OSF St. Francis Hospital and Medical Group exceeded capacity this week for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, causing it to execute its emergency plan to make more room available at the hospital.

Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District Superintendent Doug Leisenring says the school districts within the ISD are moving quickly to respond to continuing cases of COVID-19. Leisenring also received the Educational Excellence award from the Delta Chamber.

Delta County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Lauren Wickman says cocaine is becoming a bigger problem as dealers move into the area.  The prosecutor's office has two positions open in its victim unit. Plus, we talk about serving a juror at the courthouse. 

JL Hyde based her second suspense book on Escanaba where she grew up. Readers will recognize the features of the town even if the story is new. The book, "Delta County: A Novel" is about returning home ten years after an unspeakable tragedy for a class reunion. Jamie talks about how she started writing and using her hometown as a backdrop.

Gladstone City Manager Eric Buckman and GHladstone City Commissioner Brad Mantella talk about the purchase of more than 20 acres for the North Shore Development Project. The commission also approved a proposal to build eight pickleball courts at the sports complex and offered support or the Build Back Better Regional Challenge known as MITTEN. Absentee ballots are also ready for November's city election. 

Delta County Sheriff Ed Oswald says they have been able to keep COVID-19 from spreading through the general jail population. He also talks about how they will handle 17-year-olds now considered juveniles, school bus safety and being called to jury duty.

Community Service Coordinator Joanna Wilbee-Amis at OSF Healthcare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group talks about the community health needs assessment survey and how it will helps to set the goals and priorities for the year in community based health programs.

A flu shot clinic is being held Saturday at the hospital for those 19 and older from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the OSF Drive Thru Testing Center behind the hospital.