ASHMORE, IL. (ECWd) - The below photos show the aftermath of the structure fire in Ashmore, IL. - the structure was a total loss. As I was taking the photos, two State Fire Marshalls were on scene conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire. . ...
SPRINGFIELD, IL. (ECWd) - According to the Opinion issued on December 19, 2019, the Illinois Supreme Court determined that settlement agreements between Wexford and the estate of an inmate who died from cancer is subject to the Freedom of Information Act. The Sup. Ct. held that records...
Onarga, IL. (ECWd) - [caption id="attachment_55818" align="alignleft" width="374"] Onarga Public Library Board Dec 2019[/caption] During the December 16, 2019, Onarga Public Library District's Board of Trustees meeting, the Board voted to go into closed session to discuss pay raises for all of their employees. After closed session, we...
Ashmore, IL. (ECWd) - There is currently a structure fire in Ashmore, IL., with multiple Fire Departments called to the scene. The structure is on the corner of Route 16 (Ashmore Street) and Oakland Road. Oakland, Ashmore, and Kansas Fire Departments are on scene this morning. A reader sent...
HANOVER TOWNSHIP (ECWd) - On reviewing several of the board packets from Hanover Township, we noticed questionable expenditures from the township's general assistance fund. For those not familiar with General Assistance, it is Public Aid administered by the Township. Since April of 2018 thru April of 2019,...
FREEPORT, IL. (ECWd) - In a report issued by the Chicago Office of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), it is clear the Freeport Housing Authority has major problems. HUD designated the Freeport Housing Authority as "Troubled" - which generally means that the...
PAXTON, IL. Hartke Engineering and Surveying is continually expanding and has a new second office location in Paxton. There is an open house this Friday afternoon in the new office. Please join him if you can. Humble Hog will be provided. [pdf-embedder url="https://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Paxton-Open-House.pdf" title="Paxton Open House"]...
Cumberland Co., IL. (ECWd) - We first reported on the violence-laced text messages of Cumberland County Deputy Steve Carr (here) when he was placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation. The investigation is now over and he was disciplined with an Oral Reprimand for Conduct Unbecoming...
Joliet Township (ECWd) - Everyone we showed this job opening announcement to said the same thing: "They can't do that, it violates the law!" Township Supervisor Vera says the part-time job requirements include: "Interested candidates must live in Joliet Township and must have voted in a Democratic...
Royal Lakes, IL. (ECWd) - During our first visit to a Village of Royal Lakes meeting of the Village Trustees, we were met with opposition to our presence. We first had to deal with the Trustees and Clerk trying to tell us we could not video record...
