COVID-19 is causing widespread event cancellations and closings across Illinois. Here is a look at local events, organizations and buildings impacted.
Banks urge drive-up – Local banks are urging patrons to use drivethrough
services.
Princeville State Bank has suspended walk-in services in its bank lobbies.
New account staff and loan officers will be taking appointments at (309) 385-4375.
Farmers State Bank in Elmwood encourages use of its drive-up window, but as of Tuesday afternoon its lobby remained open.
Court cases postponed – Some cases are being postponed starting today, March 19, in Illinois’ Tenth Judicial Circuit for Peoria, Tazewell, Marshall, Putnam and Stark counties.
Still to be heard are plea agreements in any felony or misdemeanor cases, orders of protection, emergency hearings and cases of juvenile abuse/neglect and delinquency.
Ameren suspends disconnections– Ameren Illinois is suspending service
disconnections and will forgive late-payment fees through at least May 1.
Libraries closing – Brimfield Public Library is closed until March 31. Library staff reminds people that there are several different apps that Brimfield PLD offers that allow patrons to read, listen to music, listen to audio books, watch movies, and watch TV shows. Learn more at the e-resources page at www.brimfieldlibrary.org/ebooks.
Morrison & Mary Wiley Library in Elmwood is closed from March 18-31.
The library will stop charging overdue fees and is extending all checked out materials until April
Wi-Fi is still available outside the library building.
Elmwood City Hall closing – Elmwood City Hall closed its doors effective
March 18, 2020 until further notice. A drop-off slot is available for payments to be made. The City Clerk and Economic Developer & Building and Zoning Administrator will be on hand to answer phones.
The website is also always available for any questions or comments. www.elmwoodil.com.
The Elmwood City Council’s meeting on Tuesday, March 17, was cancelled.
All items on the agenda will be addressed at the April 7 meeting.
Theaters closing – Elmwood’s Palace Theatre and the Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg are closed until further notice.
All DNR sites closed – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources
(IDNR) on Sunday announced the closure of all state parks, fish and wildlife areas, recreational areas, and historic sites as well as the cancellation of upcoming scheduled events.
All Illinoisans impacted by a cancellation or closure are encouraged to call the IDNR’s Parks Administrative Information Line Monday – Friday at (217) 782-6752.
Peoria County Health Department – The building at 2116 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria, will be closed until April 1, 2020, at which point closure will be reassessed.
Illinois Deer Classic – The Illinois Deer Classic scheduled March 27- 29 at the Peoria Civic Center was called off due to Gov. Pritzker’s edict. Show promoter John Bunge said he has dates reserved for March 26-28, 2021, to start over again.
U.S. Army Corps sites – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
St. Louis District will close all visitor centers, museums, beaches and
project offices to the public beginning tomorrow while day use areas
and boat ramps will remain open and available.
This includes Lake Shelbyville, Rend Lake and Carlyle Lake. Further, camping reservations scheduled between 20 March and 3 April are cancelled. Refunds will be provided through Recreation One-Stop (1-877-444-6777 or recreation. gov).
Local banks assist with social distancing
In an effort to follow the suggested protocol for social distancing as much as possible, local community financial institutions are re-directing customers whenever possible to use drive-up facilities, ATMs, night deposits, 24/7 access to Mobile and On Line Banking Services, where you can check balances, transfer funds, and deposit checks remotely.
Cooperating financial institutions include State Bank of Toulon, Peoples National Bank, Community State Bank and Union Federal Savings.
Debit cards will function and, as always, if an instance arises where you need assistance, please call the customer service departments at each institution.
Institution hours will remain the same. Lobby access will be available by appointment for loan and deposit needs or accessing safety deposit boxes. The banks say this is being done for the protection of both employees and customers.
IFDA recommends CDC guidelines
The Peoria County Coroner’s Office, Tazewell County Coroner’s Office, Stark County Coroner’s Office, Fulton County Coroner’s Office, Warren County Coroner’s Office, Rock Island County Coroner’s Office, the Illinois Funeral Directors Association (IFDA) and representatives from OSF Saint Francis Medical Center met Tuesday to solidify fatality plan in regards to any potential deceased that may result from COVID-19.
The coroners and IFDA Board of Directors recommends following the CDC guidelines on gatherings, and this includes those directly related to any funerals, visitations, or graveside services.
All gatherings of 10 or more should be canceled, and/or only conducted with a limit of 10 or less people.
Viewings will only be conducted on bodies that have been embalmed and will only be permitted with 10 or fewer people. Graveside services should be private and conducted with 10 or less people.
Health Department offices to stay open
The Henry and Stark County Health Department announces that our offices and clinics located in Kewanee, 4424 US Hwy 34, Kewanee and in Colona, 103 W. 1st St., Colona will remain open.
The Health Department however will be limiting appointment needs at this time to strictly acute ill visits.
Duane Stevens, Public Health Administrator with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments states, “Of course, our staff will be following stringent infection control protocols for the present COVID-19 situation.”
For more information call the Kewanee Clinic (309)852-5272 or the Colona Clinic (309)792-4011 find them on Facebook or visit www. henrystarkhealth.com.
MSW Projects alters some meal programs
While activities at its nutrition sites are canceled, MSW Projects will still provide a place to pick up a meal to take home. This is a temporary restriction mandated by the Illinois Department of Aging.
Lunches are available Monday-Friday for pick up at 11:30 a.m. at the Toulon Nutrition Site with a reservation required the day before. Call (309) 286-6861.
Lunches are available Monday-Friday for pick up at noon at the Wyoming Nutrition Site with a reservation. Call (309) 238-2290.
This is for Congregate lunch participants only. If you are unable to pick up your lunch, another individual may pick it up for you.
Home-delivered meals will continue with no restrictions at this time.
MSW’s public transportation program is continuing to operate as normal.
Vehicles used for public transportation are disinfected on a daily basis.
Tri-County Opportunities suspends some services
Tri-County Opportunities Council is suspending all in-person services through March 31. Please call 1-800-323-5434 for further guidance and support. Applications for assistance will be taken over the phone.
