May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month

Letter to the Editor,

May is Lyme Awareness Month. Borreliosis (more commonly known as Lyme) is the greatest vector borne disease with over 300,000 new cases each year in the U.S. alone. The number of cases reported annually has increased nearly 25 fold since national surveillance began in 1982. There are five subspecies of borrelia burgdorferi, over 100 strains in the U.S. and 300 strains worldwide.

There are no accurate tests, with which to confirm one has it, or one to show the organism is eradicated and the patient is cured. Fewer than 50% of patients recall a tick bite, and less than 50% of patients have the classic “bullseye” rash. Up to 50% of ticks in Lyme-endemic areas are infected, and 40% of Lyme patients end up with long term health problems. The average patient sees five doctors over nearly two years before being diagnosed. Lyme disease is a clinical diagnosis. Unfortunately, most doctors in our area are not properly trained to recognize or treat Lyme. Read More

•May 2, 2018•

• General Homestead Exemption (Owner Occupied) (35 ILCS 200/15-175) — This exemption is for those who own and occupy residences or have a leasehold residence. This is a $6,000 reduction in EAV. If there is a leasehold residence, Lessee or Lessor must obtain an application from the Supervisor of Assessment Office.

• Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption (Elderly) (35 ILCS 200/15-170) — This exemption is for those who own and occupy residence or have a leasehold on residence and are 65 years of age or older. This is a $5,000 reduction in EAV.

• Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (35 ILCS 200/15-172) —This exemption is for those who own and occupy residence or have a leasehold on residence and are 65 years of age or older and have resided in the residence for two Januarys and total household income is $65,000 or less. To maintain this exemption, one must complete the application annually by the county’s due date.  Read More

•May 2, 2018•

The annual “Students for the Information Age” TECH 2018 event will be held 9:30-11:30 a.m.Thursday, May 10 and from 1-3 p.m. at the Illinois State Capitol building in Springfield where hundreds of students and teachers will represent schools from throughout the state.

At the event, students will show the public and members of the Illinois State Senate and House of Representatives how technology is being used in the classroom to increase student engagement and improve achievement. From elementary to the high school classrooms, TECH 2018 highlights the crucial role that technology plays in education -- ranging from increases in collaboration and critical thinking, to promoting learning beyond the limits of the school day -- by creating a space for students to share their learning and innovative uses of devices, the internet, and digital curriculum.  Read More

•April 18, 2018•

Don’t miss your chance to attend a vintage and handmade market right in your own backyard. Back Forty Market returns to The Great Pumpkin Patch, Friday and Saturday, June 1 and 2.

Spend time with friends, enjoy live music, stroll the paths from tent to tent, try artisan foods and partake in a glass of wine. Tickets are on sale now at www.backfortymarket.com.