Andy Jackson Marketing Coordinator

Today on WKEI we spoke with Political Science Professor and Fox News Radio contributor Professor Alan Saxe. Professor Saxe gave us a closer look at the state of the Presidential race. Where do Biden and Trump stand 200 days until election day. With COVID-19 at the front of the headlines, the election has taken a backseat. How are each of the political parties handling the crisis? Professor Alan Saxe believes that President Trump holds the advantage. Hear about why in our Tuned In Interview.

In today's COVID-19 Daily Briefing with the Henry and Stark County Health Department we talk about the latest numbers. Thursday was the deadliest day thus far in Illinois. 125 people died from COVID-19. More than 1100 more people statewide were confirmed to have the virus. That said, we also talked about good news including a very generous donation. Springfield Armory in Geneseo converted their facility to produce face shields. Those shields have been donated to the Henry County OEM. The Office of Emergency Management will distribute the shields to first responders and hospitals. Thank you Springfield Armory for being one our Public Health Heroes.

Princeton Mayor Joel Quiram is updating residents on the effort to combat COVID-19.
He says while we're never going to have total compliance with the stay at home order and social distancing, he believes city residents are doing a better job with it. The mayor says he stays at home about 90 percent of the time except for quick trips to city hall and walks in the neighborhood.
Mayor Quiram says more people are wearing face masks than even just a week ago. He says wearing a mask is not a huge hindrance and he estimates he wears a mask around 80 percent of the time he's out.
He also says he's noticed less traffic on Main Street, a sign that more people are obeying Governor Pritzker's stay at home order. Quiram says he believes it's likely the governor will extend the order through the end of May.
There have been seven confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bureau County. The mayor says recoveries have been made by several of the early cases.
Mayor Quiram says city services are functioning smoothly despite adjustments made to comply with social distancing. The last city council meeting was the first in the history of Princeton that was done electronically, with the mayor, council members and general public all joining the meeting online. This coming Monday's city council meeting will be online as well.
The mayor commented on the passing from lymphoma of Princeton Police Department K-9 Renda, calling it the loss of an officer and a well-loved family pet.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Henry and Stark County stayed the same on Wednesday, 25 in Henry and 1 in Stark. Statewide the numbers are continuing to rise with nearly 1000 people who have died from COVID-19. In today's daily briefing on COVID-19 with the Henry and Stark County Health Department we discussed responsible shopping ahead of tonight's snow storm. The conversation then turned to enforcement and who is responsible for enforcing rules related to Shelter at Home.

The Kewanee Area United Way will hold another emergency supply drive thru on Saturday. Call the Salvation Army on Friday between 10 Am and 2 Pm and let them know you are in need of emergency cleaning or hygiene supplies. If you call you will be assigned a number for your pick up on Saturday. Pick up is at the loading dock behind Hill Church in Kewanee on Saturday between 1 Pm and 2:30 Pm. If you would like to support the Kewanee Area United Way you can visit KAUW.org to make a donation.

Health care professionals from Eagle View Health Care in Oquawka called "AM Macomb with Bill Schmalfeldt" on April 16, 2020 to discuss COVID-19 prevention and testing.

Like many non-profit organizations, Braveheart Children's Advocacy Center is weathering the storm of COVID-19. With lack of funds and limited services, the challenges are large but Brveheart and what they do for abused children does not stop. Erica Rodefer joined WKEI to talk about the ways in which B raveheart Children's Advocacy Center have adjusted to the new paradigm. We discussed how kids in their care are coping with the Shelter at Home Order. And, we discussed the ways that people can help Braveheart continue to be there for children of abuse.

Shane Brown, Vice President Physician Services

Ada Bair, CEO of Memorial Hospital in Carthage, IL, chats with Bill Schmalfeldt on WLMD's "AM Macomb" program regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.