Western Illinois Regional Council-Victim Services provides sexual assault counseling for adults, adolescents, children, victims’ significant others, and group counseling. They also provide medical/legal advocacy, civil no-contact orders, emergency shelter, and operate a 24-hour hotline for sexual assault victims. All of these services are free of charge.

During this time, all forms of interpersonal violence continue to occur. Not only is the violence continuing, but victims are more isolated. Victims may have no one to talk to, and may not be aware that our services continue to be available. Victims are also concerned about receiving medical care due to concerns over COVID – 19.  If a person discloses to you that they have been a victim of sexual violence you can refer them to WIRC and they will receive the adequate resources to handle the situation.

The number for the Fulton County office is 309-333-1934. The after-hours hotline number is 309-837-5555. For additional information visit their website: http://wirpc.org/victim-services/

PEORIA – On news that the federal government has restored funding to it, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) urged business owners to take advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program for small business owners.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community, and we need them to resume operation once we begin the process of reopening the economy. It’s crucial that local business owners apply for these loans while there is money available,” Koehler said. “If your business qualifies and you need assistance, I implore you to apply as soon as possible.”

The Paycheck Protection Program began taking applications again on Monday. Koehler urges local businesses to submit applications as soon as possible if they wish to take advantage of the business assistance program.

Qualified businesses in one or more of these categories include:

• The self-employed,
• Businesses with fewer than 500 employees,
• Sole proprietors,
• Independent contractors,
• Those designated private non-profit 501(C)(19), and
• Veteran-owned organizations

The loan is meant to keep small business workers on the payroll, and it will be forgiven if employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest or utilities.

For more information, visit SBA’s website.

 PEORIA – To further assist in local sanitation efforts to protect against the coronavirus, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) has facilitated the distribution of surface disinfectant supplies to numerous businesses and organizations throughout the Peoria area.

“As we begin to implement the next phase of the Stay at Home order, it’s essential that we equip local businesses, governments, and organizations with the tools necessary to protect against infection,” Koehler said. “Our priority is for our businesses to reopen in a safe environment, and this is a crucial step in that direction. I’d like to thank the East Peoria Fire Department for expanding on their already invaluable service by picking up and distributing these supplies.”

Supplies have been distributed to fire departments, Fulton County services and offices, City Link Bus Service, City of East Peoria services, many school districts, a library, Heartland clinic facilities, several non-profits, and many small businesses.

The disinfectant is a surface cleaner, and comes in five-gallon containers which will include a pouring spout and some spray bottles. There is a 30-day shelf life, so businesses and other interested organizations would need to determine what is necessary for a 30-day supply. Businesses will receive the disinfectant free of charge.

Please reach out to Senator Koehler’s district office at 309-677-0120 if your organization is interested. A limited supply remains, and materials will be provided on a first come, first served basis.

The new executive order will include the following modifications effective May 1:

OUTDOOR RECREATION: State parks will begin a phased re-opening under guidance from the Department of Natural Resources. Fishing and boating in groups of no more than two people will be permitted. A list of parks that will be open on May 1 and additional guidelines can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website HERE. Golf will be permitted under strict safety guidelines provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and when ensuring that social distancing is followed.

NEW ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES: Greenhouses, garden centers and nurseries may re-open as essential businesses. These stores must follow social distancing requirements and must require that employees and customers wear a face covering. Animal grooming services may also re-open.

NON-ESSENTIAL RETAIL: Retail stores not designated as non-essential businesses and operations may re-open to fulfill telephone and online orders through pick-up outside the store and delivery.

FACE COVERINGS: Beginning on May 1, individuals will be required to wear a face-covering or a mask when in a public place where they can’t maintain a six-foot social distance. Face-coverings will be required in public indoor spaces, such as stores. This new requirement applies to all individuals over the age of two who are able to medically tolerate a face-covering or a mask.

ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES AND MANUFACTURING: Essential businesses and manufacturers will be required to provide face-coverings to all employees who are not able to maintain six-feet of social distancing, as well as follow new requirements that maximize social distancing and prioritize the well-being of employees and customers. This will include occupancy limits for essential businesses and precautions such as staggering shifts and operating only essential lines for manufacturers.

SCHOOLS: Educational institutions may allow and establish procedures for pick-up of necessary supplies or student belongings. Dormitory move-outs must follow public health guidelines, including social distancing.