Connect with us

Breaking News

Maple Street Clinic administers over 300 COVID-19 tests in first week, less than 5 percent test positive

Published

on

The Maple Street Clinic in Gillespie continues to serve as a designated State of Illinois COVID-19 testing site and according to a press release made available on Tuesday morning, the clinic tested over 300 people in the first week with only nine new cases confirmed for Macoupin County.  

Individuals interested in testing must call 217-313-5078 to complete a screening. The criteria for testing was expanded again this week, according to Clinic Director Christy Blank, by allowing tests on individuals with a compromised immune system or a serious chronic medical condition before exhibiting symptoms.

When a person calls the hotline number to obtain a COVID -19 test, the team will verify criteria has been met and then they collect the required information to complete a specimen requisition form and assign an appointment time. 

The test consists of a nasal pharyngeal swab. Samples will be sent to the Illinois State Laboratory for testing. Turn around for results varies based on the volume the State Lab is experiencing. All persons tested will be notified of results by the Macoupin County Public Health Department.

In addition, the public is reminded that the “Shelter in Place” mandate is being extended until May 30 for all Illinois residents. Beginning May 1, all residents will be required to wear a mask when it is necessary to be in public.

A Macoupin County COVID-19 hotline is available at 217-313-5078.  To see up-to-date statistics about COVID-19 cases in Macoupin County, visit and like Macoupin County Public Health Department’s Facebook page or for state-wide statistics visit https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19.

Advertisement
Share this story

Comments

comments

Breaking News

Thunderstorms, winds, snow, freezing rain coming to BenGil area

Published

on

Another major winter storm is forecasted to blanket the BenGil area in heavy rains, flooding and snowfall starting Wednesday night through Thursday.

The mixture of precipitation and rapidly changing weather likely will produce the potential for sudden icing on roads, with high winds leading to blowing snow and reduced visibility.

“The Illinois Department of Transportation’s snow-and-ice teams will be prepared and out in force, but the public needs to be ready for conditions to change quickly and worsen if they are out on the roads,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “As always during periods of extreme weather, the safest option is to postpone any unnecessary trips and stay home. If you must travel, prepare for very slow and potentially hazardous conditions. And please slow down around our plows and other emergency vehicles, giving them plenty of room to do their jobs.”

The National Weather Service is predicting a wintry mix of precipitation to start with thunderstorms and heavy rain in much of the state this evening, converting to freezing rain overnight before turning to snow Thursday morning. In addition to localized flooding, ice and sleet accumulations are likely, creating extremely slippery surfaces and slick conditions.

Due to the rainy conditions ahead of temperatures falling overnight, the effectiveness of pretreating and salting surfaces in advance of significant snowfall will be limited. The public should anticipate icy conditions even when roads appear clear and greatly reduce speeds. 

“As the Illinois State Police plans to take on the unpredictable Illinois weather, we would like to remind motorists to do their part in keeping the roads a safe place,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly.  “ISP, alongside IDOT and other agencies, will be working in hazardous weather conditions. Please remember to slow down, stay vigilant and move over for ANY vehicle on the side of the road.”

Statewide, IDOT has available more than 1,800 trucks and equipment to plow, treat roads and respond to weather emergencies. If you encounter a plow or any maintenance vehicle during your travels, please slow down, increase your following distance and remain patient. Do not attempt to pass – conditions in front of the plow will be worse than behind it.

Advertisement
Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Breaking News

Police investigating death of Bunker Hill woman

Published

on

Police are investigating the death of a Bunker Hill woman who was found dead at the end of her driveway near the roadway on Monday morning, January 31.

Nancy Blycker, 91, had multiple injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. The Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call to the 2900 block of Wood Hill Lane around 7:40 a.m. on Monday.

The initial suspicion was homicide, according to a release by the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis who said approximately 20 investigators were working the investigation, but the autopsy contradicted that suspicion.

The Major Case Squad said on Tuesday it is “highly unlikely” Blycker’s death was the “result of homicidal means.”

The Major Case Squad turned the case back over to the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department. The official cause of death is pending further lab analysis.

Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Breaking News

Winter storm warning issued for BenGil area

Published

on

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the BenGil area, southwestern Illinois, and the St. Louis area.

The warning was issued early Tuesday taking effect at midnight tonight until noon on Thursday, February 3 calling for a “wet, heavy” snow. The forecast also calls for ice prompting a warning about possible power outages.

“All indications continue to point to a disruptive, impactful, and dangerous winter storm impacting the region starting late tonight and lasting through Thursday night,” the National Weather Service said in its Area Forecast Discussion.

The BenGil area is expected to receive heavy mixed precipitation including snow accumulations between 6 and 10 inches, sleet accumulations around three-quarters of an inch, and ice accumulations around two-tenths of an inch. Wind gusts will be as high as 35 mph on Thursday.

The storm is expected to start with rain most of the day today before transitioning into a mixture of freezing rain and/or sleet Tuesday night, then all snow Wednesday morning or as late as Wednesday afternoon continuing until about noon on Thursday.

Share this story

Comments

comments

Continue Reading

Trending

×

We need your support. If you value having timely, accurate news about your community, please become one of our subscribers. Subscribe