The Ford-Iroquois 4-H Foundation has announced the availability of 2025 High School 4-H Senior Scholarships, offering up to $1,000 each, thanks to the support from their annual auction. All graduating 4-H seniors from Ford and Iroquois have received an email with the scholarship application link, which is also accessible through school counselors. Applications are due by April 18, 2025. 

The Eastern Illinois Fire Chief’s Association, along with County Board Chairman Paul Ducat and the entire Iroquois County Board, hereby notify all Iroquois County residents that the burn ban that was in place County wide has officially been lifted as of today, Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

The ban was left in place due to the high winds that were present in the County through yesterday, which have now subsided.

The Eastern Illinois Fire Chief’s Association, the Iroquois County Board and Chairman Paul Ducat, and the Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency would like to thank everyone that respected the ban.

Scott Anderson, Coordinator

Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency

The Eastern Illinois Mutual Aid Fire Association- which is comprised of all 21 fire departments located in Iroquois County, along with County Board Chairman Paul Ducat and the entire Iroquois County Board, hereby notify all Iroquois County residents that a burn ban will be in place- effective midnight tonight, March 13th, 2025, across all of Iroquois County. This burn ban was instituted by the Fire Chiefs of Iroquois County. The Fire Chiefs have the authority to issue a burn ban, pursuant with Illinois State Law (70 ILCS 705/8.20) directing everyone to refrain from any open burning, including landscape waste, agricultural waste, household trash, and garbage. Also included in this ban are any type of consumer fireworks. The Fire Departments can- by law, impose fines for violation of this burn ban and will, after warning and extinguishing these fires, impose a fine of $100.00. Fines will double for the second violation.

This ban will be in effect until further notice.

County Board Chairman Paul Ducat said, “Due to the expected extremely high wind event throughout Iroquois County, we are advising all citizens to refrain from any type of burning, including the use of consumer grade fireworks, until further notice. At the present time, conditions are expected to be very favorable for the outbreak of wildfires and other uncontrolled events. The dead and dry areas- common after the winter, are exposed and vulnerable.” Ducat continued, “The Fire Chiefs in the county, with the authority granted by Illinois Statute, have recommended and approved this burn ban to prohibit any type of burning or the use of consumer grade fireworks. This burn ban will remain in effect until the predicted high wind event has subsided, or significant rainfall over the area takes place. An official notice- when the burn ban is lifted, will be issued. Please direct any questions to the Fire Chief of your local Fire Department or Fire Protection District. On behalf of the County Board, the Sheriff, and all Elected Officials, I urge everyone to cooperate with the Fire Chiefs in this matter.”

Nobody wants to impose a burn ban, especially during this time of year when winter clean up efforts are taking place. Much more importantly, fire departments do not want to have to extinguish your house- or your neighbor’s house, if it catches on fire.

The Watseka Family Festival Committee is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated concert lineup for this year’s vibrant 2-day festival, taking place at the beautiful Watseka American Legion Park in Watseka, IL, on August 22-23, 2025. With a diverse collection of musical talent and family-friendly activities, this event promises to be a memorable celebration for attendees of all ages. On Friday, August 22nd, the festival will feature Revel in Red, a dynamic band from Central Illinois renowned for their electrifying performances and impressive accolades. Comprised of six local musical heavyweights, they deliver a captivating sound that spans from 70s rock anthems to today’s hits, covering artists like Prince, Bruno Mars, Van Halen, and Lady Gaga. Don’t miss their unforgettable show—let Revel in Red provide the soundtrack to your night! Opening for Revel in Red is Heartless, a band that captures the classic sound of Heart with their driving beats, burning guitar riffs, and soaring vocals. Known for their faithful renditions, Heartless has gained recognition performing at theaters and festivals throughout the Midwest. On Saturday, August 23rd, the festival will feature some heavyweights from Nashville! Headlining the evening is multi-platinum entertainer Sara Evans, the fifth most-played female artist on country radio over the past two decades. Her impressive lineup of five No. 1 singles includes “No Place That Far,” “Suds in The Bucket,” “A Real Fine Place to Start,” “Born to Fly,” and “A Little Bit Stronger.” Opening for Evans is Neal McCoy, a two-time Entertainer of the Year. Over his career, he has released 15 albums, producing 25 singles, including five No. 1 hits and five top ten hits! He is best known for songs like "Wink," "They're Playing Our Song," "The Shake," and "Billy's Got His Beer Goggles On." The concerts will take place at the Watseka American Legion Park on August 22-23, 2025. Gates will open at 5 PM each night, with music beginning at 7:30 PM. General Admission for Friday night is $10. For Saturday night, General Admission is $25 if purchased in advance, while tickets for the Party Pit (the section closest to the stage) are $35. Please note that Saturday night tickets will increase by $10 on August 23, 2025. EDWARDS MARKETING www.edwmktg.com Media Contact: Leon Edwards | 309.224.9389 | leon@edwmktg.com Tickets for BOTH nights are $5 Off from 8AM, Friday March 14 – 12AM, Monday, March 24, 2025. Tickets are only available online. Chairs are allowed in designated areas of the General Admission section on both nights. Tickets for both nights will be available online at www.watsekafamilyfest.com starting Friday, March 13, 2025, at 8 AM. In addition to the concerts, the festival will feature a free kids fun zone, craft and flea markets, a car show, a bags tournament, a beer garden, food vendors, and more. There is no entry fee to attend any activities outside of the concerts. Details on all events will be available at www.watsekafamilyfest.com once they are announced. 

Brieonna Cassell (41 year old, Wheatfield, IN woman) had been the subject of a missing person report for the last 6 days.  Today, a passerby located a vehicle off the roadway, out of view from passing traffic, on CR 600S near CR 300E (about 1 mile southeast of the Newton County Landfill).  The passerby, Johnny Martinez, was operating equipment for Deyoung Drainage.  When Martinez located the vehicle he contacted his supervisor, Jeremy Vanderwall who happens to be the Morocco Fire Chief. 

 

Martinez and Vanderwall checked the vehicle and found Cassell to be the sole occupant.  She was conscious and speaking.  Despite her injuries, Cassell had survived 6 days waiting to be rescued.  She was flown to a Chicago Hospital.

 

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office wishes to express a great deal of gratitude to Mr. Johnny Martinez and Chief Vanderall for their actions.

Assisting agencies; Newton County 9-1-1 Communications, Newton County EMS, Lutheran Air, Brook Fire, Morocco Fire, Kentland Fire and the Brook Police Department.

Police were called to the 500 block of E Walnut Street for shots fired at 4:56 am. Schill, Johnathon J., 26 of Watseka, was arrested for Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm and Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon. Schill was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

Police were called to the 500 block of S 2nd Street for a domestic at 2:49 am. Laird, Benjamin M., 41 f Watseka, was arrested for Domestic Battery. Laird was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

Police conducted a warrant check in the 100 block of N Madison Street at 10:57 pm. Malone, Mike, 83 of Watseka, was arrested on an outstanding Iroquois County Warrant. Malone was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

The Iroquois County Public Health Department (ICPHD) is excited to announce the successful approval of their final Illinois Project for Local Assessment of Needs (IPLAN). The report, submitted on January 10, 2025, outlines a comprehensive five-year health improvement plan aimed at addressing the primary health concerns of Iroquois County residents. The IPLAN, which sets forth key health goals, serves as a roadmap for enhancing the health and well-being of Iroquois County's population. Certification of this plan is essential for the ICPHD to be eligible for specific grant opportunities from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). On February 25, 2025, ICPHD received formal notification of the state’s approval of their submitted plan. The final report is now available for the public to view online at iroquoiscountyil.gov/offices/health-department, under the “What is IPLAN” tab. In addition, a more user-friendly version of the report is also available on the same webpage to ensure accessibility to all members of the community. The Iroquois County Public Health Department extends sincere thanks to the local healthcare agencies, community leaders, and county officials whose collaboration and support were instrumental throughout the process. Special appreciation is also extended to the community members who provided valuable input through surveys and feedback comments. Their collective efforts have helped shape a plan that will guide the county towards improved health outcomes for the next five years and beyond. For more information, please visit the ICPHD website or contact the Iroquois County Public Health Department directly at 815-432-2483 or email icphd@co.iroquois.il.us. About the Iroquois County Public Health Department: The Iroquois County Public Health Department is committed to improving the health of its residents through education, prevention, and intervention strategies. The department works collaboratively with community partners to promote a healthy and thriving Iroquois County.