Flood warnings continue for the Little Wabash River at Clay City and Carmi, where the river is above flood stage at both locations. The Little Wabash River at Carmi is forecast to crest this Thursday at 31.1 feet, more than four feet above the 27-foot flood stage. The latest weather forecast indicates rain chances continuing in the area the next few days, with some drier and cooler weather expected around the middle of the week.
A boil order has been issued in Fairfield for residents living on the south side of York Drive, as well as Lakeview Drive, Shoreway Drive and Florence to 7th Street. Residents in these areas should boil any water to be used for human consumption, until further notice.
The latest numbers from the Illinois Department of Public Health as of this morning indicates a total of 3,594,615 cases of the coronavirus recorded in the state, and 34,416 total deaths. According to the IDPH, Wayne and surrounding counties are considered in the “Medim Community Level” for COVID-19, with Wabash and Marion counties in the “High Community Level”. Reports from the area indicated Wayne County had 71 new cases of the virus in the past week and two hospitalizations, while Marion County had 102 new cases and six hospitalizations. Clay County had 63 cases and one hospitalization, and Jefferson County had 118 cases and two hospitalizations. At the “High Community Level”, the IDPH recommends the use of masks indoors for all people regardless of vaccination status.
Illinois’ first case of monkeypox linked to a daycare was reported Friday in Rantoul. The Associated Press said a central Illinois day care worker developed monkeypox but as of Friday it had not spread to others at the center. The worker was in isolation and doing well, officials said. Screening of children, other workers and their close contacts was underway. The monkeypox virus spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact.
The Blue Point Free Will Baptist Church will be hosting a blood drive this Tuesday from 1 to 6 p.m. in The Link – Gymnasium, located on the east side of the church. To make an appointment online visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter code BLUEPOINT Questions can be directed to Connie McGrew at (618) 839-1981 or Pastor Ernie Lewis at (618) 838-6708.
Area river stages as of this morning: Little Wabash River east of Fairfield is at 28.61 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet. At Clay City the stage is 22.13 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet. At Carmi the stage is 29.24 feet. Flood stage is 27 feet. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City is at 9.04 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is at 7.4 feet. Flood stage is 19 feet.