WIU administration to host town hall about layoffs
Western Illinois University’s administration will hold a town hall meeting at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13, in the University Union Capitol Room.
Interim President Kristi Mindrup and her Cabinet will address questions and concerns from faculty and staff. Registration is required.
The administration says the meeting is an opportunity to discuss the implications of staff reductions in an open and transparent manner.
The administration laid off 35 non-tenure track faculty last month, and WIU’s Board of Trustees this week authorized a further reduction in staff.
West Nile Virus detected in Knox County
The Knox County Health Department has confirmed a bird sample tested positive for West Nile Virus this week.
Health officials plan to continue testing mosquito pools from across the county and work to control mosquito populations.
Common symptoms of West Nile Virus in humans are fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches, but most people don’t have symptoms.
The best way to prevent disease from mosquitoes is to wear insect repellant and report locations with stagnant water for more than a week, according to the health department.
Macomb to build solar field at new water plant
Macomb will seek bids for a solar field at the new water plant site at Grant and Ward streets.
City Administrator Scott Coker said the solar field will supply power to the nearby wastewater plant.
“Waste water and water are our two largest – by far – electrical users in the city, to the tune of around $120,000 a year in electrical for wastewater,” he said.
Coker said the energy generated by the solar field would offset that expense.
The estimated cost of building it is $2.5 million. The city expects to cover much of that with Ameren rebates, federal tax credits, and state renewable energy credits.
Old theater partially collapses in Havana
Structural engineers are assessing damage after a building partially collapsed in Havana on Monday afternoon.
The Lawford Theatre, 225. W. Main St., dates back to 1914.
After the collapse, authorities evacuated the area near the theater due to a gas leak.
The Havana Police Department said that until further notice, the sidewalk in front of the Lawford Theatre and The Never-Ending Story Book Store will be closed.
The alleyway between the theater and Perbix and Morgan Law Office will also be closed until debris can be cleared.
Funnel cloud reported over McDonough County
The National Weather Service said a trained spotter reported a funnel cloud near Blandinsville on Saturday afternoon, August 3.
The agency said the atmospheric conditions were present for the possible formation of weak funnels.
There is no report of the funnel cloud reaching the ground, and there are no reports of injuries or damage.
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