Drive-through COVID-19 testing site coming to Ford County

The Ford County Public Health Department is announcing that a COVID-19 testing site is coming to the area next week. A mobile testing unit managed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will be stationed in Roberts, IL according to the following schedule:Thursday, October 29, 20209:00 am to 4:00 pm (Anyone in line at 4:00 pm will be tested)Roberts […]

Pastor Steve Jones: Shining Lights in a World of Darkness

In this most recent series we’re looking at what it means for Christians to be reminded that we’re “salt and light” in the world around us. Initially, we looked at the fact that salt has two primary functions. Salt is a preserving influence and a flavor enhancer. That being true, Christians want to be a preserving influence in a world […]

Illinois State Representative Tom Bennett: Getting back to business

Since the spring we have seen many Illinois businesses reopen, entirely or partially, from the shutdown, but many are still struggling. Sadly some have not been able to bounce back at all. For those that have re-opened, the Illinois Department of Labor is offering a free consultation service called Back to Business Illinois which connects small business owners with consultants […]

Lawmakers push to reform state’s bail system

Advocates work to end money bond but some in law enforcement push back By RAYMON TRONCOSOCapitol News Illinois | Report For [email protected] SPRINGFIELD — Some state lawmakers are looking to reform the cash bail system in Illinois, mainly by ending the use of money bonds as a factor in preventing a suspect’s release. State Sen. Robert Peters and state Rep. […]

Ford County among 51 Illinois Counties at Warning Level for Coronavirus Disease

Number of counties increases from 34 last week SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 51 counties in Illinois are considered to be at a warning level for novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).  A county enters a warning level when two or more COVID-19 risk indicators that measure the amount of COVID-19 increase. Fifty-one counties are currently reported […]

Early voting continues to shatter records

U of I analyst cautions not to read too much into it By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News [email protected] SPRINGFIELD – Amid a new surge in COVID-19 cases, voters in Illinois and across the nation are shattering records for early voting. As of Friday, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections, more than 1.8 million voters had already cast their ballots […]

One new case of COVID-19 announced in Ford County

The Ford County Public Health Department announced one new case of COVID-19 on Friday, Oct. 23. Ford County has a total of 260 cases. Of those, 181 are confirmed cases and 80 are probable cases. Two-hundred eight of the previously reported cases have been released from isolation. Forty-one cases remain active with four hospitalizations. There have been 12 COVID-19 related […]

Ezike: ‘I don’t know what else we can say’

Leaders once again implore public to wear masks, warn of ‘history repeating’ By JERRY NOWICKICapitol News [email protected] SPRINGFIELD – Through tears, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike once again called for widespread use of face coverings Friday after warning of increasing COVID-19 hospitalization numbers that could surpass the peaks of April and May. “I mean it’s sad […]

CAPITOL RECAP: COVID-19 positivity rates, hospitalizations on steady rise

By Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – Through tears, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike once again called for widespread use of face coverings Friday after warning of increasing COVID-19 hospitalization numbers that could surpass the peaks of April and May. “I mean it’s sad to see the numbers going up again,” Ezike said at a COVID-19 briefing […]