Two Arrested For Obstruction Of Justice In Death Investigation

UPDATE: The victim has been identified as 24 year old Dacre M. Hertel of Mt. Carmel. Pending toxicology results, authorities believe the cause of death is likely related to diabetes. 

EARLIER STORY: Wednesday at approximately 11:38am, Mt. Carmel Police and first responders were dispatched to 215 E. 13th Street in Mt. Carmel reference a 24 year old female who was found unresponsive.  Wabash General Ambulance, Mt. Carmel Fire, and MCPD Officer's arrived on scene and began CPR.  The 24 year old female was transported to Wabash General Hospital where she was declared deceased.  Two male subjects residing at the residence were arrested after they provided false information to police.  Police arrested 22 year old Anthony W.E. Parrish and his father, 45 year old Jeffrey S. Parrish both of Mt. Carmel.  Police reported that Anthony provided MCPD Detective Ryan Turner a false name during the investigation.  It is also alleged that Jeffery Parrish informed Detective Turner that his son had a different name.  It was later determined that Anthony was wanted on a White County warrant for burglary to a motor vehicle.  The father and son were both arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where they were charged with felony obstruction of justice.  A 13 month old child in the residence was taken into protective custody and would later be turned over to a family member.  

An investigation into the death of the 24 year old is ongoing and is being conducted by the Wabash County Coroner's Office and the Mt. Carmel Police Department.  An autopsy is scheduled for today.

At this time foul play is not suspected.  Mt. Carmel Police were assisted by the Wabash County Coroner's Office, the Wabash County Sheriff's Office, Mt. Carmel Fire Department, Wabash General Hospital EMS, and the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services Unit.  The identity of the 24 year old female is being withheld pending notification of family.

22 year old Anthony W.E. Parrish

45 year old Jeffrey S. Parrish both of Mt. Carmel

MCHS Students Participate In Ride Your Bike To School Day

Over 100 MCHS students took advantage of the great weather today to pedal their way to school on "Ride Your Bike To School Day".

Click the photos for a gallery from this morning.

Two Injured In White County Wreck

ISP DISTRICT 19 TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT

The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 19:

 WHAT:                                   Personal Injury Traffic Crash

WHERE:                                 US 45 at White Co. Rd 550N

WHEN:                                   05/08/18 1:26 pm

VEHICLE:                             Unit # 1- 1995, Chevrolet, Silverado, truck

                                                Unit # 2- 1994, International, tanker truck (2-Axle)

DRIVER:                                Unit #1- Joseph M. Muff, Age 60, Norris City, IL.

                                                Unit #2- Nickolas R. Shiever, Age 31, Carmi, IL.

PASSENGERS:                      None               

CAUSE:                                  Improper Passing at an Intersection

TRANSPORTS:                      Both drivers were transported by ambulance from the scene to local area hospitals.

ROAD CONDITIONS:           Open

PRELIMINARY:                   According to the preliminary traffic crash investigation, the Chevrolet was being driven behind the International as they both traveled southbound on US 45.  When they approached the intersection with White Co. Rd. 550 N. the driver of the Chevrolet attempted to pass the International. The driver of the International attempted to turn left or eastbound onto White Co. Rd. 550N striking the Chevrolet. Both vehicles then went off the eastside of the roadway.

Both drivers had non-incapacitating injuries sustained from the traffic crash.

ISP District 19 was assisted at the crash scene by the Norris City Fire Dept., Norris City Police Dept., White Co. Sheriff’s Office, White Co. Ambulance Service and Rick’s Towing.

CHARGES:                            Improper Passing at an Intersection

                All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Driver Escapes Injury In Single Vehicle Crash

ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT  
 
The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 12
 
WHAT:  Personal Injury Crash  
 
WHERE:   US Route 51 approx 4 miles north of Vandalia, Fayette Co   
 
WHEN:  May 8, 2018 @ 1:46 pm
 
VEHICLES:  Unit 1 – 2008 blue Ford passenger car        

DRIVER:  Unit 1 Driver – Gary Custard Age 75 Ramsey, IL    

TRANSPORTS: Driver #1 transported to Fayette County Hospital  
 
PRELIMINARY:   Preliminary investigative details indicate Unit #1, was traveling southbound on US 51 when it swerved to miss a deer and drove off the roadway to the east where it struck the ditch / embankment. 
 
CHARGES:   Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle
 
 
 All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

County Commissioners Look For Help To Avoid River Road Washout

As the risk of a potential washout along River Road continues to grow, Wabash County commissioners want you to take stock of the potential impact and what you can do to prevent this from happening. The washout is occurring on private property for now, not county or road district property, and some volunteers have already brought money and materials to bear. More will be needed, however.

MCPD Warns Of Another Phone Scam

Mt. Carmel Police Chief John Lockhart is warning local residents that his department is not calling local residents asking for donations. Lockhart says he’s been made aware that residents are receiving calls their caller I-D’s indicate are from the Mt. Carmel Police Department. Lockhart said the scammers are spoofing the number into making victims believe the calls are legit. The chief stressed that his department never solicits donations over the phone and anyone receiving similar calls should hang up and never give out any personal information.

Albion City Council Votes To Pull Out Of Regional Water Commission

The Wabash Valley Regional Water Commission appears to be dead after the Albion City Council voted 4-2 to pull out of the group. The water commission was formed two years ago to explore the possibility of a regional water facility for Mt. Carmel, Albion, Grayville, and Keensburg. While seemingly on board with the proposal until recently, Albion officials have expressed concerns about paying for a regional plant that they felt would benefit other communities more than theirs. Water Commission Chairman Justin Dulgar, who is also Mt. Carmel’s water commissioner, told WSJD that while not official, he felt Albion’s decision Monday night would cause the regional commission’s demise. Dulgar said he was "very disappointed" in the Albion City Council’s decision, but that other options would now be explored for the future of Mt. Carmel's water supply. He said grants may be available to help offset the cost of a building a new $8 million water plant in Mt. Carmel, if the city council chooses to pursue that option. The water commission is scheduled to meet next month and Dulgar said he was unsure if that meeting would be held to officially disband the commission or other avenues may be pursued.

Blackout Leads To 3 Vehicle Crash In Richland County

ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT

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

WHAT: Injury Crash

WHERE: RT 130 (West St.) @ Grove St., Olney, IL

WHEN: 05/07/2018 4:53 PM

VEHICLES: Unit #1 – White 2004 Freightliner Tow Truck Unit #2 – White 2006 Volvo Truck Tractor Unit #3 – Silver 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara

DRIVER: Unit #1 – Joshua A. Womack, 37, of Olney, IL Unit #2 – Petar S. Soltariev, 66, of Streamwood, IL Unit #3 – Jesse J. Cox, 87, of Olney, IL

PASSENGER: Unit #3 – June R. Cox, 85, of Olney, IL

CHARGES: Unit #1 driver: Cited for violation of classification, improper lane usage, and failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

PRELIMINARY: Preliminary investigative details indicate Unit 1 was northbound on IL RT 130 when it swerved into the southbound lane and center turn lane, sideswiping Units 2 and 3. Unit 1 did not stop at the scene of the crash and was later stopped near the intersection of North Avenue and Fair Street. Driver of Unit #1 stated he must have blacked out due to a medical issue and regained awareness near where he was located and stopped by Olney PD. Driver and passenger of Unit 3 were both transported to Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney, IL for minor injuries. Driver of Unit 2 remained near the scene. Driver of Unit 1 was cited for violation of classification, improper lane usage, and failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

Uptown Amphitheater Renamed As Merchants Park

The Uptown Amphitheater in Mt. Carmel is getting a new name. During an appearance on today’s WSJD Morning Show, Darren Gottman and Rachael Smith of the Wabash County Retail Merchants Committee announced the Amphitheater in the 300 block of Market Street will now be known as Merchants Park. Smith explained the RMC has played an active in developing the site from donating funds to purchase and install the paver bricks and fence at the entrance along with the trees….

Gottman announced that proceeds from next month’s Duck Race along with those from the 2019 event will go toward funding the stage at Merchants Park. The 2018 Duck Race is set for June 14th at the Mt. Carmel Swimming Pool. Tickets are available at participating RMC locations, including the WSJD offices.

ISP SEIZES $1.1 MILLION OF SUSPECTED COCAINE DURING TRAFFIC STOP ON I-70

District 12 Illinois State Police troopers patrolling Interstate 70, conducted a traffic stop which yielded 65 kilograms of suspected cocaine. The street value of the suspected cocaine was approximately $1,100,000.00. On Saturday, May 5, 2018, at approximately 1:31 p.m., an ISP trooper initiated a traffic stop on a rental truck for traffic violations on Interstate 70 near St. Elmo. During the traffic stop, approximately 65 kilograms of suspected cocaine was discovered. The driver, Emigdio Penuelas-Medina, 53, of Las Vegas, NV was charged with Trafficking a Controlled Substance. Mr. Emigdio-Medina was incarcerated at the Fayette County Jail. The Fayette County State’s Attorney and Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force assisted with the investigation. “The Illinois State Police remain focused on battling the unlawful trafficking of illicit substances and criminal activity in and around our communities” said ISP District 12 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt.