Illinois Distracted Driving Awareness Week

“Sheriff Kevin Callahan Announces Grundy County Deputies will participate in the First Ever Illinois Distracted Driving Awareness Week April 24-28, 2017" Grundy County Sheriff's Deputies will increase enforcement efforts targeting motorists who are observed violating Illinois State Distracted Driving Laws. Motorists who are observed talking on their cell phones while driving, or are observed texting and driving will be cited. In support of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) asked the Governor of the State of Illinois to declare April 24th through 28th as Illinois Distracted Driving Awareness Week in an effort to bring attention to the dangers and consequences associated with driving distracted. Governor Rauner issued the proclamation and both houses passed resolutions identifying April 24th through the 28th as Illinois Distracted Driving Awareness Week. Almost 300 law enforcement/fire agencies and supporters from the private sector throughout Illinois, will work together during this week to educate motorists on all aspects of distracted driving. This campaign will also include the enforcement of applicable State distracted driving laws. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

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*** Update *** *** The missing person has been located. *** Missing/Endangered Adult Barbara Neill left her residence, walking, around noon today. Barbara has some health issues and her family is very concerned for her well being. Barbara may be in the Gardner or Mazon area if she continued walking. Barbara also frequents Morris. If you see Barbara, please contact the Sheriff's Office immediately. (815) 942-0336 or your local police department.

*** Update *** Route 47 is now open. Thank you ComEd for the rapid response. *** Traffic Alert *** Route 47 is closed between Southmor Rd. and DuPont Rd. due to downed power lines. Dwight Rd. and Lynn Rd. are being used as alternate routes. Avoid the area if possible.

*** Request for Information *** Crimestoppers of Grundy County is seeking information regarding criminal damage to a vehicle that was reported to the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. The incident occurred sometime between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm on Mar. 27, 2017 on Nelson Rd. in rural Morris. The vehicle was a maroon Chevrolet Silverado. The offenders caused extensive damage to the front windshield. Callers providing information to the Crimestoppers Line at 815-942-9667 will remain anonymous and rewards of up to $5,000.00 are eligible for information that leads to an arrest and filing of criminal charges on crime occurring in Grundy County.

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*** Attempt to Identify *** The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a theft from a business that occurred in Rural Minooka. Numerous products were taken including the pallets shown in the photo. Surveillance video was obtained and the vehicle pictured below is believed to be involved. Anyone that is familiar with a Chevrolet S-10 Pickup, possibly blue in color, that was recently hauling pallets is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (815) 942-0336 or Crime Stoppers at (815) 942-9667.

Grundy County Emergency Management Agency

US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois

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*** Burglary Arrest *** Sheriff Kevin Callahan announces a Burglary Arrest. On February 8th 2017 deputies responded to the 200 Block of North St. in Braceville for a Burglary. Upon arrival deputies spoke to the homeowner who reported that his home, garage, and shed had been forced open and ransacked. Investigators responded to the scene and began following up on leads. After a thorough investigation Jason Bendele, 27 of Braidwood and Douglas Blaser, 21 of Braceville were arrested and charged with Burglary.

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***Found Keys** If these are your keys please stop by the Sheriff's Office (111 E. Illinois Ave., Morris, IL) to retrieve them or call (815) 942-6645. (Found near Morris) Please share so the keys can be returned.

Teen Institute - Springfield, Illinois | Cebrin Goodman Teen Institute

The Illinois Sheriff's Association (ILSA) is offering a registration sponsorship to 60 individuals to attend the Cebrin Goodman Teen Institute (CGTI) held July 16 - 20 2017 at Eastern Illinois University. CGTI empowers youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug-free life. We make this a reality by helping teens develop and strengthen leaderships skills, educate them to lead peers to reduce the frequency of substance use and other addictive behaviors, teach to advocate for positive change within their schools, communities, and local government, and encourage healthy decision making skills. Follow the link below to find the ILSA's online sponsorship application. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNZ9Jy1nPBHAG7VgSMQtRgBVN7ZibCwTNjD22DDI5CL2sOIA/viewform?c=0&w=1

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Grundy County Sheriff Says Have a Game Plan for Super Bowl Sunday: Are You Drinking or Driving? Grundy County Sheriff Kevin Callahan announced today his agency will conduct special patrols this Super Bowl weekend, cracking down on alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers and seat belt law violators. “Impaired driving crashes are completely preventable,” said Sheriff Callahan. “All it takes is a game plan. We want fans to remember that it’s a choice, and the choice is simple. Drink or Drive—But never do both. If you do, you will be arrested.” “If you plan on drinking alcohol while cheering on your team, pass your keys to a sober driver before the Super Bowl party begins. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” “Motorists also can anticipate tickets for ignoring seat belt laws,” Sheriff Callahan Said, designating a sober driver before the party and not letting friends drive drunk or drug-impaired are two simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest due to impaired driving. Other important tips include: • Call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely; • Use your community’s designated driver program • Report drunk drivers to law enforcement; • Spend the night where the activity is being held and sleep it off; • Always buckle up. And make sure every passenger is wearing a seat belt. The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office Super Bowl enforcement effort is made possible by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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*** WANTED ***