Coles County
Recent News About Coles County
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FOIA request sent to Coles County regarding vendor payment registers on November 10, 2025
FOIA Request to Coles County regarding vendor payment registers on November 10, 2025.
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Murdock Township responds late to FOIA as highway commissioner faces eligibility questions
Murdock Township in Douglas County responded to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request after an initial delay.
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Oakland Fire Protection District trustees face legal proceedings over alleged misuse of funds
Multiple articles have been published to highlight the illegal spending by former Oakland Fire Protection District Trustee Kyley Willison, who has since been convicted.
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Four Campton Hills police officers indicted on multiple felonies over firearm sales
Four current and former police officers from Campton Hills, Illinois, have been indicted on a total of 70 felony counts related to the unlawful sale of confiscated firearms.
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Coles County State's Attorney faces continued legal scrutiny after failed motions to dismiss
A federal lawsuit involving the Coles County State’s Attorney’s office, a staff member, and former Assistant State’s Attorney Brady Allen has returned to the circuit court of Coles County.
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Judge Matthew Sullivan excused from hearing following DUI arrest
Judge Matthew Sullivan, who was previously arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, was excused from a scheduled court hearing on September 30, 2025.
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Coles County Jail passes compliance inspection for third straight year
The Coles County Jail has been found compliant with all Illinois County Jail Standards for the third consecutive year, following its latest annual inspection by the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC).
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Former fire district trustee used public funds for personal insurance expenses
A former trustee of the Oakland Fire Protection District, Kyley Willison, used public funds to pay personal insurance bills, according to records from the Coles County State’s Attorney.
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Murdock Township highway commissioner under investigation over residency questions
An investigation is underway in Douglas County concerning the residency of the Murdock Township Road District Highway Commissioner.
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Former Oakland fire trustee used district funds for personal electric bills
Kyley Willison, a former trustee of the Oakland Fire Protection District, used public funds to pay personal electric bills, according to records reviewed by Edgar County Watchdogs.
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Murdock Township highway commissioner under investigation over voter registration address
The Murdock Township Road District Highway Commissioner, William Deckard, is facing scrutiny over his voter registration address.
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Murdock Township Highway Commissioner’s seat questioned over residency requirements
The Murdock Township Highway Commissioner position may be vacant under Illinois law due to questions about the current officeholder’s residency.
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Army recruiter pleads guilty to sex crime charges in three Illinois counties
United States Army Recruiter Bryan Marine from Effingham County, Illinois, has been convicted on multiple charges related to alleged sex crimes against minors.
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Oakland Fire trustee's credit card use raises new concerns after conviction
Coles County, Illinois – An ongoing review of financial transactions by former Oakland Fire Protection District trustee Kyley Willison has revealed a series of questionable charges made using the district’s credit card.
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East Oakland-Morgan Township Board faces scrutiny over unauthorized compensation
During a review of records from the East Oakland/Morgan Multi-Township, it was discovered that the board established additional compensation for themselves.
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Coles County Jail demolishes two isolation cells following lawsuit; new plaintiffs sought
Redwood Law Office has announced that two cells in the Coles County Jail, referred to as “Medical Observation 1” and “Medical Observation 2,” have been demolished following lawsuits brought against Coles County and its sheriff.
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Jerry Willison faces trial amid felony misconduct charges
Coles County – The release of body cam footage has brought to light the demeanor of Jerry Willison, a former trustee of the Oakland Fire Protection District, who faces seven felony charges of official misconduct.
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Oakland Fire Protection District trustee convicted for theft; body cam footage released
Coles County Sheriff's Office has released body cam footage from a search warrant executed due to the criminal activities of Kyley Willison.
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Oakland FPD credit card misuse revealed in ongoing investigation
As records continue to surface in the case of Kyley Willison and his father Jerry Willison, new information has emerged regarding the misuse of a credit card belonging to the Oakland Fire Protection District.
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Oakland fire district credit card used for personal pool purchase
We have received additional records regarding the Oakland Fire Protection District's financial misconduct involving Kyley Willison and allegedly his father.