West Nile Virus detected in Knox, McDonough mosquitoes
Batches of mosquitoes in Knox and McDonough counties tested positive for West Nile Virus.
The Knox County sample, collected on Aug. 9, follows a positive bird sample collected in the county several days earlier.
In McDonough County, the mosquitoes that tested positive were collected Aug. 13 in Bushnell.
Mild cases of West Nile Virus can cause a light fever or headache, but severe cases may lead to a high fever, disorientation, or paralysis. High-risk individuals include young children, adults over 50, and those with weakened immune systems. If experiencing severe symptoms, contact your physician immediately.
Residents are encouraged to practice the three Rs: Reduce standing water where mosquitoes breed; repel mosquitoes with protective water and insect repellent; and report stagnant water sources to the health department.
More information about West Nile Virus can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) website at: www.dph.illinois.gov.
Galesburg man charged with attempted murder, arson, and sexual assault
A Galesburg man was arrested for attempted murder, arson, and aggravated criminal sexual assault following a house fire.
Jason D. Fielder, 46, is in custody at the Knox County jail awaiting a court appearance.
Police responded to the 200 block of Highland Avenue at 7:39 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 for a report of a house fire. A juvenile was found inside the residence and taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Following an investigation, police found Fielder at Sandburg Village apartments and arrested him. Police said additional charges could be forthcoming.
Galesburg police and fire departments were assisted by the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit, State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Knox County Sheriff’s Department.
New transit director for Macomb
The Macomb city council agreed to hire CallaBria Putrino as the city’s next transit director.
City Administrator Scott Coker said Putrino will initially work part-time and remotely before beginning full-time on Sept. 23.
She recently received her MBA from Western Illinois University. She previously worked at Carthage Veterinary Service as a research assistant and manager.
Putrino replaces Miranda Lambert, who is now Macomb’s Community Development Coordinator.
New leader hired for Burlington chamber
The Greater Burlington Partnership’s Joint Powers Board voted unanimously in favor of hiring Amy O’Brien to be the organization’s next president and chief executive officer.
O’Brien will begin work on September 16.
She’s currently Assistant City Manager and Director of Economic Development for the City of Mexico, Missouri. She previously served as CEO of the city's hospital, Audrain Community Hospital.
O’Brien already has a connection to southeast Iowa. Her husband, Joe, is Athletic Director for Southeastern Community College.
Amy O’Brien replaces Della Schmidt, who left Burlington in April for a position in Mankato, Minnesota.
Galesburg District 205 approves specs for construction projects
The Galesburg District 205 school board approved the specifications for millions of dollars of improvements to the junior-senior high school campus.
Per the plan, the former Gale and Rose Hoben Welch schools north of the junior-senior high school will be demolished.
A new 25,000 square foot district warehouse is planned for the site of Rose Hoben Welch, replacing the one at Hawthorne Center that’s been in use since the 1980s.
The cost for the new warehouse is $4.8 million.
Also planned are improvements to athletic facilities, including an addition to Wicall Gym, replacing the softball infield, and putting in artificial turf and a new sub-drain system at Jim Sundberg Field.
The district will use reserves from the site and construction fund and revenue from the 1-cent sales tax to cover the cost of the projects.
Galesburg seeks public input on Cooke park development
The city of Galesburg is seeking public input on the development of a park at the former Cooke School.
Residents are encouraged to attend a meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20 in the gymnasium of the former school at 849 S. Henderson St, which is now Learning Connections.
The city received a $500,000 Open Space and Land Acquisition Development (OSLAD) grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to develop a park on the property. Proposed improvements include a playground, picnic shelter, restrooms, walking path, parking lot, and trailhead. The city will also contribute $500,000.
At the public input meeting, Farnsworth Group will present examples of potential facilities and amenities for feedback from attendees. City staff will also be present to answer questions. For more information, please contact Don Miles, Director of Parks and Recreation, at (309) 344-3140.
Mine reclamation projects in west central Illinois
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments on abandoned mine reclamation projects that will be funded through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The projects include work at the United Electric Cuba Mine in Fulton County, and at the Peterson Coal Company and Cleavenger Mine sites in Schuyler County.
The state will accept comments through September 20.
Comments can be emailed to lance.l.range@illinois.gov or mailed to Lance Range, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Mines and Minerals, 1 Natural Resources Way, Springfield IL 62702.
The Abandoned Mine Land program addresses serious environmental and safety problems at coal and non-coal mines that were abandoned prior to Aug. 3, 1977.
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