On June 24 th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Reggie Weppler, age 44, of Buckley. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Weppler for traffic violations. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed several items suspected to be drug paraphemalia. Suspected cocaine was also discovered in the vehicle. Weppler was taken into custody and charged with two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, and one count of possession of a controlled substance. Weppler was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On June 24th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Marci Hartman, age 46, of Sheldon. According to police reports, deputies made contact with a vehicle driven by Hartman. Deputies knew Hartman to have a revoked Illinois driver's license. Hartman was taken into custody and charged with driving while license revoked. Hartman was escorted to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released with a notice to appear.

On June 26 th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Dylan Duggan, age 21, of Bradley. According to police reports, deputies made contact with Duggan, who had been driving, in connection to a call for service. Duggan performed Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, and signs of impairment were observed. Duggan was taken into custody and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol. Duggan was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On June 26th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Sean Pumell, age 23, of St. Anne. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to the report of a suspected intoxicated driver parked in the roadway. Deputies later located and made contact with the driver, Purnell, at a different location. Purnell performed Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, and signs of impairment were observed. Purnell was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and driving under the influence with a blood/breath alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. Purnell was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On June 27 th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Dakota Cohoon, age 21, ofLoda. According to police reports, deputies was dispatched to Loda for the report of a domestic. On scene, deputies made contact with Cohoon and found her to have an outstanding Livingston County warrant for failing to appear on the original charge of retail theft. Cohoon was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she remains awaiting extradition to Livingston County.

On June 21st, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Jody G. Brown, age 40, of Watseka. According to police reports, Brown was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Brown was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

 

On June 21st, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Miguel A. Orozco, age 58, of Kankakee. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to the area of 3150 N. and 1800 E. for the report of a vehicle parked in the middle of the roadway. Deputies arrived and located Orozco in the driver's seat of the vehicle. Orozco displayed signs of alcohol impairment and after an investigation, he was taken into custody. Orozco was charged with improper parking in the roadway, driving while license revoked and driving under the influence of alcohol. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

Police conducted a warrant check in the 300 block of S Yount Avenue at 9:31 am. Suver, Lydia N., 27 of Watseka, was arrested on an outstanding Coles County Warrant. Suver was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

Police were called to the 300 block of N Chicago for a suspicious person at 1:18 pm. Vires IV, Samuel P., 37 of Watseka was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance. Vires IV was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

Police relocated to the 200 block of N 2nd Street to speak with the suspect. Tucker, Casey, 38 of Watseka, was arrested for Aggravated Assault, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. Tucker was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

Police were called the intersection of S 4th Street/E Mulberry Street for an intoxicated

subject at 7:07 pm. Anderson, Timothy, 37 of Watseka, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct, Pedestrian Under the Influence, Intimidation, and Resisting Arrest. Anderson was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

Police conducted a warrant check in the 1100 block of E Walnut Street at 1 :33 pm. Morefield, Melissa A., 36 of Milford, was arrested on an outstanding Champaign County Warrant. Morefield was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

Police conducted a warrant check at the intersection of N 2nd Street/W Hickory Street at 7:36 pm. Gray, Thomas M., 39 of Watseka, was arrested on an outstanding Iroquois County Warrant. Gray was transported to the Iroquois County Jan without incident.

 

Police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of E Oak Street/N 6th Street at 12:01 pm, Burling, David A., 70 of Watseka. was arrested for Driving While License Revoked. Burling was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

Police were out in the 700 block of W Walnut Street with a trespasser at 5:09 pm. Anderson, Timothy, 37 of Watseka, was arrested for Criminal Trespass to Land. Anderson was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

Police were called to the intersection of N Kay Street/W Walnut Street for an intoxicated subject at 12:27 am. Cade, Austin B., 31 of Watseka, was arrested for Intoxicated Person on a Public Roadway. Cade was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On June 16th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Stephanie Hillard, age 35, of Sheldon. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to a residence in rural Watseka for a disturbance. The suspect, later identified as Hillard, was found to have an outstanding Iroquois County warrant for violating an order of protection. Hillard was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released with a notice to appear.

On June 1 7th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Richard Stemle, age 37, of Loda. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to a residence in rural Loda for the report of a domestic battery. On scene, deputies spoke to the victim and gathered information alleging Stemle to be the suspect. Stemle was taken into custody and charged with domestic battery. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released due to the charges being dropped.

On June 19th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Heather Scott, age 24, of Milford. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Scott for traffic violations. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were performed, and Scott showed signs of impairment. A subsequent search of the vehicle and Scott's person revealed drug paraphernalia. Scott was taken into custody and charged with driving while under the influence of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia. Scott was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she was later released with a notice to appear.

On June 19th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Andrew Stover, age 30, of Cissna Park. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Stover for traffic violations. A computer check revealed Stover to have a revoked Illinois driver' s license. Stover was taken into custody and charged with driving while license revoked. Stover was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On June 15th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Michael J. King, age 59, of Kentland IN. According to police reports, King was charged with possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia. King was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

 

On June 14th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Jesse L. Reeder, age 30, of Milford. According to police reports, Reeder was charged with possession of a controlled substance less than 2.5 grams. Reeder was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

 

On June 14th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Reynaldo A. Vasquez, age 32, of Gilman. According to police reports, Vasquez was charged with domestic battery after deputies were called to the 300 block of N. Main in Gilman for a reported disturbance. Vasquez was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear

 

On June 14th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Jayson M. Brasfield, age 30, of Morton IL. According to police reports, Brasfield was charged with possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams. Brasfield was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

 

On June 7th , 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested a juvenile. According to police reports, Deputies were called to the area of the 100 block of N. Locust in Onarga for the report of a battery. After speaking with the complainant and witnesses, Deputies arrested a juvenile and charged the juvenile with battery. The juvenile was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where the juvenile was later released to a guardian with a notice to appear.

 

On June 9th 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Chad Koester, 36, of Gilman. According to police reports, Deputies were called to the area of 1700 N. and 1500 E. for the report of a single vehicle accident. Deputies arrived on scene and met with the caller, Koester. A computer check revealed Koester had a revoked Illinois license. Koester was taken into custody for driving while license revoked and transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On June 9th, 2025, Sheldon Police Department arrested Wesley Deck, 29, of Sheldon. According to police reports, Officers observed Deck in the 500 block of E. Iroquois St. in Sheldon. Officers knew Deck to have an outstanding warrant out of Calhoun County Alabama. Deck was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains awaiting extradition to Alabama.

 

On June 12th 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Deitrick Baines, 43, of Martinton. According to police reports, Deputies observe Baines exit the driver's seat of a vehicle after driving on a public roadway. Deputies knew Baines to have a revoked Illinois license. Baines was taken into custody and charged with driving while license revoked. Baines was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On June 12th, 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Rodney Schultz, 70, of Sheldon. According to police reports, Deputies were called to the 400 block of S. 4th St. in Sheldon for the report of a disturbance. Deputies and investigators responded to the scene. An investigation was conducted on scene resulting in the arrest of Schultz. Schultz was taken into custody and charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Schultz was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains until his next court date

.

On June 13 th, 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Jennifer Coleman, 34, of Gilman. According to police reports, Deputies were called to the area of 400 block of S. Maple St for the report of a battery. Deputies spoke to the victim and witnesses. Deputies then arrested Coleman and charged her with battery. Coleman was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where she was later released on a notice to appear.

On June 13 th, 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Chad Koester, 36, of Gilman. According to police reports, Deputies knew Koester to have an outstanding Iroquois County warrant for driving while license revoked. Deputies located Koester in the 300 block of S. Thomas in Gilman. Koester was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains until his next court date.

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.

EMA Coordinator Scott Anderson said, “Iroquois County 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, Walmart, Trinity Church,

Iroquois County CUSD #9 Administration Office

 

Anderson emphasized, “It is strongly encouraged that anyone seeking heat-related relief within one of these facilities listed above, please call to confirm the ability to provide service prior to leaving for the cooling center location. That way you can be certain you can receive the needed relief.”

 

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

NEWTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE (6-16-25 8:30 am)

 

On Friday, June 13, 2025 the Newton County Sheriff’s Office conducted its second traffic blitz of 2025.  The blitz was aimed at crash reduction, focusing on speed violations, unsafe lane movement, distracted driving and other moving violations.

 

The operation took place from 4:00pm-7:00pm, during which officers conducted a total of 73 traffic stops.  These stops resulted in 37 tickets and 43 warnings being issued for various traffic violations. 

 

In addition to traffic violations the blitz led to multiple criminal charges:

2 Misdemeanor license/registration offenses

2 Misdemeanor drug possession

1 Felony Habitual Traffic Violator

1 Felony drug possession

 

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office extends appreciation to the Dispatchers that always do an amazing job at balancing all of the radio traffic and managing the multiple request this type of enforcement activity brings to their communications center.

In 2013, the Ford County Fair decided to try scheduling a live concert event during the fair. Since then the fair has brought top-notch entertainment to the fairgrounds for their annual concert. This year’s line-up of Gretchen Wilson and Dalton Davis is no exception.

Known for her hit “Redneck Woman” and the successful album *Here for the Party*, which produced several top 5 hits, Wilson is sure to deliver an unforgettable performance. Wilson has been a hit songwriter in country music ever since she burst on the scene with that hit in 2005, which she co-wrote with John Rich (of Big & Rich). Along with her good friends and fellow Muzik Mafia members, Wilson would go on to write the majority of the songs and releases during her time with Sony Records.

Born and raised in Gastonia, North Carolina, Davis is a country artist whose journey to Nashville is as unique as his sound. With a life marked by adversity and perseverance, Davis’s music reflects his personal growth and struggles. His hit single "Sit Crooked" currently has over 700,000 streams.

Concert tickets are available on the fair’s website…fordcountyfair.org. Advance general admission is $39 in advance, which includes ticket fees and taxes. Party pit tickets are $49. Ticket prices increase the day of the concert. All tickets include fair admission, parking and carnival rides. A special ticket, available only at the gate the night of the concert, is available for those 10 and under for $10 which also includes carnival rides. Tickets purchased at the gate are cash only. Gates open at 6 p.m. with the show at 7:30. After the concert, the music of Ridgeland will be in the beer pavilion until midnight.

More information on the fair can be found on their website, www.fordcountyfair.org, and on their Facebook page.

Police conducted a warrant check in the 700 block of E Locust Street at 11:40 am. Miller-­Grobe, Christian M., 29 of Watseka, was arrested on an outstanding Will County Warrant. Miller-Grobe was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

Police conducted a warrant check in the 500 block of W North Street at 12:46 pm. Bosley, Megan L., 42 of Watseka, was arrested on an outstanding Iroquois County Warrant. Bosley was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

Police conducted a warrant check in the 600 block of N 4th Street at 3:51 pm. Allensworth, Peter J., 47 of Watseka, was arrested on an outstanding Iroquois County Warrant. Allensworth was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

Police conducted a warrant check in the 500 block of N 5th Street at 5:03 pm. Huff, Joshua D., 50 of Watseka, was arrested on an outstanding Iroquois County Warrant. Huff was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

Police conducted a warrant check in the 400 block of N 4th Street at 7:05 pm. Powers, Louis J., 59 of Watseka, was arrested on an outstanding Iroquois County Warrant. Powers was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

Police were called to the intersection of S Belmont Avenue/E Lincoln Avenue for suspicious activity at 5:26 pm. Suprenant, Louis J., 69 of Watseka, was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine. Suprenant was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

Police relocated to the 800 block of E Locust Street to locate the suspect. Klein, Jessica, 39 of Watseka, was arrested for Criminal Trespass to Property. Klein was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

Police conducted a warrant check in the 200 block of W Fleming Street at 11 :33 am. Jozenes, Joshua J., 43 of Watseka, was arrested for an outstanding Iroquois County Warrant. Jozenes was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

On June 3rd, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Chad Koester, age 36, of Gilman. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for traffic violations that was driven by Koester. A computer check revealed Koester to have a revoked Illinois driver's license. Koester was taken into custody and charged with driving while license revoked. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On June 4th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Justin Sauberli, age 34, of Donovan. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to Donovan in reference to the report of a male trespassing on private property. Once on scene, Sauberli was found on private property. Sauberli refused to leave and was taken into custody. He was charged with criminal trespass. Sauberli was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On June 5th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Coty Huckleby, age 36, of Sheldon. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for traffic violations that was driven by Huckleby. A computer check revealed Huckleby to have a suspended Illnois driver's license. Huckleby was taken into custody and charged with driving while license suspended. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

 Following the regular monthly test of the warning sirens throughout the county, it was discovered that all the sirens- except for those within the City of Watseka, failed to sound. On Monday, June 9th, all the sirens within Iroquois County will be re-tested between 10am and noon, All residents need to remember that the outdoor warning sirens are designed to be heard by those that are outside, not necessarily inside buildings or homes. Multiple sources to receive warnings are strongly recommended, some examples are: • NOAA Weather Radio: This is a nationwide network broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the National Weather Service (NWS). • Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): These are sent to compatible mobile phones by authorized government agencies, including the NWS. • Mobile Weather Apps: Many apps provide severe weather alerts and additional information. • Local Media: These are important sources of official watch and warning information. • Emergency Alert System (EAS): This system broadcasts alerts through various media channels. Thank you for your understanding. Scott Anderson, Coordinator Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency 

On May 25, 2025, Milford Police Department arrested Melissa Morefield, 36, of Milford. According to police reports, Officers made contact with Morefield in Casey's in Milford. Officers knew Morefield to have an outstanding warrant from Iroquois County for failure to appear on an original charge of burglary. A computer check revealed Morefield was also wanted out of Champaign County for failure to appear on an original charge of resisting a peace officer. Morefield was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where she was later extradited to Champaign County.

On May 26th , 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Seth Dunn, 26, of Goodland Indiana. According to police reports, Dunn was a driver in a vehicle stopped by Deputies for traffic infractions. A computer check revealed Dunn had a suspended driver's license out of Illinois. A consent search of the vehicle revealed suspected drug paraphernalia. Dunn was taken into custody and charged with driving while license suspended and possession of drug paraphernalia. Dunn was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released on a notice to appear.

On May 28th , 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Brandon Wood, 41, homeless. According to police reports, Deputies were called to the area of US Hwy 24 and approx. 2650 E. for a subject trespassing on railroad property. Deputies responded and located Wood on railroad property. Wood was taken into custody and charged with criminal trespass to railroad property. Wood was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released on a notice to appear.

On May 28th , 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Larry Holder, 50, of Cissna Park. According to police reports, Deputies were called to the area of Second St. and Garfield St. for the report of a registered sex offender in the public park. Deputies conducted a computer check of Holder. Holder was confirmed to be a registered sex offender and required to stay away from public parks. Deputies located Holder a short time later in the area of the 300 block of W. Garfield. Holder was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released on a notice to appear.