Members of Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency worked with the damage survey team from the US National Weather Service, Chicago office, to identify areas of damage that occurred following the four separate tornado warnings issued in the county on Sunday (12/28). Four separate rotational tracks were recorded by yesterday's radar. Within those tracks, a total of four tornadoes have been confirmed within Iroquois County on Sunday. They can be identified as: Clifton Area (Northern Iroquois County, northern Clifton rotational track): Northeast of Clifton: EF-0 tornado (85 mph est. max.) Clifton to St. Anne (Northern Iroquois County, southern Clifton rotational track: West of Clifton: EF-0 tornado (80 mph est. max.) East of Clifton to the Iroquois-Kankakee border southwest of St. Anne: Long track EF-1 tornado (95 mph est. max.) Iroquois County, Martinton rotational track: Martinton (Northeast Iroquois Co.): EF-U tornado (unknown intensity due to no known damage). A fourth rotational track from the Stockland area into Indiana was also identified, but no damage or visual confirmation of a tornado can be confirmed. No injuries were reported with any of the weather-related incidents. No residential structures were destroyed, but one home was significantly damaged, and family relocated the resident to a hotel until repairs could begin. At least six outbuildings were identified as significantly damaged or destroyed within the areas of this report. Sirens were sounded in all the areas listed, but to be overcautious, some communities close to the areas of the identified tracks were siren warned as well. Just a reminder, there will never be an ‘ALL CLEAR’ siren notification following the storms. This practice was discontinued by the National Weather Service many years ago. Even though tornadic storms in December can happen, they are rare. Out of season storms like this serve as a reminder to always be weather aware, year-round. Scott Anderson, Coordinator Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency 

 After nearly five decades of caring for women across the region, Roger Taylor, M.D., FACOG, a physician generations of families have come to know and trust, is now seeing patients at Iroquois Memorial Hospital’s Specialty Clinic. Dr. Taylor’s arrival at IMH is a meaningful moment for the community. Known for his steady presence, compassionate care and personal approach to medicine, he has built lifelong relationships with patients and families throughout his accomplished career. Many have followed him to Watseka, while new patients continue to join his practice each week. “I am committed to building meaningful connections with my patients to better understand their needs and work together toward the prevention of serious health conditions,” Dr. Taylor said. “Dr. Taylor brings a special kind of warmth and dedication that truly elevates the care we provide,” said Mike Tilstra, CEO of Iroquois Memorial Hospital. “He’s the kind of physician every community hopes for — exceptionally skilled, genuinely compassionate and wholeheartedly committed to the people he serves. We feel incredibly fortunate to welcome him to IMH, and we know his patients are grateful to continue their care close to home, surrounded by a team that values them.” Dr. Taylor earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Illinois in Champaign and received his medical degree and completed his residency at the University of Chicago. In 2025, he was honored as Physician of the Year for his dedication to patient care. His clinical interests include abnormal Pap smears, fertility issues, menstrual disorders, ovarian cysts and minimally invasive surgical procedures. Throughout his career, Dr. Taylor has been known for listening first, involving patients in every decision and tailoring care to fit each person’s needs, while maintaining an exceptional safety record. Dr. Taylor now practices alongside Mohannad Rajjoub, M.D., FACOG, at IMH. While they maintain separate offices, the two gynecologists collaborate regularly to ensure seamless care for patients. Dr. Rajjoub brings more than 20 years of experience to IMH and is widely respected for his thoughtful, patient-partnered approach to women’s health. Before joining IMH, Dr. Taylor practiced for decades with Westwood Obstetrics & Gynecology Ltd. in Kankakee. The two physicians worked together there for two years. Dr. Taylor originally joined Westwood in 1979. Now settled into his new practice at IMH, Dr. Taylor says the transition has been a joyful one. “I love it here,” he said. “I’m being spoiled.” The IMH Specialty Clinic is located on the second floor of Iroquois Memorial Hospital at 200 E. Fairman Ave., Watseka. To schedule an appointment, call 815-432-7722. About Iroquois Memorial Hospital Serving more than 50,000 people annually in east-central Illinois and west-central Indiana, Iroquois Memorial Hospital is a 25-bed hospital in Watseka. The hospital’s clinical and diagnostic services include an emergency department, full-service operating suites, an inpatient care unit, therapy services, advanced medical imaging, home health and hospice. IMH operates clinics in Watseka, Gilman, Milford and St. Anne, Ill., and Kentland, Ind., and a skilled nursing facility, the Iroquois Resident Home, attached to the hospital property. Visit imhrh.org or facebook.com/imhrh for more information. 

On December 13th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Cole R. Penley, age 24, of Kankakee. According to police reports, Penley was charged with possession of ammunition with a revoked FOID card, and possession of cannabis 30 to 100 grams. Penley was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

 

On December 13th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Dawn D. Williams, age 49, of Thawville. According to police reports, Williams was wanted on an outstanding Kankakee County warrant for possession of a controlled substance. Williams was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she was later extradited back to Kankakee County.

On December 10, at 6:39 p.m., Watseka Police were dispatched to the 300 block of West Victory Street for a report of an aggravated battery. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim, who stated that upon arriving at his residence, he was attacked while still inside his vehicle. The victim declined EMS at the scene. Mark D. Caddell, 28, of Hoopeston, was arrested for aggravated battery and transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident. A follow-up investigation later revealed that the victim sought medical treatment and was found to have sustained multiple injuries.

 State Senator Chris Balkema (R-Channahon) following statement after Governor Pritzker signed the transit bailout law, which raises costs and redirects revenue to Chicago.

 

“Now that this transit plan is officially law, families across Illinois are once again being hit with higher costs to cover up Chicago’s long-standing financial failures. Downstate communities are losing motor fuel tax dollars that should be used to repair our own roads, yet those funds are being diverted to prop up a transit system many of us will never use.

“This isn’t about improving transportation for everyone, it’s about forcing hardworking families to pay more so Chicago can avoid dealing with years of mismanagement. People already stretched thin are now expected to shoulder the cost of a broken system that offers them nothing in return.

“Illinois families deserve fairness, not another policy that leaves our communities paying the price.”

On December 8th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Cory D. Durflinger, age 43, of Watseka. According to police reports, Durflinger was being held at the Will County Jail on an Iroquois County Warrant, charging him with possession of methamphetamine, less than five grams. Durflinger was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois Count Jail, where he remains in custody, awaiting his next court date.

 

On December 9th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Dennis E. Baker, age 44, of Milford. According to police records, Baker was wanted on a Vermilion County warrant, charging him with possession of methamphetamine. Baker was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released to the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Office.

 

On December 10th, 2025, Collin W. Coveyou, age 20, of Piper City, turned himself in to the Iroquois County Jail. According to police reports, Coveyou was sentenced to 14 days for the charge of aggravated fleeing/attempting to elude peace officers.

 

On December 10th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Samuel P. Vires IV, age 38, of Watseka. According to police reports, Vires was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant, charging him with possession of methamphetamine, less than five grams. Vires was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remains, awaiting his next court date.

 

On December 10th, 2025, Tyanne M Baldwin, age 25, of Elgin, turned herself into the Iroquois County Jail. According to police reports, Baldwin was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant, charging her failing to appear on the original charge of driving while license revoked. Baldwin was later released with a notice to appear.

On December 12th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Jimmy L. McCarty, age 55, of Pembroke. According to police reports, deputies responded to the 100 block of E Ashford in reference to a domestic battery and criminal damage to property. Deputies located McCarty and took him into custody, charging him with aggravated assault, domestic battery, and criminal damage to property. McCarty was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remains, awaiting his next court date.

 

On December 12th, 2025, Sabrina A Jozenes, age 40, of Milford, turned herself into the Iroquois County Jail. According to police reports, Jozenes was sentence to two days for the charge of animal cruelty.

On November 26th , 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Brittany Blakeman, age 40, of Buckley. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to the report of a disturbance. Through the course of their investigation, Blakeman, who was hiding from deputies, was found. Blakeman was taken into custody and charged with violation of an order of protection. She was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On December 1st, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Nicole Blaylock, age 37, of Ashkum. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Blaylock for traffic violations. Blaylock completed Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, and signs of impairment were observed. Blaylock was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence of drugs and operating an insured motor vehicle. She was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On December 1st, 2025, Micheal Rudisill, age 61, of Sheldon, turned himself in to the custody of the Iroquois County Jail. According to police reports, Rudisill had an outstanding Iroquois County warrant for felon in possession of a weapon. Rudisill was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On December 1st, 2025, Anthony Jones, age 39, of Kankakee, turned himself in to the custody of the Iroquois County Jail. According to police reports, Jones had an outstanding Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of driving while license suspended. Jones was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On December 3rd, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Kylie Lane, age 23, of Sheldon. According to police reports, deputies made contact with a victim concerning fraudulent credit card charges months prior. Through the course of their work, investigators made contact with Lane. Lane was taken into custody and charged with theft more than $500 to $10,000 as well as possession of other's credit card with intent to defraud.

 

On December 5th, 2025, Aaron Parsons, age 36, of Watseka, turned himself in to the custody of the Iroquois County Jail. According to police reports, Parsons had an outstanding Iroquois County warrant for domestic battery. Parson remains in custody, awaiting his next court date.

 

On December 5th, 2025, Ramon Martinez, age 36, of Gilman, turned himself in to the custody of the Iroquois County Jail. According to police reports, Martinez had an outstanding Iroquois County warrant for aggravated driving under the influence. Martinez remains in custody, awaiting his next court date.

On November 29th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Reginald Smith Il, age 31, of Lafayette IN. According to police reports, Smith was charged with defacing identification of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon, and driving while license suspended. Smith was taken into custody after a vehicle he was driving was stopped by deputies for speeding. During the stop, deputies developed probable cause for a search of Smith's vehicle. The search yielded a handgun concealed in the vehicle. The handgun was discovered to have the serial numbers partially removed. Smith was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

On November 27th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Cristian A. Hernandez Rodriguez, age 22, of Momence. According to police reports, Rodriguez was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with leaving the scene of an accident. Rodriguez was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

On November 25th, 2025, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Bayleah J. Moore, age 26, of Milford. According to police reports, Moore was wanted on an outstanding Vermilion County warrant charging her with possession of methamphetamine. Moore was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she was later extradited back to Vermilion County.