FATAL CRASH- ROSELAWN, IN 

 

NEWTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE (9-29-25 10:53AM)

 

On September 26, 2025 at approximately 6:13 PM Newton County Deputies were dispatched to the area of CR 600 E just north of CR 1125 for the report of a two-vehicle crash.

 

Preliminary investigation by Deputy Duhamell revealed a southbound Hyundai passenger car (driven by a 40-year-old Hebron female) collided with a northbound Ford SUV pulling a camper (driven by a 49-year-old Demotte man).

 

The passenger car struck the driver’s side of the Ford SUV then continued into the camper, causing significant damage to the camper and Hyundai. The female driver of the Hyundai vehicle was entrapped in her vehicle and had to be extricated from the vehicle with significant injuries. She was flown from the scene by Lutheran Air to a Chicago Hospital where she unfortunately succumbed to her injuries. The driver of the Ford SUV refused medical treatment on scene.

 

The roadway was closed for approximately 7 hours for investigation and cleanup of the scene.

 

Assisting agencies: Newton County 9-1-1 Dispatch, Newton County EMS, Lincoln Township Fire, Lake Township Fire, Keener EMS, Keener Township Fire, and Village Motors. 

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 County-wide burn ban has been reissued and is in effect beginning Monday morning at 12:01 am, September 29th, 2025.

Ashkum Fire Chief and MABAS Division 37 President Jeff Glenn said, “We have not received enough rain to prevent fires from quickly spreading, and there is nothing in the forecast to give us the moisture we will need. The lack of rain and warm conditions ahead were the main reasons for reissuing the burn ban. Everything is just tinder dry.”

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

Iroquois County is happy to announce that CRIS Rural Mass Transit District will be taking over for the ShowBus.  Please be patient during this transition as all routes and times are not guaranteed.  Riders who need transportation for medical appointments or are elderly or disabled are encouraged to contact their insurance carriers before calling as it will most likely cover the cost of their ride.  For general public, fares are approximately $4 per trip.  Please contact CRIS at 217-443-2287 or visit their website at www.ruraltransits.org

• On September 19th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Eric S. Deaton, age 43, of Milford. According to police reports, Deaton was charged with possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

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 is in effect immediately, September 16th, 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

On September 9th , 2025, James Rasmussen turned himself in to serve five days for driving under the influence. Rasmussen completed his time and has since been released.

 

On September 10th , 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Thomas Chambers. According to police reports, Chambers was in custody in Jasper County Indiana awaiting extradition on an Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on an original charge of felon in possession of a weapon. Chambers was brought to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On September 12th , 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Travis Dickinson, 33, of Milford. According to police reports, Deputies were called to subjects living under a bridge on county road 2800 N. near 2200 E. Deputies contacted Dickinson, who they knew had an outstanding warrant for failure to appear on an original charge of possession of stolen firearm. Dickinson was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains awaiting his next court date.

 

On September 12th , 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Jessica Walwer, 32, of Watseka. According to police reports, Deputies were called to subjects living under a bridge on county road 2800 N. near 2200 E. Deputies located suspected methamphetamine in Walwer's bag. Walwer was arrested and charged with methamphetamine possession less than five grams. Walwer was taken to the Iroquois County Jail and later released on a notice to appear.

On September 5th, 2025, Iroquois County Deputies arrested Brittany Byrns, 38, of Watseka. According to police reports, Deputies were called to a residence on Watch-E-Kee Dr. in rural Watseka for the report of a physical domestic. Deputies arrived on scene and spoke to all parties involved. Byrns was arrested and charged with domestic battery. Byrns was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where she was later released on a notice to appear.

 

 

On September 3, at 3:38 pm the Watseka Police Department was dispatched to the 400 block of W Walnut Street in reference to criminal damage to property. The victim provided officers with camera footage and officers were able to identify the suspect as Avery L. Durflinger Jr. At approximately 5:08 pm officers located Durflinger Jr. in the 500 block of W North Street. Durflinger Jr. was arrested for criminal damage to property and was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On September 4, at 7:15 pm the Watseka Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 700 block of W Walnut Street. Katlynee M. Long, 32 of Watseka, was arrested for driving suspended. Long was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident. Long was also issued a state citation.

 

On September 6, at 12:49 am the Watseka Police Department was dispatched to Iroquois Memorial Hospital ER for a disturbance. On arrival officers spoke with staff and they stated a female in the ER became aggressive and broke a water cooler in the waiting area. Officers identified the female as Terra R. Reed, 46 of Watseka. Reed was arrested for Criminal Damage to State Supported Property; Reed was transported to the Iroquois County· Jail without incident.

 

On September 6, at 9:47 am the Watseka Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 400 block of N 5th Street. Katlynne M. Long, 32 of Watseka, was arrested for driving while license suspended. long was also issued a state citation for speeding. Long was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On September 6, at 6:14 pm the Watseka Police Department was dispatched to the 500 block of E Mulberry Street for a suspicious male and female. Officers located the 2 subjects inside a residence that is currently vacant. Bobbie J. Perez-Gutierrez, 38 of Watseka and Gillespie, Kyle J., 31 of Watseka were both arrested for Criminal Trespass to Residence. Perez-Gutierrez and Gillespie were both transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On September 7, at 1:43 pm the Watseka Police Department was dispatched to the 300 block of N 4th Street for a domestic battery. Dominique C. Dlouhy, 26 of Watseka, was arrested for Domestic Battery. Dlouhy was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

On September 3rd, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Katelynn M. Long, age 32, of Watseka. According to police reports, Long was charged with possession of a controlled substance less than 5 grams. She was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she was released with a notice to appear.

 

On September 4th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Travis M. Dickinson, age 33, of Buckley. Accord ng to police reports, Dickinson was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with failure to appear for   of a stolen firearm. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he released with a notice to appear.

On September 2nd, 2025, Auxiliary officers from the Watseka Police Department completed STOP THE BLEED® training, equipping them with life-saving skills to control severe bleeding in trauma situations. The course, supported by the U.S. Department of Defense and led by the American College of Surgeons, focuses on providing immediate care to victims of injury before professional medical help can arrive. The training was provided by Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency coordinator Scott Anderson. With emergency medical services often taking at least 7 to 10 minutes to arrive, and a person with severe bleeding potentially bleeding out in as little as 3 to 5 minutes, first responders are in a critical position to save lives. The STOP THE BLEED program teaches officers three basic techniques to control bleeding: • Applying direct pressure to a wound • Packing a wound with gauze • Properly applying a tourniquet Anderson mentioned, “Victims can often bleed out in three to five minutes, long before first responders can help. That’s why these skills are so important, especially for those that do things outside and those who live further away from a hospital or an EMS department.” The STOP THE BLEED campaign was initiated by the Department of Defense after the Sandy Hook school shooting to empower bystanders to help save lives during traumatic events involving severe bleeding. The program has since expanded globally, providing life-saving training and equipment to millions of people. 

On Monday, September 1, 2025 at 2:33pm, Newton County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a single vehicle crash on CR 1000 S, East of US 41.

 

The preliminary investigation indicates the male driver of a 2003 Volkswagen was westbound on 1000 S, left the roadway for unknown reasons.  The vehicle rolled, ejecting the driver (sole occupant) from the vehicle.  The male driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

 

The driver’s name is not being released at this time pending notification of next of kin.

Assisting agencies; Newton County 9-1-1 Communications, Newton County EMS, Brook Fire, Indiana Conservation Police, Newton County Coroner’s Office.