WGH Thrives In Uncertain Times

Despite uncertainties in Springfield and Washington over the future of healthcare, 2017 has been an outstanding year for Wabash General Hospital. At Monday night’s WGH Board of Directors meeting, CFO Steve McGill reported that the hospital registered its’ highest gross revenue ever in October at $10 million. He said an increase in in-patient surgeries was a main factor in the spike in business. In addition, the state paid WGH $1 million in past insurance claims for state workers and more than $425,000 in overdue Medicaid reimbursements. CEO Jay Purvis told the board that the hospital is well positioned for future challenges…

Also Monday, the board got its’ first look at the 2018 budget that calls for an average 3 ½% rate increase and totals almost $100 million, up $5 million from this year’s budget. The board took the proposed budget under advisement and will act at their December meeting.

Drug Induced Homicide Charge Filed In Mt. Vernon

From Mt. Vernon, IL PD...

On 11/27/17, Detectives from the Mt. Vernon Police Department arrested 22 year old Stephanie Garcia on a charge of Drug Induced Homicide. This is in reference to the investigation into the 11/12/17 death of 40 year old Lavelta Washington at 623 S. 24th Street in Mt. Vernon, IL. The investigation was assisted by the Jefferson County Coroner's Office.

Bond remains to be set. The investigation is ongoing and Garcia is considered innocent until proven guilty.

Cattle were Loose after Semi Rollover Crash

Vigo County—Last evening at approximately 5:00pm, Indiana State Police and Vigo County emergency agencies responded to a semi rollover crash on US 41 northbound near Evans Avenue. There were no injuries, but there were loss of cattle. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a northbound 2003 Peterbuilt tractor, pulling a stock trailer loaded with 63 head of cattle, and driven by 32-year-old Michael D. Gibson of Paris, Kentucky, failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway and rolled over. Reportedly, Gibson was attempting to slow for a slowing or stopping northbound passenger car. Following the crash, emergency personnel noted nine deceased cows and the living remainder were recovered at various nearby locations north, south and east of the scene. 

The semi was operating under Robert Conley Trucking of Georgetown, Kentucky. The load originated in Kentucky and was bound for Iowa. 

The crash was investigated by ISP Trooper Mike Laney. Assisting were the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, Vigo County Emergency Management, Vigo County Highway Department, Otter Creek Fire/Rescue, Trans Care EMS, and Lambert’s Towing and Recovery. 

Mt. Carmel Woman Arrested

On 11/24/17 at 3:41pm Mt. Carmel Police arrested 25 year old Mt. Carmel resident Jesika R. Moreno for Driving While License Suspended, Operating Uninsured Vehicle and Failure to Secure a Child Under 8 yoa in Child Restraint System. Moreno was observed driving a 2000 Chrysler in the area of 4th & Hackberry Street and the officer knew Moreno had a suspended driver’s license out of Illinois. Moreno was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail. Moreno was later released on a $200.00 cash bond.

Princeton Woman Arrested On Various Charges

On 11/25/17 at 10:04am Mt. Carmel Police arrested 32 year old Princeton, IN resident Jessica A. Apodaca for Driving While License Suspended and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. An officer observed a 2008 Chrysler at 5th & Chestnut Street commit a traffic violation. The Chrysler was stopped at 3rd & Walnut and the driver was identified as Apodaca. Apodaca was found to have a suspended Illinois driver’s license and placed under arrest. During this time a glass pipe used to ingest narcotics was observed. Apodaca was charged with the above offenses and released on a $150.00 cash bond.

57 Year Old Jailed On FTA Warrant

On 11/25/17 at 2:34pm Mt. Carmel Police arrested 57 year old Mt. Carmel resident Billy J. Glassco for a Wabash County Warrant for Failure to Appear. Glassco was observed in the 400 block of West 2nd Street and placed under arrest. Glassco was transported to the Wabash County Jail and held on a $500.00 cash bond.

Driving While Suspended Arrest Made

On 11/25/17 at 6:22pm Mt. Carmel Police arrested 33 year old Mt. Carmel resident Crystal D. Adams for Driving While License Suspended when an officer observed operating a 2006 Chevy in the 500 block of N Walnut Street. The officer knew Adams had a suspended driver’s license and placed her under arrest. Adams was transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was charged and later released on a $150.00 cash bond.

Mt. Carmel Man Jailed On Multiple Charges

On 11/25/17 at 10:28pm Mt. Carmel Police responded to a complaint of loud music coming from the 700 block of W 1st Street. When an officer arrived on scene they attempted to contact the resident in question with no success. A second call on the loud music came in at around 11:00pm. The resident exited the home this time but the resident refused to provide his name after multiple requests from the officers. Officers advised the subject he was under arrest for Obstructing Identification. The subject attempted to shut the door to avoid arrest and an officer attempted to step into the doorway to prevent the door from closing. The subject then continued to shut the door causing the officer to be pinned against the door frame and the door. The subject then began pushing on the door against the officer repeatedly. The officer was able to break free and place the subject, later identified as 31 year old Mt. Carmel resident Linden Scott Reed, under arrest. Reed was arrested for Obstructing Identification, Resisting a Peace Officer and Aggravated Battery to a Peace Officer. Reed was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he is being held on a $3000.00 cash bond.

Governor Signs Reis’ Bill to Help Rural Water Customers

Governor Bruce Rauner has signed a bill into law sponsored by State Representative David Reis (R-Ste. Marie) that helps rural wastewater customers. Reis introduced HB 1914 on behalf of EJ Water Cooperative and rural customers seeking new wastewater service.

“I am proud to have sponsored HB 1914 to enable non-profit companies to add wastewater services to residents that are not served by a sanitary district,” Reis said. “Many rural communities are in need of wastewater services that meet environmental requirements and this law will help in that regard.”

Currently, non-profit water companies can utilize public ground for water supply lines, but are not specifically authorized to utilize public land in the same way if the community also wants wastewater services.

“Some of the more rural areas in my district do not have a local government or special district that is capable, qualified or close enough to provide sewer service,” Reis said. “Some of these areas receive their water service from a private company, such as EJ Water Cooperative, and would like to purchase their wastewater services.”

EJ Water Co-Op representative Bill Teichmiller says he appreciates Rep. Reis’ efforts on behalf of rural wastewater customers.

“It can be a long and arduous process to change the law,” Teichmiller said. “But, Representative Reis thoroughly worked through the process and made this major change in a very short amount of time. We want to thank him for understanding this issue really does effect a lot of families in the rural parts of our state. We’re proud to offer wastewater services in rural areas and this law is going to help us do that for more families.”

Illinois State Police Announces Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend Enforcement

Illinois State Police District 19 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt, announced today activity and enforcement figures for the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend, November 22nd – November 26th. Troopers in District 19, which includes Wabash, Edwards, Wayne, White, Hamilton, Saline, and Gallatin Counties, recorded 478 incidents during the long weekend.

Enforcement activity consisted of 315 citations and 203 written warnings, including 235 speeding citations, 2 DUIs, 28 occupant restraint citations, 4 criminal citations, and 87 written warnings for speeding. Troopers also assisted 11 motorists, conducted 62 Motor Carrier Safety Inspections, and investigated 9 traffic crashes. There were no fatal traffic crashes investigated by District 19 during the holiday weekend.

Moreover, 266 citations and 97 written warnings were issued for “Fatal Four” violations. These violations are most associated with fatal traffic crashes and include DUI, Speeding, Failure to Wear a Seatbelt, and Distracted Driving.

Illinois State Police is Committed to Driving Zero Fatalities to a Reality.