County Treasurer, Kurt Albers, has announced that the 2025 payable in 2026 real estate tax statements have been mailed to the taxpayers of Iroquois County. The due date for the first instalment will be July 10, 2026, and the due date for the second installment will be September 11, 2026. After the due dates a 1 ½ percent penalty must be added each month it remains unpaid, according to Illinois State Statutes. If you receive a 2024 payable 2025 bill along with your 2025 payable 2026 bill, please disregard them as they were sent out in error. The Treasurer’s Office is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. To avoid waiting in line, you may also pay by mail or at any bank in Iroquois County including 1st Trust and Savings, Iroquois Federal, Prospect, Federated and the First State Bank of Forrest in Onarga. Taxpayers paying in person at the Treasurer’s Office or at the local banks should bring the entire bill if they would like a receipt. Upon payment, the appropriate stub of the bill will be removed and then the date will be stamped on the back of the remaining part of the tax bill. If you mail your payment and wish to have a receipt, you must enclose the entire bill plus a self-addressed stamped envelope. Credit/Debit Card payments and E-checks are also an option for paying Real Estate Taxes. To pay online please visit www.iroquoisil.devnetwedge.com. Fees for online payment will be applied at the checkout. Members of any United States Armed Forces Reserve Unit can defer their real estate tax payment until 180 days after they return from active duty. This option is available if you are called to active duty for deployment outside the continental United States and if you are on active duty on the due date of any installment of taxes. Please contact our office to make proper arrangements. Remember that a drop box has been installed on the south side of the Administrative Center near the 911 Center so that taxpayers can drop off their payments during non-office hours. If you have any questions about exemptions, assessed valuations, or address changes, please contact the Assessment Office at (815) 432-6978. If you have any questions regarding the tax rates, please contact the County Clerk’s Office at (815) 432-6960. If there are any questions about your tax statements, feel free to call the Treasurer’s Office at (815) 432-6985. Please see county website for updates. 

A Kankakee County corrections officer was killed in a crash early Sunday morning in Momence.

Police said a car crashed into a tree near Maple and Washington streets around 2 a.m.

Two passengers in the car, including Officer Luis Barrera, were pronounced dead at the scene. Two other people inside the vehicle were taken to a local hospital in critical condition. One of them was airlifted from the scene.

 

Barrera had served with Kankakee County since February 2025 and was also a member of the armed forces.

“This is a tremendous loss for our agency and for all who know Officer Barrera,” Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey said. “We ask that you keep Officer Barrera’s family, friends, coworkers and all those affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”

On May 14th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Thomas E. Crook, age 65, of Hoopeston. According to police reports, Crook was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with residential burglary. Crook was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

 

On May 14th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Brandon J. Wood, age 42 of Watseka. According to police reports, Wood was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with criminal damage to state supported property. Wood was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

 

On May 14th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Lucas J. Zimmerman, age 38, of Clifton. According to police reports, Zimmerman was charged with assault and criminal damage to property under $500. Zimmerman was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

 

On May 16th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Timothy D. Felton Jr, age 25, of Champaign. According to police reports, Felton was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with obstructing identification. Felton was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

On May 20th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Deana L. Clawson, age 61, of

Watseka. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in rural Watseka for traffic violations, with Clawson as a passenger. Clawson was taken into custody and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Clawson was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On May 20th, 2026, Anthony D. Jones, age 40 of Kankakee, turned himself into the Iroquois County Jail. Jones was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant, which charged him with driving while license suspended/revoked. Jones remains at the Iroquois County Jail, awaiting his next court date.

 

On May 20th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Michael L. Hittle, age 39, of Brook IN. According to police reports, Hittle was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant, charging him with retail theft over $300. Hittle was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On May 21 st, 2026, Steven L Verner, age 36, of Watseka, turned himself in to the Iroquois County Jail to serve a 30-day sentence for the charge of aggravated battery to police. Varner remains at the jail until his sentence has been served.

 

On May 22nd 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Paul A. Ross Jr, age 40, of Watseka. According to police reports, Ross was wanted on a DuPage warrant, charging him with a domestic battery. Ross was taken into custody and was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remains, awaiting extradition back to DuPage County.

On May 14, at 5:42 p.m., the Watseka Police Department was dispatched to the 100 block of W. Mulberry Street for a reported battery. According to reports, the suspect exited her vehicle, attempted to attack another female, and then fled the scene. A few hours later, the suspect called dispatch requesting to speak with an officer about the earlier incident. Alexis J. Wood, 28 of Watseka, was arrested for battery and transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On May 15, the Watseka Police Department received a report of a stolen vehicle from the 300 block of E. Locust Street. According to reports, a 1987 Chevrolet dually pickup truck had been stolen sometime over the weekend. On May 18th, officers located the stolen vehicle parked behind a residence in the 300 block of E. Elm Street. As officers attempted to make contact with the homeowner, they observed a female fleeing northbound from the property on foot. Bobbie J. Perez-Gutierrez, 38, of Watseka, was taken into custody and charged with motor vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, and resisting arrest. Perez-Gutierrez was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

A 48-year-old St. Anne man lost his life Tuesday evening following a fatal motorcycle crash involving an SUV on Illinois Route 1 in Kankakee County, according to authorities.

The Kankakee County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Charles Wickens of St. Anne. Coroner Bob Gessner said Wickens was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision.

According to Illinois State Police Troop 5, troopers responded at approximately 7:30 p.m. on May 12, 2026, to reports of a serious two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV near the intersection of Illinois Route 1 and 4000 South Road, about two miles north of St. Anne.

Investigators said the collision caused significant disruption in the area, leading authorities to shut down the roadway for several hours while emergency crews assisted at the scene and investigators gathered evidence.

Officials confirmed the roadway remained closed until approximately 11:45 p.m. before traffic was allowed to resume.

Authorities also stated that Wickens was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

At this time, Illinois State Police have not released additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the collision, including how the crash occurred or whether any charges are expected.

The fatal motorcycle crash remains under active investigation.

On April 30th , 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Deborah A. Kalb, age 69, of Watseka. According to police reports, deputies made contact with Kalb at the Iroquois County Courthouse. A warrant check revealed Kalb to have an outstanding Kankakee County warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of driving while license suspended. Kalb was taken into custody and escorted to the Iroquois County Jail. She was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On May 3 rd, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Ryan D. Daniels, age 36, of Donovan. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for traffic violations where Daniels was the passenger. A probable cause search revealed suspected methamphetamine. Daniels was taken into custody and charge with possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams. Daniels was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On May 4th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Terrance L. Waeltemann, age 34, of Loda. According to police reports, deputies responded to the report of a dispute. Deputies made contact with Waeltermann, and a computer check revealed him to have an outstanding Vermilion County warrant for failure to appear on the original charge of driving while license suspended. Waeltermann was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail. He was later released to the custody of Vermilion County.

 

On May 5 th , 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Phillip C. Franklin, age 38, of Sheldon. According to police reports, deputies responded to the report of a reckless driver. Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with the reported license plate. Franklin was found to be the driver, and a computer check revealed him to have a suspended driver's license. Franklin was taken into custody and charged with driving while license suspended. Franklin was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On May 6th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Jessica L. Matthews, age 34, of Milford. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for traffic violations where Matthews was the driver. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed suspected methamphetamine. Matthews was taken into custody and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine less than 15 grams, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver less than 15 grams. Matthews was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On May 7th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested William B. Tortorello, age 26, of Paxton. According to police reports, Tortorello was being held at the Ford County Jail on an Iroquois County warrant, charging him with failing to appear for the original charge of DUI alcohol. Tortorello was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On May 7th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Michael W. Rudisill, age 62, of Sheldon. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Rudisill in rural Milford. Rudisill had an active warrant out of Iroquois County, charging him with felon possessing a weapon. Rudisill was additionally charged with possession of a controlled substance. Rudisill was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remains, awaiting his next court appearance.

 

On May 8th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Nicole A. Blaylock, age 37, of Ashkum. According to police reports, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Blacklock in rural Ashkum. Blaylock was taken into custody and charged with driving while license suspended. Blaylock was transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released on a notice to appear.