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, Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Ashkum Fire Chief and President of the Eastern Illinois Fire Chief’s Association said, “You have to use common sense. If the wind is blowing, and there is a red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service- you can’t burn! Regardless if a burn ban is officially issued or not. If you need to burn CRP ground, contact your local fire chief and communicate with them before you light the fire!”

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.

Scott Anderson, Director

Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency

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 issued and is in effect immediately, Tuesday February 24th, 2026.

Ashkum Fire Chief and MABAS Division 37 President Jeff Glenn said, “Extreme wind conditions and the dry grassy areas create a scenario for out-of-control brush fires. 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.

Thank you all for your help making this a safe time for everyone.

Scott Anderson, Director

Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency

The Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency would like to announce the promotion of one current member and the addition of one new member- both strong EMA professionals, to their staff of volunteers.

On Monday, February 23, 2026 current EMA volunteer Danny Neal will be promoted to the Deputy Director of the agency. His pursuit of a career within the emergency management field over the last few years has been a fruitful task, with Danny completing numerous IEMA sponsored courses. Putting his knowledge into practice by completing the preparation for training exercises, as well as focusing on volunteer recruitment and retention are some of his specialties. His expansive weather knowledge and training ability is an attribute that is impossible to pass up at this time. Director Anderson said about Mr. Neal, “Danny will be a major benefit to the Iroquois County EMA along with the residents of the county. His ability to hit the ground running on the first day is rare, especially from a volunteer. I look forward to helping him with whatever guidance he may need to expand and mold our current roster of volunteers.” Anderson continued, “Danny’s extensive weather knowledge and forecasting abilities is recognized by the National Weather Service, allowing him to teach the sanctioned NWS severe weather spotting classes. That is a huge benefit to the county. His work as a severe weather spotter in the field has generated thousands of followers, and that expertise will be available to us.” Danny is currently a volunteer with the Paxton Emergency Services.

EMA will also be adding Jason Madden to our roster. Jason is a full-time emergency management professional, as he currently works as the Emergency Management Training Coordinator for the University of Illinois, where he has served for several years. He is also a member of Paxton Emergency Services. He holds a degree in Geography from Northern Illinois University and has completed both the IEMA-OHS and FEMA Professional Development Series and has also earned accreditation as an Illinois Professional Emergency Manager. Anderson stated about Jason, “Having someone with Jason’s abilities within our staff to design and write the complex training exercises, will allow for our agency to hold more training with the fire, EMS, and law enforcement departments county wide. That is one of the primary functions of any emergency management agency as those training exercises allow our first responders to be ready and able to handle the different situations that are presented to them every day.”

“I certainly look forward to working with both Danny and Jason to continue moving the Iroquois County EMA in the positive direction my Assistant Director Chris Meredith and the rest of our volunteers have taken us. Danny and Jason will make it easier to continue down this path faster and give us the ability to expand to provide other divisions such as a search and rescue team or a rehab sector to support the first responders.”

Scott Anderson, Director

Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency

On February 18th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Andrew D. Winkler, age 33, of Danville. According to police reports, Winkler was being held at the Vermilion County Jail on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant, charging him with unlawful possession of a credit/debit card. Winkler was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail. He was later released with a notice to appear.

On February 19th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Imanuel B. Wilson, age 34, of Kankakee. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to the report of criminal damage to property. Through the course of their investigation, deputies made contact with Wilson and observed evidence that Wilson had been driving on private property. Wilson was taken into custody and charged with criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to land. Wilson was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On February 19th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Kristy M. England, age 45, of Watseka. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by England for traffic violations. A search was conducted, and suspected methamphetamine was revealed. England was taken into custody and charged with reckless driving and possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams. England was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released with a notice to appear.

On February 17th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Michael R. Ellis Jr. age 34, of Kentland IN. According to police reports, Ellis was charged with driving under the influence of drugs and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Ellis was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On February 17th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Samuel P. Vires, age 38, of Wellington. According to police reports, Vires was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance. Vires was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains.

On February 16th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested William B. Tortorello, age 25, of Gilman. According to police reports, Tortorelio was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with failure to appear for driving under the influence. Tortorello was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

State Senator Chris Balkema (R-Channahon) released the following statement after Governor Pritzker’s Budget Address.

“Over the last six years, the U.S. GDP has grown more than 45 percent. Illinois GDP has grown just over 4 percent. Yet state spending has nearly doubled.

“Illinois is way behind in growth… and spending is out of control.

“We need to create an Illinois where businesses can grow, jobs can expand, and families can stay. That starts by cutting bureaucracy and getting state government out of the way.

“Property taxes are out of control, and this budget does nothing to deliver the relief families were promised. Illinois can do better, but only if we change direction.”

On February 10, at 11:10 p.m., the Watseka Police Department conducted a warrant check in the 300 block of E Elm Street. Perez-Gutierrez, Bobbie J., 38 of Watseka, was arrested on an outstanding Iroquois County Warrant. Perez-Gutierrez was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

On February 11, at 8:54 p.m., the Watseka Police Department was dispatched to the 200 block of W Locust Street for a domestic against a child. Skroko, Philip J., 46 of Watseka, was arrested for Domestic Battery and Resisting Arrest. Skroko was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

On February 14, at 9:39 p.m., the Watseka Police Department was dispatched to the 800 block of W Lafayette Street for a battery. Ledesma, Catherine A., 25 of Bradley, was arrested for Battery. Ledesma was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

On February 15, at 7:53 p.m., the Watseka Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a blue Ford Escape for a lane violation. According to reports the driver, Morefield, Blake D., 34, was arrested for driving while license expired over 1 year (expiration date of August 2012). Additionally, Morefield was charged with Possession of Hypodermic Needles and Possession of Controlled Substance. Morefield was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

On February 15, at 11:21 p.m., the Watseka Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 800 block of W Lafayette Street on a gray Mitsubishi Utility with no headlights on when required. According to reports the vehicles registration was also suspended. Officers asked for consent to search the vehicle which the driver agreed to. Officers located a clear plastic bag with a rocklike substance inside. The rocklike substance was field tested and tested positive for methamphetamine. The driver, Roberts, Stephanie A., 42 of Gilman, was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine and was also issued a state citation for suspended registration. Roberts was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

On February 16, at aproximately 9:06 p.m., the Watseka Police Department conducted a warrant check in the 300 block of E Walnut Street. Arseneau, Shai A., 20 of Watseka, was arrested on an outstanding Iroquois County Warrant. Arseneau was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

On February 4th, 2024, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Roseanne M. Albright, age 26, of Watseka. According to police reports, deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Albright for traffic violations, which she failed to pull over. Albright eventually pulled over and was taken into custody and charged with fleeing Or attempting to elude, driving while license revoked, driving while registration suspended, resisting or obstructing, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Albright was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released with a notice to appear.

On February 5th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested John B. Benoit, age 46, of Thawville. According to police reports, deputies conducted a stop on a vehicle being driven by Benoit, for violations. Benoit was taken into custody and charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia Benoit was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On February 9, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Houston T. Griffith, age 22, o fMilford. According to police reports, deputies were dispatched to the 200 block Of N. Grant Ave. for the report of shots fired. Griffith was taken into custody and charged with reckless discharge of a firearm. Griffith was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On February 6th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs police arrested Michelle M. Dunlap, age 44, of Kankakee. According to police reports. deputies were dispatched to rural Clifton for the report of a suspicious vehicle in a field. Deputies made contact with Dunlap and observed signs of impairment. Dunlap was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and driving under the influence of alcohol BAC over 0.08. Dunlap was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released with a notice to appear.

On February 6th, 2026, Milford Police Department arrested Bayleah J. Moore, age 26, ofMilf0rd. According to police reports, Officers took Moore into custody for having outstanding Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of disorderly conduct. Moore was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released with a notice to appear.

On February 61b, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs police attested Robert J. Johnson, age 36, of Kankakee. According to police reports, Deputies took Johnson into custody for having an outstanding Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of driving under the influence Of alcohol. Johnson was taken into custody and escorted to the Iroquois County Jail. Johnson was later released with time served.

On February 6'h, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs police arrested Kenneth W. Neal, age 67, of Calumet City. According to police reports, Neal was sentenced to 30 days on the original charge of driving while license revoked. Neal was taken into custody and escorted to the Iroquois County Jail. Neal is currently serving that sentence.

On February 8th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Joey M. Schluenz, age 43, of Gilman. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Schluenz for traffic violations. Schluenz was taken into custody and charged with driving while license revoked and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Schluenz was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On February 8th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Nicholas Munoz, age 34, of Onarga. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for traffic violations where Munoz was the passenger. Munoz was taken into custody for having an Outstanding Iroquois County warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of leaving the scene of an accident. Munoz was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, and he was later released with a notice to appear.

On February 11th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Kylen O. Wells, age 26, of Beaverville. According to police reports. deputies took Wells into custody for having an outstanding Iroquois County warrant for aggravated battery. Wells was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released with time served.

On February 11th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs police arrested Jonathan S. Rose, age 47, of Onarga. According to police reports, deputies took Rose into custody for having an outstanding Kankakee County warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of improper use of registration/title, as well as an outstanding McLean County warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of driving while license revoked. Rose was transported to the Iroquois County Jail. Rose is currently serving 120 days on the charge of failure to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act.

On February 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs police arrested Joanna M. Allis, age 40, of Remington IN. According to police reports, detectives took Allis into custody for having an outstanding Indiana warrant for the selling of methamphetamine as well as an outstanding Iroquois County warrant for driving while license revoked. Altis was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she remains awaiting her next court date.

On February 11 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs police arrested Emma S. Stilley, age 22 of Roberts. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Stilley for traffic violations. Deputies observed Stilley showed signs of impairment. Stilley was taken into custody and charged with driving under the combined influence of alcohol, drugs or other intoxicating compounds. Stilley was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released with a notice to appear.

Iroquois Federal and Servbank are pleased to announce that TJ Morris, who currently serves as Executive Vice President–Chief Lending Officer and Danville
Market President at Iroquois Federal, has been appointed Illinois Regional President for Servbank, effective on Day 1 of the integration following Servbank’s
planned acquisition of Iroquois Federal in March 2026. This leadership transition marks an important step with a shared commitment to community-focused
service, strong customer relationships, and sustained organizational growth. Since announcing the acquisition in October, both institutions have been collaboratively
working to design the optimal organization structure in a manner that will serve our collective customers best while leveraging the unique capabilities and
strengths each company offers.

Morris has been a key contributor to Iroquois Federal’s strategic direction and lending operations, demonstrating exceptional leadership, deep industry
knowledge and a strong dedication to the customers and communities the institution serves. In his new role with Servbank, Morris will oversee regional
operations throughout Illinois, helping lead the integration efforts and support the execution of Servbank’s regional strategy.

“We are excited to see TJ take on this significant leadership role with Servbank,” stated Walter “Chip” Hasselbring III, CEO & Board Chairman of Iroquois Federal
“His expertise and vision have been instrumental to Iroquois Federal’s success, and his deep roots in our communities reflect the strength of local leadership that
has always set us apart. We are confident he will continue to make a strong impact in this expanded capacity with Servbank.”

“One of the things we value most about Iroquois Federal is their strong local leadership,” stated Donald Satiroff, CEO of Servbank. “TJ Morris has spent his
career serving Iroquois communities, earning the trust of customers and colleagues alike. Appointing him as Illinois Regional President was a clear and
natural progression. TJ understands the people, the culture, and the responsibility that comes with leading locally. With this decision, we’re able to uphold our
promise to our shared customers and maintain our commitment to our local communities.”

Following the close of Servbank’s acquisition of Iroquois Federal, customers of both institutions are expected to benefit from expanded products, services and
branch access. The transition process remains on track, with both organizations working closely to maintain consistent service and support. On March 13th, Iroquois Federal will operate as the name of Iroquois Federal Savings and Loan Association, a division of Servbank, N.A.

Iroquois Federal Savings and Loan Association headquartered in Watseka , Illinois and Servbank, N.A. headquartered in Oswego, Illinois have entered into a
definitive agreement under which Servbank, N.A. will acquire Iroquois Federal Savings and Loan Association. The transaction is expected to close on March 12,
2026. Until this transaction is completed, the institutions will continue to operate as separate, independent banks.

Servbank N.A. NMLS #203463. Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC.  Iroquois Federal Savings and Loan Association NMLS #472172 . Equal Housing
Lender. Member FDIC.

On Feb. 7, at 11:47 p.m. the Watseka Police were dispatched to the 200 block of South Yount Avenue for a trespasser. According to reports officers located the suspect on the property and was identified as David W. Richmond. Richmond was arrested and charged with criminal trespass to property, possession of burglary tools, and possession of methamphetamine. Richmond was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

On Feb. 7, at 8:50 p.m. the Watseka Police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of North Kay Street/West Hickory Street on a vehicle with no registration. The driver was identified as Jereimia R. Albright, who has a revoked drivers license. Albright was placed under arrest for driving revoked and transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

On Feb. 8, at 11:15 p.m. the Watseka Police were dispatched to the 100 block of West Ash Street in reference to a battery. According to police reports, once officers arrived on scene, they located the suspect on the ground outside of the residence. Noah J. Martin, 23 of Watseka, was arrested and charged with battery and criminal trespass to residence. Martin was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.