About Us
Ross Schultze, Sheriff
Sheriff Schultze was elected in 2022.
45TH ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL 2026
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 618-327-3700 for more information!!
CAR SHOW: OKAWVILLE WHEAT FESTIVAL 2026
Help celebrate the 78th annual Wheat Festival, September 18-20! Events include nightly live music, carnival rides, the best fair food around, homemade ice cream, beer & soda stands, and much more!
JOB POSTING-FULL TIME CORRECTIONS OFFICER
Applications will be accepted until August 16, 2026. Looking to fill one full time vacancy in the jail. For any questions, please contact Sgt. Siegel in the Jail at 618-327-8274 ext 115 or JSgt@washingtonco.illinois.gov
ROAD CLOSURE AUGUST 3-7, 2026
Beginning August 3rd, 2026, State Route 15 will be temporarily closed about a mile East of County Highway 17 (Kozuszek's Curve) up to the rock pile. It is expected to be opened back up by August 7th, 2026, potentially sooner.
DOWNSTATE MAJOR CASE SQUAD GOLF SCRAMBLE FUNDRAISER
🏆🎯 Quarterly Firearms Qualifications Complete | Deputy Isaiah Mathis Earns Top Shot Honors 🚔
The Washington County Sheriff's Office recently completed our quarterly firearms qualifications. These qualifications ensure our deputies and corrections personnel maintain the proficiency, safety, and readiness required to serve and protect our community.
Congratulations to Deputy Isaiah Mathis, who earned Top Shot honors for this quarter with the highest qualification score.
We are proud of the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by all personnel who participated in training.
We'd also like to recognize Deputy Samuel Bielong for once again proving that confidence is key. While everyone else showed up dressed for firearms qualifications, Deputy Bielong arrived looking ready for a tropical vacation. Despite repeated requests, we can confirm the Hawaiian-style range shirt has not been added to the Sheriff's Office uniform policy... yet.
Great work by everyone involved, and congratulations again to Deputy Mathis on an outstanding performance.
🌅 Harvest Season is Here – Let's Keep Everyone Safe on the Road 🌽🚜
As combines and grain trucks become a more common sight on our county roads, we ask everyone to slow down, stay alert, and share the road safely.
With wheat harvest wrapping up and fall harvest in a few months, farm equipment will be traveling between fields and moving at much slower speeds than regular traffic. Please be patient and allow plenty of space when following or passing.
We also want to remind drivers to take an extra second at four-way intersections. Large farm equipment and trucks may have limited visibility, and a moment of caution can help prevent a serious crash. Before proceeding, make sure all traffic has come to a complete stop and that the intersection is clear.
A little patience and awareness go a long way in keeping our farmers, truck drivers, and motorists safe during harvest season.
Photo Credit: Deputy Andrew Howard