First Human Case of West Nile Virus in Illinois

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•June 8, 2016• The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus reported in Illinois for 2016. An adolescent in west central Illinois became severely ill in late May. “We typically don’t start to see human cases of West Nile virus in Illinois until the end of July or beginning of August,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. “This first human case is much earlier this year, reminding us that it’s important to protect ourselves against mosquito bites now and not wait until the hotter months of … Read More

Obituaries 6-8-2016: Phillip Bragg

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Phillip Bragg Phillip Dale Bragg, 59, of Fort Mohave, Arizona (formerly of Sullivan) died Sunday, May 22, 2016 in his home following an extended illness. Memorial services will be conducted by the family at 1 p.m. Saturday June 18 in French Cemetery in Allenville. Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan is in charge of arrangements.  … Read More

Transformer Fire at Theatre

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•June 8, 2016• The Sullivan fire department responded to a call in the rear parking lot of Little Theatre at 11:54 a.m. Thursday, June 2 A faulty electrical transformer prompted the call and was repaired by Sullivan utility workers that afternoon. Firefighters at the scene assisted with a brief evacuation of the Little Theatre building and returned to the station at 12:11 p.m. No fire damage was reported in the incident. … Read More

“Bumps, Burps & Giggles” Baby and Children’s Fair Good for All Ages

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•June 8, 2016• If you are an expectant parent, new parent or even an experienced parent or grandparent, Bumps, Burps and Giggles Baby and Children’s Fair has something for you. The 2016 Bumps, Burps & Giggles Baby and Children’s Fair will be held from 11 am to 2 pm, Sunday, June 26, in the Lumpkin Family Center for Health Education Center at Sarah Bush Lincoln. It is free and open to the public. The Baby and Children’s Fair provides information and education regarding areas of interest to expectant and new parents, as well as highlighting services provided by the Health … Read More

Affordable Rents are Out of Reach for Minimum Wage Workers

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•June 8, 2016• Renters must earn $19.98 to afford a two-bedroom apartment in Ill., while nearly $225 million in emergency state funding for affordable housing is being held up to due to state budget impasse In order to afford a modest, two-bedroom apartment in Illinois, renters need to earn $19.98 per hour. This is Illinois’ 2016 Housing Wage, revealed in a national report released today. The report, Out of Reach 2016, was jointly released by Housing Action Illinois, a statewide coalition that fights to protect and expand the availability of quality, affordable housing throughout Illinois, and the National Low Income … Read More

Obituaries 6-8-2016: Joyce Elliott

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Joyce Elliott Joyce “Queenie” Neliene Jordan Elliott, 89, died Sunday, May 29, 2016 in Grand Junction, Colo. Brown’s Cremation Service in Grand Junction handled arrangements. She was born Sept. 13, 1926 in Galesburg, the daughter of Edi Harkrider and Kenith D. Jordan. … Read More

Winning Season for Okaw Valley Softball

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•June 8, 2016• Okaw Valley softball finished the season in a second place tie in the LOVC NW with a 7-3 record. Coach Dave Benning’s Timberwolves softball team had a 16-10 overall 2016 record. From the mound Maddie Perrine’s 12-9 record totaled 100 strikesouts over 112.7 innings pitched. Perrine allowed 131 hits and 32 base on balls, finishing with a 4.53 ERA. Grace Harlin pitched 22.3 innings with a 2-0 record. Harlin had 15 strikeouts, 21 base on balls and 34 hits for a 4.71 ERA. Madison Vogel pitched five innings in two games with two strikeouts and 12 hits. … Read More

Kids’ Fishing Tournament at Lake Shelbyville

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•June 8, 2016• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville is hosting a free fishing tournament for children under 13 Saturday, June 18 at Opossum Pond. The pond is located near the entrance to the Opossum Creek Recreation Area. Participants are encouraged to pre-register by calling 217-774-3951 ext. 2, though it is not mandatory. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. for the age six and under category and participants will fish from 9-9:45 a.m. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. for the age 7-9 and 10-12 category, and participants will fish from 10-11 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for biggest … Read More

Watch Out For Rabid Bats And Animals

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•June 8, 2016• Bats are starting to become more active, which means the possibility of exposure to rabies is increasing. Bats are the primary carrier of rabies in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has already had 10 bats test positive for rabies this year. “Never try to approach or catch a bat, or any wild animal, you find outside. Bats and wild animals that let people approach them are often not healthy,” said IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. “Instead, call your local animal control agency for its recommendations on how to handle the animal.” In … Read More