On January 22nd, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Christian E. Leach, age 32, of Watseka. According to police reports, Leach was wanted on an outstanding Benton County Indiana warrant, charging him with fugitive from justice. Leach was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released due to the warrant being quashed.

 

On January 28th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Julian Munoz, age 28, of Onarga. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Munoz in the area of Route 24 near 1 100 E for traffic violations. Munoz was taken into custody and charged with driving while license revoked and reckless driving. Munoz was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On January 29th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Robert P. Defrees, age 61, of Watseka. According to police reports, Defrees was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant, charging him with failing to appear for domestic battery. Defrees was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released after posting the required bond.

 

On January 29th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Todd A. Crilley, age 5 1, of Crescent City. According to police reports, Crilley was wanted on an outstanding Kankakee County warrant, charging him with domestic battery. Crilley was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released to Kankakee County.

 

On January 30th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Aaron S. Hill, age 37, of Milford. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to the area of 1600 N 2800 E in reference to a suspicious vehicle. Deputies contacted Hill and observed signs of impairment. Hill was taken into custody and charged with DUI alcohol and driving while registration was suspended. Hill was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released on a notice to appear.

 A former agricultural teacher at Clifton Central High School in Iroquois County was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Wednesday, Jan. 28, after pleading guilty to two Class X felony counts of child pornography dissemination.

Ford County Circuit Court Judge Matt Fitton sentenced Brett M. Sorensen, 38, of Paxton, to consecutive sentences in the Illinois Department of Corrections of 10 years for one count and 15 years for the other. Sorensen will receive credit for the 499 days he has already served at the Ford County Jail in Paxton.

An additional six counts of child pornography were dismissed in return for Sorensen’s plea.

The charges stemmed from conduct alleged to have occurred between May 26 and May 30, 2024, in Ford County. Sorensen was arrested on a warrant by Illinois State Police on Sept. 17, 2024, following an investigation initiated by a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

“I am grateful to investigator Wayne Powell from the Illinois State Police … for his diligent work in this investigation,” Ford County State’s Attorney Andrew Killian said. “Cases involving the dissemination of child sexual abuse material require law enforcement to painstakingly sift through digital evidence to identify specific offenders. I recognize and appreciate that effort in this investigation.”

A Piper City man died in a single-vehicle crash in rural Gilman Saturday.

Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police said in a release 54-year-old Steven M. Lee was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash occurred on 1800 North Road near 300 East Road, the release said. Lee was driving west on 1800 North Road when he veered off the road and entered the south ditch and overturned multiple times before coming to rest, the release said. The crash remains under investigation, the release said.

Over the next few days, residents within Iroquois County will experience some of the coldest temperatures in our area in many years. The Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency reminds residents that warming centers will be available in Iroquois County, ensuring the most vulnerable of our residents are safe during these bitterly cold days. The centers offer a warm relief location during periods when an Extreme Cold Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, or during other significantly cold periods when a warm location may be needed.

 

EMA Coordinator Scott Anderson emphasizes, “It is strongly encouraged that anyone seeking relief from the cold within one of these facilities listed below, to please call to confirm the ability to provide service prior to leaving for the warming center location. That way you can be certain you can receive the needed relief.”

 

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

Other locations may be made available as EMA receives updated information.

 

Anderson added, “All residents are asked to check on their senior relatives, friends, neighbors, and any others whose health may be affected by the extreme cold. A simple phone call may be all that is needed. This will make sure that as many as possible are safe during these dangerously frigid days. Churches and other organized groups are also asked to check-in on the well-being of their members.”

The Board of Directors of The First Trust and Savings Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Neil Schippert as President and CEO. Schippert brings 28 years of dedicated service to the bank and is a lifelong resident of the community. His deep roots and long-standing commitment to local families and businesses reflect the values that have guided the bank since its founding in 1909. Schippert stated, “I am honored to serve as the 8th President of The First Trust and Savings Bank, a trusted financial institution serving the community for 117 years and look forward to continuing our work of providing relationship-based banking to the people and businesses we serve.”

 

The directors are also pleased to share that former President Kerry Bell will continue to serve in a new capacity as Chairman of the Board. In this role, he will provide strategic guidance, continuity, and support for the leadership team of the bank.

On January 14th , 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Megan A. Green, age 32, of Kankakee. According to police reports, Green was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging her with failure to appear for driving while license suspended. Green was being held at the Kankakee County Jail, where she was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she was later released on a notice to appear.

On January 14th , 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Jared D. Houser, age 33, of Greencastle IN. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to the area of 3150 E 1750 N in reference to a vehicle that was stuck along a ditch on railroad property. Deputies made contact with Houser and later took him into custody, charging him with trespass to railroad property and possession of drug paraphernalia. Houser was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released on a notice to appear.

On January 16th , 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested James W. Konas, age 40, of Loda. According to police reports, Konas was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with criminal damage to property. Konas was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remains awaiting his next court date.

On January 16th , 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Noah D. Barrera, age 22, of Manteno. According to police reports, Barrera was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with failure to appear for driving while license suspended. Barrera was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released on a notice to appear.

On January 16th 2026, Kristin A. M. Kirby, age 32, of Watseka was sentenced to 4 years to the Illinois Department of Corrections for methamphetamine possession. Kirby was taken into custody by the Iroquois County Sheriff's Police and was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she remains until transferred to IDOC.

On January 13th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Jason M. Behrends, age 50, of Stephenville, Texas. According to police reports, Behrends was wanted on an outstanding Kankakee County warrant charging him with failure to appear for burglary. Behrends was transported to the Iroquois County Jail to await extradition back to Kankakee County.

 

On January 12th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Jason P. Fairchild, age 47, of Hoopeston. According to police reports, Fairchild was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with retail theft under $300. Fairchild was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On January 11th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Bradon Ulitzsch, age 41, of Watseka. According to police reports, Ulitzsch was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with failing to appear for obstruction. Ulitzsch was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

Jamie Bakken was named the new vice chairman of the Iroquois County Board Jan. 13.

The seat was left after Scott Watts passed away unexpectedly in December.

“I am very honored to be elected vice chairman of the Iroquois County Board,” Bakken said via phone. “I am extremely thankful for the encouragement from Chairman Paul Ducat to embrace this opportunity, and the full support of the board means a great deal to me.”

“I want to acknowledge the legacy of former Vice Chairman Scott Watts, who passed away unexpectantly and previously held the position. I have very big shoes to fill. Scott Watts was an amazing leader and a role model to many. I truly loved working with him, and we shared many of the same values and beliefs. I had so much more to learn from him, and his leadership will be deeply missed.”

“One of my top priorities will be working closely with Chairman (Paul) Ducat on reorganizing board committees. “With Scott’s passing, there are committees that need leadership, and now more than ever it’s important that we utilize the strengths of all board members.”

“In addition to committee restructuring, the board will continue to focus on several key issues, including rural transportation and renewable energy matters such as wind, solar, and battery projects.

Bakken was seated to a four-year term on Dec. 1, 2024. Her current roles include chairman of the Management Committee, vice chairman of the Zoning and Planning Committee, and an active member of the Highway Committee and the Tri-County (Livingston, Ford, & Iroquois) Rural Transportation Committee.

“I look forward to continuing to serve the residents of Iroquois County and working collaboratively with my fellow board members to address the challenges and opportunities ahead,” she said.

Early Voting for Iroquois County registered voters will be held at the County Clerk’s Office, 1001 E. Grant, Watseka, Illinois, on or near February 5 – March 16, 2026, weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 14th from 8:30 a.m. – noon. This early voting site serves all 37 precincts. Please note County Offices will be closed Thursday, February 12 and Monday, February 16, 2026

On January 2nd, 2026, Jeffery L. Taylor, age 57, of Oglesby IL, turned himself in to the Iroquois County Jail. According to police reports, Taylor was wanted on a warrant from Effingham County, charging him with failing to appear on the original charge of domestic battery. Taylor posted the required bond and has since been released.

On January 3 rd, 2026, Sheldon Police Department arrested Britteny A. Schultz, age 29, of Milford. According to police reports, Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Schultz in the area of Fourth and Iroquois, for a traffic violation. Schultz was later taken into custody and charged with driving while license suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Schultz was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released with a notice to appear.

On January 5 th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Derrick J. Akerlund, age 29, of Chicago. According to police reports, Akerlund was being held at the Kankakee County Jail on an Iroquois County warrant, charging  with failing to appear on the original charge of aggravated fleeing and eluding. Akerlund also had an active warrant out of Ford County. Akerlund was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released with a notice to appear and was turned over to Ford County.

On January 6th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested April C. Niekamp, age 38, of Danville. According to police reports, Niekamp was being held at the Vermilion County Jail on an Iroquois County warrant, charging her with failing to appear on the original charge of driving while license revoked. Niekamp was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released with a notice to appear.

On January 6th, 2026, Lashon Ward, age 50, of Bourbonnais, turned himself in to the Iroquois County Jail.

According to police reports, Ward was sentenced to 30 days in jail for the charge of driving while license suspended. Ward remains at the Iroquois County Jail.

On January 6th, 2026, Soloman S Ware, age 26, of Decatur, turned himself in to the Iroquois County Jail. According to police reports, Ware was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant, charging him with failing to appear on the original charge of driving while under the influence of alcohol. Ware was taken into custody and was later released with a notice to appear.

On January 9th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested James G. LeClair, age 51, of Milford. According to police reports, LeClair was being held at the Westville Correctional Center on two Iroquois County warrants, charging him with failing to appear on both the original charges of driving while license revoked and for domestic battery. LeClair was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remains awaiting his next court date.

 State Senator Chris Balkema (R-Channahon) issued the following statement after Governor Pritzker signed the energy omnibus law, which eliminates protections on utility rates and puts Illinois families at risk of higher electricity bills.

 

"I opposed this legislation because it eliminates safeguards that kept utility bills manageable for Illinois families. With energy costs already high, removing these protections will put even more financial pressure on households. I am focusing on driving electricity costs down and making Illinois affordable for families and businesses."

Iroquois Memorial Hospital announced that its laboratory has successfully passed a rigorous Joint Commission accreditation survey, earning continued accreditation for the next two years and reaffirming its commitment to the highest standards of quality, safety and accuracy in diagnostic testing.

Laboratory services are accredited separately from hospital-wide accreditation and are evaluated against highly specialized standards. The laboratory’s survey was conducted approximately one month prior to the hospital-wide Joint Commission review. While the hospital has already completed its comprehensive, unannounced survey and is awaiting the formal notification of continued hospital-wide accreditation, the laboratory’s successful review reflects its sustained compliance with national benchmarks specific to laboratory operations and patient safety.

The Joint Commission is a nationally recognized, independent organization that evaluates and accredits health care organizations based on evidence-based performance standards. Accreditation is granted only after an extensive, unannounced on-site survey that closely examines laboratory practices and performance.

During the survey, Joint Commission reviewers evaluated laboratory policies and procedures, quality control measures, staff competencies and compliance with national patient safety goals. Surveyors also conducted direct observations and staff interviews to confirm that testing processes are accurate, reliable and consistently followed. The Iroquois Memorial Hospital Laboratory operates as a 24-hour department, providing continuous diagnostic support for the hospital’s emergency department as well as inpatient and outpatient services.

Stephen Massey, laboratory director at Iroquois Memorial Hospital, said the accreditation outcome reflects the dedication and consistency of the laboratory team. “Every test we perform plays a role in patient care decisions,” Massey said. “Our staff is deeply committed to delivering precise, timely results that our patients and providers can trust.”

Hospital leadership emphasized that the laboratory’s performance is integral to maintaining system wide standards of quality, safety and reliability across the organization. Denise Graves, chief nursing officer at Iroquois Memorial Hospital, said Joint Commission accreditation represents a sustained culture of excellence. “Through disciplined procedures and highly skilled professionals, our laboratory consistently produces reliable diagnostic results with turnaround times often measured in minutes rather than hours.” Graves said. “That efficiency supports informed clinical decisions and contributes to the best possible outcomes for our patients.”

Accreditation by The Joint Commission underscores the Iroquois Memorial Hospital Laboratory’s ongoing focus on continuous improvement and its commitment to providing safe, dependable and high-quality diagnostic services for the communities it serves.