Iroquois County Illinois » Uncategorized

Disposal Sites Available for Unwanted or Outdated Medications

Webmaster — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:25:14 +0000

The Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department in coordination with several pharmacies in Ford and Iroquois counties is reminding the public to dispose of their unwanted and outdated medications at a disposal site. “It is part of an ongoing program known as “Phil the P.I.L.L.” (Protect Illinois Land and Lakes) and several of the pharmacies in Ford and Iroquois county participate,” said Nancy Reep, Senior Services Case Manager for the Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department. According to Reep, the collection program has been going on for quite some time now and she wanted to remind people of its availability and thank the pharmacies for their participation in the program. In fact, just this week, three 30 gallon drums of unwanted and/or outdated drugs are scheduled to be picked up and properly disposed of through the Phil the P.I.L.L program in Ford and Iroquois counties.

Reep said any of the drop off sites listed below will accept pills including prescription drugs, non prescription drugs and vitamins in pill or capsule form. Also, consumers can drop off salves and liquid medicines in original non leaking containers as well as pills in separate bags. Medications do not have to be labeled. However, it is recommended that each person remove the labels on their medicines prior to drop off as a precautionary measure to protect their identity and medical history. Medicines obtained for personal use from a clinic, doctor, nursing home or other means may be taken to a drop off site. Needles, sharps, IV bags, narcotics and thermometers will not be accepted at the drop off sites.

“It is such a great program,” said Reep. “We discourage people from flushing meds down the toilet or dumping them down the sink because traces of pharmaceuticals have been found in lakes, rivers, and drinking water across the U.S. and can pose a threat to our fish and wildlife.” Mrs. Reep said she hopes more people will take a look in their medicine cabinets and utilize the service to safely dispose of unwanted or expired drugs.

The following pharmacies are collection sites for the program:
· Hudson’s Pharmacy, Paxton
· The Medicine Shoppe, Gibson City
· Scott’s Pharmacy, Gibson City
· Doc’s Drugs, Gilman
· Kelly’s Pharmacy, Milford

For more information regarding the Phil the P.I.L.L. Program, contact Nancy Reep at the Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department Office in Paxton at 217-379-9281.

Contact: Julie Clark, PIO
618-288-1123
cell: 815-383-6236
jclark@fiphd.org.

Rabies Clinics

Webmaster — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:44:52 +0000

No Hauling Feb 25th thru March 5th

Joel Moore — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:05:13 +0000

Feb 25th through March 5th, 2011

Due to predicted warm weather and current saturation hauling will not be allowed Feb 25th through Mar 5th. If weather forecasts change this may be updated. Thank you for your cooperation.

Signed
Joel V Moore
Iroquois County Engineer
February 25th 2011

Sheriff’s Police Department Scholarship

Webmaster — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 21:07:18 +0000

Sheriff Derek Hagen announced today that the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police Department will award a $1,000 scholarship for the 2011-2012 academic year. The goal of this scholarship is to assist a worthy Iroquois County student pursuing a career in Criminal Justice. The applicant must attend a college or university in Illinois, be a permanent resident of Iroquois County, and be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student.

The Sheriff’s Police Department Scholarship is funded by the Annual Iroquois County Sheriff’s Golf Outing, which is sponsored jointly by the Sheriff’s Police and the County Business Community. Sheriff Hagen advises all interested students to secure applications and information from the Sheriff’s Office or use the online Sheriffs Police Scholarship Application form. Applicants should submit their completed application forms to Sheriff Derek Hagen, 550 S. Tenth Street P.O. Box 67 Watseka, Illinois 60970 before the deadline of April 1, 2010. The award recipient will be announced by May 1, 2011.

Health Department NOTICE of Closing

Webmaster — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 18:10:55 +0000

Due to the inclement weather, the Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, February 2, 2011. Further weather related closures will be sent to you dependent upon weather conditions. This information is for both the Paxton and Watseka offices. Thanks, Be safe and keep warm.

Iroquois County ESDA: Winter Weather Safety & Survival Tips ….

Carl Gerdovich — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:26:08 +0000

…Winter weather safety and survival tips…

The National Weather Service Chicago advises you to be prepared for the impending severe winter storm….completing all storm preparations by around noon today at the latest.

With winds gusting up to 45 mph and higher on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning…there will be a heightened chance of power outages. Other primary concerns are potential loss of heat…home telephone service and a shortage of supplies.

You should have available…
a flash light and extra batteries…
a battery power radio to receive emergency information…
extra food…water…medicine and baby items…
first aid supplies…
heating fuel and an emergency heating source…
a fire extinguisher and smoke detector.

It is highly recommended to stay indoors during the storm…but if you must go outside…wear layered clothing as well as gloves or mittens to prevent body heat loss and protect extremities from frostbite. Wind chill temperatures Tuesday night into early Wednesday are expected to fall below zero.

Travel is highly discouraged during the storm…but if you absolutely must travel…carry a winter travel survival kit…including…

Blankets or sleeping bags…
flashlight with extra batteries…
first aid kit…
extra food…water and clothing…
shovel and windshield brush and scraper…
tool kit…
Tow rope…
booster cables…
Compass and Road maps.

Fill your Gas Tank for emergency use and to avoid ice in The Tank and fuel lines. Avoid traveling alone and let someone know your travel plans. If you get stuck in your vehicle…do not try to walk to safety…and tie a colored cloth to the antenna for rescuers to see. Start the vehicle and use the heater for ten minutes every hour…keeping the exhaust pipe clear so fumes do not back up in the car.

After the storm departs on Wednesday afternoon…avoid driving until Road conditions have improved and stay tuned to local media for updates. When shoveling snow…take frequent breaks and avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling snow are a leading cause of death during the winter.

courtest: NWS, www.iqesda.com

Governor Quinn Ensures State Preparedness for Winter Storm

Carl Gerdovich — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 01:38:29 +0000

Governor Issues State Disaster Declaration Ahead of Storm

SPRINGFIELD – January 31, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that state agencies are working together to prepare for a large winter storm expected to hit the Midwest region starting today. Governor Quinn also issued a disaster declaration for the entire state in advance of the heavy snow, ice and blizzard conditions that are expected over the next few days.

“The entire Midwest region of the country is expected to be hit with a serious winter storm over the next few days, and it is important that we are prepared so that Illinois residents are safe and warm in the days ahead,” said Governor Quinn. “We will be increasing efforts to make sure that our roads are clear and that our most vulnerable residents are staying indoors and staying warm.”

Governor Quinn activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Springfield this afternoon to coordinate the state’s response to the storm. Representatives from more than a dozen state agencies will man the SEOC 24 hours a day throughout the storm.

“We’re working closely with local emergency management officials throughout the state to monitor conditions and be ready to provide whatever assistance they may need,” said Joe Klinger, interim director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). “But it’s also important that people prepare themselves for this storm by stocking their homes with food, water, flashlights, radios and other necessities.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois State Police are encouraging drivers to use extra caution on roads and will be increasing efforts to keep motorists safe as driving conditions across the state become hazardous. Motorists can check the condition of Interstates by calling 1-800-452-IDOT (4368); or by visiting www.gettingaroundillinois.com and clicking on “Winter Road Conditions.”

The Illinois Department of Aging (IDoA) is taking steps to ensure the safety of senior citizens throughout Illinois. The department has notified providers that they should check on older adults to make sure they have food, water and medication in the event that the storm causes power outages. The IDoA also alerted provider agencies that have generators to make sure that they have fuel on-hand to run them.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) will provide alternate sites for clients if their regular local office is inaccessible. The department also encourages Illinoisans to take advantage of more than 120 state facilities that serve as warming centers. For a list of participating centers, please visit www.keepwarm.illinois.gov.

For information on facility closures, people should call ahead to their local offices for a pre- recorded instructional message. Patient facilities will continue operations throughout the storm.

For additional information about winter storm preparedness measures and important updates throughout the storm, visit the Ready Illinois Web site at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

Related info: www.iqesda.com

Special Management Services Meeting

Webmaster — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:57:18 +0000

AGENDA

MANAGEMENT SERVICES

DATE: JANUARY 20, 2011 9:OO A.M.

CHAIRMAN: JIM MCCRAY

MEMBERS: WASMER, HILES, ZUMWALT, ANDERSON, ALT, HUBERT, STORM, WILKENING

OPEN SEALED BIDS FOR BOILERS

RECOMMENDATION

NEW BUSINESS

ADJOURN

Sample ballots and Election Results

Webmaster — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:46:47 +0000

Sample ballots for the November 2, 2010 Election are now available on this site here.
Election results will also be posted here as soon as they are made available by the County Clerk.

Cresent City Fireball Festival

Webmaster — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:42:20 +0000

The 40th anniversary of the Crescent City disaster recovery celebration will be held beginning Friday June 18th through Sunday June 20th. For a complete schedule of activities follow this link.