Last summer, a Kankakee County resident tested positive for Heartland virus, the first case reported in Illinois. In response to this human case, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) collaborated with the Illinois Natural History Survey Medical Entomology Laboratory (INHS MEL) and Kankakee County Health Department to conduct the first environmental health investigation to a novel tickborne disease case. Ticks were collected from the area and sent to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for Heartland virus testing. Heartland virus was detected in Lone Star ticks collected from Kankakee County.

Each year, Illinois officials work to raise awareness of the dangers of harmful algal blooms through an annual news release and information made available online. Residents are reminded to use caution when recreating on Illinois waterways, especially at this time of year when blue-green algae blooms are most prevalent. When a blue-green algae bloom has been confirmed, local officials are advised to post appropriate signage to warn residents to avoid contact with affected waters; however, not all blooms are reported to state officials. Therefore, residents must be aware and avoid contact with suspicious looking water.

A community reminder going out tonight for all those parents who rely on the Exploration Station for instant adventure, from Monday August 19th to September 2nd the Exploration Station will enter its Annual Shutdown period.

Students who are car riders headed to school at Alan Shepard in Bourbonnais this coming year will be leaving with style on a daily basis with the addition of a brand new canopy! Students can now wait outside and be protected from the elements at the school.

Governor JB Pritzker has signed into law an amendment to the Illinois Equal Pay Act that bans employers and employment agencies from asking about applicants’ past wage and compensation histories or using such information to screen candidates for a job. The new law takes effect on September 29, 2019.

Gordon L. Lambert, 85, of Watseka passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2019. Visitation is 1:00 PM until the memorial service at 3:00 PM, Tuesday, August 20, 2019, at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.