State Senator Chris Balkema (R-Channahon)’s statement on Democrats’ anti-ICE legislation, House Bill 1312, that passed the General Assembly.

“I am deeply saddened and concerned that this legislation puts Illinois families and law enforcement at a huge risk. This new law makes it much harder for officers to target dangerous criminals and penalizes them for taking critical safety precautions. Tragically, it forces public servants into impossible situations where they must choose between following state mandates or federal law.”

“We must pursue policies that make our communities safer, support our law enforcement officers, and ensure that everyone is treated equally under the law.

 Multiple officers with the Watseka Police Department are being investigated by the Illinois State Police, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

Watseka Police Chief Eric Starkey was unable to confirm the identities of the officers under investigation, or how many are being investigated. But, Starkey was able to share that the officers under investigation have been on leave since July.

On October 8th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Maurice Grant, age 32, of Chicago. According to police reports, Grant was in custody at the Vermilion County Jail on the outstanding Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of driving under the influence of drugs. Grant was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released on a notice to appear.

On October 8th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Rodney Vangilder, age 55, of Fairbury. According to police reports, Vangilder was in custody at the Livingston County Jail on the outstanding Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of battery. Vangilder was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On October 9th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Jacob Phipps, age 31, of Thawville. According to police reports, deputies made contact with Phipps in Gilman. A warrant check revealed Phipps to have an outstanding Livingston County warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of violation of court ordered discharge. Phipps was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail. He was later released to the custody of Livingston County.

On October 10 th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Jeremy Laird, age 45, of Watseka. According to police reports, Laird received sentencing on the original charge of possession of a controlled substance. Laird was taken into custody at the Iroquois County Courthouse and escorted to the Iroquois County Jail, where he awaits transfer to the Department of Corrections.

On October 12th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Jessica Paro, age 34, of Watseka. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Paro for traffic violations. Deputies conducted standardized field sobriety tests, and Paro showed signs of impairment. Paro was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence, and improper lane usage. Paro was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released with a notice to appear.

On October 12th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Randy Dillion, age 42, of Danville. According to police reports, Dillion was in custody at the Vermilion County Jail on the outstanding Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Dillion was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On October 13 th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Noah Usher, age 24, of Champaign. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Usher for traffic violations. A computer check revealed Usher to have an outstanding Vermilion County warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of traffic violations, as well as a revoked driver's license. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed over 500 grams of suspected marijuana. Usher was taken into custody on the warrant and additionally charged with driving while license revoked, possession of marijuana more than 500 grams, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, and improper lane usage. Usher was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was given a notice to appear and released to the custody of Vermilion County.

On October 15 th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Tamie Burnside, age 45, of Woodland. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Burnside for traffic violations. A computer check revealed that Burnside's driver's license was suspended. Burnside was taken into custody and charged with driving while license suspended, operating uninsured motor vehicle, and operating motor vehicle while registration suspended. Burnside was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released with a notice to appear.

On October 15 th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Jason Behrends, age 49, of Clifton, According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Behrends. A computer check revealed that Behrend's driver's license was cancelled. Behrend

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, Sunday, October 19th, 2025.

The significant rainfall over the entire County has greatly reduced the risk of rapidly spreading fires.

With the high winds predicted, If the choice to burn is made, you should never leave the fire unattended and have an extinguishment source readily available.

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.

As combines roll through the fields this harvest season, Senator Chris Balkema (R-Channahon) is recognizing the hardworking men and women who keep Illinois growing.

Senator Balkema sponsored Senate Resolution 124, which passed the Senate this week, to commend Illinois farmers for their dedication, perseverance, and continued commitment to feeding families, strengthening communities, and upholding the state’s proud agricultural heritage.

“Farmers are the backbone of our state,” said Senator Balkema. “Their hard work and long hours don’t go unnoticed, especially during harvest season. This resolution is one small way to recognize their vital role in keeping our communities strong and ensuring families have food on their tables.”

According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois agriculture contributes more than $19 billion to the state’s economy each year and provides jobs to hundreds of thousands of residents. With nearly 75,000 farms covering more than 27 million acres, agriculture remains a cornerstone of Illinois’ identity and success.

“Whether it’s corn, soybeans, livestock, or specialty crops, Illinois farmers continue to lead the way in innovation and stewardship,” Balkema added. “I’m proud to stand with them and celebrate the work they do every day.”

At 11:23 p.m. Oct. 5, Watseka Police were dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street for a fight. According to police reports, the incident took place due to a domestic battery that had occurred at another location. Once police were on scene, witnesses said the suspect fled. Officers located the suspect in the 600 block of East Locust Street. Brayden P. Griggs, 18, of Watseka, was arrested for domestic battery. Griggs was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

At 10:06 a.m. Oct. 6 Watseka Police were dispatched the 300 block of East Walnut Street for a female making threats toward employees. According to police reports, officers located the female who matched the description given. Officers attempted to detain the female when she began pushing, punching and kicking officers. After a brief struggle, officers gained control and placed the female under arrest. Katelynn M. Frye, no age or city given in the report, was arrested and charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer, assault, obstructing justice and resisting arrest. Frye was transported to the Iroquois county Jail without incident.

At 8:12 p.m. Oct. 7, while on routine patrol a Watseka Police officer witnessed a it and run traffic accident tin the parking lot of the 1700 block of East Walnut Street. When questioned about the accident the suspect denied striking the vehicle. Officers ordered the driver out of the vehicle. The driver became agrees by balling up his fists and aggressively approaching officers. At one point the driver lunged at officers and that’s when officers placed the driver under arrest. He was identified as James D. Conrad, 62, of Martinton. Conrad was arrested for aggravated battery to a peace officer and resisting arrest. Conrad was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

At 9:27 p.m. Oct. 15 Watseka police were dispatched to the 500 block of West Walnut Street for harassment. According to police reports, an employee was harassed while delivering food to a customer. The suspect left the scene but was later located in the 600 block of East Mulberry Street. Billy J. Tuner, 44, of Watseka was arrested for disorderly conduct. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

No injuries reported as concrete grain silo collapsed Wednesday afternoon in the small Iroquois County, Illinois community of Martinton.

An unrelated 10:30 a.m. request for an ambulance at the Donovan Farmers Co-Op Elevator on the east side of the Martinton fire district, brought first responders within eyesight of the silos at the facility. During that incident, one of the ambulance personnel happened to look in the direction of the fated silo, constructed in 1972 and filled with 30,000 bushels of harvested soybeans. With that glance he noticed a bulge of concrete and rebar beginning to form on the north side of the silo. Recognizing the potential for a significant life safety situation he notified the Martinton Fire Chief, Jeff Meyer. At approximately 11:15 a.m. Chief Meyer requested fire personnel from Martinton as well as the adjacent communities of Papineau and Watseka to the elevator. These fire crews were tasked with identifying and evacuating employees from the immediate vicinity of the silo and establishing a protected potential collapse zone. An accurate count of facility workers was obtained and the removal of the grain from within the structure began. At approximately 12:45 p.m. a shift with the grain contained in the silo was noted and an evacuation of the immediate area was ordered. Within minutes of that order- at approximately 12:52 p.m., the silo started to crumble and collapse. As it fell, it landed on the main structure of power lines and poles that fed the entire village. Following the collapse Chief Meyer requested additional assistance from Ashkum Fire and a standby ambulance from Riverside.

“Thanks to the observant eye of the ambulance personnel at the original call we were able to evacuate and secure the area around the silo.” Martinton Fire Chief Jeff Meyer said, “This action certainly prevented what may have been life threatening injuries or even fatalities. I am extremely grateful to the ambulance crew for bringing this situation to my attention. Throughout the incident no injuries were reported.”

As of 9:00 p.m. Wednesday the streets and area around the elevator remain closed as crews work throughout the night to clean up the spilled grain and debris. Ameren continues to get the poles and lines reconstructed, allowing electric to be restored to the community. Power officials are still uncertain about the time required but estimates of between 3:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Thursday are being mentioned.

This release from Iroquois County EMA was compiled with information received from Chief Meyer and is being distributed to the media with EMA acting as a public information officer

On October 7th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Dennis J. Blackburn, age 55, of Stockland. According to police reports, Blackburn was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams, and driving while license revoked. Blackburn was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

On October 8th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Jonathan J. Rose, age 46, of Onarga. According to police reports, Rose was wanted on an outstanding McLean County warrant for driving while license suspended. In addition, he was also wanted on an outstanding Kankakee County warrant charging him with improper lane usage. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later extradited back to the respected counties of the warrants.