MCPD InvestigaTes Possible Attempted Child Abduction

On 8/17/2020 at approximately 5:39 pm, The Mt. Carmel Police Department received a report of possible attempted child abduction in the area of 2nd & Mulberry Street. The caller reported at approximately 5:30 pm, a black SUV drove by an older white male with a white beard, pulled into a driveway, stopped a child playing in the area, and told her to “come see Santa”. The child ran from the subject and fled inside the home. The child described the subject as having a Santa resemblance but was not overweight. The only other vehicle information provided was that the vehicle had a front license plate on it. The vehicle was last seen westbound on 2nd Street headed towards Market Street. Anyone with information is asked to call the Mt. Carmel Police Department at 618-262-4114 or dial 911.  

Coroner Releases Information On Wabash County COVID-19 Death

COVID-19 UPDATE From Coroner Shaun Keepes:


As of 3:00 p.m. on Aug 17, 2020, there have been sixty-seven (67) deaths WITHIN Wabash County this year. One (1) of these deaths have tested positive for Covid-19. A death is considered Covid-19 related when the Primary Care Physician or Coroner includes Covid-19 as the cause of death OR a contributing condition to the death on the death certificate.

Date of Death: 08/11/2020
Age:60
Gender: Female
City: Mt.Carmel
Location: Residence

We offer our thoughts and prayers to the family.

This post is for informational purposes only. If you have a question please feel free to give me a call.

ISP CONDUCT CLAY COUNTY DEATH INVESTIGATION

Effingham, IL – On Aug. 15, 2020, Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 8 officials were requested by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to conduct a death investigation at 13832 First Avenue, Mason, Illinois, Clay County. A male subject later identified as Austin D. Woods, 29-year old male of Edgewood, Illinois was found deceased on a farm road in rural Clay County. Zone 8 Agents and ISP Crime Scene Investigators responded to the scene. On Aug. 16, 2020, an autopsy was performed at the Clay County Hospital.


The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is assisting ISP DCI Zone 8 with this open and on-going investigation. No additional information is being released at this time.

District #348 Goes To Remote Learning Immediately

Public Statement Regarding Remote Learning Status Community,

Due to the increasing positivity rates of COVID-19 and the subsequent quarantines and isolations of residents of our community, Wabash CUSD #348 will move immediately into remote learning status. This decision was not made lightly and did take into consideration numerous factors. The first and foremost factor was the safety and well being of our community.

In addition to the immediate transition to remote learning, there will be a pause in all athletics.

As for breakfast and lunch, the District will begin providing those meals similarly to the procedure in the springtime.

The building principals will be delivering building specific information that will outline remote learning procedures. Additionally, the teachers will be reaching out to students and parents on their expectations.

Unfortunately, we did not foresee this rapid return to remote learning. This has never been the goal of the District, and we are committed to returning to in-person instruction as soon as possible. When the time comes to return to in-person instruction, the community will be given at ample notice for preparations.

We are also sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause, but the circumstances at this time make it necessary.

Stay safe and Go Aces,

Chuck Bleyer, Ed.D. Superintendent

Illinois State Police Announces July Activity and Enforcement

Carmi, IL – Illinois State Police District 19 Commander, Captain Nathan Douglas, announced today activity and enforcement figures for the month of July. Troopers in District 19, which includes Wabash, Edwards, Wayne, White, Hamilton, Saline, and Gallatin Counties, recorded 1,358 incidents during the month.

Enforcement activity consisted of 489 citations and 1,164 written warnings, including 3 DUIs, 292 speeding citations, 38 occupant restraint citations, 9 criminal arrests, and 369 written warnings for speeding. Troopers also assisted 82 motorists, conducted 106 Motor Carrier Safety Inspections, and investigated 22 traffic crashes. There was one fatal traffic crash, resulting in one fatality, investigated by District 19 during July.

Moreover, District 19 issued 354 citations and 456 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.

Chamber Plans "No Contact" Christmas Parade

The Mt. Carmel Christmas Parade will have a decidedly different look this year as Hipsher announced this week that the December 5th parade will be a “no contact” parade. Entries will not be allowed to throw or pass out candy or other items and spectators will be encouraged to watch the parade from their vehicles. Hipsher said entries are being encouraged to use the money they would’ve spent on candy for the parade to donate that money to a local charity. The theme of this year’s parade is “Choose Joy”.  

Chamber Of Commerce Annual Banquet Cancelled

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed another annual event as the Wabash County Chamber of Commerce has cancelled this year’s annual banquet. Even though the banquet, originally held in October, has been cancelled, Chamber Executive Director Lesley Hipsher told the Retail Merchants Committee Tuesday that the chamber will still award a business of the year. Also, the Merchants will hand out their employee of the year as well. Information on the nomination process for both awards will be released in the coming weeks.