(KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health Acting Director shared with local Murphysboro officials his vision for the future of public health, eliminating health disparities and chronic disease, and providing greater access to healthcare in Illinois.

Acting Director LaMar Hasbrouck also mentioned Gov. Pat Quinn's $1-per-pack increase in the state cigarette tax as an effective way to close the $2.7 billion Medicaid deficit and improve health benefits statewide by curbing the number of smokers.

“Local health departments are the front lines of public health and are our strongest allies in the effort to address and eliminate health disparities, provide access to quality health care and improve the overall health of Illinois residents,” said Dr. Hasbrouck.

COBDEN, IL (KFVS) - Authorities are asking for information involving several vehicles and a person riding a bicycle in rural Cobden.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office and Union County State’s Attorney’s Office are asking the public to report any information about an incident involving a bicyclist and two vehicles that happened around 6:30 p.m. on April 27.

According to authorities, the incident happened at the intersection of Water Valley Road and Giant City Road in rural Cobden.

The vehicles are a late 1980s or early 1990s model red extended cab pick-up truck with a black toolbox and a white pick-up truck with a silver toolbox, according to Union County authorities.

Anyone with information regarding vehicles matching these descriptions which may have been seen in the area on the evening of April 27 are asked to call the Union County Sheriff’s Office at 618-833-5500.