On Sept. 15, at 6:57 p.m., the Watseka Police conducted a warrant check in the 300 block of West Walnut Street. Billy J. Stevens, 46 of Watseka, was arrested for an outstanding Livingston County Warrant. Stevens was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On Sept. 22, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Watseka Police conducted a warrant check in the 1400 block of East Walnut Street. Dawn M. Edwards, 55 of Watseka, was arrested for an outstanding Iroquois County Warrant. Edwards was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On Sept. 25, at 12:22 p.m., the Watseka Police were dispatched to the 100 block of West Fleming Street for a disturbance. According to reports, Nicholas D. Gryczewski, 30, of Watseka, was arrested for disorderly conduct. Gryczewski was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

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On Sept. 25, at 5:24 p.m., the Watseka Police conducted a park check in the 100 block of West Fleming Street. According to reports, Roscoe A. Durflinger, 64 of Watseka, was arrested for registered sex offender in park. Durflinger was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On Sept. 28, at 3:05 p.m., the Watseka Police were dispatched to the 600 block of East Mulberry Street for a domestic. According to reports, Noah D. Blanchette, 36 of Watseka, was arrested for aggravated domestic battery. Blanchette was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 On September 22, 2026, FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton issued a new definition 
and professional framework for all of emergency management, establishing clearer expectations for the 
profession and reinforcing the coordination role of local emergency management agencies.
FEMA now defines emergency management as “the strategic coordination of emergency services to 
protect life, property, and continuity of operations.” The definition reflects the work performed every 
day by the Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency: bringing agencies, information, 
resources, and priorities together before, during, and after emergencies.
Iroquois County EMA does not replace fire departments, emergency medical services, law enforcement, public 
works, hospitals, utilities, schools, dispatch centers, voluntary organizations, or elected government. Our role is 
to help those partners work from a shared operating picture and coordinate planning, public warning, resource 
requests, logistics, damage assessment, continuity, response, and recovery.
FEMA’s framework identifies 12 core coordination responsibilities: capacity building; laws, policy, and 
regulation; threat protection management; public and crisis communications; disaster impact reduction and 
consequence management; operational response; damage assessment and impact analysis; incident 
command and decision authority; resource management and logistics; continuity of operations; immediate and 
short-term recovery; and continuous improvement.
The framework also identifies the professional skills emergency managers need, including command and 
coordination, emergency planning, risk analysis, decision-making under pressure, technical writing, information 
analysis, logistics, situational awareness, geographic information interpretation, training and exercise design, 
after-action analysis, and complex problem solving.
“Much of emergency management happens behind the scenes,” said Scott Anderson, Director of Iroquois 
County EMA. “Our job is to make sure the right people have the right information and resources when 
our community needs them most. FEMA’s framework gives that mission a clear and consistent 
professional foundation.”
The memorandum calls on emergency managers to “return to the basics.” For Iroquois County EMA, that 
means strengthening partnerships, maintaining practical plans, exercising those plans, improving public 
warning and information, supporting responders, documenting damage and decisions, and preparing for 
recovery before disaster strikes.
Iroquois County EMA will review the new framework as FEMA updates related doctrine, policies, training, 
planning materials, and exercise products. The agency will continue working with local governments, response 
agencies, community partners, and residents to strengthen countywide preparedness.
Scott Anderson, Director
Iroquois County EMA

On September 24th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Brittany A. Walwer, age 38, of Piper City. According to police reports, Walwer was charged with domestic battery. Walwer was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On September 24th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Evan M. Wade, age 39, of Watseka. According to police reports, Wade was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant, charging him with theft less than $500. Wade was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On September 26th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Mychele J. Smith, age 32, of Watseka. According to police reports, Smith was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant, charging her with driving while license revoked. Smith was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she remains awaiting her next court date.

 

On September 26th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Clifford A. Mischke Jr., age 26, of Thawville. According to police reports, Mischke was charged with aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and resisting/obstructing. Mischke was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois Count Jail, where he remains, awaiting his next court date,.

 

On September 27th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Brianne V. Safiran, age 36, of rural Ashkum. According to police reports, Safiran was charged with criminal damage to property over $500.00. Safiran was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released on a notice to appear.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Iroquois Memorial Hospital is encouraging women in Iroquois County to make time for recommended mammograms and other preventive healthcare needs.

Throughout October, patients without insurance may receive a 3D mammogram at IMH for a cash price of $99. Patients with insurance may also schedule their mammograms during October, and IMH will bill their insurance plans as usual. Most insurance plans cover 3D screening mammograms, although coverage and out-of-pocket costs may vary by plan. Patients receiving mammograms at IMH during October will also receive a small gift from the Medical Imaging team.

Mammograms can help detect breast cancer before a lump or other symptoms appear. During a 3D mammogram, images are taken from multiple angles and assembled into a detailed, three-dimensional view of the breast. This allows radiologists to examine thin layers of breast tissue and more clearly identify areas that may need a closer look.

“Women are often taking care of everyone else, and October is a good reminder to make their own health a priority,” said Peg Rogers, clinics director at IMH. “Having 3D mammography and gynecology services available here in Watseka means women can receive important preventive care without traveling far from home. We want women in our community to feel comfortable reaching out, asking questions and getting the care they need.”

Patients should contact their healthcare provider to request an order for a 3D mammogram at IMH Medical Imaging. Women are encouraged to talk with their provider about when and how often they should be screened based on their age, medical history and individual risk factors.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also a good time for women to review their overall preventive healthcare needs. IMH offers gynecology services through Roger L. Taylor, MD, and Mohannad Rajjoub, MD, FACOG. If you do not currently have a gynecologist or would prefer to receive care closer to home, call the IMH Specialty Clinic at 815-432-7722 to schedule an annual exam with Dr. Taylor or Dr. Rajjoub. Make October the month you take that important step for your health.

For questions about 3D mammography at IMH, call IMH Medical Imaging at 815-432-7727.

 

On September 20th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Andy Nelson, age 39, of Gilman. According to police reports, Nelson was charged with domestic battery. Nelson was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On September 20th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Frankey J. Loniello, age 24, of Danforth. According to police reports, deputies stopped a vehicle Loniello was driving for traveling 82 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. During interactions with Loniello, deputies observed signs of impairment and discovered he currently held a revoked Illinois drivers license. Loniello was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail. He was charged with driving under the influence of a combination of alcohol and other drugs, speeding and driving while license revoked. He was later released with a notice to appear.

On September 16th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Andrew A. Austin, age 47, of Cissna Park. According to police reports, Austin was charged with possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams, no valid registration and no valid driver's license. Austin was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On September 16th , 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Heather N. Scott, age 26, of Milford. According to police reports, Scott was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant, charging her with failing to appear on the original charge of DUI drugs or combination of drugs. Scott was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On September 16th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Benjamin M. Vasquez, age 30, of Bourbonnais. According to police reports, Vasquez was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and was also wanted on a warrant out of Kendall County. Vasquez was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released to Kendall County.

 

On September 17th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Ceu Tling, age 42, of Carol Stream IL. According to police reports, Tling was wanted on two Iroquois County warrants, charging him with disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property. Tling was also wanted on a Kankakee County warrant as well. Thing was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released to Kankakee County.

 

On September 18th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Richard T. Lindzy, age 36, of Thawville. According to police reports, Lindzy was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant, charging him with violation of an order of protection. Lindzy was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On September I V, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Jonathan O. Neiman, age 32, of Watseka. According to police reports, Neiman was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant, charging him with failing to appear on the original charge of violating the sex offender registration. Neiman was additional charged with sexual predator or child sex offender presence in a public park. Neiman was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remains, awaiting his next court date.

 

On September 18th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Deitrick D. Baines, age 45, of Martinton. According to police reports, Baines was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant, charging him with aggravated fleeing and eluding. Baines was being held at the Kankakee County Jail on the warrant. Baines was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remains awaiting his next court date.

On September 18th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Timothy R. Anderson, age 38, of Watseka.

 

According to police reports, Anderson was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant, charging him with theft over $500 but under $10,000. Anderson was being held at the Kankakee County Jail on the warrant. Anderson was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remains awaiting his next court date.

On September 14th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Bayleah J. Moore, age 27. According to police reports, Moore was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging her with failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams. Moore was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she was released with a notice to appear.

 

On September 14th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Austin B. Cade, age 26, of Watseka. According to police reports, Cade was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with driving under the influence. Cade was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

 

On September 14th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Adam Hurtado, age 42, of Onarga. According to police reports, Hurtado was charged with domestic battery. Hurtado was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains.

 

On September 15th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Brenda Lemenager, age 59, of Woodland. Lemenager was wanted on outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging her with possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams. In addition, Lemenager was charged with resisting arrest. Lemenager was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she was later released with a notice to appear.

 

On September 15th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Jeremy Bruens, age 47, of Donovan. According to police reports, Bruens was charged with possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams. Bruens was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains.

 

On September 15th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Andrew A. Austin, age 47, of Cissna Park. According to police reports, Austin was charged with possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams, driving with an expired license over 1 year and no valid registration. Austin was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he was later released with a notice to appear.

On September 9th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Mario A. Garcia, age 20, of Rossville. According to police reports, Garcia was charged with possession of methamphetamine 5 to 15 grams and possession of a controlled substance 5 to 15 grams. Garcia was taken to the Iroquois County Jail where he was released with a notice to appear.

 

On September 9th , 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Megan A. Green, age 32, of Kankakee. According to police reports, Green was being held at the Kankakee County Jail on an Iroquois County warrant, charging her with driving while license suspended/revoked. Green was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released on a notice to appear. 

 

On September 9th , 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Darius J. Sheilds, age 35, of Danville. According to police reports, Shields was being held at the Vermillion County Jail on an Iroquois County warrant, charging him with failing to appear on the original charge of possession of cannabis more than 5,000 grams. Shields was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remains awaiting his next court date.

 

On September 9th , 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Jerry J. England, age 41, of Watseka. According to police reports, England was being held at the Vermillion County Jail on an Iroquois County warrant, charging him with felon possession of a weapon. England was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remains awaiting his next court date.

 

On September 1 0th , 2026, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Dakota L. Schmidt, age 34, of rural Rankin. According to police report, Schmidt was charged with domestic battery. Schmidt was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where she was later released on a notice to appear.

 

On September 11th, 2026, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Ryan D. Daniels, age 37, of Donovan. According to police reports, Daniels was being held at the Newton County Jail on an Iroquois County warrant, charging him with failing to appear on the original charge of possession of meth less than 5 grams. Daniels was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he remains, awaiting his next court date.

 

On September 12th, 2026, Ashkum Police Department arrested Jason E. Pyzdrowski, age 44, of Ashkum. According to police reports, Pyzdrowski was charged with violation of a stalking/no contact order, violation of an order of protection, and criminal trespass. Pyzdrowski was taken into custody and transported to the Iroquois County Jail, where he was later released on a notice to appear.

 The Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency (ICEMA) and the City of Paxton, 
acting through the Paxton Emergency Response Service (ERS), have entered into an intergovernmental mutual 
aid agreement to strengthen emergency preparedness and disaster response capabilities across county lines.
The agreement was requested by the City of Paxton and approved Tuesday by the Iroquois County Board. It 
was formally signed Tuesday evening during the Paxton City Council meeting in Paxton.
The agreement establishes a framework through which Paxton ERS and Iroquois County EMA may request and 
provide personnel, equipment, facilities, supplies, and emergency management services when an emergency or 
disaster exceeds, or is expected to exceed, the resources reasonably available to either agency. “This 
agreement puts a formal framework around something that is fundamental to emergency management- helping 
our neighbors when their resources are overwhelmed,” said Iroquois County EMA Director Scott Anderson. 
“Emergencies do not stop at a city or county line, and neither should our ability to work together.” The all-hazards 
agreement may be used for natural, technological, or human-caused emergencies, including severe weather, 
flooding, hazardous materials incidents, public health emergencies, and other situations requiring mutual aid. 
The partnership also provides opportunities for cooperation during planned events, training, drills, and exercises.
The agreement applies specifically to Iroquois County EMA and the City of Paxton through Paxton ERS. It 
supplements, rather than replaces, existing statewide and regional mutual aid systems. Each agency retains 
responsibility for its own jurisdiction, and assistance is provided based upon the availability of personnel and 
resources.
In addition to emergency response, representatives of both agencies will meet at least annually to review 
available resources, communications interoperability, and opportunities for joint training and exercises. “Mutual 
aid works best when relationships are established before an emergency happens,” Anderson said. “This 
agreement gives both agencies an opportunity to plan and work together ahead of time so that, if either 
community needs assistance during an emergency, we aren't exchanging business cards for the first time in the 
middle of a disaster.”
Iroquois County EMA appreciates the cooperation of the Iroquois County Board, City of Paxton, Paxton City 
Council, and Paxton Emergency Response Service in establishing this regional partnership.
Scott Anderson, Director
Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency

On Aug. 22, at 12:16 a.m., Watseka Police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of East Walnut Street and South Third Street. According to police reports, Merideth L. Irwin, 31, of Milford, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of controlled substance. Additionally, Irwin was issued a state citation for having a suspended registration. Irwin was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On Aug. 24, at 12:20 p.m., Watseka Police conducted a park check in the 100 block of West Fleming Street. According to police reports, Billy J. Stevens, 46, of Watseka, was arrested for sex offender in public park and possession of drug paraphernalia. Stevens was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

 

 

On Aug. 30, at 9:24 a.m., Watseka Police were dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street for a domestic battery. According to police reports, Caleb M. Roberts, 24, of Watseka, was arrested for domestic battery and obstructing justice. Additionally, Faith N. Penley, 22, of Watseka, was also arrested for aggravated domestic battery, obstructing justice and resisting arrest. Both Roberts and Penley were transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On Aug. 31, at 9:12 a.m., Watseka Police were dispatched to the 600 block of East Mulberry Street for a domestic battery. According to police reports, Noah D. Blanchette, 36, of Watseka, was arrested for aggravated domestic battery. Blanchette was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

 

On Sept. 2, at 1:19 a.m., Watseka Police were dispatched to the 500 block of West Washington Street for a disturbance. According to reports, Jennifer D. Roberts, 47, of Watseka, was arrested for battery. Roberts was transported to the Iroquois County Jail without incident.

Iroquois Memorial Hospital will hold its September Know Your Numbers Lab Fair Sept. 14-19 at the hospital in Watseka and at IMH clinic locations in Gilman, Kentland, Milford and St. Anne on select days. No appointment is necessary.

The Lab Fair gives area residents an opportunity to have routine blood work completed for $65. The blood panel includes cholesterol and triglyceride testing, a complete blood count and a comprehensive chemistry panel that includes blood sugar, liver-related measurements, kidney-related measurements, electrolytes, calcium and protein levels.

Several additional screenings are available for an added cost. Ferritin testing is $20; a thyroid profile and TSH test is $40; PSA screening, recommended for men over age 50, is $35; glycohemoglobin (Hgb A1C) testing for those already diagnosed with diabetes is $20; vitamin D testing is $60; vitamin B testing is $20; and hepatitis C screening is $20.

Lab Fair dates and times vary by location:

Watseka Clinic (Iroquois Memorial Hospital main campus), 815-432-7797: Monday, Sept. 14, through Saturday, Sept. 19, from 7 to 10 a.m. each day.

Gilman Clinic, 815-265-8889: Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Kentland Clinic, 219-474-5464: Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Thursday, Sept. 17, from 8 to 10 a.m.

Milford Clinic, 815-889-4241: Monday, Sept. 14; Wednesday, Sept. 16; Thursday, Sept. 17; and Friday, Sept. 18, from 8 to 10 a.m.

St. Anne Clinic, 815-427-1324: Wednesday, Sept. 16, and Thursday, Sept. 17, from 8 to 10 a.m.

At the hospital in Watseka, participants should register at Outpatient Registration in the IMH main lobby. At the clinic locations, participants can check in at the clinic reception desk.

Payment may be made by cash, check or most major credit cards at the time of registration. Insurance claims will not be filed for Lab Fair testing.

A 10- to 12-hour fast is recommended for the most accurate blood panel results. Fasting applies to the blood panel only.

Test results will be mailed directly to the patient and faxed to the health care provider registered by the patient.

 

About Iroquois Memorial Hospital

Iroquois Memorial Hospital is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital serving residents throughout east-central Illinois and west-central Indiana. In addition to the hospital in Watseka, IMH provides care through clinics in Gilman, Milford, St. Anne and Watseka, Illinois, and Kentland, Indiana, as well as Iroquois Resident Home, home health, hospice and other outpatient services. IMH is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate health care close to home.