​The Juvenile Justice Council of Iroquois County has enjoyed partnering with Ms. Thomas' 1st grade class at Glenn Raymond School this school year through the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce's Business Education Partnership and You Program. During their final visit, the JJC presented a lesson about using ACTIVE and CREATIVE COPING STRATEGIES to handle BIG feelings and stress. Students practiced both active and creative coping skills by decorating colorful kites and flying their worries away while remembering that they have MANY safe and healthy ways to handle emotions!

Clean out your medicine cabinet and help keep our community safe! Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Safely dispose of unused or expired medications to prevent misuse and protect our families, friends, and environment.
​
Free and anonymous drop-off sites are available across Iroquois County, with 24/7 disposal at the Iroquois County Jail!

And now the moment you have all been waiting for...Out of the NUMEROUS Teen Mental Health Public Service Announcements that were submitted, the Juvenile Justice Council of Iroquois County is excited to announce the WINNERS of their contest. CONGRATS to the listed students from junior and senior high schools across the county! (Thanks to JJC members from Birth to Five, Harbor House, I-KAN ROE, Iroquois County Board, Iroquois County Probation Department, Iroquois County Public Health Department, Iroquois County Sheriff's Department, Iroquois County State's Attorney Office, Iroquois Memorial Hospital, Iroquois Mental Health Center, the National Guard, WGFA Radio 94.1 FM, parent representatives, and student ambassadors for serving as impartial judges! It was difficult for them to choose just one winning PSA from each school that participated!)

Submitted PSAs were especially impactful, as they were written from the teen perspective about mental health issues our youth are currently facing. The winning PSAs cover topics, such as stress/anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, substance use, bullying, coping skills, and where to seek help. Winning entries are being recorded and will air on WGFA 94.1 FM and The Buckle 96.9 FM radio stations. Each contest winner will receive an award certificate and more. ALL 138 entrants and 9 teachers will receive a sweet treat and swag. ALL of the entries will be used in TIP the Scale's Mental Health Awareness Month (May) social media campaign, so be sure to follow TIP the Scale's Facebook page to see all of the fabulous submitted messages.
​
The JJC thanks students, teachers, and organization sponsors for taking part in this contest and being a voice of hope for teens who may be struggling with their mental health. Everyone wins when we work together to promote teen mental health!

​The Juvenile Justice Council of Iroquois County continues to partner with Ms. Thomas' 1st grade class at Glenn Raymond School through the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce's Business Education Partnership and You Program. This month the JJC presented a lesson about using MINDSET SHIFTING COPING STRATEGIES to handle BIG feelings and stress.

Calling all Iroquois County students (grades 6-12)! The Juvenile Justice Council invites you to enter our annual Teen Mental Health PSA Contest. Create a 30-second written PSA to promote mental health awareness, encourage positive choices, and inspire teens to connect with others and seek help if needed. Winners get to record their PSA and have it air on local radio (WGFA & The Buckle) + prizes!

Topics: underage substance use, anxiety/stress, bullying, depression, body image, self-harm, healthy coping strategies, etc.
Enter: Solo or as a team
Submit: Email [email protected] by 11:59 p.m. on April 3rd, 2026
​
Check the flyer for full details. Make your voice heard and create a positive impact!

​The Juvenile Justice Council of Iroquois County is partnering with Ms. Thomas' 1st grade class at Glenn Raymond School through the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce's Business Education Partnership and You Program. This month the JJC presented a lesson about using SOCIAL COPING STRATEGIES to deal with feeling overwhelmed.