On June 21, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Mauricio Moreno, 19, of Gilman. According to police reports, the Watseka Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of E. Sheridan in Watseka. During the investigation of the traffic stop, officers and deputies located a juvenile who was listed as a runaway. Deputies learned the runaway juvenile had been staying with Mauricio for approximately one month. Mauricio was placed into custody and charged with Harboring a Runaway. Mauricio was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he later posted the required bond and was released.

On June 21, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Brandon Bennett, 44, of Onarga. According to police reports, Deputies were called to the 900 block of W. Seminary Ave. in Onarga for the report of a domestic disturbance. Deputies conducted their investigation and placed Brandon into custody for Domestic Battery. Brandon was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains in lieu of bond.

On June 22, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Bayleah Moore, 23, of Gilman. According to police reports, deputies were called to the 300· block of E. 3rd St. in Gilman. Deputies were informed that the caller held an active Order of Protection against Bayleah. Deputies confirmed a violation had occurred and placed Bayleah into custody for Violation of Order of Protection. Bayleah was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she remains in lieu of bond.

On June 22, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Mark James, 56, of Buckley. According to police reports, deputies were called in reference to a disturbance in the 400 block of E. Main St. of Buckley. Deputies spoke to the parties involved. Deputies then placed James into custody for Aggravated Assault. James was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

Jasper County Sheriff Pat Williamson and Newton County Sheriff Shannon Cothran address recent theft of GPS Globes from tractors.

Sheriff’s offices are concerned about the recent incidents of GPS globe theft from tractors. These thefts not only pose a significant financial burden to farmers but also disrupt their operations and hinder productivity.

GPS globes are crucial components of modern farming equipment, enabling precision agriculture techniques that optimize resource utilization, increase efficiency, and maximize crop yields. Unfortunately, the theft of these vital devices has become a growing problem in the agricultural community, adversely affecting farmers' livelihoods.

Sheriff Williamson stated, “We are committed to raising awareness among farmers about the importance of securing their equipment and taking preventive measures.”

Sheriff Cothran added, “The theft of GPS globes from tractors is a serious concern for us, as it directly impacts our local farmer’s ability to farm efficiently. We are fully committed to protecting their investments and ensuring their operations continue smoothly.

Local farmers are asked to secure their equipment as best as possible.  As with any theft, local residents are encouraged to report any suspicious vehicles or actions they may notice.

On June 18, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Laken Rushbrook, age 24, of Danforth. According to police reports, Rushbrook was charged with criminal damage to property under $500. Rushbrook was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

On June 18, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Gerald D. Garcia, age 52, of Martinton. According to police reports, Garcia was charged with violation of an order of protedion. Garcia was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains in lieu of bond.

On June 17, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Justin L. Mercier, age 34, of Martinton. According to police reports, Mercier was charged with domestic battery. Mercier was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

On June 16, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Anna R. Munoz, age 42, of Crescent City. According to police reports, Munoz was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging her with violation of a stalking no contact order. Munoz was aware of her warrant and turned herself into the Iroquois County Jail where she posted the required bond and was released.

A Bradley man was killed and a Martinton man was taken to the hospital with major injuries after a two-vehicle accident in Iroquois County Friday afternoon.

According to Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police reports, deputies responded to the accident at County Road 2200 East just north of the intersection with County Road 2100 North.

Upon arriving at the scene, it was determined that a head-on collision occured between a

vehicle driven by Jordan Depoister, 26, Martinton, and a vehicle driven by Domonic

Esslinger, 19, of Bradley. Both were the sole occupants in their vehicles.

Domonic Esslinger was pronounced deceased at the scene, and Jordan Depoister was transferred to Carle Hospital with major injuries.

No further information is available at this time.

– Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 1 officials announce the arrest of 35-year-old Mark A. Palinski of Bradley, IL, for three counts of Possession of Child Pornography – Under the Age of 13 (Class X Felony).

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cybertip about Palinski and alerted ISP DCI. On June 15, 2023, ISP DCI agents executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of N. Kinzie Street in Bradley, IL. Evidence was gathered as a result of the search warrant and Palinski was taken into custody. Palinski was transported to the Jerome Combs Detention Center where he is awaiting his first court appearance.

The Illinois State Police provide the following resource for parents, for the public to report crimes against children, and victims to start their path towards healing and recovery. Anonymous tips of child pornography can also be reported through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's (NCMEC) cyber tip line at www.cybertipline.com. To keep kids safe online, learn more at: https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/onlinesafe/; www.cybertipline.org ; For resources for survivors of sexual abuse visit: https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/csam-resources .

The Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the WCHS Marching High School Band will serve as this year’s “Red, White, & Blue” Grand Marshal in this year’s 4 th of July parade sponsored by the City of Watseka. WCHS Marching High School Band will be the grand marshal for the City of Watseka’s Fourth of July parade this year. The Watseka High School Band has a long tradition of excellence in East Central Illinois and in the State of Illinois. The concert and jazz bands perform regularly around Watseka and have received numerous Division 1 Ratings at IHSA Music Contest. The WCHS Marching Warriors perform at all home football games and also compete at 5-6 marching competitions each fall. The Warriors have been recognized for excellence at many of these competitions including multiple 1st place finishes. In 2022 the marching band placed 1st at the University of Illinois. Most importantly the WCHS Band program strives to instill confidence, dedication and teamwork in its members while providing quality entertainment to the local community. This year’s parade will take place on Monday, July 4, 2023, at 10am, the parade route will proceed south on Belmont Avenue, turn west on Fairman Avenue, north on Fourth Street, east on Cherry Street, south on Fifth Street, east on Lincoln Avenue, south on Belmont Avenue ending at the Watseka High School, where the parade will disperse. Announcer and the judges will be located at First Financial Bank parking lot on south Fourth Street. Judging will take place during the parade. For more information on registering for the parade, contact Amanda at the Chamber office 815-432-2416 or stop by 110 S. Third Street in Watseka

A 26-year-old Watseka man was sentenced on two felony charges in Livingston County on June 7th.

Ryan Peters pled guilty to the Unlawful Delivery of Cocaine, a class two felony and Traveling to Meet a Minor, a class three felony. He was sentenced to four years in prison and given credit for serving 279 days in the Livingston County Jail. Peters will have to serve 50 percent of the sentence and register as a sex offender for 10 years.

The Fairbury Police Department arrested Peters in Fairbury on September 2nd of 2022. A child porn possession and indecent solicitation of a child charge were dropped. Investigators say Peters is also facing similar charges in two other counties.

The Chatsworth Police Department, Watseka Police Department and Livingston County State’s Attorney’s Office also investigated. 

 Iroquois Memorial Hospital is proud to announce the expansion of our IMH family practice medical group with the opening of a new clinic in downtown St. Anne, IL on July 18. Our primary care clinics, also located in Gilman, Kentland, Milford, and Watseka, provide quality family healthcare for all ages such as wellness exams, routine physicals, and unexpected illness visits. “Being the largest rural healthcare provider in the area means taking care of our neighbors, and IMH sees the need to expand primary care services into the Northern region of our community. Like our other clinics, this location will provide care for your whole family and will also be your personal link to other specialized providers here at IMH for any health concerns needing further evaluation” says Mike Tilstra, IMH CEO. To stay up to date as more details come available, please visit imhrh.org or follow Iroquois Memorial Hospital on Facebook at Facebook.com/imhrh

Police were called to the 500 block of N 3rd Street for a warrant check at 3:56 pm. Jozenes, Joshua J., 41 of Watseka was arrested for an outstanding Vermillion County Warrant. Joshua was transported to jail without incident.

Police were called to the 300 block of W Walnut Street for a traffic accident at 11:10 am. According toreports a 2016 Kia operated by Fults, Jody R., of Paxton rear ended, a 2013 Toyota operated by Baer,Peggy of Bolivia, NC. EMS was requested but no injuries were reported. Damages were estimated at over $1500 and no citations were issued.