(Urbana, Illinois | January 28, 2021) – OSF HealthCare, in partnership with the ChampaignUrbana Public Health District and the Village of Rantoul, will be hosting a community-based
COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Rantoul.
The vaccine clinic will be held at the Rantoul Youth Center, 1306 Country Club Lane in Rantoul,
on February 3 and 4. The clinic is available to Champaign County residents aged 65 and up, as
well as in-person staff for State of Illinois approved early childhood and daycare facilities and K12 school employees. You may be asked to show an ID for employment verification.
Appointments can be made here or by calling (217) 892-6844. If you have any questions or
concerns during registration, an email address has been established to provide assistance,
vaccinations@myrantoul.com. If you don’t feel well the day of your appointment, please call or
e-mail to re-schedule.
“Because vaccines quantities remain limited, those who wish to receive a vaccination must have
an appointment,” said Courtney Luth, director of physician offices in Champaign-Urbana for
OSF Medical Group. “Patients will need to bring their insurance card, wear a mask, and plan
to stay for at least 15 minutes after receiving the vaccination for observation, and wear
clothing that allows easy access to the upper portion of their arm for the injection.”
It’s important to note, you cannot get the coronavirus from the vaccine.
“Any possible side-effects, such as a sore arm or headache, is the body’s natural immune
system response,” said Dr. Andrew Zasada, MD, an OSF Medical Group primary care
physician. “The side effects indicate the vaccine is working and the body is learning to fight
COVID-19. If someone is then exposed to COVID-19, the body would respond in a way it has
been trained.”
During the community clinic, Dr. Zasada and Flora-Adams Williams, a physician assistant with
OSF Medical Group, will be present to answer questions about the vaccine and assist in
monitoring those who received it.
“We’re extremely excited to be able to host this clinic in partnership with the ChampaignUrbana Public Health District and OSF HealthCare,” said Charles Smith, mayor of Rantoul.
“We’re hoping to fill every appointment and vaccinate as many Champaign County residents as
possible, because this is our best shot to ending this pandemic.”
While the COVID-19 vaccination is free, health care providers are allowed to charge an
administrative fee to cover costs related to vaccine distribution.
Insurance plans and governmental payers are required to pay for the administration fees with
no out-of-pocket expense to patients. OSF HealthCare also believes no individual
should have to pay for this administrative fee and will not pass the costs on to
anyone without insurance. If you receive a bill for the administrative fee or a notice from
your insurance company that the administrative fee is being applied toward your deductible,
please contact OSF HealthCare at (800) 421-5700.
More information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including a list of frequently asked questions,
can be found at osfhealthcare.org/vaccine, or at www.c-uphd.org

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Fair will welcome Kane Brown to the Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage Friday, August 13. Fairgoers who purchase grandstand tickets will receive a full refund if COVID-19 prevents the Illinois State Fair from being held.

Global entertainer Kane Brown has been called “the future of country” (Billboard), one of the “31 People Changing the South” (Time) and “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” in 2018(Associated Press). Mixtape Vol. 1, the 5X AMA winner’s first multi-song project achieved the best country EP debut of 2020.

Brown made history as the first artist ever to lead all five of Billboard’s main country charts simultaneously with his 13-week-No. 1 debut album, Kane Brown, which included the huge hits “Heaven” and “What Ifs”.

“Heaven” and “What Ifs” both have exceeded 1 billion streams worldwide. With his 6X Platinum album, Brown joined Taylor Swift and Luke Bryan as the only artists with multiple 6X Platinum or more country songs certified by the RIAA. 

With the chart-topping Billboard 200 release Experiment in November 2018, Brown became the only male country artist in more than 24 years to have his sophomore album debut at the top of this chart. The Platinum-certified album has yielded consecutive No. 1 singles: the 2X Platinum “Homesick” and Platinum-certified tracks “Good As You” and “Lose It.” Brown’s Mixtape Vol. 1 EP features his newest country single, “Worship You,” and two Gold-certified hits, his latest country smash, “Cool Again,” and No. 13-and-climbing Top 40 single, “Be Like That,” a collaboration with Swae Lee and Khalid. The EP also includes the unifying and powerful “Worldwide Beautiful” and John Legend collaboration, “Last Time I Say Sorry.” Other collaborations in Brown’s career, include his 2X Platinum hit “One Thing Right”.

Tickets for Kane Brown will go on sale tomorrow, January 30 at 10am on www.ticketmaster.com.

Tickets for all other previously announced shows are currently on sale via Ticketmaster.

Thursday, August 12: Staind with TBD
Tier 3 - $30 / Tier 2 - $35 / Tier 1 - $40 / SRO Track - $50 / Blue Ribbon Zone - $75

Friday, August 13: Kane Brown with Restless Road
Tier 3 - $48 / Tier 2 - $43 / Tier 1 - $38 / SRO - $58 / Blue Ribbon Zone - $83

Saturday, August 14: Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias
Tier 3 - $26 / Tier 2 - $31 / Tier 1 - $36 / Track Seats 1200 Avail. - $46 / Blue Ribbon Zone - $71

Sunday, August 15: Toby Keith with Craig Morgan
Tier 3 - $39 / Tier 2 - $44 / Tier 1 - $49 / SRO Track - $59 / Blue Ribbon Zone - $84

Monday, August 16: The Traveling Salvation Show – A Tribute to Neil Diamond
FREE Concert

Tuesday, August 17: Chris Young with Ingrid Andress and Payton Smith
Tier 3 - $27 / Tier 2 - $32 / Tier 1 - $37 / SRO Track - $47 / Blue Ribbon Zone - $72

Wednesday, August 18: I Love the 90’s Tour
Tier 3- $14 / Tier 2- $19 / Tier 1 - $24 / SRO Track - $34 / Blue Ribbon Zone -  $59   

Thursday, August 19: Bad Flower with TBD
General Admission Seating - $15 / SRO Track - $15/ Blue Ribbon Zone - $50
* At time of purchase, customer will choose whether they are buying Blue Ribbon Zone seats, a general admission seat, or a standing room only track ticket.

Friday, August 20: Kelsea Ballerini with Kylie Morgan and Chapel Hart
Tier 3 - $25 / Tier 2 - $30 / Tier 1 - $35 / SRO Track - $45 / Blue Ribbon Zone - $70

Saturday, August 21: TBD

Sunday, August 22: George Thorogood with 38 Special
Tier 3 - $14 / Tier 2 - $19 / Tier 1 - $24 / SRO Track - $34 / Blue Ribbon Zone - $59

Mark your calendars for the 2021 Illinois State Fair, August 12 through 22, in Springfield. Stay up to date with all the latest news and announcements from the Illinois State Fair by connecting with us via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Mitigation Updates – Region Six in Phase 4

We still need to be vigilant, as we saw in October, it can spiral out of control very quickly if we are not careful. 

Current Positivity Rate for Region 6 is:   5.1%

Vermilion County’s Positivity Rate is:     7.9%

Vaccination Updates

3,046 vaccine doses have been administered to Vermilion County residents.  211 have been fully vaccinated.  We have a full schedule next week and the week after.  We took names over the weekend as we opened up our waiting lists.  Unfortunately, because of our website issues, it didn’t get changed in time, but we did release via the media that we were taking names and received hundreds of calls over the weekend.  We will open the lines back up on February 16^th to take appointments. 

We have a full load tomorrow for our COVID19 clinics and next week!  On February 11^th, we will begin our clinics at the Fischer Theatre.  We are also working with Carle and OSF as they begin to take on their patients to give vaccines.  This is information for what their options are: 

•  If you are 75 and older, and a resident of Vermilion County, you may have the opportunity to receive a vaccine through special clinics at Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center or Carle Danville on Fairchild.  Please do not call your providers office, instead call 217-902-6100 to check appointment availability.    
• OSF HealthCare is offering the COVID-19 Vaccine to patients by appointment only. Patients will receive an invite for their appointment via OSF MyChart, email, or phone. OSF is currently prioritizing patients using age (greater than 65) with additional risk factors to ensure patients most at risk receive the vaccination first.  

This is an amazing partnership with both our hospitals that we are forever grateful for.  Please be patient, as we have only been allotted 900 doses per week right now to divide between both hospitals and VCHD.  I have put a request into the state as to why we need more as this will slow us down as our momentum builds and our phase 1b population is the largest of all phases. 

Vaccine questions I am getting:

Right now, until the CDC and the State say otherwise, people will still need to isolate and quarantine even if they are vaccinated.  Everything is still status quo. 

COVID19 Variant Update

It was released that we have at least one case that we are aware of that is the new variant B.1.1.7 in Vermilion County.    There is still a lot that we do not know about the variant.  Right now, it is believed to be more contagious (patients have a higher vial load, meaning viral particles are shed more easily through coughs and sneezes).  So far, they do not feel that it causes more severe illness or symptoms.  However, anytime you see a rise in cases, it is likely you will also see a rise in hospitalizations and deaths. 

Here is information from the CDC on this variant https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7003e2.htm

I would like to not have to wait and see how this impacts our community.  It is imperative that we continue to take the necessary precautions. 

Case updates

We are up to 7,359 cases (this is about 9.7% of our population) with 22 hospitalizations.  Our total number of deaths related to COVID19 are 91.  Our current active cases are at 567.  We will be looking at new numbers late into the evening. 

Fire Call

Time: 2:08am

Location: 700 blk W Maple St

Details: HFD was dispatched to the above location for the report of a fire alarm

and smell of smoke inside of the residence. Nothing located inside the residence.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 3,751 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 81 additional deaths.

- Adams County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 male 90s
- Cass County: 1 male 80s
- Clark County: 1 male 80s
- Cook County: 1 male 30s, 1 female 40s, 1 male 40s, 1 male 50s, 1 female 60s, 3 males 60s, 2 females 70s, 4 males 70s, 1 female 80s, 3 males 80s, 3 females 90s, 1 male 90s
- DeKalb County: 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 male 100+
- DuPage County: 1 female 80s, 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s
- Grundy County: 1 male 70s
- Hancock County: 1 female 90s
- Hardin County: 1 male 90s
- Henry County: 1 female 70s
- Jefferson County: 2 males 70s
- Kane County: 1 female 40s, 1 female 90s
- Kendall County: 1 male 70s
- Knox County: 1 male 50s
- Lake County: 2 female 90s
- LaSalle County: 2 males 70s
- Livingston County: 1 male 80s
- Logan County: 1 female 80s
- Madison County: 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 90s
- McHenry County: 1 female 50s, 1 male 60s
- McLean County: 1 female 90s, 1 male 90s
- Montgomery County: 1 female 50s, 1 female 80s
- Ogle County: 1 male 80s
- Saline County: 1 female 90s
- Sangamon County: 1 male 70s, 1 male 80s, 1 female 90s
- St. Clair County: 3 females 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 80s
- Stark County: 1 female 80s
- Stephenson County: 1 female 90s
- Tazewell County: 1 female 80s
- Vermilion County: 1 female 90s
- Wayne County: 1 male 60s
- Will County: 2 males 70s, 2 males 80s
- Williamson County: 1 female 80s
- Winnebago County: 1 male 70s, 1 male 90s

Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 1,112,181 cases, including 18,964 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Within the past 24 hours, laboratories have reported 80,124 specimens for a total 15,633,443.  As of last night, 2,931 in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 591 patients were in the ICU and 300 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.

The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from January 20–26, 2021 is 4.5%.  The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from January 20–26, 2021 is 5.6%.

A total of 1,253,300 doses of vaccine have been delivered to providers in Illinois, including Chicago.  In addition, approximately 537,050 doses total have been allocated to the federal government’s Pharmacy Partnership Program for long-term care facilities.  This brings the total Illinois doses to 1,790,350.  IDPH is currently reporting a total of 773,623 vaccines administered, including 117,983 for long-term care facilities.  Yesterday, a total of 53,628 doses were administered.  The 7-day rolling average of vaccines administered daily is 33,698 doses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is adjusting the number of doses per vial of Pfizer vaccine.  Initially, each vial of Pfizer vaccine was counted as having five doses.  However, it has since been found that the vials contain six doses.  Therefore, the CDC is adjusting the number of doses of vaccine that have been made available.  Each box of Pfizer vaccine containing 195 vials and was considered to contain 975 doses.  Now, each box of 195 vial will be counted as containing 1,170 doses.
 
*All data are provisional and will change. In order to rapidly report COVID-19 information to the public, data are being reported in real-time. Information is constantly being entered into an electronic system and the number of cases and deaths can change as additional information is gathered.  Information for deaths previously reported has changed, therefore, today’s numbers have been adjusted.  For health questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.

State of Illinois acquires 555 West Monroe, a 17-story building in Chicago’s West Loop as part of effort to optimize real estate portfolio. Acquisition will result in the elimination of $20m in leasing expenses.

CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker today announced the State of Illinois has acquired 555 West Monroe in Chicago’s West Loop for a purchase price of $73.25 million, with annual savings that will more than pay for the building. Eventually, the State will relocate over 1,000 employees to 555, including employees who work in nearby leased facilities as well as those who are currently at the James R. Thompson Center but don’t need to be downtown.

“The acquisition of 555 West Monroe is an important step in our effort to optimize the State’s real estate portfolio, reduce operating expenses, and enhance workforce and workplace performance,” Governor JB Pritzker said. “Since I took office, I’ve been focused on making sure that we manage our assets efficiently and maximize taxpayer savings. This building pays for itself because we’re terminating a patchwork of expensive downtown leases.”

The State leases office space in seven properties in the loop, at a cost of $21.3 million in base rent and operating costs and will continue to seek consolidation opportunities into State-owned real estate.

The acquisition of the building represents the next phase of the State’ review and restructuring of its real estate portfolio. In Phase 1, Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) met with all of the agencies located in downtown Chicago to understand their physical space and geographic location requirements. This was done through the lens of our new space standards, effective as of September 1st, 2020, which more closely reflect current best practices. Through this lens, CMS found that our real estate footprint could be reduced by approximately 30 percent.

As part of this analysis, CMS determined that of the state employees located in downtown Chicago, approximately 2,200 employees at the Thompson Center and 1,300 employees in leased facilities, only about 900 employees require a Loop location. The remainder of the employees can be located elsewhere.
 
In Phase 2, CMS developed relocation scenarios, performed a financial analysis for the commercial real estate market, identified properties with large, contiguous space, and ultimately acquired 555 West Monroe. The final Phase will include the sale of the Thompson Center.
 
Due to prolonged deferred maintenance and delayed capital projects, it is estimated that the cost to bring the Thompson Center into a state of good repair exceeds $325M and is projected to increase to over $525M by 2026. The facility is costly to operate with annual operating expenses exceeding $17 million and is the subject of employee dissatisfaction as a result of its design flaws. By selling the oversized, outdated and expensive facility, the State can relocate its core services to more appropriate and efficient replacement spaces. This strategic relocation effort will reduce operating costs, increase productivity, and better serve constituents.

555 was constructed in 2002 and designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. It previously served as a regional office for a Fortune 100 company. In 2008, it achieved LEED Silver for Existing Building certification. LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, was created by the U.S. Green Building Council and is an internationally recognized green building certification system to ensure it was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving energy usage, indoor air quality, water efficiency, and selecting building materials that protect our natural resources. By comparison, 555’s annual operating expenses are approximately $10.80 per square foot.

CMS has been reviewing its downtown Chicago real estate portfolio to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements, space consolidation, and other strategies that produce real savings while maintaining a productive workforce. 

“This purchase will provide significant operational savings while providing a state-of-the-art location that meets the specific needs of our operations”, said Director of CMS Janel L. Forde.

The State also saved approximately $2.6 million on the purchase by making the acquisition without a broker.

555 is a 429,316 rentable square foot building that includes many attributes that are suitable for State operations. The building is situated in a transit-oriented location, proximate to Union Station and Oglivie Transportation Center and walking distance to Chicago Transit Authority train stations.  Unlike many older commercial office buildings, 555 West Monroe is well designed with efficient floor layouts and modern building systems. The existing layouts, as constructed and furnished, are well suited to immediately re-use by the State. Offices are positioned as adjacent to the building center and workstations flank the perimeter affording all occupants daylighting and views. The building has been designed to incorporate modern security protocols including entry lobby turnstile access controls as well as programmable proximity reader access controls on each floor. Operational enhancements, including existing data center, mailroom, and loading dock, are well maintained. Workstations, furniture, select equipment are all included in the acquisition cost.

We are reporting 109 new cases today (one resident in their 90s, one in their 80s, four in their 70s, twelve in their 60s, fifteen in their 50s, fifteen in their 40s, fifteen in their 30s, twenty-one in their 20s, thirteen teens, eight grade-school-aged children, one pre-schooler, and three toddlers), and 99 released, which brings us to a total of 7,359 positive cases. 

Theft of Utility H21-0347 Time: 10:32 Am Location: 600 block E Thompson Ave Complainant: 60-year-old Hoopeston Woman Arrested: Jason A Kinnaird (M) (44) of Hoopeston Details: At the above time the complainant contacted HPD reference to theft of their utility by a subject was living in a shed behind them. Male was located and taken into custody on the above charge because he did not have permission to make connection to the complainants’ service. Kinnaird was given a Hoopeston City court date, and released afterwards.

We are reporting 92 new cases today (one resident in their 90s, one in their 80s, four in their 70s, seventeen in their 60s, fifteen in their 50s, twelve in their 40s, five in their 30s, sixteen in their 20s, eight teens, nine grade-school-aged children, one pre-schooler, one toddler, and two infants), and 78 released, which brings us to a total of 7,250 positive cases.


The Mobile COVID-Testing Team will return to the front parking lot of the health department tomorrow between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.


We have started making appointments for the Feb. 11 vaccination clinic at the Fischer Theater.

Congresswoman Mary Miller announced that she has been selected to serve on the U.S House Committee on Agriculture in the 117th Congress.

“I am thrilled to have been chosen as a member of the House Committee on Agriculture,” said Miller. “As a farmer myself, I can bring a new level of expertise and understanding to the committee. More importantly, I know this committee handles issues that are vital to the people of Illinois’ 15th District.”

“It’s not just about farming. Our district is 52% rural and in critical need of more broadband investment by the USDA, especially with people working and learning from home during the pandemic. The committee oversees many areas critical to rural Illinois, and I am ready to get to work.”

Miller and her husband have spent the last forty years running their family farm that grows soybeans, corn, wheat, along with raising Angus cattle. Their farm implements innovative practices, including 25 years of no-till, cover crops, and crop rotation. The Illinois farming industry generates more than $19 billion annually and the 15th district is a highly productive and diverse agricultural area.

Paxton- By the end of this week, Ford County will move to Phase 1B. As stated in the vaccination plan, critical
workforce and those 65 and older will be eligible. Critical workforce in Phase 1B will include Frontline essential
workers, defined as those workers who are essential for the functioning of society and are at highest risk of exposure,
including the following:
• First responders: Firefighters (including volunteers), Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs), 911 Dispatch (Public
Safety Answering Point – PSAP), Security Personnel, School Officers. (EMS personnel are considered under Phase
1a).
• Corrections Officers/Inmates: Jail Officers, Juvenile Facility Staff, Workers Providing In-Person Support,
Inmates.
• Food and Agriculture Workers: Processing, Plants, Veterinary Health, Livestock Services, Animal Care.
• Postal Service Workers
• Manufacturing Workers: Industrial production of goods for distribution to retail, wholesale or other
manufacturers.
• Grocery Store Workers: Baggers, Cashiers, Stockers, Pick-Up, Customer Service.
• Public Transit Workers: Flight Crew, Bus Drivers, Train Conductors, Taxi Drivers, Para-Transit Drivers, InPerson Support, Ride Sharing Services.
• Education (Congregate Child Care, Pre-K through 12th grade): Teachers, Principals, Student Support, Student
Aids, Day Care Workers.
• Shelters/Adult Day Care: Homeless Shelter, Women's Shelter, Adult Day/Drop-In Program, Sheltered Workshop,
Psycho-Social Rehab.
Ford County Public Health Department continues to ask residents 65 and older to register on our website. Under the
Contact Us tab on FCPHD’s website, residents will be prompted to provide your contact information, including name,
date of birth, address to confirm residency in Ford County, and phone numbers.
FCPHD is expected to receive weekly or bi-weekly shipments of the vaccine. Ford County will continue their
partnership with Gibson Area Hospital to deliver the vaccine for Phase 1B. Gibson Area Hospital is contacting
critical workforce employers to schedule vaccine appointments for their employees. FCPHD encourages employers
to contact the health department as well to document employees’ contact information. Once the critical workforce is
vaccinated, individuals 65 and older will receive a phone call to schedule an appointment with further instructions.
Vaccinations will be given by appointment only.
Ford County Public Health Department
235 North Taft Street
Paxton, IL 60957
January 25, 2021
For Immediate Release
Contact: Megan Reutter, Community Health Educator
(217)379-9281
mreutter@fordcountyphd.org
Please continue to follow FCPHD’s social media pages, website, and local radio stations for the most current
information. FCPHD wants to thank residents for their patience in this process and continuing to follow the 3W’s of
washing your hands, wearing a mask, and watching your distance to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

Paxton- By the end of this week, Ford County will move to Phase 1B. As stated in the vaccination plan, critical
workforce and those 65 and older will be eligible. Critical workforce in Phase 1B will include Frontline essential
workers, defined as those workers who are essential for the functioning of society and are at highest risk of exposure,
including the following:
• First responders: Firefighters (including volunteers), Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs), 911 Dispatch (Public
Safety Answering Point – PSAP), Security Personnel, School Officers. (EMS personnel are considered under Phase
1a).
• Corrections Officers/Inmates: Jail Officers, Juvenile Facility Staff, Workers Providing In-Person Support,
Inmates.
• Food and Agriculture Workers: Processing, Plants, Veterinary Health, Livestock Services, Animal Care.
• Postal Service Workers
• Manufacturing Workers: Industrial production of goods for distribution to retail, wholesale or other
manufacturers.
• Grocery Store Workers: Baggers, Cashiers, Stockers, Pick-Up, Customer Service.
• Public Transit Workers: Flight Crew, Bus Drivers, Train Conductors, Taxi Drivers, Para-Transit Drivers, InPerson Support, Ride Sharing Services.
• Education (Congregate Child Care, Pre-K through 12th grade): Teachers, Principals, Student Support, Student
Aids, Day Care Workers.
• Shelters/Adult Day Care: Homeless Shelter, Women's Shelter, Adult Day/Drop-In Program, Sheltered Workshop,
Psycho-Social Rehab.
Ford County Public Health Department continues to ask residents 65 and older to register on our website. Under the
Contact Us tab on FCPHD’s website, residents will be prompted to provide your contact information, including name,
date of birth, address to confirm residency in Ford County, and phone numbers.
FCPHD is expected to receive weekly or bi-weekly shipments of the vaccine. Ford County will continue their
partnership with Gibson Area Hospital to deliver the vaccine for Phase 1B. Gibson Area Hospital is contacting
critical workforce employers to schedule vaccine appointments for their employees. FCPHD encourages employers
to contact the health department as well to document employees’ contact information. Once the critical workforce is
vaccinated, individuals 65 and older will receive a phone call to schedule an appointment with further instructions.
Vaccinations will be given by appointment only.
Ford County Public Health Department
235 North Taft Street
Paxton, IL 60957
January 25, 2021
For Immediate Release
Contact: Megan Reutter, Community Health Educator
(217)379-9281
mreutter@fordcountyphd.org
Please continue to follow FCPHD’s social media pages, website, and local radio stations for the most current
information. FCPHD wants to thank residents for their patience in this process and continuing to follow the 3W’s of
washing your hands, wearing a mask, and watching your distance to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

We are reporting 128 new cases today  and 122 released, which brings us to a total of 7,158 positive cases. 

There are currently 22 COVID-positive Vermilion County residents hospitalized. 

We have received a total of 85,508 negative test results.

FIRE CALL H21-0007 Date: 01/23/21 Time: 23:55 Location: 500 block of W Maple Street Details: HFD called to the above address for smoke and flames showing. HFD was able to contain the fire to the attic. No injuries reported.

CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO RESIDENCE H21-0321 Time: 11:05 Location: 700 blk S 2nd Ave Details: HPD responded for a report of an attempted burglary that occurred overnight. There was damage to the property. No one entered the residence. HPD is investigating the incident.

Fire Call Time: 8:48pm Location: 600 block of E. Thompson Ave Details: HFD was called to the above in reference to a garage on fire. Rossville Fire and Wellington Fire were called for mutual aid. No injuries reported.

Urbana, IL—One of the great joys of live theatre is welcoming audiences in to experience art together. While the current pandemic prohibits that gathering, Illinois Theatre artists, under the guidance of director of photography and concept developer John Boesche, have made plans to bring their work out to the public through an impressively scaled project that calls upon the diverse and collaborative talents of faculty, students, and staff.

FOLXTALES mingles eight, short folkloric stories—both traditional and modern—as the basis for an outdoor film project that will be projected onto the upper exterior of Krannert Center for the Performing Arts’ Foellinger Great Hall lobby. Each monologue features MFA student actors and has been recorded following Restore Illinois and university COVID-19 safety protocols in its own visual and audio green-screen setting under the direction and script supervision of Professor Aaron Muñoz.

FOLXTALES, which loops every 25 minutes, will be available for viewing Thursday-Sunday, February 4-7, 2021, from 5pm to 11pm. Audiences are invited to park in one of the five reserved spots on the Goodwin Avenue side of Krannert Center to experience this of-the-moment theatrical experience each evening. Patrons may also experience FOLXTALES in the Krannert Center Amphitheatre and on the upper terrace with sound via outdoor speakers (masks and social distancing will be enforced at all times) or via the online live stream available at KrannertCenter.com/FOLXTALES.

Closed captioning will be provided. If you require any accommodations for this event, please contact us in advance at kcpa-eventsoffice@illinois.edu. Street-level accessibility to the Amphitheatre is located via a ramp on the south side of the Center.

For more information, logos, or photography, please contact:

Maureen Reagan (reagan@illinois.edu; 217.244.4864)

Illinois Theatre

4-122 Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

500 South Goodwin Avenue

Urbana, IL 61801

Region 4 Moves to Tier 2 – All Regions out of Tier 3 Mitigations

Regions 10 and 11 on track to advance to Tier 1 on Saturday

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced Region 4 (Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair, Washington) is moving to Tier 2 effective today.  All 11 regions have now moved out of Tier 3 mitigations.  If metrics continue to improve or are stable, regions 10 and 11 are on track to advance to Tier 1 on Saturday, January 23, 2021.  Information about which tier and phase regions are in can be found at the top of the IDPH website homepage. 

“With all regions of Illinois now out of Tier 3, we can now see that the entire state is headed down the right path,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike.  “During the summer, we were on this same path.  We know that we must continue to take precautions and be smart about how we relax some of the mitigation measures, which are in place to protect our health and safety.”

“We are pleased to hear our region as whole is trending in the right direction,” said St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern.  “We will continue to advocate to our residents to mask up, wash their hands, and stay safe so we can continue to increase capacity at our hospitals and reduce our positivity rates.  We appreciate the work and partnership of IDPH and Governor Pritzker.”

IDPH will continue to closely monitor test positivity, ICU bed availability, and the number of people in the hospital with COVID-19.  Should data show regions trending in the wrong direction, based on the established mitigation metrics, regions could once again find themselves in a higher tier with increase measures.

Metrics for moving from a higher to lower tier are as follows:

Moving from Tier 3 to Tier 2
o Test positivity rate = 8% and below 12% for three consecutive days (7-day average); AND
o Staffed ICU bed availability = 20% for three consecutive days (7-day average); AND
o Sustained decline in COVID patients in hospital (7-day average for 7 of 10 days)

Moving from Tier 2 to Tier 1
o Test positivity rate between 6.5% and 8% for three consecutive days (7-day average); AND
o Staffed ICU bed availability = 20% for three consecutive days (7-day average); AND
o No sustained increase in COVID patients in hospital (7-day average for 7 of 10 days)

Moving from Tier 1 to Phase 4
o Test positivity rate = 6.5% for three consecutive days (7-day average); AND
o Staffed ICU bed availability = 20% for three consecutive days (7-day average); AND
o No sustained increase in COVID patients in hospital (7-day average for 7 of 10 days)

Information about mitigation and resurgence metrics can be found on the IDPH website at http://www.dph.illinois.gov/regionmetrics.

CHICAGO— Using revenue from adult-use cannabis sales, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) today announced 80 grants totaling $31.5 million to organizations to help the communities hardest hit by the failed war on drugs. The organizations’ work includes violence prevention, legal aid, and re-entry services.

The grants are part of the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program, which was created as a key equity element of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA), signed by Governor Pritzker in 2019. The law requires that 25 percent of all cannabis revenue be used to support communities impacted by economic disinvestment, violence, and the severe and disproportionate damage caused by the war on drugs, largely and disproportionately impacted low income Illinoisans and communities of color.

Awardees include nonprofit organizations, local units of government, tax-exempt faith-based organizations, businesses, and other community organizations that serve residents of—or are based in—designated eligible R3 zones.

“Following a successful first year of cannabis sales, the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew grant program is delivering tens of millions of dollars to our communities most impacted by the war on drugs. I’m so proud to see this key equity goal in cannabis legalization move forward and I applaud the leaders in the General Assembly, ICJIA, and stakeholders across the state who made this moment possible,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By awarding this first round of R3 grants, we are taking another important step toward undoing the harms of the past, and Lt. Governor Stratton and I will continue to ensure equity is a top priority as the cannabis program moves forward.”

“The R3 program will tackle chronic problems that have gone unaddressed for far too long in our underserved neighborhoods,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “The collaboration between the Justice, Equity, and Opportunity Initiative and ICJIA is innovative and reinvents the grant process with community inclusion and promotes a standard for equity and success that other states will hopefully take note of and emulate.”

The funds will be administered in the 2021 calendar year and include $28.3 million to support service delivery and $3.1 million for assessment and planning initiatives.

ICJIA received 398 completed applications, which were reviewed by criminal justice practitioners, community stakeholders, and formerly justice-involved individuals. All reviewers received implicit bias training along with training on application review. In addition, the Justice, Equity and Opportunity Initiative played a pivotal role in ensuring equity and restorative justice frameworks were centered in every decision throughout the review process. Funded programs will offer evidence-based, promising, or innovative practices within the R3 Program Priority Areas of civil legal aid, economic development, community re-entry from the criminal justice system, violence prevention, and youth development.

“We are incredibly proud of the groundbreaking work we’ve participated in to transform how grantmaking can be used to address local needs and build capacity within our communities,” said ICJIA Deputy Director Charise Williams. “Our research and grants units have worked tirelessly to ensure the organizations on the frontlines of renewing our communities receive the support they need.”

Areas eligible for funding were identified using community-level data on gun injury, child poverty, unemployment, and state prison commitments and returns, combined with disproportionately impacted areas previously identified by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. See the full list of grantees below.

ICJIA is dedicated to improving the administration of criminal justice through work in the areas of grants administration, research and analysis, policy and planning, and information systems and technology. Visit [www.icjia.state.il.us]www.icjia.state.il.us.

ICJIA R3 Grant Awards

Agency  Award Amount Program Area(s) Region

1863 FWD LLC $444,245 Violence Prevention,  Re-entry Cook- Chicago Southern

Academic Development Institute $830,000 Economic Development, Violence Prevention and Youth Development South Central

Alternatives Inc. $513,997 Youth Development Cook- Chicago Southern

Black Oak Center $38,285 Ecomonic Development Collar

Center for Community Academic Success Partnerships $365,000 Violence Prevention and Youth Development Cook- Suburban

Center for New Horizons $1,952,403 Economic Development, Violence Prevention Services, and Re-entry Cook- Chicago Southern

Centralia $86,442 Youth Development, Economic Development and Violence Prevention South Central

Chicago Torture Justice Center $231,169 Re-entry Cook- Chicago Southern

Chicago Urban League $182,148 Economic Development Cook- Chicago Southern

Chicago Urban League & Safer Foundation $1,911,570 Economic Development, Violence Prevention, and Re-entry Cook- Chicago Southern

Chicago Youth Boxing Club $40,000 Violence Prevention and Youth Development Cook- Chicago Western

Children's Place Association $553,237 Violence Prevention, Youth Development, and Economic Development Cook- Chicago Western

City of Harrisburg $25,548 Economic Development Southern

City of Kankakee ECDA $28,723 Ecomonic Deelopment, Youth Development, Violence Prevention, Re-entry Collar

City of Madison Police Dept $92,291 Youth Development, Economic Development, and Violence Prevention South Central

City of Rockford $520,790 Violence Prevention and Youth development Northern

City of Springfield $80,000 Ecomonic Development Central

Communities United $208,316 Civil Legal Aid Cook- Chicago Northern

Comprehensive Community Solutions $199,813 Youth Development, Violence Prevention Services, and Economic Development Northern

Cook County Justice Advisory Council $600,000 Civil Legal Aid, Violence Prevention, Youth Development, Economic Development, Re-entry Cook- Suburban

Cornerstone CDC $250,000 Economic development, Re-entry, and Violence Prevention. Cook- Suburban

DuSable Museum $264,600 Economic Development and Reentry Cook- Chicago Southern

East Springfield $728,093 Violence Prevention and Reentry Central

East Springfield Community Center Commission $80,899 Youth Development Central

Emerald South $2,500,000 Youth Development, Economic Development, and Violence Prevention Cook- Chicago Southern

Family Counseling Center $253,906 Violence Prevention and Youth Development Southern

Family Resources $20,438 Violence Prevention and Youth Development Northwest

First Defense Legal Aid $82,682 Violence Prevention, Youth Development and Civil Legal Aid Cook- Chicago Northern

GameTime $378,188 Violence Prevention, Youth Development, Civil Legal Aid and Economic Development Collar

Garfield Park Community Council $177,968 Violence Prevention Cook- Chicago Western

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois $249,345 Youth Development and Violence Prevention Northern

Girls In The Game $205,827 Violence Prevention Cook- Chicago Western

Hope Center Foundation $346,519 Youth Development Cook- Chicago Southern

Illinois Collaboration for Youth $79,758 Violence Prevention and Youth Development Northern

Illinois Legal Aid Springfield $32,874 Civil Legal Aid Central

J. Blunt LLC $94,707 Youth Development and Violence Prevention Cook- Chicago Western

Kankakee School District $732,032 Violence Prevention, Youth Development, Civil Legal Aid and Economic Development Collar

Key City Community Development Corporation $86,694 Ecomonic Development Collar

KFACT $186,245 Youth Development Northern

Knotty Luxe $586,301 Civil Legal Aid, Re-entry, Youth Development, and Economic Development Cook- Suburban

Land of Lincoln Legal Aid $57,486 Civil Legal Aid Northeast Central

Land of Lincoln Legal Aid $114,918 Civil Legal Aid Central

Land of Lincoln Legal Aid $57,640 Civil Legal Aid Southern

Law And The Fam LLC $838,890 Civil Legal Aid, Re-entry, Violence Prevention, Youth Development, and Economic Development Cook- Chicago Western

Lawndale Christian Development $134,292 Economic Development and Re-entry Cook- Chicago Western

Local Initiatives Support $501,267 Economic Development Cook- Chicago Northern

Lutheran Social Services $228,702 Re-entry Southern

Macon County CASA $60,212 Violence Prevention and Youth Development Central

Martin Luther King Community Center $245,577 Youth Development and Economic Development Northwest

Maywood Social Enterprise - Loyola University of Chicago $157,595 Youth Development and Economic Development Cook- Suburban

Metropolitan Family Services $1,169,729 Economic Development and Violence Prevention Cook- Suburban

Monroe Foundation $220,189 Violence Prevention and Youth Development Cook- Suburban

NAACP Westside Chicago Branch $1,816,615 Violence Prevention, Youth Development, Economic Development, and Re-entry Cook- Chicago Western

National Diversity & Cannabis Inclusion Alliance $369,625 Youth Development and Economic Development Cook- Suburban

Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization Waukegan $225,000 Re-entry Collar

Peoria Public Schools $858,669 Violence prevention, Youth development, Civil Legal Aid, Economic Northwest Central

Perfectly Flawed Foundation $91,069 Youth Development and Violence Prevention Northwest

Phalanx Community Services $451,398 Violence Prevention, Youth Development, and Re-entry Cook- Chicago Southern

Praire State Legal Services $531,675 Civil Legal Aid Collar

Prairie State Legal Services $216,576 Civil Legal Aid Northwest Central

Prairie State Legal Services $154,508 Civil Legal Aid Northwest

Prairie State Northern Illinois $193,085 Civil Legal Aid Northern

Project Oz $201,344 Violence prevention and Youth development Northwest Central

Public Interest Initiative $29,805 Civil Legal Aid Southern

Safer Foundation $809,000 Violence Prevention, Reenty, Civil Legal Aid and Economic Development Cook- Chicago Northern

Sherrod's Independent Mentoring Program $100,387 Violence Prevention, Youth Development and Reentry Central

Springfield Urban League $419,702 Youth Development and Economic Development Central

St. Leonard's Ministries $111,877 Economic Development and Re-entry Cook- Chicago Southern

St. Leonard's Ministries $227,143 Economic Development and Re-entry Cook- Chicago Western

The Link and Option Center $80,000 Youth Development Civil Legal Aid and Re-entry Cook- Suburban

The Trep School $255,401 Economic Development Northeast Central

Torito Arts $79,723 Violence Prevention, Youth Development, Reentry, Economic Development Northern

United Way Greater St. Louis $829,240 Economic Development, Violence Prevention and Youth Development South Central

United Way of Adams County $25,000 Youth Development Northwest Central

University of Illinois $312,883 Youth Development and Violence Prevention Northeast Central

Urban League $991,365 Youth Development and Economic Development Cook- Suburban

Urban League Tri County $440,747 Youth development and Economic development Northwest Central

Will County $151,697 Violence Prevention, Collar

Will County $881,700 Violence Prevention, Youth Development, Civil Legal Aid and Economic Development Collar

YMCA of Rock River Valley $86,357 Youth Development Northern

81**21

Fire Call

Time: 4:00PM

Location: 500 blk of West Thompson

Details: HFD and HPD were dispatched for a field on fire. No injuries were reported.

Our initial seven COVID-vaccination clinics have been very successful !  Through a lot of planning and effort, we have given 750 people their first doses of the COVID vaccine.

Up until now, we have filled our appointment books for the clinics "old school," with people calling or coming to reception if they wanted a vaccine, and then filling out their information on a paper form that must then be entered into a state database buy us after the clinic.  It is an inefficient, frustrating way to handle mass-vaccination events, and it leaves most of the public and all of the staff unhappy.

Starting tomorrow, people will go to a link on our website, and will be able to make their own appointments and input their own data into the database.  By reducing the number of calls we receive, we will be better able to focus on planning and operating the clinics.

We understand that some people don't have computers, or would rather not use them for booking appointments.  We will set up a system in few weeks so that they can call in and make an appointment over the phone, which will require hiring some additional part-time, temporary contact tracers. 

Both of our hospital systems, Carle and OSF, have vaccinated their staff, and are interested in helping to vaccinate the public.  Probably mostly seniors.  We hope that they start soon.

Pharmacies might also offer vaccine to the public.  The more, the merrier.

Next week, we will host a long clinic - 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. - for educators on Thursday, Jan. 28.

The following week, we will host three clinics here - 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. - on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 2-4, to give second doses to those who were vaccinated at our first three clinics, and to give a few first doses to educators, as well.

The next week, we will begin having Thursday clinics at the Fischer Theater.  The first one will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11.  With the additional seating area the Fischer offers - and with the help of nursing students - we hope to be able to vaccinate 600 people per day.

These will be big undertakings, utilizing a team of two dozen VCHD employees, nursing students, and volunteers to make them happen.  We are contracting with OSF to provide emergency medical services at our clinics.

We may try other indoor venues for future clinics, as well as outdoor venues for drive-through clinics.

I will try harder to keep our partners and the public in the loop.  Things can change quickly as new resources become available, or the State clarifies its guidelines, or obstacles emerge.  Your understanding is appreciated.

The Mobile COVID-Testing Team tested 26 people today.  They are scheduled to return four more times in the upcoming weeks.

IDPH urges people to continue wearing masks, avoiding large gatherings, and getting vaccinated when
eligible
Paxton – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced Region 6 (Champaign,
Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, De Witt, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Iroquois,
Jasper, Lawrence, Macon, Moultrie, Piatt, Richland, Shelby, Vermillion) is returning to Phase 4 of the
Restore Plan and Region 7 (Kankakee and Will) is advancing to Tier 1. Information about which tier and
phase regions are in can be found at the top of the IDPH website homepage.
“I am excited that 10 out of our 11 regions have moved out of Tier 3 mitigations,” said IDPH Director Dr.
Ngozi Ezike. “However, this does not mean we can let our guard down. We must continue to practice
actions to protect ourselves from the virus – wear our masks, avoid large gatherings, and get the vaccine
when it is our turn. This is particularly critical as new variants circulate, which early studies show spread
much more rapidly. We are headed in the right direction once again, so let’s stay the course.”
IDPH will continue to closely monitor test positivity, ICU bed availability, and the number of people in
the hospital with COVID-19. Should data show regions trending in the wrong direction, based on the
established mitigation metrics, regions could once again find themselves in a higher tier with increase
measures.
Metrics for moving from a higher to lower tier are as follows:
Moving from Tier 3 to Tier 2
Test positivity rate ≥ 8% and below 12% for three consecutive days (7-day average)
AND
Staffed ICU bed availability ≥ 20% for three consecutive days (7-day average)
AND
Sustained decline in COVID patients in hospital (7-day average for 7 of 10 days)
Moving from Tier 2 to Tier 1
Test positivity rate between 6.5% and 8% for three consecutive days (7-day average)
AND
Staffed ICU bed availability ≥ 20% for three consecutive days (7-day average)
AND
No sustained increase in COVID patients in hospital (7-day average for 7 of 10 days)
Ford County Public Health Department
235 North Taft Street
Paxton, IL 60957

For release on January 21, 2021
Contact: Megan Reutter, Community Health Educator
(217)379-9281
mreutter@fordcountyphd.org

 
Moving from Tier 1 to Phase 4
Test positivity rate ≥ 8% and below 12% for three consecutive days (7-day average)
AND
Staffed ICU bed availability ≥ 20% for three consecutive days (7-day average)
AND
No sustained increase in COVID patients in hospital (7-day average for 7 of 10 days)
Phase 4: Revitalization
In phase 4, There is a continued decline in the rate of infection in new COVID-19 cases. Hospitals have
capacity and can quickly adapt for a surge of new cases in their communities. Additional measures can be
carefully lifted allowing for schools and child care programs to reopen with social distancing policies in
place. Restaurants can open with limited capacity and following strict public health procedures, including
personal protective equipment for employees. Gatherings with 50 people or fewer will be permitted.
Testing is widely available, and tracing is commonplace.
Please see the guidelines for Phase 4:
• Gatherings: All gatherings of 50 people or fewer are allowed with this limit subject to change
based on latest data & guidance
• Travel: Travel should follow IDPH and CDC approved guidance
• Health care: All health care providers are open
• Education and childcare: P-12 schools, higher education, all summer programs, and childcare
open with IDPH approved safety guidance
• Outdoor recreation: All outdoor recreation allowed
• Businesses:
o Manufacturing: All manufacturing open with IDPH approved safety guidance
o “Non-essential” businesses: All employees return to work with IDPH approved safety
guidance; Employers are encouraged to provide accommodations for COVID-19-
vulnerable employees
o Bars and Restaurants: Open with capacity limits and IDPH approved safety guidance
o Personal care services and health clubs: All barbershops, salons, spas and health and
fitness clubs open with capacity limits and IDPH approved safety guidance
o Entertainment: Cinema and theaters open with capacity limits and IDPH approved safety
guidance
o Retail: Open with capacity limits and IDPH approved safety guidance
Information about mitigation and resurgence metrics can be found on the IDPH website at
http://www.dph.illinois.gov/regionmetrics.

Aggravated Assault H21-0262

Time: 10:10pm

Location: 600 block of E. Penn

Arrested: Bradley David (34) of Hoopeston

Details: Officers were called to the above in reference to a male in the area causing problems. After speaking to all parties on scene Mr. David was charged with the above, taken to HPD where he was processed and later released with a mandatory court date.

We are reporting 107 new cases today (three residents in their 80s, ten in their 70s, fourteen in their 60s, twenty in their 50s, sixteen in their 40s, eight in their 30s, fifteen in their 20s, ten teens, eight grade-school-aged children, two toddlers, and one infant), and 100 released, which brings us to a total of 7,030 positive cases -- 432 of which are active.

We are saddened to report three more COVID-related deaths -- two men in their 80s, and one in their 70s.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and friends.  Since this pandemic began, we have lost 90 Vermilion County residents to COVID-related deaths.

There are currently 16 COVID-positive Vermilion County residents hospitalized.

We have received a total of 82,749 negative test results.

The Mobile COVID-Testing Team will return to the front parking lot of the health department tomorrow,  Jan. 21.

So far in January, 1,800 doses of COVID vaccinations have been administered in Vermilion County.  We have given 610 first doses of the vaccine.  Our hospitals, VA Medical Center, and pharmacies have administered nearly 1,200 doses (about 1,100 first doses, and more than 100 second doses.)

The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police
District 10

WHAT: Two Unit Personal Injury Traffic Crash
WHERE: Interstate 57 northbound near Milepost 234, Champaign County
WHEN: Jan. 20, 2021 at approximately 5:13 a.m.
VEHICLE: Unit 1- 2005 Blue Freightliner
Unit 2- 2012 Black Freightliner
DRIVER: Unit 1- Jara Abdusalam, 23-year-old male of Coon Rapids, MN
(Transported to a local area hospital with injuries)
Unit 2- Joseph Smith, 59-year-old male of West Helen, AR (Transported
to a local area hospital with injuries)
PRELIMINARY: Preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Units 1,2 were
traveling northbound on Interstate 57 near Milepost 234 in the right lane.
Unit 1 struck Unit 2 in the rear. Units 1 and 2 were disabled as a result of
the accident and blocked the right lane. The right lane was blocked for
several hours due to cleanup.
CHARGES: None

Three teenagers have been formally charged with murder for a fatal shooting Sunday that killed two boys in Oakwood.

A press release from Vermilion County Sheriff’s Cpt. Mike Hartshorn says four people were charged Tuesday as part of their investigation into the shooting.

The release says three of them are:

• Ali M. Bryant, 18, of Danville. He is charged with eight counts of murder, and one count each of armed robbery, robbery, and mob action.
• Jaevin M. Griggs, 16. He is charged as an adult with eight counts of murder, and one count each of armed robbery, robbery, and mob action.
• Camarion M. Halthon, 17. He is charged as an adult with eight counts of murder, and one count each of armed robbery, robbery, and mob action.

Hartshorn says a 15-year-old was charged in juvenile court. They were not named in the press release and their charges were not listed.

The victims were identified earlier Tuesday by coroners from Champaign and Vermilion County. They are Wyatt Baily, 19, of Oakwood, and Clayvonte Sloan, 15, of Rantoul.

Hartshorn says Sloan, Griggs, Halthon, Bryant, and the unnamed 15-year-old went to Bailey’s home for a drug deal.

He says those five tried to rob Bailey and a struggle ensued.

“Bailey and Sloan were shot during the altercation,” Hartshorn says in the release.

Those five then took off in a car and were stopped by county deputies on U.S. Route 150 between Oakwood and Danville, he says.

No further information was immediately available.

Vaccine Information

Vermilion County has administered 1,619 doses, with 120 people fully vaccinated as of yesterday.  IDPH monitors our daily vaccinations: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccinedata?county=Vermilion

We are working on Phase 1b this week, which again, covers around 32,000.  It’s going to be a very long process and we ask for patience.  We’d like to thank OSF Pro Ambulance for their help as our EMS providers today, UIC Nursing Students for their help administering vaccines and VCEMA.  Without our partners, we would not be able to accomplish this.   

Please understand this also takes a lot longer due to the required observation for possible reactions and the need for social distancing.    We will be moving to the online system by the end of the week to make appointments.  This will not be available until 1/22/2021.  We are already full with appointments for this week and close to being full for next week.  We are also working with our local hospitals to reach certain groups to help us reach more people and offer other options.   We will be moving to a larger facility in February.  We had to push back our location move while waiting for supplies to come in.

Mitigation Updates

Region 6 has been moved to Tier 1.   Region 6 hit 6.5% positivity rate today.    Vermilion County’s positivity rate was at 8.7%.    Let’s not lose momentum and continue to be vigilant! 

Please read the NEW Tier One Mitigation Requirements as there are some changes made, specifically for restaurants and bars.  http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/COVID19/IL%20Tier%201%20Resurgence%20Mitigations%20-%20January%2015%2C%202021%20Update1.pdf

COVID19 Case Update

Over the weekend we had 180 new confirmed cases and 218 released.  We had an additional death, a gentleman in his 70s.  Our hearts go out to his friends and family. 

We are still dealing with a few outbreaks at a congregate setting.  We have 19 hospitalizations and 534 active cases. 

Testing Available

The Mobile COVID19 testing team will be back on January 21^st, 2021 here at the Vermilion County Health Department from 8am – 3:30pm. 

Three Illinois Regions have been cleared to move into Tier 1 effective immediately, according to the Illinois Department of Health. Region 6 was able to move to Tier 1 because the following criteria was met: 1. The test positivity rate was below 8% for three consecutive days (measured with the 7-day rolling average). 2. Available intensive care units (ICU) and medical/surgical bed capacity greater than or equal to 20 percent for three consecutive days (measured with the 3-day rolling average). 3. No sustained increase in the number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals (measured with the 7-day rolling average over 7 of 10 days). For small businesses in Ford County, this means indoor dining can resume with restrictions. Other Tier 1 guidelines include the following: • Bars and Restaurants: o All bars and restaurants close at 11pm and may reopen no earlier than 6am the following day o Indoor service limited to the lesser of 25 guests or 25% capacity per room • Establishments offering indoor service must serve food. o Indoor service reservations limited to 2-hour maximum duration and maximum 4 persons per party (dining only with members of the same household recommended). o All bar and restaurant patrons should be seated at tables. o No ordering, seating, or congregating at bar (bar stools should be removed). o Tables should be 6 feet apart. o No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting. o No dancing or standing indoors. o Reservations required for each party. o No seating of multiple parties at one table. o Includes private clubs and country clubs. • Meetings, social events, and gatherings: o Limit to lesser of 25 guests or 25% of overall room capacity both indoors and outdoors. o Applicable to professional, cultural and social group gatherings. o Not applicable to students participating in-person classroom learning, or sports. o This does not reduce the overall facility capacity dictated by general Phase 4 business guidance such as office, personal care, retail, etc. o No party buses Ford County Public Health Department 235 North Taft Street Paxton, IL 60957 January 18, 2021 For Immediate Release Contact: Megan Reutter, Community Health Educator (217)379-9281 mreutter@fordcountyphd.org • Organized group recreational activities o Sports should follow the mitigation measures set forth in the All Sport Guidelines, which outlines appropriate levels of practice and competition based on individual sport risk. o Face coverings must be worn at all times in fitness centers, including while engaged in individual exercise regardless of person or machine spacing. o Recreation, fitness centers and outdoor activities (not included in the above exposure settings) follow Phase 4 guidance Although indoor dining is allowed in Tier 1, Lana Sample, Ford County Public Health administrator, emphasizes “masking and social distancing within the establishment is critical to make sure our numbers continue to move in the right direction.” IDPH will continue to track the positivity rates and hospital capacity metrics in regions over 14-day monitoring periods to determine if mitigations can be relaxed, if additional mitigations are required, or if current mitigations should remain in place. 

We are reporting 180 new cases over the weekend and 218 released, which brings us to a total of 6,923 positive cases -- 535 of which are active.

Since this pandemic began, we have lost 87 Vermilion County residents to COVID-related deaths.

There are currently 19 COVID-positive Vermilion County residents hospitalized.

We have received a total of 80,468 negative test results.

The Mobile COVID-Testing Team will return to the front parking lot of the health department on Jan. 19 & 21.

Traffic Accident(PD) H21-0222

Time: 5:21PM

Location: 500 blk of E Seminary Ave

Unit 1: 2002 F150 driven by Steven G Hanson(63)(M) of Hoopeston

Details: Unit 1 while traveling Eastbound left the roadway in the location above and struck an Ameren Pole. There was no report of the pole being broke. Unit 1 was insured. No injuries or Citations.

We have partnered with JANO Technologies to provide notifications of court dates to your e-mail address or in the form of a SMS text message to your smartphone. eNotify is an easy and convenient way to keep track of upcoming court dates. It will allow defendants and/or other constituents of pending court dates to receive notifications 1 & 3 days prior to their upcoming court date. The notification will give them the court date, time, location, attorney and charges as well as some other details about the case. Please note, this feature is a courtesy to all defendants and/or constituents of Vermilion County cases. Failure to receive notification via eNotify will not prevent the court case from proceeding as scheduled.

eNotify will be available as of January 15, 2021. We feel as if this service will benefit everyone who are currently scheduled for court appearances. To register your e-mail or phone number please log on to https://www.vercounty.org/circuit_clerk_enotify.htm

We have had a busy week with clinics.  If you have tried to call or email and I haven’t gotten back to you in a reasonable time, please do not hesitate to contact me again.  While we are doing clinics, my voicemails and emails get a bit backlogged and I apologize for the delay. 

VCHD has vaccinated 490 people in phase 1a so far.  According to IDPH, Vermilion County has administered 1,101 doses of vaccine.  59 people have been fully vaccinated (both doses).  This includes our hospitals, Carle, OSF, and the VA, some of the nursing homes through the pharmacy partnership program, VCHD, and if they were vaccinated by their employer out of Vermilion County.    We would like to thank all our partners again for helping us.  Arrow Ambulance was our EMS provider this week and VCEMA also helped us out as always.  We are forever grateful!!

We will be opening to phase 1b next week and I must STRESS patience.  This group includes the potential of 32,000 people, though we understand that not all will take it.    We are working closely with OSF, Carle, and Gibson Health to help spread out the options for people, but it will take 3-4 months, maybe more, to get all of these people vaccinated.  Due to the required post observation of 15 to 30 minutes post vaccination, we cannot get people through as quickly as we did with H1N1.  We also have to have people come back to get their 2^nd dose, which will delay some getting their 1^st dose. 

We will be moving to a new location the end of the month for our vaccine clinics, where we hope to increase our 100ish vaccines per day to 600.  Information to come later as we confirm details.     

We will also be implementing a new system that will be up and running late next week to make online appointments here on out.  Please do not call or refer people to us to set up appointments or be on a waiting list at this time as we transition to the new system.   With such a large group, we cannot accommodate every phone call to make appointments and the only way we can ensure social distancing, is to go by appointments and have a controlled number of people at our clinics.  The last thing we want is to have a super spreader event at our clinics. 

Yesterday, we added 69 confirmed cases and released 112.  We also reported 5 additional deaths unfortunately.  Our hearts go out to their friends and family.  We have now lost 86 Vermilion County residents due to COVID19 related illnesses.  

Our total number of confirmed cases is at 6,743.  We have 18 in the hospital right now.  We have 573 active cases.    We are still working on today’s cases.  Most of the day was spent with vaccinations. 

Our region has been heading in a great direction this last week!  We have had 4 days (1/8 – 1/11) under 8%.  Our hospital admissions and increases have been up and down, but I hope that they will continue to trend where we need them to.  If we want to get out of mitigations all together, we need to get our positivity rate down to under 6.5% for at least 3 consecutive days. 

Here is a way to help us get those numbers down! 

• Encourage people to practice social distancing and wearing masks.
• Encourage people to do take out. 
• Encourage people to continue to not meet in large groups.
• Encourage people to think about our healthcare workers.  They are working very hard, but can very quickly get overwhelmed if there is a large outbreak.    

Updated Guidance

• Mitigation Measures FAQ (updated 1/7/2021) https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/Documents/Essential%20Business%20FAQ.pdf
• School Guidance (updated 1/4/2021) http://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/school-guidance
• Vaccination FAQs and breakdown of Phase 1a and Phase 1b (this is extremely helpful to see who is next in line):  http://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccine-faq  

Possession of Cannabis (city), Disobeying Police (city), Operating Uninsured Vehicle, Disobeying Stop Sign, License to be Carried and Exhibited on Command H21-0177

Time: 9:17pm

Location: 800 blk S 2nd Av

Arrested: Michael Briggs (M) (23) of Rossville

Details: HPD officers stopped the vehicle Mr. Briggs was driving for a traffic violation.

After cannabis was found in his vehicle, he was arrested and taken to HPD to

be processed. He was later released after receiving 2 city citations and 3 traffic

citations.

We are reporting 69 new cases today (one resident in their 80s, eleven in their 70s, nine in their 60s, five in their 50s, seven in their 40s, thirteen in their 30s, five in their 20s, eight teens, six grade-school-aged children, one pre-schooler, one toddler, and two infants), and 112 released, which brings us to a total of 6,743 positive cases -- 573 of which are active.

We are saddened to report five more COVID-related deaths over the past week -- one woman in her 70s, one woman in her 50s, and three men in their 80s.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and friends.  Since this pandemic began, we have lost 86 Vermilion County residents to COVID-related deaths.

There are currently 18 COVID-positive Vermilion County residents hospitalized.

We have received a total of 76,977 negative test results.

The Mobile COVID-Testing Team will return to the front parking lot of the health department on Jan. 16, 19 & 21.

Fire Call

Time: 6:31PM

Location: 500 blk of S 2nd Ave

Details: HFD and HPD responded to the above location for a stove on fire. Fire was put

out, No injuries were reported.

We are reporting 91 new cases today (one resident in their 90s, six in their 70s, fourteen in their 60s, five in their 50s, fifteen in their 40s, thirteen in their 30s, nine in their 20s, sixteen teens, nine grade-school-aged children, two pre-schoolers, and one toddler), and 64 released, which brings us to a total of 6,674 positive cases -- 621 of which are active.

There are currently 25 COVID-positive Vermilion County residents hospitalized.

We have received a total of 75,457 negative test results.

The Mobile COVID-Testing Team tested 34 people for COVID today, and will return on 16,18 & 21.

We are reporting 107 new cases today (four residents in their 90s, six in their 80s, two in their 70s, twelve in their 60s, sixteen in their 50s, fifteen in their 40s, eighteen in their 30s, twenty-one in their 20s, seven teens, four grade-school-aged children, one toddler, and one infant), and 151 released, which brings us to a total of 6,583 positive cases -- 595 of which are active.

Of the 107 new cases reported today, 28 reside at a congregate-living facility that is experiencing a severe COVID-19 outbreak.  Since November 14, 774 residents of this facility have tested positive for COVID-19.

There are currently 25 COVID-positive Vermilion County residents hospitalized.

We have received a total of 75,457 negative test results.

The Mobile COVID-Testing Team will be back here on Jan. 11, 16,18 & 21.

We are reporting 83 new cases today (five residents in their 80s, eight in their 70s, thirteen in their 60s, ten in their 50s, thirteen in their 40s, thirteen in their 30s, seven in their 20s, five teens, seven grade-school-aged children, one pre-schooler, and one toddler), and 105 released, which brings us to a total of 6,476 positive cases -- 639 of which are active.

We are saddened to report another COVID-related death -- a woman in her 80s.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.  We have lost 81 Vermilion County residents to COVID-related deaths since this pandemic began.

There are currently 25 COVID-positive Vermilion County residents hospitalized.

We have received a total of 75,457 negative test results.

We vaccinated 320 healthcare workers this week.  Two more clinics have been scheduled for healthcare workers next week.

The Mobile COVID-Testing Team will be back here on Jan. 11, 16,18 & 21.

As the Chief Legal Officer in Vermilion County, I am compelled to inform those that I have sworn to protect that the proposals set forth in House Bill 163 pose a serious threat to public safety, specifically, to victims and witnesses of violent crimes in our community. This Bill, which is 61 1 pages in length, was introduced just yesterday, Wednesday, January 6, 2021, and likely will be presented for a vote in Springfield as early as tomorrow, Friday January 8, 2021. This extensive Bill is poorly drafted, presents various reactionary requirements inconsistent with long standing and sound jurisprudence of our Country and State, and its timing provides no reasonable opportunity for proper debate on the House floor.

House Bill 163, for example, proposes that all defendants charged with criminal acts should be presumed to be released from custody without posting any monetary bail. This presumption alone denies crime victims their constitutional rights. Article l, section 8.1 of the Illinois Constitution, codified in the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act, mandates that crime victims shall have the right to have the safety of the victim and the victim 's family considered in denying or fixing bail the amount of bail, determining whether to release the defendant, and setting conditions of release after arrest and conviction. Requiring an unwarranted additional presumption of no bail clearly contradicts previously established and superior law, places crime victims at a greater risk to be re-victimized, and unnecessarily subjects witnesses to threats and intimidation.

The Bill also, for instance, requires that those in police custody, within one hour, must be given the ability to retrieve phone numbers contained in the contact list on that individual's cellular phone prior to the phone being placed into inventory. The drafters of this Bill obviously do not comprehend, or simply choose to ignore, how often such devices contain explicit contraband (such as child pornography) or other evidence of criminal conduct (such as drug trafficking and/or sex trafficking contact lists). Nevertheless, in numerous circumstances, this new law absurdly would allow an individual in custody the right to access the very device containing contraband, and, accordingly, the ability to destroy such evidence.

Most egregiously, however, is that this Bill would strip the People of this State the ability to charge an individual with what is commonly referred to as Felony Murder even though that individual kills another person, and in performing the acts causing the victim's death, that individual committed or was attempting to commit a forcible felony. Eradicating this offense simply is inconsistent with the ends of justice.

In short, this poorly drafted Bill containing ill-conceived directives is an effort to systematically dismantle law enforcement, which in turn would affect the integrity of every investigation, prosecution, and the safety of every citizen of our community. We must stand with the men and women of law enforcement who consistently stand up for us, and we must not allow this Bill to be voted upon without proper, timely, and transparent debate.

Honorable Jacqueline M. Lacy, Vermilion County State 's Attorney

Criminal Damage to Property H21-0084

Time: 2:18pm

Location: 100 block of Savannah Court

Complainant: (55) year old Hoopeston female

Details: Complainant contacted HPD when she discovered damage done to the property. Investigation continues.

Trespassing H21-0085

Time: 2:30pm

Location: 200 S. 1st Ave

Arrested: Gail Savage (62) Hoopeston male

Details: Officers were called to the above in reference to Savage on scene causing problems. Savage was later located, charged with the above, and released with a notice to appear.

Trespassing H20-0087

Time: 4:18pm

Location: 300 block of W. Washington

Arrested: Kevin Fink (62) Hoopeston Male

Details: Officers were called to the above in reference to an ongoing issue with trespassing. A complaint was signed and Mr. Fink was later located. Fink was transported to HPD, where he was processed and later released with a notice to appear in Hoopeston City Court.

Warrant Arrest H20-0091

Time: 6:55pm

Location: 301 W. Main St (Hoopeston Police Dept)

Arrested: Shane Baker (30) year old Hoopeston male

Details: Baker came to HPD to turn himself in on an active Vermilion County Warrant (20TR2971) Baker posted bond and was released with a new court date.

Illinois State Police (ISP) District 10 Commander, Captain Louis Kink, announces the results of Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) held in Vermilion County during January. These OREPs provided extra patrol coverage for the ISP so officers could focus on saving lives by making sure all vehicle occupants were buckled up.

Violations Enforcement Activity

Safety Belt Citations 27

Child Restraint Citations 0

Total Citations 36

Total Written Warnings 12

Most motorists know safety belts save lives, but some ignore their safety and that of their families by neglecting to use safety belts and child restraint devices. These patrols reinforce the occupant protection message by focusing on those who ignore the law. Lives can be saved if people simply “buckle up!” This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

We are reporting 79 new cases today (four residents in their 80s, eight in their 70s, six in their 60s, eight in their 50s, nineteen in their 40s, nine in their 30s, five in their 20s, eight teens, eight grade-school-aged children, two toddlers and two infants), and 34 released, which brings us to a total of 6,393 positive cases -- 661 of which are active.

We have lost 80 Vermilion County residents to COVID-related deaths since this pandemic began.

There are currently 31 COVID-positive Vermilion County residents hospitalized.

We have received a total of 74,924 negative test results.

We held our third COVID-vaccination clinics for healthcare workers today, and vaccinated another 120 people.  That makes for a total of 320 healthcare workers receiving their first dose of the vaccine.  Two more clinics have been scheduled for healthcare workers next week.

The Mobile COVID-Testing Team will be back here on Jan. 11, 16,18 & 21.

Delvin Willis, formerly of 1310 Joanne Lane, Champaign, Illinois, was sentenced today to ten (10) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the offense of Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Deliver, a Class X Felony. Day-for-day sentencing credit applies, and the sentence shall be followed by three (3) years of Mandatory Supervised Release (i.e., Parole).

Circuit Judge Nancy S. Fahey entered the sentence upon hearing evidence establishing that on July 23, 2019, Agents with the Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group (VMEG) executed a search warrant on a residence in Danville, Illinois owned by Willis. Located in the residence was over 80 grams of a substance containing both heroin and fentanyl. Prior to the execution of the search warrant, between January and early July of 2019, VMEG utilized confidential informants on numerous occasions to make narcotics purchases wherein Willis was involved. In each transaction, VMEG sought approval and received authorization from the Vermilion County State's Attorney's Office to utilize eavesdropping equipment to record the crimes.

State's Attorney Jacqueline Lacy thanked VMEG, specifically Special Agent Scott Crawley who testified this afternoon during the sentencing hearing, for the group's steadfast determination to combat the prevalence of illegal narcotics in this County. "Simply put, when it comes to drug dealers," noted Ms. Lacy, "this Office continually will insist on severe punishment for these reprehensible criminals."

Disorderly Contact (City Ordinance) H21-0074

Time: 5:32pm

Location: 300 block of E. McCracken

Cited: Curt Reynolds () of Hoopeston

Details: Officers were dispatched to the above in reference to a harassment complaint.

After speaking to both parties Reynolds was issues a NTA in Hoopeston City court for Disorderly Conduct.

We are reporting 93 new cases today (one resident in their 90s, five in their 80s, ten in their 70s, ten in their 60s, twelve in their 50s, fourteen in their 40s, fourteen in their 30s, thirteen in their 20s, eight teens, and six grade-school-aged children), and 87 released, which brings us to a total of 6,314 positive cases -- 607 of which are active.

We are saddened to report another COVID-related death -- a man in his 40s.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.  We have lost 80 Vermilion County residents to COVID-related deaths since this pandemic began.

There are currently 41 COVID-positive Vermilion County residents hospitalized.

We have received a total of 74,449 negative test results.

We held our second COVID-vaccination clinics for healthcare workers today, and vaccinated another 120 people.  The appointment book for tomorrow is nearly full.

The Mobile COVID-Testing Team will be back here on Jan. 11, 16,18 & 21.

We held the first of three COVID-vaccination clinics today, and vaccinated 82 healthcare workers.  We will see about that many on each of the next two days.

The rest of today's report deals with an ongoing outbreak at the IDOC Prision in Danville.

As we reported on Dec. 26, there were 519 COVID-positive cases at that single facility between Nov. 14 and Dec. 23.  Over the next 12 days, an additional 228 residents have tested positive for COVID.

So, at this facility, there have been 746 positive cases reported between Nov. 14 and Jan. 4.  Of those, 481 have recovered, and 265 are active cases.

This does not include employees.  Over the same time period, 136 employees have tested positive for COVID.  Of those, 99 have recovered, and 37 are at home in isolation.

And so, just based on the updated count of COVID-positive residents at this congregate-living facility, we are at a total of 6,221 positive cases.  An additional 409 have recovered, giving us 613 active COVID-positive cases in the County.

Driving While License Suspended, Disobeying Yield Sign, Operating an Uninsured Vehicle H21-0061

Time: 4:41pm

Location: 4th St/Honeywell

Arrested: Robert Spisak (29) Chenoa male

Details: While on a traffic stop a computer check revealed that Spisak did not have a valid license. He was charged with the above, taken to HPD, processed and later released with a NTA.

Traffic Accident H21-0044

Time: 12:50

Location: 800 blk of W Main St

Unit 1: 2014 Chrysler driven by Jamey L Roof (F)(55) of Hoopeston

Unit 2: 2012 Hyundai driven by Colby J Burton(M)(20)of Hoopston

Details: Unit 1 was heading east on W Main St when Unit 2 backed out and struck

Unit 2. No Injuries were reported. No citations issued. Both Units insured.

We are reporting 35 new cases today (three residents in their 80s, five in their 70s, six in their 60s, three in their 50s, three in their 40s, one in their 30s, nine in their 20s, three teens, one pre-schooler, and one toddler), and 14 released, which brings us to a total of 5,994 positive cases -- 795 of which are active.

We are saddened to report another COVID-related death -- a man in his 80s.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.  We have lost 79 Vermilion County residents to COVID-related deaths since this pandemic began.

There are currently 41 COVID-positive Vermilion County residents hospitalized.

We have received a total of 72,634 negative test results.

We received our second shipment of Moderna COVID vaccine today -- 200 doses.  We will hold three COVID vaccination clinics this week, for healthcare workers.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 5,059 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 79 additional deaths.

- Cook County: 1 teen, 1 female 30s, 2 females 40s, 1 male 40s, 1 female 50s, 3 males 50s, 3 females 60s, 5 males 60s, 2 females 70s, 8 males 70s, 3 females 80s, 5 males 80s, 4 females 90s, 2 males 90s
- DeKalb County: 1 male 80s
- DuPage County: 1 male 30s, 1 female 60s, 1 male 60s, 2 females 80s, 1 male 80s, 1 male 90s
- Fulton County: 2 males 80s
- Kane County: 1 female 40s, 1 male 50s
- Kankakee County: 1 male 50s
- Lake County: 2 females 70s
- Macoupin County: 1 female 90s
- Madison County: 1 male 30s, 1 male 80s, 1 male 90s
- McDonough County: 1 male 80s
- Piatt County: 1 female 60s
- Putnam County: 1 male 60s
- Rock Island County: 1 male 80s
- Sangamon County: 1 female 70s, 1 male 80s
- St. Clair County: 1 male 40s, 1 female 80s
- Stephenson County: 1 male 80s
- Tazewell County: 1 male 60s, 2 males 70s, 2 males 80s
- Warren County: 1 female 90s
- Wayne County: 1 male 80s
- Will County: 1 female 50s, 2 females 70s

Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 984,880 cases, including 16,834 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Within the past 24 hours, laboratories have reported 48,254 specimens for a total 13,530,371.  As of last night, 3,948 in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 816 patients were in the ICU and 471 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
 
The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from December 28, 2020 – January 3, 2021 is 8.6%.  The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from December 28, 2020 – January 3, 2021 is 9.8%

*All data are provisional and will change. In order to rapidly report COVID-19 information to the public, data are being reported in real-time. Information is constantly being entered into an electronic system and the number of cases and deaths can change as additional information is gathered.  Information for deaths previously reported has changed, therefore, today’s numbers have been adjusted.  For health questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.

Sheriffs Police investigated a single vehicle accident with injuries on New Year's Day in Prairie Green township. The driver, Waylon E. Henning(23) of Hoopeston, was traveling west bound on Indiana road 600S. Henning drove through the "T" intersection with Illinois road 3200E, striking the west ditch embankment and becoming airborne. The truck Henning was driving landed in a field and sustained major damage. Henning suffered injuries requiring Wellington / Greer Fire to extract him from the truck, Carle EMS transported Henning from the scene to Hoopeston Hospital for further treatment.

Henning was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and driving while license suspended.

The City of Hoopeston Historic Preservation Commission has chosen a logo submitted during our logo contest for Hoopeston’s Sesquicentennial celebration. The commission received 10 submissions from the community, and it was a tough decision made by the commissioners. The commissioners chose a submission from former resident Ann Wallace Atwell based on an idea she first conceived during the 1971 Centennial Celebration. Ann sketched out a logo and theme based around “Created at the Crossroads” owing to Hoopeston’s railroad heritage. This logo and theme will be used throughout the year at various events leading up to a weeklong of events beginning June 27 and culminating with the fireworks display on July 3. The commission will be releasing a full slate of events soon. 

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding the public that Driver Services facilities statewide are reopening on Tuesday, Jan. 5. Face masks are required, and social distancing and other safety measures will remain in place. White is reminding the public that driver’s licenses and ID card expiration dates have been extended until June 1, 2021. As a result, people do not need to rush to visit a facility, especially during winter weather conditions. (Note: The Chicago West facility, 5301 W. Lexington Ave., will remain closed due to the city’s sewer repair work, which has closed Lexington Ave. around the facility. In addition, the James R. Thompson Center and Chicago Loop Express, 69 W. Washington St., Driver Services facilities will remain closed because they are located in public buildings that are not open.) Additionally, White stressed that many transactions can be conducted online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com instead of waiting at a Driver Services facility. Some of these services include:

· Renewing a license plate sticker;

· Renewing a valid driver’s license for qualifying drivers;

· Renewing a valid ID card for those age 22-64 (seniors 65 and older have free, non-expiring IDs);

· Obtaining a driver record abstract;

· Filing Business Services documents, such as incorporations and annual reports; and · Customers with issues involving administrative hearings may contact adminhearings@ilsos.gov. In an effort to reduce facility visits for in-person service, White has expanded online renewals for driver’s licenses and ID cards. Not everyone qualifies, particularly those who are required to pass a written or road test. For qualifying drivers, individuals will receive a letter with a unique PIN approximately 90 days before the expiration date. The PIN is required to renew online. For more information on determining one’s eligibility for online renewal, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com and click on “Read more on how to renew your driver’s license or ID card online” near the top of the main page. More than 34,000 customers have already taken advantage of the expanded driver’s license and ID card online renewal program, which results in fewer customers waiting in person at Driver Services facilities. “Throughout this pandemic, my commitment has been to do everything we can to help protect the health and safety of our residents and my employees, while providing services to the people of Illinois,” said White. “This remains our goal and guides our decision making.”

CRIMINAL DAMAGE H21-0015

Time: 09:08

Location: 400 Blk W Washington St

Details: HPD was called to above ref damage to the garage ref an attempted burglary

An investigation continues

Hit & Run Traffic Accident H20-5871

Date & Time: 12/30/2020 5:36 pm

Location: Jerry’s IGA 1030 W Chestnut St Hoopeston

Unit 1: White Vehicle

Unit 2: 2020 Ford Fusion owned by Robin K Warren Sheldon IL

Details: Unit 1 struck Unit 2, and left the scene of the parking lot. Unit 2 is insured and it was parked at the time of the incident.