The Prairie News public record for 2-16-24

NOTE: Charges are merely an accusation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Incidents & Accidents
Stark County


1-13 – A two-vehicle accident that also involved injury to a pedestrian occurred on Route 40 and 800N. The vehicle drivers involved were identified as Bruce Swan, 63, Kewanee and Ryan P. Somers, 31, of Freeport.

According to the accident report, from the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, the road conditions were icy and snowy with nearly white-out weather conditions at the time of the crash.

Swan was reportedly traveling north on Route 40 when he struck Somers vehicle which caused the chain reaction and struck a pedestrian identified as Jesse D. Plantter, 25, of Tremont. Both vehicles came to rest in the ditch. It was further noted that a semi-truck was also identified as stopped in the road. Neither vehicle driver was injured but Plantter did sustain injuries and was transported by ambulance to the hospital.

2-8 – A 44-year-old Toulon man reported that he had been the victim of a battery incident. The Stark County Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident and arrested Charles D. Slightom Jr., 41, Toulon, and charged him with battery. Slightom was later released with a court date to appear.

2-9 – A battery complaint was received from a Henry resident from the 200 block of South Henderson Street in Toulon. Authorities took statements from the complainants involved and the incident remains under investigation.

2-10 – Andrew W. Szparkowski, 32, Toulon, was arrested for criminal trespass. He was cited and released with a court date to appear.

Galva Report
Officer dispatched:


2-5 – to the 300 block of SW 6th Ave. for a complaint involving a dog bite to a child. The injury was considered very minor.
2-5 – to meet with a resident at the Galva Police Department to discuss options for a child who has been acting out at home.
2-5 – to the 100 block of NE 7th St. to make contact for Knox County in reference to a hit-and-run accident that occurred earlier in Galesburg. Contact was made.
2-5 – to the 00 block of SW 4th St. for a verbal domestic dispute. As a result, Bryan Folker, 64, Galva, was arrested on a Warren County warrant for failing to appear on traffic charges. He was released with a required court date.
2-5 – to check the welfare of a motorist who was stopped in the 300 block of NW 6th Ave.
2-6 – to the 200 block of SE 7th Ave. for a battery complaint after resident was reportedly attacked inside his residence overnight. This remains under investigation.
2-6 – to meet with a resident at the Galva Police Department who requested complaint forms and freedom of information request forms.
2-6 – to the 00 block of NE 4th St. for dozens of phone complaints involving a variety of complaints. As the result, John Kurzeja, 43, Galva, was arrested for disorderly conduct-false reporting to a public service agency. He was taken to the Henry County Jail.
2-6 – to the 00 block of SE 6th St. for a 911 hangup call. It was determined to be a child playing with the phone.
2-7 – to the 00 block of SW 2nd St. to remove an unwanted subject.
2-7 – to the 200 block of Front St. for a property exchange.
2-8 – to the 100 block of SW 7th St. for a 911 open line call that plotted there. The officer was not able to locate anyone needing assistance.
2-8 – to the 00 block of SW 4th St. for a welfare check. The subject was fine.
2-8 – Officer spoke to a resident by telephone about a harassment issue with family members.
2-8 – Officer was notified about a vehicle repossession that was taking place in the 600 block of NW 5th Ave.
2-9 – to the east edge of town for a reckless-driving complaint. The officer spoke to the driver and advised him of the complaint. No signs of impairment were detected.
2-9 – to meet with a resident at the Galva Police Department to answer questions about a neighborhood concern.
2-9 – to the 00 block of NE 4th Ave. for a civil standby to retrieve property.
2-9 – to the 100 block of NE 9th St. for a loose and aggressive dog. Officer was not able to locate the dog.
2-9 – to the 800 block of NW 3rd Ave. for a battery complaint.
2-10 – As the result of a traffic stop in the 1100 block of SE 2nd St., Leroy Broussard, 23, Henderson, Ill., was cited for operating a vehicle when registration was suspended for no insurance and operating an uninsured vehicle. He was released with a required court date.
2-10 – As the result of a traffic stop in the 300 block of SW 1st Ave., Madelin DeJesus, 48, Galva, was arrested for improper use of registration and operating an uninsured vehicle. She was released with a required court date.
2-10 – to the 00 block of SW 4th St. for a report of a female yelling for help. Officer was not able to locate.
2-10 – to the 00 block of SW 4th St. for a suicidal subject. The subject was taken by ambulance for evaluation/treatment.
2-11 – to the 800 block of NW 3rd Ave. for a complaint involving a dog bite.
2-11 – to the 300 block of SE 2nd St. for a loose dog complaint.
2-11 – along with the Galva Fire Department several miles west of town for a report involving power lines arcing.
2-11 – to a residence on NE 3rd St. for a welfare check on a child.
2-11 – to the 1100 block of SE 2nd St. for a traffic complaint involving a car swerving. Officer was not able to locate.
2-11 – Hailey Castenada, 26, Kewanee, was issued a citation for speeding in the 1100 block of SE 2nd St.

Property Transfers

2-5 – Michael C. Compton to Patricia G. Compton – Pts Plus Ease. Sect 35-12-5 NE and SE – Consideration = $0.
2-5 – Brittani and Cyle Davis to Tori Robertson – Original Town of Wyoming – Block 10 Lots 5 and 6 – 200 W. Smith St., Wyoming – Consideration = $85,000.
2-7 – Alfredo R. and Rita S. Perez to Roselene Loritan – Foster’s Add’n – Block C Lot 11 – 120 1st St., Bradford – Consideration = $7,000.