Latest news with #MakersMadness'
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
IDPH offering new measles simulator amid national outbreaks
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — As measles cases continue to rise across the country, the Illinois Department of Public Health is providing a new way for in-state residents to be prepared for potential local outbreaks. The IDPH has introduced a new Measles Outbreak Simulator Dashboard to make it easier for school officials and other members of the public to look up measles vaccination rates for any school across the state. This dashboard also allows people to determine the risk of a child being exposed to measles if a case is brought into a specific school. Illinois legislature aims to regulate cryptocurrency companies Currently, cases of measles are being reported in over 20 jurisdictions across the country. However, Illinois has had zero reported cases of measles since the outbreak in Chicago in early 2024. There are also no active measles outbreak investigations within the state. Despite this, IDPH officials are still closely monitoring an outbreak in Texas and New Mexico that has resulted in over 530 confirmed cases, including three deaths, two of which were children. 'IDPH continues to work closely with our local public health and health care partners as we prepare for any potential measles cases in Illinois,' IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said. 'The Department is building on the lessons we learned from our successful measles response in 2024 by ensuring that our residents have access to meaningful information to guide their decision-making.' This new dashboard offerings predictions, projections and estimates for the size and spread of a potential measles outbreak in Illinois schools from Pre-K through 12th grade. It does this by using 2023-24 school vaccination and enrollment information and additional model parameters. The dashboard will be updated with the 2024-25 school year data as soon as it becomes available. Illinois Manufacturers' Association names 'Makers Madness' winner Additionally, school administrators and staff are urged to use this feature to help in their decisions on measles outbreak prevention and control in their schools. This simulator was inspired by the University of Texas, Austin, epiEngage Measles Outbreak Simulator. According to the IDPH, most Illinois residents received the measles vaccine during childhood, which provides 'strong, long-lasting protection.' This means that the risk of contracting the measles is very low for the vast majority of people. According to the CDC, one dose of measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine is 93% effective against measles and two doses are 97% effective in protection from measles. On the other hand, for people who aren't vaccinated, measles is more contagious than most other infections. Measles is also easily spread through the air when a person coughs or sneezes, and it can cause serious and long-term complications. These complications can include pneumonia and even swelling of the brain. The IDPH is emphasizing the importance of everyone being up to date on their immunizations. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination rates across the country have dropped. This increases the likelihood of more cases of vaccine-preventable diseases. 'Vaccination is the most effective tool we have to prevent the spread of measles and protect the health of our students,' State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders said. 'We are grateful to IDPH for equipping school leaders, parents, and the public with clear, actionable data to assess measles risk and plan proactively.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Illinois Manufacturers' Association names ‘Makers Madness' winner
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — After more than 250 initial entries, a winner has been crowned in the sixth annual 'Makers Madness' contest. The Aerial Firefighting Helicopter Refill Pump made by MTH Pumps in Plano has been named 'The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois' in the 2025 edition of the tournament. This pump was designed to reduce the refill time of helicopter-based water tanks from over a minute to as little as 30 seconds. Gov. Pritzker signs memorandum with the United Kingdom The product aims to increase the number of water drops that aerial firefighters can release onto a wildfire. This time advantage improves the chances of slowing and stopping fires from endangering lives, property and animal habitats. Recently, when the wildfires were causing havoc in California, MTH Pumps provided improved water access to the aerial firefighting teams with this product. The MTH Pumps team joined Governor JB Pritzker on stage to accept their award at a luncheon at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield on Wednesday. 'As the second smallest company to win the 'Makers Madness' contest, I'd like to dedicate this award to all the small manufacturers of Illinois who do their part to produce amongst the best, most creative products that the world has to offer,' said Tim Tremain, MTH Pumps President. The TCCI Electric Compressor made by TCCI Manufacturing in Decatur made it to the top 16 round, but would lose to the eventual champion. Over the course of this year's eight-week competition, almost 411,000 total votes were cast. To watch this year's full award ceremony, visit Pritzker's Facebook page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Illinois' ‘Makers Madness' contest narrows to final four
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — The voting for the 2025 Illinois 'Makers Madness' contest to name 'the coolest thing made in Illinois' has narrowed to its final four products. 'There's just one week left in the competition, so make sure to cast your vote before it's too late,' said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. 'This contest is about celebrating the incredible creativity, innovation and versatility of our state's manufacturers– attributes that are well represented in this year's Top 4. We wish the finalists the best of luck as we prepare to unveil the winner of the 2025 title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.' According to the state, the final four products are: Aerial Firefighting Helicopter Refill PumpsManufactured by MTH Pumps in Plano, the Aerial Firefighting Helicopter Refill Pump was designed to reduce the refill time of helicopter-based water tanks from over a minute to as little as 30 seconds, increasing the number of water drops that aerial firefighters can place on a wildfire. This time advantage improves the chances of slowing or stopping fires from endangering lives, property and habitats. When wildfires in California left a trail of destruction, MTH Pumps helped by providing rapid and reliable water access for aerial firefighting teams. Joint Combined Aircrew Systems Tester (JCAST) Manufactured by Chemring Energetic Devices in Downers Grove, the Joint Combined Aircrew System Tester (JCAST) is a stand-alone, benchtop tester capable of evaluating flight equipment for many aircrew flight systems. It provides mission critical data and simple go/no-go information for complete system verification. JCAST is used to assess the critical safety of flight for Aircrew Flight Equipment components used in conjunction with military flying operations. Donor MilkCollected, pasteurized, packaged and distributed by Mother's Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes in Elk Grove Village, Donor Milk is a life-saving product provided to premature and critically ill babies to save young lives and improve pediatric health. Donor milk is essential for some babies with complex medical needs and required in situations where there is low milk or delayed supply by mothers, parental absence or separation and in cases of adoption and surrogacy. ROV Skimmer – Remote Operated Oil SkimmerManufactured by Elastec in Carmi, the ROV Skimmer is a remotely controlled device designed to provide an effective method of oil recovery in aquatic spills and a variety of other pollution situations. It can be maneuvered into spaces where it would be difficult to deploy a traditional fixed oil skimmer, making the ROV Skimmer an effective tool for pollution control, environmental protection and safety. You can cast your until 11:59 p.m. on April 6th. More than 250 products were nominated this year. Last year's winner was the , built in Peoria. Previous winners included the , made by Ingersoll Machine Tools in Rockford, and the , made by Rivian in Normal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Macon County Environmental Management hosts open house
MACON COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — The Macon County Environmental Management held an open house at its new Decatur facility on Tuesday. Decatur product makes top 16 of 'Makers Madness' contest The community was able to explore the new building from 4-6 p.m. It's located at 151 W Wood Street. The Macon County Environmental Management's space is at the south end of the building. Community members met the staff and learned about what they do. Refreshments and some free items were provided and residents were able to register to win a rain barrel. During the open house, no items were accepted for recycling. For more details about the new facility, visit the Macon County Environmental Management website or call their office at 217-425-4505. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
14-03-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin News Digest: East Dundee VB approves new gateway, wayfinding signs; Kane Animal Control holding vaccine, microchip clinics
East Dundee VB approves new gateway, wayfinding signs The East Dundee Village Board has approved new gateway and downtown wayfinding signs designed by Gary R. Webber Associates, and next will seek proposals to have them built and installed, according to the village newsletter. Money for the multiyear project is coming from the Dundee Crossing Business Development District, with work expected to begin in the 2025 fiscal year. The board has earmarked $100,000 from its capital projects budget to start the work. The best locations for the signs, which are meant to help visitors get around town and highlight East Dundee's unique and historic identity, are still under consideration, the newsletter said. For more information, go to Kane Animal Control holding vaccine, microchip clinics Kane County Animal Control has spring and summer dates open for its low-cost drive-thru rabies vaccine and microchip clinics. Clinics will be held at the Kane County Animal Control Facility, 4060 Keslinger Road, Geneva, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26; 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 14; and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14. A one-year rabies vaccine with tag costs $30 for neutered animals and $55 for non-neutered pets, a news release said. For county residents 65 or older, vaccines are $15 for neutered animals and $25 for non-neutered. Microchipping is $15. Owners must verify their pets have not bitten anyone in the past 10 days. An adult over age 18 must be present to handle their pet. If a pet requires a muzzle, it must be placed on the animal before entering the clinic, the release said. For more information, go to call 630-232-3555 or email animalcontrol@ Elgin-area products competing in Makers Madness contest Products from four Elgin area businesses are among the 250 nominated for 'coolest thing made in Illinois' in the Illinois Manufacturers' Association's sixth annual 'Makers Madness' contest. Weekly voting take places at to determine which companies move on in the March Madness-style elimination process, a news release said. The field will eventually narrow to determine the winner, which will be honored in a ceremony April 9 at the governor's mansion in Springfield. The Elgin-area nominees are: Weiler Engineering in Elgin for its blow/fill/seal machines and molds used to produce filled containers, like vials to bottles. USACH Technologies Inc. in Elgin for the BoulePro 200AX, a machine that plays a role in the computer chip making process. OTTO Engineer in Carpentersville for Enhanced Spatial Positioning Push-to-Talk technology that allows walkie talkie operators to clearly hear various audio sources. Hoffer Plastics in South Elgin for its P-15 cap, which is used by Big Easy Blends on its pouches for slushie and smoothies. Kane sheriff's, health departments offering free CPR classes The Kane County Sheriff's Office and Health Department will offer free CPR training for the public at the Kane County Sheriff's Office, 37W755 Route 38, St. Charles. Sessions are scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 21, and Monday, March 24, according to a webpage for the program. The classes follow the American Heart Association's HeartSaver CPR course and are designed for educational purposes, a news release said. They do not include certification. To register, go to Early bird registration for Skeleton Trot 5K 2025 now open Registration is underway for the second 5K El Trote De Las Calacas (Skeleton Trot) Race and Walk, scheduled for 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. The event raises money for the School District U-46 and the Gail Borden Public Library District foundations. The inaugural run in 2024 drew about 1,000 participants, according to a news release. Early registration is $35 per person, with team pricing and youth discounts available.
