sept. 19, according to a Facebook post from the chamber.

The Jefferson County Senior Saints Hall of Fame, which honors senior citizens who have demonstrated their dedication to community service and making a positive impact to the area, is accepting nominations for the 2017 class, according to a press release.

Jefferson County residents are being invited to meet local Republicans running for office on Saturday at the Indian Hills Community Center, according to a Facebook post from the county's GOP.

The Buncombe Public Water District board has had a vacancy since the start of the year, and the Jackson County Board is calling on volunteers to apply for the role, according to a recent press release.

The Village of Buckner budget was $353,546.28 for its 2015 fiscal year, or $1,860.77 per household.

The Village of Pittsburg budget was $1.25 million for its 2015 fiscal year, or $4,646.02 per household.

The City of Orient budget was $229,500 for its 2015 fiscal year, or $1,675.18 per household.

The Village of Kaskaskia budget was $1,907.40 for its 2015 fiscal year, or $381.48 per household.

The Village of Woodlawn budget was $139,842 for its 2015 fiscal year, or $542.02 per household.

The Village of Alto Pass budget was $137,700 for its 2015 fiscal year, or $866.04 per household.

The Village of Willisville budget was $1.51 million for its 2015 fiscal year, or $7,889.73 per household.

The Village of Waltonville budget was $563,014.50 for its 2015 fiscal year, or $3,235.72 per household.

The Village of Vernon budget was $44,798.40 for its 2015 fiscal year, or $995.52 per household.

The Village of Vergennes budget was $103,887 for its 2015 fiscal year, or $903.37 per household.

The Village of Valier budget was $1.06 million for its 2015 fiscal year, or $3,638.26 per household.

The Village of Union Hill budget was $23,018.34 for its 2015 fiscal year, or $1,046.29 per household.

The Village of Ullin budget was $879,138 for its 2015 fiscal year, or $4,395.69 per household.

The Village of Tilden budget was $784,351.44 for its 2015 fiscal year, or $2,605.82 per household.