Page 26 - Kathy Yoder News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Rick Bowmer / AP Suicide rates didn't change much in Peoria and McLean counties this year, despite a pandemic that caused hardship for many. Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said it typically takes multiple negative events before someone contemplates suicide. Credit Peoria County Coroner Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said he still sees a disturbing trend, noting more Blacks took their own lives in Peoria County this year. He said there was a greater concentration of suicides in low-income neighborhoods in Peoria. “Those are minority populations who may not be at reach for prev...

Eric Stock / WGLT The rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in McLean County before Thanksgiving is now tracking through to a rise in deaths among older residents. The pandemic death toll involving McLean County residents is now 75. That number doesn't reflect the true burden on health facilities and the region. McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder said the number of dead who pass through her office is significantly higher than the county statistic because non-McLean County residents come to Bloomington-Normal for treatment, and some die. "We're at 131 COVID-related deaths," said Yoder. And nearly a...