On August 26th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Thomas E. Crook, age 64, of Milford and Ashley B. Tucker, age 37, of Milford. According to police reports, Crook and Tucker were taken into custody after deputies investigated a burglary that had occurred at a rural Milford address. Crook and Tucker were charged with burglary and theft over $500. In addition, Tucker was charged with possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams. Both Crook and Tucker were taken to the Iroquois County Jail where they were released with a notice to appear.

On August 27th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Tamie R. Burnside, age 45, of Woodland. According to police reports, Burnside was charged with driving while license suspended, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and possession of a controlled substance less than 5 grams. Burnside was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she was released with a notice to appear.

On August 27th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Eddie Mancilla Jr, age 46, of Kankakee and Jose J. Moreno, age 40, of Kankakee. According to police reports, Mancilla Jr. and Moreno were taken into custody after deputies were dispatched to a rural Chebanse mobile home park for a reported burglary. After an investigation, Mancilla Jr. and Moreno were charged with burglary and theft over $500. Moreno was additionally charged with obstructing justice. Both subjects were transported to the Iroquois County Jail where they were released with a notice to appear.

On August 27th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Kylen O. Wells, age 26, of Beaverville. According to police reports, Wells was taken into custody and charged with residential burglary, theft over $500 and criminal damage to property. The arrest came after deputies were dispatched to a rural Beaverville address for a reported residential burglary. Wells was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains.

On August 27th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Steven L. Varner, age 36, of Watseka. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to a rural Milford address for a reported domestic disturbance. During the deputies investigation, Varner began to verbally threaten and obstruct officers, and he was subsequently placed under arrest. Varner then fought with officers while being taken into custody. He was charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer, resisting arrest, threatening a public official, domestic battery and resisting arrest. Varner was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

On August 28th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Jennifer L. Brock, age 35, of Sheldon. According to police reports, Brock was charged with aggravated domestic battery. Brock was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she was released with a notice to appear.

County Treasurer Kurt Albers announced that the deadline to pay the second installment of real estate tax without penalty is Monday, September 8, 2025. After that date, 1 ½ percent interest on all property must be added to the 2nd installment each month it remains unpaid according to the Illinois State Statutes. The interest rate on the first installment will be 4 1/2 percent after September 8, 2025. The Treasurer’s Office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office will be closed Monday September 1st in observance of Labor Day. To avoid waiting in line, you may also pay by mail or at any bank in the county. If the postmark reads September 8, 2025, the payment will not be late. There is also a drop box on the south side of the Administrative Center near the 911 Center. 1st and 2nd installments need to be paid in full by Friday October 24th at 4:30pm cst to avoid being put on the tax sale on Monday October 27th at 9am. 

On August 19th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Marcal Smith, age 30, of Watseka. According to police reports, Smith was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with driving while license suspended. Smith was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued an Approved Pending Adoption (APA) letter for the Iroquois County Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. The APA letter recognizes the quality of the Plan, which outlines projects and activities to reduce damage caused by severe weather and other natural hazards. FEMA encourages the timely adoption of the Plan by the County and all participating jurisdictions to ensure participants are eligible to apply for federal mitigation project funds.

 

“The final step in the process is for each participating jurisdiction to adopt the Plan by resolution at their next meeting,” explained Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Coordinator, Scott Anderson. “The representatives who participated from each jurisdiction will be provided with a sample resolution template and instructions for the adoption process.”

 

The municipalities of Ashkum, Beaverville, Chebanse, Danforth, Gilman, Watseka, and Woodland have participated in the planning process. Other participating jurisdictions include Belmont Township, Crescent Township, Lovejoy Township, Ridgeland Township, Central CUSD #4, Iroquois County CUSD #9, Iroquois West CUSD #10, Crescent-Iroquois FPD, Danforth FPD, Gilman Community FPD, Iroquois-Ford FPD, Loda FPD, Wellington-Greer FPD, and Woodland FPD.

 

The Iroquois County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee began holding working meetings open to the public in 2024. The Committee updated the Plan with technical assistance from state and federal agencies as well as a consultant specializing in emergency management planning.

 

Anderson continued, “When I was appointed to my EMA Coordinator position I made a promise to the Iroquois County Board and the residents of Iroquois County that the completion of the Hazard Mitigation Plan was my number one priority. Promise made, promise kept! I want to thank all twenty-five jurisdictions that participated fully in the lengthy plan process. I especially want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Andrea Bostwick-Campbell and Ken Runkle with American Environmental (AEC, LLC) for their hard work and dedication to the task in seeing this through.”

On August 15th, 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Travis Walker, 39, of Wellington. According to police reports, Deputies observed Walker driving a vehicle on county road 2400 E. near the southern county line. Deputies knew Walker to have an outstanding warrant for violation of order of protection. Deputies conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Walker was arrested on the above-mentioned warrant. Walker was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains.

On August 15th, 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested David Burmeister, 45, of Watseka. According to police reports, Deputies were called to the area of Plato Bridge for a fight between two male subjects. After speaking to parties involved, Burmeister was arrested and charged with battery. Burmeister was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On August18th, 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested a juvenile. According to police reports, deputies were called to the 100 block of north Locust in Onarga for the report of a juvenile who battered several subjects. The juvenile was arrested and charged with battery. The juvenile was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where the juvenile was later released to their guardian.

On August 18th, 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested a juvenile. According to police reports, deputies were called to the 100 block of north Locust in Onarga for the report of a juvenile who battered several subjects. The juvenile was arrested and charged with aggravated battery. The juvenile was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where the juvenile was later released into the custody of their guardian.

Accidents:

On August 16th, 2025, Iroquois County Deputies responded to a three-vehicle accident involving pedestrians on county road 1050 N. near 2600 E. According to initial reports, a 1985 Buick coupe owned by Tony Irvin of Milford was parked in the eastbound lane of the roadway with no lights activated. A second vehicle, a 2003 Chevy pickup truck owned by Dalton Rudisill, was also parked in the eastbound lane, but facing westbound. Tony Irvin, Dalton Rudisill, and Robert Milburn Jr. were positioned between Irvin's and Rudisill's vehicles, attempting to repair Irvin's vehicle. A third vehicle, a 2016 Chevy Cruze, driven by Judith Brassard, was traveling eastbound on 1050 N. approaching Irvin's parked vehicle. Brassard did not see Irvin's vehicle parked in the roadway. Brassard struck Irvin's vehicle from the rear. Brassard did not see Irvin's vehicle in the roadway and struck it from behind. The impact pushed Irvin's vehicle along with Irvin, Rudisill, and Milburn into the front of Rudisill's vehicle. All injured parties were removed from the scene via Milford EMS, Riverside EMS, and Watseka EMS. Brassard was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Irvin was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and for stopping, standing or parking outside of business or residence district

On August 14th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Harrison F. Hand, age 47, of Milford. According to police reports, Hand was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with driving while license revoked. Hand was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 5 continues its search for 70-year-old David Jordan, wanted in connection with a shooting that injured two police officers in Gibson City, Ford County.

 

On August 9, 2025, at approximately 2:31 a.m., officers from the Gibson City Police Department (GCPD) and Ford County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) responded to the 100 block of Ash Street in Gibson City for the report of a naked man, later identified as Jordan. While attempting to make contact with Jordan at his residence, a GCPD officer and a FCSO deputy were both struck by gunfire.

 

The 6-year veteran FCSO deputy was shot in the left knee and left arm. The GCPD officer has served for one year and was shot in the left hip. Neither the GCPD nor FCSO officers fired their weapons during the incident. Both officers were transported to area hospitals and treated for their injuries. On August 10, 2025, both officers were released from the hospital. The GCPD and FCSO have placed both officers on paid administrative leave.

 

Anybody who has any information about Jordan’s whereabouts is asked to call their local police or submit a tip on ISP’s Crime Tip website. ISP does not believe there to be an active threat to the public, but citizens are asked not to approach Jordan if they encounter him, and instead call 911.

 

ISP will continue to investigate Jordan’s whereabouts and review all received tips. There is no further information.

On August 7th, 2025, Christopher Jaworski, age 29, of Onarga, turned himself into the Iroquois County Jail. Jaworski is to serve his sentence on his conviction of aggravated driving under the influence for 3 counts.

 

On August 8th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Kyle Gillespie, age 31, of Indianapolis. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to the report of a domestic battery. Through the course of their investigation, deputies learned that Gillespie was the suspect. Gillespie was taken into custody and charged with domestic battery. Gillespie was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On August 8th , 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Erritt Carlson, age 36, of Donovan. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to the report of a disturbance. Through the course of their investigation, deputies observed evidence that Carlson had engaged in reckless behavior. Carlson was taken into custody and charged with reckless conduct, endangering the safety of another person. Carlson was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On August 9th , 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Cristian Rodriquez, age 42, of Watseka. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to the report of a vehicle accident. On scene, deputies made contact with Rodriquez by her wrecked vehicle. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were performed, and signs of impairment were observed. Rodriquez was taken into custody and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and driving with no valid license. Rodriquez was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On August 10th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Justin McConnell, age 35, of Watseka. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to the report of a domestic battery. On scene, deputies observed evidence the McConnell was the suspect of the battery. McConnell was taken into custody and charged with domestic battery. McConnell was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he awaits his next court date.

 

On August 11th , 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Christian Leach, age 31, of Milford. According to police reports, deputies knew Leach to have an outstanding Benton County Indiana warrant for being a fugitive from justice. Deputies made contact with Leach, taking him into custody. Leach was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he awaits extradition to Indiana.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 5 continues its search for 70-year-old David Jordan, wanted in connection with a shooting that injured two police officers in Gibson City, Ford County.

 

On August 9, 2025, at approximately 2:31 a.m., officers from the Gibson City Police Department (GCPD) and Ford County Sheriff’s Department (FCSD) responded to the 100 block of Ash Street in Gibson City for the report of a naked man, later identified as Jordan. While attempting to make contact with Jordan at his residence, a GCPD and a FCSD were both struck by gunfire. The GCPD and FCSD officers did not fire their weapons.

 

ISP requests that people and businesses in the area check their camera footage from the time of the incident to now and report any potential footage of Jordan by calling their local police or by submitting a tip on ISP’s Crime Tip website. Jordan should be considered armed and dangerous, and the public is asked to not approach him, but instead call 911.

On August 6th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Terry L. Gardner, age 58, of Milford. According to police reports, Gardner was taken into custody and charged with domestic battery. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On August 6th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Branden Harrison, age 40, of Rensselaer along with William Merrill Jr. age 40, of Indianapolis. According to police reports, Harrison and Merrill were stopped by deputies for operating a 2003 Jaguar with expired registration plates. During the investigation, contraband, believed to be methamphetamine was located on Merrill Jr's person who was the driver of the vehicle and held a suspended driver's license. The discovery of the suspected methamphetamine led to a probable cause search of the vehicle. During the search, deputies discovered additional suspected methamphetamine in both the vehicle and on Harrison's person when he was later searched incident to arrest. The total amount of suspected methamphetamine discovered was approximately 53 grams. In addition, suspected psilocybin mushrooms, along with a set of brass knuckles were also located in the vehicle. Harrison and Merrill Jr. were placed into custody and taken to the Iroquois County Jail where they were charged with manufacture and delivery of methamphetamine 15 to 100 grams, possession of methamphetamine 15 to 100 grams, possession of a controlled substance less than 15 grams, and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. Merrill Jr. was also charged with driving while license suspended. Both subjects were released with a notice to appear.

 

On August 6th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Marcel T. Betts, age 45, of Milford. According to police reports, Betts was charged with aggravated domestic battery. Betts was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 5 is investigating the shooting of two officers in Ford County at the request of the Gibson City Police Department (GCPD) and Ford County Sheriff’s Department (FCSD).

 

On August 9, 2025, at approximately 2:31 a.m., officers from the GCPD and the FCSD responded to a report of a naked man, identified as 70-year-old David D. Jordan of Gibson City, walking outside in the 100 block of Ash Street, Gibson City. Upon attempting to make contact with Jordan at his residence, officers were met with gunfire. A GCPD officer and an FCSD deputy were struck by the gunfire. Both were transported to local hospitals and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Shortly after the shooting, the house caught fire.

 

Jordan was last seen at the residence; his whereabouts are currently unknown. He was last seen unclothed and is considered to be armed and dangerous. He may be seen with a red bicycle. If you should see Jordan, do not approach him and call 911. For any information on his whereabouts, please contact GCPD at 217-784-8666.

 

This investigation into the shooting is open and ongoing. ? When complete, ISP will submit all evidence and facts for review to the Ford County State’s Attorney's Office. No additional information is available at this time.

 Iroquois Memorial Hospice and Iroquois Home Health have both earned national recognition as recipients of the 2024 SHPBest “Superior Performer” Award from Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP). This distinction places both programs in the top 20% of healthcare providers nationwide for excellence in patient and caregiver satisfaction. Iroquois Memorial Hospice received this award based on outstanding feedback from the loved ones of hospice patients. Families consistently praised the hospice team for timely and responsive care, clear and compassionate communication, respect and dignity for both patients and families, effective symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and caregiver education and support. IMH Hospice has served patients and families across Iroquois, Ford, Livingston, Kankakee, Vermilion, and parts of Champaign counties for nearly 30 years. It is licensed by the State of Illinois, Medicare and Medicaid certified, accredited by The Joint Commission, a proud member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, and the We Honor Veterans program. To learn more about Iroquois Memorial Hospice, call 815.432.0185. Iroquois Home Health received this designation for achieving top-tier patient satisfaction in home health services. This recognition is based on heartfelt feedback from patients and their families, who commended the team for improving quality of life, increasing strength and mobility, managing medical needs effectively, providing clear, compassionate education, and helping patients regain independence after illness or surgery. For over 30 years, Iroquois Home Health has been a trusted partner for patients who are homebound and in need of skilled nursing or therapy after an acute illness or hospitalization. The program is licensed by the State of Illinois, Medicare and Medicaid certified, and accredited by The Joint Commission. To learn more about Iroquois Home Health, call 815.432.6175. 

On August 5, 2025 about 9:53am Newton County Deputies responded to the intersection of US 41 and SR 14 (Enos) for a report of a passenger car versus semi crash.  

 

The preliminary investigation revealed a West bound passenger car (driven by a 70 year old Chesterton, IN man) failed to yield the right-of-way to a South bound tractor/trailer (driven by a 59 year old Cedar Lake man). 

 

The passenger car struck the tractor/trailer in the driver’s side; causing significant damage to both vehicles.  Fortunately, no occupants in either vehicle were injured and all parties refused further medical treatment.  

 

The South bound lanes of US 41 remained closed until 11:17am for cleanup.

Assisting agencies:  Newton County 9-1-1 Dispatch, Morocco Fire, Lake Village Fire, Newton County EMS, Newton County EMA and Village Motors.

On July 31st, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Gregory Lewis, age 43, of North Aurora. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to locate a missing person.

Deputies found Lewis who was reported missing the day prior. A computer check revealed Lewis to have an outstanding Scott County Indiana warrant for child neglect. Lewis was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail. He was later released due to the charges being dropped.

 

On August 1st, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Michelle Dee, age 49, of Gilman. According to police reports, Dee was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging her with burglary and retail theft over $300. Deputies made contact with Dee, and she was taken into custody. Dee was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On August 3rd, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Alan Edwards Jr., age 51, of Loda. According to police reports, deputies responded to the report of a domestic battery that had occurred. Through the course of their investigation, deputies found Edwards, the suspect, to have left the scene. Deputies made contact with Edwards the next day. Edwards was taken into custody and charged with domestic battery. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On August 4th , 2025, Landon Young, age 20, of Claytonville, turned himself into the Iroquois County Jail. Young is the suspect in a police report, where he is charged with burglary to a motor vehicle and criminal damage to property over $500. Young was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On August 4th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Marta Jackson, age 49, of Gilman. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to the report of an aggravated battery. On scene, deputies found the victim with multiple injuries. Through the course of their investigation, Jackson was found to be the suspect and was later located. Jackson was taken into custody and charged with aggravated battery. Jackson was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On July 29th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Skyler W. Cannon, age 33, of Hoopeston. According to police reports, Cannon was taken into custody following an investigation at Floral Hill Cemetery, where it discovered Cannon had damaged a grave stone. Cannon was taken into custody and charged with criminal damage to property over $500. Cannon was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains.

 

On July 29th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Tanna Letcher, age 24, of Champaign. According to police reports, Letcher was charged with theft. Letcher was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where she was released with a notice to appear.

 

On July 30th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Sharon R. Cote, age 42, of Gilman. According to police reports, Cole was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging her with failure to appear for burglary. Cole was taken to the

Iroquois County Jail where she was released with a notice to appear.