As part of the state’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, the Department of Corrections (DOC) was authorized to furlough some prisoners from state facilities. DOC and the Governor’s office initially expressed concerns that prisoners might be at heightened risk of contracting the illness in crowded facilities, and that these conditions might put correctional officers and other community members at risk. […]
2020-04-28
Parks in Paxton remain open, but amenities still closed
PAXTON — Coady Park and West Lawn Park “have always been open,” according to Paxton Park District Recreation Director Neal McKenry. “We welcome people to continue or begin enjoying the outdoor open areas for walks and other activities where social distancing measures can and should be adhered to,” McKenry said. While the parks are open, various amenities within the parks […]
Ninth positive case of COVID-19 confirmed in Ford County
From the Ford County Public Health Department: Ford County Public Health Department (FCPHD) is announcing one new case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The individual is a male in his 20’s. Ford County has a total of nine confirmed cases, including one death. Two of the confirmed cases are associated with congregate living facilities. These numbers are accurate as of […]
Pritzker: Stay-at-home order stands despite ruling
State sees highest single-day death total from COVID-19 By JERRY NOWICKICapitol News [email protected] SPRINGFIELD — As the state saw its largest single-day death total yet from COVID-19 on Tuesday, Gov. JB Pritzker said his stay-at-home order stands despite a judge’s Monday ruling granting a limited temporary restraining order against it. “Let me remind everyone again — the stay-at-home order in […]
Obituary: Arlene Christine Coulter
PAXTON — Arlene Christine Coulter, 95, of Paxton, passed away at 4:11 a.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at her daughter’s home. Private services will be held with burial in Glen Cemetery in Paxton. Baier Family Funeral Services in Paxton is assisting the family with arrangements. Arlene was born Dec. 4, 1924, in Sibley the daughter of Albin and Emma Enghausen […]
Iroquois County has 24 confirmed cases of COVID-19
WATSEKA — As of Tuesday, April 28, Iroquois County has 24 individuals with laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19. Eleven of the confirmed cases have recovered. These 11 individuals have been released from isolation. Here is the information that the Iroquois County Public Health Department released about its recent cases: Case 1: Male in his 50’s Case 2: Male in his […]
Gibson Area Chamber of Commerce cancels meetings
GIBSON CITY — Due to the stay-at-home order caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Gibson Area Chamber of Commerce is going to cancel the general and board meetings originally scheduled to be held on May 4 and May 21, respectively. The GACC is still planning its June 4 meeting, but the appreciation dinner that was to be held June 11 […]
Illinois State Police Forensic Services personnel assist with COVID-19 testing
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Forensic Services (DFS) is assisting the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ten forensic scientists and one DNA research coordinator, have volunteered to lend their expertise to assist the IDPH at the Chicago, Springfield and Carbondale laboratories. DFS is also evaluating the potential for 14 additional forensics […]
AG to appeal judge’s ruling halting stay-at-home order against lawmaker
Another Republican representative will file a near-identical lawsuit By REBECCA ANZELCapitol News [email protected] SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Attorney General’s office filed a notice to appeal a downstate judge’s ruling releasing one Republican representative from the governor’s executive orders, according to court documents. Xenia Republican Rep. Darren Bailey alleged in his lawsuit that by issuing successive 30-day COVID-19 disaster proclamations, Gov. […]
Pritzker blasts lawmaker exempted from stay-at-home order by court
State reports record 144 coronavirus deaths in past 24 hours By BEN ORNERCapitol News [email protected] SPRINGFIELD — Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday denounced a state representative from southern Illinois, calling the lawsuit that defeated his stay-at-home order in court “a cheap political stunt.” Referring to state Rep. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, only as “the state representative from the 109th district,” Pritzker said […]
