Neighbors - As Morgan coroner, Patterson brings human touch to easing tragic loss
David Blanchette, Journal-Courier
FacebookTwitterEmail
1of3
Coroner Marcy Patterson (front left) and her staff gather for a photo on the steps of the Morgan County Courthouse.ProvidedShow MoreShow Less
2of3
3of3
As Morgan County coroner, Marcy Patterson looks for the answers about a person’s death and well as tries to soften the sting of tragedy for those left behind.
“For me, it is more about the ability to be a stable force for families on the very worst day of their life,” Patterson said. “When someone passes away, there are steps that must legally be taken, but I like being able to also help families during that time.”
Infusion therapy keeps virus patients home
Passavant among hospitals using treatment for those with mild to moderate symptoms
Journal-Courier
FacebookTwitterEmail
Art Yarnik relaxes in his Staunton home. He was one of 365 people who have already received an infusion therapy for patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 symptoms. Memorial Health System offers the procedure to help keep people from facing hospitalization.Kara Slating | Memorial Health System
Tim Yarnik, his wife and daughter were on their way to an outing in St. Louis and planned to visit his dad, who lives in Staunton, on the way there.
His dad, Art, who’s 87 years old and lives alone, wasn’t acting himself, and his forehead felt warm. They urged him to be tested for COVID-19. Two days later, he tested positive for the virus. His fever was 103 degrees. “We were frightened for him,” Yarnik said.
Infusion treatment helps those with mild COVID-19 symptoms
The Courier
Memorial Medical Center
SPRINGFIELD – Tim Yarnik, his wife and daughter were on their way to an outing in St. Louis and planned to visit his dad, who lives in Staunton, on the way there.
His dad, Art, who’s 87 years old and lives alone, wasn’t acting himself, and his forehead felt warm. They urged him to be tested for COVID-19. Two days later, he tested positive for the virus. His fever was 103 degrees. “We were frightened for him,” Yarnik said.
Tim Yarnik reached out to a friend, who told him about a new therapy that helped COVID-19 patients. When he called Memorial Health System’s respiratory clinic, the staff told him they had a 5 p.m. opening that day and stressed the importance of not waiting another day. Yarnik’s brother-in-law drove his dad to Springfield.
Jacksonville welcomes first baby of year
Darren Iozia
FacebookTwitterEmail
Jenny Bishop holds her daughter, Juniper Opal Riggs, who was the first baby born in Jacksonville for the year.Photo provided
The first baby born in Jacksonville this year came into the world at 3:31 p.m. Monday at Passavant Area Hospital.
Juniper Opal Riggs weighed 5 pounds, 10 ounces and was 18.5 inches long. She was born to Jenny Bishop and Jacob Riggs of White Hall and has a brother, Jason Vernon Riggs.
“She was a little unexpected. I didn’t intend to become pregnant in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Bishop said. “For the longest time, I’ve just thought if I were to ever have a baby girl, I wanted to name her Juniper.”
Cause of fatal fire still undetermined
Darren Iozia, Journal-Courier
FacebookTwitterEmail
A Dec. 16 fire at 347 Sandusky St. caused just under $200,000 damage to the structure and additional damage to neighboring properties.Darren Iozia | Journal-Courier
Jacksonville Fire Department has determined that a deadly Sandusky Street fire started in a first-floor living room or common area, but what caused the fire remains unknown, according to a report by the department.
Firefighters were called to 347 Sandusky St. at 12:05 a.m. Dec. 16 and the living space was fully involved in flames when firefighters arrived at 12:09 a.m., fire Lt. Mike Hopper said.
Robert R. “Rob Roy” Hembrough, 63, was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:45 a.m. Dec. 16 and a woman in her 60s was taken to Passavant Area Hospital.