City officials and the Delavan Police Department have taken action at a Third Street property following weeks of community concern, using a new state law that gives police clearer authority to remove unlawful occupants.

The property at 510 W. 3rd Street had been the subject of ongoing complaints related to occupancy, ownership, and deteriorating conditions. According to a statement from the Delavan Police Department, officers made contact with individuals living inside the home and determined they had no legal right to be there.

New Illinois Law Played a Key Role

Police acted under a recently enacted Illinois statute — Senate Bill 1563 — which took effect January 1. The law was designed to address situations in which individuals occupy a property without permission but do not meet the legal definition of tenants or renters.

Under the new law:

Police may treat unlawful occupants as trespassers rather than requiring a civil eviction process.

Officers may issue criminal trespass notices and direct individuals to vacate immediately.

Property owners no longer need to navigate lengthy court procedures before law enforcement can intervene.

The measure was passed in response to statewide concerns about “squatter” situations in which property owners had limited options to regain control of their homes. Delavan officials noted that the Third Street case fit the exact circumstances the new law was intended to address.

Trespass Notices Issued, Property Secured

After confirming the individuals had no legal authority to be on the property, officers issued criminal trespass notices and formal notices to vacate. Those present were allowed a brief, supervised opportunity to collect essential personal belongings.

A representative of the current property owner arrived on scene and has begun working with the City to secure and clean the property. Exterior cleanup is already underway, with more extensive interior remediation planned. Locks have been changed, no trespassing signs have been posted, and the owner’s representative has been cooperating with officials.

During the response, officers also discovered evidence of utility tampering. Ameren was contacted and responded to address the issue.

City Continues Compliance Efforts

City departments are continuing to coordinate efforts to bring the property into compliance with local codes and safety standards. Officials acknowledged the frustration expressed by residents as the situation unfolded and thanked the community for its patience while legal and procedural requirements were followed.

Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact City Hall directly rather than rely on social media.

Ichabod’s Apothecary, a beloved fixture in Delavan and the only functioning apothecary in Illinois, is embarking on a new chapter by relocating to Pekin following challenges with city support and funding. Owner and founder, Tommie Chadwick. who built the business from the ground up, recently announced that while rumors of closure have circulated, Ichabod’s is not shutting its doors but rather moving to a new location to continue serving its loyal community.

The decision to move comes after the owner declined a loan to purchase the current building, citing a lack of support from the city. Over the past two years, applications for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds were unsuccessful. These setbacks made relocation the most feasible option.

Despite these challenges, Ichabod’s has maintained strong financial health and contributed significantly to local entrepreneurship. Through the Smart Start program, the apothecary helped launch four businesses and dedicated part of its space as a business incubator, offering no-rent or low-rent opportunities to startups.

On a personal note, Chadwick is pursuing a PhD in Holistic Medicine with a focus on Quantum Physics and Herbalism, promising future expansion of Ichabod’s knowledge base and offerings. While the move marks the end of an era in Delavan, the owner expresses gratitude for the friendships and support received and views the transition as the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

New Partnership with Soul Restoration in Pekin

Ichabod’s Apothecary announced its new home inside Soul Restoration at 2914 Court St., Pekin, IL 61554. The partnership is described as a natural fit, with Soul Restoration’s vision of holistic health and wellbeing aligning closely with Ichabod’s philosophy of accessible, empowering herbal education.

The relocation brings several new opportunities for customers. Classes are scheduled to begin the week of January 19, with a full schedule to be released soon on both the apothecary’s Facebook page and website. Retail operations are expected to launch in early February, featuring over 200 herbs, a diverse selection of teas and herbal products, and unique antiques that embody Ichabod’s spirit.

Additionally, Ichabod’s will offer personalized herbal coaching and one-on-one classes, tailored to individual needs and wellness goals. These sessions aim to help participants build confidence and clarity in their herbal journeys.

The owner expresses deep appreciation for the community’s ongoing support and looks forward to welcoming both new and returning customers into the expanded space at Soul Restoration. Ichabod’s Apothecary remains committed to fostering healing, learning, and community connection as it continues to grow in its new location.

In response to ongoing questions from residents about how to report neighborhood nuisance issues, Delavan Police Chief Michael Evans has clarified the City’s official procedures and emphasized the importance of using established reporting channels rather than social media.

According to Chief Evans, residents should begin by contacting City Hall directly—whether in person, by phone, or by email—when they encounter property maintenance problems, zoning concerns, or other recurring neighborhood issues. City Hall staff route each complaint to the appropriate department, which may include zoning and inspections, the Police Department, or other City offices.

Residents may also reach out to their alderman, particularly when a concern is ongoing or affects a broader area. However, Evans noted that aldermen are not enforcement authorities; in most cases, they forward complaints to City Hall for formal handling.

Once a complaint is filed, City staff evaluate which department or departments are responsible for addressing it. Some situations, especially those involving complicated ownership or property condition issues, require coordination across multiple areas. Residents who provide contact information should expect acknowledgment that their concern has been received and, when appropriate, follow up communication. However, Evans cautioned that privacy laws, legal requirements, and active enforcement steps often limit the level of detail the City can share while a case is in progress. Many complaints are also submitted anonymously, which can further limit communication.

Chief Evans emphasized that the Police Department’s approach prioritizes voluntary compliance over immediate punitive action. “Citations alone do not typically resolve nuisance issues,” he explained, noting that his 22 years of service have shown that conversations and cooperative problem solving are more effective than issuing a strict seven day notice followed by fines ranging from $75 to $750 and mandatory court appearances.

Cleanup timelines can vary widely, Evans said, with some corrective actions requiring 30 days or more due to weather, work schedules, or financial constraints. While the City aims to be reasonable when property owners demonstrate a plan and steady progress, officials also remain mindful of the impact nuisance properties can have on surrounding residents.

Evans also acknowledged that staffing levels influence how quickly nuisance issues can be addressed. In past years, the Police Department assigned a dedicated officer to code related matters, but fluctuating staffing has sometimes required those responsibilities to be shared among patrol officers in addition to their regular duties.

The Chief urged residents to avoid relying on social media to report concerns. Official reporting channels ensure complaints are documented, investigated, and addressed appropriately, while social media posts often lack context and can unintentionally spread misinformation. The City does not monitor or respond to social media for enforcement matters, Evans said, noting that online discussions can quickly shift from information sharing to debate or personal criticism of staff.

Residents with nuisance concerns are encouraged to contact City Hall directly to ensure their reports are properly logged and routed for action.

State Representative Bill Hauter and State Senator Sally Turner are once again inviting central Illinois residents to help brighten the season for older adults by participating in their annual Valentines for Seniors card drive. Community members are encouraged to create or donate Valentine’s Day cards now through February 6, with all collected cards delivered to seniors living in area long term care facilities.

The lawmakers say the project is a simple but meaningful way for residents of all ages to share kindness. Handmade cards, store bought greetings, and notes of encouragement are all welcome.

Cards may be dropped off or mailed to either district office:

• 120 S. McLean St., Suite E, Lincoln, IL 62656. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• 133 S. Main St., Suite A, Morton, IL 61550. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Hauter and Turner noted that many seniors in care facilities have limited social contact, and a cheerful Valentine can make a meaningful difference. Schools, church groups, clubs, and families are encouraged to participate.

All cards must be received by February 6 to allow time for sorting and delivery before Valentine’s Day.

Welcome back to Hometown History! Keeping with last week’s theme, let’s dive back into Delavan’s most notable people. This week discussing the fast, exciting, and ultimately too short life of Delavan’s own race car driver. Born in Delavan on January 29, 1915, was John (Johnny) Maxwell McDowell to a modest farm family. Although not much is known about his early life, it is known that his family moved to California when he was young. He began his racing career in 1934 at age 19, and a mere 3 years later, he was experiencing his first Indy 500, where he was riding mechanic for Frank Wearne! If you’re unfamiliar with the Indianapolis 500, it’s the largest racing event. Essentially, the Indy 500 is the Super Bowl of racing. Being here so early in his career speaks to the talent, dedication, and love for the sport that Johnny McDowell had.

He went on to become one of the top midget car drivers in 1939, racing in Gilmore Stadium, a multipurpose Los Angeles stadium that’s now long since demolished. That season, McDowell held points lead until September and ultimately finished the season in second place. Though he didn’t get first place, McDowell won 13 features on the track, placing 9th in the stadium’s all-time wins. His career was just getting started.

In 1947, McDowell placed second in AAA West Coast Midget Cars points standing as well as earning the title Turkey Night Grand Prix. Moving back to the Midwest in 1948, McDowell began racing in the Central Savanah River Area (CSRA) Circuit, which he participated in based out of Ohio. Johnny McDowell would then go on to compete as a driver in the Indianapolis 500 from 1949 until 1952, he probably would’ve gone on had his life not been cut short.

Driving was Johnny McDowell’s passion, and he died doing what he loved. Mere weeks after his final Indy 500, 37-year-old McDowell was racing at the Rex Mays Memorial in Wisconsin. During the race, he drove in the Kurtis 2000 - Offenhauser “McDowell”. His name is now attributed to that model and engine combinations as it’s famously what he drove. He was racer number 31.

During the race, his car flipped at the beginning of his third turn. He was thrown from the vehicle and tragically didn’t make it. “Eyewitnesses reported that the McDowells’ car was “sagging” during practice, and the chassis frame rails were found broken after the crash - however, it was not determined whether the fracture took place before, during or after the accident”. It’s sad to think that the accident could have been prevented with better maintenance. Though it’s unknown if that’s the case or not. He was laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery in Altadena, California, a place he spent the majority of his younger years. He remains one of history’s most accomplished midget car racers, and for such he was inducted into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2003.