On Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at approximately 5:15 a.m., KAMEG Agents, assisted by Illinois State Police SWAT, arrested Kim L. Franks, age 49, and Kimyata S. Mitchell-Eason, age 51, both of Kankakee, IL, following a search warrant at their residence, 1178 E. Maple St. Kankakee. A two-month investigation preceded the search warrant execution. The search warrant execution resulted in the seizure of over 2,000 grams of cocaine, over 5,000 grams of cannabis, two loaded handguns, United States Currency, and multiple items of drug paraphernalia.

Franks was charged with the following: Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver between 2000 – 5000 grams, Unlawful Possession of a Cannabis with Intent to Deliver over 5000 grams, Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon and two counts of Armed Violence.

Mitchell-Eason was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver.

Franks and Mitchell-Eason were transported to and detained at the Jerome Combs Detention Center (Kankakee County).

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.

The Iroquois County Public Health Department is asking for assistance from the public in the collection of dead birds found in Iroquois County. “Since West Nile virus arrived in Illinois at the end of the summer of 2001, dead birds have been important sentinels for early West Nile virus activity,” said Ryan Wheeler, Director of Environmental Health for the health department. “We are looking for “perching birds” such as crows, blue jays, starlings, robins, cardinals, mockingbirds, catbirds, and grackles. Also, many species of sparrows, owls, hawks, finches, flycatchers, swallows, warblers and wrens will be accepted for testing.” Dead birds will be collected from May 1st to October 15th, 2022. Mr. Wheeler said submitted birds should be believed dead less than 24 hours. Birds should only be submitted if they have not been damaged by scavenging animals and are not decomposed. Birds that have an obvious cause of death such as a gunshot wound or that have been hit by motor vehicles are not eligible for testing. Residents who find dead birds should double bag them in plastic bags (plastic bags that seal are the best) and then take them to the Iroquois County Public Health Department at 1001 East Grant Street in Watseka. For more information regarding collection of dead birds, contact the Iroquois County Public Health Department at (815) 432-2483 or visit the ICPHD website at https://co.iroquois.il.us/offices/health-department . 

On April 26 Andrew Thompson, no age or town given, turned himself in at the Iroquois county Jail to serve a sentence for driving while license revoked.

Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Linda L. McCray, 44, of Watseka, April 25. According to police reports, McCray was charged with violation of an order of protection. McCray was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where she posted the required bond.

Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Michael L. Power, 27, of rural Martinton, April 26. According to police reports, Power was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal transportation of alcohol by a driver, and driving on the wrong side of the roadway. Power was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

Police were called to Ash and North Fourth for a wanted person at 4:02 p.m. Arrested was James L. Davenport, 37, of Watseka, on an active extendable warrant out of Indiana. Davenport was also charged with possession of methamphetamine under 5 grams that was found on his person. Davenport was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

Demetrius D. Bostic, 39, was charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, armed violence, unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver, and possession of a firearm without a required FOID card.

Terry R. Houston, 35, was charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful delivery of cannabis.

Circuit Judge William Dickenson set Bostic’s bond at $100,000 and Houston’s bond at $150,000.

Police officers from multiple law enforcement agencies — including local, Kankakee County, state and federal entities — participated in Operation 420 on Wednesday.

The operation’s objective was to apprehend individuals who have either failed to show up for their court dates or were otherwise wanted on outstanding warrants, while also enforcing traffic laws and searching for other criminal conduct, according to a Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department release.

The efforts resulted in the following, according to a press release:

• 14 warrant arrests

• One non-warrant drug-related arrest

• Three recovered firearms (including a ghost gun with no serial number, a drum-magazine, numerous rifle magazines and more than 250 rounds of ammunition)

• Three impounded vehicles

• Three domestic-related offenses

• Two federal charges for weapons offenses

• 10 written warnings

• Seven state citations

• The seizure of quantities of cocaine, cannabis and heroin

The Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the Annual Banquet for 2022 “Cultivating Growth” will be held at the Watseka Elks Lodge on Wednesday, May 4th starting at 5:30 PM. One of the highlights of this event is this year’s recipient for the 2022 Staff Achievement Award. Carla Waters Managing Editor of the Times-Republic has been selected as this year’s recipient. Tickets are available which includes a meal and two drink tickets. A cash bar will be available. Don’t forget the silent auction from donations made by our Chamber members. New this year we will be selling “Cultivating Bonanza” tickets that will be available for purchase. Awards will also be given by the Times-Republic for Citizen of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award. So, don’t miss this fun event. Tickets are $25 in advance tickets may be purchased at the Chamber office until Friday, April 29th by noon at 110 South Third Street, Watseka or call to reserve your tickets at 815-432-2416

The Senior Services team at the Iroquois County Public Health Department is dedicated to serving citizens, age 60 or older, by providing a number of services that facilitate healthy living. Along with the Community Care Program, ICPHD is able to assist seniors through the Emergency Senior Services Program. These programs are essential to Iroquois County due to the increase in the aging population. According to the Iroquois County Community Health Improvement Plan, 21.1% of the population of Iroquois County is age 65 or older, considerably higher than the 14.6% state average. The Emergency Senior Services Program is available to all Iroquois County residents age 60 or older who may be in need. Eligible individuals in need of essential care items, such as food, medical supplies, or personal hygiene products may be able to receive assistance. For more information on this program or how you, or someone you know, may receive services please call the Iroquois County Public Health Department at 815-432-2483. You can also call the Illinois Department on Aging’s senior helpline at 1-800-252-8966. 

On April 7 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Conner Wallace, 29, of Watseka. According to police reports, Wallace was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with failure to appear for driving while license suspended. Additionally, Wallace was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Wallace was placed in custody and transported to the Iroquois county Jail in lieu of bond.

On April 7 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Louis F. Reyes, 24, of Onarga. According to police reports, Reyes was charged with criminal damage to property under $500. Reyes was placed in custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

On April 8 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Miles D. Pelehowski, 25, of Donovan. According to police reports, Pelehowski was charged with three counts of burglary, criminal damage to property under $500 and transported to the Iroquois County Jail in lieu of bond.

On April 13 Iroquois County Probation arrested David R. Blair Jr., 43, of Gilman. Blair was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on a charge of possession of methamphetamine under five grams. Blair posted the required bond and was released.

On April 13 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Collin A. Durflinger, 28, of Watseka. According to police reports, Durflinger was charged with possession of a controlled substance. Durflinger was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond.

On April 13 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Dale Durflinger Jr., 49, of Watseka. According to police reports, Durflinger was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of methamphetamines under five grams. Durflinger was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond.

Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Dakota J. Degarro, 24, of Sheldon April 15. According to police reports, Degarro was wanted on a Vermilion County warrant on drug related charges. Degarro was also charged with resisting/obstructing a peace officer. Degarro was extradited to Vermilion County on the warrant.

A 19-year-old Buckley resident died from injuries she received when she was ejected from her vehicle during a single-vehicle wreck near Loda Thursday night.

Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup said Hannah Luening was pronounced dead at 11:35 p.m. in the Carle Foundation Hospital Emergency Department, Urbana.

Preliminary autopsy results indicate Miss Luening died from multiple blunt-force injuries she received during the crash.

Miss Luening, the driver, was ejected from her vehicle when it left the roadway, striking a culvert and rolling over several times near county roads 200N and 200E near Loda.

Iroquois County Sheriff’s Department and the coroner’s office are investigating the circumstances involving the crash.

Three Newton County Deputies received the Sheriff’s Merit award for their outstanding service and lifesaving event.

Chief Deputy Shannon Cothran summarized “On February 25^th, 2022 about 11:30PM, Officers were dispatched to the area of CR 600E, South of SR 10 in an attempt to locate a subject that fled the scene of a personal injury crash.  In extreme weather conditions with heavy snow cover, officers tracked footprints for nearly 4 hours totaling over 7 miles until they located the man face down in a ditch.  Officers rendered 1^st aid until medical attention arrived. We are proud of these officer’s efforts, their actions and what they represent.  We also want to thank Morocco Reserve Officer Gregory Robinson for his efforts and assistance.  We appreciate him.”

Sheriff Tom VanVleet presented Deputies James Melton, Nathan Fenley and Joseph Mosley with their Merit Certificates and stated “It is no doubt that without the determination and hard work of these officers, this event would have had a tragic outcome.  We thank these officers to their commitment to excellence."

The Iroquois County Public Health Department (ICPHD) now has COVID-19 vaccine second booster doses available to eligible recipients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its recommendations, allowing adults 50 years of age or older and certain immunocompromised individuals to receive an additional booster dose. The CDC states, “Boosters are safe, and people over the age of 50 can now get an additional booster 4 months after their prior dose to increase their protection further. This is especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID-19 as they are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time.” ICPHD has boosters available for eligible individuals by appointment Monday-Friday; 9 AM3:30 PM. Call 815-432-2483 to schedule an appointment. At this time, there is no cost for the COVID-19 vaccine. Pregnant/breastfeeding individuals will need to bring written documentation from their physician to receive the vaccine.

On March 26, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Jeffery A. Short, 49, of Sheldon. According to police reports, Short was charged with domestic battery and resisting arrest. Short was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

On March 31 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Nicole Adams-Theofield, 34, of Gilman. According to police reports, Adams-Theofield was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging her with failure to appear for driving while license suspended. Adams-Theofield was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she posted the required bond and was released.

On April 1 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Wesley Laporte, 61, of Gilman. According to police reports, Laporte was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with failure to register as a sex offender. Laporte was transported to the Iroquois County Jail in lieu of bond.

On April 4 Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Tyler J. Bruens, 26, of Watseka. According to police reports, Bruens was wanted on a Vermilion County warrant for failure to appear on a driving while license suspended charge. Bruens was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond.

Police arrested Jesse D. Hurst, 25, Watseka, in the 700 block of East Mulberry at 1:51 p.m. Hurst was wanted on an active Kankakee County warrant. Hurst was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

Police responded to a calla bout a trespasser in the 600 block of West Washington at 10:07 a.m. Arrested was Thomas Wilson, 58, Watseka, for an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with failure to appear on a driving suspended charge. Wilson was also found in possession o suspected methamphetamine after officers located a baggie of suspected meth in his pocket.

Police conducted a traffic stop in the area of Second and Washington at 4:04 p.m. Arrested was Harold Wright, 51, Watseka, for driving while license revoked. He was transported to the county jail.

Police responded to a domestic dispute call in the 1700 block of East Walnut at 1:51 p.m. Arrested was Marlan Johnson, 32, Watseka, for domestic battery. He was taken to the county jail.

April 4-10, 2022 is Public Health Week. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This work is achieved by promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and detecting, preventing and responding to infectious diseases.” The mission of the Iroquois County Public Health Department (ICPHD) is to fulfill society’s interest in assuring conditions in which people can reach their maximum health potential. ICPHD focuses on services to help Iroquois County residents achieve a high level of wellness through the core functions of public health. The Environmental Health division works to ensure a safe living environment for Iroquois County residents through programs that address food, water, and septic safety. The Community Health division serves residents by working to prevent disease outbreaks and addressing chronic disease concerns through immunization, screening testing, communicable disease investigation, and education. Public Health Emergency Preparedness engages in the planning and managing of local response to any natural or man-made public health emergency. ICPHD also offers services to assists seniors ages 60 and over, and their families, through the Community Cares and Respite programs in their Senior Services division. Through its large variety of programs and collaboration with outside agencies, ICPHD staff work diligently to promote health and wellness for the residents of Iroquois County. To learn more about ICPHD programs visit, https://iroquoiscountyil.gov/offices/health-department or call 815-432-2483.

On Thursday, March 31, 2022, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group (KAMEG) Agents arrested two individuals as a result of a drug investigation.

John Brent Jr., age 51 of Kankakee, IL was taken into custody and charged with three counts of Delivery of Controlled Substance and had an active warrant out of Iroquois County for failure to appear on Driving While License Suspended charges.

Willie R. Braxton, age 84 of Kankakee, IL was taken into custody and charged with 2 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

Both suspects were transported to and detained at the Jerome Combs Detention Center.

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.