Quantcast

East Central Reporter

Friday, July 18, 2025

Edgar County Watch Dogs

Recent News About Edgar County Watch Dogs

  • Bloomington Township voters reject anti-Israel ballot question

    A resident of Bloomington Township managed to gather the required 15 signatures necessary to hold a special township meeting of electors. The objective was to vote on a ballot question that many perceived as being distinctly anti-Israel. The question read, “Shall the United States federal government and subordinate divisions stop giving military funding to Israel, which currently costs taxpayers 3.8 billion dollars a year, given Israel’s global recognition as an apartheid regime with a track record of human rights violations?”

  • Examining Discrepancies in Statements by Shelby County Dive Team Commander

    In the April 2024 Shelby County Board meeting, Shelby County Dive Team Commander Austin Prichard read a statement on trust. He said, “The definition of trust: assures reliance on the character, ability, strength or truth of someone or something, one which confidence is placed.”

  • Former Village President accused of misusing official title

    Three years after losing his position as the Village President of Poplar Grove, Owen Costanza continues to use the title. His persistent use of the title on his Facebook account and email address has raised eyebrows among residents.

  • Shelby County initiates forensic audit into Dive Team's fund management

    In Shelby County, concerns have been raised about the proper handling of funds donated to the Dive Team over the past few years. The question at hand is whether these donations were deposited into an appropriate Shelby County government account.

  • Shelby County Board votes to sell county farmland to highest bidder

    In a recent Shelby County Board meeting, characterized by significant disruptions from several attendees, the board decided to proceed with all necessary measures to sell the county farmland to the highest responsible bidder. The decision was reached after extensive discussion among board members.

  • Village Gives Away Cash For Christmas Gifts – May Violate Laws

    Le Roy, Ill. (ECWd) –According to meeting minutes of the November 20, 2023, Le Roy village board meeting, the Trustees voted to give away municipal funds. By unanimous vote, Christmas gift (debit) cards totaling $1000.00 were gifted to village employees and to members of the village zoning board. At least one State’s Attorney has issued a written opinion on the gifting of public funds for things such as Christmas gifts, or for this letter, bereavement flowers, etc. The bottom line? It violates the constitution’s requirement of a public purpose, see Article VIII, Section 1....

  • Former President Trump Files Motion to Dismiss Florida Case – Media Silent?

    Former President Donald J. Trump has filed a motion in this Florida case dealing with classified documents to dismiss the indictment based on selective and vindictive prosecution. This motion was filed on May 2, 2024. We have yet to see any mainstream media cover this filing.Regardless of political leanings, we urge everyone to read the motion as it is chock full of factual information which we suspect the mainstream media will never share."When elected officials across the country recite the pledge of allegiance before their meetings, the last three words are seldom...

  • Illinois State Police Settle FOIA Lawsuit for $20,622.93

    Illinois State Police Settle FOIA Lawsuit for $20,622.93May 5 2024After the Attorney General’s office chose to not pursue any criminal charges in the illegal sale of seized firearms by the former Sheriff Don Koonce, Shelby Co. (ECWd) requested all the investigation files to include the taped interviews so that they could try to understand how a law enforcement officer selling seized guns to himself and his employees resulted in zero action being taken by the Attorney General.As covered in these articles, it was apparent after listening to the actual interviews the...

  • Dr. Boehm Files Complaint Against Shelby County State’s Attorney

    "Dr." Chris Boehm of Findlay recently filed a complaint with the ARDC against the Shelby County State’s Attorney, making allegations of misconduct and violations of legal rules. The complaint, filled with what has been described as 'incoherent ramblings filled with false and misleading information,' was closed just seven days after being brought to the attention of the State’s Attorney.One of the key claims in Boehm's complaint was related to the swearing in of witnesses during Grand Jury proceedings. In response to Boehm's assertion that oaths were not commonly...

  • Dolton’s Law Firm Refuses to Represent Village, Citing Mayor's Conduct

    Dolton, Ill. (ECWd) –We recently published the Del Galdo Law Group (Dolton’s legal firm) Motion to Withdraw on one of our FOIA lawsuits against the village of Dolton. We have now obtained a copy of the three-page letter from Del Galdo to Mayor Tiffany Henyard and the Village of Dolton Trustees, which, while not surprising, is fairly damning, and shows how far down an out-of-control Mayor can drag one village while prosecutors appear to slow-walk any accountability.In the letter, an unnamed source from Del Galdo Law Group stated, "We believe Del Galdo should have demanded,...

  • Shelby County State’s Attorney Resigns Effective May 10, 2024

    Shelby County State’s Attorney Rob Hanlon has submitted his resignation letter, with an effective date of May 10, 2024, at 4 pm, citing alternative opportunities available to him as the reasoning. The County Board now has 60 days to appoint a new State’s Attorney as outlined in the election code.It is reported that Ruth Woolery, the only candidate who ran for State’s Attorney in the last primary, is set to be hired as an Assistant State’s Attorney this week to facilitate an effective transition in case she is appointed to fill the remainder of the term.In his...

  • Dr. Chris Boehm of Findlay Facing Class B Misdemeanor Obstruction Charge – UPDATED

    In an update regarding Dr. Chris Boehm of Findlay, it has been revealed that he is now facing a Class B Misdemeanor for obstruction of service. According to a charge sheet, Boehm allegedly hid in his house to avoid service. The offense is detailed as follows: "That on or about April 15, 2024, in Shelby County, the defendant, CHRISTOPHER J. BOEHM, committed the offense of OBSTRUCTING SERVICE OF PROCESS..."Boehm's recent legal troubles stem from his actions surrounding a Grand Jury proceeding. Initially facing an indirect criminal contempt charge for refusing to testify,...

  • Dolton’s Keith Freeman Pleads Not Guilty, Posts Bond, Release Conditions Sealed

    Dolton, Ill. (ECWd) – Mayor Tiffany Henyard’s right-hand-man, Keith Freeman, appeared in federal court on April 24, 2024, and pleaded Not Guilty to the federal indictment of bankruptcy fraud. Freeman's Bond was set at $4500 (unsecured). The conditions of his release are currently sealed in the federal docket.According to the document, Freeman's initial appearance and arraignment were held on April 24, 2024, where he was represented by counsel. The government informed Freeman of the charges against him, and he entered a plea of not guilty to the indictment. Both parties...

  • FBI Served Subpoenas to Thornton Township Where Supervisor Tiffany Henyard Works

    South Holland, Ill. (ECWd) –Fox 32 and Wirepoints have reported on the FBI’s service of subpoenas to Thornton Township where Dolton’s Mayor Tiffany Henyard is also the Township Supervisor. Federally Indicted Keith Freeman is employed by both Thornton Township and the Village of Dolton.According to the article, "It is currently unknown what information the FBI demanded in these subpoenas." The subpoenas come on the heels of those served on Dolton village hall last week. The FBI's actions have brought attention to the local government entities in the area."We will provide...

  • Village of Dolton's legal team seeks withdrawal from FOIA lawsuit

    The Del Galdo Law Group, LLC, representing the Village of Dolton, has filed a motion to withdraw from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit. The motion cites Supreme Court Rule 1.16(a)(6), which allows withdrawal if representation results in an unreasonable financial burden or becomes unreasonably difficult due to the client.

  • Shelby County Farm Committee approves draft ordinance on farmland status

    The Shelby County Farm Committee convened to deliberate on various issues related to the county farm. The meeting agenda was revised prior to the session. The committee voted unanimously to approve a draft ordinance that would declare the county farmland as no longer necessary, appropriate, or required as originally acquired. This ordinance will now be presented to the full county board for consideration.

  • Illinois debates taxation legality on portable sheds

    The legality of taxing portable sheds in Illinois has become a contentious issue. According to Article IX section 5 of the Illinois State Constitution, taxation of personal property is abolished. However, a recent publication from Township Officials of Illinois has suggested that local assessors might have grounds to tax portable sheds based on a ruling from a Property Tax Appeal Board case, rather than state law.

  • Watchdog training event scheduled for April 13 in Glen Ellyn

    The Edgar County Watchdogs, in collaboration with Jeannie Ives from Breakthrough-Ideas, Diane Benjamin of BLNNEWS, Amanda Piker, a No Gotion activist, and Brittney Norwood, a Dolton whistleblower, are set to host an event focused on watchdog training and local government accountability. The gathering will take place at Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn on Saturday morning, April 13, 2024.

  • Federal probe targets Dolton official amid bankruptcy fraud charges

    Dolton, Illinois is under scrutiny as a federal investigation progresses involving its village administrator, Keith Freeman. The small community on the south side of Chicago has gained attention due to Mayor Tiffany Henyard's actions.