On Sept. 24, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Joshua Morales, 28, of Manteno. According to police reports, Morales was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine and driving while license revoked.

On Sept. 24, James J. Ward, 54, of Watseka, turned himself in at the Iroquois County Jail to begin 30-weekend sentence for possession of cocaine with intent to deliver.

On Sept. 24, Eric Schaumburg, 48, Georgetown, turned himself in at the Iroquois County Jail to begin a 10-weekend sentence for driving while license revoked.

On Sept. 23, David M. Burmeister, 41, Watseka, turned himself in at the Iroquois County Jail. Burmeister was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with criminal damage to property under $500. Burmeister posted the required bond and was released.

Iroquois Memorial Hospital will be hosting a Pfizer Booster Clinic tomorrow, September 29th, beginning at 7am. This clinic will be by appointment only and be on a first come, first serve basis. In order to receive the booster, patients must have received their second dose of Pfizer 6+ months ago and meet at least one of the following requirements: be 65 years of age or older, have a chronic medical condition, or be at high risk for exposure. If you fit into these criteria and are interested in receiving the third Pfizer Booster, please call 815-432-7732 between 2pm and 4pm today, September 28th, to schedule an appointment.

The Iroquois County Public Health Department (ICPHD) now has flu vaccine available. “The CDC and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are strongly advising vaccinations for everyone 6 months of age or older,” said Jane Newell, RN, BSN, Director of Clinical Nursing Services for ICPHD.

Adult flu vaccine is now available in our office by appointment or walk-in for individuals over the age of 18, Monday-Friday; 9 AM- 3:30 PM. Flu vaccine is also available for children 6 months and older by appointment. Please note that individuals under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present at the time of vaccination. A physician’s order is required prior to giving a vaccination to a pregnant or breastfeeding woman.
ICPHD is also offering multiple community flu vaccine clinics for adults throughout Iroquois County: 

* Crescent City Community Center, Crescent City- October 5, 2021; 9-11 AM
*ICPHD (Evening Clinic), Watseka- October 6, 2021; 4-6 PM
* Iroquois Farmers State Bank, Iroquois- October 7, 2021; 9-10:30 AM
*Beaverville Hardware, Beaverville- October 7, 2021; 11 AM- 1 PM
* Citizens State Bank, Milford- October 14, 2021; 9- 10:30 AM
* The Garage Community Center, Gilman- October 14, 2021; 1-3 PM
* Clifton Community Center, Clifton- October 15, 2021; 10:30 AM- 12 PM
* Sheldon Community Center, Sheldon- October 19, 2021; 11 AM- 12 PM
* ICPHD (Evening Clinic), Watseka- October 20, 2021; 4-6 PM
* Creekside Terrace, Cissna Park- October 21, 2021; 2-2:30 PM
* Lakeview Country Club, Loda- October 22, 2021; 10 AM- 12 PM

Dee Ann Schippert, RN, BSN, Public Health Administrator said there is still a small percentage of the population that believes you can get the flu from the flu shot. “There is no live virus in the flu vaccines we provide. It is impossible to ‘get the flu’ from the vaccine. The vaccines we utilize today are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are very safe. It takes up to 2 weeks for protection to develop after the shot and there is the rare occasion when a person will become ill during that period of time. The illness is not from the flu vaccine. The person either had contracted the flu virus prior to achieving immunity or is suffering from another illness having same or similar symptoms as the flu.” Mrs. Schippert also noted that the flu vaccine that will be administered at public clinics is a quadrivalent vaccine which offers 
protection against four different strains of flu; is preservative free, containing no Thimerosal or Mercury; and will be administered using syringes that are latex free. 

The cost for the quadrivalent vaccine is $35 per dose. In addition to the quadrivalent flu vaccine, the Health Department will also be offering the high dose flu vaccine. It will cost $70 per dose. If you have coverage for the flu vaccine through Medicare or one of the following listed insurance companies, the Iroquois County Public Health Department can bill them directly. ICPHD can currently bill Aetna, BlueCross/Blue Shield of IL PPO, Health Alliance, HealthLink PPO, HealthLink HMO, Cigna and United Healthcare. A receipt will be provided to enable those with other insurance coverage 
to obtain reimbursement.

 In early August, Stockland Fire Chief, Dave Morgeson, reached out to Iroquois Memorial Hospital’s Director of Outreach, Mary Kay Lavicka. He was inquiring about Iroquois Memorial Hospital assisting their fire department with Medical Clearance OSHA requirements for the protection of his firefighters.

This sparked a movement to assist all local fire departments on this same mission. The ultimate goal was to help meet the health and safety needs of the local firefighters, while making the process as easy as possible. Through much organization, it was arranged that a team of IMH staff, which consisted of Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, and Respiratory Therapists, would go on-site to local fire departments in the evening hours. This team performed physical examinations, a respiratory medical evaluation questionnaire, and a pulmonary function screening.

Over the course of the last few weeks, Iroquois Memorial Hospital has assisted Woodland, Milford, Stockland, Wellington, Crescent City, Onarga, Loda and Watseka. Stockland Fire Chief, Dave Morgeson stated, “I’m happy we chose Iroquois Memorial Hospital to help us meet OSHA’s physical requirements. Everything was convenient, ran very smoothly, and the staff was amazing!” IMH feels it’s important to assist and support our local fire departments. Mary Kay Lavicka states, “Firefighter wellness is essential and IMH wanted to take a more active role in helping them better manage the many health risks they face as firefighters.”

If you’re in need of further information on how Iroquois Memorial Hospital can assist you with the health and safety of your employees, contact Mary Kay Lavicka at 815.432.7960.

As of 09/27/21 there have been 3,336 confirmed cases and 688 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 77 new cases since our last update on 09/20/2021. Three additional individuals have passed away with COVID-19. We extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community members affected by this loss.

The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Iroquois County individuals. The Delta variant is approximately 60% more contagious than the alpha variants of COVID-19.

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.

On Sept. 17 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Seth E. Dunn, 24, of Kentland, Indiana. According to police reports, Dunn was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on a possession of methamphetamines under five grams charge. Dunn was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond.

On Sept. 19, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested George F. Elpers Jr., 39, of Milford. According to police reports, Elpers was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant for possession of methamphetamines under five grams charge. Elpers was transported to the Iroquois County Jail in lieu of bond.

On Sept. 19 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Melina N. Hall, 34, of Watseka. According to police reports, Hall was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant for possession of methamphetamines under five grams charge. Hall was transported to the Iroquois County Jail in lieu of bond.

On Sept. 18, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a single-vehicle accident on County Road 1130 N just west of County Road 1900 East. According to police reports, a vehicle being driven by a juvenile was traveling east on 1130 North Road. The driver’s vision was obstructed due to contact lens problems and the vehicle failed to negotiate the curve, entering the Jefferson Creek embankment. The vehicle then impacted the creek bottom and struck a large concrete block, causing the vehicle to overrun and land on the other side of the embankment. Milford Fire/EMS responded and transported the driver to Hoopeston Hospital for minor suspected injuries. The vehicle sustained more than $1,500 in damage and no citations were issued.

On Sept. 19 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a single-vehicle accident on County Road 100 East approximately 500 feet south of County Road 200 North. According to police reports, a vehicle being driven by a juvenile was traveling north on 500 East. The vehicle lost control on the gravel, left the roadway and entered the west ditch. The vehicle rolled once coming to rest on the wheels. The driver left the scene and was later transported by Riverside Ems to Riverside Hospital for minor suspected injuries. The vehicle sustained more than $1,500 in damage. A citation was issued for driving too fast for conditions.

– Illinois State Police (ISP) District 21 Commander, Captain Don Aaron Harsy, announces the results of Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) held in Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford Counties on September 21, 2021. 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 12 Child Restraint Citations 0 Total Citations 24 Total Written Warnings 23 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. “Click It or Ticket

The Iroquois County Public Health Department (ICPHD), in partnership with Iroquois Memorial Hospital, will be hosting a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination clinic, available by appointment or walk-in, for Illinois residents age 12 and older on the following dates: • Wednesday, September 22, 2021; 7-9 AM • Wednesday, September 29, 2021; 7-9 AM • Wednesday, October 6, 2021; 7-9 AM ICPHD also has COVID-19 vaccine available by appointment Monday-Friday; 9 AM- 3:30 PM. To schedule your appointment call ICPHD at (815) 432-2483. Second doses will be scheduled at the time of your first dose appointment. 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/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

As of 09/20/21 there have been 3,282 confirmed cases and 665 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 83 new cases since our last update on 09/13/2021. Two additional individuals have passed away with COVID-19. We extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community members affected by this loss.

The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Iroquois County individuals. The Delta variant is approximately 60% more contagious than the alpha variants of COVID-19.

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.

WHAT: Two Vehicle Fatal Traffic Crash WHERE: Illinois Route 17 at 18000E Road, Grant Park, Kankakee County WHEN: Sept. 16, 2021, at 3:49 p.m. VEHICLES: Unit 1 – Black 2012 Chevrolet Impala Unit 2 – Yellow 2021 Freightliner Truck Tractor Semi-Trailer DRIVERS: Unit 1 – Robert E. Buergermeier, an 81-year-old male from Cedar Lake, IN - Deceased. Unit 2 – Jose A. Quesada-Fernandez, a 33-year-old male from Janesville, WI – Refused medical attention. PASSENGER: Unit 1 – Rosemary Buergermeier, an 81-year-old female from Cedar Lake, IN - Transported by ambulance to an area hospital with serious injuries. PRELIMINARY: Preliminary investigative details indicate the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling southbound on 18000E Road approaching Illinois Route 17 in Kankakee County. Unit 2 was traveling westbound on Illinois Route 17 approaching 18000E Road. Unit 1 stopped at the stop sign, then continued southbound across Illinois Route 17 without yielding to Unit 2. Unit 2 struck the driver’s side of Unit 1. The driver of Unit 1 succumbed to his injuries on scene and the passenger of Unit 1 was transported by ambulance to an area hospital with serious injuries. The driver of Unit 2 did not sustain any injuries from the crash. The ISP Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit (TCRU) is continuing the investigation. No further information will be disseminated at this time. All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

The Iroquois County Board says effective October first Deputy Sherriff Clint Prezee will fill the vacancy of Sherriff as Sheriff Hagan Retires. The retirement leaves 14 months of Hagans current term. Perzee is the lone candidate at this time to announce a candidacy for the Sherriff seat here in Iroquois County.

As of 09/13/21 there have been 3,211 confirmed cases and 653 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 107 new cases since our last update on 09/06/2021.

The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Iroquois County individuals. The Delta variant is approximately 60% more contagious than the alpha variants of COVID-19.

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

On Sept. 12 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a single-vehicle accident at the curve of County Road 2300 East and County Road 2150 North. According to police reports, a motorcycle being driven by Patrick K. Lesage, 31, Sheldon, was northbound on 2300 East. Lesage went left off of the roadway at the curve with 2150 North, entreating the ditch/embankment. The vehicle impacted three times before coming to rest, causing more than $1,500 in damage to the motorcycle. Concord Fire and Riverside EMS responded to the scene and Lesage was transported to Iroquois Memorial Hospital with suspected minor injuries. Lesage was issued citations for expired registration and no valid insurance.

On Sept. 12, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a single-vehicle accident at County Road 2000 North and the intersection of County Road 1350 East. According to police reports, a vehicle being driven by Dale C. Motz, 35, Clifton, was traveling west on 2000 North. Motz became drowsy and failed to negotiate the turn at 1350 East and went straight off the roadway. The vehicle struck trees in the wooded area causing more than $1,500 in damage. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued.

Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Jose A. Mancinces, 20, of Pembroke, Sept. 7. According to police reports, Mancinces was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with residential burglary and theft. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Bradley S. David, 34, of Rossville, Sept. 9. According to police reports, David was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with posses fo meth less than 5 grams. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Kori Spisok, 34, of Danville, Sept. 10. According to police reports, Spisok was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging her with residential burglary. She was transported to the Iroquois County Jail in lieu of bond.

On Sept. 9, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a two-vehicle accident near Prairieview in Danforth on North Fourth Street. According to police reports, a vehicle driven by Victoria A. Hendricks, 72, of Crescent City, was backing rom a parking area when she struck a parked and unoccupied vehicle owned by Robbin K. Fouse of Gilman. There was more than $!,500 in damage to both vehicles. There were no injuries reported and no citations were issued.

On Sept. 10, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a car versus deer accident that occurred on County Road 500 North approximately one-eight of a mile west of County Road 1900 East. According to police reports, a vehicle being driven by Billy J. Carl, 35, of Cissna Park, was eastbound on 500 North when a deer entered the roadway. Carl was unable to avoid the deer, striking it and causing more than $1,500 in damage. There were no injuries reported and no citations were issued.

 Illinois State Police (ISP) District 21 Commander, Don Harsy, announces the results of Distracted Driving Enforcement Program patrols held in Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford Counties on September 8, 2021. This program provided extra patrol coverage for ISP officers to focus on saving lives and reducing serious crashes by enforcing distracted driving laws. Violations Enforcement Activity Hand-held phone/device citations 12 Texting while driving citations 2 Other types of distracted driving citations 0 Total distracted driving citations 14 Total distracted driving written warnings 0 Total of all citations 32 Total of all written warnings 21 The extra enforcement patrols were made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

In the last month, over 400 individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in Iroquois County. To limit the spread of this virus in our community ICPHD continues to place infected individuals in isolation and their close contacts into quarantine (per 20 ILCS 2305/2). All positive COVID-19 test results are reported to the Iroquois County Public Health Department (ICPHD). Each person who tests positive is called a "case”. Cases are isolated for 10 days from symptom onset or test date, whichever is first. They should not leave their home for any reason except to seek emergency medical care. To be released from isolation after 10 days, cases need to be fever free for 24 hours (without fever reducing medications) and with improvement of COVID-19 symptoms. Once a person completes isolation, they are no longer considered to be infectious/contagious to others. Close contacts are identified based on an interview with the positive case. A close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the case is isolated. Within a classroom setting when universal masking is in place, the close contact definition decreases to three feet when both students are properly masked. "Close contacts" that are not fully vaccinated will be placed in quarantine. Fully vaccinated close contacts are not required to quarantine but should monitor for symptoms. Based on updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ICPHD will implement a 10-day quarantine for unvaccinated persons identified as close contacts to someone with COVID-19. Quarantine can end after Day 10 without testing and if a person does not have symptoms. Individuals should continue to monitor themselves for symptoms for a full 14 days. For close contacts currently under quarantine, if you are symptom free and wish to be released after day 10, please call ICPHD at (815) 432-2483 for a release letter. Due to the current volume of cases and close contacts, we are unable to call each individual currently under quarantine regarding the change to a 10 day quarantine. 

As of 09/06/21 there have been 3,131 confirmed cases and 626 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 117 new cases since our last update on 08/30/2021. One additional individual has passed away with COVID-19. We extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community members affected by this loss.

The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Iroquois County individuals. The Delta variant is approximately 60% more contagious than the alpha variants of COVID-19.

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

 Illinois State Police (ISP) District 21 Commander, Captain Don Aaron Harsy, announces the results of Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) held in Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford Counties on September 2, 2021. 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 26 Child Restraint Citations 0 Total Citations 39 Total Written Warnings 17 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. 

County Treasurer, Kurt Albers, announced that the deadline to pay the second installment of real estate taxes without penalty is Tuesday, September 7, 2021. After that date, 1 ½ percent interest on all property must be added to the 2nd installment each month it remains unpaid according to the Illinois State Statutes.

The interest rate on the first installment will be 4 ½ percent after September 7, 2021. The Treasurer’s Office is open 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To avoid waiting in line you may also pay by mail or at any bank in the county. If the postmark reads September 7, 2021, the payment will not be late. There is also a drop box on the south side of the Administrative Center near the 911 Center. The office will be closed on Monday, September 6, 2021 for the Labor Day holiday. Banks will not accept payments after the September 7 due date

WASHINGTON – The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that in observance of the LaborDay holiday, the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center will be closed on Monday, Sept. 6 and will resume operations on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 9 a.m. SBA established the Center for businesses, homeowners, renters and nonprofit organizations in any of the declared Illinois counties to apply for low-interest disaster loans for their damages caused by the Aug. 12, 2021 flooding.
Businesses and residents can meet with SBA representatives one-to-one to get answers to their questions and help with submitting loan applications. The window for disaster survivors to take advantage of the opportunity to visit the Center is closing. The Center ceases operations on Thursday Sept. 9 at 4 p.m.

The Center is open as follows.
Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)
Ford County
Gibson City Fire Department
115 S. Lawrence St.
Gibson City, IL 60936
Open: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Open: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed: Sundays
Closed: Monday, Sept. 6, in observance of Labor Day
******Closes Permanently: Thursday, Sept. 9 at 4 p.m.*******

The disaster declaration covers Ford County and the adjacent counties of Champaign, Iroquois, Kankakee, Livingston, McLean, and Vermillion in Illinois which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. 


“Businesses and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets,” said SBA’s Illinois District Director Robert Steiner.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

“Loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property,” said Kem Fleming, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta.

Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, French drain, or retaining wall to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster.

Interest rates are as low as 2.855 percent for businesses, 2 percent for nonprofit organizations, and 1.563 percent for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s and should apply under SBA declaration # 17112 before the filing deadline. 
Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications may be downloaded at sba.gov/disaster Completed applications should be returned to the center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Oct. 22, 2021. The deadline to return economic injury applications is May 23, 2022

ISP TRAFFIC FATAL CRASH ALERT 

The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by the Illinois State Police

District 21

WHAT:                      Two Unit Fatal Traffic Crash

WHERE:                   Illinois Route 17 at 11000 West Road, Kankakee County

WHEN:                      Aug. 31, 2021 at approximately 11:50 p.m.

VEHICLE:                Unit 1- 2005 Silver Mercury Milan

                                    Unit 2- 2013 Black Cadillac

DRIVER:                   Unit 1- 47-year-old Jerry Stallings of Bourbonnais, IL (Deceased)

                                    Unit 2- 37-year-old Michael Jordan of Kankakee, IL (Deceased)

PRELIMINARY:     A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred:  Unit 1 was traveling westbound on Illinois Route 17 at 11000 West Road.  Unit 2 was traveling eastbound at the same location.  For unknown reasons Unit 1 crossed the centerline into the path of Unit 2, striking Unit 2 head on.  The impact caused Unit 1 and Unit 2 to catch on fire.  The driver of Unit 1 and Unit 2 were pronounced deceased on scene.  There is no further information available at this time.

Ilinois State Police (ISP) District 21 Commander, Captain Don Aaron Harsy, announces the results of Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols which were conducted in Kankakee County on August 27, 2021. These ACE patrols allowed the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to violations associated with impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs. Violations Enforcement Activity Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Citations 0 Other Alcohol/Drug Citations 1 Occupant Restraint Offenses 0 Registration Offenses 4 Driver’s License Offenses 3 Insurance Violations 3 Total Citations/Arrests 21 Total Written Warnings 34 Alcohol and drug impairment is a factor in more than 30 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related traffic fatality every 53 minutes in the United States. The ACE program allows officers to work even harder at removing dangerous DUI offenders from the road. This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.