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WIQI News Archives for 2022-02

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE WARN MOTORISTS OF POTENTIAL TRAFFIC FLOW ISSUES STEMMING FROM CONVOY

 The Illinois State Police cautions motorists who engage in acts that could endanger the safety of the motoring public. Illinois State Police officials have become aware of a planned event along several interstate corridors scheduled for Saturday, February 26, 2022 – Saturday, March 5, 2022, where truck drivers plan to conduct a “Convoy” causing traffic delays and potentially crashes. Illinois State Police Division of Patrol Colonel Margaret McGreal stated, “Though the Illinois State Police respects the rights of citizens to express their opinions in a lawful manner, there is great concern with any event that is designed to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.” Colonel McGreal continued, “Traffic backups are a major contributing cause to traffic crashes which lead to property damage, personal injury, and even death. A planned event designed to impede normal traffic flow is dangerous to the innocent motoring public. Those who choose to participate in events that intentionally endanger the public and violate Illinois law will be subject to the enforcement of applicable laws and could potentially be held liable for traffic crashes occurring as a result of their actions.” The Illinois State Police urges all motorists to abide by traffic laws for the safety of all. 

Pritzker Lifts School Mask Mandate As Supreme Court Denies Appeal

The Illinois Supreme Court on Friday declined to hear Gov. J.B. Pritzker's appeal to rulings by trial and appellate court judges in a challenge to his implementation of the school mask mandate.

Pritzker issued a statement in the wake of the decision announcing that the state will remove its school mask mandate Monday.

The state Supreme Court issued a pair of orders in four consolidated Sangamon County court cases, including Austin v. Pritzker, which was brought on behalf of parents and names nearly 150 school districts across the state as defendants.

 

On Feb. 4, Sangamon County Circuit Judge Raylene Grischow granted a temporary restraining order in those cases that voided certain emergency orders Pritzker's administration issued last year and blocked the governor and his agencies from enforcing parts of his executive orders.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul appealed on the governor's behalf and, on Feb. 18, a three-judge panel in the 4th District Appellate Court, dismissed the appeal as moot, finding that a committee of lawmakers' decision not to endorse the emergency rules meant they had expired anyway.

In response, the Pritzker administration filed emergency motions with the Supreme Court to hear their appeal and to stay Grischow's temporary restraining order.

 

In an unsigned order, the Supreme Court declined to hear Pritzker administration. Instead, the court exercised its supervisory authority to vacate Grischow's Feb. 4 order because the appeal had been "rendered moot by happenstance."

Justices Michael Burke and David Overstreet, two of the three Republicans on the court, disagreed and planned to issue a written dissent, according to the order.

In the other order, the court denied as moot the Pritzker administration's motion to stay the temporary restraining order. Burke and Overstreet also dissented.

The court orders send the case back to Grischow's courtroom in Springfield. In his statement after the ruling, the governor said he still has the power to issue a statewide school mandate.

"I'm gratified that the Supreme Court vacated the lower court's restraining order," Pritzker said, "meaning that if a school mask mandate needs to go into effect in the future, we continue to have that authority."

The Iroquois County Republican Women's Club is proud to announce we will be awarding a $500 scholarship this year to an Iroquois County 2022 graduating high school female senior.

QUALIFICATIONS

 

· Must be at least three (3) year current resident of Iroquois County

· Must be a registered voter IF you will be 18 by November 8, 2022

· Proof of US Citizenship

· A letter of recommendation

· Copy of your most recent high school transcript

· Must be a member of or a relative of a member of the Iroquois County Republican’s Women’s Club. If you would like to be a member email us for an application or print ap off our Facebook page.

Applications are available from Iroquois County high school counselors or by emailing iroquoisgopwomen@gmail.com. Applications are due April 15th. Academic excellence, involvement in extracurricular/community activities and involvement in Republican Party politics will be the primary criteria in determining the winner. Anyone wishing to become a member of the Republican Women can email us or call/text 815-383-4610 for more information.

February is American Heart Month. During American Heart Month, the Iroquois County Public Health Department encourages residents to focus on cardiovascular health.

High blood pressure increases risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. High blood pressure can also lead to other health issues. Factors that can contribute to high blood pressure include lack of activity, smoking, family history of high blood pressure, and diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Monitoring blood pressure and working with your healthcare provider to address high blood pressure are important steps for improving cardiovascular health and decreasing risk for cardiovascular disease.

 

The Iroquois County Public Health Department offers free walk-in blood pressure screenings for the public from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday. ICPCHD is located at 1001 East Grant Street in Watseka. 

Iroquois County Sheriff's Police news 2/24/2022

On February 16, 2022, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Justin J. Nixon, age 30, of Heidelberg, Miss. According to police reports, Nixon was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of a stolen firearm Nixon was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail.

 

On Feb. 18, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Jake E. Baumgartner, 30, of Milford. According to police reports, Baumgartner was wanted on a Kankakee County warrant for driving while license revoked. Baumgartner was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond. he posted the required bond and was released.

 

On Feb. 19, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a two-vehicle accident on County Rd 1000 N at the intersection of County Rd 1800 E. According to police reports, a vehicle driven by John J. Reynolds, 52, of Park Forest, was southbound on 1800 E. A vehicle driven by Mitchell J. Hurliman, 37, of rural Cissna Park, was eastbound on 1000 N. Reynolds failed to yield the right of way to Hurliman, causing a collision in the intersection. Both vehicles sustained over $1,500 in damage. Minor injuries were suspected and Reynolds was issued a citation for failure to yield the right of way. Milford EMS also responded to the scene and transported Reynolds to Hoopeston’s hospital.

 

On Feb. 20, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a car vs. deer accident on County Rd 1950 approximately an eighth of a mile east of County Rd 1950 E. According to police reports, a vehicle driven by Clayton F. Cahoe, 29, of Hoopeston, was traveling west on 1950 N when a deer entered the roadway. Cahoe was unable to avoid the deer, striking it and causing over $1,500 in damage. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued.

 

On Feb. 21, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Cooper H. Spiese, 23, of rural Milford. According to reports, Spiese was charged with possession of ammunition with a revoked FOID and violation of an order of protection. Spiese was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where he remained in lieu of bond.

 

KANKAKEE AREA METROPOLITAN ENFORCEMENT GROUP MAKE ARREST FOR NARCOTICS VIOLATIONS

 On Monday, February 21, 2022, the Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group (KAMEG), arrested John E. Jefferson, 33, of Kankakee, IL, for Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance within 500 feet of a church,  Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver within 500 feet of a church, and Unlawful Possession of Heroin/Fentanyl with Intent to Deliver within 500 feet of a church.

 

On Monday, February 21, 2022, at approximately 6:00 a.m., KAMEG Agents, with the assistance of Illinois State Police SWAT, executed a search warrant in the 300 block of  Harrison Avenue in Kankakee, IL.  During a search, Agents seized approximately 20.5 grams of suspected cocaine and approximately 1.4 grams of suspected heroin/fentanyl.  Jefferson was transported to the Kankakee County Detention Center pending a bond hearing. KAMEG was assisted by Illinois State Police SWAT. 

 

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 citizens and children.

 

KAMEG is comprised of personnel from the 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.

Iroquois County Covid 19 Update 02/19/2022

As of 02/19/2022, there have been 7,062 cases of COVID-19 and 108 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 54 new cases since our last update. 

46.99% of the population of Iroquois County are considered fully vaccinated.

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

 

Iroquois County Sheriff's Police news 2/22/22

Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Kaylynn L. Kruger, 33, of Hoopeston, on Wednesday. According to police reports, Kruger was wanted on a warrant charging her with driving while license revoked. Aware of the warrant, Kruger turned herself in at the Iroquois County Jail, where she remained in lieu of bond.

 

Frank Spina, 69, of Milford, was arrested Thursday by Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police. Wanted on an Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear/ possession of methamphetamine 5-15 grams, he was taken into custody and transferred to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remained in lieu of bond. 

Ambia man being held on drug and weapons charges

A Benton County man has been arrested after police said they found drugs and weapons at his home.

Indiana State Police said they received information that 30-year old Kenneth Lanoue of Ambia was dealing methamphetamine.

Police said they found suspected meth, marijuana, 13 long guns and eight handguns. According to police, the serial number had been removed from one of the firearms.

On Monday, they served a search warrant at his home, and Lanoue was later arrested in Fountain County.

He's being held at the Benton County Jail on preliminary charges, including dealing methamphetamine and possession of a firearm with a removed serial number.

Ford-Iroquois 4-H Foundation announce 2022 High School 4-H Senior Scholarships

The Ford-Iroquois 4-H Foundation is proud to announce our 2022 High School 4-H Senior Scholarships. Application for scholarships up to $1,000 are available due to the wonderful generosity of those supporting our annual 4-H auction and donation letter campaign. All Ford and Iroquois graduating 4-H seniors will receive an email from the Extension office with the scholarship application and guidelines. Scholarship applications are also available at your school counselor office or by emailing fordiroquois4hfoundation@gmail.com.

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE RESPONDED TO OVER 2,000 CALLS FOR SERVICE DURING WINTER STORM

The Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated 303 traffic crashes, responded to 827 motorist assists, and over 2,000 calls for service during the recent significant winter storm event. 

 

Numerous crashes caused multiple interstate closures across Illinois during the inclement weather.  ISP Troopers were assisted by a multitude of law enforcement agencies and personnel across the state to escort stranded motorists to safety and investigate traffic crashes. 

 

On February 17, 2022, beginning at approximately 3 p.m.., ISP District 6 (Pontiac) responded to assist motorists and investigate several crashes on Interstate 55 and Interstate 74.  ISP District 9 (Springfield) responded to Interstate 72 westbound near New Berlin for several separate crashes.  ISP District 10 (Pesotum) responded to Interstate 74 and Interstate 57 to investigate crashes and assist motorists. Due to these crashes, the interstates were closed for a significant amount of time. 

 

ISP District 8 (Metamora) responded to a multi-vehicle crash involving nineteen commercial motor vehicles and nine passenger vehicles on Interstate 39 near El Paso.  Dozens of other vehicles slid off the roadway and were stranded.  Interstate 39 from Normal to Minonk was closed for nearly 24 hours while ISP Troopers and multiple local law enforcement agencies and other first responders assisted to ensure motorists were safely escorted to a warming center. 

 

“The Illinois State Police once again rose to the occasion, in the cold and throughout the night, ensuring the safety of thousands of motorists across the state,” stated Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly.  “With help from our local law enforcement partners, Illinois Department of Transportation personnel, tow operators, and other emergency responders, our Troopers were able to safeguard the public and ultimately prevented roadway tragedies,” added Kelly. 

 

Double Fatal, Two Vehicle Traffic Crash near Hoopeston

WHAT:                      Double Fatal, Two Unit Traffic Crash

 

WHERE:                   Illinois Route 1 at Vermilion County Road 4000 N

 

WHEN:                      February 15th, 2022 at approximately 2:28 PM

 

VEHICLE:                Unit #1 - 2012 Silver Chevrolet Silverado

 

DRIVER:                  Joshua A. Newberry 25, from Hoopeston IL

 

VEHICLE:                Unit #2 - 2002 Green Jeep Liberty

 

DRIVER:                   Linda Crippin 63, from Danville IL (deceased)

 

PASSENGER:           Jerry Crippin 63, from Danville IL (deceased)

 

 

PRELIMINARY:     A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred:  Unit #1 was traveling northbound on Illinois Route 1, approaching Vermillion County 4000 N, as Unit #2 was traveling

southbound.  Unit #1 crossed over the center line divider and struck Unit #2 head on, in Unit #2’s lane of travel/right emergency shoulder.  The driver of Unit #1 was transported by ambulance to a local area hospital, with non-life threatening injures.  The driver and passenger of Unit #2 were pronounced deceased on scene by the Vermilion County Coroner.  The driver of Unit #1 was issued citations for improper lane usage and for not wearing a seatbelt.  The investigation is ongoing.

DANVILLE MAN SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 100 YEARS IN PRISON FOR MURDER

Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced a Danville man was sentenced to 106 years in prison for first-degree murder, home invasion and aggravated battery in the shooting death of a 20-year-old Danville man.

Lamont Davis, 20, of Danville, Illinois was sentenced by Vermillion County Circuit Court Judge Charles C. Hall after a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder while armed with a firearm, home invasion while armed with a firearm and aggravated battery with a firearm in the shooting death of Justin Daubaris.

“I appreciate the partnership of the Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s office in working to stem the tide of gun violence and their support in helping to ensure that individuals who perpetuate violent crimes like this are held accountable,” Raoul said. “While nothing can make up for the loss that Justin Daubaris’ family and friends suffered, I hope this sentence brings them some peace.”

Raoul’s office charged Davis in October 2021 alleging that on Nov. 10, 2019, Davis and two other men stormed into an apartment on Hazel Street in Danville armed with firearms. Jaleel Jones was inside the residence at the time and was able to escape after being shot in the hip. Upon hearing the gunshots, Jones’ brother Justin Daubaris entered the apartment to confront the three armed offenders. Daubaris was shot in the back three times and killed.

“Yesterday’s sentence clearly sends a strong message to our community that gun violence and senseless execution style killings will not be tolerated,” said Lacy. “Thank you to Attorney General Kwame Raoul and his staff for their dedication in fighting violent crime. Our continued partnership in battling violent crime has been an asset to our community.”

Assistant Attorneys General Michael Falagario and Shannon O'Brien handled the case for Raoul’s Criminal Enforcement Division.

State Senator Chapin Rose statement on partial lifting of mask order

State Senator Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) released the following Governor JB Pritzker’s announcement that he would be partially lifting the statewide mask order:

“It is now abundantly clear that JB Pritzker’s ‘scientists’ are actually the Governor’s of NY, NJ, CT and California. What a joke. And now he is saying that kids in school are different than adults at the workplace – and all because he can’t keep his own bruised ego in check. Everyday more and more school districts, parents, and children are walking away from him in outright revolt!  How dare a parent make a decision in their own child’s best interest - not JB Pritzker’s political interest. But, boy, is he ever going to show them how smart he is – moving to punish all those who defy him. Well, I say, give it a rest man, get your ego in check, and realize what the ‘scientists,’ err, I mean the ‘Governors’ of NY, NJ, CT, and California have already figured out (oops, looks like the ‘cool kid’ group of governors apparently forgot to include you in the memo). Never mind that the rest of the country never punished children and their parents in the first place.”

Iroquois County Covid 19 Update 2/8/22

As of 02/08/2022, there have been 6,948 cases of COVID-19 and 105 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 106 new cases since our last update. 

46.59% of the population of Iroquois County are considered fully vaccinated.

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

The Iroquois County Public Health Department is offering two free, "after hours" COVID-19 vaccine clinics

Vaccination is the key to preventing severe illness. Hospitalization rates for complications of COVID-19 remain significantly lower for vaccinated individuals across all age groups in Illinois. The Iroquois County Public Health Department is offering two free, “after hours” COVID-19 vaccine clinics. The first clinic will be Wednesday, February 9 from 4:30 until 6:00 PM. The second option will be Saturday, February 26 from 9:00 AM until noon. All three vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J) will be available. Individuals ages 5 and up are eligible for a primary series (Pfizer only for ages 5-17) and individuals 12 and up are eligible for a booster dose (Pfizer only for ages 12-17). Please call (815)432-2483 to schedule a vaccine. 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. If you do not feel well the day of your appointment or are in isolation or quarantine, please do not attend. 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. 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 medical provider. 

Darius D. Sullivan, the Bourbonnais man charged with killing Bradley Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and wounding Officer Tyler Bailey, is looking for another attorney.

Darius D. Sullivan, the Bourbonnais man charged with killing Bradley Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and wounding Officer Tyler Bailey, is looking for another attorney.

Sullivan, 25, was in Kankakee County court on Friday via video feed. It was scheduled to be his arraignment on first-degree murder, attempted murder and aggravated battery with a firearm.

Instead, Sullivan’s attorney, Bart Beals, filed a motion to withdraw, which Kankakee County Circuit Judge Kathy Bradshaw-Elliott granted. After the hearing, Beals did not say why he withdrew from the case.

When Elliott asked if Sullivan planned to hire an attorney or was asking her to appoint a public defender, he said he was going to hire an attorney.

“I’m going to need a month or two,” Sullivan explained.

Elliott set Sullivan’s next court date for March 7.

Sullivan and his girlfriend, Xandria Harris, 26, of Bradley, are both charged with first-degree murder in Rittmanic’s death and attempted murder in the shooting of Bailey on Dec. 29.

According to Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe’s account of police body camera footage, the officers were shot after checking on the hotel room where Harris and Sullivan were staying.

Rittmanic died of her injuries on Dec. 30, and Bailey was severely wounded. He is still hospitalized but was recently moved out of intensive care. He was in stable condition as of Jan. 22, according to the latest statement released by his family.

Harris and Sullivan were both indicted by the Kankakee County grand jury on Jan. 20. Rowe added three counts of misdemeanor endangering the life or health of a child to the indictments.

On the night of the shooting, Harris told the two officers she had children in the hotel room, according to body cam audio and video obtained from each officer.

Harris and Sullivan are both being held at the Kankakee County jail without bond.

“I will do an initial investigation of the material I received over the weekend,” Norris explained to Judge Elliott and Rowe in asking for a quick court date. “That will give me time to see what I need to do in regard to subpoenas, asking for further evidence and filing motions.”

Harris did not speak during her appearance.

Investigation update

Rowe said that the investigation continues into the incident on Dec. 29 by not only his office and the Illinois State Police but also Indiana authorities as Sullivan was arrested in Wabash County, Indiana. Rowe said Indiana is investigating the possible involvement of two of Sullivan’s relatives in his elusion of police during a manhunt following the incident in Bradley.

Rowe contacted the U.S. Attorney General’s office to review the cases of Sullivan and Harris for federal murder charges and pursue a federal sentence of death against both defendants. Rowe said he did not have an update on that request.

Although Illinois is not a death penalty state, the U.S. Attorney General can authorize the filing of a petition to seek the death penalty in a federal murder case under certain circumstances, according to Rowe.

The State’s Attorney will also seek life sentences for both Sullivan and Harris as the existing state-level charges proceed.

Iroquois County Covid 19 Update 2/1/22

As of 01/29/2022, there have been 6,842 cases of COVID-19 and 101 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 206 new cases since our last update. 

46.41% of the population of Iroquois County are considered fully vaccinated.

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

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