Village Crier: January 5, 2021
Local COVID cases hits 6 week low
For the first time since November 13 of last year, the number of active COVID-19 cases in the Sentinel area has fallen below 60. Only two new positive test have been reported, one in Tolono and one St. Joseph.
Meanwhile, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District announced two additional deaths bringing the county's total to 90 individuals who have been taken by the viral infection.
County-wide there are 659 active cases now in isolation with 19 undergoing hospital treatment.
As of today there are only two active cases Ogden and Philo has 15, down from a high of 19 cases.• There are three active cases each in Royal and Sidney. Meanwhile, there are 16 positive cases currently in St. Joseph and 21 in Tolono.
State's Attorney files contempt charges against Lil Buford's
Despite the TRO and the possible new action against him, Buckler has kept the doors to his establishment open for dine-in service.
The Champaign County Public Health Department, which suspended the business' permit on December 17 for operating contrary to the state's mitigation mandate and allowing dine-in service, has successfully reined in other rouge operators after suspending their permits.
If the judge finds Buckler in contempt of the Dec. 31 TRO, possible sanctions include fines or jail until the order is followed, according to The News-Gazette.
Ogden restaurant to observe temporary pause in operations
Rich's Family Restaurant in Ogden has decided to close for business temporarily. The homestyle dining establishment tried to make a go of it with curbside and carry-out, but it appears the volume of visits was insufficient to sustain the family business.
"As you know due to the mandate of Illinois State Governor and Champaign County Health Department We have been ordered to suspend our dine-in services," the post on the establishment's Facebook page states. "Therefore, we have not been been able to generate enough business with carry out & curbside business. Unfortunately, we are going to temporarily pause Carry-Out and curbside business starting Monday Jan. 3rd, 2021."
The owners plan to reopen once indoor dining is permitted again in Illinois.
"We apologize for any inconvenience and we can't wait to be able to serve everyone indoors again!" the post says. "Thank you to our staff for understanding and support and thank you to all of you!"
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