Beginning January 1, 2023, upon a Firearms Transaction Inquiry Program (FTIP) approval, the Illinois State Police (ISP) will automatically renew a person’s Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID) for individuals who have submitted a full set of fingerprints to ISP specifically for their FOID card or Concealed Carry License.  The individual’s FOID card will remain active for a period of 10 years from the date of the FTIP approval so long as the card holder is not subject to revocation or suspension under the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act.  As FOID cards are replaced, new cards will not include the issuance or expiration dates pursuant to FOID Act updates that took effect January 1, 2022.

“The automatic renewal of a FOID card will expedite the process for many card holders while still ensuring people who are prohibited under the FOID Act do not have legal access to a card,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.  “Automatic renewal will also allow staff to focus on Clear and Present Danger reports, Firearm Restraining Orders, as well as FOID correlations and enforcement.”

ISP will check the fingerprints against all available State and local criminal history record information files.  FOID card duration, renewal, and expiration information can be found in the FOID Card Act rules, Section 1230.30.

Individuals who apply for a FOID card may include a full set of their fingerprints transmitted through a live scan fingerprint vendor licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), which will be kept on file for potential automatic renewals.  Individuals who currently have a FOID card but have not submitted a full set of fingerprints to ISP may do so by going to a live scan vendor and uploading them to their account at www.ispfsb.com.  A list of licensed fingerprint vendors can be found on the IDFPR website.

Domestic Battery H22-3355 V22-11185 Time: 3:35am Location: 800 blk E Wyman Arrested: Amanda Merhley (F) (40) of Hoopeston Brian Literski (M) (48) of Hoopeston Details: HPD officers were dispatched to the above location for the report of a domestic situation. Upon an investigation, both parties were arrested and taken to HPD to be processed. They were both taken to the PSB in Danville to await arraignment.

In September, 2022, I filed a motion for declaratory judgement and injunctive relief in my official capacity as Vermilion County State’s Attorney and on behalf of the People of the State of Illinois. The motion requested the Court to find that Public Act 102-1104 violates Article I, section 8.1(a)(9); Article I, section 9; Article II, section 1; and Article IV, section 8(d) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970 and declare the law null and void. All 64 counties that filed similar motions throughout Illinois were consolidated into Kankakee County, Illinois. 

Yesterday, Circuit Judge Thomas Cunnington, Chief Judge of the 21st Judicial Circuit issued his ruling in the case of Rowe, et al. v. Pritzker, et al. Judge Cunnington ruled in favor of the Plaintiffs and held that the Pre–Trial Fairness Act, specifically the bail reform and pre–trial release provisions, is unconstitutional. The other provisions of the Safe–T Act where upheld. 

The Plaintiffs in this lawsuit were collectively represented by a litigation team consisting of the State’s Attorney and their Assistant State’s Attorneys from Kankakee, Kendall, McHenry, Sangamon, Will, and Vermilion Counties. The Parties argued their positions before Judge Cunnington on December 20, 2022, and yesterday’s ruling concludes the state court action. Any appeal, should the defendants (Governor JB Pritzker, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Senate President Donald Harmon, and Speaker of the House Christopher Welch) choose to pursue one, must now be filed with the Illinois Supreme Court. 

I firmly believe that this well decided ruling affirms that the sacred Constitutional Rights of all of the citizens of the State of Illinois are inalienable. The Pre-Trial Fairness Act alone denies crime victims their constitutional rights. Article 1, section 8.1 of the Illinois Constitution, codified in the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act, mandates that crime victims shall have the right to have the safety of the victim and the victim’s family considered in denying or fixing bail the amount of bail, determining whether to release the defendant, and setting conditions of release after arrest and conviction. Requiring an unwarranted additional presumption of no bail clearly contradicts previously established and superior law, places crime victims at a greater risk to be re–victimized, and unnecessarily subjects witnesses to threats and intimidation. 

Judge Cunnington held in his 33 page opinion that “Public Acts 101- 652 and 102-1104 as they relate only to the pretrial release provisions do violate this separation of powers principle underlying our system of governance by depriving the courts of their inherent authority to administer and control their courtrooms and to set bail.” 

Honorable Jacqueline M. Lacy, Vermilion County State’s Attorney 

Traffic Accident (PD Only) H22-5491 Delayed Entry Date: December 26, 2022 Time: 12:41 pm Location: S 4th St & E Chestnut St Unit 1: 2010 Subaru driving by Gavin J Pickett (M) (17) of Hoopeston IL Details: Unit 1 was traveling NB on S 4th St when the unit left the roadway and struck a Utility Pole. There was no damage to the pole, vehicle sustained some damage but was still operational. No report of Injuries, and the unit is Insured. No tickets issued. 

Warrant Arrest(IDOC CH2207637)Delayed entry

Date and Time: 12/23/2022 10/22PM

Arrested: Skyler T Burke(33)(M)of Hoopeston

Details: Illinois Department of Corrections issued a warrant for his arrest for the incident on 12/23/2022.

Fire Call

Time: 7:44am

Location: Parkview Court

Details: HFD was called to a malfunctioning furnace. Fire department personnel determined it

was actually the hot water heater and complainant was told to contact maintenance.

Assault(State) H22-5479

Time: 9:25am

Location: 600 E Maple St

Complaint: 24 yr old female of Hoopeston

Arrested: Christopher C Staats(26)(M)of Hoopeston

Details: HPD was dispatched to the above location for a report of Domestic Battery. Mr. Staats was

located and arrested and transported to HPD for processing and later released with a

Vermilion County Courthouse.

Fire Call

Time: 10:17pm

Location: 800 blk S 5th St

Details: HPD, HFD, Rankin/East Lynn, Rossville and Bismarck fire departments were dispatched

to the report of a structure fire. An investigation continues.

Fire Call

Time: 10:25pm

Location: 600 blk E Young Av

Details: HPD, HFD, Wellington and Milford fire departments were dispatched to the report of a

structure fire. An investigation continues.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) is asking the motoring public to stay off the roadways for the next couple of days during the severe winter weather expected To begin tomorrow.  If travel is absolutely necessary, allow enough time for travel and remain focused on the hazardous road conditions.  Slow down AND move over for those vehicles stranded on the side of the road and for those emergency vehicles and personnel assisting them. Scott’s Law related crashes are 100% preventable.

Coincidentally, Scott’s Law Day is recognized on December 23^rd of each year to honor public safety workers and to remind motorists to slow down AND move over when approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights activated.

Within the last five years, the ISP has seen increasing numbers in crashes involving Scott’s Law violations (see table below). So far this year, there have been 25 ISP squad cars struck in relation to Scott’s Law violations and a total of 10 Troopers have sustained injuries from those crashes. During one of the first major storms of 2022, on February 17, 2022, ISP officials investigated five separate traffic crashes involving ISP squad cars. A total of five Troopers were struck during those crashes and four of the five crashes were Scott’s Law related crashes.

A person who violates Scott’s Law, commits a business offense and faces a fine of no less than $250 or more than $10,000 for a first offense. If the violation results in injury to another person, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for a mandatory period of anywhere between six months and two years.

All 50 states have mandatory move over laws to protect first responders, roadway maintenance workers, roadside workers, and all motorists stopped on the side of the road. Additional information on all crashes involving ISP squad cars can be found at the following link: ISP Trooper Squad Car Crashes.

“With the hazardous winter weather approaching, it is extremely important everyone follow the rules of Scott’s Law, which require motorists to move over when approaching emergency and other vehicles stopped on the side of the road,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Our Troopers and roadway workers are risking their lives to make the roadways safe. Do your part, remain attentive, slow down, and move over, so that we all make it home safely, not only this weekend, but always.”

Hoopeston Area CUSD #11 will utilize an E-Learning day on Thursday December 22 due to the forecasted inclement weather for our area. Wednesday December 21 will be a regular day with dismissal at 3:05 for Maple & John Greer and 3:20 for the Middle & High School. 

School will resume after Christmas break on January 3.

RETAIL THEFT H22-5417

Time: 3:07 PM

Location: Kirby Foods, IGA 1030 Chestnut St Hoopeston

Arrested: Bradlee S Williams (26) (M) of Tilton

Details: HPD was called to above reference Mr. Williams putting meat in his coveralls and attempted to go out the door with it. He was stopped by an employee, detained and HPD was called. Subj was arrested and processed at HPD, then released with a Vermilion County Court Date.

Warrant Arrest, Operating Vehicle when Registration is Suspended H22-5399 Time: 12:46am Location: McFerren Park Arrested: Teresa Delaplain (F) (24) of Hoopeston Details: While on patrol, HPD officers found a car parked near the civic center in McFerren Park after park hours. Upon investigation, officers noticed the registration on the vehicle was expired. A computer search revealed the registration was suspended and the driver, Ms. Delaplain had an outstanding Ford County warrant. She was arrested and taken to HPD to be processed. She was later transported to Ford County and given a traffic citation and traffic court date. 

 Hoopeston Area High School plans to induct ten individuals into the Athletic Hall of Fame. The class of 2023 induction ceremony will take place between the JV and Varsity boys' basketball games versus Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin on Friday, January 27th. Being inducted into the hall of fame are former athletes Jon Drollinger, Lowell Hall, Barney Kirts, Lauren (Houmes) Leigh, Ernie Linares, Kristin McBride, Kristi (Shaffer) Phillips, and Donald Warner. Former coach Rich Stipp and fan/contributor Mark Swim are also being inducted. A reception will be held in the high school cafeteria to meet the new Inductees following the ceremony. The public is invited to attend this celebration of the Hoopeston Area High School Athletic Hall of Fame class of 2023.

The Vermilion County Coroner, Jane McFadden stated that a early morning single vehicle accident on Seminary Street in Danville claimed the life of a 24 year old Danville man. The victim has been identified as Johnathon C. Gilbert. The accident occurred on December 19, 2022 approximately 12:25 a.m.

Mr. Gilbert’s family has been notified and an autopsy was scheduled for this morning.

The Danville Police Department and the Vermilion County Coroner’s office continue to investigate.

Traffic Accident PD/Fire

Time: 1:15AM

Location: E 4200 North Road/ N 1700 East Road

Details: HPD assisted Vermilion County Sheriff Department and HFD for a single vehicle accident. No injuries were reported.

Fire Call Time: 1:58PM Location: 400 E Seminary Ave Details: HFD was dispatched to the above location for a report of a dryer on fire. No injuries were reported.

Structure Fire Time: 3:57pm Location: 700 block W Washington St Hoopeston Details: HFD, HPD, WFD, and Arrow Ambulance, responded to report of structure fire, upon first unit arrival, they called for Wellington FD and Ameren both to respond at 4:05pm. One subject had to be transported to Carle Hoopeston Emergency Dept to be checked out for chest pains. No further details were known at this time. No estimates of damages at this time. Fire Cleared at 6:18 pm 

Domestic Battery 

Time: 04 AM

Location: 200 block W Maple St

Complainant: 42-year-old Hoopeston male

Arrestee: Hoskins, Iesha R. (F) (27) of Hoopeston

Details: Hoopeston Police responded to complaint of Domestic Disturbance, upon further investigation of the call, the listed arrestee was taken into custody. She was transported to HPD processed then later transferred to PSB Danville to await bond hearing.

Fire Call

Time: 7:00PM

Location: 400 blk of E Main

Details: HFD was dispatched to the above location for a smell of natural gas. No injuries were reported and no gas leak was found.

Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession w/ Intent to Deliver H22-5320 2022-10736

Time: 1:19pm

Location: 912 S Dixie Hwy, Casey’s

Arrested: Haley Edwards (F) (26) of Hoopeston

Details: While on patrol, HPD officers located Ms. Edwards knowing she had previous charges on

her for filing a false police report earlier in the week. While inventorying her vehicle before

it was towed, officers found several methamphetamines, heroin and controlled substances

in her vehicle. Ms. Edwards was arrested, taken to HPD to be processed and was later

transported to the PSB in Danville to await arraignment.

Filing False Police Report H22-5288

Date of Incident: 12-10-2022

Time of Incident: 04:30 AM

Date of Arrest: 12-13-2022

Time of Arrest: 01:19 AM

Location of Incident: 500 S 6th Av, VC Housing Authority Property

Arrest Location: Casey’s General Store, 912 S Dixie Hwy Hoopeston

Arrestee: Haley M Edwards (F) (26) of Hoopeston

Details: At 01:19 am on December 13, 2022, Ms Edwards was located at Casey’s General Store, she was taken into custody on charges stemming from filing stolen vehicle report. She was transported to HPD where she was processed then transported to PSB to appear before a judge for bond hearing on this charge plus other charges.

Hit and Run Accident (Solved) H22-5284

Time: 4:35am

Location: E Penn St/ RR Crossing

Unit #1: Unknown

Property Damaged: Ameren Power Pole

Details: Unknown Unit #1 hit a power pole at the above location and left the scene. An investigation

continues.

Updated details: Ms. Edwards was located after several days and issued multiple citations for

1. No proof of Insurance, 2. Leaving Scene of an Accident, 3. Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid.

Traffic Accident H22-5325

Time: 5:26PM

Location: 700 W Orange St

Unit 1: 2014 GMC Arcadia driven by Ashley N Miller(37)(F)of Hoopeston

Unit 2: 2020 Kia Soul driven by Rebecca J Milburn(62)(F) of Hoopeston

Details: Both Units were traveling Eastbound on W Orange St. Unit 2 slowed down to turn onto S 6th Ave. Unit 1 was not able to stop in time causing Unit 1 front end to hit Unit 2 in the rear. No injuries were reported, both vehicles were insured. No citations were issued.

Retail Theft (city) H22-5301

Date/Time Incident: 12/11/22 6:54pm

Date/Time Arrest: 12/13/22 9:31pm

Location: 415 S Dixie Hwy, Dollar General

Arrested: Tonya Edwards (F) (46) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officers were dispatched to a retail theft at the above location. After an investigation,

it was determined Ms. Edwards was the suspect. She was located at a civil dispute in the 500 blk N 7th Av. She was arrested and taken to HPD to be processed. She was later

released with a city citation and court date.

WHAT:                      Four Vehicle Fatal Traffic Crash

WHERE:                   US Route 45 at 1190 N. Road, Iroquois County

WHEN:                      December 12, 2022 at approximately 5:12 p.m.

VEHICLES:              Unit 1 – 2016 Black Mercedes Benz GLE 350

                                    Unit 2 – 2003 Black Jeep Wrangler

                                    Unit 3 – 2004 Green Ford F150

                                    Unit 4 – 2016 White Toyota Camry

DRIVERS:                 Unit 1 – Krista A. Woltz-Hernandez, 44-year-old female from Buckley, IL – Deceased

                                    Unit 2 – Julie L. McGowan, 65-year-old female from Rantoul, IL – Deceased

                                    Unit 3 – Marco A. Perez Bernal, 36-year-old male from Onarga, IL – Transported to an area hospital with injuries.

                                    Unit 4 – Cassandra L. Sosa, 21-year-old female from Rantoul, IL – Uninjured

PASSENGERS:         Unit 4 – Juan M. Rodriguez, 21-year-old male from Paxton, IL – Uninjured

                                    Unit 4 – Laura E. Rodriguez, 47-year-old female from Paxton, IL – Uninjured

-MORE-

ADD ONE/FATAL CRASH

PRELIMINARY:      A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling southbound on US Route 45 near 1190 N. Road, while being pursued by the Paxton Police Department and the Ford County Sheriff’s Department, when the driver lost control of the vehicle.   Unit 1 crossed over the center line and struck Unit 2, which was traveling northbound, head on.  This caused Unit 1 to spin out and crash into Unit 3 which was also traveling northbound.  Unit 1 then went into a spinout and flipped multiple times coming to a rest on the west side of the road.  Unit 4 drove over debris and sustained a flat right rear tire.  The  drivers of Unit 1 and 2 were both pronounced deceased on scene.  The driver of Unit 3 was transported to an area hospital with injuries. 

                                    The Illinois State Police (ISP) District 21 and ISP Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 3 is conducting the investigation.  The investigation is open and ongoing and no further information is available at this time.

Criminal Damage to Vehicle H22-5310 Time: 12pm Location: 500 Block E Honeywell Av Complainant: 29-year-old Hoopeston Male Details: Hoopeston Police responded to report of damage done to a vehicle. Determined that a substance was put in the unit which has done damage to the unit. Investigation Continues.

Accident Hit and Run H22-5311 Time: 3:05PM Location: 801 E Orange St(Charlotte Ann Russell Medical Center) Unit 2: 2007 GMC Cargo Van parked by Edwards House(67)(M)of Hoopeston Details: Unit 2 while parked at the above address was backed into by an unknown vehicle. No injuries were reported Investigation continues.

Fire Call

Time: 3:46am

Location: 700 blk E Honeywell

Details: HFD were dispatched to a rekindle of structure fire.

Hit and Run Accident H22-5284

Time: 4:35am

Location: E Penn St/ RR Crossing

Unit #1: Unknown

Property Damaged: Ameren Power Pole

Details: Unknown Unit #1 hit a power pole at the above location and left the scene. An investigation

continues.

Fire Call

Time: 11:08 pm

Location: 700 Block E Honeywell Ave

Details: Hoopeston, Wellington, and Rossville Fire Depts responded to structure fire. Fire is under investigation.

Fire Call

Time 7:46 PM

Location Centennial Manor 426 E Honeywell Ave

Details HFD were dispatched to the above location for a person stuck in the elevator. No injuries were reported.

Domestic Battery, Interference with Reporting Domestic Battery,

Case Nbr: H22-5212 2022-10538

Time: 11:45 am

Location: Centennial Manor 426 E Honeywell Av

Complainant: 19-year-old Hoopeston Woman

Arrestee: Brown, Deandre B (M) (33) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD responded to report of a male making threats and battered a person already. HPD arrived and taking the arrestee into custody on the above charges. He was transported to HPD processed and then later transferred to PSB Danville to await a bond hearing before a Vermilion County Court.

State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) released the following statement announcing his retirement from the Illinois Senate.

“I have chosen to retire from the Illinois Senate, effective at the end of my current term, which expires on January 10, 2023.

“I have now served in the Illinois House and Senate for twelve years. My oldest son was born during the final days of my first legislative session, which quickly taught me about the sacrifices that would burden my family as I chose to serve. Those who know me are well aware of the priority I have continually attempted to place on my family. However, my other obligations have only increased, bringing further sacrifices. Throughout my time in the legislature, I have also had the honor to work as a full-time attorney, an adjunct college professor, and more recently as a partner in a real estate company that has grown much faster than I could have hoped for.

“Kristin and I have been blessed with a growing family, and our children deserve more of my time, attention, and involvement. My children are at special ages when parental involvement is critical, and I owe them my best attempt to make them the priority they deserve to be. However, for too long, Kristin and our kids (Augie, 11; Wally, 9; and Lia, 5) have tolerated a father who has had more obligations than time. I want to now give them more of me and am looking forward to getting more of them. My mom, dad and brother have also supported me at every turn. Now is a chance for me to give them more of my time as well. 

“At the same time, the wonderful people of the 53^rd Senate District need a representative who can make them the priority they deserve to be. Representing central Illinois, first in the House and then in the Senate, has been an incredible honor and privilege which I have never taken for granted. During my time in office, I have had the opportunity to play a role in historic changes in our state. My passion has been to serve as an independent voice in favor of limited and responsible governance for our State. I’ve tried to demonstrate that there is space for independent and thoughtful representation, even in our increasingly polarized political climate. Solving problems legislatively, and just as importantly, working to address constituent issues, has given me an opportunity to prove that our government, as frustrating as it can be, can actually still work. 

“Throughout my career in public service, Kristin and I have met countless individuals who have become and will remain our closest friends. I am especially grateful to my colleagues in the Senate, and to the incomparable staff on whom we all rely. Kristin and I will be forever blessed by the kindness and friendship shown by far too many people to name here.

“What's next for me includes more time with my kids - fishing, outdoor activities, traveling, participating in their activities, shuttling them around, and hopefully avoiding many of the phone calls, meetings and conflicts that have too often pulled me away from my family. 

“I am announcing my retirement now to give the Republican Party leadership in my district time to fill this vacancy so that a new Senator can be seated at the inauguration of the new 103rd General Assembly in January 2023. I am very excited for this next chapter of my life to begin, and I wish nothing but success for the next Senator to represent the 53^rd District. May God bless Illinois.”

Trespassing (city) H22-5172

Time: 10:01pm

Location: 200 blk W Maple St

Complainant: 41 year old Hoopeston male

Arrested: Iesha Hoskins (27) (F) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD was dispatched to the report of a domestic disturbance in the area. Upon investigation, it was found that Ms. Hoskins went into a neighbor’s residence without

permission. She was arrested and taken to HPD to be processed. She was later

released with a city citation and court date.

 Megan C. Hawk, 29, and Louis R. Berg, 32, both of Paxton, were each arrested on a Class X felony charge of possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony charge of possession of methamphetamine and a misdemeanor charge of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia after Paxton police executed a search warrant at a residence at 616 N. American St. around 9:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, and found 522 grams of liquid methamphetamine and several items of drug paraphernalia in the home, including multiple baggies. Berg was charged additionally with obstructing justice, while Hawk was also arrested on two warrants — one out of Ford County and the other out of Vermilion County — for failure to appear in court. Berg allegedly tried to destroy evidence by shattering a pipe and throwing items in a garbage can as he fled out the back door before being apprehended by Ford County sheriff’s deputies who were waiting behind the home. The total weight of the liquid methamphetamine found by police comprised not just the weight of the methamphetamine but also the weight of the water and the container. Both Berg and Hawk remained Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the Ford County Jail, where Berg was being held on a $50,000 bond and Hawk on bonds totaling $131,000.