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October 15, 2025

Village of Onarga sued under the Freedom of Information Act –

By John Kraft & Kirk Allen

On April 28, 2020

Onarga, IL. (ECWd) –

Kirk Allen and the Edgar County Watchdogs, Inc. have filed suit in Iroquois County Circuit Court alleging that the Village of Onarga has violated the Freedom of Information Act by failing to provide all the public records requested.

On Dec 22, 2019, Kirk Allen asked for copies of all communications between the Onarga Police Chief, police officers, and members of the Onarga Village Board, Clerk, and Mayor, between Sep and Dec 2019.

The Village initially never responded, but eventually produced two largely unresponsive documents (meeting minutes) to Plaintiff on Feb 24, 2020, and claimed it did not have to produce text messages.

In its claim that it does not have to produce text messages, the Village stated in an email that the Iroquois County State’s Attorney, Jim Devine, informed them the Village did not have to produce any text messges.

Text messages are public record if they pertain to public business and we are certain the Court will rule in our favor.

Read the Complaint below or download it HERE.

Onarga Complaint

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