On Aug. 26, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Jake E. Baumgartner, 29, of Milford. According to police reports, Baumgartner was wanted on an outstanding out of county warrant. Baumgartner was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police on Aug. 27 arrested Erica M. Cantu, 38, of Remington, Indiana. According to police reports, Cantu was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging her with possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Shew as transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she posted the required bond and was released.

Accidents

ON Aug. 27 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of U.S. 24 and U.S. 52 in Sheldon. According top lice reports, a vehicle driven by Douglas L. Gassman, 41, of Streator, was proceeding northbound through the intersection. Gassman failed to notice a westbound vehicle driven by Trace M. Himes, 23, of Onarga. Gassman was struck by Himes on the passenger side causing more than $1,500 in damage. Gassman was a ticketed for failure to yield at an intersection. No injuries were reported.

Milford Police on Aug. 27 arrested Mindi Parsons, 31, of Donovan. According to police reports, Parsons was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine. She was transported to the Iroquois County Jail in lieu of bond

As of 08/30/21 there have been 3,052 confirmed cases and 588 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 130 new cases since our last update on 08/23/2021.

The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Iroquois County individuals. The Delta variant is approximately 60% more contagious than the alpha variants of COVID-19.

ICPHD will share COVID-19 case updates on a weekly basis. Additional data on Iroquois County COVID-19 case metrics can be found at https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19

 On Aug. 26, 2021, Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 3 officials arrested Alexander O. Hamilton, a 32-year-old male of Chebanse, IL, for Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony).

On Aug. 26, 2021, ISP Investigators executed a search warrant at Hamilton’s residence in the 5000 block of South U.S. Route 45/52, Chebanse, IL, pursuant to an investigation involving child pornography.  During the execution of the search warrant, pertinent evidence was located, and Hamilton was arrested. 

On Aug. 27, 2021, Hamilton’s bond was set by the court at $75,000, 10% to apply.  Hamilton remains in custody at the Jerome Combs Detention Center.  The investigation remains open and on-going and no further information will be disseminated at this time.

ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT 

The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by the Illinois State Police

District 21

WHAT:                      Two Unit Personal Injury Traffic Crash

WHERE:                   Illinois Route 115 at 1200 North Road, Ford County

WHEN:                      Aug. 26, 2021 at approximately 7:45 a.m.

VEHICLE:                Unit 1- 2007 White Volvo

                                    Unit 2- 2016 Black Dodge

DRIVER:                   Unit 1- Juanita A. Kesterson, 35-year-old female of Melvin, IL (Transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries)

                                    Unit 2- Stephen A. Bloomstrand, 65-year-old male of Loda, IL (Transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries)

PASSENGERS:         Unit 1- Joey A. Loveless, 36-year-old male of Melvin, IL (Transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries)

PRELIMINARY:     A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling eastbound on 1200 North Road approaching the intersection of IL-115.  Unit 2 was traveling northbound on IL-115 at the intersection of 1200 North Road. Unit 1 was allegedly operating an electronic communication device and failed to stop at the stop sign.  Unit 1 continued eastbound and struck Unit 2.  Unit 1 and Unit 2 left the roadway and overturned.  There is no further information available at this time.

CHARGES:              Pending Investigation

The Iroquois County Public Health Department (ICPHD), in partnership with Iroquois Memorial Hospital, will be hosting a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination clinic, available by appointment or walk-in, for Illinois residents age 12 and older on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 7-9 AM and 3-6 PM. ICPHD also has COVID-19 vaccine available by appointment Monday-Friday; 9 AM- 3:30 PM. To schedule your appointment call ICPHD at (815) 432-2483. Second doses will be scheduled at the time of your first dose appointment. Please note that individuals under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present at the time of vaccination. At this time, there is no cost for the COVID-19 vaccine. Written documentation from the individual’s primary care physician will not be required. The vaccination clinic will be held at Iroquois Memorial Hospital. Clients will be asked to enter through the main entrance located on the north side of the building and are required to bring a valid form of photo ID. Individuals who are wheelchair bound or in need of additional assistance may enter through the Emergency Room entrance on the south side of the building. Please do not attend if you do not feel well the day of this clinic or are in isolation or quarantine. Patients will need to wear a face covering, practice social distancing, and plan to allow at least 15 minutes for observation after the vaccination. Please wear clothing to allow easy access to the upper portion of the arm for the injection. If you are unable to attend this community-based clinic, please watch for future notification of upcoming clinics as more vaccine becomes available. As more vaccine is allocated ICPHD will communicate availability, along with when, where, and how to receive the vaccine, via traditional and social media outlets as well as on the ICPHD website: https://co.iroquois.il.us/offices/healthdepartment. The Illinois Department of Public Health has compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccination. Information can be found at: http://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccine-faq. For individual concerns regarding allergies or other medical conditions please consult your own medial provider.

The shooting at the Kankakee County Courthouse Thursday morning was a targeted, gang-related incident, according to police.

At approximately 9:45 a.m. officials responded to a shooting on the south side of the county courthouse, according to Kankakee police Chief Robin Passwater.

Police said investigators believe 23-year-old Miguel Andrade and 26-year-old Victor Andrade, as well as a third man, went to the courthouse for a hearing this morning. Antonio Hernandez, 24, reportedly came to the courthouse and opened fire on the three, Passwater said.

Authorities said Hernandez shot and killed Victor Andrade on Merchant Street and also shot the man on the sidewalk. Meanwhile, Miguel Andrade is believed to have retrieved a gun from his vehicle and "began pursuing" Hernandez.

Hernandez and Miguel Andrade were in a running gunfight, according to police, on the south lawn of the courthouse and into the parking lot. During the shootout, Miguel Andrade shot and killed Hernandez, and was then put into custody by police.

The man injured was taken to an area hospital and is recovering from surgery, police said.

Officials said all those involved in the shooting, with the exception of the man recovering in the hospital, were part of the Latin Kings gang.

Passwater said Andrade remains in custody at the sheriff's office, while another person is also in custody for other charges unrelated to the shooting. Police noted earlier that multiple firearms were recovered from the scene.

City buildings were temporarily closed Thursday to the public "as a precaution" after reports of the shooting, officials said. The coroner was dispatched to the courthouse this morning.

Kankakee School District 111 announced in a Facebook post that all schools were on lockdown "due to a shooting at the courthouse."

On Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at approximately 4:16 PM,  Newton County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the area of CR 200 S just east of Meridian Rd near Morocco, for a report of a vehicle off the roadway on its side. 

The preliminary investigation suggests the vehicle traveled off the roadway,  through a farm field, struck an earth embankment coming to rest in a wooded area.

Deputies located a deceased male occupant inside the vehicle, there were no other persons located in or around the vehicle.

Newton County Coroner, Newton County EMS & Morocco Volunteer Fire responded to the scene. The identity of the driver is pending a positive identification.  

Iroquois County Police Report:

On Aug. 23 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Myles J. Swets, 24, no town given. According to police reports, Swets was wanted on a Cook County warrant for failure to appear on a traffic offense. Swets was also charged with speeding, driving while license suspended, and possession fo methamphetamines under five grams. Sweet was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later extradited to Cook County

On Aug. 16 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a single-vehicle accident on County Road 900 East just north of U.S. 24. According to police reports a vehicle driven by Mary P. Bassett, 21, of Cabery, was a northbound on 900 East. The vehicle swerved left for unknown reasons and entered the west ditch, striking the embankment. There was more than $1,500 in damage and no injuries were reported. A citation was issued for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

On Aug. 20 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a single-vehicle accident on County Road 500 North approximately two-tenths of a mile west of County Road 1400 East. According to police reports, a vehicle being driven by Zachary M. Shilts, 21, of Paxton as westbound on 500 North. Shilts swerved to avoid a deer and entered the north ditch, causing more than $1,500 in damage. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued.

Milford Police Report:

 Milford Police arrested Richard S. Anderson, 55, of Milford. According to police reports, Anderson was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on a criminal trespass to land charge. Anderson was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond.

Watseka Police Report:

Police responded to a call bout an intoxicated person driving a mower down Elm Street at 9:52 p.m. Police later located the mower being driven in a corn field. Arrested was Terry Walwer, 57, Watseka, for criminal damage to property, resisting police and disorderly conduct. He was taken to the county jail.

WATSEKA, IL – The Iroquois County Public Health Department (ICPHD), in partnership with Iroquois 
Memorial Hospital, will be hosting the following Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination clinic, available by 
appointment or walk-in, for Illinois residents age 12 and older. ICPHD also has COVID-19 vaccine available 
by appointment Monday-Friday; 9 AM- 3:30 PM.
• Wednesday, August 25, 2021; 7-9 AM
• Wednesday, September 1, 2021; 7-9 AM
• Wednesday, September 8, 2021; 7-9 AM
• Wednesday, September 15, 2021; 7-9 AM
• Wednesday, September 22, 2021; 7-9 AM
• Wednesday, September 29, 2021; 7-9 AM
To schedule your appointment call ICPHD at (815) 432-2483. Second doses will be scheduled at the time of your 
first dose appointment.
Please note that individuals under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present at the time of vaccination.
At this time, there is no cost for the COVID-19 vaccine. Written documentation from the individual’s primary care 
physician will not be required.
The vaccination clinic will be held at Iroquois Memorial Hospital. Clients will be asked to enter through the main 
entrance located on the north side of the building and are required to bring a valid form of photo ID. Individuals who are 
wheelchair bound or in need of additional assistance may enter through the Emergency Room entrance on the south side 
of the building. Please do not attend if you do not feel well the day of this clinic or are in isolation or quarantine. Patients 
will need to wear a face covering, practice social distancing, and plan to allow at least 15 minutes for observation after 
the vaccination. Please wear clothing to allow easy access to the upper portion of the arm for the injection.
If you are unable to attend this community-based clinic, please watch for future notification of upcoming clinics as more 
vaccine becomes available.
As more vaccine is allocated ICPHD will communicate availability, along with when, where, and how to receive the 
vaccine, via traditional and social media outlets as well as on the ICPHD website: https://co.iroquois.il.us/offices/healthdepartment.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about the 
COVID-19 vaccination. Information can be found at: http://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccine-faq. For individual concerns 
regarding allergies or other medical conditions please consult your own medial provider

As of 08/23/21 there have been 2,950 confirmed cases and 560 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 65 new cases since our last update on 08/16/2021.

The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Iroquois County individuals. The Delta variant is approximately 60% more contagious than the alpha variants of COVID-19.

ICPHD will share COVID-19 case updates on a weekly basis. Additional data on Iroquois County COVID-19 case metrics can be found at https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19

.

Please reference the following explanation of probable cases:

The probable cases that we will be reporting on the daily press release are individuals who have been tested and are found to have a positive test result by a local clinic using "rapid" tests that are not, at this time, IDPH approved tests. These are antigen tests, not molecular tests, and are not laboratory confirmed. Therefore, those individuals who test positive using rapid testing from this source will be reported as a probable case. Please note that there are different rapid tests available from different sources. Some rapid tests are IDPH approved while some are not. If individuals chose to be tested at a clinic or physician’s office that is using a test that is not IDPH approved and the results are positive, that individual will be listed as a probable case and will be required to isolate per health department protocol. Their direct, known and identified contacts will be quarantined. We realize that there are numerous definitions of Probable Cases but ICPHD will use the Probable Cases category to identify the individuals who have tested positive using a rapid test, not yet approved by IDPH, as these positive results are not laboratory confirmed.

The Iroquois County Public Health Department (ICPHD), in partnership with Iroquois Memorial Hospital, will be hosting a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination clinic, available by appointment or walk-in, for Illinois residents age 12 and older Tuesday, 17, 2021; 7 AM- 9 AM. ICPHD also has COVID-19 vaccine available by appointment Monday-Friday; 9 AM- 3:30 PM. To schedule your appointment call ICPHD at (815) 432-2483. Second doses will be scheduled at the time of your first dose appointment. Please note that individuals under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present at the time of vaccination. At this time, there is no cost for the COVID-19 vaccine. Written documentation from the individual’s primary care physician will not be required. The vaccination clinic will be held at Iroquois Memorial Hospital. Clients will be asked to enter through the main entrance located on the north side of the building and are required to bring a valid form of photo ID. Individuals who are wheelchair bound or in need of additional assistance may enter through the Emergency Room entrance on the south side of the building. Please do not attend if you do not feel well the day of this clinic or are in isolation or quarantine. Patients will need to wear a face covering, practice social distancing, and plan to allow at least 15 minutes for observation after the vaccination. Please wear clothing to allow easy access to the upper portion of the arm for the injection. If you are unable to attend this community-based clinic, please watch for future notification of upcoming clinics as more vaccine becomes available. As more vaccine is allocated ICPHD will communicate availability, along with when, where, and how to receive the vaccine, via traditional and social media outlets as well as on the ICPHD website: https://co.iroquois.il.us/offices/health-department. The Illinois Department of Public Health has compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccination. Information can be found at: http://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccine-faq. For individual concerns regarding allergies or other medical conditions please consult your own medial provider.

On August 3^rd, 2021 at approximately 8:00 P.M. Deputy J. Fellmy initiated a traffic stop northwest of Goodland, IN on a white Chevrolet Suburban for a license plate violation.  In an attempt to make contact with the male driver, 33 year old Donald Wilken of Goodland, Indiana, became argumentative and refused to follow commands to exit the vehicle.  Wilken forcefully resisted when attempting to place him into hand restraints.  K9 Deputy R. Holloway arrived on scene where K9 Kaiser alerted to odor of narcotics in the vehicle.  A search was conducted where the following was located in the vehicle:

·         14.69 grams of suspected methamphetamine

·         2 grams of marijuana

·         Suspected LSD (Acid)

·         Drug paraphernalia

·         Products associated in dealing illegal drugs

Some items were packaged in different weight amounts typical for sale.  Wilken  and the front seat passenger Amie Anderson (32 year old female of Beaverville, Illinois) were arrested on probable cause for the following:

·         Dealing Methamphetamine:  Level 2 Felony

·         Possession of Methamphetamine: Level 4 felony

·         Possession of a Controlled Substance: Class A Misdemeanor

·         Possession of Paraphernalia:  Class C Misdemeanor

·         Possession of Marijuana: Class B Misdemeanor

Wilken also was arrested for Resisting Law Enforcement and Operating a Motor Vehicle without ever receiving a driver’s license.

All charges are under review by the Newton County Prosecutor.

All suspects are considered innocent unless/until proven guilty in a court of law.

As of 08/09/21 there have been 2,863 confirmed cases and 539 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 57 new cases since our last update on 08/02/2021. One additional individual has passed away with COVID-19. We extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community members affected by this loss.

The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Iroquois County individuals. The Delta variant is approximately 60% more contagious than the alpha variants of COVID-19.

ICPHD will share COVID-19 case updates on a weekly basis. Additional data on Iroquois County COVID-19 case metrics can be found at https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19.

Due to a recent increase in COVID-19 cases, Secretary of State Jesse White announced that beginning Sept. 1, Secretary of State employees who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 will be required to submit to repeated COVID-19 testing. “As the pandemic continues to surge nationally, we must do all we can to maintain the safety of our customers and employees and this is an important step in doing that,” said Secretary White. “I am proud of our staff for their hard work as we continue to provide essential services during this challenging time.” Employees will be required to show proof of their vaccination status. Employees who are not vaccinated will be required to submit the results of COVID-19 tests every two weeks. This announcement follows the implementation of White’s policy requiring all employees and customers at Driver Services facilities, Secretary of State Offices and the Illinois State Capitol Complex to wear masks while inside those locations. White stressed that it is imperative for his facilities to remain open to serve the public to reduce the heavy customer volume caused by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last year. White said reinstating the mask policy for employees and customers, as well as this new initiative will help achieve this goal. White is reminding customers that his office extended expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards until Jan. 1, 2022. As a result, expired documents will remain valid until Jan. 1, 2022, so customers do not need to rush into a facility. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits.

In December 2020, Unit 9 applied for a BRIC 2020 matching grant to help fund the development of a K-12 campus. In April 2021, voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum to provide the local matching funds for the grant. Unit 9 recently learned that we were not awarded the BRIC 2020 grant. However, the grant application for the demolition of Nettie Davis school is still pending. The district is committed to meeting the community’s expectations for updated facilities by exploring all possible options including gathering feedback on the previous grant application, revising the grant application, submitting an application for the BRIC 2021 grant, and exploring other funding options. At this point in time, the district will not bond for the money approved in the referendum. The district has five years from the date of the April referendum to issue bonds as approved by the voters. If the district is awarded one of the future grants, the district will issue bonds at that time to supply the matching funds needed to receive the grants. Unit 9 remains optimistic about the future of our facilities. We want to thank the community for supporting Unit 9 and will continue to provide updates. We are dedicated to our mission and vision of being a leader in educational excellence in which each student can learn and grow, all while remaining fiscally responsible to our taxpayers

As of 08/02/21 there have been 2,818 confirmed cases and 527 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 42 new cases since our last update on 08/02/2021.

The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Iroquois County individuals. The Delta variant is approximately 60% more contagious than the alpha variants of COVID-19.

ICPHD will share COVID-19 case updates on a weekly basis. Additional data on Iroquois County COVID-19 case metrics can be found at https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19.

WHAT:                      Single Unit Fatal Traffic Crash

WHERE:                   Interstate 57 southbound at milepost 267, Iroquois County

WHEN:                      Aug. 02, 2021 at approximately 8:19 a.m.

VEHICLE:                Unit 1 – 1999 Gray Chevrolet Suburban                   

DRIVER:                   Unit 1 –35-year-old male of North Chicago, IL (Deceased, Pending Next of Kin Notification)            

PASSENGERS:         Unit 1 – Pricilla S. Brown, 41-year-old female of North Chicago, IL- Transported to local area hospital with life-threatening injuries.

                                    Unit 1 - Shante D. Polk, 40-year-old female of Zion, IL – Transported to local area hospital with life-threatening injuries.        

                                    Unit 1 – Juvenile, 17-year-old male of North Chicago, IL – Transported to local area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

PRELIMINARY:     A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling southbound on Interstate 57 at milepost 267 in Iroquois County.  For unknown reasons, Unit 1 left the roadway to the left and entered the center median.  Unit 1 overturned several times and ejected one passenger before it landed upright in the median.  Two passengers were transported to a local area hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of Unit 1 was pronounced deceased on scene.

                                    At approximately 9:26 a.m., several lanes were opened, and the left lane remained closed for the traffic crash investigation. At approximately11:50 a.m., all lanes were re-opened.