Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) officials announce the arrest of 19-year-old Jorge Campos of Momence, IL for Reckless Homicide (Class 3 Felony), Failure to Report Crash Involving Death (Class 4 Felony), and Obstructing Justice (Class 4 Felony).

On August 27, 2023 at approximately 2:45 a.m., ISP Troop 5 responded to a hit and run crash involving a motorcycle and passenger vehicle on 4000 North Road near 14000 East Road in Momence, IL. The driver of the motorcycle, 52-year-old Bert N. Lawton of Grant Park, IL, was transported to an area hospital and pronounced deceased. The offending vehicle fled the scene.

A thorough investigation identified the offending vehicle’s driver as Jorge Campos.  On November 29, 2023, ISP DCI agents took Campos into custody. The Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the above charges and Campos is being held at the Kankakee County Jail pending a detention hearing.  There is no further information available at this time.

NEWTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE (11-28-23  8:08AM)

On 11/27/2023 at approximately 4:11PM, Newton County 9-1-1 received reports of a crash on SR16 east of CR335E (George Ade). The preliminary investigation indicates a 2011 Chevrolet passenger car, driven by a 74 year old Brook, IN woman was traveling west on SR16 and traveled off the roadway colliding with a fence and NIPSCO utility pole on the north side of the roadway. The female driver was transported to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Assisting agencies: Newton County Communications, Newton County EMA, Newton County EMS, Brook Fire Department and NIPSCO.

Iroquois County, IL – Eastern Illinois Foodbank (EIF) is distributing food to area families facing food insecurity. The Foodmobile will travel throughout IROQUOIS County on 12/21/2023 from 9 AM – 2 PM, with distribution sites and times and for each town listed at https://www.eifoodbank.org/help/mobile.html. Those attending are asked to bring boxes or bags to transport food.

The distribution is part of the Foodbank’s Foodmobile Program, a system of mobile food pantries designed to help bring nutritious food to rural or underserved areas. Those planning to attend should pre-register at www.EIFclient.com, although doing so does not guarantee a place in line. Income guidelines are as follows:

Updates regarding future food distributions can be found at the Foodbank’s website at www.eifoodbank.org.

On Tuesday, November 14, 2023 7:29pm- Newton County 9-1-1 received reports of a crash on SR 10 near CR 570 E (about 1 mile west of I65).

The preliminary investigation indicates a passenger car driven by a 19 year-old  Lake Village, IN man was traveling west on SR 10 and struck a pedestrian in the travel portion of the roadway.  The pedestrian, a 40 year old DeMotte, IN was pronounced dead at the scene.  The driver of the passenger car was not injured.

Names of those involved are being withheld at this time as this is an active investigation.

Assisting agencies:  Newton County Communications, Newton County EMA, Newton County EMS, Lincoln Twp. Fire, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police and the Newton County Coroner’s Office.

 - Due to local road construction, the main driveway entering the IMH Medical Group parking lot in Gilman will be closed off beginning today, November 14, for the next 7 days. The clinic will still remain open during normal business hours. To get to the Gilman Clinic parking lot during this time, please enter through the driveway at the Cargill Grain Elevator just to the South of our main entrance. From there, you will be able to pull through and park in our clinic's lot. If you have any questions, please call 815.265.8889. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

THE COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE WILL BE OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, FROM 8:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. FOR THE COLLECTION OF TAXES, AND TO ASSIST THE TAXPAYERS WITH ANY QUESTIONS THAT THEY MAY HAVE. THE LAST DAY TO PAY TAX BILLS BEFORE TAX SALE WILL BE END OF DAY DECEMBER 6, 2023.

AFTER THE DELINQUENT DATE, 1 ½ PERCENT INTEREST ON FARMLAND, RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL MUST BE CHARGED PER MONTH ON THE SECOND INSTALLMENT ACCORDING TO ILLINOIS STATE STATUTE.

NO PERSONAL CHECKS OR DEBIT/CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER END OF DAY NOVEMBER 3, 2023

THE TAX SALE WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 7, 2023 AT 9:00 A.M. AT THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER.

THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER AS A TAX BUYER WILL BE END OF DAY MONDAY DECEMBER 4, 2023.

Grand Marshal’s for this year’s City of Watseka’s Annual Lighted Christmas Parade will be the Watseka Public Works Department. Loren Grosvenor accepted the Director of PW position in July 2022. He is also in charge of the Water and Sewer departments as he holds all necessary IEPA Licenses to maintain our Water and Wastewater systems. Since Loren’s start with Public Works, they have completed numerous projects throughout the city. Some of these projects include storm sewer improvements, City Park improvements, road improvements, construction of new well, fire hydrant replacements and repairs. Not only is our PW and Water Department dedicated to maintaining our city, but we are also pushing to make improvements to our beautiful city. This year’s parade committee is proud to announce the Watseka Public Works Department as this year’s Grand Marshal. Sponsored by the City of Watseka, the parade will proceed north on Second Street from Glenn Raymond School, east on Walnut Street to Fifth Street, south on Fifth to Cherry Street, west to Third Street, south on Third to Washington, where you may disperse. Watseka’ s Winterfest will also take place in the First Trust & Savings Bank parking lot with all kinds of activities for the community to enjoy. Following the parade, children of all ages are encouraged to visit Santa at his house, located on Walnut Street. Santa will also be in his house on Saturday, December 2 nd from 5p-7p and all children are invited to attend Storybook Time with Santa will be on Saturday, Dec. 9 th from 9a-10a at the Watseka Elks Lodge, a FREE ticket is required please contact the WACC office 815-432-2416. For more information on Watseka’s annual lighted Christmas Parade, contact the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce at 815/432-2416.

The Watseka Post Office has been renamed to honor a local fallen hero.

In a ceremony Oct. 30, the post office was official renamed the Sgt. Jeremy C. Sherman Post Office. Sgt. Sherman was 23 when he passed away in Egypt Nov. 12, 2020, while serving his country.

The Sherman family was present at the event, including his mother and father, Gwendolyn and Scott Childress, brother Nathan Childress, sister Shea Childress, all of Watseka and wife Kathleen Sherman of Dickson, Tennessee. Also present were several federal, state and local dignitaries and local community members. The event was conducted at the Watseka Theatre.

Watseka American Legion Post 23 made the Presentation of Colors before the Watseka Community High School Band performed “The Star Spangled Banner”.

Manager of Post Office Operations Towanna Murphy welcomed those in attendance and made introductions.

Congressman Robin L. Kelly spoke, noting that former Rep. Adam Kinzinger started the process for the renaming of the post office.

“To the Sherman family, esteemed guests, our military families, to all those who hear to honor Sgt. Sherman, thank you so much.

“Today, the Watseka community and our grateful nation, pay tribute to a true American hero, Sgt. Jeremy C. Sherman, by renaming the Watseka Post Office in his honor.

“Some may not be familiar with the remarkable journey of sacrifices of Sgt. Jeremy C. Sherman. His story epitomizes the dedication and bravery of our service men and women.

“A son of Watseka, Jeremy cherished his family. His parents, his siblings, his wife Kathleen, and his dog Chewy were the light of his life. Jeremy had a deep affection for summers at Yoda Bear Camp Grounds, a passion for dogs and unwavering love for the Chicago Bears. He as a loyal friend and a family man through and through.

“In 2015 Jeremy answered the call to serve his country and join the United States Army. During his service he earned numerous commendations including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Award and Army Good Conduct Medal, among others.

“His deployment took him to South Korea, Afghanistan and tragically Egypt, where he lost his life. Jeremy was working toward his dream of becoming a Blackhawk pilot by pursuing a degree in aeronautics. His dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to his country were evident to all who knew him.

On Saturday, October 28^th, 2023, the Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group (KAMEG), the Pledge for Life Partnership, State Representative Jackie Haas, Senator Patrick Joyce, the Kankakee County Health Department, Riverside Healthcare, 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 was once again an overwhelming success with approximately 950 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.