Criminal Damage to Property (Over) H26-1800 2026-2566

Date/Time of Incident: 4/10/2026 @ 8:59 a.m.

Location of Incident: 700 Blk of W Main St

Date/Time of Arrest: 4/16/2026 @ 11:44 p.m.

Location of Arrest: 200 Blk of S Market St

Arrested: Chase Hensley (M) (30) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officers located Mr. Hensley after an investigation for the above charge. Mr. Hensley was arrested, transported to HPD for processing, and was later transported to the PSB in Danville to await arraignment.

Restraint of Dogs by Owner or Keeper (6.08.070 city citation # 12391) H26-1927

Date/Time: 04/16/2026@7:21pm

Location: 100 N 6th Ave. (Hoopeston Little League Park)

Cited: Kadi Baker (F) (25) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD Officers responded to the above location for the report of an unrestrained dog in the area with no owner present. Ms. Baker, the owner, was found and later issued an NTA in Hoopeston City Court for the above city ordinance violation.

Aggravated Battery Public Way; Disorderly Conduct H26-1888

Date/Time of Incident: 4/14/2026 @ 8:57 p.m.

Location of Incident: 1 McFerren Way (Mcferren Park)

Date/Time of Arrest: 4/17/2026 @ 3:24 p.m.

Location of Arrest: 300 Blk of W. Main (Hoopeston Police Department)

Arrested: 16-year-old male juvenile of Hoopeston

Details: The juvenile arrived at HPD requesting to speak to officers regarding the incident that occurred previously dated. Upon further investigation he was placed under arrest for the above charges and later released to his guardians with a juvenile petition.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol; Driving When Lights Required; Endangering the Life of A Child H26-1887

Date/Time: 04/14/2026 @ 8:12p.m.

Location: S Dixie Highway/W Penn St

Arrested: Heather Wyss (F) (33) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officers conducted a traffic stop at the above location. Ms. Wyss was arrested on the above violations. She was taken into custody, brought to HPD for processing, and was released with NTA’s for Vermilion County Court. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

The Vermilion County GOP has elected a new leadership team commited to strengthening the party, supporting canidates, & delivering results to the people of Vermilion County.  

The newly elected officers are:

Chairman: Matt Long

Vice Chairman: Eric Luttrell

Treasurer: Missy Quick

Secretary: Robyn Heffern

In addition, the following individuals have been elected to serve on the Executive Board:

Nate Byram

Steve Miller

Ryan Goodner

This team steps forward with a clear focus on unity, accountability, and growing grassroots involvement across the county. With strong leadership in place, the organization is focused on engaging voters, supporting Republican candidates at every level, and ensuring Vermilion County remains a strong voice for conservative values.

The Vermilion County Republican Party extends its sincere appreciation to the previous VCGOP members – Erika Ramsey, Darren Duncan, Jerry Hawker and Lon Henderson for their service, time and dedication to the party and the community.

“We are excited to move forward with a team that is committed to continuing to build unity, integrity, and the values that matter most to our community, “said Chairman Matt Long. “Together, we look forward to building on our successes and continuing to serve the voters of Vermilion County.”

The Vermilion County Republican Party encourages community members to get involved, stay informed, and participate in upcoming events and initiatives.

For more information, please follow the Vermilion County Republicans Facebook page, visit www.vermilionrepublicans.com or email vcgopchairman@gmail.com.

The Iroquois County Sheriffs Office has arrested and charged 22-year-old Jason L. Ruiz of Watseka, ll. with first-degree murder and aggravated battery in connection with the death of his one-month-old son, Jace.

On April 10, 2026, Watseka Fire and EMS were dispatched to 1631 N Blue Bell Bend Rd in rural Watseka in reference to a 3-week-old baby not breathing. The infant, later identified as Jace, was transported from the scene to Iroquois Memorial Hospital and later to Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, ll. Jace was pronounced deceased on 4/13/26.

Jason Ruiz was taken into custody in Chicago, ll. on 4/16/26, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshal Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force.

The investigation remains active. Out of respect for the ongoing legal proceedings and the victim's family, no additional information will be released at this time.

Fire Call

Time: 10:20 a.m.

Location: 426 E Honeywell Ave. (Centennial Manor)

Details: HFD responded to the above address for the report of a fire alarm. Upon arrival the scene was cleared with no fire and no injuries reported.

Fire Call

Time: 12:21 p.m.

Location: 300 Blk of N 3rd St

Details: HPD and HFD responded to the above location for a report of a fire alarm. Upon arrival no fire was located and the scene was cleared.

Fire Call

Time: 6:10 am

Location: 14000 blk of 4000 North Rd

Details: HFD was dispatched to the report of a tree on fire. Fire extinguished.

Fire Call

Time: 3:17 p.m.

Location: State Route 9/ N 1300 East Rd

Details: HFD was dispatched to the report of a fire in a ditch. The fire was extinguished and the scene was cleared.

Vermilion County Warrant (25CF77) H26-1879 2026-2486

Time: 4:11 p.m.

Location: 600 Blk of E McCracken Ave.

Arrested: Christopher Smith (M) (49)

Details: Known to have an active Vermilion County Warrant, HPD officers located Mr. Smith and placed him under arrest. He was transported to HPD where he was processed, then later transported by the VCSO to the PSB in Danville to await arraignment.

Assist Other

Date/ Time: 04/12/2026 @ 6:19 p.m.

Location: 20 N Wesley St. Henning, IL

Details: HFD was requested to assist at a structure fire then cleared the scene.

Fire Call

Time: 10:17pm

Location: 10000 blk of E 4000 North Rd

Details: HFD were dispatched to the above area for the report of a tree on fire. No injuries were reported and HFD later cleared the scene.

Domestic Battery , Resisting H26-1870 2026-2469

Time: 11:03 pm

Location: 200 blk of W Maple

Arrested: Iesha Hoskins (F) (30) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD Officers were dispatched to the above location for the report of a domestic disturbance. Ms. Hoskins was arrested and processed on the above charges, then later transported to the Danville Public Safety Building to await arraignment.

Arson H26-1782 2026-2419

Date/Time of Incident: 04-09-2026 @ 5:16 a.m.

Location of Incident: 422 E Seminary Ave.

Date/Time of Arrest: 04-12-2026 @ 9:38 a.m.

Location of Arrest: 700 Blk. of E. Lincoln St.

Arrested: Skylar Cannon (M) (34) of Hoopeston

Details: Following the investigation of a vacant residential structure fire on Seminary Ave., HPD officers located Mr. Cannon and arrested him on the above charge. He was taken to the PSB in Danville for processing and to await arraignment.

Restraint of Dog by Owner (City Ordinance 6.08.070) H26-1851

Time: 3:06 p.m.

Location: 400 Blk of W Elm St.

Cited: Juan Lugo (M) (49) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officers responded to a call at the above location for an aggressive dog running loose. Officers located the owner of the dog and Mr. Lugo received a citation for the above ordinance violation and was released from the scene with an NTA for Hoopeston Municipal Court.

Fire Call

Time: 5:16 a.m.

Location: 400 Blk of E. Seminary Ave.

Details: HFD and HPD responded to the above location for a residence on fire. Wellington fire department and Rossville fire department assisted Hoopeston fire department with the residence fire. Upon arrival the residence fire was extinguished with no injuries reported. All units cleared the scene.

Contempt of Court (Violation of Probation #2025CM478) H26-1792 2026-2354

Time: 7:49 p.m.

Location: 800 Blk of W. Main St.

Arrested: David Baker (M) (44)

Details: HPD officers responded to the above address for a violation of probation. Upon arrival Mr. Baker was arrested and taken to HPD where he was processed then was later transported to the PSB to await arraignment.

Driving While License Suspended; No Valid Insurance H26-1758

Time: 8:59 p.m.

Location: 200 Blk of E Thompson Ave

Arrested: Jessica Cabrales (F) (47) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officers conducted a traffic stop at the above location. Ms. Cabrales was found to be driving on the above violations. Ms. Cabrales was placed under arrest, transported to HPD and was processed. She was issued NTA’s for Vermilion County Court then released from HPD custody.

Trespassing (City Ordinance) H26-1740

Date/Time: 4/6/26 @ 9:55 pm

Location: 912 S Dixie Hwy (Casey’s General Store)

Cited: Bayleah Moore (F) (26) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD Officers were dispatched to the above business in regard to trespassing. Upon arrival Officers made contact with Ms. Moore, issued her a city citation for the above ordinance violation, and released her from the scene.

Champaign County Warrant (24CF1248) H26-1744 2026-2282

Time: 5:52a.m.

Location: 300 Blk of N 7th St

Arrested: Tyler White (M) (29) of Fithian

Details: HPD officers were dispatched to the above location. A computer check confirmed Mr. White had an active warrant out of Champaign County. He was taken into HPD custody where he was processed and was later transported to the PSB in Danville to await extradition.

Operating Vehicle with Expired Registration or Sticker Time: Location: Cited: Details: 4:19a.m. W Orange St/ 1300 East Rd Derrick Leppard (M)(42) of Milford H26-1713 HPD officers conducted a traffic stop at the above location. Mr. Leppard was found to be driving on the above violation. He was given an NTA for Vermilion County Court and was released from the scene.

Operating Vehicle When Registration Suspended for Noninsurance Time: Location: Cited: Details: 6:08 p.m. N Dixie Hwy / W McCracken Ave Caleb Smith (M) (20) of Indiana H26-1717 HPD officers conducted a traffic stop at the above location. Mr. Smith was issued an NTA in Vermilion County Court for the above traffic violation. Officers released him from the scene, and the vehicle was towed. 

Theft (Under); Drug Paraphernalia H26-1678

Time: 2:07p.m.

Location: 719 W Elm St. (Fast Lanes)

Arrested: Kathy Stancle (F) (45) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD responded to the above location for the report of theft. After an investigation, Ms. Stancle was located, arrested, and placed into HPD custody. During processing paraphernalia was found. Ms. Stancle was issued an NTA for Vermilion County Court then was released from HPD.

Retail Theft, Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

H26-1657 2026-2160

Time: 2:45am

Location: 912 S Dixie Hwy, Casey’s

Arrested: Wayne Propes (M) (52) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officers were dispatched to the report of retail theft that just occurred. After

a search of the area, Mr. Propes was located and arrested. A search found

methamphetamines and paraphernalia on his person. He was taken to HPD to be

processed and later transported to the PSB to await arraignment.

Fire Alarm

Time: 2:10 p.m.

Location: 824 E. Wyman Ave. (Wyman Country Manor)

Details: HFD responded to the above location for a fire alarm going off in the building. No fire was located and the scene was cleared.

Lighting Requirements on Bicycle (City Ordinance 10.4.020) H26-1654

Date/Time: 4/1/2026 @ 9:51 p.m.

Location: E. Main St. / Market St.

Cited: Austin Johnston (M) (31) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officers stopped an individual riding a bicycle. Mr. Johnston was issued a citation for the above violation. He was released from the scene with a NTA for the Hoopeston Municipal Court.

Retail Theft, Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

H26-1657 2026-2160

Time: 2:45am

Location: 912 S Dixie Hwy, Casey’s

Arrested: Wayne Propes (M) (52) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officers were dispatched to the report of retail theft that just occurred. After

a search of the area, Mr. Propes was located and arrested. A search found

methamphetamines and paraphernalia on his person. He was taken to HPD to be

processed and later transported to the PSB to await arraignment.

Fire Alarm

Time: 2:10 p.m.

Location: 824 E. Wyman Ave. (Wyman Country Manor)

Details: HFD responded to the above location for a fire alarm going off in the building. No fire was located and the scene was cleared.

Lighting Requirements on Bicycle (City Ordinance 10.4.020) H26-1654

Date/Time: 4/1/2026 @ 9:51 p.m.

Location: E. Main St. / Market St.

Cited: Austin Johnston (M) (31) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officers stopped an individual riding a bicycle. Mr. Johnston was issued a citation for the above violation. He was released from the scene with a NTA for the Hoopeston Municipal Court.

Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapon H26-1578

Time: 1:16 a.m.

Location: 500 Blk of E Penn St.

Arrested: Tyler Prather (M) (38) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officers responded to the location for a silent alarm call-for-service. Upon arrival and investigation, officers located Mr. Prather and he was arrested for the above charge then was issued a felony NTA for Vermilion County Court.

Domestic Battery; Aggravated Assault Motor Vehicle H26-1597 2026-2081

Time: 2:13 a.m.

Location: 400 Blk of W Elm St.

Arrested: Omar Smith (M) (60) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officers responded to the above area. After speaking with the complainant, Mr. Smith was located and taken into HPD custody. He was transported to HPD and was processed. He was then transported to the PSB in Danville to await arraignment.

Dog Running at Large (510 ILCS 5/9)

Time: 6:53 p.pm.

Location: 800 Blk. of E Seminary Ave

Cited: Chad Matherne (M) (52) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officers arrived on scene for reports of a loose dog. Mr. Matherne was located and issued an NTA for Vermilion County Court and was released from the scene.

Wanted on Warrant #20-1697 (Clear Creek County, Iowa) H26-1519 2026-1974

Time: 3:05 p.m.

Location: 500 Blk. Dice St.

Arrested: Austin Ennis (M) (24) of Peoria Heights, IL

Details: HPD officers responded to a call for soliciting. A computer check revealed an active warrant out of Iowa for Mr. Ennis. Mr. Ennis was taken into HPD custody where he was processed. He was later transported to the PSB in Danville to await extradition.

Aggravated Domestic Battery H26-1531 2026-1986

Time: 8:28pm

Location: 300 Blk N Market

Arrested: Joshua Clifton (M) (42) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD Officers received a report from a Hoopeston female of an incident that occurred on a previous date. This led officers to locate Mr. Clifton and take him into custody for the above offense. He was processed at HPD, then later transported to the Danville Public Safety Bldg. to await arraignment.

Fire Alarm

Time: 09:49am

Location: 423 S Dixie Hwy, Heritage Health

Details: HFD was dispatched to the report of a fire alarm at the above location. Burnt wire was located by the fire department.

Driving While License Suspended; Operation of Vehicle when Registration Suspended for Noninsurance H26-1538

Time: 1:06 p.m.

Location: 200 Blk of 1st Ave.

Arrested: Harlee Nelson (F) (26) of Loda, IL

Details: HPD officers conducted a traffic stop. Ms. Nelson was found to be driving on the above violations. Ms. Nelson was placed under arrest, transported to HPD and was processed. She was issued NTA’s for Vermilion County Court then released from HPD custody.

As Balloons Over Vermilion celebrates its 10th anniversary and Festival of Trees prepares to mark its 30th holiday season, the true milestone lies in the impact these events continue to make across Vermilion County.

On March 26, Balloons Over Vermilion and Festival of Trees announced their 2025 Community Impact Award recipients, granting $180,000 to 31 organizations supporting area youth and their families.

“This year marks a record number of award recipients and matches the largest total amount given back to our community,” said Jim Anderson, Balloons Over Vermilion NFP Board Vice Chair. “In our first year of awarding these grants we gave $30,000 to just three organizations. Today, more than 130 groups across Vermilion County have benefited from these grants since 2017.”

With this year’s awards, the total community investment from the combined events has reached $865,000.

These events are made possible each year by two very dedicated steering committee, generous sponsors, and hundreds of volunteers.

“Our community continues to show up in incredible ways,” said Balloons Over Vermilion NFP Board Chair Pat O’Shaughnessy. “Whether it’s buying a ticket, enjoying a treat, exploring the magic of the Festival of Trees, or bringing family and friends to experience a balloon launch, every moment of participation helps make these events possible. The support we experience continues to grow stronger each year.”

Balloons Over Vermilion NFP was created in 2016 by local balloon pilots and volunteers who wanted to bring back the excitement and wonder once experienced during the former Oldsmobile Balloon Classic Illinois, which ended in 2001. From the beginning, organizers shared a clear mission: It’s for the kids.

Each year, a third- or fourth-grade class from Danville District 118 or a Vermilion County school is selected as the Student Ambassador Class for the Balloons Over Vermilion event, helping to shape the festival experience for everyone.

“Our student ambassadors play a special role in our planning,” said Balloons Over Vermilion Event Co-Chair Carly Goodwin. “They share what they want to see at our event and even get a sneak peek of what’s to come.”

Goodwin added, “As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we’re excited to welcome our largest ambassador group yet—Mrs. Libby Torbit and Ms. Kylie Sherer’s fourth-grade classes from Salt Fork North Elementary School.”

For more information, contact: Jim Anderson – Balloons Over Vermilion NFP Board Vice Chair – 217-304-3032 Pat O’Shaughnessy – Balloons Over Vermilion NFP Board Chair – 217-260-6716 Carly Goodwin – Balloons Over Vermilion Event Co-Chair – 217-474-7168 Jana Goodwin – Festival of Trees Event Co-Chair – 217-431-3049

BOV/FOT 2026 Community Impact Award Recipients

This year’s $180,000 investment supports 31 organizations, bringing the total awarded through Balloons Over Vermilion and Festival of Trees to $865,000 since 2017.

· Balloon Federation of America — $1,500 (accepted by Dean Carlton)

· First Baptist Christian School — $2,500 (accepted by Amber Seest)

· Arts in the Park — $3,000 (accepted by Heather Runyan)

· Danville Symphony Orchestra — $3,000 (accepted by Matthew Sheppard)

· North Ridge Builders Club — $3,500 (accepted by Courtney Leemon & Kathy Delzell)

· Adjust Your Vision — $5,000 (accepted by Lalita King)

· Children’s Dyslexia Center of East Central Illinois — $5,000 (accepted by Julie Boersma)

· Danville Art League — $5,000 (accepted by Kim Puzey)

· Catlin Public Library — $5,000 (accepted by Kathleen Bennett)

· Danville Public Library — $5,000 (accepted by Christopher Leggins)

· Elwood Library District — $5,000 (accepted by Loretta Fag)

· Georgetown Public Library — $5,000 (accepted by Shannon Whitaker)

· Hoopeston Public Library — $5,000 (accepted by Tricia Freeland)

· Oakwood Public Library — $5,000 (accepted by Tammi Helke)

· Potomac Public Library — $5,000 (accepted by Elizabeth Osborn)

· Vance Township Library — $5,000 (accepted by Bonnie Gilbert)

· Westville Public Library — $5,000 (accepted by Nicholas Sager)

· Fellowship of Christian Athletes — $5,000 (accepted by Daniel Chappell)

· Georgetown Men’s Club — $5,000 (accepted by William Schlunaker)

· Grant Township Food Cupboard — $5,000 (accepted by Patty Maul & Rita Carter)

· Sleep in Heavenly Peace — $5,000 (accepted by Dee Ann Ryan)

· Vermilion Association for Special Education — $5,000 (accepted by Kristin Dunker)

· YMCA — $5,000 (accepted by Laura Floyd)

· Vermilion County Child Advocacy Center — $7,500 (accepted by Jonathan Munoz)

· First United Methodist Church (Hoopeston) — Feed My Lambs — $7,500 (accepted by Pastor Kathy Murphy & Louise Barten)

· Danville Youth Hockey — $7,500 (accepted by Kendra Kinney)

· Rose Feeds the Children Program — $10,000 (accepted by Rose Gates-Sue Stahl)

· Danville AMBUCs — $10,000 (accepted by Patrick Halloran)

· Vermilion County Conservation District — $10,000 (accepted by Jaimie Pasquale)

· Circle Academy — $11,000 (accepted by Shanna Doggett)

· OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center — $13,000 (accepted by J.T. Barnhart)

Wanted on A Vermilion Co. Warrant H26-1509 2026-1950

Time: 11:58pm

Location: 200 Blk W Maple St.

Arrested: Iesha Hoskins (F) (30) of Hoopeston

Details: Known to have an active warrant out of Vermilion Co., Ms. Hoskins was located in the above location, arrested, and taken to the Hoopeston Police Department for processing. Ms. Hoskins was later transported by the Vermilion Co Sherriff’s Department to the Danville Public Safety Building to await arraignment.

Disobeying Traffic Control Device Time: Location: Cited: Details: 8:24pm S Market St. / E Maple St. Megan See (F) (31) of Loda H26-1504 HPD Officers conducted a traffic stop at the above location where they issued Ms. See a citation for the above traffic violation and released her from the scene.

Operating Vehicle When Registration Suspended for Noninsurance Time: Location: Cited: Details: 5:48pm W Maple St. / S 5th Ave. Osman Villatoro (M) (33) of Hoopeston H26-1497 HPD Officers conducted a traffic stop at the above location where they issued Mr. Villatoro an NTA in Vermilion Co. Traffic Court for the above traffic violation. Mr. Villatoro was released from the scene and the vehicle was towed.

Disorderly Conduct Time: Location: Cited: Details: 6:01pm 1 Mcferren Way (Mcferren Park) Dontay Liddell (M) (24) of Hoopeston H26-1498 HPD Officers received a complaint regarding an incident that occurred at the above location. Mr. Liddell was located, issued a State citation for the above charge, and was released from the scene.

No Valid Driver’s License Time: Location: Cited: Details: 10:59pm 100 Blk W. Main St. Benjamin Gottlieb (M) (25) of Hoopeston H26-1507 HPD Officers conducted a traffic stop in the above area where they issued Mr. Gottlieb and NTA in Vermilion Co. Traffic Court for the above traffic violation. Mr. Gottlieb was released from the scene and the vehicle was towed.   

Fire Call

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: 16310 E 400 North Road (Hoopeston Landfill)

Details: HFD was dispatched to the Hoopeston Landfill for a report of an active fire within the landfill. HFD arrived on scene and the fire was extinguished. There were no injuries reported and the scene was cleared.

Fire Call

Time: 9:43 pm

Location: 10000 bk of E 3700 North Rd

Details: Per the request of Rossville Fire, HFD responded on standby for a structure fire in the above area.

Fire Call

Time: 12:21 p.m.

Location: 2308 E 100 N Rd. (Iroquois County)

Details: HFD responded to a request for assistance from the Wellington Fire Department for a report of a shed on fire. The fire was extinguished then HFD cleared the scene with no injuries reported.

Interfering With the Report of a Domestic Violence H26-1410 2026-1860

Time: 5:30 pm (arrest)

Date/Time: 3/20/26 @ 9:44 pm (incident)

Location: 400 Blk E Wyman

Arrested: Michael Bilbrey (M)(52) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officers responded to the above location where they located Mr. Bilbrey and placed him under arrest for the above charge from an incident that occurred on a previous date. Mr. Bilbrey was processed at the Hoopeston Police Department then later transported to the Danville Public Safety Building to await arraignment.

Fire Call

Time: 11:44 p.m.

Location: 400 Blk. N. Dixie Hwy, Heritage Health Care

Details: HFD were dispatched to the above location for an odor of gas. All units later cleared the scene.

Fire Call

Time: 9:43 pm

Location: 10000 bk of E 3700 North Rd

Details: Per the request of Rossville Fire, HFD responded on standby for a structure fire in the above area.

Fire Call

Time: 12:21 p.m.

Location: 2308 E 100 N Rd. (Iroquois County)

Details: HFD responded to a request for assistance from the Wellington Fire Department for a report of a shed on fire. The fire was extinguished then HFD cleared the scene with no injuries reported.

Interfering With the Report of a Domestic Violence H26-1410 2026-1860

Time: 5:30 pm (arrest)

Date/Time: 3/20/26 @ 9:44 pm (incident)

Location: 400 Blk E Wyman

Arrested: Michael Bilbrey (M)(52) of Hoopeston

Details: HPD officers responded to the above location where they located Mr. Bilbrey and placed him under arrest for the above charge from an incident that occurred on a previous date. Mr. Bilbrey was processed at the Hoopeston Police Department then later transported to the Danville Public Safety Building to await arraignment.

Fire Call

Time: 11:44 p.m.

Location: 400 Blk. N. Dixie Hwy, Heritage Health Care

Details: HFD were dispatched to the above location for an odor of gas. All units later cleared the scene.