Grundy County environmental health reports first mosquito positive for season, welcomes several new food businesses and an intern

Environmental health staff updated the Grundy County Board of Health that the department recorded its first mosquito‑positive finding of the season on May 21 in Shawnee and has since received public reports of standing water; abatement and education measures are underway.

Tarsha, environmental health staff, said the department issued a press release and posted information on the health department website after the May 21 finding and that staff are addressing reported standing‑water sites. Tarsha told the board the department will continue to monitor, educate the public and seek abatement measures as needed across the county.

Tarsha also announced the department is registering new food facilities: Blackbird Diner in Morris; Sweet Treat and Tasty Eats in Cove City; Shorewood’s Supper Club Catering operating out of the Hive Kitchen in Shenandoah. She added the department has hired a new environmental health intern, Anna Marie Olsen, who started Monday.

Why it matters: A confirmed mosquito positive for the season can trigger enhanced surveillance and public outreach to reduce standing water and vector‑breeding sites. The registration of new food facilities and the intern hire affect food safety inspections and inspection capacity.

Ending: Environmental health staff said they will continue monitoring vector activity, respond to public reports, and support the new facilities and intern through inspections and training.