News Progress

First batch of vaccines will go to hospital workers, first responders

•November 25, 2020•
By Sarah Mansur
Capitol News Illinois
smansur@capitolnewsillinois.com

After Pfizer submitted its application for a COVID-19 vaccine to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last week, Illinois public health officials have continued preparing locations to store and distribute the vaccine that could be released to frontline hospital workers in a matter of weeks.
Pfizer announced Friday that it planned to submit its COVID-19 vaccine application for emergency approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration — a process that could take between two and four weeks, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said during Friday’s daily news conference.
On Friday, Ezike said she expects the state will receive about 400,000 doses of the vaccine in the first round of distribution.
“That is the number that we’re working with to identify how we will partition that out for the first phase,” she said.
“And we already know that we heard directly from General (Gustave) Perna that, as soon as FDA approval is granted, the next day they would start shipping out vaccines,” she added. Read More

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Nov. 30 - Sausage in Gravy, Mini Potato Bakers, Fruit Juice, Biscuit, Warm Cinnamon Buttered Apples
Dec. 1 - Cheese tortellini Alfredo, Peas, Kidney Bean Salad, Peanut Butter Cup, Whole Grain Wheat (1), Warm Fruit Cobbler
Dec. 2 - Saucy Cabbage Rolls, Corn, Broccoli, Whole Grain Wheat (1), Mandarin Oranges
Dec. 3 - Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Italian Green Beans, Texas Toast, Cranapple Salad
Dec. 4 - Goulash with Beans, Seasoned Greens, Graham Crackers, Dinner Roll, Fresh Fruit

Dear Editor,

Having served as an election judge at the Moultrie County courthouse during this past election, I would like to publicly thank County Clerk Georgia England and her staff for their outstanding work during an especially difficult election period.
Georgia, Jamie, Pam and Mary spend countless hours preparing for early voting, absentee voting, in-person voting, and curbside voting, making sure that every eligible voter could exercise his/her Constitutional right to vote. All of this preparation was done with the pandemic adding to their workload. Read More

Driver’s licenses and ID card expirations will be extended

•November 18, 2020•
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding the public that Driver Services facilities statewide will be closed for in-person transactions effective Tuesday, Nov. 17, and will reopen on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, due to the worsening COVID-19 pandemic. White is encouraging the public to take advantage of online services.
In an effort to reduce facility visits for in-person service, White has expanded online renewals for driver’s licenses and ID cards. Not everyone qualifies, particularly those who are required to pass a written or road test. For qualifying drivers, if the driver’s license or ID card expired between Feb. 1, 2020 and Jan. 31, 2021, then the individual will receive a letter with a unique PIN needed to renew online. This letter will be sent in December 2020 or January 2021. If the driver’s license or ID card expires after Feb. 1, 2021, the individual will receive the PIN letter approximately 90 days before the expiration date. For more information on determining whether an individual qualifies for online renewal, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com and click on “Read more on how to renew your driver’s license or ID card online” near the top of the main page. Read More

Submitted by Yolanda Nation
Assisting with Mobile Food Pantry are, from left, 4-H members Caitlynne Therieau, Amanda Hall, Aiden Lister, Lilah Bonny, Marissa Barringer, Zoie Wemple and Delaney Nation.

•November 18, 2020•
Seven Shelby County 4-H Federation members assisted at the Mobile Food Pantry held at Windsor Grade School on October 28. The Mobile Food Pantry is sponsored by Decatur Catholic Charities and the Windsor School District and coordinated by Shelby County Extension SNAP ED Program Coordinator MaryBeth Massey. Federation members helped unload 225+ boxes and distributed food to 90 families. This is just one of many community service projects that 4-H Federation has assisted with this fall. Shelby County 4-H Federation members meet once a month and plan county programs for 4-H members, and sponsor a variety of activities for 4-H clubs. When asked why Federation members like helping in community service projects, Delaney Nation, Federation president commented “it’s a way to give back to our community and also, let the community know that the youth in Shelby County 4-H are here to help in any way we can”.[/s2If]