Early this morning, Champaign County deputies arrested Jonathon Perry, of Homer, now held in custody at the Champaign County Correctional Center, on the preliminary charge murder after deputies performed a welfare check on a residence located on Shore Drive in St. Joseph.
While searching the property around 4:15am this morning, deputies found two deceased females whose identification is being withheld pending notification of the victims' families.
"Deputies were advised that an individual, later identified as Jonathon Perry, made statements which led the reporting person to believe the resident(s) had been injured and/or possibly killed," Sheriff's Office said in a release this morning.
Multiple first-degree murder charges are expected to be filed against Perry on Monday. If convicted of both murders, he faces a mandatory sentence of natural life behind bars.
In March of 2012, the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department on Monday arrested Perry, then 20, and two other men on felony counts of burglary after residents throughout Sidell filed 10 separate car burglary reports. He was subsequently sentenced to an eight year prison term for his participation in a string of auto and residential thief.
Perry, at the age 17, was charged with burglary and possession of a stolen vehicle in 2009. Charges were dropped after the state crime lab due to the lack of physical evidence in those incidents as well as several alleged car fires in Homer and Sidney.
The Sheriff’s Office and Champaign County Coroner’s Office continue their investigation in the double homicide case. The two victims died from apparent gunshot wounds.
Back together again! PBL joins the Illini Prairie Conference
By way of an overwhelming decision three days ago, Paxton-Buckley-Loda's bid to join downstate Illinois' premier prep sports conference was unanimously approved school administrators.
PBL, the league's first expansion team of sorts and the 11th school in the conference, joins St. Joseph-Ogden, Unity, Monticello, Rantoul, Prairie Central, Pontiac, Olympia, Central Catholic, St. Thomas More and Illinois Valley Central to make up the Illini Prairie Conference starting in the fall 2021.
The Panther athletic program is a comfortable fit in the void that left the football schedules of nine teams open when St. Thomas More announced in January that they would move to 8-man competition. The Sabers will stay in the conference competing in all the remaining sports they offer.
Four schools applied for the opening after conference commissioner Brad Allen, a former teacher and coach at St. Joseph-Ogden High School, announced the IPC was looking for another program to help round out the conference football schedules.
The Panthers, with an enrollment of 472 this year, were already scouting a new conference affilation to compete with schools with similar number of students. They will leave the Sangamon Valley Conference after a 31-year run in a year from this May.
"I think the Illini Prairie has a lot to offer. A lot of conference schools has three levels of volleyball, freshman, junior varsity and varsity football and junior varsity and varsity baseball," PBL athletic director Brock Niebuhr told the Ford County Chronicle. "From that standpoint, I’m excited that we’ll be able to, hopefully, be able to step right in and compete. That’s what our goal is. I’m looking forward to doing that.”
From a scheduling standpoint, PBL was also an easy choice for many of the IPC athletic directors.
"For other sports, we will simply go to an 11 team conference schedule, kind of like what the Big Ten looked like from 1991-2011 when Penn State became the 11th conference team and before Nebraska joined the Big Ten in 2011," said St. Joseph-Ogden athletic director Justin Franzen. "We can now play 35 regular season volleyball, softball, and baseball games, 31 regular season boys and girls basketball games, 25 soccer matches. We already compete against PBL in almost every other sport that we offer, so adding a conference school just simply means that AD's need to adjust their schedules, which we do each year anyway."
Head football coach Shawn Skinner noted the Panthers recent success on the gridiron, which includes qualifying for the Class 3A playoffs over the past five seasons, and the quality of their other their athletic programs such as basketball and cross country. Without a doubt PBL will raise the bar.
"Aside from football they compete well in all sports. I think it’s a solid fit for them to join the conference and maintain the high level of competitive balance in our league," Skinner pointed out. In regards to football he thinks PBL joining the conference is a great addition. "Their proximity is ideal and they are a similar school from a size standpoint."
St. Joseph-Ogden was able to fill the open week on Skinner's schedule relatively quickly inking a one-year deal with Nashville. With veteran quarterback Crayton Burnett coming back to lead the offense, the Spartans will open the 2020 season on road against last fall's 2A state runner-up.
Skinner said the Hornets will have "almost their entire starting team" back this fall.
"It will be a real challenge for us week one," Skinner added.
While SJO's open date was quickly filled in February, Franzen acknowledged some schools are still looking for a team to play.
Unity, one of the programs looking to replace the STM game, announced yesterday that they will travel 430 miles to Pierce City, Missouri, where they will play their week seven contest.
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Spartan defensive back Cole Berry picks off a pass intended for Panther receiver Matt Poll in the second half of their game on August 29, 2017. St. Joseph-Ogden, ranked #1 in Class 3A in The Associate Press pre-season poll, went on to defeat Paxton-Buckley-Loda in their non-conference battle, 27-7. The Spartans and Panthers will face each other once again under the Friday night lights starting in 2021. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
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Panther running back Paul Bigham is brought down while running the ball in the second half. Bigham left the game after this play suffering a shoulder injury as he was brought down by the three Spartan defenders. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
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More than 260 SJO students named to third quarter Honor Roll
Last week St. Joseph-Ogden High School announced the third quarter honor roll recipients. Two hundred and seventy-five students achieved honor roll recognition during the third quarter as the COVID-19 virus silently spread throughout the United States.
Students who earned a grade point average of 3.25 or higher on the school's 4.0 scale are recognized as Honor Roll students. Those whose GPA soared above 3.74 earned the added distinction a High Honor Roll student. Click on the student's name to read more about their scholastic or athletic achievements.
Freshman starter Ty Pence dives for a loose ball in the Spartans' home game against Paxton-Buckley-Loda in January. In addition to being a gifted athlete, Pence earned high honor roll recognition in the classroom in the the third quarter. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
Students who earned a grade point average of 3.25 or higher on the school's 4.0 scale are recognized as Honor Roll students. Those whose GPA soared above 3.74 earned the added distinction a High Honor Roll student. Click on the student's name to read more about their scholastic or athletic achievements.
Freshman
High Honor Roll
McGwire Atwood,
Kaytlyn Baker,
Olivia Baltzell,
Tyler Burch,
Maddux Carter,
Yamilka Casanova,
Ariana Chambers,
Cale Coursey,
Morgan Cramer,
Aiden Cromwell,
Zachary Dahman,
Emily Elsbernd,
Joselyn Frerichs,
Alex Funk,
Kennedy Greer,
Andrew Guelfi,
Mikyla Haley,
Maya Hewkin,
Taylor Hug,
Peyton Jones,
Jacob Kern,
Aaron Lane,
Collin Livesay,
Aidan McCorkle,
Kyle Meccoli,
Teagan Miller,
Allegra Pearman,
Ty Pence,
Jack Robertson,
Kirsten Schaefer,
Johanna Schmitz,
Jack Setterdahl,
Paige Siegmund,
Trinity Tapia,
Taylor Voorhees,
Alayna Wagle and
Maggie Ward.
Honor Roll
Alyssa Acton,
Madison Adams,
Sylvia Bills,
Owen Birt,
Ethan Blackburn,
Gwen Chatterton,
Bryce Collins,
Aleah Dial,
Leah Finley,
Grace Flessner,
Jessica Gadbury,
Joseph Gherna,
Kylie Greer,
Connor Hale,
Hallie Harms,
Hayden Henkelman,
Jonas Hutcherson,
Shayne Immke,
Emily Jeffries,
Cameran Kelley,
Hunter Ketchum,
Carter Mabry,
Haleigh Maddock,
Katherine McDermott,
Blake Morgan,
Courtney Myren,
Jacob Newman,
Ava Northen,
William Page,
Emma Rydell,
Isabel Sexton,
Katharine Short,
Mallory Wagner and
Rebekah Weinmann.
Sophomores
High Honor Roll
Addison Allen,
Tyler Altenbaumer,
Kailyn Anderson,
Ella Armstrong,
Madison Atwood,
Abigail Behrens,
Ella Besson,
Andrew Beyers,
Brandie Bowlin,
Mara Burkhalter,
Kennedi Burnett,
Angela Chahine,
Braden Clampitt,
Anastasia Conerty,
Deanna Cummins,
Benjamin Cunningham,
Sidney Davis,
Zander Dressen,
Ashley Eldridge,
Jared Emmert,
Hannah Fox,
Zella Fuqua,
Brennan Haake,
Liam Hamer,
Alyssa Hamilton,
Lauren Harper,
Claire Huffman,
Payton Jacob,
Alison Kearney,
Ava Knap,
Ashlyn Lannert,
Wyatt Loghry,
Kelsey Martlage,
Sophia McDade,
Coby Miller,
Conrad Miller,
Elijah Mock,
Jett Morris,
Jessica Palmer,
Emma Parkinson,
Jackson Place,
Hope Rajlich,
JoLeena Reynolds,
Kendra Riddle,
Taryn Sexton,
Alyssa Shoviak,
Luke Stegall,
Rebecca Steinbach,
Mackenzie Trame and
Taylor Wells.
Honor Roll
Nicolas Anzelmo,
Alanna Bensyl,
Allison Burnett,
Mackenzie Fulk,
Avian Gerdes,
Caitlyn Holzinger,
Kennedy Hudson,
Kailyn Ingram,
KayLeigh Kamphaus,
Olivia Klotz,
Jacey Lewis,
Braden McElroy,
Ava Meyer,
Ava Miller,
Keaton Nolan,
Jonathan Poulter,
Griffin Roesch,
Grace Schmitz,
Anna Snyder,
Regan Uden,
Ethan Vanliew and
Elijah Weinmann.
Juniors
High Honor Roll
Isabelle Brooks,
Crayton Burnett,
David Bytnar,
Taylor Campbell,
Kylie Duckett,
Jacob Dwyer,
Hanna Eastin,
Nadirah Edwards,
Emily Fisher,
Dakota Franzen,
Atleigh Hamilton,
Emmy Houston,
Lukas Hutcherson,
Logan Ingram,
Izabellah Innes,
Cailer Kellenberger,
Shelby Kofoot,
Ethan Lane,
Aiden Livesay,
Tyson Madsen,
Sophia Martlage,
Flannery McCorkle,
Garren Meeker,
Abigail Moberg,
Samantha Naylor,
Alec Painer,
Erin Patton,
Aidan Roberts,
Indira Robinson,
Mazie Ronk,
Evan Schmitz,
Max Shonkwiler,
Tessa Smith,
Payton Vallee,
Nora Walden,
Brayden Wendt and
Logan Wolfersberger.
Honor Roll
Hunter Brooks,
Rylee Clements,
Raegan Crippen,
Makayla Duckwitz,
Britney Evans,
Alex Frerichs,
Emily Froman,
Isabella Getty,
Spencer Lahners,
Madigan Loman,
Alyssa Maddock,
Brandon Mattsey,
Jackson Rydell and
Mitchell Whitlock.
Seniors
High Honor Roll
Lindsey Aden,
Jenna Albrecht,
Mallory Ames,
Kendall Ayers,
Taylor Barnes,
Katelyn Berry,
Emily Bigger,
Kaylee Blackburn,
Ginny Bytnar,
Payton Cain,
Trevon Carr,
Payton Clements,
Brendan Cooperider,
Kristen Costa,
Kathryn Cramer,
Andrea Cunningham,
Faith Dahman,
Bailey Dowling,
Hannah Dukeman,
Jaiden Freeman,
Payton Grimsley,
Lucas Grindley,
Erica Guelfi,
Emily Hardimon,
Cody Johnston,
Danielle Kelso,
Nathan Maier,
Ava Mills,
Carson Mills,
Allison Monk,
Nolan Peacock,
Eric Poe,
Hannah Rajlich,
Jenna Schaefer,
Rylee Stahl,
Kenly Taylor,
Stephanie Trame,
Anna Tranel,
Isabelle Vliet,
Brayden Weaver,
Sam Wesley,
Zoey Witruk andJackson Wooten.
Honor Roll
Joseph Acton,
Michara Allen,
Kolton Batty,
Ross Booker,
Austin Carnes,
Drew Coursey,
Blake Dable,
Asjah Fonner,
Clay Frederick,
Tristan Fuqua,
Robert Gebbink,
Brayden Grimsey,
Ethan Hinrichs,
Conner Hodge,
Chance Izard,
Lacey Kaiser,
Aubrey Kern,
Eliza Lewis,
Keegan McCarty,
Mason McLain,
Alivia Norem,
Taddy Pettit,
Dyllan Price,
Lexi Ribbe,
Joshua Sexton,
Joshua Vice,
Karsyn Wetzel andJoel Wilson.
Governor Pritzker pushes state income tax filing date to July 15
Ben Szalinski, Illinois Policy
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced at his daily press conference on March 25 that July 15 will be the new deadline for Illinoisans to file state income taxes. The change comes five days after the same move was made by the federal government, which also pushed the deadline to July 15.
Originally published by Illinois Policy on March 25, 2020. Published by permission.
IHSA maintains commitment to a spring sports season
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IHSA Member School Administrators & Spring Sport Coaches,
I know this time continues to be a challenge for all of us. I hope this note finds you well.
As the IHSA staff and Board of Directors continue to monitor updates from government offices, as well as state and local health departments, we continue to support the possibility of our member schools completing both regular- and post-season spring sport seasons. The date schools are allowed to return to session will determine the length of the spring sports season and the potential of an IHSA State Series.
We will be working with our Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) to determine the need for an acclimatization period in advance of competition once school resumes. No timeline has been set at this time.
We are considering an extension of the spring sports season limitation to provide more participation opportunities for students. This may include movement of the post-season timelines and State Series.
We will continue to provide updates as new information is available. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
If you need to contact our office, please do so via email as we are adhering to the "stay at home" directive.
Craig Anderson IHSA Executive Director |
Yesterday's class, today's reality
About six and half years ago, back in October of 2013, I wrote a commentary addressing the lashing that St. Joseph-Ogden High School was taking from news outlets that week after a story broke that teachers were holding "death panels". Most of the attention was quite negative and tabloid speculation.
Who could have remotely imagine that the critical hypothetical event discussed in a sociology class would one day be a very real issue for governments around the globe and the doctors feverishly battling a pandemic.
Yesterday, President Donald Trump, no doubt taking heat from business leaders and investors who are watching profits tumble in to an abyss and losing loyal followers in the face of his seemingly lack of leadership while clawing desperately for public approval,indicated that he wants end the self-isolation protocol he was pushing a little more than a week ago as soon as possible. A CNN article said, "While the guidelines on self-isolating may still be extended, Trump said Monday he was eager to lift them so businesses could begin operating again and employees can return to work. The mitigation measures would not last into the summer, he said. "I'm not looking at months, I'll tell you right now," Trump said, according to the CNN article. "We're going to open up our country."" Meanwhile in Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has made it clear, despite having more than 700 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in his state, is resisting issuing a shelter-in-place order as Illinois, California and other states have done to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus and control the infection rate so hospitals will be able treat severe cases of the infection. Experts in epidemiology, infectious diseases, microbiologist, virologists and behavior biologists for weeks have recommended that Europe and USA observe self-isolation to avoid the spread of this particularly nasty strain that attacks the upper respiratory system. Italy, who ignored the advice until it was too late, now has more than 69,000 confirmed cases and has lost 6,820 of its citizens to the disease. Their number of deaths is nearly twice that of China where the virus originated. Yet, in 180º turn from more than a week ago, President Trump now wants America to get back to work. Regardless of the number of lives the coronavirus could leave in its wake, a number estimated close to one million American lives by most predictive models, he want to kickstart the economy which has taken a severe hit with unemployment rising and thousands of people in the service industry scrambling to make ends meet. The human cost is real as demonstrated in China, Italy, Spain and potentially the UK, who is looking equally devastating losses. Like it or not, as I wrote then and clearly evident in the news today, our lives are simply a number value, insignificant to the wealthy and easily subtracted. Easily sacrificed. Looks like class isn't out just yet.
Sociology Class At SJO Exposes Biases Beyond The ClassroomI remember an assignment in high school, probably as many adults my age, based on the crash of Uruguayan Flight 571 back in 1972. The story of the survivors was later recounted in the book Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors and brought to cinematic life in 1976, my freshman year of high school. As part of our assignment, we had to choose, as did the survivors of the crash, to become cannibals to survive or perish from malnutrition and exposure in a similar crash. As the source for food became scarce we had to decide who among the survivors would be sacrificed with dignity and heartbreaking regret to provide protein for the next several days worth of meals.
Clark Brooks, Publisher
PhotoNews |
Yesterday, President Donald Trump, no doubt taking heat from business leaders and investors who are watching profits tumble in to an abyss and losing loyal followers in the face of his seemingly lack of leadership while clawing desperately for public approval,indicated that he wants end the self-isolation protocol he was pushing a little more than a week ago as soon as possible. A CNN article said, "While the guidelines on self-isolating may still be extended, Trump said Monday he was eager to lift them so businesses could begin operating again and employees can return to work. The mitigation measures would not last into the summer, he said. "I'm not looking at months, I'll tell you right now," Trump said, according to the CNN article. "We're going to open up our country."" Meanwhile in Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has made it clear, despite having more than 700 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in his state, is resisting issuing a shelter-in-place order as Illinois, California and other states have done to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus and control the infection rate so hospitals will be able treat severe cases of the infection. Experts in epidemiology, infectious diseases, microbiologist, virologists and behavior biologists for weeks have recommended that Europe and USA observe self-isolation to avoid the spread of this particularly nasty strain that attacks the upper respiratory system. Italy, who ignored the advice until it was too late, now has more than 69,000 confirmed cases and has lost 6,820 of its citizens to the disease. Their number of deaths is nearly twice that of China where the virus originated. Yet, in 180º turn from more than a week ago, President Trump now wants America to get back to work. Regardless of the number of lives the coronavirus could leave in its wake, a number estimated close to one million American lives by most predictive models, he want to kickstart the economy which has taken a severe hit with unemployment rising and thousands of people in the service industry scrambling to make ends meet. The human cost is real as demonstrated in China, Italy, Spain and potentially the UK, who is looking equally devastating losses. Like it or not, as I wrote then and clearly evident in the news today, our lives are simply a number value, insignificant to the wealthy and easily subtracted. Easily sacrificed. Looks like class isn't out just yet.
A letter from Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges
To the Residents of the Village of St. Joseph,
I wanted to give a brief update as to what the next two weeks may look like in the village.
We will continue to have the village office closed to the public this week and probably the following week. Staff will be in the office answering phones and handling all daily operations. Sewer payments can be made by phone, mail or dropped off at the village’s night deposit located next to the front door.
The public works department will also continue to operate as usual to keep the village running as smoothly as
possible under these circumstances. Please avoid approaching the village workers and practice safe distancing.
If you have concerns, questions or emergency needs please contact the office during office hours. The office
staff will notify the public works department or have someone contact you by phone.
The village parks will be closed. Enjoy the open space but avoid the playground and the restrooms will remain
closed.
Please visit the village website for more information and changing schedules. We will do our best to keep you informed.
I want to thank our wonderful community for being the St. Joseph that I have always loved. Once again, I’m
proud to say that this is my hometown and so very thankful to be able to serve my community as your Mayor.
As we make our way through these frightening and trying times continue to be patient with those around you.
Continue to work together to help our community members and businesses. Help our local businesses during
the shutdown and thereafter. Curbside services are being offered by the restaurants, grocery store and
apothecary.
Please check on your neighbors especially our senior citizens and those with disabilities medical or otherwise.
Contact the village office if any of these citizens need help picking up groceries or prescriptions.
Just a few suggestions as we continue to practice safe distancing and staying home; go online and complete
your census, read a good book, play board games with your children, take a walk or bike ride (the bike trail is
open for business), contact the food bank or schools to help with their curbside services and most of all smile
and wave at those you meet each day.
We will all need that bit of encouragement as we work our way through the next few days or weeks to come.
Thank you and God Bless.
Tami Fruhling-Voges, St. Joseph Village Mayor
Illinois to Shelter-In-Place
Rumors have been circulating since yesterday evening that Illinois will "shelter in place" between now and Monday to avoid spreading the virulent COVID-19 virus throughout the state.
Even while President Donald Trump resist putting the nation on lockdown as Spain, Italy and France have done, multiple sources are reporting that Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker plans to issue the "shelter-in-place" order for the entire state at 3pm press conference later today.
With the lack of testing, treatment facilities and a reliable cure or vaccine on the horizon, the order is being issue to mandate Illinois residents to stay in their homes to help suppress the spread of the coronavirus across Illinois and prevent medical facilities from being overloaded.
The length of the state's soft lockdown is unclear at this time, but two weeks with the possibility of consecutive resets until the infection rate subsides substantially seems to be the likely starting point.
Medical experts point out that the US infection rate is roughly following the same pattern as in Italy ten days ago. France and Spain are two to five days ahead of the North America. In two weeks, doctors and researchers will know if Illinois social distancing measures will save countless lives.
Italy has reported 41,038 cases with 3,405 deaths. Just over 4,000 who were tested have recovered at this point.
The confirmed cases in Illinois have risen rapidly over the past week because more tests are being processed. As of yesterday, there have been 3,151 test performed. Two people have recovered after testing positive. Meanwhile, 422 residents have been confirmed with the infection. So far, four Illinoisans have died from contracting the virus and the governor wants to act quickly to prevent additional loss of life.
Under the order, residents will still be able to shop for food at stores and food markets, get gas for vehicles, pick up medication at their pharmacy and even take walks. The effort is to curtail gatherings to prevent transmission from person to person. Schools will remain closed under this order.
A local "shelter-in-place" order was issued to residents of Oak Park also at 12:01 a.m. Friday, according the Chicago Tribune. Residents are required to stay at home except "for essential travel as outlined by village ordinance".
With the lack of testing, treatment facilities and a reliable cure or vaccine on the horizon, the order is being issue to mandate Illinois residents to stay in their homes to help suppress the spread of the coronavirus across Illinois and prevent medical facilities from being overloaded.
The length of the state's soft lockdown is unclear at this time, but two weeks with the possibility of consecutive resets until the infection rate subsides substantially seems to be the likely starting point.
Medical experts point out that the US infection rate is roughly following the same pattern as in Italy ten days ago. France and Spain are two to five days ahead of the North America. In two weeks, doctors and researchers will know if Illinois social distancing measures will save countless lives.
Italy has reported 41,038 cases with 3,405 deaths. Just over 4,000 who were tested have recovered at this point.
The confirmed cases in Illinois have risen rapidly over the past week because more tests are being processed. As of yesterday, there have been 3,151 test performed. Two people have recovered after testing positive. Meanwhile, 422 residents have been confirmed with the infection. So far, four Illinoisans have died from contracting the virus and the governor wants to act quickly to prevent additional loss of life.
Under the order, residents will still be able to shop for food at stores and food markets, get gas for vehicles, pick up medication at their pharmacy and even take walks. The effort is to curtail gatherings to prevent transmission from person to person. Schools will remain closed under this order.
A local "shelter-in-place" order was issued to residents of Oak Park also at 12:01 a.m. Friday, according the Chicago Tribune. Residents are required to stay at home except "for essential travel as outlined by village ordinance".
President Trump unveils new COVID-13 guidelines
Yesterday, President Donald Trump unveiled his Coronavirus Guidelines For America for the next 15 days during his White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing.
The two-page document included the routine hygienic recommendation of washing hands, sneezing into your elbow and avoiding touching one's face.
The guidelines include instructions such as avoid social gatherings of 10 or more people, avoid eating at restaurants and food courts as well as drinking in bar establishments, not to visit nursing facilities unless to provide critical assistance and to avoid discretionary travel.
The President's instructions also recommended utilizing delivery, pick-up and drive-thru options for fast food or dining. Many states like Illinois have already mandated that restaurants no longer serve dine-in clientele.
The President said his administration was doing "a very good job under the confines of what we are dealing with". He praised the way people working on suppressing the virus outbreak have come together to work hand-in-hand.
"It seems to me, if we do a really go job, we'll not only hold death down to a level much lower than the other way had we not done a good job," he said during the briefing while taking questions from reporters.
According to the COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard yesterday, there are 106 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 in Illinos. The are distributed throughout the state as follows: Cook 76; Lake 6; DuPage 5; Sangamon 4; Kane 3; McHenry 2; St. Clair 2; Winnebago 1; Peoria 1; Whiteside 1; Cumberland 1; Champaign 1; Clinton 1; Will 1; and Woodford with 1 case.
The second part of the document focus on America taking 15 days to the spread of the virus.
This page tells Americans to stay home if they feel sick and do not go to work. It also asks that if someone in your home test positive for the virus, that the entire household must stay home. No work, school or play and afflicted persons should contact a medical professional.
When asked how long Americans will have to endure the disruption in everyday life, President Trump responded that it was his favorite question and that he asked his team of experts that all the time.
"It seems to me, if we do a really go job, we'll not only hold death down to a level much lower than the other way had we not done a good job," he said. "People are talk about July, August (or) something like that. So it could be in that period of time."
He praised those who are taking common sense measures to avoid spreading the disease to the elderly and vulnerable population in the country.
"People are self-containing to a large extent," said. "We look forward to the day when we can get back to normal."
Village of St. Joseph office closed to the public until further notice
While there has been only one confirmed case of the Coronavirus in Champaign County, following the lead of government offices around the state, village officials have closed their physical office in St. Joseph to the public.
There was no indication on the village website when they might reopen at this time.
Residents can, however, still interact with the village and leaders by phone or email during normal business hours. Staff members will be available to answer phones, respond to email and process all payments as usual.
Sewer payments are asked to be made by using the night box on the left hand side of the building. While checks and money orders are the preferred methods as they leave a paper trail to verify receipt, cash payments will be accepted by the village and a receipt will be mailed as soon as possible.
For more information contact the village office by phone at (217) 469-7371. Questions or concerns can be emailed to office manager Julie Hendrickson at julie.quednau@stjosephillinois.org or Debbie Routh at debbie.routh@stjosephillinois.org.
Secretary of State offices are now closed until March 31
All Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facilities statewide are now closed as per recommendation by public health experts. Offices will not be open tomorrow and are expected to reopen on April 1.
Because of the closure, expiration dates for driver’s licenses, identification (ID) cards, vehicle registrations and other transactions as well as document filings will be extended by 30 days through an emergency rule.
In an attempt to utilize social distancing, Secretary of State Jesse White said in the release that his "...office will continue to monitor the COVID-19 crisis. Expert advice, news and events involving the virus will influence the reopening date of offices and the Driver Services facilities."
There are three confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in the Springfield area according to Sangamon County health officials. One patient is a 71-year-old woman who is in a intensive care unit, another is a Springfield Park Board member in self-isolation at home. On Sunday, another patient was revealed to be hospitalized in Springfield.
"After careful consideration, it is clear that this decision to close offices and Driver Services facilities is the right one to make for the health and safety of Illinoisans," said White on Monday. "This important action will help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus."
Across Illinois, the Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed 105 individuals out of 1,143 cases tested positive for the Coronavirus. According to the University of Virginia Survellience Dashboard, two patients have recovered from the infection. Illinois has recorded no deaths at this time, while Indiana just reported its first COVID-19 death.
White is reminding residents that many transactions with the Secretary of State’s office may be conducted online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
During the closure Illinois residents are encouraged to go online where they can obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card; renewing a vehicle registration;renewing a standard driver’s license with the Safe Driver Renewal program; and file Business Services documents.
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Rybak wins state track title, next stop Notre Dame
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks