Coles County
Recent News About Coles County
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Former fire protection trustee admits misuse of public funds amid investigation
After nearly a month of waiting, records from a Freedom of Information Act request to the Coles County State’s Attorney have been obtained.
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Former fire district trustee makes initial restitution payment
Kyley Willison, a former fire district trustee, has made his first restitution payment of $100,000 as part of his guilty plea and sentencing requirements.
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Former fire district trustee misses restitution payment deadline
On June 16, 2025, Kyley Willison, a former fire district trustee, failed to meet the required amount for his first restitution payment as part of his guilty plea and sentencing.
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FOIA request sent to Coles County regarding tax relief requests on June 10, 2025
FOIA Request to Coles County regarding tax relief requests for a veteran with disabilities on June 10, 2025.
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Coles County: 23.8% of income comes from government transfers, ranking 50th in Illinois
In 2022, government transfers made up 23.8% of income in Coles County—ranking it 50th least dependent among Illinois counties.
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Trial date set for former Oakland FPD Trustee Jerry Willison
Today, a case status hearing took place for Jerry Willison, a former trustee of the Oakland Fire Protection District.
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In 2022, Coles County ranks 53rd among Illinois counties for government transfer income per capita at $12,430
In 2022, residents of Coles County received an average of $12,430 per capita in government transfer payments—ranking it 50th lowest in Illinois.
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Population aging and government transfer dependency in Coles County as of 2022
Since 1970, Coles County’s population aged over 65 has increased by 7.2%, while income from age-related government transfers has fallen by 4.4%.
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Public hearings begin on Coles Wind siting application
Public hearings have commenced regarding the siting application for "Coles Wind" at the Coles County Courthouse in Charleston, Illinois.
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Class action filed against Coles County officials over jail conditions
A federal class action lawsuit has been filed against Coles County, Illinois, Sheriff Kent Martin, and several correctional officers.
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Paris residents charged with UTV theft in Coles County
Two individuals from Paris, Illinois, have been taken into custody by authorities in Coles County.
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Army recruiter charged with sex crimes against minors in Illinois
United States Army Recruiter Bryan Marine from Effingham County, Illinois, faces multiple charges related to alleged sex crimes against minors in Edgar and Coles Counties.
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Hutton Township supervisor and clerk resign amid contentious board meeting
The Hutton Township Board of Trustees convened for its regular monthly meeting on October 7th, attracting a large turnout of local citizens. The gathering was marked by discussions on various issues, including compliance with the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act.
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Coles County amends minutes; confirms failed vote on board member pay
The Coles County Board has voted to amend the minutes from its May 10, 2022, meeting to accurately reflect the outcome of a failed vote concerning the compensation of elected county board members. This amendment follows a directive from the Illinois Attorney General’s office.
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Jury acquits Tyler Abbott amid controversy over legal impropriety
Tyler Abbott was acquitted of charges by a Coles County jury following an appellate court's decision to reverse a previous ruling. The jury delivered their verdict in the Coles County Circuit Court, finding Abbott not guilty of domestic battery causing bodily harm and not guilty of domestic battery by making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature.
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Oakland Fire trustee pleads guilty to significant theft charge
Kyley Willison, a former trustee of the Oakland Fire Protection District, has pleaded guilty to theft charges. Willison was charged alongside his father with multiple felony crimes related to alleged theft and official misconduct. Both were trustees for the district, but no charges were filed against Kyley's wife, who also served on the board during the period of the alleged offenses.
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City of Mattoon City Council met Feb. 21
City of Mattoon City Council met Tuesday, Feb. 21
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Mattoon school district releases attorney’s opinion on emails; Should seek new attorney
Edgar County Watchdgos, Edgar County Watchdgos of Edgar County Watchdgos, Edgar County Watchdgos said Mattoon school district releases attorney’s opinion on emails; Should seek new attorney on Dec 28th.
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Coles County – “court proceeding shrouded in impropriety” says Illinois appellate court
Let’s assume you were charged with a crime and the court appointed your defense attorney. Your attorney then negotiates a plea agreement with the prosecuting Assistant State’s Attorney assigned to the case, in which you plead guilty and get sentenced to two years probation and 180 days in jail.
