Dropped E-Cig Causes Fatal Saline County Wreck

ISP DISTRICT 19 TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT

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

WHAT: Fatal Traffic Crash

WHERE: US 45 at Muddy Rd., Saline Co.

WHEN: 01/06/19 01:37 pm

VEHICLE: Unit #1: 2017, Volvo, semi truck w/trailer

Unit #2: 1960, Massey Ferguson Tractor

DRIVER: Driver #1: Kevin S. Voelker, age 56 of Omaha, IL.

Driver #2: Raymond G. Bowles, age 60 of Harrisburg, IL.

PASSENGER: None

CAUSE: Failing to Reduce Speed to Avoid Crash

TRANSPORTS: Life Flight transported Raymond G. Bowles to an area hospital.

ROAD CONDITIONS: Open PRELIMINARY: According to the preliminary traffic crash investigation, the driver of the tractor was traveling southbound on US 45 in the right lane at Muddy Rd. at a slow rate of speed. The driver of the semi truck was also traveling southbound on US 45 in the same lane at a higher rate of speed. The driver of the semi truck claimed he was distracted when he dropped an e-cigarette device in his cab. The semi truck then struck the tractor in the rear overturning it. The driver of the tractor was injured and transported by Life Flight to a local area hospital, where he later passed away from his injuries. The semi truck driver was uninjured. ISP District 19 was assisted at the crash scene by the Saline Co. Sheriff’s Office, the Saline Co. Ambulance Service, and Life Flight.

CHARGES: Failing to Reduce Speed to Avoid Crash

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

WVC NURSING PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2019

The Illinois Eastern Community Colleges: Olney Central College Associate Degree Nursing Program housed at Wabash Valley College is currently accepting students for Fall 2019.

Individuals wishing to apply should schedule an appointment as soon as possible to meet with Nursing Program Advisor Michelle Woods to discuss program requirements. She may be reached at 618-262-8641, ext. 3431, or call toll-free 1-866-982-4322.

The application process must be completed by February 15, 2019.

Organizers Rebrand Wabash Ribberfest To New Name & Date

One of Mt. Carmel’s signature festivals is getting a complete makeover for 2019. Wabash Ribberfest has been a mainstay on the local events calendar for the last two decades. But, organizers have announced that Ribberfest is being renamed “Wabash Roots ‘n Que” and is being moved from April to June 21st and 22nd in uptown Mt. Carmel.

Illinois State Police Announces December Activity and Enforcement

Illinois State Police District 19 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt, announced today activity and enforcement figures for the month of December. Troopers in District 19, which includes Wabash, Edwards, Wayne, White, Hamilton, Saline, and Gallatin Counties, recorded 997 incidents during the month.

Enforcement activity consisted of 258 citations and 594 written warnings, including 134 speeding citations, 2 DUIs, 21 occupant restraint citations, 9 criminal arrests, and 202 written warnings for speeding. Troopers also assisted 40 motorists, conducted 148 Motor Carrier Safety Inspections, and investigated 31 traffic crashes. There were no fatal traffic crashes investigated by District 19 during December.

Moreover, District 19 issued 158 citations and 248 written warnings 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

Greenup Woman Killed In Single Car Crash

ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT

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

WHAT: Fatal Crash

WHERE: IL 121 approximately 1 mile east of Toledo

WHEN: January 7, 2019 at 7:27 P.M.

VEHICLES: Unit #1 – Silver 2005 Dodge Neon

DRIVER: Unit #1- Julie A. Croy 44 of Greenup

Passengers: N/A

CHARGES: N/A

Transports: Julie A. Croy was transported by ambulance to Carle Foundation Hospital in Champaign

PRELIMINARY: Preliminary investigation indicates that unit 1 was traveling east on IL 121 approximately 1 mile east of Toledo. Unit 1 ran off the right side of the roadway, struck a field entrance, and became airborne. Unit 1 landed front end first in the ditch and then skidded to a stop. Unit 1 driver was transported to Carle Foundation Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

SIGN LANGUAGE OFFERED AT WVC SPRING SEMESTER

Wabash Valley College is offering Conversational Sign Language (HEA 2201) in the Applied Arts Building (AA104) on Thursday evenings from 6:00 – 8:50 p.m. Tyler Burr, the instructor, has been serving as a volunteer interpreter since 2008 and studied American Sign Language to English Interpreting at North Central University. American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, complex language that employs signs made by moving the hands combined with facial expressions and postures of the body.

In-District tuition may be discounted for students enrolled in four or less semester hours in the evening. There will be a $5 Technology fee per credit hour, a $12 Student Support fee per credit hour, and a $15 Maintenance fee per credit hour.

Contact Student Services (618-262-8641) or register at the first class meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 10 in AA104.

Happy Holiday$ For Local Merchants

It was a happy holiday season for many members of the Wabash County Retail Merchants Committee. At yesterday’s first RMC meeting of the year, it was reported that more than $107,000 in Merchant gift checks were purchased last year. Gift checks are available year round in any denomination and are redeemable at any of the more than 60 RMC members.

The merchants are also kicking off a new promotion in which they’ll give away a $25 gift check 8 times this year. You can stop by any participating member to register.

Yesterday’s meeting was also the first one for 2019 RMC chair Brenda Bobbitt.

CONCEALED CARRY RECERTIFICATION COURSE TO BE OFFERED AT WVC JANUARY 19

If you are interested in recertifying your Illinois Concealed Carry Permit, now is your opportunity to enroll in the IECC Concealed Carry Recertification course that provides the 3 hours of required training. This course is for any Illinois Concealed Carry permit holder that needs to take the recertification training.

Five years ago, in the fall of 2013, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges started offering the Concealed Carry Program. The first students through the program will be coming up for their recertification time.

Training includes: Updates to the Law; Changes to the FOID Act and Unlawful Use of Weapons; Review of Handgun Fundamentals; Dry and Live Fire Drills.

Pre-registration is required. MUST have your Illinois Concealed Carry Permit to take the course. Two courses will be offered on Saturday, January 19 at the Wabash Valley College Advanced Technology Building. Students may take the class from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., or from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The cost of the 3-hour Recertification class is $50. D Ray Etzkorn is the instructor. For more information or to get registered, contact the Student Services Office: Wabash Valley College-Mt. Carmel, 866-982-4322, or Frontier Community College-Fairfield, 877-464-3687. If you have questions concerning the program, contact the Concealed Carry Coordinator, Bryan Hart, at hartb@iecc.edu, or call 618-879-9420 and leave a message.