Coles County
Recent News About Coles County
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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.
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Oakland FPD trustees accused of misusing funds for personal expenses
A series of articles is set to reveal criminal spending by former Oakland Fire Protection District trustees, Kyley Willison and his father.
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Property tax concerns arise over former trustee's home assessment
Coles County, Illinois – Concerns have been raised over the property tax assessment of a home owned by a former Fire Protection District trustee.
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Former trustee lists home amid valuation discrepancies
The former Oakland Fire Protection District Trustee, Kyley Willison, who has been convicted, has listed his home for sale on Zillow with an asking price of $395,000.
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2022: How government transfer reliance in Coles County has changed since 1970
In 2022, government transfers contributed 23.8% of income in Coles County. How does this compare to historical figures?
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Oakland Fire Protection District's unaccounted loans raise concerns over financial oversight
Coles County, Illinois – The investigation into the financial dealings of the Oakland Fire Protection District (FPD) has raised questions about loans totaling $235,000 since 2014.
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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.