Chambana Sun

Former Tolono School Board president pleads guilty to lewd exposure/public indecency

By John Kraft & Kirk Allen, Edgar County Watchdogs | Jun 8, 2023

Former Tolono School Board President, Fred Koss, plead Guilty to Public Indecency and Lewd Exposure, a Class A Misdemeanor, and the Court entered a Disposition of deferred judgment – Withhold Judgement/Supervision.

Piatt County settles wrongful termination case – $150,000.00

By John Kraft & Kirk Allen, Edgar County Watchdogs | Jun 7, 2023

The Piatt County Board approved a settlement agreement with the former Emergency Management Director, Micheal Holmes.

Attorney Ed Flynn misled new Sangamon Valley Water District Board

By John Kraft & Kirk Allen, Edgar County Watchdogs | May 14, 2023

During the newly elected SVPWD board meeting, we discussed the issue of a lame-duck contract allegedly entered into between the outgoing appointed board and Veolia for the purpose of managing the water district properties.

Complaint alleges threat of mass shootings of elected officials; stalking

By John Kraft & Kirk Allen, Edgar County Watchdogs | May 3, 2023

Copies of verified petitions for Orders or Protection / No Stalking Orders indicate allegations of threats of shooting all of the newly elected water district trustees and further instances of stalking new and former trustee(s).

Sangamon Valley Public Water District’s management contract should be rescinded

By John Kraft & Kirk Allen, Edgar County Watchdogs | May 2, 2023

A Special Meeting of the Sangamon Valley Public Water District, weeks prior to a newly elected board taking over the District from the appointed board, it decided to place “Veolia Contract” on the meeting agenda.

Sangamon Valley Public Water District approved unauthorized pay for trustees

By John Kraft & Kirk Allen, Edgar County Watchdogs | Apr 18, 2023

According to the November 28, 2022, meeting minutes, the Sangamon Valley Public Water District approved “updating” the pay for trustees and board chairman to $1200 and $1500 respectively. See bottom of page 2 (here).

Proponent of unlawful referendum blames Watchdogs for legal expenses

By John Kraft & Kirk Allen, Edgar County Watchdogs | Mar 29, 2023

During public comments at the March 7, 2023, Rantoul village board study session, Rantoul resident and sore loser (as determined by the Courts) of a failed referendum attempt, Terry Workman, blamed the Edgar County Watchdogs (instead of himself) for the legal costs the village has incurred during the objection to the petition to abandon the method of electing trustees by district.

Ford County following footsteps of Shelby County – state’s attorney advised changing direction from past practice

By John Kraft & Kirk Allen, Edgar County Watchdogs | Feb 14, 2023

The Ford County Board met last night for their regular meeting to discuss options for the farm ground they own.

Exposing public official malfeasance results in order of protection – will it survive credibility test?


By John Kraft & Kirk Allen, Edgar County Watchdogs | Feb 3, 2023

Judge Ramona Sullivan issued an Emergency Order of Protection in June of 2022 against a Mahomet Township resident Brian Anderson. After a motion to change judges and an extensive delay with discovery requests and other filings, the case finally had a hearing on the merits in Champaign County before Judge Webber.

From DuPage Policy Journal

Ballot chain of custody failures – DuPage county – Champaign county – any more?

By John Kraft & Kirk Allen, Edgar County Watchdogs | 2 years ago

Earlier this year DuPage County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek crowed about the vote by mail in DuPage County.

Rantoul referendum to abandon district representation is premature

By John Kraft & Kirk Allen, Edgar County Watchdogs | Dec 22, 2022

In the fall of 2018, voters in the Village of Rantoul approved a referendum to elect village trustees by district (instead of at-large) as provided for in the Illinois Municipal Code.

Champaign Co. Clerk changes ballot handling process after lawsuit agreement

By John Kraft & Kirk Allen, Edgar County Watchdogs | Nov 8, 2022

During this morning’s hearing, which we livestreamed, the County Clerk and Plaintiff McGuire came to an agreement regarding the lawsuit filed last week which resulted in a TRO and a later reversal of the TRO, and today’s hearing

Judge issued emergency restraining order against Champaign County Clerk; Unsecure ballots in private vehicle

By John Kraft & Kirk Allen, Edgar County Watchdogs | Nov 6, 2022

At 6:40 p.m. on Friday evening, November 4, 2022, Champaign County Associate Judge Anna M. Benjamin signed a Temporary Restraining Order against Champaign County Clerk Arron Ammons, and Deputy Clerk Michelle Jett.