Calhoun County Sheriff's Office

06/03/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that they will be testing traffic signals on the Joe Page Bridge today, June 3rd 2026. These lights will be in full service by June 4th 2026. They will be set to 5-minute timers.

Additionally, the Joe Page Bridge will be having barrels and concrete barriers installed over the next two days; reducing the bridge to one lane.

The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office will be providing an additional presence to ensure that everyone is driving safely and abiding by the rules of the road.

The closures are necessary for bridge repairs, with work expected to be completed by June 30, 2027.

Motorists should expect long delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone.

For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

05/27/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

This week Calhoun Unit 40 is hosting Regional and Sectional Championships for Baseball and Softball at Calhoun High School in Hardin. We have received a lot of inquiries about travel times with bridge construction so we wanted to provide an update!

We have spoken with the bridge technicians and representatives from IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation), and they DO NOT plan to start using the stop lights this week.

Although IDOT does plan to do some work this week; they should be finished by the afternoon during travel times for regional and sectional games.

However, this does not include lifts for barge traffic and regular maintenance lifts, which could still affect traffic. If you’re in doubt, all ferries are still operating for alternate routes.

We do ask that everyone continues to drive safely and courteously, as we do expect a high volume of visitors this week and weekend.

(Long story short… Bridge construction should NOT affect your travel plans to the ball games.)

From all of us at CCSO, good luck to our Warriors!

05/19/2026

Congratulations to Dispatcher, EMT and Hero, Shirley Medling!

05/19/2026

Congratulations to Jack Goode!

Jack was selected by Calhoun County Sheriff Zach Hardin as the winner of the 2026-2027 Illinois Sheriffs' Association Scholarship for Calhoun County, Illinois.

Congratulations Jack, and good luck in your future endeavors!

05/14/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

The construction efforts have begun on the Joe Page Bridge in Hardin, Illinois. Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has multiple signs posted from every direction and are currently utilizing flaggers to control traffic.

The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office has already received multiple complaints of drivers disregarding the flaggers, or driving around lines of stopped traffic in an attempt to circumvent the wait times.

We understand that many folks may be used to passing vehicles waiting on a bridge lift; but we would like to clarify that it is UNLAWFUL to pass vehicles waiting in that intersection.

Unlawful passing and the disregarding of traffic control devices is not only illegal, but it is extremely dangerous and poses a very real hazard to the lives of the IDOT crews attempting to complete very critical bridge repairs.

Furthermore, when the bridge is down to one lane of traffic, it is impossible to see the other end and attempting to disregard devices and crossing the bridge could result in disastrous results.

The construction work has just begun and it will be a long time before it is complete. It is important that our citizens and visitors remain patient, and plan routes accordingly.

We will keep the public updated with any information we receive.

Historically, some discretion has been given to allow folks to pass others waiting on bridge lifts. However, while the bridge remains under construction; the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office will be pursuing a zero tolerance enforcement plan for violations that endanger the lives of IDOT crews and other motorists.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we attempt to navigate this problem together.

05/14/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

The construction efforts have begun on the Joe Page Bridge in Hardin, Illinois. Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has multiple signs posted from every direction and are currently utilizing flaggers to control traffic.

The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office has already received multiple complaints of drivers disregarding the flaggers, or driving around lines of stopped traffic in an attempt to circumvent the wait times.

We understand that many folks may be used to passing vehicles waiting on a bridge lift; but we would like to clarify that it is UNLAWFUL to pass vehicles waiting in that intersection.

Unlawful passing and the disregarding of traffic control devices is not only illegal, but it is extremely dangerous and poses a very real hazard to the lives of the IDOT crews attempting to complete very critical bridge repairs.

Furthermore, when the bridge is down to one lane of traffic, it is impossible to see the other end and attempting to disregard devices and crossing the bridge could result in disastrous results.

The construction work has just begun and it will be a long time before it is complete. It is important that our citizens and visitors remain patient, and plan routes accordingly.

We will keep the public updated with any information we receive.

Historically, some discretion has been given to allow folks to pass others waiting on bridge lifts. However, while the bridge remains under construction; the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office will be pursuing a zero tolerance enforcement plan for violations that endanger the lives of IDOT crews and other motorists.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we attempt to navigate this problem together.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that daytime lane closures on the Joe Page bridge, which carries Illinois 100/16 over the Illinois River between Calhoun and Greene counties will begin Monday, May 4, weather permitting.

During the initial phase, two-way traffic will be maintained using flaggers. Continuous daytime lane closures will continue through Friday, May 15.

Beginning Monday, May 18, two-way traffic will be maintained by temporary traffic signals.

The closures are necessary for bridge repairs, with work expected to be completed by June 30, 2027.

Motorists should expect long delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone.

For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

05/13/2026

PRESS RELEASE

On May 13th 2026, at approximately 12:11 PM, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Calhoun High School in reference to a reported “swatting” incident.

“Swatting” refers to the act of making a false emergency report, often involving claims of an active shooter, bomb threat, or other violent incident; with the intent of generating a significant law enforcement response.

An unknown individual contacted the Calhoun County High School and stated that he was enroute to the school armed with an AR-15 and explosive devices. In response to the threat, school officials immediately implemented lockdown procedures to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Within minutes, Law Enforcement Officials from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and Pike County Sheriff’s Department arrived on scene, secured the perimeter and began conducting a thorough investigation of the threat.

Following an investigation, it was determined that the threat was not credible and no weapons or explosive devices were located. The lockdown was subsequently lifted and students and staff were determined to be safe.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and the Calhoun County School District take all threats against schools and public safety seriously. Incidents of this nature cause significant disruption, place unnecessary strain on emergency resources, and create fear within the community. The investigation into the origin of the false threat remains ongoing.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office will be providing additional presence on campus to ensure the safety of all of our students and staff.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Pike County Sheriff’s Department, CUSD 40 administrators, faculty, and emergency personnel for their swift response and cooperation during this incident.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office.

05/11/2026

05/05/2026

More information on the Joe Page Bridge Construction!

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