Update: AFSCME 31 spokesman Anders Lindall reports 18 Graham Correctional Center employees are being treated for exposure to a foreign agent, they believe all of them are in stable condition. They're awaiting confirmation on the identity of the foreign agent in question.

Hillsboro Area Hospital has provided care to patients that have been transported from Graham Correctional Center. Hillsboro Area Hospital received 8 patients. All patients are currently in stable condition and will continue to be monitored as needed. The initial 911 page was sent out around 2:38 PM, and this is an ongoing situation. Hillsboro Area Hospital implemented our mass influx plan. All transported individuals were provided immediate care including decontamination. The Hillsboro Hospital Administrative Team would like to thank our team members, Local EMS, Law Enforcement Officers, and County EMA for quick assistance.

An incident this (Wednesday) afternoon at Graham Correctional Center that appears has sent multiple people to HSHS St. Francis and Hillsboro Hospitals. The Illinois Department of Corrections is only saying "The matter is being investigated. There is no further information at this point.".      Police were asked to bring considerable Narcan to the scene for an apparent overdose or exposure with fentanyl scenario.  There's no word on the condition of inamtes or guards or a number impacted at this point.  Hillsboro Area Hospital told the public that they are dealing with a high call volume and have asked for patience.    

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information in reference to a commercial burglary that occurred in Walshville Township.  Sometime during the late night hours of Sunday and  the early morning hours of Monday  two unknown persons forced entry to a shed located at Miller Brother’s Fertilizer on Niemanville Tr. in Walsvhille Township.   A green colored, 2012 Honda 4x4 ATV and a green colored, 2013 John Deere 4x4 Gator were taken during the burglary.  The suspect vehicle has been described as a light colored, single cab pick-up truck, with a silver colored tool box in the bed.  Surveillance camera pictures of the suspects are attached. 
If you have information regarding this crime or can identify the suspects please contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at (217)532-9511 or you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1(800)-352-0136.  Tips can also be reported to Crime Stoppers through the Crime Stoppers app.  Just download the Crime Stoppers app, P3 Tips, and submit a tip via the app.  Information can be reported anonymously. 

Greenville based Attorney Tom DeVore is no stranger to taking Governor J.B. Pritzker to court.  It was a regular occurence during the CoVid period and now DeVour is preparing to do the same when it comes to the Assault Weapons Ban that was signed into law this week.  DeVore plans to sue Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly, saying the ban on sale of a number of firearms and new magazine capacity limits aren't in line with the Constitution.  If you're interested in being a plaintiff, the sign up deadline has been moved up to Friday at noon.  Here's where to find out more.  

https://devorelawoffices.com/?fbclid=IwAR25J9hMP4KxPO1-_9brKhB46kQ-A2ttInDwAGSXiXqp44VI1aJ6o4RqmeM

The newly signed assault weapons ban has dominated conversation online or at the local cafe. A big development as Montgomery County States Attorney Andrew Affrunti announced he won’t enforce the law, calling it a violation of the Second Amendment.  Affrunti cited recent case law, noting the  comes less than a year after the U.S. Supreme Court decided New York State Pistol and Rifle Association v. Buren, and then subsequently entered orders vacating the decisions of California and Maryland Courts that had approved magazine capacity limits and “assault weapon” bans. In last night’s press release Affrunti said....  

"As the Montgomery County State’s Attorney, I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States. In accordance with my Oath and belief that this law violates the 2nd Ammendment of the United State’s Constitution, I will be exercising my prosecutorial discretion to not file charges against those in violation of this law." 

Prior to the Governor Pritzker signing the legislation, this week the Montgomery County Board voiced its unanimous opposition to the legislation.

Let’s face it, it’s not easy for families to adjust to the times.  You can’t lean back on the teachings of your parents to help you navigate what Tik Tok Challenges are dangerous etc.   Tonight (January 11) Hillsboro Area Hospital is hosting the launch event for its’ free Strengthening families program. Maria Clark says the program plugs into mental health boosting efforts already underway in Hillsboro Schools.This event is purely informational. Attending the Launch Event does not require you to participate in the program. This event will help you learn about the Strengthening Families Program, which is designed to help build child and parent relationships. The program is completely free to participate in. Additional information about the Launch Event and program in the Cloud Room can be found at: http://www.hillsboroareahospital.org/strengtheningfamilies 

Social media conversation is all well and good, internet polling has its place, but when you really want to find out what’s going on, that’s when it’s time for old school face to face conversation. That’s the approach for Hillsboro economic development director Sarah McConnell in a bid to boost Hillsboro as a tourism destination. Hillsboro area business owners, organizations and the community for a second town hall meeting next week. The event Friday, January 13th at the Abbey on Broad will kick off at 5:30. The guest speaker will be Journal News publisher Mike Plunkett. A question and answer session will be featured. Light refreshments will be offered. You can share your questions in advance with McConnell’s office at 217-663-7490 or economicdevelopment@hillsboroillinois.net.