The Iroquois County Fair Board is excited to share some thrilling news for country music fans! Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 19, 2025, as the highly acclaimed country artist Chris Cagle is set to take the stage at the Iroquois County Fair in Crescent City, Illinois. With a career that launched in 2000, Cagle has captivated audiences with his heartfelt tunes and chart-topping hits, including the soulful “My Love Goes On and On,” the anthemic “Laredo,” the emotional “What Kinda Gone,” the fun-loving “Chicks Dig It,” and the reflective “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out.” 

Adding to the excitement of the evening, country singer Craig Campbell will be the opening act. Known for his powerful vocals and relatable lyrics, Campbell has made a name for himself with memorable tracks such as “Family Man,” “Outta My Head,” and “Outskirts of Heaven,” ensuring that the night is filled with incredible music from start to finish.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable event! Tickets for the concert will be available for purchase starting at 8 AM CST on Friday, February 28, 2025. You can secure your grandstand seating and track section tickets at www.iroquoiscofair.com. Get ready for a night of fantastic performances and lasting memories!

Check out the list of other events coming to the 2025 Iroquois County Fair Grandstand here:

TUES, JULY 15: TALENT SHOW, OPENING CEREMONIES, QUEEN & LITTLE MISS PAGEANT

WED, JULY 16: IPA TRUCK & TRACTOR PULL

THURS, JULY 17: ON THE GAS DEMOLITION DERBY

FRI, JULY 18: DRAFT HORSE HITCHES, DRAFT HOSRE PULL CONTEST, RODEO

SAT, JULY 19: CONCERT – CHRIS CAGE WITH CRAIG CAMPBELL

SUN, JULY 20: ANTIQUE TRACTOR PULL

Senator Chris Balkema (R- Channahon), released the following statement regarding Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address:

“Unfortunately for Illinois, Governor Pritzker proposed the largest budget in the history of Illinois, bringing the total budget growth to nearly $15 billion, a 37% jump, since he took office. I mean think about that for a minute. Has your income increased even close to that percentage in the last few years?

“This plan has some encouraging aspects, including a commitment to reevaluating certain state-funded programs. However, as always, the real test will be in the final budget negotiations. We have seen time and time again that promises made in a budget address do not always translate into action.

“My focus remains on ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and in a way that reflects the priorities of Illinois families. I look forward to working with my colleagues to craft a budget that serves our state in a sustainable way.”

With the bitter cold taking hold of our area, the Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency announces warming centers will be available for residents in Iroquois County, ensuring the most vulnerable of our residents are safe during the upcoming extremely cold winter days. The centers offer a warm location during periods of dangerous cold.

In addition, residents are encouraged to ensure their senior relatives, friends and neighbors, and others whose health may be affected by extreme cold, are safe during extreme low temperature days. Churches and other organized groups are also encouraged to check-in on the well-being of their members.

The following locations have been contacted this winter season and will be available during their standard business hours. These locations will remain available throughout this winter season. Most government buildings will close for any upcoming legal holidays, as will some of the other published locations.

Before heading to any warming center, it is recommended that a phone call be made to confirm availability.

Ashkum: Ashkum Coliseum

Chebanse: Chebanse Community Center

Gilman: City Hall and the Iroquois West School District Office

Martinton: Martinton Church of Christ

Milford: Milford Christian Church

Watseka: Watseka Public Library, Walmart, Iroquois County Administrative Center, Trinity Church

Other locations may be made available as this office receives updated information.

To keep our residents informed about potential winter weather events, Iroquois County EMA regularly shares winter weather information on our Facebook page. You can follow us at:

https://www.facebook.com/IroquoisCountyEMA/

Christopher Meredith is excited to announce his candidacy for 1st Ward Alderperson in Watseka. With over 30 years of residency in Watseka and a strong record of community involvement, Meredith is committed to bringing fresh perspective and dedicated leadership to the City Council.

Meredith has lived in Watseka for more than three decades and graduated from Watseka Community High School in 1997. He has been married to his wife, Melissa, for 23 years, and they have a 19-year-old son, Quentin. Currently serving as the IT Manager at Iroquois Industrial Group, Meredith has worked in various local businesses throughout his career.

His extensive community involvement includes roles in several organizations such as:

• American Cancer Society Relay for Life (Committee Chair and Online Chair)

• Watseka Park District (Board Member)

• American Red Cross

• Iroquois County Youth Center

• Iroquois County Amateur Radio Club (served as President, Vice President, and Treasurer)

• Local Cub Scouts (Cubmaster)

• Various nonprofits, groups, and churches

In his leisure time, Meredith enjoys camping, bowling, outdoor activities, and woodworking. Recently, he and his son Quentin purchased the old public health department building to transform it into a community hub for multiple organizations.

"I believe I have the skills to lead and represent our community," said Meredith. "It's time for a change, and we need smart, responsible thinking to improve our town. Our town has many issues, like empty buildings, poor streets, and outdated water systems. Let's work together to make things better."

Meredith is committed to open, transparent government, strong partnerships, and listening to the people. He believes it is the duty of an alderperson to make decisions for the benefit of the community, not just individuals. While acknowledging that it is impossible to please everyone, he emphasizes the importance of doing what is right for the majority.

Meredith is also proud to endorse Scott Anderson for Mayor, Bridget Tobeck for 4th Ward Alderperson, Jenny Delahr for 3rd Ward Alderperson, and Peggy Cahoe for 1st Ward Alderperson. He has known Scott Anderson and his opponent, Benny Marcier, for over two decades, having served alongside them in the Amateur Radio Community and Emergency Management Agency (EMA). Meredith respects Benny as a person but believes that Scott Anderson is the best choice for a more transparent and forward-thinking mayor.

"With the support of the good people of Watseka, I hope you will stand behind myself and the other candidates in Wards 2, 3, and 4," said Meredith. "Together, we can honor the opportunity to be your voice of reason on the 2025 City Council."

Christopher Meredith's campaign focuses on improving Watseka through community involvement, transparency, and forward-thinking solutions. For more information about his campaign, please contact [contact information].

Contact Information: Christopher Meredith tzservice@sbcglobal.net 815-955-4313

On Thursday, February 6th, 2025, KAMEG Agents, assisted by the United States Marshals Service, Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms, Kankakee Police Department, Manteno Police Department, Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office, Kankakee County Corrections, Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force and the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office, conducted a warrant sweep based on KAMEG investigations. During the warrant sweep, the following individuals were arrested:

Kelvin D. Taylor, age 34, of Kankakee, IL, was arrested in the 400 block of E. Locust St., Kankakee, on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine) 1-15 grams, three counts of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Heroin) 1-15 grams, and Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl) 1-15 grams. Taylor also had a valid Kankakee County Warrant for Driving on a Suspended License.

Carl Springer Jr., age 45, of Kankakee, IL, was arrested in the 500 block of E. Chestnut St., Kankakee, on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance. Leonela Varela, age 43, of Kankakee, IL, was arrested in the 300 block of S. Washington Ave., Kankakee, on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine.

Roy Ferguson, age 41, of Kankakee, IL, was arrested in the 1000 block of E. Bourbonnais St., Kankakee, IL on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for four counts of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine) 1-15 grams.

Brian Collins, age 58, of Kankakee, IL was arrested in the 1500 block of E. Bourbonnais St., Kankakee, IL. Collins was encountered while Agents were attempting to find another subject. Collins was found to have a valid extraditable warrant out of Williamson County

(IL) for Aiding/Abetting/Possessing/Selling a Stolen Vehicle. Victor Perez-Garcia, age 35, of Kankakee, IL, was arrested in the 400 block of S. Greenwood Avenue, Kankakee, IL on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine 15-100 grams. Upon his arrest, Perez-Garcia was found to be in possession approximately 11.7 grams of suspected methamphetamine. Perez-Garcia was additionally charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.

Lashone Simms, age 39, of Kankakee, IL, was arrested in the 600 block of N. Harrison Avenue, Kankakee, IL on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for 3 counts of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine) 1-15 grams.

Danielle Greer, age 48, of Bradley, IL, was arrested in the 100 block of N. Jackson Avenue, Bradley, IL on a valid Kankakee County Warrant for 3 counts of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine) 1-15 grams. Lestat Sutherland, age 20, of Pembroke Township, was arrested in the S. 2000 block of 13000 E. Road, Pembroke Township, IL on a valid Kankakee County warrant for two counts of armed violence. 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.     

Information and forms for the Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral program are available from the office of Iroquois County Treasurer, Kurt Albers, according to an announcement made by the Treasurer’s Office.

The program allows qualified senior citizens to defer all or part of their 2024 property taxes up to $5,000 on their personal residence. Applications must be filed with the Treasurer’s office by March 1, 2025, in order to defer 2024 taxes billed in 2025.

To qualify, a person must be 65 or over by June 1, 2024, have a total household income of $55,000 or less, and have lived in the property for at least three years. In addition, there must be no delinquent taxes on the property.

Qualified taxpayers can defer taxes totaling up to 80 percent of the equity interest they have in the home. The program sets up a form of a loan with a six percent interest rate which doesn’t become due until the taxpayer sells the property or until after the taxpayer’s death.

To apply for the program, the person has to file two forms with the County Treasurer’s office. The first form (IL1017 TD) asks for basic information on the taxpayer, their income and their property. It also requires that joint owners agree to the tax deferral. In addition, it requires that evidence be presented of adequate insurance on the property.

The second form (IL1018 TD) is the agreement for the tax deferral. It sets out the conditions of the deferral, including the amount which can be deferred, the interest rate and the arrangements for paying back the “loan”.

If you have any questions about this program, please contact the County Treasurer’s office in the Iroquois County Administrative Center, 1001 E. Grant Street, Watseka. The phone number is 815-432-6985.