Byron, Creston and Rochelle received part of a $2,500 grant to battle the mosquito-borne virus. The funds come from the extra 50 cents added on to tire sales in the state this year.

The towns say the funds will cover 30 percent of what they've already spent on West Nile protection. Briquettes were used in some areas; they kill mosquitoes’ eggs before they hatch. S

everal areas were also sprayed for mosquitoes.