WHAT:                      Two Unit Fatal Traffic Crash

WHERE:                   Illinois Route 116 at the Iroquois/Ford County Line, Iroquois County

WHEN:                      June 29, 2021 at approximately 4:31 p.m.

VEHICLE:                Unit 1 – 2011 Silver Jeep      

                                    Unit 2-  2020 Brown Western Star Truck Tractor

DRIVER:                   Unit 1 –20-year-old Faith Billerbeck of Ashkum, Illinois Deceased,

                                    Unit 2- Frank B. Martin, 50-year-old male of Moorefield, Ontario            

PRELIMINARY:     A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling northbound on 0 East Road. Unit 2 was traveling eastbound on Illinois Route 116 near 0 East Road in Iroquois County. Billerbeck failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Illinois Route 116 and 0 East Road and struck Unit 2. The front end of Unit 1 struck the front passenger side of unit 2. Billerbeck was pronounced deceased on scene.

 At approximately 4:52 p.m., Illinois Route 116 at Iroquois/Ford County Line was closed in both directions for the traffic crash investigation. At approximately 8:00 p.m., all lanes reopened.

In-Home Care Providers to Receive Retroactive Pay for Services Provided from January 1 – March 31, 2021

Springfield, IL – Amidst the worst pandemic in a century, the Pritzker administration today announced increased rates of pay for eligible in-home care providers. Made possible by funding from Governor Pritzker’s FY 21 and 22 budgets, this $54 million investment will strengthen the social safety net in the state. The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) and Department of Human Services (DHS) will issue a bonus payment for services rendered by eligible providers between January 1 and March 31, 2021, to make up for the rate increase that was frozen until April 1st. Providers will receive an additional rate increase on January 1, 2022, paving the way for employees to receive a minimum wage of $15 an hour.

“One of the best ways we can recognize the workers who support our most vulnerable residents is by ensuring they can support themselves and their families,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud to deliver additional compensation – including retroactive pay for the early months of 2021 – to the providers who bravely did their jobs as physical and mental caretakers during the pandemic. A strong social safety net begets a strong state, and Illinois is investing in the people who make in-home care for our seniors possible.”

As of April 1st of this year, in-home service providers within IDOA’s Community Care Program (CCP), which provides care to nearly 70,000 older Illinoisans, received a rate increase to $23.40 an hour. The department will now make a one-time bonus payment to over 400 providers for services provided from January 1 through March 31, 2021 at that increased rate. The rate increase will assist with stabilization of the CCP workforce, while the additional rate increase early next year will allow providers to pay individual workers a minimum wage of $15. Furthermore, the increases will assist older Illinoisans in need of critical services to remain in their own home to avoid premature institutionalization.

“I would like to thank Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly for truly respecting yesterday, supporting today, and planning for tomorrow by raising the in-home service providers rates for the CCP program,” said Paula Basta, Director of IDoA. “The CCP Program supports some of our state’s most vulnerable residents. While the pandemic has had a lasting economic impact on Illinois and other states across the nation, we thank Governor Pritzker for investing in older Illinoisans, and our Aging Network.”

Established in 1979 by Public Act 81-202, IDoA’s CCP Program is designed to meet the needs of Illinois residents age 60 and older who need help with the basic activities of daily living but wish to continue living in their own homes with assistance. The program provides community-based services and cost-effective alternatives to nursing home placement for older Illinoisans, enabling them to remain independent and “age in place.” Services include comprehensive care coordination, adult day services, in-home service, emergency home response services, and automated medication dispenser service.

Additionally, IDHS Home Services Program will also be issuing bonus payments to nearly 90 providers for homemaker services rendered since the beginning of the year through March 31, 2021. As of April 1st, 2021, the Home Services Program homemaker rate is set at $23.40 an hour. An additional rate increase scheduled for early next year will allow providers to pay workers a minimum wage of $15 an hour. Also, the one-time bonus payments and increased rate of pay will help retain current Home Services Program employee and attract new workers to apply.

“Thanks to Governor Pritzker’s leadership, these new pay structures will help bolster providers. The IDHS Home Services Program one-time bonus payments are intended to help stabilize the HSP workforce and represent another step to help us protect critical services for people with disabilities, said Grace B. Hou, Secretary, Illinois Department of Human Services.

Caregivers and in-home providers across the state continued to deliver vital services throughout COVID-19 - despite the increased risks - while adhering to guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health. These ongoing visits remain crucial in accessing and supporting the physical and mental well-being of older adults in communities across the state.

“Home care workers showed up every day braving both the risks and economic challenges of working during a pandemic to provide quality care to our state's seniors and people with disabilities. We appreciate the Governor's leadership in prioritizing these bonus payments and increased wage supports. They are a crucial step towards recognizing home care workers' valuable service and stabilizing this crucial workforce,” said Greg Kelley, President of SEIU Healthcare Illinois which represents over 60,000 Illinois home care workers.

Investments in our senior citizens not only allow them to remain in their own homes but are also a cost-effective way of providing care. The average monthly cost of care in a state paid nursing facility for Fiscal Year 2019 was $3,362.39. For every month a Medicaid individual remains on CCP, the state saves $2,401.69.

For more information on programs and services available to assist older adults in Illinois, visit the IDoA website at www.illinois.gov/aging or contact the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 (hearing impaired call 888-206-1327) or by email aging.ilsenior@illinois.gov. For services available through DHS, visit the DHS website.

Country music artist, Jason Pritchett, will headline this year’s Iroquois County Fair when he performs live at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 17th on the Infield Stage.

Jason Pritchett is leading the charge for the NEW REVOLUTION as he puts WESTERN back in country music. He's a REAL cowboy from Independence MO, just outside of Kansas City. He rode PRCA ranked bulls for several years until he found his true passion of country music.

Jason's first 4 radio songs blazed into the top 40 charts in record time. In a few short weeks, his first single "Good Show" climbed the charts to the top 20, hitting #16. In Jason's first week on the charts, he was the highest debuting country artist with that single.

Jason performed shows in Branson for over 17 years and learned how to command a stage. Jason went on to become a top 5 finalist on NBC Hit T.V. show "America's Got Talent" where Simon Cowell took him aside and said "you are a star."

Award winning country music singer songwriter Billy Dean signed Jason to his record label, BDMG, and began writing songs about Jason's life as a cowboy in Independence Mo.

Jason has performed on tour, with performances opening for Tyler Farr, Lee Brice, Thomas Rhett, Old Dominion and Kelly Pickler to name a few.

Don't miss his action-packed show at the Iroquois County Fair!

WHAT:                     Two Unit Fatal Traffic Crash

WHERE:                   Interstate 57 southbound at milepost 188, Coles County

WHEN:                      June 27, 2021 at approximately 4:31 p.m.

VEHICLE:                Unit 1 – 2001 Yellow Ford Mustang

                                    Unit 2 – 2020 Gray Jeep Cherokee

DRIVER:                   Unit 1 – Mehdi Mourad, 21-year-old male from Mattoon, IL – Deceased

                                    Unit 2 – Karen Smith, 54-year-old female from Centralia, IL – Transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries

PASSENGER:           Unit 2 – Juvenile, 12-year-old female from Centralia, IL – Transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries

PRELIMINARY:      Preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 2 was stopped on the right shoulder of Interstate 57 southbound at approximately milepost 188 with their hazard lights activated due to severe weather in the area.  The driver of Unit 1 was a firefighter responding in his personal vehicle to a crash on Interstate 57 at milepost 184.  The driver of Unit 1 lost control of his vehicle and rear-ended Unit 2.  The driver of Unit 1 was entrapped in his vehicle and had to be extricated.  The driver of Unit 1 was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

CHARGES:               N/A

The Iroquois County Public Health Department (ICPHD) will be conducting the following COVID-19 vaccine 
clinics for Illinois residents.
• Wednesday, June 30, 2021, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM- Moderna Vaccine Clinic, for age 18 and older, 
available by appointment or walk-in, located at the Iroquois County Public Health Department, 1001 E 
Grant Street, Watseka, IL 60970. (Second dose will be scheduled for Wednesday, July 28th)
• Thursday, July 1, 2021, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM- Pfizer Vaccine Clinic, for age 12 and older, available by 
appointment or walk-in, located at the Iroquois County Public Health Department, 1001 E Grant Street, 
Watseka, IL 60970. (Second dose will be scheduled for Thursday, July, 22nd)
 
To schedule an appointment, visit our website (https://co.iroquois.il.us/offices/health-department) or Facebook 
page for online registration, or call ICPHD at (815) 432-2483 to schedule over the phone. 
Individuals are required to bring a valid form of photo ID. Please do not attend if you do not feel well the day of this 
clinic or are in isolation or quarantine. Patients will need to wear a face covering, practice social distancing, and plan 
to allow at least 15 minutes for observation after the vaccination. Please wear clothing to allow easy access to the upper 
portion of the arm for the injection. 
As more vaccine is allocated ICPHD will communicate availability, along with when, where, and how to receive the 
vaccine, via traditional and social media outlets as well as on the ICPHD website: 
https://co.iroquois.il.us/offices/healthdepartment. 
The Illinois Department of Public Health has compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about the 
COVID-19 vaccination. Information can be found at: http://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccine-faq. For individual concerns 
regarding allergies or other medical conditions please consult your own medical provider.

A total of 9 children entered the 2021 Lil’ Mr. & Miss Firecracker contest. This year’s contest consisted of a coloring contest for area children ages 3 through 7. Lil Mr. Firecracker is Davidsen ZumMallen of Watseka, Illinois. Davidsen is 5 years old and is the son of Cora Senesac and James ZumMallen. Lil Miss Firecracker is Ellie Smith of Watseka, Illinois. Ellie is 5 years old and is the daughter of Derek and Tonya Smith. The winners will ride in the 2021 City of Watseka “Proud to be an American” Independence Day Parade on July 3rd beginning at 10:00 a.m. All of the coloring sheets will be on display at the Chamber office until the 4th of July located at 110 South 3rd Street in Watseka.

Kankakee police investigated a shooting that sent a man to a local hospital with a gunshot wound on Sunday. According to police, officers were alerted to the hospital for a gunshot victim who said he was at a business in the 1900 block of East Court Street. The victim said he encountered a man inside the business with whom he has had past issues. The victim left the business and got into his vehicle. He said an unknown vehicle drove past and shot at his vehicle. Another person drove the victim to the hospital.

Kankakee police investigated a report of shots fired at 6:30 a.m. Sunday in the 300 block of South Nelson Avenue. According to police, officers found several shell casings.

Kankakee police investigated a report of shots fired in the area of Illinois Avenue and East Locust Street at 4:27 a.m. on Sunday. Officers found several spent shell casings in the intersection of Illinois and Locust

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE ANNOUNCE ROADSIDE SAFETY CHECK 
RESULTS

ASHKUM – Illinois State Police (ISP) District 21 Commander, Captain Don Aaron 
Harsy, announces the results of a Roadside Safety Check (RSC) held in Kankakee 
County on June 18, 2021. 

Violations Enforcement Activity

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Citations 0
Other Alcohol/Drug Citations 5
Occupant Restraint Offenses 4
Registration Offenses 0
Driver’s License Offenses 4
Insurance Violations 2
Total Citations/Arrests 23
Total Written Warnings 45

Alcohol and drug impairment is a factor in more than 30 percent of all fatal motor vehicle 
crashes in Illinois, and throughout the U.S., nearly 10,000 people die each year due to 
alcohol-impaired driving. RSCs are designed to keep our roads safe by taking dangerous 
DUI offenders off the road. This project was funded through the Illinois Department of 
Transportatio

As warm weather approaches so does mosquito season. In Illinois, mosquito season begins at the 
start of summer and lasts into the fall. 

Mosquito bites are not only irritating and itchy, they are also capable of spreading viruses that 
can cause illness, and in rare cases, death. The Iroquois County Public Health Department would 
like to provide some tips for keeping you safe. 

Some tips for mosquito bite prevention are as follows: 

? Use insect repellant: EPA registered insect repellants are proven to be safe and effective 
when used as directed. Examples of EPA registered repellants include, but are not limited 
to, those that use DEET, Picaridin, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE). 

? Properly cover yourself while outside: Wearing a long-sleeved shirt and long pants will 
limit the amount of exposed skin for mosquitos to bite. 

? Stay inside during times of high activity: Mosquitos that carry West Nile Virus are 
most active during dusk. 

? Keeping mosquitos outside: Properly screened windows and doors, as well as the use of 
air conditioning, will deter mosquitos from entering your home. 

? Remove mosquito habitats: Mosquitos like to live in areas with standing water. Be sure 
to empty things that could hold water such as buckets. Also, keep water fresh in bird 
baths and fountains, and make sure swimming pools are treated and circulating. 

For more information regarding mosquito bite prevention, contact the Iroquois County Public 
Health Department at 815.432.2483 or visit the ICPHD website at 
http://www.co.iroquois.il.us/health-department/.

We are having a FAIR! Iroquois County Fair Talent show is being held in the Grandstands on Wednesday July 14, 2021 at 8:00 p.m.

There are 30 Iroquois County youth competing in this year’s contest. We will have vocalists, dancers and piano players. Lily Anderson, Beaverville; Audrey Neukomm, Cissna Park; Savannah Reed, Danforth; Madelyn Loy, Donovan; Abby Tindle, Gilman; Pyper Sidell, Loda; London Clark, Milford; Harley Valentine, Onarga; along with Annika Greene, Vanysah Hickman, Addie Kingdon, Sarah Parsons, Libby Hamilton, Dahlia Johnson, Amelia Marcier and Kate Sabol all from Watseka, and Avery Schroeder, Wellington will fill out the Junior Division with 6 acts.

Senior Division with five acts include Rachael Dexter, Danforth, Julia Hilgermann, Chebanse, Madison Mc Taggart, Gilman and Hope Aaron, Hannah, Eheart,Lillian Eheart, Brianna Warren, Sadee Weuthrich, Megan Schippert and Mitchell Galyen from Watseka.

All contestants will be competing for prizes and the opportunity to represent Iroquois County at the IAAF State Talent Show Contest in Springfield in January 2022.

Check out our talent and find all your fair information on iroquoiscofair.com or our Facebook page!

The 2021 Iroquois County Agricultural and Livestock Fair will be held Tuesday, July 13 thru Sunday, July 18.

4-H Food Judging begins Tuesday at 9:00 am with the Food Auction at 2:00 pm. Tuesday is also livestock move-in day with the Section FFA shows beginning at 4 pm. The official Opening Ceremony begins at 7:30 with the Presentation of Clubs and will be followed by the Queen and the first ever Little Miss Contest. Rounding out the evening will be a Fireworks display.

Wednesday, July 14 is a full day of 4-H Livestock Judging beginning at 8:00 am. At 9:30am, Junior and Open Project showing of Agricultural, Products, Culinary, Fine Arts, Floriculture, & Children’s Division will begin. The 4-H Cat show is at 2:00. Evening entertainment will be a Family Fun Night at 6:00 pm with the Talent Show rounding out the evening at 8:00 pm.

On tap for Thursday July 15 will be the Junior Department livestock shows in the barns at 8:00 am. At 9:00 am, General 4-H Projects will begin showing. 4-H Dog Obedience will be at 3:00 pm. The annual ever popular Demo Derby by On the Gas Promotions at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, July 16 will start with the Draft Horse Show at 8:00 am. General 4-H Projects judging by clubs and the Master Showman Contest begin at 9:00 am. The Draft Horse Hitches starts at 11:00 a.m.

New day and time for the Livestock Sale beginning at 1:00 pm on Friday. 4-H Style show is at 4 p.m. along with the Open Style Show following at 5:30 pm. Evening entertainment will consist of the Latting Rodeo at 7:00 pm. Teen Dance will also be held in the 4-H Center from 8 – 11 p.m.

Saturday, July 17 features Open Show Livestock contests in the barns beginning at 8:00 a.m. The Annual Tractor Drive begin at 8:00 am. A new event, the Illiana Remote Control Truck and Tractor Pull will begin at 11:00 am. Costume Goat Show is at 3:00 pm followed by

4-H Dog Agility at 4:30 pm. Jason Pritchett, a top 5 Finalist on America’s Got Talent, takes the stage at 8:00 pm for the evening entertainment.

There will be free admission to the Fair on Sunday, July 18. The Open Horse show begins at 8:00 am. 9:30 am will feature an All-Faith Church Service with A Natural High. 11:00 am begins the Grill Master Cook Off Contest. The afternoon Tractor Pull begins at 12:30 pm. The Costume Sheep Lead class is at 1:00 pm. The ITPA Tractor Pull finishes off the 2021 Fair beginning at 6:00 pm.

Daily Activities consist of the Open & Junior Exhibit Building opening at noon and closing at 9:00 pm. The Commercial Buildings open also open at noon but close at 8:00 pm. Mahlah, the Comfort Dog, will be greeting visitors at Happy Jack’s Gazebo on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1 – 4 pm. Wood carving demonstrations by Northern Exposure Chainsaw Carvings will occur daily at 11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm. Swyear Amusements will be on the Midway. Visit www.iroquoiscofair to see their daily specials. A new area called the “Kid’s Zone” will be located by the Trout-Steiner Petting Zoo, north of the Swine barns. Daily activities there will consist of Touch a Vehicle, Wagon Basketball, Giant Tic Tac Toe and other daily events.

A very important reminder is that entries for this year’s fair will close on Tuesday, June 29th at 5:00 pm. The Fair is currently accepting entries at the Fair House on the corner just outside the fairground fence from 9 am to 3 pm. There are also a limited number of Fair books that may currently be picked up at the Fair House.

On Monday, June 28 from noon until 8:00 pm and Tuesday, June 29th from 8 am to 5 pm, office personnel will accept entries at the Fair Office on the Fairgrounds. The Fair Book is also posted online on the Fair’s website www.iroquoiscofair.com.

As of 06/21/21 there have been 2,662 confirmed cases and 496 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 11 new cases since our last update on 06/14/2021.

Going forward, ICPHD will share COVID-19 case updates on a weekly basis. Additional data on Iroquois County COVID-19 case metrics can be found at https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19.

Please reference the following explanation of probable cases:

The probable cases that we will be reporting on the daily press release are individuals who have been tested and are found to have a positive test result by a local clinic using "rapid" tests that are not, at this time, IDPH approved tests. These are antigen tests, not molecular tests, and are not laboratory confirmed. Therefore, those individuals who test positive using rapid testing from this source, will be reported as a probable case. Please note that there are different rapid tests available from different sources. Some rapid tests are IDPH approved while some are not. If individuals chose to be tested at a clinic or physician’s office that is using a test that is not IDPH approved and the results are positive, that individual will be listed as a probable case and will be required to isolate per health department protocol. Their direct, known and identified contacts will be quarantined. We realize that there are numerous definitions of Probable Cases but ICPHD will use the Probable Cases category to identify the individuals who have tested positive using a rapid test, not yet approved by IDPH, as these positive results are not laboratory confirmed.

The strongest earthquake in 11 years struck Indiana on Thursday, leaving some Hoosiers rattled in their homes and offices.

The United States Geological Survey reported a 3.8 magnitude earthquake about two miles northeast of Montezuma around 3:15 p.m. – matching a 3.8 temblor that jolted the central part of the state in 2010, according to the USGS.

The area's largest earthquake occurred more than 30 years ago, a 4.0 shaker also near Montezuma, USGS geophysicist Jana Parsley told USA TODAY. The largest earthquake in state history occurred in 1909, a 5.1 in the Wabash Valley, she said.

 People in parts of Illinois, including Chicago, and southern Michigan also reported feeling the quake.

WHAT:                      One Vehicle Fatal Traffic Crash

WHERE:                   Illinois Route 115 at Ford County 1175 North

WHEN:                      June 16, 2021 at approximately 9:30 a.m.

VEHICLE:                Unit 1 – 2005 Silver Toyota                          

DRIVER:                   Unit 1 – Randy O. Lopez, 24-year-old male of Piper City, Illinois                 

PASSENGER:           Unit 1 – Gabriela K. Shurr, 20-year-old female of Piper City, Illinois

                                    Unit 1 – Anayeli I. Medina, 19-year-old female of Piper City, Illinois (Deceased) 

PRELIMINARY:     A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling northbound on Illinois Route 115 at Ford County 1175 North Road when for unknown reasons the driver veered across the southbound lanes.  Unit 1 struck the guardrail before coming to rest in the ditch. The driver and a passenger of Unit 1 were transported to a local area hospital with injuries.  A second passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene.

                                    Illinois Route 115 at Ford County 1175 North was shut down for approximately four hours.   

CHARGES:               The driver of Unit 1 was issued citations for Driving with a Suspended Driver’s License, Failure to Wear a Seatbelt and Improper Lane Usage. The investigation is ongoing at this time. There is no further information available.

It seems summer has only just begun, but now is the time to schedule your child’s back-to-school vaccines. Waiting until the last minute can make it difficult to get an immunization appointment right before school begins. The Iroquois County Public Health Department (ICPHD) recommends scheduling your appointments early to beat the rush. If you are not sure whether or not your child needs vaccinations for school, you should contact your Physician’s office or contact ICPHD to review your child’s vaccination records. ICPHD can bill most major health insurance companies and also has vaccines at a discounted rate for children without insurance. The Iroquois County Public Health Department is located in the Iroquois County Administrative Building at 1001 E. Grant Street in Watseka. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 815-432-2483. 

On June 10 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Izaak Matthews, 23, Sheldon. According to police reports, Matthews was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant for domestic battery. He was taken to the Iroquois County Jail in lieu of bond.

On June 10 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Rachel Draper, 33, Sheldon. According to police reports, Draper was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant for battery. She was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where she posted the required bond.

On June 11 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Jerry Meece, 68, Buckley. According to police reports, Meece was wanted on a Champaign County warrant and a Pike County warrant. Meece was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond.

On June 11 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Harold Aliss, 37, Beaverville. According to police reports, Aliss was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant for violation of an order of protection. Aliss was also charged with domestic battery. Aliss was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond.

On June 11 Milford Police arrested William K. Lyons, 37, Hoopeston. According to police reports, Lyons was wanted on a Vermilion County warrant for failure to appear on a weapons charge case. Lyons was transported to the Iroquois County Jail in lieu of bond.

Police arrested Madison LeClair, 26, Watseka, June 9 in the 300 block of East Oak at 12:05 pm. for criminal trespass to property. She was taken to the Iroquois County Jail.

Police arrested George Burk, 41, Watseka in the 400 block of East Walnut at 6:49 p.m. June 9 for driving while license suspended. He posted bond and was released.

Police arrested Zachary Lynch, 23, Coal City, at 11 p.m. June 8 at Walnut and Kay streets for driving while license suspended. He posted bond and was released.

Kelly Drugs in conjunction with the Iroquois Health Department is now able to offer area the Covid -19 vaccine for ages 12 and up as well as those who are home bound. This is free of charge. Call 815-889-4326 or come in to Kelly Drugs to sign up for a clinic for 12 and over.  Our first clinic will be Wednesday, June 16.

The Iroquois County Farmland Assessment Review Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. in the Board Room at the Clifford Bury Administrative Center in Watseka.  The subject of this meeting will be: CERTIFICATION OF ADJUSTED 2022 FARMLAND VALUES.

1) The 2022 Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) per acre of cropland for each productivity index (PI),

2) The 2022 proposed county average EAV per acre of cropland, and

3) The 2022 proposed county average EAV per acre for all farmland.

The proposed 2022 average equalized assessed value per acre of cropland is $406. The proposed equalized assessed value per acre of all farmland is $228.

Whatever action is taken by the Farmland Assessment Review Committee after public input may affect the 2022 farmland assessment for taxes payable in 2023.

Jolee Hastings was crowned the 2021 Ford County Fair Queen on Monday.

Hastings is 19, of Loda, is a 2020 graduate of Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School.

She is attending Parkland College and the University of Illinois through the Parkland Pathway program. Hastings is majoring in agricultural accounting.

Lyndi Allen, 18, of Paxton, was named Miss Congeniality and was recognized as the first runner-up for fair queen.

As of 06/14/21 there have been 2,657 confirmed cases and 490 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There has been 1 new case since our last update on 06/11/2021.

Going forward, ICPHD will share COVID-19 case updates on a weekly basis. Additional data on Iroquois County COVID-19 case metrics can be found at https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19

The Iroquois County Public Health Department (ICPHD), in partnership with Iroquois Memorial Hospital, will be hosting the following Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination clinic, available by appointment or walk-in, for Illinois residents age 12 and older. ? Wednesday, June 16, 2021; 7-9 AM (Second dose July 7; 7-9 AM) ? Wednesday, June 23, 2021; 7-9 AM (Second dose July 14; 7-9 AM) ? Wednesday, June 30, 2021; 7-9 AM (Second dose July 21; 7-9 AM) ? Thursday, June 17, 2021; 4-6 PM (Second dose July 8; 4-6 PM) ? Thursday, June 24, 2021; 4-6 PM (Second dose July 15; 4-6 PM) ? Thursday, July 1, 2021; 4-6 PM (Second dose July 22; 4-6 PM) To schedule your appointment, visit our website (https://co.iroquois.il.us/offices/health-department) or Facebook page for online registration, or call ICPHD at (815) 432-2483 to schedule over the phone. Please note that individuals under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present at the time of vaccination. At this time, there is no cost for the COVID-19 vaccine. Written documentation from the individual’s primary care physician will not be required. The vaccination clinic will be held at Iroquois Memorial Hospital. Clients will be asked to enter through the main entrance located on the north side of the building and are required to bring a valid form of photo ID. Individuals who are wheelchair bound or in need of additional assistance may enter through the Emergency Room entrance on the south side of the building. Please do not attend if you do not feel well the day of this clinic or are in isolation or quarantine. Patients will need to wear a face covering, practice social distancing, and plan to allow at least 15 minutes for observation after the vaccination. Please wear clothing to allow easy access to the upper portion of the arm for the injection. If you are unable to attend this community-based clinic, please watch for future notification of upcoming clinics as more vaccine becomes available. As more vaccine is allocated ICPHD will communicate availability, along with when, where, and how to receive the vaccine, via traditional and social media outlets as well as on the ICPHD website: https://co.iroquois.il.us/offices/health-department. The Illinois Department of Public Health has compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccination. Information can be found at: http://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccine-faq. For individual concerns regarding allergies or other medical conditions please consult your own medial provider.

 Milford Police arrested William K. Lyons, 37, of Hoopeston, Friday. Wanted on a Vermilion County warrant for failure to appear on a weapons charge case, he was taken to the Iroquois County Jail in lieu of bond.

Tuesday, June 15, 2021, 9 AM to 3:30 PM- Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Clinic, available by appointment or walk-in, located at the Iroquois County Public Health Department, 1001 E Grant Street, Watseka, IL 60970. ? Wednesday, June 16, 2021, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM- Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Clinic, available by appointment or walk-in, located at the Iroquois County Public Health Department, 1001 E Grant Street, Watseka, IL 60970. ? Thursday, June 17, 2021, 9 AM to 3:30 PM- Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Clinic, available by appointment or walk-in, located at the Iroquois County Public Health Department, 1001 E Grant Street, Watseka, IL 60970.

To schedule an appointment, visit our website (https://co.iroquois.il.us/offices/health-department) or Facebook page for online registration, or call ICPHD at (815) 432-2483 to schedule over the phone. Individuals are required to bring a valid form of photo ID. Please do not attend if you do not feel well the day of this clinic or are in isolation or quarantine. Patients will need to wear a face covering, practice social distancing, and plan to allow at least 15 minutes for observation after the vaccination. Please wear clothing to allow easy access to the upper portion of the arm for the injection. As more vaccine is allocated ICPHD will communicate availability, along with when, where, and how to receive the vaccine, via traditional and social media outlets as well as on the ICPHD website: https://co.iroquois.il.us/offices/healthdepartment. The Illinois Department of Public Health has compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccination. Information can be found at: http://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccine-faq. For individual concerns regarding allergies or other medical conditions please consult your own medical provider. 

As of 06/11/2021 there have been 2,656 confirmed cases and 490 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 2 new cases since our last update.

The probable cases that we will be reporting on the daily press release are individuals who have been tested and are found to have a positive test result by a local clinic using "rapid" tests that are not, at this time, IDPH approved tests. These are antigen tests, not molecular tests, and are not laboratory confirmed. Therefore, those individuals who test positive using rapid testing from this source, will be reported as a probable case. Please note that there are different rapid tests available from different sources. Some rapid tests are IDPH approved while some are not. If individuals chose to be tested at a clinic or physician’s office that is using a test that is not IDPH approved and the results are positive, that individual will be listed as a probable case and will be required to isolate per health department protocol. Their direct, known and identified contacts will be quarantined. We realize that there are numerous definitions of Probable Cases but ICPHD will use the Probable Cases category to identify the individuals who have tested positive using a rapid test, not yet approved by IDPH, as these positive results are not laboratory confirmed.

As of 06/10/2021 there have been 2,655 confirmed cases and 489 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 3 new cases since our last update.

The probable cases that we will be reporting on the daily press release are individuals who have been tested and are found to have a positive test result by a local clinic using "rapid" tests that are not, at this time, IDPH approved tests. These are antigen tests, not molecular tests, and are not laboratory confirmed. Therefore, those individuals who test positive using rapid testing from this source, will be reported as a probable case. Please note that there are different rapid tests available from different sources. Some rapid tests are IDPH approved while some are not. If individuals chose to be tested at a clinic or physician’s office that is using a test that is not IDPH approved and the results are positive, that individual will be listed as a probable case and will be required to isolate per health department protocol. Their direct, known and identified contacts will be quarantined. We realize that there are numerous definitions of Probable Cases but ICPHD will use the Probable Cases category to identify the individuals who have tested positive using a rapid test, not yet approved by IDPH, as these positive results are not laboratory confirmed.

 Republicans legislative leaders filed a federal lawsuit challenging the recently-adopted House and Senate maps, arguing that the use of population estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS) instead of U.S. Census data, render the redistricting plan unconstitutional. 

The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois by House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Burr Ridge) and Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) against Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Westchester), and the Illinois State Board of Elections, in their official capacities. 

It calls for the plan to be ruled invalid and for Welch and Harmon to appoint members to a bipartisan redistricting commission or for “other appropriate relief that allows for the drafting and implementation of a redistricting plan based on the official 2020 decennial census counts.”

The suit says the Republicans seek to “protect the fundamental rights of Illinois voters and to invalidate the state legislative re-district plan” signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on June 4. “In its zeal to rush a plan through the legislature, the General Assembly drew the legislative districts in the plan using population estimates derived from a survey rather than waiting a few months for the U.S. Census Bureau … to provide redistricting data containing official population counts from the 2020 decennial census,” the suit states. 

NOTE: It further argues that the U.S. Census Bureau itself states that ACS data is not an official source of population counts. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the release of 2020 census data has been delayed until Aug. 16, 2021, beyond the June 30 constitutional deadline for the General Assembly to approve new maps. Democrats argued that the need to meet that deadline forced them to use data sources other than the 2020 census to draw the maps and said ACS data traditionally vary minimally from census data. 

As of 06/09/2021 there have been 2,653 confirmed cases and 488 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 5 new cases since our last update.

The probable cases that we will be reporting on the daily press release are individuals who have been tested and are found to have a positive test result by a local clinic using "rapid" tests that are not, at this time, IDPH approved tests. These are antigen tests, not molecular tests, and are not laboratory confirmed. Therefore, those individuals who test positive using rapid testing from this source, will be reported as a probable case. Please note that there are different rapid tests available from different sources. Some rapid tests are IDPH approved while some are not. If individuals chose to be tested at a clinic or physician’s office that is using a test that is not IDPH approved and the results are positive, that individual will be listed as a probable case and will be required to isolate per health department protocol. Their direct, known and identified contacts will be quarantined. We realize that there are numerous definitions of Probable Cases but ICPHD will use the Probable Cases category to identify the individuals who have tested positive using a rapid test, not yet approved by IDPH, as these positive results are not laboratory confirmed.

Officers were called to the west junction at 9:50 a.m. for an accident. According to police reports, Gail Peters of Watseka rear-ended another car driven by Julie Rushbrook. Peters thought Rushbrook started to move through the intersection when she struck the rear and. Peters was cited for failure to reduce speeding to avoid an accident.

Officers were called to a traffic accident in a parking lot in the 1700 block of East Walnut at 8:08 p.m. According to police repots, Lora Kissack of Watseka struck a pole and damaged her car.

PAXTON- Governor Pritzker is releasing Phase 5 guidelines of the Restore Illinois Plan. Due to a steady decrease in 
new positive COVID-19 cases across the state and with over 63% of Illinois residents age 18 and older receiving their 
first vaccine, Phase 5 will go into full effect on Friday June 11th. Specifically in Ford County, there has been an 
average of 3 new daily cases of COVID-19 during the month of May, and 42% of individuals 16-64 have been 
vaccinated and 86% of those 65 and older have been vaccinated. 
Under Phase 5, all sectors of the economy can resume at regular capacity, including businesses, restaurants, 
conventions, large events, spectator venues, and festivals. Businesses and venues may continue to put additional 
public health mitigations as they deem appropriate, including requiring face coverings. 
Fully vaccinated individuals can resume activities without wearing a mask except where required by federal, state, 
local, tribal, or territorial laws, and rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. The State 
will continue to recommend masking for unvaccinated persons and require it for all people while traveling on public 
transportation, in congregate settings, in health care settings, as well as in schools, daycares, and education 
institutions. The case count has not slowed down in Ford County, so FCPHD encourages all residents to mask in 
public places and maintain social distancing. 
Ford County Public Health Department is also hosting vaccine clinics at the Ford County Fair in the Commercial 
Building. These will be walk-ins only; you do not need to schedule an appointment. The clinics are as follows: 
Monday, June 14th: 11am-1pm / 4-7pm
Tuesday, June 15th: 2-4:30pm
Wednesday, June 16th: 9-11am / 4-5:30pm 
For more information, please visit our website at fordcountyphg.org, follow our social media pages, or call the office 
at 217-379-9281. 

 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Steven L. Rowell Jr., 49, of Milford on Monday. According to police reports, Rowell was taken into custody on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and driving under the influence of a breath alcohol concentration over .08. An investigation showed Rowell was eastbound on County Road 800 North near 2190 East when his vehicle left the roadway and entered the south ditch, where a passenger was ejected from the vehicle. The unidentified passenger was taken to Iroquois Memorial Hospital, Watseka, for minor injuries. Rowell was taken to the Iroquois County Jail and was released on bond

As of 06/08/2021 there have been 2,652 confirmed cases and 484 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 4 new cases since our last update.

The probable cases that we will be reporting on the daily press release are individuals who have been tested and are found to have a positive test result by a local clinic using "rapid" tests that are not, at this time, IDPH approved tests. These are antigen tests, not molecular tests, and are not laboratory confirmed. Therefore, those individuals who test positive using rapid testing from this source, will be reported as a probable case. Please note that there are different rapid tests available from different sources. Some rapid tests are IDPH approved while some are not. If individuals chose to be tested at a clinic or physician’s office that is using a test that is not IDPH approved and the results are positive, that individual will be listed as a probable case and will be required to isolate per health department protocol. Their direct, known and identified contacts will be quarantined. We realize that there are numerous definitions of Probable Cases but ICPHD will use the Probable Cases category to identify the individuals who have tested positive using a rapid test, not yet approved by IDPH, as these positive results are not laboratory confirmed.

An Iroquois County man died after his vehicle struck several trees.

At approximately 4:54 p.m. on Friday, June 4, the Iroquois County Sheriff's Office investigated a single-vehicle crash on County Road 1500 East near 2530 North.

Law enforcement officials said a Dodge Ram was driving on County Road 1500 East when it left the roadway for an unknown reason.

The vehicle entered the east side ditch and kept traveling for about 275 feet, hitting two trees in the process.

Then, the vehicle went airborne and hit a third tree before coming to a rest near 2530 North.

The Dodge's driver was identified as 48-year-old Donald R. Heisner of L'Erable, Illinois.

Heisner was extracted from the vehicle and taken to Riverside Medical Center, where he died of his injuries.

The Iroquois County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the crash.

 Illinois State Police District 21 Commander, Captain Don Aaron Harsy, announced today activity and enforcement figures for May 2021 Illinois State Police District 21 Troopers issued 828 citations, 776 written warnings, including 22 DUIs, 152 seatbelt citations, and 38 criminal arrests. District 21 Troopers made a total of 969 Traffic stops in May. Troopers also assisted 171 motorists, conducted 91 Motor Carrier Inspections, and investigated 81 traffic crashes. There were no fatal crashes investigated by District 21 in May. According to the National Safety Council the major contributing factors to motor-vehicle deaths in the United States are lack of occupant protection, alcohol, speeding, young drivers, distractions, and large trucks. In an effort to reduce fatalities, the Illinois State Police uses enforcement activities and educational programs to fight these major contributing factors.

As of 06/07/2021 there have been 2,649 confirmed cases and 483 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 6 new cases since our last update.

The probable cases that we will be reporting on the daily press release are individuals who have been tested and are found to have a positive test result by a local clinic using "rapid" tests that are not, at this time, IDPH approved tests. These are antigen tests, not molecular tests, and are not laboratory confirmed. Therefore, those individuals who test positive using rapid testing from this source, will be reported as a probable case. Please note that there are different rapid tests available from different sources. Some rapid tests are IDPH approved while some are not. If individuals chose to be tested at a clinic or physician’s office that is using a test that is not IDPH approved and the results are positive, that individual will be listed as a probable case and will be required to isolate per health department protocol. Their direct, known and identified contacts will be quarantined. We realize that there are numerous definitions of Probable Cases but ICPHD will use the Probable Cases category to identify the individuals who have tested positive using a rapid test, not yet approved by IDPH, as these positive results are not laboratory confirmed.

Authorities are investigating after the body of a southern Illinois man was found inside a fuel tanker trailer in rural Buckley.

The Iroquois County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that the body of 29-year-old Garrett Meyer of Nashville, Ill., was discovered Friday morning at 366 E. Iroquois County Road 800 North.

The body was removed from the trailer late Friday afternoon with the assistance of firefighters from Buckley, Paxton and Urbana, the release said.

An autopsy was conducted Saturday at the Champaign County Coroner’s Office, with the results pending toxicology, the release said.

The incident remains under investigation by the sheriff’s office and Iroquois County Coroner’s Office. The Illinois State Police crime scene unit has assisted in the investigation.

WHAT:                      Three Vehicle Fatal Traffic Crash

WHERE:                   Illinois Route 45/42 at 7000N Road, Kankakee County

WHEN:                      June 6, 2021 at approximately 4:09 p.m.

VEHICLE:                Unit 1 – 2014 Gray Toyota Camry

                                    Unit 2 – 2019 White Acura ADX

                                    Unit 3 – 2014 Silver Nissan Maxima

DRIVER:                   Unit 1 – David L. Raymond, 57-year-old male of Kankakee, IL – Deceased

                                    Unit 2 – Cynthia S. Alvarado, 25-year-old female of Manhattan, IL

                                    Unit 3 – Ethan G. Hack, 20-year-old male of Kankakee, IL – Transported to a local hospital with injuries

PASSENGER:           Unit 3 – Justin K. Hack, 18-year-old male of Kankakee, IL

                                    Unit 3 – Juvenile, 15-year-old male of Kankakee, IL

PRELIMINARY:     A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling southbound on Illinois Route 45/52 and for unknown reasons entered the northbound lanes striking Unit 2, which was traveling northbound on Illinois Route 45/52, head on.  Unit 3 was traveling southbound behind Unit 1 and struck Unit 1 following the impact of Unit 1 and Unit 2's crash. The driver and sole occupant of Unit 1 was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The driver of Unit 2 did not sustain any injuries.  The driver of Unit 3 was transported to a local hospital with injuries.

WHAT:                      Two Unit Fatal Traffic Crash

WHERE:                   Illinois Route 49 at E 1000N Road (near Woodworth), Iroquois County

WHEN:                      June 4, 2021 at approximately 6:26 p.m.

VEHICLE:                Unit 1- 2001 Green Volvo XC70

                                    Unit 2- 2020 Gray Dodge Charger

DRIVER:                   Unit 1- 51-year old male of Glendale Heights, IL (Deceased, Pending Family Notification)

                                    Unit 2- Rickey L. Lane, 40-year old male of Danville, IL (Transported to regional hospital with life-threatening injuries)

PASSENGER:           Unit 2- Farrah M. Johnson, 37-year old female of Danville, IL (Deceased)

PRELIMINARY:       A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling westbound on E 1000N Road approaching Illinois Route 49 (IL-49). Unit 2 was traveling northbound on IL-49 approaching the same intersection. For unknown reasons, the driver of Unit 1 disobeyed the stop sign and drove into the intersection where it was struck by Unit 2.  Both Units came to rest in the northwest ditch.  Unit 2 became engulfed in flames. The driver of Unit 1 and the front seat passenger of Unit 2 were pronounced deceased at the scene.  The driver of Unit 2 was transported to a regional hospital with life-threatening injuries.

At approximately 6:37 p.m., IL-49 was shut down for the crash investigation; at approximately 12:10 a.m., the roadway was reopened. There is no further information at this time.

As of 06/04/2021 there have been 2,645 confirmed cases and 481 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 10 new cases since our last update.

The probable cases that we will be reporting on the daily press release are individuals who have been tested and are found to have a positive test result by a local clinic using "rapid" tests that are not, at this time, IDPH approved tests. These are antigen tests, not molecular tests, and are not laboratory confirmed. Therefore, those individuals who test positive using rapid testing from this source, will be reported as a probable case. Please note that there are different rapid tests available from different sources. Some rapid tests are IDPH approved while some are not. If individuals chose to be tested at a clinic or physician’s office that is using a test that is not IDPH approved and the results are positive, that individual will be listed as a probable case and will be required to isolate per health department protocol. Their direct, known and identified contacts will be quarantined. We realize that there are numerous definitions of Probable Cases but ICPHD will use the Probable Cases category to identify the individuals who have tested positive using a rapid test, not yet approved by IDPH, as these positive results are not laboratory confirmed.

 Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) - Zone 3 agents arrested Joshua R. Morales, 28 year old male of Bourbonnais, IL for Theft (Class 2 Felony), Possession of stolen license plates (Class 2 Felony), Criminal damage to property (Class 3 Felony), Fugitive from justice. Morales also had a felony arrest warrant for Possession of Methamphetamines and a misdemeanor warrant for Driving while license revoked. On April 28, 2021, the ISP DCI - Zone 3 initiated an investigation after receiving information Morales was allegedly involved in illegal activity. A thorough investigation ensued, and a search warrant was executed on June 2, 2021, at Morales’ residence. The ISP along with the assistance of the Kankakee County SWAT team, Morales was taken into custody without incident. Morales remains in custody at the Jerome Combs Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing. No further information will be released at this time as this is an active and ongoing investigation. 

The Iroquois County Pubic Health Department (ICPHD) will be conducting the following COVID-19 vaccine clinics for Illinois residents, age 18 and older. ? Friday, June 4, 2021, 9 AM to 3:30 PM- Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Clinic, available by appointment or walk-in, located at the Iroquois County Public Health Department, 1001 E Grant Street, Watseka, IL 60970. ? Tuesday, June 8, 2021, 9 AM to 3:30 PM- Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Clinic, available by appointment or walk-in, located at the Iroquois County Public Health Department, 1001 E Grant Street, Watseka, IL 60970. To schedule an appointment, visit our website (https://co.iroquois.il.us/offices/health-department) or Facebook page for online registration, or call ICPHD at (815) 432-2483 to schedule over the phone. Individuals are required to bring a valid form of photo ID. Please do not attend if you do not feel well the day of this clinic or are in isolation or quarantine. Patients will need to wear a face covering, practice social distancing, and plan to allow at least 15 minutes for observation after the vaccination. Please wear clothing to allow easy access to the upper portion of the arm for the injection. As more vaccine is allocated ICPHD will communicate availability, along with when, where, and how to receive the vaccine, via traditional and social media outlets as well as on the ICPHD website: https://co.iroquois.il.us/offices/healthdepartment. The Illinois Department of Public Health has compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccination. Information can be found at: http://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccine-faq. For individual concerns regarding allergies or other medical conditions please consult your own medical provider. 

As of 06/03/2021 there have been 2,635 confirmed cases and 481 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 5 new cases since our last update.

The probable cases that we will be reporting on the daily press release are individuals who have been tested and are found to have a positive test result by a local clinic using "rapid" tests that are not, at this time, IDPH approved tests. These are antigen tests, not molecular tests, and are not laboratory confirmed. Therefore, those individuals who test positive using rapid testing from this source, will be reported as a probable case. Please note that there are different rapid tests available from different sources. Some rapid tests are IDPH approved while some are not. If individuals chose to be tested at a clinic or physician’s office that is using a test that is not IDPH approved and the results are positive, that individual will be listed as a probable case and will be required to isolate per health department protocol. Their direct, known and identified contacts will be quarantined. We realize that there are numerous definitions of Probable Cases but ICPHD will use the Probable Cases category to identify the individuals who have tested positive using a rapid test, not yet approved by IDPH, as these positive results are not laboratory confirmed

Iroquois Memorial Hospital is grateful for all the support the community has shown us over the last year. To show our gratitude, IMH will be providing 1,000 complimentary “lunches on us”! On Wednesday, June 16th, starting at 11 am until supplies run out, IMH will provide 1,000 complimentary lunches to all members of the community. Meals will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. There will be a limit of one meal per person, so you must be present to receive your lunch. To-go lunches will include your choice of a hamburger or hotdog, with chips, water, and a cookie. When receiving the complimentary meal, you may either walk up, or drive through the main campus’ north parking lot (entering from fifth street and exiting onto fourth street). Iroquois Memorial Hospital is grateful for the opportunity to serve our community. We appreciate the community's continued support and hope to see you on Wednesday, June 16th, to give back with “lunch on us”. 

As of 06/02/2021 there have been 2,630 confirmed cases and 481 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 5 new cases since our last update.

The probable cases that we will be reporting on the daily press release are individuals who have been tested and are found to have a positive test result by a local clinic using "rapid" tests that are not, at this time, IDPH approved tests. These are antigen tests, not molecular tests, and are not laboratory confirmed. Therefore, those individuals who test positive using rapid testing from this source, will be reported as a probable case. Please note that there are different rapid tests available from different sources. Some rapid tests are IDPH approved while some are not. If individuals chose to be tested at a clinic or physician’s office that is using a test that is not IDPH approved and the results are positive, that individual will be listed as a probable case and will be required to isolate per health department protocol. Their direct, known and identified contacts will be quarantined. We realize that there are numerous definitions of Probable Cases but ICPHD will use the Probable Cases category to identify the individuals who have tested positive using a rapid test, not yet approved by IDPH, as these positive results are not laboratory confirmed.

The Iroquois County Pubic Health Department (ICPHD) will be conducting a Johnson and Johnson COVID19 vaccine clinic, available by appointment or walk-in, for Illinois residents, age 18 and older on Wednesday, 
June 9, 2021 from 10 AM to 1 PM. This clinic will be located at Saint Mary’s Catholic Parish Hall, 308 St. 
Charles Street, Beaverville, IL 60912 
To schedule an appointment, visit our website (https://co.iroquois.il.us/offices/health-department) or Facebook 
page for online registration, or call ICPHD at (815) 432-2483 to schedule over the phone. 
Individuals are required to bring a valid form of photo ID. Please do not attend if you do not feel well the day of this 
clinic or are in isolation or quarantine. Patients will need to wear a face covering, practice social distancing, and plan 
to allow at least 15 minutes for observation after the vaccination. Please wear clothing to allow easy access to the upper 
portion of the arm for the injection. 
As more vaccine is allocated ICPHD will communicate availability, along with when, where, and how to receive the 
vaccine, via traditional and social media outlets as well as on the ICPHD website: https://co.iroquois.il.us/offices/healthdepartment. 
The Illinois Department of Public Health has compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about the 
COVID-19 vaccination. Information can be found at: http://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccine-faq. For individual concerns 
regarding allergies or other medical conditions please consult your own medical provider.

As of 06/01/2021 there have been 2,625 confirmed cases and 481 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 5 new cases since our last update.

The probable cases that we will be reporting on the daily press release are individuals who have been tested and are found to have a positive test result by a local clinic using "rapid" tests that are not, at this time, IDPH approved tests. These are antigen tests, not molecular tests, and are not laboratory confirmed. Therefore, those individuals who test positive using rapid testing from this source, will be reported as a probable case. Please note that there are different rapid tests available from different sources. Some rapid tests are IDPH approved while some are not. If individuals chose to be tested at a clinic or physician’s office that is using a test that is not IDPH approved and the results are positive, that individual will be listed as a probable case and will be required to isolate per health department protocol. Their direct, known and identified contacts will be quarantined. We realize that there are numerous definitions of Probable Cases but ICPHD will use the Probable Cases category to identify the individuals who have tested positive using a rapid test, not yet approved by IDPH, as these positive results are not laboratory confirmed.

On May 25, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a single-vehicle accident on County Road 1200 North at the County Road 2000 East intersection. According to police reports, a vehicle being driven by Calvin T. Snowden, 54, Aurora, was westbound on 1200 N. A deer entered the roadway, Snowden swerved to miss it and entered the north ditch and impacted embankment. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued.

On May 26, Iroquois County Sheriff’s police arrested Nathan McIntyre, 42, Gilman. According to police reports, McIntyre was charged with domestic battery. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond.

On May 27, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a single-vehicle accident on County Road 1200 North approximate three-tenths of a mile west of County Road 2080 East. According to police reports, a vehicle driven by Raven S. Satkoski, 19, Milford, was westbound on 1200 North. The vehicle lost control after crossing the railroad tracks and went off the shoulder on the north side of the road. The driver overcorrected and then sent into the south ditch, struck, the embankment and then overturned multiple times and struck a tree. No injuries were reported and a citation was issued for driving while license suspended and another citation was issued for operation of an uninsured vehicle.