Vermilion Regional Airport Authority is pleased to announce the hiring of Teresa “Tess” Cook as our Vermilion Regional Airport Manager and welcomes Tess to her new office today - June 7, 2023. Tess is from Lexington, KY and has relocated to Danville with long-term partner Lane Bradford and is eager to continue the transformational stewardship of Vermilion Regional Airport. Tess earned her Bachelor of Science, Aeronautics degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s Arizona campus in 2021. Her hard work and dedication earned Tess a high GPA and Deans list honors throughout her time with Embry Riddle. Embry Riddle is the premier Aeronautical and Aerospace University in the U.S. Flying Cessna 172’s in the Embry Riddle Flight Program has yielded over 100 hours of flight time including being a Part 107 Certified Drone Pilot. This Aeronautical knowledge and skill will serve Tess well in the Airport Manager role as she understands the role of airports in the National Airspace System. Prior to Vermilion Regional Airport, Tess worked for Silent Falcon as a professional drone pilot providing PCI pavement indexing services and data analysis to U.S. airports. A critical function for planning the life, maintenance and refurbishment of an airports most valuable and expensive infrastructure asset the runways, taxiways and apron / ramps.

No Valid Driver’s License H23-2801 Time: 3:50am Location: S Dixie Hwy/W Elm St Cited: Andrew Prattis (M) (32) of Danville Details: HPD officers stopped Mr. Prattis for a traffic violation. A computer check revealed that he had no valid driver’s license. Subject was given a traffic citation and traffic court date.

Fire Alarm Time: 08:49 am Location: 500 block E Young Av Details: HFD responded to report of a Smoke Detector activation in the kitchen area. Alarm system malfunctioned due to the fire last night. All units clear.

Traffic Accident H23-2812 Time: 3:04 PM Location: 300 blk E Main St Unit #1: 2014 Chrysler 300 driven by Justin Jones (M)(19) of Hoopeston Unit #2: 2010 Ford F150 driven by Kelyne Morgeson (F)(36) of Hoopeston Details: Driver of Unit #2 advised HPD officers that she was eastbound on E Main St, when the driver of Unit #1 backed out of a parking space and struck her vehicle. No injuries were reported, both parties were insured and driver of Unit #1 was ticketed for suspended registration.

Fire Alarm Time: 10:07pm Location: 423 N Dixie Hwy, Heritage Health Details: HFD responded to a fire alarm at the nursing home. It was determined to be a false alarm.

Robert Cunningham of Danville, was found guilty June 6, 2023, by a Vermilion County jury of Aggravated Battery to a Peace Officer, a class 2 felony and Aggravated Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer, a class 4 felony. The jury heard evidence that on May 5, 2021, around 2:00 p.m., Cunningham, led Tilton Police on chase after causing a disturbance at the Tilton Village Hall. Tilton Police Chief Phillip Bernardi attempted to pull Cunningham over, but Cunningham fled past a dead end and on to a sidewalk path, through a parking lot, driving on the wrong side of streets, disobeying stop signs, and reaching speeds in excess of 80 miles per hour on Georgetown Road. The chase ended when Cunningham got his vehicle stuck in a ditch. Cunningham was arrested and secured in a police vehicle. Soon after that, Cunningham managed to move his hand-cuffed hands from behind his back to the front of his body and lured Chief Bernardi into opening the back door of the police vehicle. Witnesses stated this is when Cunningham “launched” himself at Chief Bernardi, leading to a fight on the side of the road, which was witnessed by several people. Circuit Judge Thomas O’Shaughnessy presided over the jury trial, and will sentence Cunningham on August 8, 2023. State’s Attorney, Jacqueline Lacy, thanks the jurors for their service and attention in hearing this matter. She expressed appreciation for the decision, which affirms that the citizens of Vermilion County do not accept these acts of violence against our community and its Law Enforcement.

Warrant Arrest(Iroquois Co23CF61, Nueces Co Texas CR14004141F4) H23-2746 2023-4618 Time: 4:00PM Location: 519 S 2nd Ave Arrested: Laure Aguirre(42)(F)of Hoopeston Details: HPD officers were out with Ms. Aguirre and a computer search showed she had two active warrants. Ms. Aguirre was arrested and transported to HPD for processing and later transported to PSB to await arraignment.

Possession of Controlled Substance H23-2720 2023-4568 Time: 2:13am Location: Route 1/Route 9 Arrested: Justin Shields (M) (22) of Rantoul Details: HPD officers stopped the vehicle Mr. Shields was driving for a traffic violation. An investigation found a controlled substance in the subject’s vehicle. He was arrested and taken to HPD to be processed. He was later transported to the PSB in Danville to await arraignment.

Aggravated Battery, Criminal Damage to Property (over) H23-2721 2023-4569 Time: 2:26am Location: 700 blk N 7th St Complainant: 42 year old Hoopeston male Arrested: Joseph Cannon (50) (M) of Hoopeston Details: HPD officers were dispatched for the report of a domestic disturbance. Mr. Cannon was arrested on the above charges and taken to HPD to be processed. He was later taken to the PSB in Danville to await arraignment.

Operating Uninsured vehicle, Operating on Expired Registration over 1 year. H23-2727 Time: 3:13PM Location: McFerren way/W Penn St Arrested: Jodi L Irwin(54)(F)of Rossville Details: HPD officers were on a traffic stop and a computer search showed Ms. Irwin to have an Expired registration. Ms. Irwin also was unable to provide insurance. She was given a Vermilion County Court Date.

Traffic Accident H23-2711 Time: 5:17PM Location: 600 E Washington Unit 1: 2020 Chrysler Van driven by Heidi Crouch(60)(F)of Hoopeston Unit 2: 2021 Chevrolet Pickup parked by Michael Gilbert(53)(M)of Hoopeston Details: Unit 1 was backing out of her drive way when she struck Unit 2. No injuries were reported, Both units insured. No citations were issued.

Fire Call Time: 10:15 pm Location: 4300 North/1500 East Details: HFD was dispatched to assist Iroquois County with a brush fire near the railroad tracks. Fire was extinguished. 

On May 30, 2023, Burke pleaded guilty to Intimidation (class 3 felony extended term) and Domestic Battery (class 4 felony). Burke was sentenced to ten (10) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the charge of Intimidation due to him being extended term eligible and he was sentenced to a concurrent term of Three (3) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the charge of Domestic Battery. Based upon his plea of guilty to the charge of Domestic Battery he will be required to serve four (4) years of mandatory supervised release. 

Prior to the sentence being imposed Circuit Court Judge Charles Hall heard evidence that on December 23, 2022, Burke became irate will the mother of his children, possibly over diverging romantic interests. As the argument turned physical and Burke made various threats of violence against the victim, threatening to escalate to even more, possibly deadly violence, if the police were contacted. The Hoopeston Police Department was contacted, arrived, saw the defendant holding the victim against her will, and the defendant bit her. The victim was able to break free and got away from Burke. While Burke was being detained and arrested by police, he was threatening revenge against the victim. 

State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy expressed her appreciativeness of the victim’s courage in this case; including the victim’s family and their prompt reporting of Burke’s crimes. The State’s Attorney also thanked the Hoopeston Police Department for their efforts to ensure that this domestic abuser will properly spend a significant period of time behind bars.

Warrant Arrest (Vermilion County 23DT38) H23-2693 Time: 3:09PM Location: 301 W Main St (Hoopeston Police Department) Arrested: Jessica L Matthews(31)(F) of Milford Details: Ms. Matthews came to HPD to turn herself in an active Vermilion County warrant. Ms. Matthews was processed and later released with a new Vermilion County Court date.

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Unlawful use of a Weapon, No FOID. H23-2697 2023-4533 Time: 8:24PM Location: 300 blk of N 7th St Arrested: Damen A Hagan(23)(M) of Hoopeston Details: HPD officers were dispatched to the above location for a report of a domestic disturbance. Hagan was located and arrested. Transported to HPD for processing and later transported to PSB to await arraignment

Project Success of Vermilion County, Inc. says goodbye and welcomes new CEO! Lucas Seilhymer will be leaving his position as CEO of Project Success in June, to pursue another opportunity. Lucas has been with Project Success since 2019. “Mr. Seilhymer proved himself to be just the person we needed when this vacancy occurred the last time,” said Project Success Board President Keven Forney. “Lucas led Project Success through the challenge presented by COVID-19 and we still saw programmatic growth. He shored up our financial position and tapped into some new local and state resources. I think I always knew that he would move on to new opportunities and greater challenges. We on the Board will miss him and wish him well.” Kimberly David has been named the new CEO for Project Success. Kimberly has been with the agency since 2000 and has been the Associate Director since 2014. Dr. Forney commented, “Ms.David was our first thought as a successor, and our conversations with her simply reinforced our thinking. She has a vast depth of knowledge about Project Success and was able to work under and learn from a number of directors throughout her 23 years with us. The Board saw no need to seek any outside applicants since we had an internal candidate who possessed every possible quality we want and need in our next CEO.” Please join us for a celebration and welcome reception on June 21, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Catlin Community Building (109 S. Sandusky).

 A 17-year-old Gibson City-Melvin-High School student was killed Tuesday in a single-vehicle accident in Ford County.

In a Wednesday announcement, GCMS Superintendent Jeremy Darnell said rising senior Colin Kristensen died in an accident at 500 East and 1200 North roads in Sibley at approximately 3:07 p.m. Tuesday.

"Colin was an amazing young man who was active in a diverse set of activities from athletics, agriculture and FFA, and was incredibly talented in the technical aspects of our performing arts programs," Darnall wrote. "The family, students, staff and community are shocked and saddened by the sudden loss.

"The GCMS community always rises to the occasion to support our children and families, and we want to thank everyone who has already reached out to do so. We ask that everyone respects the privacy and grieving process of the family and those closest to Colin.

"Information on arrangements will be provided when made available by the family. Thank you for your support, thoughts, and understanding in this difficult time."

A release issued Wednesday by the Ford County sheriff's office said the office, along with Gibson Area Ambulance Services and the Sibley Fire Department, responded to the accident.

A vehicle occupied only by Mr. Kristensen was northbound on 500 East just south of its intersection with 1200 North at the time of the accident.

"The driver lost control of the vehicle leaving the roadway, entering the ditch on the east side of the road (and) striking a utility pole," the sheriff's office said. "The vehicle then rolled several times, ejecting the driver from the vehicle.

"After the driver was assessed on the scene by medical personnel, it was determined he succumbed to his injuries."

Theft of Motor Vehicle, Aggravated Fleeing & Attempting to Elude, Reckless Driving, No Valid Drivers License H23-2659 2023-4455 Time: 12:51 PM Location: 700 block of S First Ave Arrested: 17 year old male juvenile Details: HPD was notified of a stolen vehicle in the area of above. HPD located the vehicle and the driver to be a 17 year old male of Hoopeston. He was taken into custody and transported to HPD for processing. Later, he was taken to the Juvenile Detention Center, Danville to await arraignment.

Wanted on Warrant (Champaign County) H23-2667 Time: 8:23 PM Location: 100 block of E Orange St Arrested: Cody J Adkins (40)(M) of Bloomington Details: The above subject was located by HPD and found to have an active warrant 98TR16584 through Champaign County. The subject was taken into custody by HPD where he was processed and posted bond. He was released from HPD with a Champaign County court date. 

Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 7 Commander, Acting Captain Brian Dickmann, announces the results of Nighttime Enforcement (NITE) patrols in Macon and Vermilion County during May. These NITE patrols allowed the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to impaired driving and occupant restraint violations especially between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Violations Enforcement Activity

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Citations 0

Other Alcohol/Drug Citations 0

Occupant Restraint Offenses 16

Registration Offenses 13

Driver’s License Offenses 5

Insurance Violations 7

Total Citations/Arrests 83

Total Written Warnings 12

Alcohol and drug impairment are factors in more than 30% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. Over half of all fatal crashes in Illinois occur at night. The NITE program allows officers to work even harder at removing dangerous impaired drivers from the road and making sure everyone is buckled up. This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Driving while Registration Suspended for no Insurance H23-2597 Time: 12:00 AM Location: S 1st Ave/W Orange St Arrested: Joseph M Lantz Sr (43)(M) of Hoopeston Details: At the above time and location, HPD issued a traffic stop on a vehicle with the listed subject driving. The subject was cited for the vehicle having suspended registration for no insurance. The subject was released from the scene with a citation and mandatory court appearance in Vermilion County Traffic Court.

Theft (under) H23-2524

Time: 4:30 PM

Location: Hoopeston Police Department – 301 W Main St

Arrested: Jeff H Chandler (46)(M) of Hoopeston

Details: The above subject came to HPD to speak reference an ongoing investigation. After interviewing, the subject was taken into custody by HPD for the above charge. He was processed and later released with a mandatory Vermilion County court date.

Theft (under) H23-2524 Time: 4:36 PM Location: E Main St/Bank St Arrested: Kayla Petty (F)(28) of Hoopeston Details: In the listed area HPD located the above subject for the listed charge. She was taken into custody, processed at HPD, and released with a mandatory Vermilion County court date. 

Theft H23-2548 Time: 12:02am Location: 402 W Orange, Longfellow Gardens Complainant: 48 year old Hoopeston male Details: HPD officers were called to the above location for a report of theft. Several plants were taken from the business. An investigation continues.

Warrant Arrest H23-2563 2023-4298 Time: 7:14PM Location: W Thompson Ave/N 9th Ave Arrested: Brandon T Kinnaird(22)(M) of Hoopeston Details: HPD officers were on patrol when they pulled over a vehicle and computer search showed Mr. Kinnaird to be wanted on a Vermilion County Warrant. Mr. Kinnaird was arrested and transported to HPD for processing and later transported to the PSB to await arraignment. 

Traffic Accident H23-2535 Time: 12:21Pm Location 1000 blk of W Orange St Unit 1: 2013 Ford Focus driven by Steven E Hughes(75)(M)of Rossville Unit 2: 2014 Dodge Ram driven by Richard T Sells(55)(M)of Hoopeston Details: Unit 1 was exiting the Hoopeston Plaza when Unit 2 was turning into the Plaza. As Unit 2 Was turning northbound into the plaza, Unit 1 was turning on to W Orange when he struck Unit 2. Both vehicles were insured. No injuries were reported, no tickets issued.

Burning of Trash and Refuse Restrictions Citation H23-2543 Time: 7:00PM Location: 400 blk of S 2nd Ave Cited: Joseph D Hart(37)(M)of Hoopeston Details: HPD officers were dispatched to the above location for a report of someone burning illegal items in a fire. Mr. Hart was located and advised he was getting mailed a citation to appear in Hoopeston City Court.

Burglary, Disorderly Conduct H23-2503 2023-4221 Time: 5:46PM Location: 912 S Dixie Hwy (Casey’s General Store) Arrested: Chad T Labaume (45)(M) of Paris Details: HPD officers were dispatched to the above location for a report of someone trying to get into vehicles. Mr. Labaume was located and transported to HPD for processing and later transported to the PSB to await arraignment. 

Traffic Accident. Operating uninsured vehicle (Delayed Entry) H23-2427

Date and Time: 05/18/2023 5:21PM

Location: W Elm St/S Dixie Hwy

Unit 1: 2011 Chevrolet Impala driven by Andrew L Smith(22)(M)of Bismarck

Unit2: 2014 GMC Sierra driven by Ethan J Larkin(19)(M)of Hoopeston

Details: Unit 2 was traveling southbound on S Dixie Highway. Unit 1 was traveling westbound on west Elm St came to a stop a made a left turn to go southbound on S Dixie

Highway when both units collided. No injuries were reported, both vehicles were able

to drive away from the scene. Unit 1 was given a Vermilion County Court Date for

operating an uninsured vehicle.

Driving While License Suspended H23-2447

Time: 7:40pm

Location: E Seminary/N 5th St

Arrested: Trea Powers (M) (19) of Rossville

Details: HPD officers stopped the vehicle Mr. Powers was driving. A computer check revealed

subject has a suspended driver’s license. He was arrested and taken to HPD to be

processed. He was later released with a traffic citation and traffic court date.

Traffic Accident H23-2458

Time: 10:40 AM

Location: S 1st Ave/W Penn St

Unit 1: 2007 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Shannon Hardy (F)(63) of Hoopeston

Unit 2: 2005 Buick LeSabre driven by Linda Chesnut (F)(75) of Hoopeston

Details: While traveling southbound on S 1st Ave, Unit 1 stopped at the stop sign then continued through the intersection and failed to see Unit 2 traveling eastbound on W Penn St. Unit 1 struck Unit 2 with no injuries reported. No citations were issued and both vehicles were insured.

Warrant Arrest (Vermilion County) H23-2467

Time: 5:00 pm

Location: S 2nd Ave/W Maple St

Arrested: Brian E Kinnaird (M)(42) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD located the above subject with an active warrant through Vermilion County (23MT133). He was taken into custody and transported to HPD for processing. Later he was released with a mandatory Vermilion County court date.

Driving While License Revoked, Operating Uninsured Vehicle, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, Operating a Vehicle with Expired Registration H23-2475

Time: 9:31pm

Location: N Market St/E McNeil Av

Arrested: Troy Knight (M) (36) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officers stopped the vehicle Mr. Knight was driving for a traffic violation. A computer

check revealed subject had a revoked driver’s license. He was arrested and taken to HPD

to be processed. He was later released with 4 traffic citations and traffic court date.

Fire Call

Time: 2:47PM

Location: 700 blk of E Lincoln

Details: HFD and HPD were dispatched to the above location for a shed on fire. No injuries were

reported.

A Watseka teacher was sentenced to probation after she pleaded guilty to having a sexual relationship with a student.

Stephanie L. Harmon, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and will spend the next four years on probation.

Last fall, police received a tip that an Iroquois County teacher was in a sexual relationship with a student from the school.

After a one-month investigation, the Watseka Police Department arrested Harmon, on September 30.

We're told the allegations of the sexual assault did not occur in the school.

During an interview with police, the victim and Harmon reportedly admitted the allegations were true.

Harmon was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.

Fire Call Time: 3:22PM Location: 415 S Dixie Hwy (Dollar General) Details: HFD and Arrow Ambulance responded to the above location for a report of a possible CO leak. No injuries were reported and nothing was found.

No Valid License H23-2389 Time: 10:38 pm Location: E Main St/S Market St Arrested: Andrew S Prattis (32)(M) of Danville Details: HPD conducted a traffic stop at the above location. The listed subject was found to be the driver who had no valid license. He was released from the scene with a citation and notice to appear in Vermilion County Traffic Court. 

Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 7 Commander, Acting Captain Brian Dickmann, announces the results of Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) held in Macon and Vermilion County during May. These OREPs provided extra patrol coverage for the ISP so officers could focus on saving lives by making sure all vehicle occupants were buckled up.

Violations Enforcement Activity

Safety Belt Citations 27

Child Restraint Citations 0

Total Citations 34

Total Written Warnings 7

Most motorists know safety belts save lives, but some ignore their safety and that of their families by neglecting to use safety belts and child restraint devices. These patrols reinforce the occupant protection message by focusing on those who ignore the law. Lives can be saved if people simply “buckle up!” This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Fire Call

Time: 6:14PM

Location: 900 blk of W Penn St

Details: HFD was dispatched to the above location for a smell of natural gas. No injuries were

reported

Passed School Bus-Loading and Unloading

Time: 3:40PM

Location: 700 blk of W Orange St

Cited: Megan McAllister (17)(F) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officer observed Ms. McAllister passing a school bus while unloading. Ms. McAllister

was given a traffic citation and Vermilion County court date

Wanted on Warrant H23-2299

Time: 3:25 PM

Location: 300 blk S Dixie Hwy

Arrested: Acelynn A Swartz (23)(F) of Danville

Details: HPD located the above subject who has a local warrant through Vermilion County (22MT936). The subject was taken into custody and transported to HPD. She was later released with a mandatory court appearance in Vermilion County Court.

Improper Lighting-One Headlamp, No Valid Driver’s License, Operation of Motor Vehicle when

Registration Suspended for non-insurance H23-2315

Time: 12:48am

Location: W Honeywell/State Route 1

Cited: Marlie Claypool (F)(18) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officers stopped the vehicle Ms. Claypool was driving for a traffic violation. A

computer check revealed the registration was suspended and subject did not have a

valid driver’s license. She was ticketed and given a traffic court date.

Driving While License Suspended, Improper Lighting H23-2263 Time: 12:08am Location: S 2nd Av/W Maple Arrested: John Morris (30) (M) of Hoopeston Details: HPD officers stopped the vehicle Mr. Morris was driving for a traffic infraction. A computer check revealed subject had a suspended driver’s license. He was arrested and taken to HPD to be processed. He was later released with 2 traffic citations and traffic court date

. Warrant Arrest Ford County H23-2265 Time: 3:03am Location: 700 blk W Orange St Arrested: Max Jones (50) (M) of Hoopeston Details: HPD officers stopped out with Mr. Jones previously knowing he had outstanding Ford County warrants. Subject was arrested and taken to HPD to be processed. In lieu of bond, was later transported to the Ford County Jail by one of their deputies.

Traffic Accident H23-2274 Time: 4:39 PM Location: 200 blk S Market St Unit 1: 2012 Dodge Journey driven by Zane Youhas (M) (37) of Hoopeston Unit 2: 2020 Hyundia Elantra driven by Edgar Cotton (M) (30) of Watseka Unit 3: 2017 GMC Acadia parked and unoccupied, owned by Lisa Johnson of Hoopeston Details: Driver of Unit #2 advised he was traveling south on Market, when driver of Unit #1 left a parking space on S. Market and struck his vehicle. Unit #2 then struck a parked and unoccupied Unit #3. One subject was transported for minor injuries. No tickets were issued and all units were insured.

HOOPESTON POLICE Thursday May 11, 2023 2 Purchase/Acceptance of Gift of Liquor by Persons Under 21- Identification Cards (City 9.24.020)(Citation #09326) H23-2250 Date: 5/10/2023 Time: 1:30 pm Location: 714 W Orange St – Marathon Gas Station Cited: Dharminder Singh (M)(45) of Hoopeston Details: While HPD conducted a detail for underage alcohol sales, the employee working at Marathon Gas Station – Mr. Singh– sold alcohol to a minor and received the above citation.

Purchase/Acceptance of Gift of Liquor by Persons Under 21- Identification Cards (City 9.24.020)(Citation #09327) H23-2249 Date: 5/10/2023 Time: 2:00 pm Location: 1030 W Chestnut St – Kirby Foods Cited: Lashaun R Price (M)(38) of Hoopeston Details: While HPD conducted a detail for underage alcohol sales, the employee working at Kirby Foods – Mr. Price – sold alcohol to a minor and received the above citation.

Traffic Accident (PD) H23-2212

Date of Accident: May 8th, 2023

Time of Accident: 11:32 AM

Location: S. 1st Ave & W. Lincoln Street Hoopeston

Property Damaged: Power Pole and Service Disruption—Ameren Illinois Power

Unit 1: 2020 Semi Volvo owner Ryder Truck Rental Miami FL

Driver of Unit 1: Kevin L Barnes (M) (58) of Richmond VA

Details: Driver of Unit 1 was pulled off the street in a small parking area of the corner. While backing up, the driver did not see the power pole and struck it. Causing damage to the cross members at the top supporting the transformers and fuse links. The outage cause disruption of production at Teasdale Foods.

Wanted on Warrant Vermilion County H23-2242

Time: 11:38 pm

Location: 500 W Elm St

Arrested: Jacob S Cordes

Details: In the area of above, the listed subject turned himself in on a Vermilion County Warrant (23MT220). He was transported to HPD for processing and posted bond. He was released from HPD with a Vermilion County Court date.