The “inmates” of The Haunted Infirmary, 4500 Enterprise Drive, Bartonville, invite the public for a frightful visit 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays in October.

STATE

Opioid overdose reversal drug more readily available 

A drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose is now more readily available to first responders and communities. The availability is now legal with the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Naloxone Standing Order.

An estimated 1,900 people die in Illinois each year because of opioid overdoses, which is why health officials are making it easier to obtain, distribute, and administer the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone, commonly called Narcan.

In September 2015, Illinois enacted Public Act 99-0480 (Act), expanding access to naloxone, which can be used to reverse opioid overdoses, including those caused by heroin, fentanyl and certain prescription pain medications. The law authorizes trained pharmacists and first responders to dispense naloxone. However, a prescription is needed to dispense naloxone. The standing order acts as that prescription and authorizes pharmacies, pharmacists and opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs to obtain and/or distribute naloxone. Non-pharmacy OEND programs may include law enforcement agencies, drug treatment programs, local health departments, hospitals or urgent care facilities, or other community-based organizations. 

For more information about the Standing Order and the recently released State of Illinois Opioid Action Plan, go to dph.illinois.gov/naloxone.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Area Advocate hospitals now part of Caterpillar NetWork

Advocate Eureka Hospital in Eureka and Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal have joined the list of Caterpillar NetWork providers.

Caterpillar employees and their families who participate in the company’s UnitedHealthcare PPO or Consumer-Directed Health Plan options and reside in a Caterpillar NetWork county, can now receive in-network benefits for inpatient and outpatient services at these hospitals. 

Caterpillar NetWork counties include Peoria, Woodford, Tazewell, Marshall, McLean, Livingston and 18 others.

Caterpillar is working to add more doctors and specialists who practice at these hospitals to the Caterpillar NetWork. In the meantime, employees should check the Caterpillar NetWork provider directory to verify a provider’s network status before receiving services.

PEORIA

Youngsters wanted for mobile tech story

With the ubiquitous use of mobile technology, many people wonder what effect it has on children. Bradley University assistant professor Regina Pope Ford wants to find answers.

She is conducting a study and is looking for children ages 10 to 12 to spend about two hours answering questions and playing games while hooked up to body sensors which measure muscular activity and posture angles. Ford will be looking at posture to see if there is a connection between cellphone usage and musculoskeletal disorders. A survey will be given to the parents and the child to further analyze the child’s technology habits. Each participant will be compensated $20 for their time.

Ford teaches industrial manufacturing engineering and technology at BU. She has done other studies on ergonomics, including how high heeled shoes affect the wearer, and how the posture dentists assume while doing exams could affect their health.

Anyone interested in volunteering a child should contact Ford at (309) 677-1227 or rpopeford@fsmail.bradley.edu.

Cemetery tour brings interesting stories to life

Actors will portray some of Peoria’s notable and eccentric deceased inhabitants at the 15th annual Historic Springdale Cemetery Tours.

The tours will take place 6 p.m. Oct. 13 and 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Oct. 14 and Oct. 15 at the cemetery, 3014 N. Prospect Road, Peoria.

Among the exceptional people whose stories will be told this year include Phillip Weinburg, who brought public broadcasting to Peoria, and Elizabeth Shippe, who went on a cross country crime spree with her 17-year-old lover reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde. A member of the Trefzger family is also being portrayed this year.

Laurel Ellis, one of the producers of this year’s tour, pointed to Sidney Eslinger, who played baseball with the Caterpillar Dieselettes, as one of the characters being portrayed at the tour. In retirement, Eslinger started her own dog-grooming business and was integral in the Peoria Humane Society. Eslinger’s beloved dog, Ginger, also will receive the re-enactment treatment with a performance from Ellis’s dog, Tequila.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5for children. A Family Friendly Price is $20. Call (309) 696-0956 to make reservations. For more information, visit prairiefolkloretheatre.com.

CHILLICOTHE

Halloween fright dished out through October

Evil creatures lurk in Massacre Mansion. The Trail of Terror winds through a haunted forest filled with ghosts and ghouls, frighteningly twisted. Zombies scare humans as they dodge paintball barrages. All of this Halloween fun is offered at Spider Hill, 17189 N. Route 29, Chillicothe, from 6-11 p.m. every Friday and Saturday in October. 

Massacre Mansion, the Trail of Terror, the Zombie Adventure, the paintball range, bonfire and free entertainment are in their 19th year. Attractions open at 7 p.m. and will remain open until all lines are gone. Tickets will be sold until 11 p.m. Weekend VIP areas are available for private parties. 

Admission to Massacre Mansion, Zombie Invasion and Trail of Terror, fast pass $7, general admission, $10; or all events together are $25 general admission and a fast pass is $40. With the donation of a non-perishable food item, there is a $1 per event discount.

For more information, visit www.threesisterspark.com/departments/index.php.

BARTONVILLE

Mad scientists, monsters take over Haunted Infirmary

What is called one of the state’s top haunted locations is the site for The Haunted Infirmary, a theatrical haunted house performance with actors. The Halloween-themed event is being held at the former Bartonville State Hospital, 4500 Enterprise Drive, Bartonville.

The facility was built in 1902 and originally had 63 buildings, of which only 12 remain. It closed in 1973. It is listed as one of the top haunted locations in Illinois by the Paranormal Society of Illinois. The Haunted Infirmary is a fundraiser for Limestone JFL and the Insane Women Production, owned by Christina Morris. She also owns the Peoria State Hospital Museum in one of the original buildings.

The Haunted Infirmary is filled with mad scientists who have taken over a compound and opened a portal for all sorts of monsters.

The site is open 7 p.m.-1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in October. Tickets are $15 per person and are available online at hauntedinfirmary.org until 6 p.m. and at the gate until Midnight or until capacity.  The performance is recommended for persons 14 and older.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/Haunted-Infirmary-at-Bartonville-Insane-Asylum-155634657842630/.

–Peoria County News Briefs–