Galesburg schools locked down after apartment shooting
Several Galesburg schools were locked down following an afternoon shooting at Belle Isle Apartments.
Police responded to the 1400 block of North West Street at 1:52 p.m. on March 3.
A single victim was transported to OSF St. Mary Medical Center for treatment of a gunshot wound to the torso.
Officials said area schools were put on a temporary soft lockdown “out of an abundance of caution” while police conducted the initial investigation.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Galesburg police at (309)343-9151 or Galesburg Area Crimestoppers at (309)344-0044.
Macomb Farmer’s Market seeks vendors
The Macomb Farmer’s Market is looking for vendors as it prepares for its 47th season.
The regular season market opens May 19 and runs through October on Thursday and Saturday mornings in Chandler Park.
Four pre-season dates are also scheduled beginning April 23.
An opening meeting for new and veteran vendors is planned for 10 a.m. March 19 in the Macomb City Hall community room. This is an opportunity to go over changes in market rules and regulations and complete registration for this year’s market.
For more information, contact macombfarmersmarket@yahoo.com or visit theMacomb Farmer’s Market Facebook page.
Ice fishing fatality reported in Des Moines County
A Davenport man died after falling through ice while fishing with his brother in Des Moines County.
Police and EMS personnel responded to rural Mediapolis around 5 p.m. on Feb. 28, according to the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office.
Patrick Vaughn and Michael Vaughn, ages 69 and 71, were pulled from the water and taken to Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, where Patrick Vaughn was pronounced dead.
Masks still required on public transportation
Illinois lifted its mask mandate this week.
But the city of Galesburg wants to remind residents that masks are still required where federally mandated, including on public transportation.
That means they’re still required on city buses and other public transit vehicles.
Galesburg bus and transit drivers will have disposable masks available for riders who may have forgotten their own.
City officials said they will continue to review and update policies as federal and state authorities release new guidance.
Head of Illinois Department of Public Health leaving
Illinois Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike will step down on March 14.
Fighting tears, Dr. Ezike said the job has been the pinnacle of her career. She said she’s proud to show future generations what strong women of color are capable of accomplishing.
“I’m proud to exemplify that empathy and strength can exist in the same body and in the same breath," she said.
Ezike ran the agency for three years, including two years spent navigating a deadly pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than 32,000 Illinoisans.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker proclaimed March 1 “Dr. Ngozi Ezike Day” in Illinois.
Assistant Director Amaal Tokars will now lead the health department on an interim basis.
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