Dean Olsen
SJ-R Breaking News
Springfield, IL, United States
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Past articles by Dean:
Sangamon County on pace to surpass September death toll; 3 more COVID-19 deaths reported
Experts say vaccinations and booster shots are the best options for preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19. → Read More
New COVID-19 death and new record number of Sangamon County hospitalizations reported
The Sangamon County man in his 60s who died had been fully vaccinated but hadn’t received a booster shot, officials said. → Read More
2 new COVID-19 deaths reported for Sangamon, 1 for Menard, as hospitalizations set record
Public health officials also confirmed a new record of 107 Sangamon County residents in the hospital for COVID-19-related illnesses. → Read More
Memorial Health, HSHS see record levels of COVID-19 patients; leaders urge vaccinations
“Our nurses are physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausted," HSHS St. John's acting CEO Allison Paul said. "We need your help.” → Read More
Follow-up bill to ease implementation of criminal-justice reforms passed by Illinois House
"Compromise, agreement and implementation are the themes of this bill," says bill sponsor Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago. → Read More
2 more COVID-19 deaths reported in Sangamon; UIS students required to get booster shots
Illinois is adopting the CDC recommendation that children 12-15 should get a booster five months after receiving the second shot of a Pfizer vaccine. → Read More
3 new COVID-19 deaths reported among Sangamon residents; record for new cases set
The new Sangamon County COVID deaths include a man in his 70s, a woman in her 80s and a woman in her 90s. → Read More
Pritzker says tools to defeat COVID available as Sangamon County reports two new deaths
“Vaccines are truly saving lives, so why don’t we do something that can save a life?” asks Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Illinois Public Health director. → Read More
How Springfield hospitals are preparing after Pritzker asks to postpone non-essential procedures
Memorial spokeswoman: “As we have consistently done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to perform procedures that cannot safely be delayed." → Read More
2 new COVID-19 deaths reported as cases surge, health care providers issue plea
“Please think twice. Take one more step to protect yourself and those around you," health care providers wrote in an open letter. → Read More
Replacement for outgoing Legislative Inspector General Carol Pope remains uncertain
State Sen. Jil Tracy said she has asked the General Assembly’s Democratic and Republican leaders to help resolve the impasse but hasn’t heard back. → Read More
COVID-19 delays start of 2022 General Assembly; drafting a state budget remains a priority
“Passing another responsible, balanced budget will be at the top of the list,” Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, told The SJ-R. → Read More
Need your license renewed? Illinois driver facilities are closing amid COVID surge
Online transactions with the Secretary of State will continue for renewing a license plate sticker, driver’s license or ID card for those who qualify. → Read More
COVID-19 claims Sangamon woman's life; SOS offices to pause in-person services Jan. 3
Online transactions with the Secretary of State will continue for renewing a license plate sticker, driver’s license or ID card for those who qualify. → Read More
Amid COVID surge, Illinois warns of virus as 'uninvited, unwanted guests' over holidays
“What kind of year 2022 turns out to be depends on all of us doing what is best for all of us,” Gov. JB Pritzker said during a news conference. → Read More
Gov. JB Pritzker urge vaccinations as end-of-year COVID-19 surge in Illinois continues
“What kind of year 2022 turns out to be depends on all of us doing what is best for all of us,” Gov. JB Pritzker said during a Chicago news conference. → Read More
Two more COVID-19 deaths reported in Sangamon; both men were unvaccinated senior citizens
“Illinois is leading the Midwest in vaccinating and boosting our residents, and we are adding even more ways to make it easier to get vaccinated and boosted,” Gov. JB Pritzker said. → Read More
Looking for COVID-19 tests or vaccine? Here's where to get them in the Springfield area
Primary series vaccines and booster shots will be available this week Tuesday and Wednesday at the Sangamon County Department of Public Health. → Read More
Three new COVID-19 deaths reported among fully vaxxed but not boosted Sangamon residents
COVID-19 booster shots are recommended as the omicron variant begins to spread in Illinois and nationwide. → Read More
Unvaccinated Illinois COVID survivor has change of heart after almost 2-week hospital stay
Unvaccinated COVID-19 survivor Ronda Morrison said people should get vaccinated. "Don’t be so bull-headed,” she said. → Read More