By Jeff Lampe A group of central Illinois politicians said Wednesday they will pursue a new plan to reopen 11 nearby counties, including Stark County, under current COVID-19 restrictions enacted by Gov. JB Pritzker. Announcing the plan during an online press conference were Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis, Peoria County Board Chairman Andrew Rand and Peoria City-County Health Department Administrator Monica Hendrickson. Mayors from 10 other communities also participated. Two key elements of the Heart of Illinois (HOI) Sub-Region plan are reducing the geographic scope for reopening and speeding up the process. Counties involved are Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Fulton, Marshall, Stark,…

By John A. Ballentine TOULON – Based on fiscal and political realities, Stark County has no plan to break stride with Gov. JB Pritzker’s stay-at-home edicts to reopen businesses. “I think I can say that all seven people who were in attendance (for Monday’s Stark County Board of Supervisors virtual meeting) are for opening up the businesses in the county,” said Chairman Al Curry, “But the No. 1 responsibility of the county board is fiscal management of county funds. When we are so dependent on FEMA funding grants that go to the Illinois EMA to be dispersed, I don’t think…

Garden shop sales are booming By Jeff Lampe David Christie was unsure what to expect when he opened his Yates City Greenhouse this spring, given the ongoing impacts of COVID-19. He was pretty sure one aspect of his business would be the same, though. “One of the nicest things about being in this business is that when people come to buy flowers, they’re generally in a good mood,” Christie said. “It’s kind of a good thing to sell.” This year, with restrictions keeping many businesses closed and many people at home, it has been a very good thing to sell…

Traffic citations & Ordinance violations 4-19-20 – Brandi Q. Klughart – Driving 21-25 mph above limit. 4-22-20 – Samuel J. Stoops – Driving 21-25 mph above limit. 4-22-20 – Francenia A. Nostrand – Driving 21-25 mph above limit. 4-23-20 – Jared L. Compton – Operating an uninsured vehicle. 4-23-20 – Jared L. Compton – Driving 11-14 mph above limit. 4-23-20 – Jared L. Compton – Driving on a suspended license. 4-23-20 – Jared L. Compton – Unlawful possession of cannabis. 4-23-20 – Jared L. Compton – Carry /display license/permit. 4-23-20 – Jared L. Compton -Display plate attachment. 4-23-20 – Jennifer…

Traffic citations & Ordinance violations 4-15-20 – Francisco J. Astudillo III – Speeding 35+ mph over the limit. 4-16-20 – Patrick J. Crowley – Driving 15-20 mph over the limit. 4-18-20 – Justin A. Mannon – Driving 21-25 mph over the limit. 4-18-20 – Ian J. Aber – Driving 21-25 mph over the limit. 4-18-20 – Nicole C. Wrhel – Driving 15-20 mph above the limit. 4-17-20 – Joseph F. Hardin – Driving 15-20 mph over the limit. 4-17-20 – Areale T. Taylor – Driving 21-25 mph above the limit. 4-21-20 – Jacqueline Y. Russell – Driving 15-20 mph above…

Traffic citations & Ordinance violations Not available. Incidents & Accidents Stark County Report 4-10-20 – Alex J. Schierer, 22, Princeville, was ticketed for disobeying a stop sign. 4-14-20 – Joseph W. Tate, 25, Champaign, was cited for driving while his license was suspended. 4-15-20 – Alyssa J. Thrasher, 21, Downs, was ticketed for possession of adult use of cannabis in a vehicle and for speeding 86 mph in a 55 zone. 4-15-20 – Todd A. Kelly, Jr., 36, Bloomington, was cited for illegal transportation of alcohol by a passenger. He was issued a notice to appear. 4-16-20 – Amber N….

Rambling through central Illinois, pondering critter genetics. At first, the stay-at-home edict didn’t bother me much. Having been deemed “essential” was a rare vote of confidence and meant we could put out our papers. And since riding a tractor to mow and move dirt fits social distancing guidelines, there was plenty to do once the paying job was over. But more and more often lately, I’ve noted things that are missing. … The fellowship of Sunday mass, even trading jabs with Bob Curran (don’t tell him). … Buying pie from somewhere other than a grocery store (store pie is never…

Traffic citations & Ordinance violations Not available. Incidents & Accidents Stark County Report 4-8-20 – Gabriela V. Perez, 18, Kewanee, was cited for speeding 105 mph in a 55 zone, driving without a valid driver’s license, and driving on an expired registration. 4-8-20 – Brandy K. Engles, 40, Galva, was cited for speeding 48 mph in a 25 mph zone, driving without insurance and driving on an expired registration. 4-8-20 – Gary D. Picklesimer, 53, Kewanee, was cited for speeding 77 mph in a 55 zone. 4-8-20 – Triston A. Dorsey, 21, Washington, was cited for speeding 88 mph in…

NOTE: Charges are merely an accusation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Police reports ELMWOOD – Amanda M. Coulter, 36, of Elmwood was arrested on April 6. ELMWOOD – An unknown person drove off without paying for gas at the Elmwood Casey’s General Store on April 9, according to an Elmwood police report. The gas that was unpaid for amounted to $18.

By BILL KNIGHTFor The Weekly Post Despite substantial increases in early voting and mail-in ballot requests, the turnout for the March 17 primary election was bad – probably due to voters’ reluctance to venture out during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unofficial numbers indicate that turnout will be worse than 2012’s primary, when 23.2 percent of registered voters cast ballots. That year – with President Obama running unopposed and Republicans choosing between Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich – has the lowest turnout in more than 50 years. Matt Dietrich, public information officer with the Illinois State Board of…