Having one list instead of three reduces confusion to citizens that want to get vaccinated, said Craig Bientema, administrator for the Health Department. The one list is shared between the Health Department and FHN and both organizations use this list to vaccinate people as determined by the priority groups. This is a wonderful collaboration to ensure the vaccination process is much smoother.
He emphasized any area resident who already was on one of the lists still will have a spot on the new list and there is no need to call to register again. To get on the vaccination appointment waiting list, residents should visit the FHN website at fhn.org.
Todd McKenna
Special to The Journal-Standard
FREEPORT City fire officials are putting their focus on prevention and other safety measures, such as ensuring a working smoke detector is in your home, after battling a series of blazes so far this year. The whole idea is to eliminate the need for us through educational programs, smoke detectors and fire codes, Fire Chief Brad Liggett said. We re hoping to reduce the loss of life and property and make sure everything is in place to mitigate damage.
Going back to December, there have been four residential fires where flames and smoke were visible and gaining strength when Freeport Fire Department arrived at the scene. The majority of those calls were in the early morning hours.
Todd McKenna
Special to The Journal-Standard
FREEPORT After a couple of recent weeks of brutal winter weather, Freeport-area residents are searching for any signs that spring is close. One of those signs returns Tuesday.
Union Dairy ice cream parlor, 126 E. Douglas St., celebrates opening day Tuesday, and it represents a benchmark of sorts that winter is on the way out and warmer weather is just around the corner. It s so exciting to see and hear how many people are excited about us opening, said Union Dairy Manager Martiny McClellan, who will be entering her second year running the business.
She s hoping for a much calmer season this year than 2020, when COVID-19 threw the entire region into chaos. But she has a fierce determination to adapt and overcome any challenge and that spirit spreads to the staff, too. As they all prepare for opening day next week, they do so having learned some lessons and gained experience at dealing with adversity.
Todd McKenna
Special to The Journal-Standard
FREEPORT Both of the men running in the Democratic primary election for Freeport mayor emphasized getting involved with community leaders and sorting out issues facing the city as a priority should they be elected to the position.
Voters on Tuesday will choose between Ronnie Bush and Walter Hayward. The winner will advance to the general municipal election on April 6 against Freeport Mayor Jodi Miller.
Hayward, 44, and Bush, 68, said if elected they would spend their first few days seeking out community leaders to get more informed on the top issues to focus on in the city and find ways to solve problems.
Todd McKenna
Special to The Journal-Standard
FREEPORT A little more than 11 years ago when Hillary Broshous was introduced to the Freeport Fire Department, she really wasn t looking for a job.
She just wanted to see what kind of shape she was in. I had no interest in being on the fire department, she said with a smile. I really just wanted to see if I could pass the agility test.
After all, in February 2010, when she took the test, she was 34, which is one year younger than the maximum age allowed for new hires. So she showed up that day with no expectations other than to prove she was physically fit. She left, however, with people impressed enough to offer her a job.