Latest news with #TouchaTruck
Chicago Tribune
4 days ago
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Spraying stepped up in Lake County to combat West Nile virus; ‘All … residents should take precautions to protect themselves'
A recent and significant increase in the number of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in areas of Lake County has prompted heightened spraying and other measures to keep the potential spread of the disease at a minimum. George Balis, the Midwest regional manager for Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management, said his company has significantly increased its spraying efforts in Waukegan, North Chicago, Gurnee, Zion, Beach Park and other communities. 'There has been a dramatic increase in the number of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus in the last three weeks,' Balis said. Clarke started overnight adult mosquito abatement spraying on Aug 4 in Waukegan and other nearby communities in an effort to significantly reduce the number of insects capable of causing the West Nile virus in people. Along with the citywide spraying, Waukegan Public Works Director Chris Garland said in an email that a special mosquito treatment was planned at the Waukegan Municipal Beach ahead of Friday's Touch a Truck event. 'Our main goal is to help keep the community safe and healthy, especially during peak mosquito season,' Garland said. 'With the recent stretch of hot weather and heavy rain, mosquito activity has increased — including species that can carry West Nile virus.' Emily Young, the Lake County Health Department's marketing and communications manager, said in an email on Wednesday that 56 batches out of 337 tested were positive for West Nile virus. One person in the county has become ill with the disease. The county does not disclose where the patient lives. So far this summer, three people have tested positive for the disease in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health's website. The other two are in DuPage County and downstate Wayne County. Though the number of people who can become seriously ill or die from West Nile virus is very small, Balis said it can happen. Of those who contract the virus, approximately 80% will feel very little, but around 20% will feel more severe symptoms like 'summer flu.' Of those who fall in the 20% category, Balis said, 1% can contract a neuroinvasive form of the disease. It can require hospitalization. As airborne insects, mosquitoes can travel, which is why Young said everyone in the county should use precautions. 'Mosquito surveillance trap data lets us know West Nile virus is present in mosquitoes in the county,' Young said. 'As infected mosquitoes do not always stay in one area, all Lake County residents should take precautions to protect themselves.' Young recommends using the 'Four Ds' to protect against being infected by mosquitoes which may carry the virus. The tasks are draining all standing water, defend yourself and your family by using EPA-approved insect repellent, limit outdoor time between dawn and dusk and dress wearing clothes and shoes that cover your skin. When dealing with standing water — whether in a birdbath, a sewer drain or a puddle in the yard — Balis said it should be removed within three to five days. Female mosquitoes lay eggs in still water where they mature and hatch. If there is no water, they will not hatch and grow wings.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Touch a Truck event supports Ephrata Food Bank
May 19—EPHRATA — The Ephrata Fire Department's annual "Touch a Truck" event Saturday drew a crowd despite early rain showers, as community members visited the Splash Zone parking lot to engage with a variety of large vehicles. The event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., served as both a fun outing for families and a fundraiser for the Ephrata Food Bank. Fire Chief Jeremy Burns said he was satisfied with the turnout. "I was a little worried that attendance wouldn't be as high this year with the weather that we had this morning, but it exceeded my expectations greatly," Burns said. "It takes a lot of agencies to commit their time, people and equipment to this event, and seeing the community come out is always rewarding." The participation of various local agencies contributed to the vibrant atmosphere of the event. "We had the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Ephrata Police Department, and numerous fire districts, including Grant County Fire Districts 3, 7 and 13," Burns said. "It's a great collaborative effort that truly showcases the strength of our community." While the event's primary goal is to allow children and families to explore emergency vehicles up close, it also played a crucial role in supporting the Ephrata Food Bank this year. "Every bit helps the food bank, and our Firefighters Association often matches the monetary donations we receive," Burns said. "Today, we've also had school district partners collecting supplies, which has been great." The food bank, a resource for families facing food insecurity in the Ephrata community, struggles with dwindling supplies amid increased demand. Director Phyllis Fuglie shared the challenges the food bank currently faces. "We could traditionally provide two types of meat per family, but now we are down to one. The need is significant, and we are calling on the community for donations, particularly for protein-rich foods, canned goods, and essentials," she said in a recent interview. The relationship between the food bank and community events like "Touch a Truck" is critical, according to Ephrata Mayor Bruce Reim. "We support the food bank wholeheartedly. It's a great program that is always in need," Reim said. "Events like this play an essential role in making sure the community understands the importance of supporting local resources. It is also fun to see all of the kids enjoying themselves. This is one of our best events every year." Despite the earlier adverse weather conditions, the turnout was impressive, reaching an estimated 2,500 attendees, according to Burns. "It's always good to see the interaction between families and young kids enjoying the vehicles," Burns said. "It's exciting to witness how many people take the time to come out and appreciate our emergency services." For families, the event is both entertaining and educational. In addition to being able to touch a variety of trucks, attendees participated in activities like temporary tattoos and fire prevention information tables. A dedicated sensory-sensitive hour provided a more comfortable environment for children with sensory processing challenges, enabling them to enjoy the festivities without overwhelming stimuli. Burns reflected on the event's history and growth over the years. "We've been hosting Touch a Truck for about a decade now, and it always reinforces the spirit of the community," Burns said. "It's remarkable to see everyone converge here for a common purpose: to learn and to help those in need." The success of "Touch a Truck" relies on community participation and support, which for Ephrata continues to grow year after year. "It just keeps getting bigger and bigger by leaps and bounds," Reim said. "We're thrilled with the growth and the involvement of outside organizations." As the day concluded, hopes remained high for the future of both the event and the Ephrata Food Bank. The community's generous donations are more crucial than ever, ensuring that the food bank can continue to meet the needs of families in the area. With hands-on learning opportunities and joyous interactions among attendees, "Touch a Truck" positively impacts the Ephrata community beyond the day itself. Those wishing to help the Ephrata Food Bank can drop off donations during Mondays and Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m. or involve themselves in ongoing events that benefit local families in need. Ephrata Food Bank 1010 A St. SE 509-754-5772 Monday and Thursday 2-4 p.m. Biggest needs: Protein: meat, peanut butter, protein bars, nuts, beans Pasta Soups Microwavable meals Fresh produce All food donations or cash welcomed and appreciated.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bolivar to hold ribbon cutting for first public inclusive playground
BOLIVAR, Mo. — Bolivar is opening a new playground with a ribbon cutting next week. According to a press release, the City Of Bolivar and Bolivar Parks & Recreation are celebrating the first public inclusive playground. The playground was approved by Bolivar's Board of Aldermen on Oct. 22, 2024, during a meeting. Bolivar announces new police chief The construction and design of the playground was made by Athco LLC, which is a manufacturer in Lenexa, Kansas. The company began work on the project in late March. The playground will include a pour-and-play surface, a 20-foot tower with slides, a merry-go round, a multi-seat seesaw, a six-seat swing set, multiple sets of sensory play equipment and shade structures. The ribbon cutting ceremony will be during Bolivar's annual Touch a Truck event at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 23, at the Bolivar Recreation & Aquatic Center at 1710 W. Broadway Street. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
'Touch a Truck' returns to Panther Creek Park in Owensboro
HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – The Daviess County Fiscal Court Parks and Recreation is hosting the return of Touch a Truck to Panther Creek Park. Organizers state the event will feature a wide collection of vehicles and heavy equipment from public safety agencies, utilities and other local companies. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 17. People are encouraged to call 270-685-6142 for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Waco kids get up close with city vehicles
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) – The start of Spring Break kicks off the beginning of Library on the Go in Waco! This four-day event series is being hosted by the Waco-McLennan County Library, and Monday's Touch a Truck event gave families in the community the opportunity to get up close with city vehicles. Kids were given tours of SWAT mobiles, fire trucks, boats, and more! 'So we're celebrating the vehicles and people that make the city go,' says Library youth services coordinator Rachel Moore. 'So we have different city vehicles and employees around to show off their big vehicles and cool tools that they use at their jobs.' For more information about the Library on the Go events this week, you can go here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
