Edgar County Watch Dogs
Recent News About Edgar County Watch Dogs
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Shelby County Board approves fridge purchase amid claims of selective outrage
The Shelby County Board recently approved a claim by the new State’s Attorney for the purchase of a refrigerator for her office, drawing attention to past controversies over similar purchases. The previous State's Attorney, Rob Hanlon, had purchased a refrigerator with his own money after facing public scrutiny over its use in the office. This situation raised questions about selective outrage and the consistency of public discourse on such matters.
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Court freezes funds amid ongoing legal battle between Graham and Village of Dolton
A court has frozen $440,000 in the Village of Dolton's bank account following a hearing last week. This amount is twice the judgment against them, plus interest, due to a check not being tendered after the village board approved its payment.
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Lincoln Way D210 ex-superintendent's charges dropped due to health concerns
Lawrence Wyllie, the former superintendent of Lincoln Way District 210, will not face trial for multiple federal criminal charges due to health issues. The decision was made after Morris Pasqual, Acting US Attorney, filed a motion to dismiss the charges citing Wyllie's medical condition and his inability to assist in his defense.
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Gunfight at Kansas, Illinois public housing leaves one dead and one injured
Gunfire erupted outside a public housing complex in Kansas, Illinois, following a dispute among family members and their friends. The altercation escalated into a gunfight on Saturday afternoon.
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Bench trial set for former Oakland Fire Trustee on September 13
Kyley Willison, a former trustee of the Oakland Fire Protection District, appeared in court with his attorney to discuss restitution and set a date for a bench trial. The trial is scheduled for September 13, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. No plea deal was reached during this session.
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Former Oakland fire trustees face charges over alleged fund misuse
According to court records, former Oakland Fire Protection District Trustee Kyley Willison is set to appear in Coles County Circuit Court on June 24, 2024, at 2 p.m. for a status and plea hearing. This development follows his previous decision to waive the right to a jury trial, leading to the vacating of the trial setting.
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Dolton officials face lawsuit over alleged police sergeant test score falsification
An amended complaint has been filed in Cook County Circuit Court, implicating Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, Police Chief Lewis Lacey, and Board Member DeVonte Stewart in allegations concerning falsified police sergeant test scores and unlawful promotions. The lawsuit highlights a procedural issue with the Dolton Board of Fire and Police Commissioners (BOFPC), which is currently operating without a quorum due to two vacancies that have yet to be filled by Mayor Henyard.
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Attorney jailed after courtroom outburst during Zoom hearing
Attorney Charles A. Dunlop found himself in legal trouble following a Zoom court hearing related to a divorce case in McHenry County, Illinois. During the session, Dunlop expressed frustration when a motion did not proceed as he had hoped, reportedly saying, "f*ck . . . f*ck you" directed at the judge.
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Federal lawsuit filed against Henyard and Freeman for alleged retaliation
A lawsuit has been filed in federal court alleging that Keith Freeman and Tiffany Henyard engaged in retaliation and deprived an individual of rights under U.S.C. 1983. The plaintiff, who served as a 22-year employee of Thornton Township and was also the president of the board of trustees for Dolton West School District 148, claims that after Henyard became Thornton Township Supervisor, she and Freeman attempted to pressure him into using his position to appoint the Del Galdo Law Firm as the district's attorney.
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Legal motion filed over unpaid judgment against Village of Dolton
A legal motion has been filed against the Village of Dolton due to unpaid judgments. The Motion for Citation to Discover Assets seeks to address a nonpayment issue stemming from a judgment totaling $220,194.56 against the village.
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Thornton Township officials face lawsuit over alleged board takeover
A federal lawsuit filed on June 13, 2024, alleges that Thornton Township Supervisor and Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, along with Keith Freeman, attempted to take control of the Thornton Township Trustee of Schools Board. The lawsuit includes six counts: First Amendment Retaliation, Fourteenth Amendment Retaliation, Common Law Retaliatory Discharge, Conspiracy, Common Law Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, and Violation of the Illinois Personnel Records Review Act.
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Illinois changes rules for obtaining mayoral license plates after investigation
In May 2024, an article was published regarding Owen Costanza, the former Village of Poplar Grove President, who continued to use the title of Village President and displayed mayoral license plates on his private vehicle. This action was in violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
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Bureau County Board faces scrutiny over cell phone ban at courthouse meeting
Bureau County held a county board meeting earlier this year at the county courthouse. During this event, residents attempting to enter with cell phones were stopped by court security and informed they could not bring their phones inside. This restriction was reportedly ordered by the Sheriff. The county board was aware or should have been aware that prohibiting individuals from attending a public meeting with their cell phones violates the Open Meetings Act.
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Court grants Keith Freeman’s waiver of bankruptcy discharge
On June 5, 2024, the Federal Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of Illinois approved Keith Freeman's voluntary motion to waive discharge of all debts under his bankruptcy filing. This decision follows a motion filed by the Bankruptcy Trustee after obtaining a signed request from Freeman. The waiver comes after the trustee received permission to subpoena financial records and Freeman's subsequent federal indictment for bankruptcy fraud in the Northern District.
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Village of Indianola faces multiple resignations amid governance challenges
The village of Indianola, Illinois, is experiencing significant administrative changes following the resignations of several key officials. During a recent village board meeting, it was revealed that the village attorney and auditors had resigned earlier this year. The position of village clerk remains vacant, and the treasurer is actively seeking a replacement.
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Shelby County faces FOIA lawsuit over dive team financial records
Shelby County is currently embroiled in a legal dispute over a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request related to the local Dive Team. The case arose following an investigation that uncovered over $24,000 in donated funds meant for the Shelby County Dive Team, which were found deposited into a non-governmental account.
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Health department faces lawsuit over denied FOIA requests
The Iroquois County Public Health Department is facing another lawsuit related to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This development follows their repeated denial of a request for records that have been ordered unsealed by the courts.
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DeWitt County Board Chair withdraws from election amid investigations
During the DeWitt County board meeting on May 23, 2024, it was announced that Chairman Dan Matthews has withdrawn from the upcoming November election. This decision follows ongoing criminal investigations by the Illinois State Police and a controversial sale of the marina at Clinton Lake.
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Shelby County examines role of State's Attorney at board meetings
After attending numerous county board meetings across the state, a pattern has emerged regarding the presence of the County State’s Attorney at these gatherings. The importance of obtaining well-researched legal advice rather than relying on immediate responses during meetings is emphasized. It is recommended that county boards establish specific questions for their legal counsel and request written answers. Written opinions are generally more thoroughly considered, as attorneys are cautious about documenting their views unless they are confident in their legal grounding.
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Shelby County revisits 1996 legal missteps involving former State's Attorney
In 1996, Attorney Tom Finks served as the State’s Attorney for Shelby County. During his tenure, a notable incident occurred that highlighted the complexities of legal representation at county board meetings. Finks was present during a meeting where the board decided to enter an executive session improperly. This action led to a conflict of interest, necessitating the appointment of a private attorney by the court to represent the county board.