pandemic

Federal funds will aid local pandemic response

Published by admin on Tue, 08/11/2020 - 4:32pm

The village of Coal City can access up to $230,000 in COVID-19 funding, and its neighbors who make up the 60416 zip code have access to an additional $117,000-plus in pandemic reimbursements.

Over $2 trillion was allocated by the federal government in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security [CARES] Act this past spring. The economic relief package provided direct assistance to Americans, dollars to keep businesses open and funding to help units of local government with unexpected costs.

As cases rise, Grundy reaches COVID warning level

Published by admin on Tue, 08/11/2020 - 4:29pm

Grundy County recorded 49 new cases of the novel coronavirus in a nine day period, and the rise in confirmed cases and those presenting with symptoms has led the state to place the county at warning level.

A county enters warning level when two or more COVID-19 risk indicators increase. The Grundy County Health Department announced on Aug. 7 the county had been placed on warning by the Illinois Department of Public Health [IDPH].

COVID-19 cases increase in Wilmington

Published by admin on Tue, 08/11/2020 - 3:15pm

There has been a rise in reported cases of the novel coronavirus in Wilmington.

Police Chief Phil Arnold reported the most recent numbers, shared with the department by the Will County Health Department, during the Aug. 4 meeting of the City Council.

Arnold said the total number of local cases within the city limit of Wilmington is 28, confirmed at 17 different locations.

The total number of total confirmed cases throughout the entire 60481 zip code now stands at 81 out of 2,215 tests administered, a 3.6% positivity rate.

Wilmington water plant worker tested for COVID

Published by admin on Tue, 08/11/2020 - 3:10pm

An employee with Wilmington’s water and sewer department had to be sent home recently, following direct contact with someone diagnosed with the novel coronavirus.

A family member of the public works employee, who asked not to be named, called the Free Press Advocate with concerns that the city wasn’t taking the pandemic seriously. According to the caller, the city did not move quickly on the incident or inform other employees that a worker at the plant was living with someone who tested positive for the virus.

Wilmington 209-U to head back to class

Published by admin on Tue, 07/14/2020 - 4:49pm

Wilmington School District 209-U is looking to have kids back in their desks when classes are set to resume next month.

During a special school board session held on July 7, Superintendent Dr. Matt Swick said that while not totally finalized, the district is narrowing down its re-entry plan for the 2020-21 school year.

For now, the plan is a 100% return to the classroom, five days a week. The district will also offer a version of remote learning for students who are not able to attend in person due to medical reasons.

Back to school? Masks required in Wilmington and across the state

Published by admin on Tue, 07/14/2020 - 4:47pm

Face coverings will become the new normal when students return to the classroom in Illinois public schools this fall.

The Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) transition guide for the return to in-person learning includes a mandate for the appropriate use of personal protective equipment, which includes face coverings.

On July 7, the members of the Wilmington 209-U Board of Education approved two polices for the upcoming school year, one to require face coverings for staff, and a second to make the same requirement for all students.

Coronavirus cases remain low in Wilmington

Published by admin on Tue, 07/07/2020 - 4:13pm

The novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is surging again in parts of the country, with cases on the rise in California, Texas, Florida, and other southern states prompting governors to re-issue “safer at home” orders.

But, Illinois has so far seen a slow but steady reduction in cases and deaths due to the virus.

On Tuesday, the state reported 587 new cases of COVID-19, and 37 new deaths.

Wilmington High School grads earn diplomas with a distance

Published by admin on Tue, 06/30/2020 - 1:56pm

Closure finally came Saturday for 89 Wilmington High School seniors awarded diplomas during a delayed graduation ceremony.

“Seniors: You've made it! exclaimed WHS Principal Scott Maupin to graduates seated 6-feet apart on the football field. “...It has been an unprecedented year to say the least. Who would have ever thought that you would finish your high school career with a pandemic, remote learning, and the loss of many memories during your second semester of your senior year at WHS?”

Wilmington Park District back in action

Published by admin on Tue, 06/30/2020 - 1:51pm

The state of Illinois entered Phase 4 of Gov. JB Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan last week, as communities work to recover from closures due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

As part of those reopening plans, the Wilmington Island Park District has welcomed members back to their gymnasium facility, with changes in place to keep the exercising community protected.

Local entertainment ready to return to Wilmington

Published by admin on Tue, 06/23/2020 - 2:41pm

Illinois is set to move into the next phase of Gov. JB Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan this week.

On Monday, Pritzker released guidelines for the safe reopening of businesses and industries as the state moves to phase four of the five-tiered plan on Friday, June 26.

Included on the list of businesses allowed to reopen are movie theaters and bowling alleys, which will be allowed to open at a capacity of 50% or 50 patrons, whichever is lower.