Iuka Man Killed After Car Hits Horse

ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT

The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 12

WHAT: Fatality accident.

WHERE:  6 miles south of Iuka on Rt. 161 Marion County

WHEN: 06:00 AM 12/05/17  

VEHICLES: Unit #1 – Red 15 Chevrolet Cruze

DRIVER: Unit #1 – Ronald W. Stuber, 78, of Iuka, IL.
       
PASSENGERS: Unit #1- Jeffery W. Stuber, 51, of Iuka IL.  Deceased.

CHARGES: None

TRANSPORTS: The driver of Unit #1 was transported to Salem Township Hospital

PRELIMINARY:   Preliminary investigative details indicate unit #1 was traveling east on Rt. 161 one mile west of Iuka Road when it struck a horse in the roadway.  Marion County Coroner’s office assisted in the crash investigation.  

Busy November For ISP District 19 Troopers

Illinois State Police District 19 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt, announced today activity and enforcement figures for the month of November. Troopers in District 19, which includes Wabash, Edwards, Wayne, White, Hamilton, Saline, and Gallatin Counties, recorded 1,308 incidents during the month.

Enforcement activity consisted of 644 citations and 778 written warnings, including 397 speeding citations, 4 DUIs, 81 occupant restraint citations, 7 criminal citations, and 290 written warnings for speeding. Troopers also assisted 37 motorists, conducted 195 Motor Carrier Safety Inspections, and investigated 60 traffic crashes. There were no fatal traffic crashes investigated by District 19 during November.

Moreover, 496 citations and 333 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. 

Operation Share Seeks Bellringers

Bellringers needed for Operation Share!  Have an hour or two to give to serve others?  You are invited to help raise funds for local residents in need and 100% of all monies collected stay right here in Wabash County.  If you would like to ring on a Monday or Tuesday, please call Marge Dallas at 618.599.1400, Wednesdays or Thursdays, please call Larry Letson at 618.262.4209, and Fridays and Saturdays, please call Pastor Kevin McGinnis at 618.240.6243.

Road District 4 Bridge Work Almost Finished

The bridge project in Road District 4 is almost finished. Highway Engineer Dustin Bunting told the county board Monday that the only work remaining is seeding around the bridge. That could be completed this week, leaving only an inspection by Department of Transportation inspectors remaining. Bunting also several bridge inspections to complete in the next three months as well – 26 in all between now and March.

Wabash County Property Taxes Now Overdue

The final due date for real estate taxes has come and gone. A late fee of 1.5% on the second installment now applies, and the late fee for the first installment has now risen to 3%. Treasurer Beverly McBride told county commissioners on Monday that 95% of tax money has already been collected. That amounts to $10,389,466.71, according to McBride. Certified letters will go out to delinquent taxpayers on January 5th. The last day to pay to avoid having your name published in the newspaper is January 19th. And, a tax sale has been scheduled for February 16th, according to McBride.

New Voter ID Cards Mailed

Hopefully, you have received an updated voter card in the mail by now. But if you didn’t, please contact County Clerk Janet Will. They’ll be sure to get your address listed correctly, and get you a card in time for the March primary election.

Wabash County Sheriff's Monthly Report

Sheriff Derek Morgan issued his monthly written report to county commissioners on Monday. The sheriff’s office handled a total of 275 incidents during November, and issued 45 summons and 25 warrants. Morgan and his deputies also worked 24 crashes during the month.

Keepes Presents Year-End Coroner's Report

Wabash County Coroner Shawn Keepes  presented a year-end report to the county board on Monday. The county’s fiscal year ended on November 30th. Keepes said there were 80 deaths recorded during that time – 77 deaths were by natural causes, two were accidental, and there was one homicide. There were five autopsies performed in last year by Keepes. There were also 26 cremation permits issued in the last 12 months, according to the coroner.

Mayor Thrilled With Holiday Events

Fresh off a weekend that saw thousands of people in Mt. Carmel for a variety of Christmas events, Mayor Bill Hudson took time at last night’s City Council meeting to thank for organizers and volunteers for their hard work….

Hudson also said many out of town visitors spent the entire weekend in Mt. Carmel enjoying the different events.

Another Warning About Leaves In The Street

It’s become a frequent topic at Mt. Carmel City Council meetings this fall….leaves. Last summer, the city council announced they were discontinuing the leaf vac program that has disposed of leaves for many years. But either many residents missed that memo or don’t care because the streets and storm sewers are still littered with leaves. At last night’s City Council meeting, city clerk Rudy Witsman again issued a familiar plea….

Witsman said when the leaves cause problems in the storm sewers, the city has to spend more money on overtime hours when city workers are called out. He again said leaves should either be bagged for pick-up or mulched.