Driver Arrested on Multiple Charges After Saturday Night Lawrence County Crash

ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT

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

WHAT:                      One Unit Personal Injury Traffic Crash

WHERE:                   US Route 50 East of Lawrence County Road 1650 East, Lawrence County

WHEN:                      July 18, 2020 at 8:56 p.m.

VEHICLE:                Unit 1- 2006 Blue Chevrolet

DRIVER:                  Unit 1- Tyler Stailey, 25-year-old male of Mitchell, IN (Transported to a local area hospital with injuries)

PRELIMINARY:      A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling east on US Route 50, east of Lawrence County Road 1650 East. Unit 1 was passing unsafely.  Unit 1 left the roadway and crossed the median. Unit 1 traveled eastbound in the westbound lanes. Unit 1 attempted to cross the median a second time. Unit 1 lost control and rolled over.  Unit 1 came to rest in the median.

CHARGES:               Unit 1 Driver was issued citations for Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding, Unauthorized Possession of Registration Plates, No Valid Driver’s License, No Valid Registration, Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident, Improper Overtaking on the Left, Following too Closely, Improper Lighting, Driving the Wrong Way on a one way Road, Crossing the Designated Median, Improper Lane Usage, and Failure to Signal when Required

The public is reminded all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Traffic stop leads to arrest of Evansville man on DUI and Drug charges

On July 18, 2020, at 12:50 a.m., Gibson County Deputy Michael Rose conducted a traffic stop on a Gold 1998 Lincoln Town Car for failing to maintain its lane of travel on US 41 near Fort Branch. Upon speaking with the driver 25-year-old Trey Hall of Evansville Deputy Rose detected the odor of alcohol and burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. At that point Deputy Rose conducted a roadside investigation that resulted in Mr. Hall being taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the Gibson County Jail Mr. Hall was charged with Possession of Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. He has since posted a $550 bond.

Assisting Deputy Rose in his investigation was Sgt. John Fischer of the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office and Officer Jeff Beck of the Fort Branch Police Department.

All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Traffic stop leads to arrest of Princeton woman on drug charges

On July 17, 2020, AT 10:59 p.m., Gibson County Sheriff’s Deputy Garrett Tuley conducted a traffic stop on a Black 2006 Chrysler 300 for a registration violation. Upon approaching the vehicle near the intersection of County Road 450 East and State Road 64 Deputy Tuley noticed that both individuals inside the vehicle were abnormally nervous. At that point Deputy Tuley called for back up and began a roadside investigation. During the investigation a hypodermic needle, drug paraphernalia, and marijuana were found in possession of 32-year-old Kimberly Douglas of Princeton. At the conclusion of the investigation Deputy Tuley transported Ms. Douglas to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the Gibson County Jail Ms. Douglas was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Hypodermic Needle, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana. She remains in custody on a $750 bond.

All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

COVID-19 Squeezing City Revenues

Mt. Carmel officials continue to keep a watchful eye on how the pandemic is affecting city finances. Commissioner Eric Ikemire, who oversees the city’s finances, reported at Monday’s council meeting that sales tax receipts currently stand at 13.6% for the fiscal year that began May 1st. He said that is the biggest concern for not only the city but also for all other government entities moving forward. Video gaming revenue is another area impacted by the pandemic. Ikemire said the city receives 5% of all gaming revenue and since video gaming was shut down by the state in March, the receipts are just now beginning since the state resumed video gaming July 1st. Ikemire said the city did receive a $5,000 payment for gaming proceeds.

City Acquires Truck For Water Department Through Federal Program

Mt. Carmel Mayor Joe Judge and Street Department Superintendent Dave Easter traveled to Springfield this week to pick up a truck the city had bought through the federal government’s surplus property program. Judge said the 2010 Ford F-150 4 by 4 will be used by the water department and was purchased for just $2,000. In addition, the truck had a K-9 cage, worth $2,000, that will be utilized by the police department.

City Officials Recap Successful Fantastic 4th Weekend

Monday was the first City Council meeting since Mt. Carmel’s Fantastic 4th Celebration and Mayor Joe Judge recapped the weekend thanking everyone for their attendance and cooperation.

Judge said Mt. Carmel got a longer fireworks show than originally planned. He said the city had planned for about a 17-minute fireworks show, but the fireworks supplier extended it to 30 minutes after other communities cancelled their fireworks and Mt. Carmel received more bang for their buck so to speak.

Fire Chief Francis Speth said while there were two fire runs on the 4th, neither were fireworks-related and he thanked residents for being safe over the 4th weekend.

Commissioner Eric Ikemire said the fish fry at the senior center held during that same weekend was a big success as well as hundreds were served.

Little Egypt Arts Center Hosts Benefit Show Today

A local entrepreneur attended Monday’s City Council to introduce himself and ask for help to keep his fledgling business afloat. John Clancy owns and operates the Little Egypt Arts Center at 5th and Market Street. Clancy’s grandparents are from Mt. Carmel and he opened his art center last August but has struggled for the most part being hit hard by the pandemic. Clancy told commissioners that Mt. Carmel could attract visitors by becoming an arts-centric community…

Clancy said he needed to raise money to keep his arts center afloat asking for any ideas in obtaining grants and other funding. A benefit show with six bands is planned for today at the arts center starting at 4:30pm.

PHOTO: Little Egypt Arts Center Facebook Page

Health Officials Warning Of Heat Dangers

THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS WARNING ABOUT THE DANGERS OF EXTREME HEAT. THE BODY COOLS ITSELF BY SWEATING, BUT WHEN IT’S THIS HOT OUT, SWEATING SOMETIMES ISN’T ENOUGH. PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR DOCTOR NGOZI EZIKE SAYS TROUBLE CAN BEGIN QUICKLY.

IN THE CASE OF HEAT EXHAUSTION, MOVE THE PERSON TO A COOL PLACE AND GIVE THEM PLENTY OF FLUIDS. IF IT’S HEAT STROKE, COOL THE PERSON OFF WITH COLD WATER AND DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS.

At Monday’s City Council meeting, health and safety commissioner Chandler Madden issued a reminder for residents to check on their neighbors, especially if they’re elderly, during the heat wave to make sure they’re fine. Madden also reminded resident with outside pets to make sure they’re well taken care of too with access to plenty of water and shade if they can’t be brought inside.

Galatia Motorcyclist Killed In Saline County Wreck

ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT

The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police

District 19

WHAT:                 One Unit Fatal Traffic Crash

WHERE:               Rose of Sharon Road, 100 feet North of Halltown Road, Saline County

WHEN:                  July 17, 2020 at 11:05 p.m.

VEHICLE:            Unit 1- 2020 White Honda Motorcycle

DRIVER:               Unit 1- Brandon Marvel, 34-year-old male of Galatia, IL

PRELIMINARY:  A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred:  Unit 1 was traveling southbound on Rose of Sharon Road approximately 100 feet north of Halltown Road.  Unit 1 lost control for an unknown reason and overturned on the roadway.  Unit 1 was not wearing a helmet. 

Shelburn Woman Arrested for Animal Neglect

Sullivan County - The Indiana State Police recently conducted an investigation into an animal neglect case located at 1500 West County Road 800 North, in Shelburn, Indiana. The investigation began after receiving several citizen complaints of animal neglect at this residence.  

On June 18, 2020, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Master Trooper Detective Angie Hahn of the Putnamville State Police Post served a search warrant that resulted in the seizure of thirty-five animals ranging from cats, dogs, goats, and a chinchilla. During the course of the investigation it was discovered that all the animals at this address were in terrible living conditions, with no food or water being provided, and several animals were disease-ridden from poor care. 

At the conclusion of the investigation the case was presented to the Sullivan County Prosecutor's Office for review. After a review of the investigation, Sullivan County Prosecutor Ann Smith-Mischler made the determination that charges would be filed in this case.

Julie D. Mitchell, age 53, of Shelburn, Indiana, has been charged with (3) counts of cruelty to animals, (1) count of failure to properly dispose of a dead animal. Mitchell has been summoned to Sullivan County Circuit Court. 

Assisting agencies: Master Trooper Polly Blackburn, Sullivan County Sheriff's Department, Indiana Department Natural Resources, Sullivan County Humane Society, Department of Child Services Sullivan County, Board of Animal Health Dr. Eric Renshaw, Sullivan County Humane Society Veterinarian Dr. Alan Luking. 

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