Month: December 2020

Viola getting rid of some blight. Several dilapidated buildings along Illinois Route 17 are being demolished. Work started this week says Mayor Kirk Doonan.   McMeekan Excavating is doing the demolition work.

The Mercer County Health Department on Thursday reported another 38 confirmed cases of COVID-19. This brings the county’s total to 790 cases since reporting began. The latest cases include: 3 males in their 70s 3 [FULL STORY]

A local farmer bringing more attention to food insecurity issues in the area. Chad Bell of Viola wants to raise $5,000 by Friday with the proceeds going to the River Bend Foodbank. He calls his [FULL STORY]

No Aledo Holly Days this year, but Aledo Main Street still promoting holiday spirit.   Aledo Main Street Executive Director Dana Murphy says the decision to cancel Holly Days was made early last month due [FULL STORY]

The second and final weekend of firearm deer hunting begins Thursday morning in Illinois. The harvest was down a bit statewide during the first weekend, but on the plus side, hunters stayed safe says Illinois [FULL STORY]

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity reminding local businesses and governments struggling during the pandemic that grant money is still available. First there is the $270-million business interruption grant or “BIG” program, which [FULL STORY]

The Mercer County Health Department (MCHD) on Tuesday announced two additional COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the county’s total to twelve. The deaths included a woman in her 90’s and a man in his 70’s.