This year’s flu season was expected to be bad. So far, it is living up to the hype. In its most recent flu report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the number of people infected with the flu and pneumonia was near an epidemic threshold. Twenty-two states, including Illinois, report a high number of flu cases. A total of 15 children have died – four of them the week before Christmas.
Two people drowned at Rend Lake Monday. 63-year-old Terry Calvert of New Baden had taken his two Grandchildren from Collinsville fishing on Rend Lake when Calvert’s 13-year-old grandson fell overboard. Mr. Calvert drowned while trying to rescue his grandson.
Fairfield City Police are seeking information about a weekend vandalism spree in the north end of town. Vandals slashed several vehicle tires and punctured several inflatable Christmas lawn decorations. Most of the damage was noted on George, Epworth and North First Streets.
Illinois taxpayers will have a little more spending money in the New Year. With a temporary income-tax increase expiring Wednesday, a typical family of four with a total income of $50,000 will pay $930 less in state taxes next year.
A new law that takes effect January 1 allows motorists cited with petty traffic violations to plead guilty and pay their fines without having to show up in court. Earlier this year, Gov. Pat Quinn signed a law that ends the practice of having to post a driver’s license in Illinois as security for certain traffic citations.
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