Volume 143 No. 36
Friday, August 11, 2017
Single Copy Cost 50¢
First 2017 appearance of West Nile More positive tests likely By Dave Cook
news@tonicanews.com
TONICA — The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported it’s first positive test of the year for the West Nile Virus (WNV) in LaSalle County. A mosquito collected on July 24 tested positive for the virus which made its first national appearance in New York in 1999. In the 18 years since, West Nile has rapidly expanded its territory. According to the IDPH website, the virus was first identified in Illinois in 2001 after its presence was detected in
two dead crows found in the Chicago area. The following year, the state’s first human cases, which included deaths, were recorded. Also in that year, 100 of the state’s 102 counties reported a positive human, bird, mosquito or horse test. By the end of 2002, Illinois had 884 human cases and 67 deaths, more than any other state. In 2016, the state’s first human case of West Nile virus was reported in early June. During that year, 61 counties reported a positive mosquito, bird or human case. Also during that year the IDPH reported 155 human cases with six deaths. However, since it’s believed human cases are under-reported, those numbers may be higher. “This is typically the time of year we start to see human cases of WNV in Illinois. Although the flooding
in northeastern Illinois may be producing a large number of floodwater mosquitoes, those mosquitoes do not carry WNV. However, the hot, dry conditions we’ve been seeing around the rest of Illinois, which leave small, stagnant pockets of standing water, create ideal breeding sites for the type of mosquito that does carry West Nile virus,” IDPH director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. said in a statement on the department’s website. Mild cases of the viral infections can cause headaches and low fever. Serious cases can include a quickly progressing and high fever combined with a headache, soreness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions and possibly
West Nile Page 2
Aloha, Wenona! By Dave Cook
news@tonicanews.com
Tonica News photo/Becky Kramer
Getting ready for the first school bell Tonica Grade School teacher Amy Mareta applies a fresh coat of paint to the slide at Tonica Grade School. Teachers, parents, part-time summer staff and more spent a day sprucing up the playground equipment — preparing it for the students’ first day of school next week. See a group photo on Page 2.
Staring at the sun Safety during the upcoming solar eclipse By Dave Cook
news@tonicanews.com
PRINCETON — What was once the source of superstition and panic is now giving reason to celebrate. While solar eclipses won’t harm unborn babies or cause food to turn poisonous, caution is needed to safely view the upcomVol. 143 No. 36 One Section - 8 Pages
ing celestial event. In preparation for the complete solar eclipse which will occur on Aug. 21, the Princeton Public Library (PPL) recently held “Darkness at Noon,” an informational program on Aug. 3. Hosted by local eclipse expert Geri Woodlief, patrons learned about the different types of
eclipses, how and why they occur, and how to safely experience them. “My main goal is to save people’s eyes. You don’t put a hole in a piece of cardboard and look at the sun. The sun is dangerous and will burn your eyes,” Woodlief said. Woodlief was instrumental getting the city of
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Princeton to help sponsor the purchase of the eclipse glasses which are now available at the library for $1 while supplies last. These glasses will provide a safe way for people to view the eclipse. A purchase of eclipse glasses will also come with an informational guide, and PPL will also be hosting an eclipse watching event on that day.
Woodlief has traveled around the world on scientific sea cruises to view the totality of three solar eclipses, one of which included time spent getting to know Neil Armstrong and author Isaac Asimov. She also shared what it is that keeps her fascinated in eclipses. “That the sun, being 93
Eclipse Page 3
WENONA — In the recent past, Wenona Days celebrations have taken residents to Las Vegas and New Orleans. This year, event-goers will see the city transformed into a Hawaiian paradise, as it holds its annual events with a tropical theme. While Wenona Days began on Aug. 9, the celebrations will continue through Aug. 13. Events on Friday, Aug. 11, will kick-off the weekend with a Battle of the Bars, Mr. C’s 5K Run, a beer tent, music, food and the carnival Saturday, Aug. 12, will see the continuing Battle of the Bars, barrel races, the Night Parade of Lights, fireworks, a golf outing, a bicycle poker run, a fishing derby, the motorcycle show, a craft and vendor show, food, the beer tent and a limbo contest. The final day in Wenona’s Hawaiian paradise will be Sunday, Aug. 13. This day will include a Bloody Mary bar, the grand parade, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, the beer tent, bingo, the Moore School open house, chicken dinners, a duck race, wine, a draw-down and the Wenona Daze of Thunder Car Show and Burnout Contest. The Wenona Chamber of Commerce would also like to thank their volunteers, city employees, businesses, organizations and the other event sponsors who help make Wenona Days possible. Questions: Visit www. wenonachamberofcommerce.org/wenona_days.
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