West Nile virus detected in McDonough County
A batch of mosquitoes collected in Bushnell on Tuesday, May 27 tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the McDonough County Health Department.
The health department said the virus can spread to people who’ve been bitten by an infected mosquito. Most people show no symptoms, but some can become ill three to fifteen days after being bitten.
The symptoms can include fever, headache, and body aches.
The department said steps can be taken to prevent the virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Those include eliminating standing water, using EPA-registered repellants, and avoiding the outdoors between dusk and dawn, which is when mosquitos are most active.
Man and dog struck and killed by Amtrak train
A man and his dog were struck and killed by a northbound Amtrak train in Hancock County.
The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office responded to the accident north of Plymouth around 6:18 p.m. Monday, May 26.
Aaron Atkins, 42, of Plymouth, was attempting to cross the railroad tracks in an all-terrain vehicle when the vehicle became stuck. Atkins was struck by the train while attempting to remove the vehicle from the tracks.
Atkins and his dog were pronounced dead at the scene.
The accident remains under investigation.
Knox, Warren county United Ways to merge
United Way of Knox County and United Way of Greater Warren County have announced their intent to merge into a single, consolidated fundraising organization with streamlined operations and greater collective impact.
The merged organization will be called United Way of West Central Illinois and will serve Knox, Henderson, Mercer, and Warren counties.
The merger is expected to be completed by Sept. 1. Jeannie Weber will continue to serve as executive director of United Way of Greater Warren County and interim director of United Way of Knox County in the meantime.
“There is strength and great opportunity that comes with collaboration and thinking regionally,” said Weber. “We are neighbors and friends. The collective spirit and generosity of our region is incredible. We intend to build on that, because now more than ever, embracing potential is vital to the success of small rural communities. Our area nonprofits play a crucial role in that. When we commit to working together, we are always more powerful.”
Additional details will be provided in early fall when a milestone celebration is planned for donors, area nonprofits, and community members, plus the launch of the first United Way of West Central Illinois’ campaign.
Keokuk receiving more federal funding for Elkem-Carbide
Keokuk is receiving a federal grant of more than $1.9 million to further clean up a former smelting and manufacturing site.
The money will be spent on cleaning the southern parcel of the former Elkem-Carbide site, 365 Carbide Lane.
The land is polluted with heavy metals and inorganic materials.
The city received federal funding the past two years to clean up other sections of the 9.5-acre site, including a $4.4 million federal grant last year and a $2 million dollar grant in 2023.
The city hopes to attract business development to the property once it’s cleaned up.
Elkem-Carbide began operations in Keokuk in the 1920s and closed in 2007.
Macomb, park district to develop marketing plan
The city of Macomb and its park district will collaborate on a marketing plan for the community.
The city has agreed to spend $25,000 on the project, and the park district will spend $20,000.
They have yet to choose a marketing firm to lead the process.
City Administrator Scott Coker believes much of the marketing will be done through online platforms.
He told the city council that other partners in the project include the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce, the Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation, and the Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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