On March 19, at 8:31 a.m., the Watseka Police Department were dispatched to the 100 block of W Division Street for a domestic battery. According to police reports Amanda A. Temen-Wilkey, 36, of Watseka was arrested for aggravated domestic battery. Temen-Wilkey was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On March 21, at 9:24 p.m., the Watseka Police Department conducted a warrant check in the 500 block of N 5th Street. Katlynne M. Long, 32 of Watseka, was arrested on an outstanding Iroquois County Warrant. Long was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On March 23, at 8:18 a.m., the Watseka Police Department conducted a warrant check in the 100 block of E Ash Street. Billy J. Stevens, 45 of Watseka, was arrested on an outstanding Livingston County Warrant. Stevens was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On March 23, at 11:27 p.m., the Watseka Police Department conducted a traffic stop at W North Street/N Wabash Street on a vehicle with no registration. According to police reports the driver, Jeremia R. Albright, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine. Additionally, Albright was issued three state citations for driving revoked, no valid registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Alrbight was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 1 Special Agents arrested 34-year-old Timothy M. Kleinert of Momence, IL for Unlawful Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (Class 2 Felony), Dissemination of Child Sexual Abuse Material Depicting Victims Under 13 (Class X Felony), and Dissemination of Child Sexual Abuse Material - Video Depiction (Class X Felony). ?

 

In October of 2025, ISP Special Agents received an online tip and began an extensive investigation into the possession of child sexual abuse materials in Kankakee County. Special Agents identified Kleinert as the suspect. On March 25, 2026, Officers executed a search warrant at Kleinert’s residence in the 100 block of Maple Street in Momence and collected electronic evidence. Kleinert was arrested on scene. ISP presented their case to the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office, who approved the above-mentioned charges. Kleinert was held at the Kankakee County Jerome Combs Detention Center pending his first court appearance.

 

ISP provides resources for parents, for the public to report crimes against children, and for survivors to start their path towards healing and recovery. Anonymous tips of child sexual abuse materials can also be reported through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's (NCMEC) CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.com. To keep kids safe online, learn more at: https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/onlinesafe/; www.cybertipline.org; For resources for survivors of sexual abuse visit: https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/csam-resour?ces/

 As Iroquois Federal and Servbank move toward the completion of the acquisition this month, Iroquois Federal Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Walter H. “Chip” Hasselbring III has been named to the Servbank Board of Directors.

Hasselbring’s appointment reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to strong governance, community leadership, and maintaining a meaningful local voice as the two institutions come together. With decades of experience serving customers and communities across central Illinois, Hasselbring will bring valuable perspective to Servbank’s board as the combined organization looks ahead.

“I am truly honored to join the Servbank Board of Directors and grateful for the trust placed in me during this important time,” said Walter H. ‘Chip’ Hasselbring III, Chairman and CEO of Iroquois Federal. “Iroquois Federal has always been deeply rooted in the communities we serve, and I look forward to bringing that local perspective to Servbank’s board. As we move forward together, I am committed to ensuring the voices of our customers, employees, and communities continue to be heard and represented at the highest level, while preserving the strong local leadership that has long defined Iroquois Federal.”

We are pleased to welcome Walter “Chip” Hasselbring III to the Servbank Board of Directors,” said Stavros Papastavrou, Board Chairman of Servbank. Mr. Hasselbring’s appointment to the Servbank board reflects our commitment to preserving strong local leadership and community connection,” said Papastavrou. “His longstanding dedication to customers, employees, and the communities served by Iroquois Federal adds an important perspective as we continue building a strong, forward?looking organization together.

 

The acquisition brings together two organizations with Illinois roots and a shared focus on service, innovation, and long?term community impact.

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.

Due to the recent tornado and severe storms, KCC will be closed for the remainder of the week while crews assess damage and begin repairs. This includes the Riverfront Campus and Manufacturing and Industrial Technology Center (MITC) in Kankakee, North Extension Center in Bradley and South Extension Center in Watseka.

 

The Red Cross is currently operating a shelter on the Riverfront Campus. Anyone in the community who needs shelter is welcome there. 

 

Otherwise, for everyone’s safety, we ask that everyone stay away. It’s important to keep the area clear so assessment and repair teams can work safely.

 

We expect the Riverfront Campus to be fully operational by Monday, March 16.

On Feb. 25, at approximately 9:30 a.m., the Watseka Police Department conducted a warrant check in the 200 block of E Walnut Street. Smith, Kyle D., 34 of Watseka, was arrested on an outstanding Champaign County Warrant. Smith was additionally charged with Resisting Arrest. Smith was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On March 2, at approximately 11:04 p.m., the Watseka Police Department was conducting a business check in the 300 block of W Walnut Street. Barrone, Barry D., 38 of Watseka, was arrested for Retail Theft. Barrone was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On March 9, at approximately 6:16 p.m., the Watseka Police Department was dispatched to the 1000 block of W Newell Street for a criminal trespass to property. Roberts, Stephanie A., 42 of Gilman, was arrested for Criminal Trespass to Property, Criminal Damage to Property, and Battery. Roberts was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

On March 9, at approximately 11:53 p.m., the Watseka Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 400 block of E Walnut Street. The driver, Lewis, Terrell L., 32 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin was arrested for Driving While License Suspended and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Lewis was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

Iroquois County EMA has received this information from Ameren: A scheduled power outage coming next week. Ameren crews are planning on having a necessary outage in Gilman to facilitate local system maintenance. There will be approximately 610 customers without electricity from:

9:00 p.m. Monday, March 9th

Until the following day-

Tuesday morning around 5 a.m. on March 10th

With it being a scheduled outage, affected customers should be getting an automated call from Ameren.

Iroquois County EMA recommends Individuals with medical devices that are dependent on electricity should be making alternate plans now. These plans should be occasionally tested to be sure the same capabilities exist in an emergency situation. This would be a good time to practice those capabilities.

The Watseka Family Festival Committee proudly presents the 2026 Watseka Family Festival—a two-day celebration of music, fun, and community spirit at the scenic Watseka American Legion Park, August 28-29! Enjoy an exciting concert lineup featuring acclaimed artists, along with a wide array of activities designed for the whole family. This year’s festival is set to create unforgettable memories for attendees of every generation.

 

Beyond the main stage, festivalgoers can look forward to a free kids’ fun zone, bustling craft and flea markets, a vibrant car show, a spirited 5K Run, a charming Baby Contest, a lively beer garden, a variety of food vendors, and much more. Admission to all non-concert activities is completely free, making this a welcoming event for the entire community.

 

Friday night, August 28th, opens with southern rock legends The Kentucky Headhunters. Renowned as “Southern Rock Royalty,” this GRAMMY-winning band boasts a career filled with accolades, including a CMA Album of the Year Award, two CMA Vocal Group of the Year Awards, two Top 10 albums, and four consecutive Top 40 hits. Their enduring success and genre-spanning sound promise an electrifying start to the festival.

 

Kicking off Friday night is Confederate Railroad, the southern rock powerhouse that burst onto the scene in the early ’90s. With more than 18 charting hits—including "Jesus and Mama," "Queen of Memphis," and “Trashy Women”—Confederate Railroad delivers rowdy country energy and authentic emotion that will fire up the crowd.

 

Saturday, August 29th, brings country music sensation Rodney Atkins to center stage. With six No. 1 singles, eight Top 5 hits, and a staggering 3.8 billion career streams, Atkins is celebrated for beloved anthems such as “Farmer’s Daughter,” “These Are My People,” and “Cleaning This Gun.” Get ready for a headlining performance packed with fan favorites.

 

Kicking off Saturday night is Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry, whose award-winning career and dynamic stage presence guarantee another can’t-miss performance.

 

All concerts will be held at Watseka American Legion Park on August 28-29, 2026. Gates open at 5 PM, with music starting at 7:30 PM each evening.

 

Take advantage of our special Early Bird Ticket Package, available through March 21st! Purchase tickets for both nights and receive half off Friday’s admission.

 

Chairs are welcome in designated General Admission areas on both nights. Tickets will be available online at www.watsekafamilyfest.com starting Friday, March 6, 2026, at 8 AM.

 

Stay tuned for updates and full event details at www.watsekafamilyfest.com as they become available.

The Ford-Iroquois 4-H Foundation Inc. is pleased to announce the availability of two types of scholarships this year. One scholarship is designated for students enrolling in a college or junior college, while the second is intended for those pursuing education at a trade school. Eligibility for the Ford-Iroquois 4-H Foundation Inc. scholarship is limited to members of Ford and Iroquois County 4-H clubs who have maintained active membership for the past five years, are current members of a Ford or Iroquois County 4-H Club, participated in the 2025 4-H show, are graduating high school in 2026, and have consistently adhered to the 4-H code of conduct. All applications are due by April 17. They have been sent to all 4-H seniors and high school counselors.

The Iroquois Sheriff’s Office arrested Christopher Burton, of Milford, Friday on a warrant charging him with first-degree murder.

 

A months-long investigation by deputies resulted in the 53-year-old Burton being accused of setting a house fire that led to the death of Ashley Tucker, 37.

 

Burton was arrested without incident and is being held in the Iroquois County Jail pending his initial court appearance, a news release from the sheriff’s office said.

 

The October 2025 house fire occurred in the 200 block of North Grant Street.

Investigators reviewed evidence from the scene, multiple witness statements, surveillance video from the area, cellular location data, and other records to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire, the sheriff’s office said.

 

 

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal assisted in the investigation of the fire, the release said.

 

The case file was presented to the Iroquois County States Attorney who requested that a warrant be issued for Burton. The investigation remains active.