Thursday, August 31, 2023 5:00 pm Gates Open ($3 Admission) Vendor Area & Midway Opens 5:00 pm-10:00 pm Ride Special – Bracelet Night 6:30 pm-9:00 pm Bingo (Jaycees Shelter) 6:30 pm-9:00 pm Souvenir Sales (Jaycees Shelter) 11:00 pm Midway & Vendor Area Closes Friday, September 1, 2023 5:00 pm Gates Open ($3 Admission) 5:00 pm-10:00 pm Ride Special – Bracelet Night 6:00 pm Grandstand and Beer Tent Opens 7:30 pm Michael Ray Concert with Beyond Carolina as opener (Annex) 11:00 pm Midway & Vendor Area Closes Saturday, September 2, 2023 6:00 am Flea Market Opens 6:30-7:30 am Bill Orr Memorial 5K Reg. (Sculpt Fitness-Downtown) 7:30 am 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Sculpt Fitness) 8:00 am Bill Orr Memorial 5K (Sculpt Fitness) 8:00 am-1:00 pm Car Show Registration (Southeast Corner McFerren Park) 8:45 am Little Corn Eaters Fun Run (Sculpt Fitness) 9:00 am Gates Open ($3 Admission) 10:30 am Grand Parade (Downtown) 12:00 pm Midway, Vendor & Food Area Opens Ride Special – Bracelet 12:30 pm-2:00 pm Jaycees Playlist (Center Stage) 12:30 pm-5:00 pm Souvenir Sales (Center Stage) 1:30 pm-5:00 pm FREE SWEETCORN! 2:00 pm-5:00 pm Captain Rat and the Blind Rivets (Center Stage) 3:00 pm Car Show Awards Presented (Southeast Corner) Grandstand and Beer Tent Opens (Annex) 5:00 pm Demolition Derby I Classes: Vans & Compact Figure 8 Race, Wire Trucks, Sweetcorn Shootout Drag Races, Gut N Go Compacts 6:30 pm National Sweetheart Pageant Preliminary (Civic Center) 9:00 pm Fireworks (Youth Soccer Fields) 11:00 pm Midway, Vendor Area, and Beer Tent Closes Sunday, September 3, 2023 8:00 am Flea Market Opens 9:00 am Gates Open ($3 Admission) 11:00 am Children’s Fishing Derby Registration (Crabtree Shelter) 12:00 pm Midway, Vendor & Food Area Opens Ride Special – Bracelet Children’s Fishing Derby (Lagoon) 12:00 pm-4:00 pm FREE SWEETCORN! 12:00 pm-5:00 pm Souvenir Sales (Center Stage) 12:30 pm-2:00 pm A Natural High (Center Stage) 2:00 pm Ponytail Contest (Center Stage) 2:30 pm Kids’ Pie Eating Contest (Center Stage) 3:00 pm Grandstand and Beer Tent Opens (Annex) 3:00 pm-5:00 pm Hannah Rose and The Sweet Nothings (Center Stage) 5:00 pm Demolition Derby II Classes: Limited Weld Full Size, Limited Weld 110 FWD Compacts, Vans, 80’s Wire Bonestock 6:30 pm National Sweetheart Pageant Finals (Civic Center) 9:00 pm National Sweetheart Pageant Reception (Civic Center) 11:00 pm Midway, Vendor Area, and Beer Tent Closes Monday, September 4, 2023 8:00 am Flea Market Opens 9:00 am Gates Open ($3 Admission) Vendor Area Opens 9:30 am-10:15 am Cream of the Crop Pretty Baby Contest Registration (Civic Center) 10:30 am Cream of the Crop Pretty Baby Contest (Civic Center) 12:00 pm Midway, Vendor & Food Area Opens Ride Special – Bracelet 12:00-1:30 pm Lee Anna Atwell (Center Stage) 12:00 pm-4:00 pm FREE SWEETCORN! 12:00 pm-4:00 pm Souvenir Sales (Center Stage) 12:30 pm-1:00 pm Play ‘N’ Hooky Pedal Tractor Pull Registration (Tennis Court) 1:00 pm Play ‘N’ Hooky Pedal Tractor Pull (Tennis Court) 2:00 pm-4:00 pm Chicken Nugget Conspiracy (Center Stage) 2:30 pm-4:30 pm Bingo (Jaycees Shelter) 9:00 pm Midway and Vendor Area Closes

TICKETS ONLINE @ WWW.HOOPESTONJAYCEES.ORG 

Warrant Arrest (Vermilion County 20CM428,19TR2287) H23-4583

Time: 11:30am

Location: 301 W Main St (Hoopeston Police Department)

Arrested: Terry L Williams(34)(M) of Hoopeston

Details: Mr. Willaims came to HPD to turn himself in on 2 Vermilion County Warrants. Mr.

Williams was arrested and processed and was released with a new Vermilion County Court Date.

On August 25, 2023, Dillon Steele, formerly of Danville, Illinois, was sentenced to thirty (30) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to the offense of First Degree Murder. Steele will serve 100% of his sentence and will also be required to complete a term of 3 years mandatory supervised release following his incarceration. Circuit Judge Charles Hall heard evidence that in April of 2020, property owners in Indianola, Illinois called the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department after locating human remains. The remains, though only parts of the entire body, were collected as evidence by law enforcement. Using DNA from the victim’s father and son, the remains were identified by the Illinois State Police Crime Lab as belonging to victim Anthony Rauch. The case was investigated over many months by the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department, in cooperation with the State’s Attorney’s Office. Testimony was presented by State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy to the Grand Jury by Melinda Warfel, the ex-wife of victim Anthony Rauch. Warfel stated that she had an ongoing relationship with both victim Anthony Rauch and Dillon Steele. Warfel stated that Mr. Rauch had been living in her home in Paris, Illinois on February 15, 2020 and that prior to that date she and Dillon Steele had discussed murdering Mr. Rauch and disposing of his body. Warfel stated that on February 15, 2020 Dillon Steele went into her home, stabbed Mr. Rauch once before he died, and then transported his body to a remote area of Indianola where he ultimately burned and disposed of the victim’s body, burying some of the body parts at the site in Indianola. During the sentencing hearing, State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy presented evidence which included a Victim Impact Statement by Anthony Rauch’s mother, Betty Johnson. Ms. Johnson stated to Steele, “You killing him in the horrific way you did took away so much more than just his life, you took something away from each person who loved and cared about him.” Lacy thanked the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department for their tireless investigation in this case.

Robert Cunningham, formerly of Danville, Illinois, was sentenced on August 25, 2023 to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the offense of Aggravated Battery to a Peace Officer, a Class 2 Felony, and three years concurrent for Aggravated Fleeing and Attempting to Elude, a Class 4 Felony. The sentence was ordered by Circuit Judge Thomas O’Shaughnessy. Following a trial on June 6, 2023, a Vermilion County Jury found Robert Cunningham guilty after hearing evidence that Tilton Police Chief Phillip Bernardi attempted to conduct a traffic stop but Cunningham fled. Chief Bernardi then pursued Cunningham on a high-speed chase through the Village of Tilton that reached speeds up to eighty (80) miles per hour on Georgetown Road. Cunningham eventually went off the road and the vehicle got stuck in a ditch. After being arrested, Cunningham was able to maneuver his handcuffed hands to the front of his body and when Chief Bernardi attempted to properly re-fit the handcuffs, Cunningham attacked Chief Bernardi, at one point strangling Chief Bernardi with his legs. State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy expressed her gratitude to Chief Phillip Bernardi for his decades of service protecting the citizens of our community

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT (PD) H23-4563

Time Approximately: 10:45 AM

Location: S Dixie Hwy & W Orange St

Unit 1: 2014 Blue Chevy Sedan

Driver: Zarate, Audi A (F) (27) of Cissna Park, IL

Unit 2: 2022 Gray Chrysler Van

Driver: Gillison, Daniel G (M) (35) of Wheaton, IL

Details: Accident Occurred at the above location. Both Units removed from scene and came to HPD to make Report. Unit 1 is at fault vehicle. Both Units where driven away, and Both Units insured.

Wanted on Warrant 20CM319 (Vermilion County FTA $1500 OR) H23-4514

Time: 10:57 pm

Location: 500 blk S 2nd Ave

Arrested: Kayla R Waddell (F) (27) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD located the above subject known to have an active warrant through Vermilion County (20CM319). Ms Waddell was taken into custody by HPD then transported to HPD for processing and later released with a new Vermilion County court date.

Operating Vehicle When Registration is Suspended (Citation #13538), Operating Uninsured Vehicle (Citation #13539) H23-4516

Time: 12:30 am

Location: S 1st Ave/W Maple St

Cited: Victor C Morales-Sullivan (M) (21) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with suspended registration. The above subject was identified as the driver and the vehicle was found to be uninsured. Mr. Morales-Sullivan received citations for the listed violations and given notice to appear in Vermilion County traffic court and was released from the scene.

Warrant Arrest, Driving While License Revoked, Operating Uninsured Vehicle, Operating Vehicle

with Expired Registration H23-4547 2023-7186

Time: 2:43am

Location: Route 1/Route 9

Arrested: Christopher Smith (M) (47) of Hoopeston

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

check revealed subject had an outstanding Vermilion County warrant, he was driving

on a revoked driver’s license, and his registration was expired. He was arrested and taken

to HPD to be processed. He was given 3 traffic citations and a traffic court date, and he was taken to the PSB in Danville in lieu of bond.

Theft Under $500 H23-4462

Time: 12:49 am

Location: 400 blk S 2nd Ave

Arrested: Shane M Baker (32) (M) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD located the above subject, a suspect of a stolen bicycle previously reported. Mr. Baker admitted to taking the bicycle and was taken into custody by HPD and transported to HPD for processing. He was later released with a Vermilion County court date.

Violation of Violent Offender Registration/Driving While Registration Suspended H23-4478

2023-7108

Time: 1:17PM

Location: S Dixie Hwy/W Penn St

Arrested: Lucas M Brown(31)(M)of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officer conducted a traffic stop and a computer search showed Mr. Brown’s vehicle to

have a suspended registration and to be in violation of registering. Mr. Brown was arrested and transported to HPD for processing and later transported to PSB to await arraignment

TRAFFIC CITATION H23-4437

Time: 04:46 am

Location: S. 4th/E Main st.

Cited Driver: Bryson S Irvin (27) (M) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD issued a traffic citation for an expired Drivers License more than a year

Traffic Accident H23-4439

Time: 8:21am

Location: 200 blk of W Lincoln St

Unit 1: 2003 Pontiac Grand Am driven by Sierra L Smith(29)(F)of Hoopeston

Unit 2: 2006 Mercury parked by Scott J Howe(38)(M)of Hoopeston

Details: Unit 1 was backing from the drive way and backed into Unit 2. No injuries were reported.

No citations given.

Fire Call

Time: 6:56PM

Location: 423 N Dixie Highway(Heritage Health Nursing Home)

Details: HFD was dispatched for a report for a smoke detector going off. Nothing was found.

Warrant Arrest (Champaign County) H23-4394

Time: 5:06am

Location: Penn St RR tracks

Arrested: Linsey Warner (F) (35) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officers checked out with Ms. Warner. A computer check revealed she had an

outstanding Champaign County warrant. She was arrested and taken to HPD to be

processed. She was later released with a new Champaign County court date.

Disobeying Traffic Control Device, Driving While License Suspended H23-4410

Time: 9:39pm

Location: S Market St/E Lincoln

Cited: Olivia Simonton (M) (20) of Hoopeston

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

A computer check revealed, she had a suspended driver’s license. She was given

2 traffic citations, a traffic court date and released from scene.

Fire Call

Time: 10:04pm

Location: S 3rd Av/W Washington

Details: HFD was called to the area for a possible illegal burn. FD determined it was under

control and cleared the scene

Beginning today, August 20, 2023 and going through Thursday, August 24, 2023, the City of Hoopeston will be opening city hall from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm to be used as a cooling center. Residents are reminded to stay hydrated, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location and call 9- 1-1. If your pets are outdoor animals, make sure they have plenty of fresh, cool water and have a shaded spot outdoors or make arrangements to bring them inside. 

Disobeying Traffic Control Device (Stop Sign), Speeding 75 MPH in a 55 MPH H23-4377

Time: 1:54 am

Location: State Route 1/4000 North Rd

Cited: Robert P Wallace (M) (38) of Rossville

Details: HPD observed a vehicle disobey a traffic control device and speeding. A traffic stop was initiated and Mr. Wallace was identified as the driver and received two citations and a mandatory notice to appear in Vermilion County Traffic Court.

Operating Vehicle when Registration Suspended H23-4388

Time: 10:01pm

Location: W Main/S 2nd Av

Arrested: Nicole Hughes (35) (F) of Hoopeston

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

check revealed the registration was suspended. Ms. Hughes was taken to HPD and later

released with a traffic ticket and traffic court date.

An Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) death investigation resulted in the arrest of 44-year-old Scott E. Peterson from Kankakee for First Degree Murder (Class M Felony).

On August 17, 2023, Watseka Police Department (WPD) requested ISP DCI Zone 5 to investigate a double homicide that occurred in the 300 block of West North Street. WPD responded to the area for a shot’s fired call and located two deceased victims in a residence. The victims are identified as 42-year-old Amanda Peterson and 38-year-old Joseph Robinson.  A 21-year-old male was also located with gunshot wounds and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. WPD took Peterson into custody immediately following the incident.

Peterson is being held in the Iroquois County Jail where he will be charged with First Degree Murder (2 counts each victim) and bond will be set.

No further information will be released at this time.

A Milford man was killed in a single-vehicle accident Aug. 18 near Milford.

According to Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police reports, Tyler Fanning, 24, was killed in the accident at 1:11 a.m. Aug. 18 on 1050 N near 2540 E in rural Milford.

According to police reports, Fanning was driving a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and was eastbound on 1050 N near 2540 E when for unknown reasons the vehicle left the roadway.

The vehicle entered the south ditch and traveled for approximately 242 feet before striking a field entrance. Fanning’s vehicle became airborne and traveled approximately 41 feet before striking the ditch a second time causing the vehicle to roll. The vehicle came to rest on its side near a culvert. Fanning was extricated from the vehicle by Milford Fire and Milford EMS. Riverside EMS arrived on scene and pronounced Fanning deceased.

The accident remains under investigation by Iroquois County Sheriff’s Police.

With the 79th National Sweetcorn Festival quickly approaching, plan ahead and save by purchasing tickets ahead of Labor Day Weekend! Michael Ray Concert Tickets and National Sweetheart Pageant tickets are available at www.hoopestonjaycees.org. Gate passes and weekend carnival bracelets are available in Hoopeston at The Burger Bank, Mary’s Clothesline and IGA. NEW! 50/50 Raffle Tickets on sale now! Drawing on Labor Day, need not be present to win. $1.00 each, or 6/$5.00 or 30/$20.00. Available at Fast Lanes, The Burger Bank, and Fun for All Miniature Golf

POSSESSION CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, SUSPENDED REGISTRATION, H23-4290 Time: 4:44 am Location: S 2nd Ave/W Elm St Arrested: Christina A Sweeney (F) (26) of Wellington IL Details: HPD Conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with suspended registration from IL SOS. Upon further investigation a Controlled Substance was found in the vehicle of the arrestee. Vehicle was PNT and towed, person was transported to HPD processed and later transferred to PSB Danville to await hearing before a judge. 

Vehicle Fire

Time: 12:13am

Location: S 2nd Av/Cedar

Details: HFD and HPD were dispatched to the area for the report of a vehicle fire.

Traffic Accident H23-4272

Time: 8:18PM

Location: 300 blk of E Honeywell Ave

Unit 1: 1999 Dodge Carryall driven by Jason Wisdom(48)(M)of Hoopeston

Details: Unit 1 was traveling westbound in the 300 blk of E Honeywell Ave. when his axel broke on

the passenger side front tire. When the axel broke it caused the vehicle to abruptly pull to

the right causing the driver to strike the tree. No injuries were reported. No citations were

given.

Fire Call

Time: 8:37PM

Location: 600 blk of E Main St

Details: HFD was dispatched to the above location for a report of a smoke detector going off.

Nothing was founded.

Traffic Accident H23-4224 Time: 4:57PM Location: S 4th Ave/W Maple ST Unit 1: 2008 Chevrolet Impala driven by Kaydence N Bailey(18)(F)of Hoopeston Unit 2: 2010 Dodge Journey driven by Angel B Paul(31)(F) of Hoopeston Details: Unit 1 while driving southbound on 4th Ave went through the yield sign and struck unit 2 which was traveling eastbound on W Maple St. No injuries reported. Both units insured, no citations were given.

Fire Call, Burning of Trash and Refuse Restrictions (city citation) H23-4229 Time: 10:31pm Location: 600 blk W Elm (in the alley) Cited: Holly Irvin (F) (42) of Hoopeston Details: HFD and HPD were dispatched to the area for the report of an illegal burn. Upon arrival the fire department extinguished the fire. HPD found the resident of the property and cited her for Burning of Trash and Refuse Restrictions with a city court date.

Traffic Accident H23-4224 Time: 4:57PM Location: S 4th Ave/W Maple ST Unit 1: 2008 Chevrolet Impala driven by Kaydence N Bailey(18)(F)of Hoopeston Unit 2: 2010 Dodge Journey driven by Angel B Paul(31)(F) of Hoopeston Details: Unit 1 while driving southbound on 4th Ave went through the yield sign and struck unit 2 which was traveling eastbound on W Maple St. No injuries reported. Both units insured, no citations were given.

Fire Call, Burning of Trash and Refuse Restrictions (city citation) H23-4229 Time: 10:31pm Location: 600 blk W Elm (in the alley) Cited: Holly Irvin (F) (42) of Hoopeston Details: HFD and HPD were dispatched to the area for the report of an illegal burn. Upon arrival the fire department extinguished the fire. HPD found the resident of the property and cited her for Burning of Trash and Refuse Restrictions with a city court date.

Restraint of Dog by owner or keeper (City Ordinance) H23-4190

Time: 8:09 pm

Location: 700 E Young Ave

Complainant: 68-year-old Hoopeston female

Cited: Olivia J Simonton (20) (F) of Hoopeston

Details: The listed complainant reported a loose dog on her property. Ms Simonton was identified as the owner of the dog and received a citation by mail with a notice to appear in Hoopeston city court.

Recovered Property H23-4198

A garden tiller was found. Owner can identify and claim at HPD.

No Tail Lights H23-4202

Time: 8:32 pm

Location: E Thompson Ave/Front St

Cited: Amelia N Young (27) (F) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD initiated a traffic stop for a vehicle driving with no tail lights. The above subject was identified as the driver and received a citation with a notice to appear in Vermilion County traffic court.

Operating Uninsured Vehicle, Operating Vehicle with Expired Registration, No Tail Lights on Trailer attached to truck, Driving While License Suspended H23-4179

Time: 1:35am

Location: W Orange/S Dixie Hwy

Arrested: Ronald Howie (M) (31) of Potomac

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

check revealed subject has a suspended driver’s license and the vehicle’s registration was

expired. He was arrested and taken to HPD to be processed. He was later released with

4 citations and traffic court date.

Traffic Accident H23-4125

Time: 2:08PM

Location: 400 blk of E Thompson Ave

Unit 1: 2004 Pontiac driven by David L Zarate(38)(M)of Hoopeston

Unit 2: 2003 Buick Le Sabre driven by Ernest J Hurt(94)(M)of Hoopeston

Details: Unit 1 was backing out of the driveway and struck Unit 2 in the back passenger side. Both

Vehicles were insured. No injuries were reported or citations given.

Violation of Order of Protection H23-4146 2023-6614

Time: 8:47 pm

Location: W Orange St/S 5th Ave

Arrested: Andrew S Prattis (M) (32) of Danville

Details: While on a traffic stop, the above subject was found to be in violation of an active order of protection. He was taken into custody by HPD and transported to HPD for processing. He was later transported to the PSB Danville, IL to await arraignment.

Operating Vehicle with Expired Registration Plates H23-4091 Time: 4:05am Location: W Chestnut/S 1st Av Cited: Max Jones (M) (51) of Hoopeston Details: HPD officers stopped the vehicle Mr. Jones was driving for a traffic violation. A computer check revealed the registration was expired. Subject was released from scene with a traffic citation and traffic court date.

Traffic Accident H23-4097 Time: 2:56PM Location: 1000 blk W Orange St Unit 1: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Hunter Brown(24)(M)of Hoopeston Unit 2: 2011 Buick Lacrosse driven by Alora Smith(55)(F)of Rossville Details: Unit 1 was traveling west bound on W Orange St when it struck Unit 2 in the rear. Unit 1 tried to stop but due to the roadway conditions was unable to. Unit 2 was towed from the scene. Both vehicles were insured and no citations were issued. No injuries were reported.

Tampering with Containers or Contents (City Ordinance 8.04.140), Disobeying Police (City Ordinance 9.04.021) H23-4107 Time: 12:54 AM Location: 200 blk S 1st Ave Arrested: Joseph D Hart (38) (M) of Hoopeston Details: The above subject was found to be tampering with the dumpster of the Multi-Agency. Mr. Hart then failed to obey the HPD officer’s commands. He was taken into custody by HPD and transported and processed at HPD. He was later released with notices to appear in City Court. 

Criminal Damage to State Supported Property H23-4033

Time: 7:48 AM

Location: Youth Midget Football Field (McFerren Park Annex)

Details: at the above time City of Hoopeston Park Employee reported that damage had been done to the concession stand area.

Traffic Accident H23-4018

Time: 5:37PM

Location: 200 N Market St

Unit 1: 2015 Mercedes driven by Phillip M Black(54)(M) of Rossville

Unit 2: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado parked by Daniel Colunga of Hoopeston

Details: Driver of Unit 1 was backing out from his parking spot when he struck Unit 2 which was

parked causing damage to the rear end of the passenger side of Unit 1 and the front

passenger side of Unit 2. No injuries were reported, both units insured and no citations were

given

Operating Uninsured Vehicle H23-3884

Date and Time: 7/27/23 1:03am

Location: W Orange/S Dixie Hwy

Cited: 17-year-old Potomac juvenile male

Details: HPD stopped the vehicle the juvenile was driving for a traffic violation. The subject was

given several days to bring proof of insurance to HPD. When he neglected to do so, officer

mailed a citation with a traffic court date.

Tampering with Containers or Contents (city) H23-3986

Time: 4:12am

Location: 206 S 1st Av, Hoopeston Multi Agency

Cited: Jeff Chandler (46)(M) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officers found Mr. Chandler digging through the dumpster at the Multi Agency. The

manager advised that she would like to press charges. Mr. Chandler was located again

and given a city citation and city court date.

Found Item Claimed Property July 31, 2023

Details: Set of Keys were found in the area of S 4th St/E Lincoln. Owner may come to the station to

identify them.