Whooping cough in Schuyler County
The Schuyler County Health Department said it’s been notified of several cases of pertussis, which is also known as whooping cough.
The agency said it’s working with the state health department, the Schuyler-Industry School District, and local health providers to identify those who might have been exposed.
Whooping cough is easily spread through coughing or sneezing. It can be dangerous for infants and people with weakened immune systems.
The health department recommends keeping children at home if they have a cough, and making an appointment with the child’s doctor as soon as possible.
The department also recommends making sure your family’s vaccinations are up-to-date.
New area code for west central Illinois
Customers in the 309 area code might be assigned the 861 area code when they request new service or an additional line. The change takes effect on Friday, February 24.
The Illinois Commerce Commission said current telephone numbers will not change and will keep the 309 area code.
People can still dial just three digits for certain numbers, such as 911 and 988.
The ICC said the new area code is needed because new telephone numbers are in high demand in west central Illinois.
The 309 area code serves all or parts of Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, Mason, McDonough, Schuyler, and Warren counties, plus all or parts of Bureau, Dewitt, Henry, Marshall, McLean, Mercer, Peoria, Rock Island, Stark, Tazewell, Whiteside, and Woodford counties.
Early voting underway
Early voting began on Thursday, Feb. 23, for this spring’s elections in Illinois.
City council, village board, school board, and other local government positions will be up for election.
Election Day is Tuesday, April 4.
Galesburg house fire might have been set intentionally
A cat died in a Galesburg house fire that firefighters believe was set intentionally.
Crews responded to a home in the 800 block of North Cherry Street late Sunday evening, Feb. 19. A heavy fire had engulfed a covered porch and was spreading into the home.
Crews entered the home to extinguish the fire.
They also located the family cats and reunited them with the homeowners. However, one cat succumbed to injuries despite firefighters’ efforts to resuscitate it.
Four occupants were able to safely escape after hearing fire alarms.
Damage is estimated at $50,000.
Increase in Illinois deer harvest
Preliminary figures from the state show Illinois hunters harvested 158,010 deer during the 2022-2023 archery and firearm seasons that concluded Jan. 15.
That’s an increase from the 146,438 deer harvested for all seasons in 2021-2022.
The most successful season was the traditional firearm season from Nov. 18-20 and Dec. 1-4, when hunters took a preliminary total of 76,854 deer.
The state also has archery, youth, and muzzleloader seasons, as well as late-winter anterless-only and special chronic wasting disease deer seasons.
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