ILLINOIS STATE POLICE ANNOUNCE OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT ARREST

Benton, Il- Illinois State Police officials announce the arrest of Chet L. Shaffer, a fifty-eight (58) year old male of rural Thompsonville, Illinois, who was arrested on three counts of Official Misconduct, two counts of Custodial Sexual Misconduct and two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault. 

 On Friday, August 15, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding allegations of sexual assault against Shaffer, who is a Franklin County Sheriff’s Office jail employee; Shaffer was immediately placed on administrative leave. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office requested the Illinois State Police investigate the allegations.  The investigation resulted in charges against Shaffer and his arrest on August 22, 2019.  Shaffer was able to post 10% of the $100,000.00 bond, and was released.

 The Illinois State Police, in conjunction with Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Appellate Prosecutor’s Office, continues to investigate.  Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Illinois State Police- Zone 7 Investigations at (618) 542-2171.   No additional information will be provided at this time. 

Petersburg Man Goes To Jail Following Traffic Stop

On 8/21/19 Mt. Carmel Police arrested Robert A. Dotterweich, age 47, of Petersburg, IN, for Driving While License Suspended and on a Failure to Appear Warrant out of Wabash County. Dotterweich was stopped for a traffic violation in the area of 2nd & Walnut Street. It was discovered the Dotterweich was wanted out of Wabash County and that he was also driving on a suspended driver’s license so he was placed under arrest. Dotterweich was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending the posting of bond.

Mt. Carmel Driver Arrested For Having Suspended License

On 8/22/19 Mt. Carmel Police arrested Dakota R. Hulfachor, age 27, for Driving While License Suspended following a traffic stop in the 100 block of N Cherry Street. Hulfachor was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending the posting of bond.

Mt. Carmel Woman Arrested For DUI & Driving While Suspended

On 8/22/19 Mt. Carmel Police arrested Christina M. Eckiss, age 31, of Mt. Carmel, for Driving While License Suspended and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol following a traffic stop at Walnut Street & Southgate Drive. Eckiss showed signs of impairment so roadside sobriety testing was conducted. Eckiss exhibited several clues to indicate impairment and was placed under arrest. Eckiss was transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was charged for Driving While License Suspended and DUI-Alcohol. Eckiss was held pending the posting of bond.

Allendale Man Arrested Following Crash

On 8/22/19 Mt. Carmel Police arrested Andrew T. Cheesman, age 32, of Allendale, for Driving While Driver’s License Revoked following a traffic crash at Highway 1 & N 1550 Blvd (Poor Farm Road). During the crash investigation it was learned Cheesman has a revoked driver’s license. Cheesman was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and later released after the posting of bond.

2020 Election Cycle Begins Soon

The November 2020 election is still more than 15 months away, but the candidacy process begins soon. Wabash County Clerk Janet Will reports that candidate packets will be available for pickup on September 3rd. That’s the same date petitions can begin to be circulated. The filing period for the March 17th primary is November 25th though December 2nd. Locally offices up for election include coroner, state’s attorney, circuit clerk, and the 6 year county commissioner seat presently held by Robie Thompson.

District #348 School Board Ratifies 4 Year Contract With WCTA

The Wabash District #348 school board has ratified a new four year contract with the Wabash County Teacher’s Association. The new deal was approved Monday night by the school board and August 12th by the teachers. The pact calls for a 1 ½% salary increase the first year, 1% the second and third years, and a half percent the final year. Insurance coverage and rates remain the same. School Board President Tim Schuler commended negotiators on both sides for their work in hammering out the new contract.

That new teacher’s contract has had a ripple down effect on the proposed 2019-2020 budget in District #348. Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer said the proposed budget he had ready to present to the school board Monday night would need to be adjusted to reflect the salary schedule for teachers. A revised proposed budget will be presented to the school board next month, according to Bleyer.

Allendale School Board Notes

At the August 21, 2019 Allendale School Board meeting held in the Library of Allendale School, the board:

Approved the tentative 2019-2020 Budget and will display it in the school office for the next 30 days.

Set the 2019-2020 Budget Hearing for September 25, 2019 at 6:10 p.m.

Voted to not release the closed session verbatim minutes of March 20, 2019; April 17, 2019; May 15, 2019; June 20, 2018; June 19, 2019.

Approved to declare as Obsolete/Excess Equipment:  2007 AmTran (International) Diesel, 2008 International Diesel, Deep Fryer in Kitchen.

Approved Brooklyn Vernon as an individual aide for the 2019-2020 school year.

Approved Kristi Isaac as nurse aide for the 2019-2020 school year.

Approved Amber McGinnis as a part-time, non-certified counselor for the 2019-2020 school year.