No worker needs to die from a fall. Yet falls from elevation tragically are the leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for about a third of all construction fatalities in recent years.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Illinois for 2020.  A DuPage County resident in her 40’s became ill in mid-August.

Illinois EPA Director John J. Kim announced the completion of a large used tire removal action at the former Harmon Auto Salvage, located on Route 29, south of Pekin in Tazewell County. Illinois EPA has authority under the Illinois Environmental Protection Act to carry out used tire removal …

This month, the Illinois Lottery launched an inaugural specialty ticket that provides 100 percent of its profits to the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois. 

Many college students have returned to campuses across the state as COVID-19 prevention and safety remain a top priority. This school year and the protocols for returning to class may look different, but fire safety is still the same and just as important.

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced it has received the Excel Award, the top honor for communications work from the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials. The recognition from fellow state departments of transportation in the TransComm Skills Awar…

The League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria, in collaboration with the Fondulac District Library, is sponsoring a candidate forum for candidates running for election from the 46th Illinois Senate District and the 91st and 92nd Illinois House Districts.  

Mediacom and C-SPAN announce the start of this year’s annual student documentary competition and encourage middle school and high school students to participate in the video documentary competition known as “StudentCam”. Students are asked to create a short video documentary and submit it on…

The Friends of the Pekin Public Library are having a half-price book sale on Monday, September 14 through Saturday, September 19, in the Pekin Public Library lobby during regular library hours.  All items with a yellow dot will be half-price.  Items in the library's regular Book Sale Room ar…

Saturday, September 26 -- Introduction to Firearms

Seniors, be sure to join in for a Senior Appreciation drive-thru for Roaring Pumpkins and All That Jazz on Thursday, September 17 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. at Brandon Wood Retirement Center, 730 W Jefferson in Morton. The first 500 seniors to drive through will receive a special theme cookie and g…

SPRINGFIELD – The COVID-19 test positivity rate fell to 3.6 percent statewide Monday, decreasing in two regions that have faced increased economic restrictions due to high rates.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has released in-person voting guidelines for election authorities to curb the spread of COVID-19 this year.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced on Monday, August 31 the #RecoveryBelongs social media campaign in order to increase awareness and recognize International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD.) #RecoveryBelongs is the first step across the state to recognize the month of S…

On Wednesday, September 2, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) announced that several of the state’s regulated electric, natural gas, water and sewer utilities have once again voluntarily agreed to extend the moratorium on disconnections for residential customers. 

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced last Thursday that the state has received $36.7 million in federal funding to fight the opioid crisis. Funding expands prevention, treatment, recovery and overdose response initiatives across the state.

National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning. As we learned this spring with the COVID-19 pandemic, disasters don’t wait. They can strike at anytime and anywhere. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), and …

Centered around the concept of Mission Excellence, HMC employees surround themselves in a culture where the expectation is always for excellent performance, where staff looks forward to coming to work because they do worthwhile work, and that as a team they truly make a difference in others’…

Join PumpkinLand Community Events (PLaCE), Lulu’s on Main and friends for a Cheesecake Challenge on Saturday, September 19 beginning at 11 a.m. (until sold out) outside of Lulu’s on Main in Morton!

Join PumpkinLand Community Evens (PLaCE) and friends on Tuesday, September 15, from 5-7 p.m. in Church Square for a Taste of the Market, as well as to welcome back Market Food Trucks one more time in 2020.

Celebrating 15 years of service, the Hopedale Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Program at Hopedale Medical Complex (HMC) knows the importance of having a successful game plan in place when working with student-athletes within local communities.  Beginning in 2005, Certified Athletic Traine…

Midwest Food Bank is sending Disaster Relief to help victims of Hurricane Laura. A semi load of cleaning supplies went to Lake Charles, LA, on Monday, August 31. A load of family food boxes left for Beaumont, TX, on Thursday, September 3, and another was scheduled to leave early the followin…

Administrative Reports

State lawmaker touts need for better education on e-cigarettes

Madigan again denies fault, calls request a ‘political stunt’

IDPH reports 2,128 new cases; 27 additional deaths

Goal is more contracting opportunities for businesses owned by minorities, women

The following local students have been named to the Western Illinois University spring 2020 semester Dean’s List for their exemplary academic performance:

Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) recent announcement on changes regarding COVID-19 testing protocols, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding all Illinois residents of the importance of getting tested, including after close contact with so…

In preparation for the 2020 elections, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued guidance to protect the safety and health of voters as they cast ballots at polling locations throughout the state during early voting and Election Day.   The "COVID-19 Guidance for Election Pol…

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that the expiration date for valid driver's licenses held by Illinois drivers who are 75 years of age or older has been extended for a period of one year past the licenses' current 2020 expiration date. As a result, drivers age 75 and older w…

The Illinois Department of Transportation shares a common goal with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Illinois law enforcement – to eliminate impaired driving. As the unofficial end of summer approaches, MADD, IDOT, the Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies throughout the state …

The State of Illinois last Tuesday announced revised guidelines for restaurants and bar establishments statewide to operate safely and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Based on a recent increase in cases, these latest guidelines will require patrons to wear a mask during any interaction…

University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener programs in Livingston, McLean and Woodford Counties are now accepting applications for the fall online training program. This online, self-guided course can be completed any time of day or night. Participants will need to dedicate about four …

Centered around the concept of Mission Excellence, HMC employees surround themselves in a culture where the expectation is always for excellent performance, where staff looks forward to coming to work because they do worthwhile work, and that as a team they truly make a difference in others’…

Grace Church will host its DivorceCare recovery DVD seminar and support group for those who are separated of divorced. This 13-week program will meet each Thursday from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the church, located at 1325 E Jefferson in Morton, beginning September 10 and running through December 17…

In a recent announcement by Becker’s Hospital Review, Hopedale Hospital was given a 5-Star Award for Patient Experience from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  One of only eleven critical access hospitals in the State of Illinois to receive the award, Hopedale Hospital pa…

The Morton Economic Development Council, in partnership with their Innovation Kiln Task Team, the University of Illinois Extension, Peoria Innovation Alliance and Greater Peoria Economic Development Council are exploring how to leverage the creation of an eCommerce Fulfillment Center and Log…

Midwest Food Bank is preparing to send disaster relief to help victims of Hurricane Laura. Early morning last Thursday, the hurricane made landfall near Cameron, LA, with winds of 150 mph. High water levels from storm surged into coastal areas and posed a risk of flooding and tornadoes inland.

MORTON, IL - With the goal for this year’s Roaring Pumpkins and All That Jazz to shop and support local, the Chamber and Festival Advisory Committee developed creative programs to celebrate local businesses and Chamber members. Favorite parts of Festival return in modified formats and new ad…

Illinoisans suffering economic decline due to COVID now have an extra week to apply for emergency rental assistance.

In response to recent coal plant closures around the state, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) held an Energy Summit to discuss the future of energy policy in Illinois with Senate colleagues Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) and stakeholders from Vistra

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has launched its new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) travel map to help inform residents of potential risks associated with traveling during the pandemic.  The map indicates countries and U.S. states with increased risk of COVID-19 based on case rates.

Every decade, the federal government conducts a census of the entire population, noting the name, age, gender, race, and ethnicity of every person in the United States. This information shapes federal funding for states, counties, and communities.

The following local students have been named to the Western Illinois University spring 2020 semester Dean’s List for their exemplary academic performance:

In a recent announcement by Becker’s Hospital Review, Hopedale Hospital was given a 5-Star Award for Patient Experience from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  One of only eleven critical access hospitals in the State of Illinois to receive the award, Hopedale Hospital pa…

Answering the call of “Just Serve”, members of the Morton Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 from noon to 5 p.m. in the Cultural Hall at the Ward building, located at 2530 N. Morton Avenue, Morton, IL.  

Superintendent’s Report