Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 5 Commander, Capt. Tim Sweeney, announces the ISP will conduct Distracted Driving Enforcement Program patrols in Kankakee, Iroquois, Ford, Livingston and McLean Counties on November 13th, 14th, 21st, and 27th. This program allows ISP to focus on distracted driving laws to prevent traffic deaths and serious injury crashes. Distractions can increase a driver’s risk of being in an accident: • Eating or drinking (non-alcoholic beverages) increases the risk by three times. • Sending a text message increases the risk by four times. • Reaching for an object increases the risk by eight times. • Reading a text message can take a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. Officers will be on the lookout for drivers who disobey Illinois’ distracted driving laws, especially the following: • All drivers are prohibited from reading, sending, or receiving text messages or communication, and from browsing the internet. • All drivers are prohibited from using handheld electronic communication devices. • Drivers under the age of 19 are prohibited from using any cellphone, even hands-free. • All drivers are prohibited from using any cellphone, even hands-free, while in school speed zones and work zones. • School bus drivers are not permitted to use any type of cellphone, even hands-free. • It is illegal to use a cellphone or take photos or videos on wireless devices when driving within 500 feet of an emergency scene. This distracted driving enforcement campaign is made possible by traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

llinois State Police (ISP) Troop 5 Commander, Capt. Tim Sweeney, announces the ISP will conduct Special Traffic Enforcement Patrols (sTEP) in Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford, Livingston, and McLean Counties on November 12th, 17th, 19th, 22nd, 24th, and 26th. These sTEPs allow the ISP to focus on these fatal four violations which contribute the greatest to traffic crashes and fatalities: - Driving Under the Influence (DUI); - Safety Belt and Child Restraint use; - Speeding; and, - Distracted Driving. The ISP will increase our daytime and nighttime patrols to ensure the safety of vehicle travelers through enforcement of all traffic safety laws. Impaired driving is a factor in more than 30 percent of traffic deaths in Illinois. Likewise, speeding is a factor in nearly 35 percent of fatal crashes; and, nearly 50 percent of vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes were known to not be buckled up. This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 5 Commander, Capt. Tim Sweeney, announces the ISP will conduct Special Traffic Enforcement Patrols (sTEP) in Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford, Livingston, and McLean Counties on November 12th, 17th, 19th, 22nd, 24th, and 26th. These sTEPs allow the ISP to focus on these fatal four violations which contribute the greatest to traffic crashes and fatalities: - Driving Under the Influence (DUI); - Safety Belt and Child Restraint use; - Speeding; and, - Distracted Driving. The ISP will increase our daytime and nighttime patrols to ensure the safety of vehicle travelers through enforcement of all traffic safety laws. Impaired driving is a factor in more than 30 percent of traffic deaths in Illinois. Likewise, speeding is a factor in nearly 35 percent of fatal crashes; and, nearly 50 percent of vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes were known to not be buckled up. This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation

On 10/23/2023 at approximately 7:25 PM, Newton County Dispatch received a 911 call in reference to a single vehicle crash on County Road 600 East, just North of County Road 900 North.  Upon arrival, Deputies found a Mercedes sedan driven by a 19 year old Fair Oaks man had left the roadway and rolled several times.  The preliminary investigation, along with statements from witnesses suggests that the Mercedes was traveling Southbound on 600 East at a high rate of speed with no lights on.  While passing two other South bound vehicles, the driver made a sudden lane change to avoid colliding with a Northbound passenger car and left the roadway, striking multiple mailboxes and a culvert before rolling multiple times.  The driver of the Mercedes was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The crash victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of family.

Assisting agencies:

Newton County Dispatch

Jasper County Sheriff’s Office

Newton County EMS

Lincoln Township Fire Department

Indiana State Police

 Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Zone 1 is requesting the public’s assistance in the investigation surrounding the death of 52-year-old Bert N. Lawton of Grant Park, IL.  

On August 27, 2023 at approximately 2:45 a.m., ISP Troop 5 responded to a hit and run crash involving a motorcycle and passenger vehicle on 4000 North Road near 14000 East Road in Momence, IL. The driver of the motorcycle, Bert N. Lawton, was transported to an area hospital and pronounced deceased. The offending vehicle fled the scene westbound onto 4000 North Road into Momence and it is believed to be a black or dark colored Chevrolet Impala between the years of 2006 to 2011. The offending vehicle sustained heavy front-end damage and it is missing the front bumper grille.  

Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact the ISP DCI Zone 1 at 815-209-6567. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can do so by calling Crime Stoppers at 815-932-7463. Information provided could result in a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Eastern Illinois Foodbank (EIF) is distributing food to area families facing food insecurity. The Foodmobile will travel throughout Iroquois County on 11/16/2023 from 9 AM – 2 PM, with distribution sites and times and for each town listed at https://www.eifoodbank.org/help/mobile.html. Those attending are asked to bring boxes or bags to transport food.

The distribution is part of the Foodbank’s Foodmobile Program, a system of mobile food pantries designed to help bring nutritious food to rural or underserved areas. Those planning to attend should pre-register at www.EIFclient.com, although doing so does not guarantee a place in line. Income guidelines are as follows:

Updates regarding future food distributions can be found at the Foodbank’s website at www.eifoodbank.org.

THE COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE WILL BE OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, FROM 8:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. FOR THE COLLECTION OF TAXES, AND TO ASSIST THE TAXPAYERS WITH ANY QUESTIONS THAT THEY MAY HAVE. THE LAST DAY TO PAY TAX BILLS BEFORE TAX SALE WILL BE END OF DAY NOVEMBER 17, 2023.

THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2023 IN OBSERVANCE OF VETERANS DAY.

AFTER THE DELINQUENT DATE, 1 ½ PERCENT INTEREST ON FARMLAND, RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL MUST BE CHARGED PER MONTH ON THE SECOND INSTALLMENT ACCORDING TO ILLINOIS STATE STATUTE.

NO PERSONAL CHECKS OR DEBIT/CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER END OF DAY NOVEMBER 3, 2023

THE TAX SALE WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 21, 2023 AT 9:00 A.M. AT THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER.

THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER AS A TAX BUYER WILL BE END OF DAY NOVEMBER 6, 2023.

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KURT ALBERS

IROQUOIS COUNTY TREASURER

Iroquois County residents, community leaders, business owners, area agencies and organizations now have an opportunity to share how severe weather events impact their property and lives. There is also an opportunity to share their ideas on how to reduce local impacts in the future.

The Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency is working with American Environmental Corporation from Springfield, Illinois to update the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). The plan assesses the natural hazards that pose risk to the county, such as tornadoes, straight line winds, ice storms, blizzards, wildfire, flooding, and extreme temperatures and identifies ways to minimize the damage of future events. As the county works to update the plan, it wants to hear from the public.

The Iroquois County HMP is a multi-jurisdictional plan that covers Iroquois County including all cities, villages, and communities within Iroquois County. This HMP also incorporates the concerns and needs of townships, drainage districts, school districts, and area agencies or organizations participating in the plan. The plan will be updated by a planning team made up of representatives from county departments, local municipalities, school districts and other key stakeholders. When completed, the plan will be submitted to the Illinois Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for approval.

“Hazard mitigation planning is a central part of our emergency management program,” said Scott Anderson, Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator. “Understanding the natural hazards that can cause serious impact to our communities and taking action to reduce or eliminate the impact of future disasters makes us more resilient. Hazard mitigation helps us to break the cycle of damage and repair caused by things like flooding, ice storms, and severe wind events that can damage property, stress economies, and threaten life safety in Iroquois County.”

Examples of hazard mitigation include:

• Conducting public outreach on severe weather awareness and preparedness

• Limiting or restricting development in floodplain areas

• Removing existing buildings from flood prone areas

• Constructing community safe rooms in vulnerable areas such as mobile home parks

• Installing emergency warning systems

Some mitigation activities may be eligible for future FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant funding.

Public input is an essential part of the plan update. As part of the planning process, Iroquois County is seeking feedback from residents and businesses from across the county to incorporate into the plan:

• What are the natural hazards you feel pose the greatest risk to your community?

• What concerns do you have, and what sorts of actions do you feel would help to reduce damages of future hazard events in your community or the county as a whole?

Comments, concerns, or questions regarding natural disasters and potential mitigation actions to be included into the plan update should be submitted to Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency by phone, email, or by posting a comment via a social media posting of this article. There will be additional opportunities for public feedback throughout the planning process.

A draft of the plan will be made available for public review prior to submission of the plan to the State of Illinois. Future news releases will be shared with the media to notify the public of these opportunities. The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) requires counties to update their plan every 5 years to maintain eligibility for FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs.

Contact

Scott Anderson

Iroquois County Emergency Management Coordinator

Phone: (815) 432-6997 Email: sanderson@co.iroquois.il.us

The Ford-Iroquois 4-H Foundation is getting ready for the twelfth annual Ford-Iroquois 4-H Auction. This year’s auction will be held on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at the St Paul’s Lutheran School gym in Woodworth, IL. A complementary pork burger/chop meal will begin at 1:30 PM. The live auction begins at 2:00 PM.

The proceeds from the 4-H Auction are used to cover participation fees totaling over $11,000 for all 4-Hers in Ford and Iroquois counties. Any additional funds raised will support the Ford and Iroquois county 4-H program in general, covering the cost of awards, workshops, senior high scholarships and other items as needed. All proceeds will be used for the benefit of 4-Hers in these two counties.

As in past years, this auction will offer a wide variety of items for sale. Just to name a few of the items on this year’s auction: homemade quilts, baked goods, decorative signs, ebike, pedal tractors, toys and tools, seed corn, soybeans, zoo trips, goose hunts, weekend getaways and several gift certificates to local businesses. Definitely something for everyone on your Christmas list. Items for sale are donated by local businesses, individuals, and 4-H clubs. Sale items will be posted on the Ford-Iroquois 4-H Foundation Facebook page.

The event will be held at 108 W Woodworth Rd, Milford, Illinois (one mile east of Route 49 on 1130 North Road).

Please join us in our mission “To Make the Best Better”.

On October 3, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Kylie B. Wielert, age 25, of Watseka. According to police reports, Wielert was charged with domestic battery. Wielert was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she posted the required bond and was released.

On October 6, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Tricia K. Eby-Durglinger, age 40, of Potomac. According to police reports, Eby-Durflinger was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging her with possession of methamphetamlne. In addition, she was wanted on an outstanding Effingham County warrant charging her with driving under the influence. Eby-Ollrflinger was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she posted the required bond and was released.

Susan Wynn Bence has announced that she will be seeking the nomination for the Senate seat in the 53^rd district currently held by Tom Bennett. She served as Bennett’s Chief of Staff before accepting a position as the Downstate/Springfield Director and Legislative Liaison for then Illinois Lieutenant Governor, Evelyn Sanguinetti where she was appointed the principal staffer for the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council and led working groups on policy in the areas of workforce development, economic development, rural health and education.

Susan also assisted with speech writing, the Governor’s Opioid Taskforce and added her experience in health care and social service issues to the Governor’s integrated policy team where she helped draft legislation.

Susan served as the Chief of Staff and Campaign Manager for former State Representative Josh Harms and recently worked as the Community Liaison for Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services before becoming the first female bailiff in Iroquois County.

Elected three times to the Iroquois County Board, she served on the Finance, Health, Policy and Procedure, and Chairman of the Judicial and Public Safety Committees.  Susan has worked in Social Services. Education, Government Affairs for most of her professional career in both the United States and Europe. Her interest in politics began while a student at Eureka College where she met and became inspired by the college’s most famous alum, Ronald Reagan.

She is the past president of the Illinois Federation of Republican Women and the Iroquois County Republican Women’s Club. She has also represented Illinois on the board of directors for the National Federation of Republican Woman. Susan also served on the Board of Governors and helped to reorganize the Illinois Lincoln Series. She has held many positions in these organizations continues to be an active member today.

Susan earned a bachelor’s degree from Eureka College and master’s degree in Education from Olivet Nazarene University. Additionally, she is a graduate of the United Counties Council of Illinois Leadership Academy, the Illinois Leadership Academy, and the Academy of Municipal Excellence at the Institute of Government and Public Affairs, University of Illinois.

She presently serves as the President of the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce, President of Watseka Kiwanis Club, and Chairman of the Board for Illinois Rural Partners. And, concurrently serves on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Rural Health Association, Iroquois County Historical Society and Old Courthouse Museum, Ford Iroquois 4H Foundation, Iroquois County Opioid Collation, the Juvenile Justice Council, and a 4H leader.

Susan is an overachiever who is always willing to go the extra mile and states that she is “ready to hit the ground running!” Susan lives in Watseka with her husband Mitchell Bence and their two Miniature Schnauzers.

On 09/27/2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Michael Jamicich, 33, of Kankakee. According to police reports, Deputies were called to the intersection of 2220 E. 1400 N. for the report of a nnale subject laying in the ditch. Deputies arrived on scene and identified the male as Jamicich. Deputies learned Jamicich had an active Kankakee County warrant for Failure to Appear on an original charge of DUI. Jamicich was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later transported to the Kankakee County Jail.

On 09/29/2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Jocelyn Shields, 23, of Goodwine. According to police reports, Deputies went to the area of 500 N and 1800 E in Goodwine in an attempt to locate Shields. Deputies knew Shields to have an active warrant for two counts of Domestic Battery and one count of Battery out of Newton County Indiana. Deputies located Shields and took her into custody. Shields was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she was later extradited to Newton County.

On 09/29/2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Randall Reinagle, 51, of Thawville. According to police reports, Deputies attempted to stop a vehicle for Suspended Registration traveling southbound on Rt. 45 near 1100 N. The driver of the vehicle fled from Deputies and a pursuit was iniaiated. The pursuit was later terminated for safety concerns. Deputies located the vehicle ashort time later, however it was abandoned. Deputies conducted a search of the area and located Reinagle hiding face down in the cornfield near the vehicle. Reinagle was taken into custody and charged with the following: Two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding, Driving While License Revoked, Methamphetamine Possession less than 5 grams, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving with Suspended Registration, Disobeying two Traffic Control Devices, Speeding 35 mph over the posted speed limit, Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Improper Lane Usage, and Reckless Driving. Reinagle was transported to the Iroquois County Jail. Deputies filed Pretrial Detention paperwork in an attempt to detain Reinagle, however Reinagle was ultimately released under the Pretrial Release Fairness Act.

INJURY CRASH- LAKE VILLAGE, IN       

NEWTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE (October 2, 2023 12:45 pm)

On Saturday September 30^th, 2023 at approximately 5:35 PM, Newton County 911 received multiple calls in reference to a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of US 41 & SR 10 Lake Village.

The preliminary investigation by Deputies indicates a Pontiac passenger car (operated by a 36 year old male from Lake Village) was traveling eastbound on SR 10 when the driver failed to stop at the red traffic light. The Pontiac continued eastbound across all lanes of US 41, failed to yield right away to a northbound minivan. The minivan (operated by a 24 year old from Milwaukee Wisconsin) was northbound on US 41 with a green light at the intersection when it struck the Pontiac in the passenger side door causing the vehicle to come to rest in the grass median, the minivan left the roadway and fell into a culvert.

The driver of the minivan was treated on scene for minor injuries.  The passenger of the minivan was transported to an area hospital for unknown injuries. The driver of the Pontiac was also transported to area hospitals for unknown injuries.

Names and information are not being released at this time reference the ongoing investigation.

Assisting agencies: Newton County Communications, Newton County EMS, Lake Township Fire, Lincoln Township Fire.