Date:

06-25-2024

Time Of Incident:

9:54A.M.

Type of Incident:

House Fire (Basement)

Location:

401 E. Sheridan St. Watseka, IL

Injuries:

-1 occupant transported to IMH for smoke inhalation, no life threating injuries.

Extent of Damage:

-Electrical fire in the basement that extended to contents within the basement. Main body of fire was kept to the basement. Heavy smoke and water damage to the basement. The rest of the house had some smoke damage..

Determined Cause:

-Power failure within some chargers sitting on a desk that caught the product around it on fire and spread.

Departments Involved:

-Watseka Fire Department, Crescent City Fire, Riverside Ambulance.

Notes:

-Smoke detector alerted the occupants and they discovered a fire in the basement and then quickly got themselves and the animals out of the house, and called 911 at the same time. The Fire Chief arrived on scene first and reported smoke coming out of the back of the house and smoke coming from the chimney, which help confirm it could be a basement fire. Crews arriving on scene and were quickly directed to pull a hose line to the back and go through the back down to the basement. Fire units arrived on scene at 10am and fire was under control at 10:15am. 6 occupants, 3 cats, and 1 dog were displaced. Red cross was called to the scene to assist

The Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency announces cooling centers will be available for residents in Iroquois County, ensuring the most vulnerable of our residents are safe during the upcoming hot summer days. The Centers offer air-conditioned relief during periods of extreme heat or when an Excessive Heat Advisory or Warning is issued by the National Weather Service. In addition, residents are encouraged to ensure their senior relatives, friends and neighbors, and others whose health may be affected by extreme heat, are safe during high-temperature days. Churches and other organized groups are also asked to check-in on the well-being of their members. The following locations will be available during their standard business hours: Ashkum: Ashkum Coliseum Chebanse: Chebanse Community Building Cissna Park: Village Hall Gilman: City Hall, Iroquois West CUSD #10 Milford: Community Center within City Hall, Milford Christian Church Sheldon: Sheldon Public Library Watseka: Watseka Public Library, Watseka Park District, Walmart, Trinity Church, Iroquois County CUSD #9 Administration Office Please remember, many of the above-listed locations may be CLOSED on Wednesday, June 19th for the Federal Holiday, Juneteenth. It is strongly encouraged that anyone seeking heat-related relief within one of these facilities call to confirm the ability to provide service prior to leaving for the location. Other locations may be made available as this office receives updated information. Scott Anderson, Coordinator Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency

The Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Pam German will serve as this year’s “Stars and Stripes” Grand Marshal in this year’s 4 th of July parade sponsored by the City of Watseka. Pam German will be the grand marshal for the City of Watseka’s Fourth of July parade this year. Pam’s children are William German, Arron German, Corry German, and her grandchildren are Rob Backer, Ashton German, Alan Grammar, Owen German, Lucas German, William German, and Mathew German. Pam has been selected as this year’s grand marshal due to her making people laugh and smile. Pam visits local area businesses, spreading joy and cheer, making people smile. Pam is well loved by her family and friends and would do anything for anyone. This year’s parade will take place on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at 10am, 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 Avenue, south on Belmont Avenue ending at the Watseka High School, where the parade will disperse. The announcer and the judges will be located at First Financial Bank parking lot on south Fourth Street. Judging will take place during the parade. For more information on registering for the parade, contact Amanda at the Chamber office 815-432-2416 or stop by 110 S. Third Street in Watseka.

On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Office and the Watseka Police Department assisted the U.S. Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Danville Police Department in arresting Delin M. Cotton, age 30 of Danville, who was wanted on a Vermilion County, arrest warrant charging him with four counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault with a weapon, aggravated domestic battery, aggravated unlawful restraint and interfering with the reporting of domestic violence.

 

According to county police reports, Cotton was taken into custody without incident by task force officers at a residence in Watseka and transported to the Iroquois County Jail to await extradition to Vermilion County.

 Iroquois Memorial Hospice is a 5 star agency according to Medicare's family and caregiver survey ratings located on Medicare.gov care and compare website. Not only did IMH Hospice receive the top score, we are THE ONLY AGENCY in our area that received a 5 star rating! IMH Hospice scored above the national and state averages in every care category assessed. Our professional staff dedicate themselves to providing the highest quality care possible to our patients and your loved ones, and our 5 star rating is something we are so very proud of! Iroquois Memorial Hospice nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 815.432.0185 or visit imhrh.org to learn more.