Illinois State Police (ISP) District 21 Commander, Captain Don Aaron Harsy, announces the results of Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) held in Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford Counties in October. These OREPs provided extra patrol coverage for the ISP so officers could focus on saving lives by making sure all vehicle occupants were buckled up. Violations Enforcement Activity Safety Belt Citations 39 Child Restraint Citations 2 Total Citations 56 Total Written Warnings 33 Most motorists know safety belts save lives, but some ignore their safety and that of their families by neglecting to use safety belts and child restraint devices. These patrols reinforce the occupant protection message by focusing on those who ignore the law. Lives can be saved if people simply “buckle up!” This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation. 

On Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, the Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group (KAMEG), the Pledge for Life Partnership, Riverside Healthcare, State Representative Jackie Haas and local Law Enforcement partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at the Northfield Square Mall. KAMEG Director Clayt Wolfe reported that the event, and new drive-thru set up, was an overwhelming success with approximately 1,000 pounds of unwanted prescription drugs turned in for disposal in Kankakee County alone. KAMEG would like to thank area residents for their continued support and for assisting in the event to make our communities safer. KAMEG reminds the public to call KAMEG at (815) 933-1710 to report non-emergency information about drug dealing and gang problems. We recognize our partnership with the public is important for quality of life issues for our citizens and children. KAMEG is comprised of personnel from the Bradley, Bourbonnais, and Kankakee Police Departments, as well as the Illinois State Police, the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department, and the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office. 

As of 10/23/21, there have been 4,265 cases of COVID-19 and 75 individuals who have passed away with COVID-19 in Iroquois County. We extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community members affected by these losses. There have been 51 new cases since our last update. 

42.02% of the population of Iroquois County are considered fully vaccinated.

ICPHD strives to provide accurate and relevant data to our community. We believe the new graphic below will provide the most pertinent data for county residents.

For more information on Iroquois County COVID-19 risk metrics please visit: https://dph.illinois.gov/coronavirus/data/countymetrics.html?county=Iroquois

For more information on Iroquois County COVID-19 statistics and demographic data please visit: https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/data.html

– Illinois State Police (ISP) District 21 Commander, Captain Don Aaron Harsy, announces the results of Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols which were conducted in Kankakee County on October 9th and 23rd, 2021. These ACE patrols allowed the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to violations associated with impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs. Violations Enforcement Activity Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Citations 0 Other Alcohol/Drug Citations 4 Occupant Restraint Offenses 3 Registration Offenses 7 Driver’s License Offenses 7 Insurance Violations 7 Total Citations/Arrests 60 Total Written Warnings 38 Alcohol and drug impairment is a factor in more than 30 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related traffic fatality every 53 minutes in the United States. The ACE program allows officers to work even harder at removing dangerous DUI offenders from the road. This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” # # 

On Oct. 17 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Roscoe J. Durflinger, 29 of Watseka. According to police reports, Durflinger was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on a domestic battery charge. Durflinger was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond.

On Oct. 19 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of U.S. 24 and Route 49 in Crescent City. According to police reports, a vehicle riven by Bernice H. Weber, 78, Piper City, was westbound on U.S. 24. A vehicle driven by Devin C. Rudisill, 20, of Milford was northbound on Route 49. As Rudisill was already proceeding through the intersection Weber failed to yield right of way and struck the rear passenger side of Rudisill’s vehicle. There was more than $1,500 in damage to the vehicles. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued.

On Oct. 20, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a car versus deer accident that occurred near the Bryce elevator on County Road 1000 North. According to police reports, a vehicle driven by Zachary J. Woodmansee, 29, Buckley, was westbound on 1000 North when a deer entered the roadway. Woodmansee was unable to avoid the deer, striking ti and causing more than $1,500 in damage. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued.

Kankakee police arrested Alala K. Woods, 42, Kankakee, and charged her with armed robbery and aggravated robbery on Oct. 15. According to police, Woods is accused of robbing a cashier at gunpoint an undisclosed amount of money at Walgreens in the 1000 block of North Kennedy Drive on June 27. Evidence left at the scene was tested and linked Woods to the robbery, according to police. A judge set Woods’ bond at $200,000.

Kankakee police arrested Dandrae Washington, 37, Washington, on Oct. 15 and charged him with armed violence, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm with defaced identification. According to police, an officer stopped a vehicle Washington was driving for disregarding a stop sign at East River Street and South Myrtle Avenue. It was learned Washington had a valid warrant out of Kankakee County and a gun was recovered during a search of the vehicle, according to police. A judge set Washington’s bond at $200,000.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Iroquois County Public Health Department (ICPHD) encourages individuals to have appropriate cancer screenings regularly. Self-screening for breast cancer includes breast self-exams to monitor for lumps, discharge, or other changes in skin or breast tissue. Individuals should work with a healthcare provider to have screenings including clinical exams and mammography. 
ICPHD partners with the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) to promote breast and cervical cancer screenings and treatments. IBCCP provides free breast and cervical screenings for uninsured individuals between the ages of 21-64 

 Individuals may also qualify for assistance if: 
• They are over the ages of 64 and do not qualify for Medicare, have no insurance, are 
underinsured, or have a high deductible
• They have health insurance that doesn’t cover screenings or has a high deductible
• Younger individuals with symptoms or that are considered high risk
• Individuals already diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer may also receive free or low-cost treatment through this program 

To learn more about the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, call the Iroquois County Public Health Department at (815) 432-2483.

As of 10/19/21, there have been 4,214 cases of COVID-19 and 74 individuals who have passed away with COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 49 new cases since our last update.  

41.71% of the population of Iroquois County are considered fully vaccinated.

ICPHD strives to provide accurate and relevant data to our community. We believe the new graphic below will provide the most pertinent data for county residents.

For more information on Iroquois County COVID-19 risk metrics please visit: https://dph.illinois.gov/coronavirus/data/countymetrics.html?county=Iroquois

For more information on Iroquois County COVID-19 statistics and demographic data please visit: https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/data.html

By following the 4-H motto, To Make the Best Better, the Ford-Iroquois 4-H Foundation has held an annual auction to help support the Ford and Iroquois 4-H programs. Due to the unforeseen future of the COVID virus we have decided to not have an auction this year. Unfortunately, this is our second year having to cancel.

The auction has provided both counties with funding for the 4-H program fee for all members, high school senior scholarships, camperships, fair project awards, and leadership training and recognition. We are asking for monetary donations this year. Your tax-deductible donation will make a difference in local 4-H youth programming and will be greatly appreciated. Our overall goal is to continue strengthening the excellence by which the 4-H program is nationally and internationally known.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Nita Dubble at 815-867-6037. On behalf of the Ford-Iroquois 4-H Foundation and all our 4-H members, thank you for your consideration.

Did you know the Ford-Iroquois 4-H Foundation accepts gifts of grain? Donating a gift of grain to the Ford-Iroquois 4-H Foundation is a simple way to make a lasting difference. Even donating an acre’s worth (or more) of grain can make a difference in our 4-H program. Plus, there are significant tax benefits for donating grain directly to our organization rather than selling the grain and donating proceeds. Contact your elevator today to make your donation. For information contact Nita Dubble at 815-867-6037.

#bushelsfor4-H

On Oct. 14 Iroquois County SHeriff’s Police and Clifton Police arrested Dustin M. Behrends, 24, of Ashkum. According to police reports, Behrends was wanted on a Will County arrant for failure to appear on a burglary charge. Behrends was also wanted on a Ford County warrant for failure to appear on an aggravated assault charge. During the arrests Behrends was found to be in possession of a hand gun and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. He was taken to the Iroquois County Jail in lieu of bond.

On Oct. 12 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a single-vehicle accident on County Road 2400 North approximately two-tenths of a mile west of County Road 1550 East. According to police reports, a vehicle driven by Ethan M. Blakey, 19, of Kankakee was westbound on 2400 North. The vehicle went on to the north shoulder and overcorrected causing the vehicle to slide across a plate private park drive. The front of the vehicle then struck the northeast guardrail causing more than $1,500 in damage. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued.

On Oct. 15 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a car versus deer accident that occurred at County Road 1600 East approximately one-quarter mile north of County Road 2500 North. According to police reports, a vehicle driven by Hunter R. Bohlmann, 27, Watseka, was traveling north on 1600 East when a deer entered the roadway. Bohlmann was unable to avoid the deeper, striking it and causing more than $1,500 in damage to the vehicle. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued.

Police were called to the 500 block of North Second for an animal complaint. The call resulted in police issuing Brianna N. Jones, 25, Watseka a city ordinance violation citation for her dogs running at large.

Police conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle at East Ash and North Sixth at 7:27 p.m. The stop resulted in police arrested Terra R. Reed, 43, Watseka, on an active Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear in court for a previous driving under the influence of alcohol charge.

Police responded to a call about an intoxicated person in the roadway in the area of Wabash and North at 3:40 p.m. Arrested was Avery Durflinger Jr., 40, Watseka, for possession of a hypodermic needle. He posted bond and was released.

Police were called to the 100 block of North Madison at 3:59 p.m. for a domestic dispute. On arrival police located a female with head injuries. Witness on scene said they had seen the male throw an item at the female. Arrested was Matthew Conley, 40, Watseka, for aggravated domestic battery. He was taken to the Iroquois County Jail.

Police conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle at North Tenth and East Oak at 1:03 a.m. Arrested was James Davenport, 37, Watseka, for driving while license suspended, possession of methamphetamine, and possession fo drug equipment. He was taken to the Iroquois County Jail.

Police conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle on East Grant at 2:38 p.m. The traffic stop resulted in officers arresting Eric L. Norris, 43, Watseka, on an active Iroquois County warrant. During the arrest additional charges occurred to include unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and resisting/obstructing a peace officer.

Police were called about a domestic dispute in the 800 block of West Lafayette at 2:22 a.m. Arrested was Bretton Edwards, 31, Watseka, for domestic battery. He was taken to the Iroquois County Jail.

As of 10/11/21 there have been 3,431 confirmed cases and 734 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 49 new cases since our last update on 10/4/2021.

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

Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 3 Agents conducted Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) surveillance at various establishments during the evening hours of Wednesday, October 6, 2021, in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. The purpose of these ACE details is to determine which businesses may be selling alcoholic beverages to minors (persons under 21 years of age). Twenty-two total locations were surveilled in Watseka and Bourbonnais. One establishment was involved in the sale of an alcoholic beverage to a minor. Marathon/Sky Food Mart employee Mandeeb Singh ,19, of Watseka was arrested for Unlawful Delivery of Alcoholic Liquor to a Minor, a Class A misdemeanor. Singh was released on a notice to appear in court. The ISP commends establishments which do not sell alcohol to minors. This project was funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety. All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Two men have been arrested in connection with the death of a Nashville, Illinois man.

Billy T. Roof, 33, of Kankakee, and Ryan D. Morrow, 37, of Tallula, were taken into custody after an investigation into the death of Garrett Meyer.

Meyer, 29, was found inside a gas tanker on Friday, June 4.

Both Roof and Morrow are charged with unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle and unlawful concealment of a death.

Roof is also facing a charge of unlawful use of account numbers.

They are both being held at the Iroquois County Jail.

The investigation into Meyer's death is ongoing.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Iroquois County Sheriff's Office at 815-432-6992.

On Sept. 28, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Garrett J. Coffey, 37, of Piper City. According to police reports, Garrett was charged with speeding 76 mph in a 55 mph zone, driving while license suspended, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Garrett was taken to the Iroquois CountyJail where he posted the required bond.

On Sept. 28, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Kristine L. Merse, 55, of Sheldon. According to police reports, Merse was charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, improper lane usage and riving under the influence of a combination of drugs and alcohol. Merse was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she posted the required bond.

On Oct. 2 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Reginald E. Snyder Jr., 33, of Watseka. According to police reports, Snyder was charged with aggravated battery. Snyder was transported to the Iroquois County Jail in lieu of bond.

On Oct. 2 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a single-vehicle accident on County Road 1900 North just west of County Road 1150 East. According to police reports, a vehicle being driven by Michael T. Munger, 18, of Paxton was westbound on 1900 North when he fell asleep at the wheel. Munger’s vehicle then entered the north ditch, impacting the sides and being spun around. The vehicle sustained more than $1,500 in damage. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued.

On. Oct. 2 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a two-vehicle accident on County Road 3400 North at the intersection of County Road 700 East. According to police reports, a vehicle being driven by Michael A. Berryhill, 36, of Loda, was northbound on 700 East. A vehicle driven by Terrance A. Hughes, 55, of Clifton was traveling west on 3400 North. Berryhill failed to yield right of way to Hughes causing a collision in the intersection. There was more than $1,500 in damage to both vehicles. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued.

TOWN

Milford

On Sept. 28, Milford Police arrested Travis J. Morris, 26, of St. Anne. According to police reports, Morris was charged with disobeying a stop sign, improper lane usage and driving under the influence of alcohol. Morris was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted  bond.

On Oct. 2 Milford Police arrested Dean E. Fisk, 37, of Milford. According to police reports, Fisk was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant for criminal damage to property. Fisk was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond.

Clifton

On Sept. 29 Clifton Police arrested Brett Wehrmann, 52, of Clifton. According to police reports, Wehrmann was wanted on a Kankakee County warrant for harassment. Wehrmann was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond.

As of 10/4/21 there have been 3,393 confirmed cases and 723 probable cases of COVID-19 in Iroquois County. There have been 92 new cases since our last update on 9/27/2021. Two additional individuals have 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.

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.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Iroquois County Public Health Department