Kristin Huls with Hancock County Farm Bureau on September 3rd Golf Outing to raise money for the AG in the Classroom

Grant Davidson with the Iowa Mount Pleasant Old Thresher happening this weekend!

 FIVE DAYS OF TRACTORS, ENGINES, MUSIC, AND MORE. 

BBB Scam Alert: Need tech support? Be careful which number you callMany people are savvy enough to know that tech support scammers often reach out to potential victims by phone or with a popup. Even if the person takes a few minutes to look online for a number to reach popular streaming services and online shopping services such as Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon, Roku or another type of online service for help, BBB advises to use caution.

Macomb, Illinois, August 27, 2021 – Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA) is pleased to announce that 10 income-eligible students across multiple western Illinois counties have been awarded $2,000 scholarships. Six awards went to students in McDonough County; two awards were given to Warren County students; and two awards were presented to Knox County students. Scholarship funds are applied directly towards tuition, fees, books, supplies, and/or room and board.   

Applicants had to meet three core requirements in order to be considered for the scholarship: they are enrolled at an Illinois community college, vocational school, college, or university on at least a half-time basis; their primary residence is in Hancock, Henderson, McDonough, Knox, or Warren County in Illinois; and their household’s total income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. In addition, applicants were evaluated on a short essay about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their academic progress, and letters of recommendation. Due to the income component of the scholarship, the names of the award recipients are not being publicized to protect their privacy. 

Thanks to developments in the scholarship program, award recipients who maintain a 2.5 GPA or better for the Fall 2021 semester may be awarded an additional $2,000 for the Spring 2022 semester, making their overall scholarship award worth $4,000. The award recipients must provide documentation of their GPA to WIRC-CAA to qualify for the additional award. 

WIRC-CAA Public Relations Manager Jamie Roth says that financial barriers to attending college are very difficult to overcome for students of lower-income families. “People are often told that they need to go to trade school or get a college degree if they want to have a secure financial future,” said Roth. “For students of lower-income households, that can be a challenge because they are living paycheck-to-paycheck, sometimes despite working multiple jobs. It is difficult to justify paying for college to improve your circumstances when you are worried about having enough money to pay rent or get groceries for the week. That is why the agency started a scholarship program.” 

The WIRC-CAA Scholarship Program is funded by the federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), which is administered statewide by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). 

For more information about the agency and its social service programs, visit wirpc.org, find Western Illinois Regional Council & Community Action Agency on social media, or call (309) 837-2997. 

One local not-for-profit received a grant from the Hancock County Endowment Fund, held with the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri. The grant marks the fifth annual competitive grant award presented from the Hancock County Endowment.

“The work of nonprofits is critical to the success of our communities and our people. The Hancock County Endowment Fund provides a permanent way to ensure that needs and opportunities in Hancock County will always have a source of support because when our nonprofits are strong, so are our communities,” said JR Parn, Hancock County Endowment Fund Council Chair.

Carthage Park District received the grant funding, which will be used for playground equipment at Joe Grate Sports Complex in Carthage.  Carthage Park District offers many different areas and activities for families to enjoy. This equipment will be added to the park that is already host to three ball diamonds, two pickle ball courts, two tennis courts, and a basketball court.

As part of the Community Foundation’s competitive grant program, the Hancock County Fund Council, made up of representatives of the county, reviewed applications from local nonprofits and made recommendations on grants to be awarded to best serve needs and opportunities in the county. 

The Hancock County Endowment Fund is a permanently endowed charitable fund exclusively for the benefit of Hancock County. Gifts made to the fund are invested for growth and grants are made from the interest earned.

“The Hancock County Endowment Fund is a way to ‘keep local money working for local causes,’” said Parn.  “Anyone can make a gift to the Hancock County Endowment Fund at any time and be confident that their gift is more than a donation – it’s an investment into the future of Hancock County.”

“County Endowment Funds play an important role in cultivating local philanthropy by growing local assets for current and future good,” said Catherine Bocke Meckes, Community Foundation CEO. “The beauty of a County Endowment Fund is that although we can’t always predict needs and opportunities years from now, we can prepare for them by investing in endowments that will always be here to support good work in our region.”

Gifts to the Community Foundation for the Hancock County Endowment Fund are tax-deductible as allowed by law. The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri is a not-for-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status. 

To make gifts to support future grantmaking in Hancock County, or learn more about the fund, contact:

Local Contact:

JR Parn, Chair

Hancock County Fund Council

(217) 242-6369

National Dog Day!   WCAZ has paid the adoption fee for Gypsy and Max at the McDonough County Animal Shelter. Both Max and Gypsy are up for adoption at the McDonough County Animal Shelter just north of Macomb on US 67.   Help us give Max and Gypsy a loving  furever home 

CHICAGO - As COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates across the state continue to increase,
particularly in downstate communities with the lowest vaccination rates, Governor JB Pritzker and
IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike today announced vaccination requirements for individuals in high risk
settings. All healthcare workers, including nursing home employees, all pre-k-12 teachers and staff, as
well as higher education personnel and students will now be required to receive the COVID-19
vaccine. Employees in all of these settings and higher education students who are unable or
unwilling to receive the vaccine will be required to get tested for COVID-19 at least once per week,
and DPH and ISBE may require increased testing in certain situations.
The Governor and Dr. Ezike also announced a statewide indoor mask mandate for all Illinois residents,
regardless of vaccination status, as COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates continue to increase.
The masking requirements are effective Monday, August 30th.
The public health requirements come as regions with low vaccination rates continue to see a surge of
COVID-19 hospitalizations. In IDPH region 5, Southern Illinois, with the lowest vaccination rate in the
state at 44 percent, only 3% of ICU beds are available as the region experiences the highest case rate
in the state. Since August 1st, local health departments across the state have reported 27 COVID-19
outbreaks at schools and currently hundreds of schools are being monitored for potential COVID-19
exposures.
"The quick spread of this disease in Illinois and across the country is holding us all back from the
post-pandemic life we so desperately want to embrace, and it's harming the most vulnerable among
us," said Governor JB Pritzker. "We are running out of time as our hospitals run out of beds.

Vaccination remains our strongest tool to protect ourselves and our loved ones, to restore post-
pandemic life to our communities, and most crucially, to maintain our healthcare system's ability to

care for anyone who walks through their doors in need of help - and Illinois is taking action to keep
our communities safe."
Governor Pritzker Announces COVID-19 Vaccine
Requirement for Healthcare Workers, Pre-K-12
Teachers and Staff, Higher Education Personnel and
Students to Slow Spread of Delta Variant

"Unlike the wave of COVID-19 we saw earlier this Spring, we're now seeing our hospital resources
stretched thin with some areas of Illinois reduced to only a handful of available ICU beds," said IDPH
Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. "The vast majority of hospitalizations, as well as cases and deaths, are
among those who are unvaccinated. This has become a pandemic of the unvaccinated. We have safe,
proven, and effective tools to turn the tide and end this pandemic. But until more people are
vaccinated, masks are the order of the day and will help us slow the spread of the virus."

COVID-19 Vaccination

From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pritzker administration has implemented policies
and guidelines in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to slow the
spread of the virus and protect the health and safety of residents. With the Delta variant causing a
rapid increase in infection rates across the state and nation and downstate hospitals in Illinois
approaching capacity for hospital and ICU beds, employees in high risk settings will now be required
to receive the vaccine or be subject to routine testing. Earlier this month, the administration
announced that employees at all State-run congregate facilities would be required to be vaccinated.
To lower the number of breakthrough cases that require hospital admission, the majority of whom are
65 and over or immunocompromised, all healthcare workers, including workers at public and private
nursing homes, must get vaccinated. Teachers and staff at pre-k-12 schools as well as personnel and
students at higher education institutions are required to receive the vaccine. Workers and students in
applicable settings must receive the first dose of a two-dose vaccination series or a single-dose
vaccination by September 5, 2021. Second doses of the vaccine must be received by 30 days after the
first dose.
Workers who do not receive the vaccine or those who opt out for medical reasons or based on a
sincerely held religious belief must follow a routine testing schedule to detect cases early and prevent
further spread. Testing will be required a minimum of once per week in schools and healthcare
facilities. The frequency of testing may be required to increase in the event of positive cases.
Healthcare, school workers, and higher education personnel and students attending in-person classes
who do not provide proof of vaccination will be prevented from entering healthcare and educational
facilities unless they follow the required testing protocol.
The COVID-19 vaccine has been available for healthcare and nursing home workers since December
15, 2020, and open to teachers since January 25, 2021. To increase ease of access for all residents, the
Pritzker administration established 25 mass vaccination sites across the state that were run by
members of the Illinois National Guard (ILNG) who administered 1,869,755 shots to residents across
the state. Additionally, teams of ILNG members supported over 800 mobile vaccination clinics across
the state on top of an additional 1,705 state-supported mobile sites that focused on communities
hardest hit by the pandemic, young residents, and rural communities.
The administration also launched vaccination clinics in communities experiencing high case rates.
Clinics were set up in central locations within communities including schools and houses of worship
and were also present at community events and, most recently, the Illinois State Fair and upcoming
Du Quoin Fair.

Building on these efforts to make access to the COVID-19 vaccine equitable and easy, the
administration has offered support to every school district in the State in the form of free mobile
vaccination events. So far, the administration has hosted 138 school-focused event with another 163
scheduled for the coming days and weeks.

Mask Requirement

To slow the spread of the highly transmissible COVID-19 Delta variant, all Illinois residents over the
age of two will be required to wear a mask in all indoor settings, effective Monday, August 30th. The
requirement is applicable to both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents statewide. Countless studies
have demonstrated the efficacy of masks at preventing the spread of COVID-19, with the CDC
identifying at least 10 that confirm the benefit of universal masking via community level analyses -

including two U.S. states - in addition to observational, economic, epidemiological, and cross-
sectional survey studies. A small sampling can be found below:

While face coverings are not required outdoors, masks are strongly encouraged in crowded outdoor
settings like festivals and concerts as well as for activities that require close contact with people who
are not vaccinated.
These latest vaccine, testing, and mask requirements are a floor in the state's efforts to prevent the
spread of COVID-19. Employers, schools, and other organizations can take additional health and
safety steps to help bring an end to the ongoing pandemic. Governor Pritzker previously announced
more stringent requirements regarding vaccination and testing for state employees at state run 24-7
congregate living facilities to protect the state's most vulnerable residents. Leaders in the private
sector are encouraged to follow suit.
Vaccination is the key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic and returning to normal life. All Illinois residents
over the age of 12 are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost and proof of immigration status
"Community Use of Face Masks And COVID-19: Evidence From A Natural Experiment of
State Mandates In The US" found an estimated overall initial daily decline in new diagnoses of
0.9% grew to 2.0% at 21 days following mandates.
"Trends in County-Level COVID-19 Incidence in Counties With and Without a Mask
Mandate — Kansas, June 1-August 23, 2020" studied a Kansas executive order requiring mask
wearing in public spaces from which county authorities could opt out. The estimated case rate
per 100,000 decreased by 0.08 in counties with mask mandates but increased by .11 in those
without.
"Association of Country-wide Coronavirus Mortality with Demographics, Testing,
Lockdowns, and Public Wearing of Masks" evaluated 169 countries on per-capita mortality on
potential predictors including age, gender, obesity prevalence, temperature, urbanization,
smoking, duration of the outbreak, lockdowns, viral testing, contact-tracing policies, and public
mask-wearing norms and policies. Duration of mask wearing by the public was negatively
associated with per-capita mortality from COVID-19.
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is not required to receive the vaccine. To find a vaccination center near you, go to vaccines.gov.

Jamie Roth Public Relations Manager with WIRC-New Funds to assist with utility costs .

 MULTIPLE PROGRAMS AND ASSISTANCE WIRC HAS TO OFFER. JAMIE ROTH AT WIRC KNOWS HOW TO HELP.

INFORMATIVE TALK ABOUT THE 18TH ANNUAL FS FUEL PROMOTION BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE HANCOCK COUNTY FARM BUREAU.

Amy Graham with The Legacy Theater   on Still Talking  NEW PERFORMER ADDITIONS TO THE ALREADY STRONG LIST UPCOMING AT THE LEGACY THEATER.

The Hancock County Health Department and Memorial Hospital report seventy-six (76) laboratory-confirmed positive COVID-19 cases for the week of August 15-21, 2021.  Cases include two males in their 80’s, two males in their 70’s, three males in their 60’s, five males in their 50’s, eight males in their 40’s, one male in his 30’s, five males in their 20’s, five males in their teens, three males in their pre-teens and five males 10 and under.  In addition, female cases include one female in her 80’s, one female in her 70's, five females in their 60’s, five females in their 50’s, nine females in their 40’s, eight females in their 30’s, three females in their 20’s, one female in her teens, two females in their pre-teens and two females 10 and under.   

There have been a total of two-thousand-one-hundred-ninety-nine (2199) COVID-19 cases in Hancock County, two-thousand-sixty-six (2066) people have recovered, ninety-eight (98) people are currently isolated, and thirty-five (35) have passed.  

NOTE: COVID-19 data can vary from one site to another, due to various factors, such as, further investigation of cases that result in transferring cases to other counties or states,  the time in which the LHD receives results of patients who test outside of the county, and when tests are administered and results are received.

If a person is having symptoms of COVID or has been exposed to someone who has COVID, it may be necessary to get tested.  In Hancock County, anyone who is having symptoms of COVID can contact 217-357-0617 to schedule an appointment.  Insurance companies may cover the fees associated with the test and office visit.  A person may obtain that information when calling the number to make an appointment.  Walk-ins for COVID testing will not be accepted, an appointment is required.  

COVID Vaccinations are still available in our county.  To schedule either a Johnson and Johnson, Moderna, or Pfizer Vaccine you can contact any of the Memorial Medical Clinics in the county or sign up on the Memorial Hospital website at mhtlc.org.  The Hancock County Health Department is also still offering the Moderna vaccine and an appointment can be scheduled by calling 217-604-3092.

There are many factors that can help reduce the spread of illness.  For the safety of yourself and others, it is important to practice social distancing, wearing masks where necessary, hand washing and respiratory etiquette, staying home when you are sick, cleaning and disinfecting, following isolation and quarantine guidance and getting vaccinated.   

KUNES COUNTRY GENERAL MANAGER MICHAEL DENNIS DISCUSSES THEIR FULL SERVICE SHOP, NEW VEHICLE INVENTORY, AND UPCOMING 2X4'S FOR HOPE CHARITY EVENT.

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has been known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, and will now be marketed as Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee), for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), including for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.

“The FDA’s approval of this vaccine is a milestone as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. While this and other vaccines have met the FDA’s rigorous, scientific standards for emergency use authorization, as the first FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, the public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. “While millions of people have already safely received COVID-19 vaccines, we recognize that for some, the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence to get vaccinated. Today’s milestone puts us one step closer to altering the course of this pandemic in the U.S.” 

Since Dec. 11, 2020, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine has been available under EUA in individuals 16 years of age and older, and the authorization was expanded to include those 12 through 15 years of age on May 10, 2021. EUAs can be used by the FDA during public health emergencies to provide access to medical products that may be effective in preventing, diagnosing, or treating a disease, provided that the FDA determines that the known and potential benefits of a product, when used to prevent, diagnose, or treat the disease, outweigh the known and potential risks of the product.

FDA-approved vaccines undergo the agency’s standard process for reviewing the quality, safety and effectiveness of medical products. For all vaccines, the FDA evaluates data and information included in the manufacturer’s submission of a biologics license application (BLA). A BLA is a comprehensive document that is submitted to the agency providing very specific requirements. For Comirnaty, the BLA builds on the extensive data and information previously submitted that supported the EUA, such as preclinical and clinical data and information, as well as details of the manufacturing process, vaccine testing results to ensure vaccine quality, and inspections of the sites where the vaccine is made. The agency conducts its own analyses of the information in the BLA to make sure the vaccine is safe and effective and meets the FDA’s standards for approval. 

Comirnaty contains messenger RNA (mRNA), a kind of genetic material. The mRNA is used by the body to make a mimic of one of the proteins in the virus that causes COVID-19. The result of a person receiving this vaccine is that their immune system will ultimately react defensively to the virus that causes COVID-19. The mRNA in Comirnaty is only present in the body for a short time and is not incorporated into - nor does it alter - an individual’s genetic material. Comirnaty has the same formulation as the EUA vaccine and is administered as a series of two doses, three weeks apart. 

“Our scientific and medical experts conducted an incredibly thorough and thoughtful evaluation of this vaccine. We evaluated scientific data and information included in hundreds of thousands of pages, conducted our own analyses of Comirnaty’s safety and effectiveness, and performed a detailed assessment of the manufacturing processes, including inspections of the manufacturing facilities,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “We have not lost sight that the COVID-19 public health crisis continues in the U.S. and that the public is counting on safe and effective vaccines. The public and medical community can be confident that although we approved this vaccine expeditiously, it was fully in keeping with our existing high standards for vaccines in the U.S."

FDA Evaluation of Safety and Effectiveness Data for Approval for 16 Years of Age and Older

The first EUA, issued Dec. 11, for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for individuals 16 years of age and older was based on safety and effectiveness data from a randomized, controlled, blinded ongoing clinical trial of thousands of individuals. 

To support the FDA’s approval decision today, the FDA reviewed updated data from the clinical trial which supported the EUA and included a longer duration of follow-up in a larger clinical trial population. 

Specifically, in the FDA’s review for approval, the agency analyzed effectiveness data from approximately 20,000 vaccine and 20,000 placebo recipients ages 16 and older who did not have evidence of the COVID-19 virus infection within a week of receiving the second dose. The safety of Comirnaty was evaluated in approximately 22,000 people who received the vaccine and 22,000 people who received a placebo 16 years of age and older.

Based on results from the clinical trial, the vaccine was 91% effective in preventing COVID-19 disease. 

More than half of the clinical trial participants were followed for safety outcomes for at least four months after the second dose. Overall, approximately 12,000 recipients have been followed for at least 6 months.

The most commonly reported side effects by those clinical trial participants who received Comirnaty were pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle or joint pain, chills, and fever. The vaccine is effective in preventing COVID-19 and potentially serious outcomes including hospitalization and death.

Additionally, the FDA conducted a rigorous evaluation of the post-authorization safety surveillance data pertaining to myocarditis and pericarditis following administration of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and has determined that the data demonstrate increased risks, particularly within the seven days following the second dose. The observed risk is higher among males under 40 years of age compared to females and older males. The observed risk is highest in males 12 through 17 years of age. Available data from short-term follow-up suggest that most individuals have had resolution of symptoms. However, some individuals required intensive care support. Information is not yet available about potential long-term health outcomes. The Comirnaty Prescribing Information includes a warning about these risks.

Ongoing Safety Monitoring

The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have monitoring systems in place to ensure that any safety concerns continue to be identified and evaluated in a timely manner. In addition, the FDA is requiring the company to conduct postmarketing studies to further assess the risks of myocarditis and pericarditis following vaccination with Comirnaty. These studies will include an evaluation of long-term outcomes among individuals who develop myocarditis following vaccination with Comirnaty. In addition, although not FDA requirements, the company has committed to additional post-marketing safety studies, including conducting a pregnancy registry study to evaluate pregnancy and infant outcomes after receipt of Comirnaty during pregnancy.

The FDA granted this application Priority Review. The approval was granted to BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH.

Rachel Kerns with MTC Communications  joins Still Talking on WCAZ -MTC SERVICE IS READY IN CARTHAGE, BUILD IN ELVASTON, AND SERVICES COMING TO WARSAW.

Extraordinary volunteers inducted into Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame 

Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 15,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles.  Longtime volunteers and former staff members were recently honored by the Illinois 4-H Foundation for their selfless dedication to the University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development program.

In 2021, 71 individuals received the Foundation Hall of Fame Award, presented during a virtual ceremony Aug. 17.  Four of the honorees are being named posthumously. 

The Illinois 4-H Foundation established the statewide Hall of Fame in 2005 to honor and celebrate extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and former 4-H staff. Those inducted have a track record of exemplary service to 4-H or outstanding career and community achievement and were nominated by either county University of Illinois Extension staff or by the Illinois 4-H Foundation Board. Each inductee receives a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion. 

“These volunteers are a model of 4-H values,” says Angie Barnard, Illinois 4-H Foundation executive director. “All of our volunteers are valuable, but this award honors those that go above and beyond. These are volunteers that helped shape not only individuals, but generations of 4-H members. The Illinois 4-H Foundation is extremely proud to be able to provide this honor to thank them for their service to this wonderful organization.

Illinois 4-H programs reach nearly 120,000 youth each year through 4-H clubs, camps, educational programs, workshops, and conferences held in communities, schools, parks, and homes across Illinois. Volunteers fill key leadership and mentoring roles throughout the state. 

“Many volunteers have a tradition of 4-H in their family or were 4-H members themselves,” Barnard says. “More and more though, adults brand new to the 4-H experience are seeing the value of the life skills development program and volunteering for the first time. 4-H has volunteer opportunities that fit such a wide variety of time, skills, and talents.”

To volunteer in your community, one may request information from the local Extension office. “There is a place for everyone in 4-H, whether you have an hour or a lifetime to give,” Barnard says.

The 2021 Hall of Fame winners include: 

Nicole Schaffnit, Adams County; Gail Gallaher, Brown County; Cinda K. Brodie, Hancock County; Kelly Westlake, Schuyler County.

“The Foundation provides avenues to support the work of Illinois 4-H by accepting financial gifts specifically directed to the program you wish to support,” Barnard said. “Gift planning services are available to those wishing to continue their 4-H legacy.”

The Illinois 4-H Foundation raises private funds that are invested in Illinois 4-H programs that provide meaningful, positive development experiences for Illinois youth to develop leadership, citizenship, and life skills. To learn more, visit: 4hfoundation.illinois.edu.

Macomb, Illinois, August 11, 2021 – The Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA), administrator of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Hancock, Henderson, McDonough and Warren counties, is pleased to announce that grant funds are available to help income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and electric bills, and with furnace assistance. 

LIHEAP provides one-time benefits to income-eligible homeowners/renters to help them with their energy bills and with reconnection of energy service, if applicable. The next round of the program will begin September 1, 2021 for all income-eligible households. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through May 31, 2022. There will be no priority groups this program year. 

Households must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to receive a LIHEAP benefit. The income guidelines are as follows: $2,147 for a one-person household; $2,903 for a two-person household; $3,660 for a three-person household; and $4,417 for a four-person household. Visit WIRC-CAA’s website at wirpc.org/liheap/ or call 309-837-2997 to see income limits for households with five members or more. Depending on your specific situation, you may be given the option to accept a one-time payment to your utility provider through LIHEAP or to enroll in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP).

PIPP is available for LIHEAP-eligible households who are customers of one of the following utilities: Ameren Illinois; ComEd; Nicor Gas; North Shores Gas; or Peoples Gas. PIPP consists of a monthly benefit that will be applied to your utility bill as long as you make your on-time monthly utility payment. The amount of assistance you receive will be determined during your appointment. PIPP applicants will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis. The program will be offered until March 31, 2022 or when WIRC-CAA has reached the maximum capacity of households for the program. Increasing PIPP enrollment is a program goal for this year.  

The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP and PIPP are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines, State Median Income and the number of persons living in the household.  

Propane customers are encouraged to apply when the program opens in September to take greater advantage of lower propane prices.  Propane prices typically increase during the winter months, so propane users who apply early will see their LIHEAP benefit go further.

Households in need in the four-county area are encouraged to call WIRC-CAA at 309-837-2997 to schedule an appointment. Applications are being taken by phone until further notice.

To apply, you MUST submit the following documentation:

1. Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.

2. Proof of Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. (Individuals without an SSN or ITIN can still apply and WIRC-CAA will advise accordingly). 

3. A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.

4. Other documents may be needed based on household situation.  If you have questions regarding this, please call WIRC-CAA. 

5. A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact. 

Please call WIRC-CAA at 309-837-2997 starting on August 16, 2021 to schedule an appointment, for information on what documents are needed to apply, and to learn how to complete an application.

WIRC & CAA is a multifaceted agency that serves multiple counties in western Illinois. The Agency’s Community Action Agency Department provides a wide range of social service programs for people in need, including a food pantry, clothing center, energy assistance program, and more. For more information about WIRC & CAA, visit their website at wirpc.org, find Western Illinois Regional Council & Community Action Agency on social media, or call their office at (309) 837-2997. 

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Carthage, IL – Wednesday, August 18, 2021 – Memorial Hospital and Hancock Village is excited to introduce their new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), Nathaniel (Nat) Hall. Nat brings more than 25 years of experience in Human Resources Management and Training to Memorial Hospital and Hancock Village. Prior to his current position, he worked as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation. Before that, he worked for Bristol Bay Industrial, LLC, in Anchorage, Alaska, where he served as their Human Resources Director and Employee Concerns Program (ECP) Manager; Health Administrator and Director of Human Resources at Copper River Native Association in Copper Center, Alaska; Director of Human Resources at Memorial Hospital of Texas County in Oklahoma and Director of Human Resources for Norton Sound Health Corporation in Nome, Alaska.

Nat Hall is a member of the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE), the National Association of Employee Concerns Programs (NAECP), The American Institute of Parliamentarians (AIP), the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA) and the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM). Nat holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications from Oklahoma Panhandle State University. He also has earned his Senior Professional of Human Resources (SPHR) certification as well as his Employee Concerns Investigator certification. 

Nat is married with two children and enjoys many outdoor activities, as well as spending time with his wife, kids, and granddaughter. He has also been a play by play sports broadcaster for a variety of sporting events and continues to enjoy this activity in his spare time. 

Regarding his new position at Memorial Hospital, Nat states, “I am very excited to join an organization that is so proactive with being the “best of the best” for patient satisfaction. It shows in each and every action of the employees of Memorial Hospital and Hancock Village.  I am exceptionally proud to be part of a leading Healthcare Organization and will do my part to further the very best patient and resident care to the wonderful people of Hancock County and beyond.”

Memorial Hospital is a 501(c)(3), non-profit critical access hospital, which employs over 250 individuals, offers emergency, surgical, imaging (x-ray), laboratory, obstetrics, seven clinics throughout the region, specialty clinics, and more. Memorial Hospital has served the residents of Hancock County and surrounding areas since 1950. For more information, find us on the web at www.mhtlc.org  

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CARTHAGE, IL - Quincy Medical Group (QMG) and Memorial Hospital in Carthage are partnering to provide kidney care to local patients. The new service will be offered at the Memorial Medical Building located at 1450 N. Co. Road 2050 in Carthage.

Dr. Dan Evans, nephrologist at QMG, will begin offering care to patients beginning August 20.  Dr. Evans has been with QMG since 1981.  He is board-certified by the American Board of Nephrology and American Board of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Evans specializes in kidney care and treats patients with kidney diseases or with conditions that affect their kidney function. Conditions include, but are not limited to, acute kidney failure, chronic kidney disease, and end-stage renal disease. 

“My focus is the patient’s quality of life by diagnosing, managing, and treating kidney disease,” Dr. Evans shared. “Kidney disease can lead to other health complications, so it is important to pay attention to your kidney health and seek care to help you manage your kidney issues.”

Dr. Evans added that having local access to a nephrologist improves the quality of life of patients. 

It is a privilege to have the opportunity to care for patients in Hancock County region and the surrounding communities,” Dr. Evans shared. “This partnership will allow patients who experience kidney disease to get the care they need in a timely manner, right here in their home community.” 

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 217-357-2173 or visit https://www.mhtlc.org/.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION WHITNEY MCKEOWN INFORMATION ON JOINING 4-H, ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE, AND COUPLES CLASSES TO HELP BUILD YOUR RELATIONSHIP.

KRISTEN HULS FROM THE HANCOCK COUNTY FARM BUREAU LAYS OUT ALL THE UPCOMING EVENT PLANS FOR THE COMING WEEKS. INCLUDING THEIR WEST CENTRAL FS DISCOUNTED FUEL DAY AND YOUNG LEADERS GOLF OUTING.

SUPER FUN CHAT WITH HAILEY DIXON FROM THE LEGACY THEATER. TOPICS INCLUDING UPCOMING PERFORMANCES, AND AUDIENCE HALLOWEEN COSTUME OPPORTUNITY FOR THEIR OCTOBER 30TH SHOW.

Peoria, IL – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on Afghanistan:

“The evacuation of the United States Embassy in Kabul and the fall of the Afghan government into the hands of the Taliban is deeply disappointing but predictable given the Biden Administration's approach.

“For months, the White House and President Biden have ignored the warnings about the situation in Afghanistan by many in Congress and the defense communities. Despite the warnings, the Administration pushed ahead with an ill-advised, poorly planned, and needlessly rapid complete drawdown of America’s presence in Afghanistan in an attempt to seek a political victory before the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. 

“The world is looking to America as Afghanistan descends into chaos. Instead of taking responsibility for the situation, President Biden and his Administration continue to play politics and blame others.

“President Biden and his Administration’s failure of leadership has enabled a return to a pre-9/11 Afghanistan - creating a fertile breeding ground for radical terrorism to grow once again. President Biden has abandoned men and women who served as local partners in Afghanistan, endangered the lives of innocent women and children, and disrespected the sacrifice of the brave men and women in our military who served the United States and kept Americans safe throughout the last 20 years. President Biden owns the horrific scenes to come from Afghanistan and his actions threaten the security of America and our allies.”

Rep. LaHood serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and Counterproliferation and
Subcommittee on Intelligence Modernization and Readiness.

### 

Sheriff Travis Duffy reports that on Sunday August 15, 2021 a traffic stop led to the arrest of two for Burglary. 

Deputies were alerted of a suspicious vehicle parked near an abandoned residence in rural Warsaw, IL.  Deputies conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle as it left that residence. The driver, Cindy J. Lambert, age 40, of Bushnell, IL and the passenger, Jason T. Beans, age 39, of Macomb, IL were both found to be in possession of stolen items from the residence. 

Upon further investigation it was discovered that Lambert and Beans had forcefully entered the abandoned residence and stolen the items that deputies recovered from Lambert and Beans. 

The vehicle, a red 2014 Chevrolet, was towed to the Sheriff’s Office for further processing. 

Both Lambert and Beans were transported to the Hancock County Jail where they were charged with Burglary. 

All persons arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

The Hancock County Health Department and Memorial Hospital continue to see a rise in COVID cases.  Sequencing has shown that the Delta Variance is present in our county.  Furthermore, although minimal, there have been some breakthrough cases of individuals who were vaccinated and then recently got sick with the Delta Variance.  The Delta Variance is two times more contagious than the COVID-19 illness that was most apparent before.  Symptoms are the same, and they include; headache, fever, muscle aches, sneezing, sore throat, cough, loss of taste and smell.  It remains true that some people remain asymptomatic and do not even know they have COVID but can spread the illness to others.   As of August 12, Hancock County's positivity rate is 19%, and our vaccination rate is 31%.  Therefore, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health our county is considered to be an area of high transmission. 

If a person is having symptoms of COVID or has been exposed to someone who has COVID, it may be necessary to get tested.  In Hancock County, anyone who is having symptoms of COVID can contact 217-357-0617 to schedule an appointment.  Insurance companies may cover the fees associated with the test and office visit.  A person may obtain that information when calling the number to make an appointment.  Walk-ins for COVID testing will not be accepted, an appointment is required.  

It is well known that there is now an at-home test available to detect COVID. We do not recommend the at-home tests. Yet, if you or a family member decides to use an at-home COVID test, directions must be followed thoroughly and specimens collected as directed, or test results may be inconclusive/inaccurate. If the at-home COVID-19 test showed a positive result, it is recommended to contact your healthcare provider and stay in contact with him or her if you are ill.  He or she will decide if any other measures should be taken, for example, if the patient should be seen in the office and if additional or other testing should be performed. At-home tests will not be counted in the county positive case numbers, which will skew positivity rates. 

It continues to be important to isolate for 10 days, beginning the day after symptoms begin, to help decrease the spread of illness to others. For instance, as much as possible, stay in a specific room away from others in your place of residence and wear a mask when it is not possible to social distance in your home.  If possible, use a separate bathroom than others in your household, or if that isn't an option, disinfect/sanitize after use.  Wash hands often and use proper sneeze and cough etiquette.   People who were in close contact with the positive person 48 hours prior to the positive person's symptoms beginning are considered close contacts.  Close contacts are recommended to quarantine for 14 days.  Anyone who is fully vaccinated and is considered a close contact does not need to be quarantined.  It is, however, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to test 3 to 5 days after being exposed to a person who tests positive if a vaccinated person begins having symptoms.  Vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals who begin having COVID symptoms should follow the previously mentioned steps to decrease the spread of illness to others, as well as, contact their healthcare provider.

The Hancock County Health Department is collaborating with another contracting agency to do contact tracing.  The contracting agency should be contacting all positive cases.  If a positive case has not been contacted it is suggested to contact 312-777-1999 and provide them with the necessary information, including close contacts.

COVID Vaccinations are still available in our county.  To schedule either a Johnson and Johnson, Moderna, or Pfizer Vaccine you can contact any of the Memorial Medical Clinics in the county or sign up on the Memorial Hospital website at mhtlc.org.  The Hancock County Health Department is also still offering the Moderna vaccine and an appointment can be scheduled by calling 217-604-3092.

In closing, it is everyone's responsibility to take personal measures to help protect family, friends, neighbors, employees, customers, and visitors in our county.  Following a layered approach can be beneficial.  For instance, it is important to practice social distancing, handwashing and respiratory etiquette, staying home when you are sick, cleaning and disinfecting, vaccinating, using masks, and following isolation and quarantine guidance.   As public health and medical professionals, we will continue to provide you with information to better your health and well-being and our community's health and well-being.  It is up to you to decide how to use the information to better yourselves and the place that we call home.

DON O'BRIEN DISCUSSES THE PERILS OF INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS POPULAR IN ONLINE SHOPPING. INVESTIGATE WHAT THE INTEREST RATES ARE THAT MAY GO ALONG WITH THEM AND WHAT ITS ACTUALLY COSTING YOU.

JOHN MCCORMICK HEAD FOOTBALL COACH WEST PRAIRIE SOUTHEASTERN CYCLONES DISCUSSES THEIR 8 MAN FOOTBALL PROGRAM AND THE ADJUSTMENTS BEING MADE FOR THIS EXCITING NEW PROGRAM.

Hancock County COVID NEWS

The Hancock County Health Department and Memorial Hospital continue to see a rise in COVID cases.  Sequencing has shown that the Delta Variance is present in our county.  Furthermore, although minimal, there have been some breakthrough cases of individuals who were vaccinated and then recently got sick with the Delta Variance.  The Delta Variance is two times more contagious than the COVID-19 illness that was most apparent before.  Symptoms are the same, and they include; headache, fever, muscle aches, sneezing, sore throat, cough, loss of taste and smell.  It remains true that some people remain asymptomatic and do not even know they have COVID but can spread the illness to others.   As of August 12, Hancock County's positivity rate is 19%, and our vaccination rate is 31%.  Therefore, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health our county is considered to be an area of high transmission. 

If a person is having symptoms of COVID or has been exposed to someone who has COVID, it may be necessary to get tested.  In Hancock County, anyone who is having symptoms of COVID can contact 217-357-0617 to schedule an appointment.  Insurance companies may cover the fees associated with the test and office visit.  A person may obtain that information when calling the number to make an appointment.  Walk-ins for COVID testing will not be accepted, an appointment is required.  

It is well known that there is now an at-home test available to detect COVID. We do not recommend the at-home tests. Yet, if you or a family member decides to use an at-home COVID test, directions must be followed thoroughly and specimens collected as directed, or test results may be inconclusive/inaccurate. If the at-home COVID-19 test showed a positive result, it is recommended to contact your healthcare provider and stay in contact with him or her if you are ill.  He or she will decide if any other measures should be taken, for example, if the patient should be seen in the office and if additional or other testing should be performed. At-home tests will not be counted in the county positive case numbers, which will skew positivity rates. 

It continues to be important to isolate for 10 days, beginning the day after symptoms begin, to help decrease the spread of illness to others. For instance, as much as possible, stay in a specific room away from others in your place of residence and wear a mask when it is not possible to social distance in your home.  If possible, use a separate bathroom than others in your household, or if that isn't an option, disinfect/sanitize after use.  Wash hands often and use proper sneeze and cough etiquette.   People who were in close contact with the positive person 48 hours prior to the positive person's symptoms beginning are considered close contacts.  Close contacts are recommended to quarantine for 14 days.  Anyone who is fully vaccinated and is considered a close contact does not need to be quarantined.  It is, however, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to test 3 to 5 days after being exposed to a person who tests positive if a vaccinated person begins having symptoms.  Vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals who begin having COVID symptoms should follow the previously mentioned steps to decrease the spread of illness to others, as well as, contact their healthcare provider.

The Hancock County Health Department is collaborating with another contracting agency to do contact tracing.  The contracting agency should be contacting all positive cases.  If a positive case has not been contacted it is suggested to contact 312-777-1999 and provide them with the necessary information, including close contacts.

COVID Vaccinations are still available in our county.  To schedule either a Johnson and Johnson, Moderna, or Pfizer Vaccine you can contact any of the Memorial Medical Clinics in the county or sign up on the Memorial Hospital website at mhtlc.org.  The Hancock County Health Department is also still offering the Moderna vaccine and an appointment can be scheduled by calling 217-604-3092.

In closing, it is everyone's responsibility to take personal measures to help protect family, friends, neighbors, employees, customers, and visitors in our county.  Following a layered approach can be beneficial.  For instance, it is important to practice social distancing, handwashing and respiratory etiquette, staying home when you are sick, cleaning and disinfecting, vaccinating, using masks, and following isolation and quarantine guidance.   As public health and medical professionals, we will continue to provide you with information to better your health and well-being and our community's health and well-being.  It is up to you to decide how to use the information to better yourselves and the place that we call home.

Hancock County COVID NEWS

The Hancock County Health Department and Memorial Hospital continue to see a rise in COVID cases.  Sequencing has shown that the Delta Variance is present in our county.  Furthermore, although minimal, there have been some breakthrough cases of individuals who were vaccinated and then recently got sick with the Delta Variance.  The Delta Variance is two times more contagious than the COVID-19 illness that was most apparent before.  Symptoms are the same, and they include; headache, fever, muscle aches, sneezing, sore throat, cough, loss of taste and smell.  It remains true that some people remain asymptomatic and do not even know they have COVID but can spread the illness to others.   As of August 12, Hancock County's positivity rate is 19%, and our vaccination rate is 31%.  Therefore, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health our county is considered to be an area of high transmission. 

If a person is having symptoms of COVID or has been exposed to someone who has COVID, it may be necessary to get tested.  In Hancock County, anyone who is having symptoms of COVID can contact 217-357-0617 to schedule an appointment.  Insurance companies may cover the fees associated with the test and office visit.  A person may obtain that information when calling the number to make an appointment.  Walk-ins for COVID testing will not be accepted, an appointment is required.  

It is well known that there is now an at-home test available to detect COVID. We do not recommend the at-home tests. Yet, if you or a family member decides to use an at-home COVID test, directions must be followed thoroughly and specimens collected as directed, or test results may be inconclusive/inaccurate. If the at-home COVID-19 test showed a positive result, it is recommended to contact your healthcare provider and stay in contact with him or her if you are ill.  He or she will decide if any other measures should be taken, for example, if the patient should be seen in the office and if additional or other testing should be performed. At-home tests will not be counted in the county positive case numbers, which will skew positivity rates. 

It continues to be important to isolate for 10 days, beginning the day after symptoms begin, to help decrease the spread of illness to others. For instance, as much as possible, stay in a specific room away from others in your place of residence and wear a mask when it is not possible to social distance in your home.  If possible, use a separate bathroom than others in your household, or if that isn't an option, disinfect/sanitize after use.  Wash hands often and use proper sneeze and cough etiquette.   People who were in close contact with the positive person 48 hours prior to the positive person's symptoms beginning are considered close contacts.  Close contacts are recommended to quarantine for 14 days.  Anyone who is fully vaccinated and is considered a close contact does not need to be quarantined.  It is, however, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to test 3 to 5 days after being exposed to a person who tests positive if a vaccinated person begins having symptoms.  Vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals who begin having COVID symptoms should follow the previously mentioned steps to decrease the spread of illness to others, as well as, contact their healthcare provider.

The Hancock County Health Department is collaborating with another contracting agency to do contact tracing.  The contracting agency should be contacting all positive cases.  If a positive case has not been contacted it is suggested to contact 312-777-1999 and provide them with the necessary information, including close contacts.

COVID Vaccinations are still available in our county.  To schedule either a Johnson and Johnson, Moderna, or Pfizer Vaccine you can contact any of the Memorial Medical Clinics in the county or sign up on the Memorial Hospital website at mhtlc.org.  The Hancock County Health Department is also still offering the Moderna vaccine and an appointment can be scheduled by calling 217-604-3092.

In closing, it is everyone's responsibility to take personal measures to help protect family, friends, neighbors, employees, customers, and visitors in our county.  Following a layered approach can be beneficial.  For instance, it is important to practice social distancing, handwashing and respiratory etiquette, staying home when you are sick, cleaning and disinfecting, vaccinating, using masks, and following isolation and quarantine guidance.   As public health and medical professionals, we will continue to provide you with information to better your health and well-being and our community's health and well-being.  It is up to you to decide how to use the information to better yourselves and the place that we call home.

MELITA FINNEY COMMUNITY HEALTH DIRECTOR TALKS COVID NUMBERS. TIPS AND BEST PRACTICES FOR CLEANLINESS TO HELP NOT SPREAD GERMS AND VIRUSES.

THE LEGACY THEATER PRESIDENT DOUG GROTH PROVIDES INFORMATION ON UPCOMING SANDY PATTI CONCERT AND OTHER EVENTS. ENCOURAGES TICKET SALES AND DONATIONS FOR CONTINUED GREAT EVENTS

MARLA WILLARD OF THE WEST CENTRAL CHILD CARE CONNECTION GIVES US A RUNDOWN OF THE WIDE VARIETY OF CHILDCARE SERVICE AND ASSISTANCE PROVIDED. TO BOTH LARGE AND SMALL DAYCARE PROVIDERS.

RAHUL BASHO, MD, SPINE SPECIALIST, BEGINS MONTHLY CLINIC AT

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Carthage, IL – 8/9/2021 – Memorial Hospital is thrilled to announce that Rahul Basho, MD,
Spine Specialist, will begin seeing patients at Memorial Medical Building on the hospital campus
at 1450 N. County Road 2050, Carthage, Illinois, on Friday, August 27 th .
Dr. Basho will continue his practice at Midwest Orthopedic Specialists in Hannibal, MO, but
will see patients the fourth Friday every month at Memorial Medical Building in Carthage. Dr.
Basho is a graduate of Ohio State University College of Medicine. He completed his residency in
Orthopedic Surgery at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, in 2009. In 2010, he completed
his fellowship in Adult Degenerative Spinal Disorders at the University of California, Los
Angeles (UCLA) Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is certified by the American Board of
Orthopaedic Surgery. He is active in clinical research and has published several research pieces.
Dr. Basho has a passion for patient education and makes this a top priority when seeing patients.
He states, “I don’t let anyone leave my office without a basic understanding of their issue and an
understanding of their treatment options.”
Dr. Basho specializes in cutting-edge, minimally invasive spine surgery. He sees patients who
are suffering from back pain, neck pain, shooting pain or tingling in their extremities,
osteoarthritis, herniated disks, sports injuries, and much more.
Regarding his onboarding at Memorial, Dr. Basho states, “I’m very excited to be seeing patients
at Memorial. This is a quality organization with a high-performing team, and it’s a place that I
am proud to be affiliated with. I also have a passion for providing quality care to patients locally,
and having a practice in Carthage will allow me to do this for the west-central Illinois and
southeast Iowa region.”
Memorial Hospital and Memorial Medical Clinics are proud to welcome Dr. Basho to their team
of specialists. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Basho in Carthage, call (573) 248-1010.
Memorial Hospital is a 501(c)(3) non-profit critical access hospital, which employs over 250
individuals, offers emergency, surgical, imaging (x-ray), laboratory, obstetrics, seven clinics
throughout the region, specialty clinics, and more. Memorial Hospital has served the residents of
Hancock County and surrounding areas since 1950. 

Hancock County Sheriff Travis Duffy reports the following arrests for the week of August 2nd, 2021 through August 8th 2021 

08/02/21 

William C Beuker, age 36, of Colchester, IL was arrested and charged with Criminal Sexual Assault. Beuker remains lodged in the Hancock County Jail awaiting his next court date. 

Xavier A Hatchcroft, age 20, of Keokuk, IA was arrested and charged with Driving While License Suspended. Hatchcroft was released after posting the required bond and given a future court date. 

08/04/21 

Aubrey E C Markley, age 29, of Carthage, IL was arrested on a Hancock County Warrant charging her with Failure to Appear on original charges of Driving Under the Influence. Markley was released after posting the required bond and given a future court date. 

08/05/21 

Matthew W Young, age 35, of Niota, IL was arrested and charged with Threatening a Public Official, Trespass to Residence, and Violation of an Order of Protection. Young was also arrested on a Hancock County Warrant charging him with Failure to Appear on original charges of Criminal Trespass to a Residence and Criminal Damage to Property. Young remains lodged in the Hancock County Jail awaiting his next court appearance. 

Mary F Blanchard, age 42, of Hamilton, IL was arrested and charged with Driving While License Suspended. Blanchard was released after posting the required bond and given a future court date. 

08/07/21 

Jakob L Corral, age 18, of Ft. Madison, IA was arrested and charged with Burglary of a Motor Vehicle. Corral remains lodged in the Hancock County Jail awaiting his next court appearance. 

Elie M Ahlen, age 18, of Ft. Madison, IA was arrested and charged with Burglary of a Motor Vehicle. Ahlen remains lodged in the Hancock County Jail awaiting his next court appearance. 

08/08/21 

Nathan L Moulton, age 20, of Macomb, IL was arrested and charged with Obstructing Identification. Moulton was also arrested on an Adams County Warrant charging him with Failure to Appear on original charges of Improper Turn at an Intersection. Moulton was also arrested on a McDonough County Warrant charging him with failure to Appear 

on original charges of Theft. Moulton remains lodged in the Hancock County Jail awaiting his next court appearance. 

David M S Bloomer, age 32, of Hamilton, IL was arrested on a Lee County, IA Warrant charging him Pretrial Release Violation on original charges of Stalking-Violation of Protective Order and Tampering with a Witness or Juror. Bloomer was also arrested on a Lee County, IA Warrant charging him with Pretrial Release Violation on original charges of Burglary. Bloomer remains lodged in the Hancock County Jail awaiting extradition to Lee County. 

Matthew E Huling, age 39, of Carthage, IL was arrested and charged with Driving While License Revoked. Huling was released after posting the required bond and given a future court date. 

ALL SUBJECTS ARE CONSIDERED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW. 

Mark Hanna  the director of the Abraham Lincoln Airport in Springfield IL  and the convenience of flying out of Springfield Illinois from Hancock County.  Locations they fly to, how easy it is to get through TSA.  Free parking at the airport!    www.flyspi.com   Customer Service phone number is 1-217-788-9200

Macomb, Illinois, August 9, 2021 – On June 16, 2021, Deborah Collins was officially promoted as the new Director of Victim Services at Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA). Victim Services provides free and confidential crisis counseling and advocacy to survivors of domestic and sexual violence throughout several counties in western Illinois. 

Collins is excited to take on the new challenges ahead of her, and is passionate about helping survivors of abuse. “It is my hope to create positive social change through acceptance and equality, and to end all forms of violence,” said Collins. “Although these goals seem large, I am encouraged that we can achieve them with teamwork from our staff and the wonderful community members who support our programs in the six counties we serve.”   

Before taking on her new role as Director, Collins was the Preventionist for Victim Services. As Preventionist, she often hosted educational trainings, including those mandated by the State of Illinois, for children and adults at schools and organizations. She is a familiar face to many local teachers and school administrators, and is practiced in delivering awareness information to a wide range of people. Previously, she also worked in the community health sector.

“I am optimistic that my own personal trauma, dedication, training and experience in the social services fields of public health and community health will help me accomplish reaching the community in new, innovative, and bold ways,” said Collins.  

Most of all, Collins is excited to work with a great team of advocates, counselors and volunteers who share the mission of helping survivors and ending the cycle of violence. “I would not have taken this job without the great staff; they are amazing to work with,” she said. “We all have a passion for helping survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, and oppressed, underserved populations.”

Victim Services provides free and confidential crisis counseling and advocacy to survivors of abuse. A 24/7 free and confidential crisis hotline is available by calling 309-837-5555. For more information about their programs, call their business line at 309-837-6622 or find them on social media.

Caption: Deborah Collins has been chosen to lead WIRC-CAA Victim Services, a local agency that provides free crisis counseling and advocacy to survivors of abuse. [Photo by Jamie Roth/Victim Services].

Fr Tony Trosley of the Hancock County Churches notes the recent arrival of the St Nicholas Charity on Wheels to Hancock County.  The van provides toiletries to the less fortunate in Hancock regardless of religion.  The van is operated by Catholic Charities from the Peoria Dioceses and is scheduled on the last Friday of the month.

Gay Dickerson Director of Hancock Area Agency  discusses the new changes to Medicare and how to keep your current plan in place.

Katelyn Murphy - Summer Intern with Carthage Veterinary Service on Still Talking with Real Country in the Morning.  Talks with jStill talking on how she became interested in a summer internship with Carthage Veterinary Service 

Carthage, IL – 8/2/2021 –Memorial Hospital FOCUS Fitness wishes to congratulate Jon
Chandler, Carthage Tang Soo Do instructor, who was officially promoted on June 5th, 2021 in
Naperville, IL, to Sah Dan (4th degree) Master. Jon has been a member of the World Tang Soo
Do Association for almost 20 years and has been studio head at Carthage Tang Soo Do for the
last 5 years. Carthage Tang Soo Do has been teaching traditional Martial Arts for over 20 years.
Grandmaster Jae C. Shin watched Jon's original black belt test. Jae C. Shin is well known in the
martial arts community, as he gave Chuck Norris his very first black belt.
The Carthage Tang Soo Do and the Memorial Hospital FOCUS Fitness teams wish to extend
their most sincere congratulations to Jon Chandler for his notable accomplishment. More
information on martial arts classes can be found at carthagetangsoodo.com. Tang Soo Do classes
are hosted at FOCUS Fitness in Carthage. Class schedules may be found at mhtlc.org/health-
services/focus-fitness/ or on their Facebook Page: FOCUS Fitness.
Memorial Hospital is a 501(c)(3), non-profit critical access hospital, which employs over 250
individuals, offers emergency, surgical, imaging (x-ray), laboratory, obstetrics, seven clinics
throughout the region, specialty clinics, and more. Memorial Hospital has served the residents of
Hancock County and surrounding areas since 1950. For more information, find us on the web at
www.mhtlc.org

Carthage, IL – 7/30/2021 – Memorial Medical Clinic’s dermatology services, along with Krista
Carle, DNP, APRN-FNP, are moving to the newly remodeled building at 630 Locust, previously
known as Women & Family Medical Group. Krista and her team will begin seeing patients in the
new location starting Monday, August 2 nd .
At Memorial Medical Clinic 630 Locust Street location, a variety of services will be offered.
Dermatology services provided by Krista Carle, DNP, APRN-FNP, and team, will now be
located at this new location. Krista and her team see and treat various conditions, including skin
cancers or lesions, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, rosacea, and much more. They also offer a
medical-grade skincare line, Skin Essence. This new location also provides the opportunity for
the growth of this service line. The phone number for the clinic is 217-357-6560. “We are
excited to expand what we offer in this new location,” says Carle. “We will soon be announcing
additional services we will be adding to our dermatology line.”
Memorial Hospital is committed to delivering outstanding healthcare. Memorial Hospital is a
501(c)(3) non-profit critical access hospital that employs over 250, offers emergency, surgical,
imaging (x-ray), laboratory, obstetrics, seven clinics throughout the region, specialty clinics, and
much more. The hospital has served the residents of the Hancock County area since 1950. For
more information, find us on the web at www.mhtlc.org .

Don O'Brien of the Better Business Bureau reminds us of the importance of reviewing and protecting our credit scores. Informative web sites we can use to do so as well.