On December 20, 2017, at 7:08 p.m. Gibson County Deputy U.B. Smith conducted a traffic stop on a White 1996 Toyota Camry for speeding on US 41 near County Road 350 South. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Smith identified the driver as 36 year old Lakesha Pope of Evansville, Indiana. During a roadside investigation Deputy Smith ran Ms. Pope through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and discovered that Ms. Pope’s driver’s license was listed as Suspended/prior. At that point Deputy Smith placed Ms. Pope into custody and transported her to the Gibson County Jail. At the Gibson County Jail Ms. Pope was charged with Driving While Suspended/Prior. She has since posted a $650 bond.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Allendale Cheerleaders Pink Out Donation to WGH Oncology Department
At the Allendale School Christmas Program, April Fisher and the Allendale Yellow Jackets Cheerleaders presented the Wabash General Hospital Oncology Department with a check for $1,600. The Yellow Jackets Cheerleaders organized a Pink Out Night at a recent home game, which included a cake raffle. They also had sponsors for the pink t-shirts and other donations, as well as a homeroom contest collecting money. The students of Allendale School brought in $416 of change and cash, with the 7th grade winning the contest for the most brought in by a homeroom. Very proud of the awesome response to such a worthy cause by the Allendale School Community.
Pictured: Alexandria Isaac, Kinze Cusick, April Fisher (Cheer Coach), Shawn Campbell (WGH Oncology Department), Lexi Fisher, Lauren Fisher, Katie Jackson, and Bob Bowser (Superintendent).
Woman Avoids Jail Time After Stealing $3,400 From Employer
A Grayville woman charged with stealing over $3,000 from her employer in October has avoided jail time. 27-year-old Tabatha Kell-Cox was charged with taking the money from a money bag from Dollar General while she was an employee. An MCPD investigation resulted in the arrest warrant being issued for Cox and she was taken into custody by the Edwards County Sheriff’s Department. Appearing in court on Monday, Cox was placed into a 24-month offender initiative program, had a 6 month jail term stayed, and ordered to pay $3,406 restitution to Dollar General and not to have any contact with the store.
Addison Says He'll Be Own Attorney
52-year-old Alvin Addison says he’ll be his own lawyer in his domestic battery case in Wabash County Circuit Court. Addison faces two counts of domestic battery in connection to an incident on 12-80 Road. That was the incident in which a dog eventually came to a woman’s aid and ended up biting an intoxicated Addison. During a court appearance this week, Addison said he had not hired an attorney and didn’t want to be represented by the public defender and would act as his own attorney. A preliminary hearing in the case was continued until January 22nd. Addison is free on a recognizance bond.
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE PREPARE FOR HOLIDAY TRAVEL
Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Leo P. Schmitz is reminding motorists to take the necessary safety precautions to prevent senseless tragedies during the upcoming Christmas and New Year season. ISP will be working to reduce fatal crashes and arrest impaired drivers.
The ISP will be doing their part in keeping the roadways safe for those traveling through the state. The ISP will be strictly enforcing the four most common causes of fatal traffic crashes. “The Fatal Four” includes: DUI, Speeding, Seat Belt, and Distracted Driving.
You can do your part to make travel safe this holiday season. If you are going to be at an event with alcohol, please make sure you designate a driver. Keep your eyes on the road away from cell phones, “Give Them Distance” when approaching flashing lights on the shoulder, watch your speed and buckle up every trip.
"DUI is one of the most preventable factors in holiday fatal traffic crashes," stated Illinois State Police Director Leo P. Schmitz. "Throughout the holidays, the ISP will conduct extra patrols and roadside safety checks with an emphasis on removing impaired drivers. Our goal is to make sure all Illinois motorists travel safely, with no tragedies this season. Remember, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over."
We are confident that voluntary compliance of Illinois traffic laws can lead to a safe and enjoyable holiday season for everyone.
Allendale December Students of the Month
Allendale School is proud to recognize its December Students of the Month:
Front Row: Quentyn Blythe (Kindergarten), McKinlee Grimes (1st Grade), Ava Bates (3rd Grade), Gabby Schneider (2nd grade)
Back Row: Cameron Kolb (4th Grade), Trenton Hulfachor (Junior High), Lauren Fisher (Junior High)
Shop With A Cop/Fireman Another Big Success
Wabash County firefighters, police officers, and their families spread Christmas cheer tonight during the annual Shop With A Cop and Firemen program at Shopko. 31 local youngsters and their siblings were able to pick out toys and clothes to help make Christmas a little brighter. Captain Mark Seaton of the Mt. Carmel Fire Department organizes the event...
Seaton thanked local businesses for their donations to make the program possible. He said 100% of the money collected is spent in Wabash County.
Click photos for slideshow.
NOTE: It is our policy not to take photos of any of the families/children participating in this program.
Seaton Honored By WGH Board
Tonight was the last meeting for Wabash General Hospital Board of Directors member Brad Seaton who is stepping down after 5 years on the board. Board Chairman Bill Easton presented Seaton with a plaque to honor his service. A replacement for Seaton on the board has not been named as applications for the post will be accepted.
Holiday Hours Announced For City
The holidays will affect city services. City Clerk Rudy Witsman announced that Mt. Carmel City Hall will be closed Monday and Tuesday next week for Christmas. He also said trash pickup won’t run on Monday and will be a day late the remainder of the week. The city's brush harbor will also be closed this Saturday.
2018 Liquor Licenses Approved
Acting as liquor control commissioner, Mayor Bill Hudson has approved the renewal of the city’s liquor licenses for 2018. City Clerk Rudy Witsman said all 2017 liquor license holders renewed for next year bringing in $19,000 in fees for the city. Witsman also said the city will receive a little less than $12,000 in fees for coin operated devices licenses in 2018.
