The McDonough County Health Department is reporting more cases of whooping cough.
The latest cases are in the West Prairie and Macomb school districts.
The respiratory illness is highly contagious.
The health department is working with the school districts and local healthcare providers to prevent the illness from spreading.
Dutell wins Galesburg community service award
Sue Dutell is the recipient of the 2024 Thomas B. Herring Community Service Award. She was honored during the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce’s 46th Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon.
Dutell’s history of community service includes contributions to United Way of Knox County, Christmas in Action, the Fishing Derby, Galesburg Public Library Foundation, Thrive Community Services, and the Rotary Club of Galesburg.
Trent Cox, who nominated Dutell, shared heartfelt praise: “It’s difficult to look at the list of past Thomas B. Herring Community Service Award recipients and not imagine Sue’s name. She contributes to our community through countless organizations, with her commitment to giving back evident in everything they do. She is kind-hearted, selfless, and dedicated to serving others.”
Fulton County disaster declaration
The USDA issued a disaster declaration for Fulton County, making emergency loans available to those who suffered damages from the derecho that struck in mid-July.
The declaration is also for contiguous counties, including Knox, McDonough, Schuyler, and Warren.
Quincy woman sentenced in meth case
A federal judge sentenced a Quincy woman to five years in prison for
possessing meth with the intent to distribute it
Devin Lawton, 47, pleaded guilty in July.
She transported large amounts of meth from Kansas City to Quincy, where it was distributed.