Macomb police investigate possible post office threat
Macomb police reported on August 17 that a vague threat was made in an online chat room against a post office, possibly the one in Macomb.
The department says out of an abundance of caution, it had extra patrol officers in the area.
No problems were reported.
Murder investigation in Ipava
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s help in solving a homicide case in Ipava.
The body of Donald Danner, 72, was found in his home on North County Highway Two on Saturday afternoon, August 5.
State police were called in to process the scene.
The sheriff’s department is asking anyone with information to contact them at 309-547-2277 or contact Fulton County Crime Stoppers at 309-547-3939.
Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,500 for information. The organization said it does not want your name, just your information.
Knox County man sentenced for pandemic fraud
A Knox County man will serve 90 days in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining COVID relief funds from the government for his restaurant.
Michael Lewis Patch, 66, of St. Augustine was also sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $64,000 in restitution.
Patch was charged with bank fraud and wire fraud after receiving relief funds for the Vernon Street Grill.
Investigators said he did not use the funds for their intended purpose, but instead overpaid his employees and then required them to return the excess wages to him in cash.
Macomb swears in new police chief
Jeff Hamer is now officially Macomb’s new police chief.
Mayor Mike Inman appointed Hamer late last month. He was sworn in after the city council approved the appointment unanimously.
16 people applied for the position. The city narrowed the search to three before choosing Hamer, who previously was the department’s operations commander.
He succeeds Jerel Jones, who left in late March to take a police chief job in the Chicago area.
Drought disaster declaration in west central Illinois
The USDA has issued a drought disaster declaration for Fulton and Mason counties because of the drought during this year’s growing season.
Contiguous counties are also eligible for assistance. Those include Cass, Knox, McDonough, Schuyler, and Warren.
The declaration allows the federal government to issue emergency loans to farmers whose crops and livestock have been affected during this year’s growing season.
Farmers have the next eight months to apply for emergency loans.
Hancock and Adams counties previously received a drought disaster designation for this year’s growing season.
The drought has eased a bit in recent weeks, though the National Weather Service reports much of the tri states continues to experience moderate drought conditions, and a portion of the region remains in a severe drought.
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