County Treasurer, Kurt Albers, has announced that the 2022 payable 2023 real estate tax statements have not been printed or mailed out. We are looking at a 4 to 5 week time frame for them to be printed and mailed. Once they are printed the first installment will be due 30 days after the printed date. For any questions please call our office at 815-432-6985.

On May 26th 2023 4:33pm, the Newton County 9-1-1 center received reports of a two-vehicle crash, rollover with bodily injury and entrapment, US 41 at SR 14 (5 miles north of Morocco)

The preliminary investigation indicates that a 27 year old Indiana woman, driving a white SUV with her 6 year old son, was traveling west bound at the intersection US 41 and SR 14.  The vehicle proceeded west when it crashed into a silver pickup truck traveling south bound. The impact caused the silver pickup to roll over multiple times.

The second vehicle was driven by a 62 year old Illinois man and his 54 year old wife. The driver of the second vehicle was extricated by fire and medical personnel. The  62 year old Illinois man was airlifted due to injuries. His condition is unknown at this time. All other subjects were transported to area hospitals.

Names are being withheld at this time as the crash is still under investigation.  Anyone that witnessed the crash is encouraged to contact Deputy Duncan 219-474-6081 EXT 3112.

Assisting agencies:  Newton County 9-1-1, Newton County EMA, Newton County EMS,  Morocco Fire Department,  Keener Township EMS,  SAM helicopter and Indiana Conservation police

The 4th of July is just around the corner which means it’s time to celebrate our Independence! This year’s parade will be held Tuesday, July 4th at 10:00 a.m. The parade theme is “Red, White, & Blue”. Registration forms can be obtained from the Chamber office at 110 South Third Street in Watseka, by calling (815) 432-2416, or their Facebook page. Sponsored the City of Watseka, this year’s parade will have awards for best farm entry, best religious entry, best commercial entry, best children’s unit, best walking unit, best use of theme, and best decorated emergency vehicle. There is no charge to participate in the parade. It’s a great way to get your business noticed by thousands of area residents! The parade route will proceed south on Belmont Avenue, turn west on Fairman Avenue, north on Fourth Street, east on Cherry Street, south on Fifth Street, east on Lincoln Ave. south on Belmont Avenue, ending at the Watseka Community High School. Also the children’s coloring contest is open to children 3 through 7 years of age. One male and one female winner will be chosen to be this year’s Little Mr. & Miss Firecracker. Both winners will ride in this year’s parade. Coloring sheets can be picked up at the Chamber office and must be returned by June 23rd to be included in this year’s judging. Fireworks will be at dusk on Tuesday, July 4 th . For more information, please contact the Chamber office at (815) 432-2416.

On May 16, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Maximo Patlan Jr., age 50, of Danforth. According to police reports, Patlan Jr. was charged with possession of methamphetamines under 5 grams. Patlan Jr. was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains in lieu of bond.

On May 14, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a single vehicle accident that occurred on County Rd 1300 N approximately a quarter mile east of County Rd 900 E. According to police reports, a vehicle being driven by Yahir Perez, age 18, of Gilman was traveling east on 1300 N when the road surface changed to gravel. Perez lost control of the vehicle and entered the north ditch and rolled multiple times. Perez and one of his two passengers were transported to Iroquois Memorial Hospital by Riverside EMS for minor suspected injuries. No citations were issued.

On May 17, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a two-vehicle accident that occurred in the parking lot of 405 N 1st St. in Cissna Park. According to police reports, a vehicle being driven by Sarah G. Holt, age 57, of rural Rankin was attempting to back into an open parking space. The rear of Holt’s vehicle struck the front of an unoccupied vehicle owned by Mariah Ramos of Hoopeston. The collision caused over $1500 in damage to both vehicles. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued.

On May 20, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Vernon R. Haskins, age 56, of Watseka. According to police reports, Haskins was charged with driving while license revoked and possession of methamphetarnine less than 5 grams. Haskins was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

On May 19 , 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Clay Mausehund, age 25, of Beaverville. According to police reports, Mausehund was wanted on an outstanding Kankakee County warrant charging him with failure to appear on the charges of driving while license suspended, battery, and resisting arrest. Mausehund was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

On May 19 , 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Christopher A. Burton, age SO, of Milford. According to police reports, Burton was charged with possession of methamphetamine 5 to 15 grams, possession of a controlled substance, driving while under the influence of drugs, improper lane usage and expired registration. Burton was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains in lieu of bond.

On May 18, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Poli~e arrested Phillip C. Franklin, age 35, of Sheldon. According to police reports, Franklin was charged with battery. Franklin was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

On May 17, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Rolando Salazar, age 27, of Sheldon. According to police reports, Salazar was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with failure to appear for driving under the influence. Salazar was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

On May 17, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested William Acier, age 30, of Chebanse. According to police reports, Ader was charged with domestic battery. Ader was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

On Monday, May 22^nd, 2023, KAMEG Agents, assisted by the United States Marshall Service and local Kankakee County agencies, conducted a warrant sweep based on KAMEG investigations. During the warrant sweep, the following individuals were arrested:

*Jerome Dabney, age 36, of Bourbonnais, IL, was arrested on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for two counts of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

*Curtis Baron, age 45, of Kankakee, IL, was arrested on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine). Baron was also charged with an additional charge of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine). 

*Marcus Foster, age 30, of Kankakee, IL, was arrested on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for two counts Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

*Brandon Murrell, age 38, of Kankakee, IL, was arrested on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

*Darius Samuels, age 28, of Kankakee, IL, was arrested on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

*Kenneth Garcia, age 31, of Pembroke Township, IL was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Heroin/Fentanyl), Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Delivery (Methamphetamine), and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Crack Cocaine). Agents made contact with Garcia and found him to be in possession of approximately 19.2 grams of suspected Heroin/Fentanyl, approximately 12.1 grams of suspected Methamphetamine, and approximately 5.7 grams of suspected Crack Cocaine.

Updated release sent out on

All subjects 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 our citizens and children.

KAMEG is comprised of personnel from the Illinois State Police, Bourbonnais Police ‎Department, ‎ Bradley Police Department, Kankakee Police Department, Kankakee ‎County Sheriff’s ‎Department, and the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s ‎Office

On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at approximately 11:00 a.m., KAMEG Agents, assisted by Illinois State Police SWAT, United States Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol-Tobacco-Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Kankakee City Police Department, arrested 24-year-old Miguel Vega-Pizano and 24-year-old Jennifer Rodriguez of Kankakee, IL, following a search warrant at their residence in the 800 block of South Prospect Avenue, Kankakee. The search warrant execution resulted in the seizure of approximately 2,228 grams of suspected cannabis, approximately 10.3 grams of suspected fentanyl pills, two handguns, ammunition, and United States Currency.

The investigation into Vega-Pizano and Rodriguez led to the interception of a US Priority Mail package containing suspected cannabis, which culminated with the search warrant execution. According to KAMEG Director Clayt Wolfe, “The investigation revealed several similar US Priority Mail packages being delivered to this address within the last two months. It is gratifying when multiple agencies work together and are successful in disrupting a narcotics operation such as this one, taking narcotics and illegally possessed firearms out of the path of our community.”

A criminal complaint has been filed through the US Attorney’s Office with the United States District Court in the Central District of Illinois against Vega-Pizano. Vega-Pizano has been initially charged with the following: Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute, Maintaining a drug-involved premises, and Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien. 

Rodriguez has been initially charged with the following through the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office: Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, Unlawful Possession of Cannabis (2,000-5,000 grams) with Intent to Deliver and Child Endangerment.

Vega-Pizano and Rodriguez were transported to and detained at the Jerome Combs Detention Center (Kankakee County).

A Watseka teacher was sentenced to probation after she pleaded guilty to having a sexual relationship with a student.

Stephanie L. Harmon, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and will spend the next four years on probation.

Last fall, police received a tip that an Iroquois County teacher was in a sexual relationship with a student from the school.

After a one-month investigation, the Watseka Police Department arrested Harmon, on September 30.

We're told the allegations of the sexual assault did not occur in the school.

During an interview with police, the victim and Harmon reportedly admitted the allegations were true.

Harmon was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.

On May 16, 2023, the Illinois State Police (ISP) along with the Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group (KAMEG), Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office, and other local law enforcement, executed a search warrant at a residence in Kankakee, IL. Following the investigation, 34-year-old Christopher A. Loiselle of Kankakee, IL, was arrested and charged with one count of Electronic Cyberstalking (Class 4 Felony), one count of Grooming (Class 4 Felony), and one count of Electronic Harassment (Class 4 Felony). Loiselle was transferred to the custody of the Jerome Combs Detention Center to await his bond hearing. 

This remains an active investigation and no additional information is available at this time.   Multiple victims are still unidentified regarding this investigation.   If you have any information regarding the investigation, please contact ISP at 815-726-6377 or email at ISP.CrimeTips@illinois.gov. Witnesses can remain anonymous

Arthur Jensen, of Sheldon, was sentenced to 50 years in prison Monday for the murder of 17-year-old Adara J. Bunn in 2019, according to a release from the Iroquois County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Bunn was a student at Milford High School who lived in Sheldon with her family.

The 53-year-old Jensen was accused of killing Bunn in his home on Aug. 5, 2019. An Iroquois County jury found Jensen guilty of two counts of first degree murder in March.

Iroquois County deputies were dispatched to Jensen’s home at 4:13 p.m. Aug. 5, 2019, for a report of a disturbance by a 911 caller who said screaming was heard from inside the house.

According to police, Jensen was outside his house at 315 W. Main St., when officers arrived. Officers say that Jensen told them, “There’s a girl inside, and I strangled her,” according to police reports.

An autopsy determined the cause of Bunn’s death was strangulation.

The state was represented by Assistant State’s Attorneys Michael Quinlan and Jennifer Mansberger. Jensen was represented by Lance Cagle and Samantha Dodds, the release said.

Quinlan recommended a prison sentence of 50 years to Circuit Judge Michael Sabol. Cagle recommended a prison sentence of 30 years, according to the release.

Jensen will have to serve 100% of his sentence. He was given credit for the 1,380 days he has been incarcerated in the Iroquois County Jail, the release said.

The following is being released on behalf of the Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group (KAMEG). 

On Wednesday, May 10^th, 2023, KAMEG Agents, assisted by the United States Marshal Service, Kankakee Police Department, Bourbonnais Police Department, Bradley Police Department, Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office and Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office, conducted a warrant sweep, which included four search warrant executions, based on KAMEG investigations. During the warrant sweep, the following individuals were arrested:

*Timothy Phalen, age 33, of Bourbonnais, IL, was arrested following a search warrant at his residence, 155 Barrington Dr., Bourbonnais. The search warrant execution resulted in the seizure of approximately 127.7 grams of suspected cannabis, a vehicle, and United States Currency. Phalen has been charged with two counts of Unlawful Delivery of Cannabis.

*Patrick Stepp, age 47, of Bradley, IL, was arrested following a search warrant at his residence, 693 W. Brookmont Blvd., Bradley, in conjunction with an ongoing narcotics investigation. Stepp has been charged with Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

*Antonio Ross, age 29, of Kankakee, IL, was arrested following a search warrant at his residence, 553 E. Bourbonnais St., Kankakee, in conjunction with an ongoing narcotics investigation. Ross has been charged with two counts of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

*Marshall Smith, age 22, and Kshon Jackson, age 25, both of Pembroke Township, were arrested following a search warrant at 13123 E. 2690 S. Rd, Pembroke Township, in conjunction with an ongoing investigation narcotics investigation. The search warrant execution resulted in the seizure of approximately 38.7 grams of suspected crack cocaine, approximately 20.2 grams of suspected heroin/fentanyl, 9 M30 (suspected fentanyl) pills, 2 firearms, United States Currency, and one vehicle. Smith has been charged with two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Crack Cocaine and Heroin/Fentanyl), Resisting a Police Officer and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition. Jackson has been charged with Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, No FOID, and two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Crack Cocaine and Heroin/Fentanyl).

*Jordan Green, age 30, of Kankakee, IL, was arrested on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine).

*Andrew Jamicich, age 32, of Kankakee, IL, was arrested on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl).

*David Lawrence, age 59, of Chebanse, IL, was arrested on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

*Corrinne Pelletier, age 37, of Herscher, IL, was arrested on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for two counts of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

*Darnell Rhodes, age 38, of Kankakee, IL, was arrested on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for two counts of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Heroin & Crack Cocaine). Rhodes was also charged with Child Endangerment.

*Bess Santee, age 28, of Kankakee, IL, was arrested on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for two counts of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance and a valid Kankakee County Warrant for Leaving the Scene of an Accident. Santee was also charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance after being found in possession of less than a gram of suspected Crack Cocaine upon her arrest.

*Carlton Smith, age 43, of Kankakee, IL, was arrested on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

*Jessica Merillat, age 35, of Bradley, IL, was arrested on valid Kankakee County Warrants for Concealing the Death of a Person, Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance and traffic violations.

*Aaron Smith, age 34, of Chebanse, IL, was arrested on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for three counts of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Heroin, Fentanyl, Methamphetamine)

*Judah Herring, age 23, of Kankakee, IL, was arrested on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine). Herring was arrested in Eleva, Wisconsin by the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office.

All subjects 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 our citizens and children.   

KAMEG is comprised of personnel from the Illinois State Police, Bourbonnais Police ‎Department, ‎ Bradley Police Department, Kankakee Police Department, Kankakee ‎County Sheriff’s ‎Department, and the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s ‎Office

The listed charges are merely an accusation, and the defendants are

presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

On May 3, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Kyle D. Blackburn, age 37, of Cissna Park. According to police reports, Blackburn was wanted on a Ford County warrant for burglary. Blackburn was transported to the Ford County Jail where he remained in lieu of bond.

On May 3, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Jenny L. Loree, age 25, of Cissna Park. According to police reports. Loree was wanted on a Ford County warrant for burglary. Loree was transported to the Ford County Jail where she remained in lieu of bond.

On May 3, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Carla M. Suratt, age 42, of Iroquois. According to police reports, Suratt was charged with violation of an order of protection. Suratt was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she remains in lieu of bond.

On May 3, 2023, Milford Police arrested Kyle J. Williams, age 22. of Milford. According to police reports, Williams was charged with disorderly conduct. Williams was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

On May 4, 2023, Milford Police arrested Jeremy L. Bruens, age 43, of Milford. According to police reports. Bruens was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on a possession of methamphetamines under 5 grams charge. Bruens was also charged with resisting/obstructing a peace officer. Bruens was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remained in lieu of bond.

On May 4, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Cory D. Durflinger, age 40, of East Lynn. According to police reports, Durflinger was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on an aggravated fleeing/eluding charge. Durflinger was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remained in lieu of bond.

On May 4, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Christian Buchanan. age 18, of Onarga. According to police reports, Buchanan was charged with criminal damage to property over $500. Buchanan was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remained in lieu of bond.

On May 4, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Alfred R. Layton, age 51, of Rankin. According to police reports, Layton was charged with driving while license revoked. Layton was transported to the Iroquois Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

On May 5, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Antione D. Travis Jr., age 27. of Danville. According to police reports, Travis was charged with driving under the influence of drugs and speeding 74mph in a 55mph zone. Travis was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remained in lieu of bond.

On May 5, 2023, Juan M. Pozos-Martinez, age 35, of Gilman turned himself in to the Iroquois County Jail. Pozos-Martinez was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on a driving while license revoked charge. Pozos-Martinez posted the required bond and was released.

On May 3, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police investigated a single vehicle accident that occurred on Rt. 49 at the intersection of County Rd 500 N. According to police reports, a vehicle being driven by Kermit Hasselbring, age 80, of rural Cissna Park was southbound on Rt. 49. Hasselbring made a left turn at County Rd 500 N and struck the stop sign in the median. The impact broke the stop sign post and there was over $1500 in damage to the vehicle. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued.

 Iroquois Memorial Hospital’s South Emergency Department/Prompt Care entrance, located on East Fairman Avenue, is now open again 24/7. However, the ER circle driveway is still closed to vehicle traffic for ongoing construction until further notice, so please park along Fairman Avenue. The North main entrance of the hospital, located on South 5th Street, will return to its regularly scheduled hours of being open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm weekdays. We appreciate your understanding.

On April 26, 2023, Milford Police arrested Arturo J. Martinez, age 29, of Kentland. According to police reports, Martinez was wanted on two Iroquois County warrants for failure to appear on possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under the Influence of drugs charges. Martinez was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains in lieu of bond.

On April 26, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Christopher E. Scott, age 26, of Piper City. According to police reports, Scott was wanted on a Ford County warrant for failure to appear on a no valid registration traffic offense.

Scott was also charged with possession of a controlled substance under 5 grams. Scott was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

On April 27, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested David Anthony, age 55, of rural Watseka. According to police reports, Anthony was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant for domestic battery and unlawful interference with the reporting of domestic violence. Anthony was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

On April 27, 2023, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Brandon M. Crawford, age 37, of Gilman. According to police reports, Crawford was charged with driving while license revoked. Crawford was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

On April 29, Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police arrested Anna R. Munoz, age 42, of Crescent City. According to police reports Munoz was charged with driving under the Influence of drugs and speeding over the statutory limit. Munoz was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she posted the required bond and was released.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) has located another fatality from the May 1, 2023 crash on I-55 near milepost 76.  Initially, six individuals were found deceased at the crash scene.  However, the severity of the crash masked the remains and what was previously believed to be the remains of one individual was two.  ISP is working closely with the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office to confirm the identification of the seven deceased individuals and information will be released once identification is complete and proper notifications have been made.  The coroner previously confirmed 88-year-old Shirley Harper of Franklin, WI. died in the crash.   

A total of 37 people were transported to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to critical and ages spanning 2-years-old to 80-years-old. Approximately 72 vehicles are known to be involved in the crashes that occurred in both northbound and southbound lanes of I-55 between mile post 72 and 78 near Farmersville in Montgomery County shortly before 11 a.m. on May 1, 2023.  

Many vehicles involved in those crashes will be released beginning  May 3, 2023 at 8 a.m.   If you were traveling south on I-55 prior to the crash, please call 217-685-4354 to arrange pickup for your vehicle. 

If you were traveling north on I-55 prior to the crash, please call  618-346-3653 to arrange pickup for your vehicle.  Some, but not all, vehicles traveling northbound on I-55 will be released. 

These instructions still apply if your vehicle will be retrieved by a tow service, as additional information needs to be gathered at the time your vehicle is released.  People retrieving vehicles must provide their driver’s license and insurance to the ISP Command Vehicle located at the intersection of Brown and Henrietta in Divernon.  An officer will ask basic questions such as, who was in the vehicle, your phone number, and insurance card information.  Adjustors and/or private reconstruction are not allowed to gain access to the vehicles until tomorrow, May 3, 2023 after they are processed.

ISP thanks all its first responder partners and sister agencies for their tremendous work and assistance during this incident. 

Law enforcement personnel from Divernon Police Department, Hillsboro Police Department, Litchfield Police Department, Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office, and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The following Fire Departments also responded to the scene: Carlinville Fire Department, Chatham Fire Department, Divernon Fire Department, Farmersville Fire Protection District, Girard Fire Department, Pawnee Fire Department, Rochester Fire Department, Shell Creek Fire Department, Springfield Fire Department, Springfield Hazmat, and Virden Fire Department.

Emergency medical services were provided by: Five helicopters from Air Evac and Arch, America Ambulance Service, Bunker Hill Ambulance Service, Carlinville Ambulance, Chatham Ambulance, Echo 6 Ambulance, Gillespie/Benld Ambulance, Hillsboro Ambulance, Litchfield Ambulance Service, Medic First Ambulance, Morrisonville Ambulance Service, Nokomis Ambulance, Pawnee Ambulance, Prairieland Ambulance Service, Raymond Ambulance Service, Stoughton Ambulance, and Virden Ambulance Service.

The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and the Illinois Secretary of State Police also provided personnel on scene.

The Macoupin County Coroner, Montgomery County Coroner, and Sangamon County Coroner are assisting with the fatalities. 

UNIT: ISP Troop 8

LOCATION: Interstate 55 near Milepost 76, north of Farmersville, Montgomery County

DATE and TIME: May 1, 2023 at approximately 10:55 a.m.

BRIEF SYNOPSIS: Preliminary information indicates the following occurred: ISP Troops 6 and 8 responded to the above area for multiple crashes with injuries. At 10:55 a.m. there was a crash on northbound Interstate 55 at Milepost 76. At the same time, there were numerous crashes on southbound Interstate 55 at Milepost 76. The crashes occurred within a two-mile stretch – from roughly Milepost 76 to Milepost 78.

At this time, 72 vehicles are reported being involved in the crash.  A total of 37 people were transported to area hospitals. Injuries range from minor to life-threatening and ages span from 2-years-old to 80-years-old.

Reports show there are six fatalities, all occurring in the northbound lanes. At this time, one decedent has been identified as 88-year-old Shirley Harper of Franklin, WI. The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office is working diligently to identify the other five individuals and notify their families.

Northbound and southbound lanes remain closed. Once the interstate is cleared of all vehicles, the Illinois Department of Transportation will have to inspect the roadway before it is re-opened.

This information is still preliminary and the ISP continues to investigate this crash. Please continue to send all media inquiries to ISP.PIO.Personnel@illinois.gov or follow our social media feeds. Please see the link below for photos of the crash scene.