On August 19, 2020, at 6:25 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch placed a Be On the LookOut (BOLO) on a Whie 2004 Ford F150 that was traveling Eastbound on State Road 64 and was coming into Princeton and was allegedly driving recklessly. Deputy Loren Barchett was in the area and observed a vehicle matching that description fail to signal their turn off of Broadway and into the Asian Star Parking Lot. At that point Deputy Barchett conducted a traffic stop in the restaurant parking lot During the traffic stop Deputy Barchett observed that the driver was not responding to his questions, was having trouble concentrating, and was not producing the proper paperwork when asked. When the driver finally produced a driver’s license the name and picture did not match the driver.
At that point Deputy Barchett asked the driver to shut their vehicle off. Deputy Barchett then went back to his vehicle and requested additional units. While waiting on the additional units the driver restarted the vehicle fleeing the scene. Deputy Barchett immediately radioed dispatch of the pursuit and began chasing the vehicle as it fled into the city of Princeton and up State Road 65 to the Pike Gibson County Line. It was at that point the driver of the Ford F150 wrecked and the driver who was identified as 32-year-old Donald Forbes of Kankakee, Illinois was taken into custody. While fleeing from law enforcement Mr. Forbes both a Princeton Police Vehicle and Deputy Barchett’s police vehicle. After a roadside investigation Mr. Forbes was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail.
Upon arriving at the Gibson County Jail Mr. Forbes was charged with: - Criminal Recklessness - Refusal to Identify Self On a Traffic Stop - Unlawful Possession of a Syringe - Possession of a Legend Drug - Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated - Resisting Arrest with a Vehicle - Resisting Law Enforcement.
Mr. Forbes remains in custody on a $1500 bond. NO officers were injured during this incident.
Deputy Barchett was assisted in this investigation by officers from the Gibson County Sheriff's Office, Princeton Police Department, and Indiana State Police.
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 Evansville woman
On August 19, 2020, at 10:12 p.m. Gibson County Deputy U.B. Smith conducted a traffic stop on a White 2007 GMC Pickup for failing to yield the right of way to traffic on US 41 near County Road 750 South. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Smith began a roadside investigation. During that investigation he discovered that a passenger in the vehicle 46-year-old Marlena Stevens of Evansville had three outstanding warrants out of Vanderburgh County. At that point Deputy Smith placed Ms. Stevens into custody and discovered that she was in possession of a hypodermic needle. Deputy Smtih transported Ms. Stevens to the Gibson County Jail where she was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Hypodermic Needle. She remains in custody on a $750 bond out of Gibson County. Ms. Stevens is also being held on holds for two warrants out of Vanderburgh County and one out of Warrick County.
Assisting Deputy Smith in his investigation was Haubstadt Officer Jeremy Volk and Fort Branch Officer Jeff Beck.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
3 Dead In I-57 Crash
ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT
The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police
District 12
WHAT: Single Vehicle Fatality Traffic Crash
WHERE: Interstate 57 Southbound at Milepost 128.5, Marion County
WHEN: Aug. 19, 2020 at 4:50 p.m.
VEHICLE: Unit 1- 2003 Silver Mercury Grand Marquis
DRIVER: Unit 1- Ezell Smith, 41 year old male from Green Bay, WI - Deceased
PASSENGER: Unit 1- Sherie Simmons, 40 year old female from Sledge, MS - Deceased
Unit 1- Mattie Simmons, 63 year old female from Sledge, MS - Deceased
Unit 1- 2 year old female from Carthage, MS - Flown to a regional hospital with injuries
Unit 1- 11 month old female from Carthage, MS - Flown to a regional hospital with injuries
PRELIMINARY: A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling south on Interstate 57 near milepost 128.5 in Marion County. For unknown reasons, the driver of Unit 1 left the roadway to the right and struck a tree head on. The driver and two adult passengers were pronounced deceased on scene by the Marion County Coroner. Two juvenile passengers were flown to a regional hospital for treatment of their injuries. This crash is still under investigation and no further details are available at this time.
WCHD: 4 New Cases In Wabash County, 85 Total
4 new cases in Wabash County; 85 Total
Owensville Police Department arrests three after multi week investigation
On August 18, 2020, at 9:29 p.m. Owensville Town Marshal Rodger Leister, Deputy Bryce Jutzi, and Indiana Conservation Officer Matt Clark went to 606 East Brummitt Street to serve a warrant on 25-year-old Taylor Slaton of Owensville. Upon approaching the residence Owensville Marshal Leister observed Mr. Slaton seated inside the residence. Once inside the residence Officer Leister placed Mr. Slaton into custody and continued an investigation into this residence that he had been conducting for the past two weeks. During this investigation a search of the residence and surrounding property was conducted. During this search 36-year-old Nathan Owen, who also lived at the residence came home, and was placed into custody after it was discovered that he too had an outstanding warrant. Further 34-year-old Tara Reinhart who also resided at the residence was taken into custody during the investigation. At the conclusion of his investigation Owensville Town Marshal had Taylor Slaton, Tara Reinhart, and Nathan Owen transported to the Gibson County Jail.
-Taylor Slaton was charged with Possession of a Lookalike Substance with a Prior Conviction and Possession of Paraphernalia with a Prior Conviction. Mr. Slaton was also booked in on the outstanding arrest warrant. He remains in custody on $1,400 bond.
-Tara Reinhart was charged with Possession of a Lookalike Substance, Possession or Control of Hypodermic Needles, Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of Paraphernalia, and 3 counts of Neglect of a Dependent. Ms. Reinhart remains in custody on a $750 bond.
-Nathan Owen was charged with Possession of a Lookalike Substance with a Prior Conviction and Possession or Control of Hypodermic Needles. Mr. Owen was also booked in on an outstanding arrest warrant. He remains in custody on a $1,500 bond.
***This is posted at the request and with the permission of the Owensville Police Department.***
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Ledger Selected To Illinois 4-H Hall Of Fame
An Edwards County 4-H volunteer has been selected to receive the Illinois 4-H Foundation Hall of Fame Award for his service to the Extension youth development program. Don St. Ledger has a long history with University of Illinois Extension serving Edwards County. He has been a leader for 23+ years and the Edwards County Fair Veterinarian for over 30 years. Don has a very busy schedule, but always takes time to answer questions and be actively involved with the Edwards County 4-H youth. “We celebrate Don St. Ledger,” said Tara Buerster, Extension county director.
Service is a hallmark of the Illinois 4-H program. The Illinois 4-H Foundation annually honors longtime volunteers and former staff members for their selfless dedication to 4-H, the University of Illinois Extension youth development program.
In 2020, 87 individuals received the Foundation Hall of Fame Award, presented during a virtual ceremony Aug. 18. Five of the honorees are being named posthumously.
The Illinois 4-H Foundation established the statewide Hall of Fame in2005 to honor and celebrate extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and former 4-H staff. Each inductee receives a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion.
“These volunteers fully embody what 4-H strives to instill in youth,” says Angie Barnard, Illinois 4-H Foundation executive director. “They are caring, dedicated, generous leaders, and the Illinois 4-H Foundation is extremely proud to be able to provide this honor to thank them for their service to this wonderful organization.
Illinois 4-H programs reach nearly 200,000 youth each year through 4-H clubs, camps, educational programs, workshops, and conferences held in communities, schools, parks, and homes across Illinois. In total, more than 15,000 volunteers fill key leadership and mentoring roles.
“Many volunteers have a tradition of 4-H in their family or were 4-H members themselves,” Barnard says. “More and more, though, adults brand new to the 4-H experience are seeing the value of the life skills development program and volunteering for the first time.” To volunteer in your community, one may request information from the Edwards County Extension office. “There is a place for everyone in 4-H, whether you have an hour or a lifetime to give,” Barnard says.
The 2020 Hall of fame winners include:
Leon Obert, Adams County; Carmen Birk-Martin, Alexander County; Cathy Simmonds, Bond County; Robert (Bob) Walberg, Boone County; Becky Erbsen, Carroll County; Todd Burrus, Cass County; Andy
Hughes, Champaign County; Jessie Crews, Clark County; Cathy Schnepper, Clay County; Michelle Wegmann, Clinton County; Mark Cox, Coles County; and the late Madeline Harris Crawford County; Josh Milliman, Cumberland County; William Kuhn, DeKalb County; Megan Barth, Dewitt County;
Dr. Pennie Crinion, DuPage County; Meggan Cash, Edgar County; Don W. St Ledger, Edwards County; Tom and Bernie Haarmann, Effingham County; Connie Loschen, Ford County; Teresa and Shawn Lane, Fulton County; Donna Cockream, Grundy County; Deanna Erwin, Hamilton County; Teresa Guymon, Hancock County; Dan and Melinda Horton, Henderson County; and Larry Haigh, Iroquois County;
Randy Bierman, Jasper County; Sandra (Sandy) Bechtold, Jersey County; Helen Muto, Jo Daviess County; Georgia Vinson, Johnson County; Bonnie Kararo, Kane County; Gary Kohl, Kankakee County; Jodi Brummel, Kendall County; Roger (Pete) Holmes, Knox County; Lisa Kleber, Lake County; Kerry Hill, Lawrence County; Nancy Wadsworth, Lee County; Gail and the late Ellen Rapp, Livingston County; Stacie Skelton, Logan County; Rick Spencer, Macoupin County; and Lynn Weis, Madison County;
Terry Mulvany, Marion County; Carol Breedlove, Mason County; Tammie Obermark, Massac County; Sherry Lowderman, McDonough County; Robert (Bob) Gallagher, McHenry County; Sid Parks, McLean County; Jeffrey (Jeff) Sampson, Menard County; Brenda Close, Mercer County; Pam Jacobs, Monroe County; the late Phil Crouch, Montgomery County; Jay Harris, Morgan County; Erik Stollard, Moultrie County; Cheryl Price, Ogle County; and Martha Eberley, Peoria County;
Dr. Nathan Pyatt, Piatt County; Marianne Adams, Pike County; Julie Barger, Pope County; Flora Helman, Pulaski County; Jenny Hancock, Richland County; Keith Gorham, Rock Island County; Daniel (Danny) Evans, Saline County; the late Woody Woodruff, Sangamon County; Sandy Brix, Shelby County; Denise Godfrey, St. Clair County; Bill Million, State 4-H; Deb Stocker, State 4-H; the late Sheri Seibold, State 4-H; Stephanie Mitchell, Stephenson County; Dean Beutel, Tazewell County; and Jim and Cindy Walker, Union County;
Nancy Boose, Vermilion County; Gill Sanders, Wabash County; Robin Corzatt, Warren County; Dustin Unverfehrt, Washington County; Phyllis Hilliard Wilks, Wayne County; Liz Masterson, White County; Karen Temple, Whiteside County; Nancy Kuhajda, Will County; Don Elliott, Williamson County; Kathy Palmer, Winnebago County; and Terri Kuebler, Woodford County.
“The Foundation provides avenues to support the work of Illinois 4-H by accepting financial gifts specifically directed to the program you wish to support,” Barnard said. “Estate planning services are available to those wishing to continue their 4-H legacy.”
The Illinois 4-H Foundation raises private funds that are invested in Illinois 4-H programs that provide meaningful, positive development experiences for Illinois youth to develop leadership, citizenship, and life skills. To learn more, visit: 4hfoundation.illinois.edu.
About 4-H: Illinois 4-H empowers and prepares Illinois youth for success. University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H programs in every county in Illinois, affecting the lives of 200,000 youth each year through sustained learning clubs, groups and short-term programming.
Out Of State Testing Causing Delay In Wabash County's Numbers
How close is Wabash County and Region 5’s positivity rate to the 8% mark that would help to lead to more restrictions being imposed by the state? As of Monday, the region’s positivity rate was 7.3%, but Wabash County Health Department administrator Judy Wissel said those numbers aren’t as current as she’d like saying there’s about a 10 day lag…
Wissel said many people are going to Henderson for a rapid test and those results are sent to the Kentucky Department For Public Health before they are forwarded to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Bleyer: Make Sure Your Contact Info With School Is Current
As Wabash District #348 makes the transition to full remote learning, teachers have been contacting their students with details on how the plan will be implemented. If you haven’t heard from your student’s teacher, the district might not have your current contact information. At Monday’s school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer said that has been an issue in some cases…
Righter named Champion of Free Enterprise by Illinois Chamber of Commerce
Springfield, Ill. – Illinois State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) has been named a Champion of Free Enterprise, an award given by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to legislators who have made special contributions to the defense of free enterprise, and the furtherance of economic opportunities for Illinoisans.
“The business community of our state has been hit hard due to the ongoing consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of our job creators, especially our smaller employers, have faced unprecedented challenges,” said Righter. “It is more critical than ever that Illinois lawmakers recognize the importance and necessity of strengthening our economy. I am honored to be recognized by the Chamber of Commerce for advocating for pro-growth reforms that support our hardworking job-creators and represent our small business community.”
The Illinois Chamber rated all members of the 101st General Assembly based on legislators’ votes on the key business legislation as determined by staff and the Illinois Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee.
The Champion of Free Enterprise Awards are given biennially to members with Illinois Chamber ratings averaging 85 percent or higher over the previous two General Assemblies who have demonstrated their commitment to legislation that frees the entrepreneurial spirit.
“The General Assembly simply won’t be the same without the contributions of Sen. Righter,” said Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch. “For decades he has defended the interests of his district and the interests of the business community because he knew they were one in the same. He has been a steadfast friend of employers and job creators and we are proud to honor him with his final Champion of Free Enterprise Award.”
The votes in the Senate and House are selected based on their impact on the
business community. None of the bills used in the report are weighted, as there were an adequate number of bills voted on during this General Assembly.
“It is our job to educate our members on the record of their representatives and hold them accountable for it,” said Illinois Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Government Affairs Clark Kaericher. “We believe the Chamber’s legislative ratings are an effective tool in determining that accountability and commitment to economic growth.”
Click here to view the 101st General Assembly Legislative Ratings.
IECC Repeals $35 Online Course Fee
As COVID-19 has reduced the element of choice for many of the students of District 529, adjustments have been made during this time to provide enhanced flexibility to students. The District currently has a fee for courses delivered online or through a hybrid delivery. The fee assessed is $35 per course. The Board repealed the Online/Hybrid Course Fee of $35 per course for hybrid delivery courses only for the Fall 2020 term. Current guidelines that allows a student to be dropped for non-payment was replaced with a guideline that assesses a 5% late fee on unpaid balances. This will allow a student with an unpaid balance to complete the current academic term.
The Board of Trustees of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges approved a tentative budget and schedule for approval of the final 2021 Fiscal Year Budget, Tuesday, August 18, at the regular meeting, held at Olney Central College.
A public hearing on the budget will be held at the regular meeting, Tuesday, September 15, at Wabash Valley College. The final budget will be adopted following the public hearing. The budget has been available to the public at the IECC District Office since August 5th.
The Board approved the schedule of dates for the Trustee Election to be held April 6, 2021. The 6-year terms of Andrew Fischer, Jan Ridgely, and Barbara Shimer are up for reelection. All three trustees holding office are expected to seek reelection.
The Board will conduct a hearing in accordance with the State of Illinois’ Bond Issuance Notification Act on the District’s intent to issue Funding Bonds for the purpose of paying claims against the District. The Board approved the hearing to be held on September 15, 2020, at 7:00 o’clock P.M. The hearing will be held in the Red Café, Wabash Valley College, 2200 College Drive, Mt. Carmel, Illinois. The purpose of the hearing will be to receive public comments on the proposal to sell bonds of the District in the amount of $2,500,000 for the purpose of paying claims against the District.
A new policy on preventing sexual violence was approved to remain compliant with new Department of Education requirements with the intent of protecting the rights for both those reporting and those accused of sexual misconduct.
The Board approved a Resolution authorizing the issuance of Taxable General Obligation Community College Bonds in an amount not to exceed $2,500,000.
Board members John Brooks and Jan Ridgely were appointed to the Board audit Committee. The committee is charged with oversight of the District’s annual audit.
The Board heard a detailed review of certain programs and services. This is part of a continual review process with a focus on quality, cost and need.
The Board approved a bid committee report for parking lot sealing and striping at Lincoln Trail College.
As a part of IECC’s commitment to provide a safe and crime free college environment, and in accordance with the Campus Security Enhancement Act of 2008, the Board approved the Violence Prevention Plan and Emergency Response Plans for each college. These plans outline violence prevention strategies and outlines the protocol for response should a violent act occur.
Articulation agreements were approved with Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in the Radiography area. OCC’s Associate Degree in Applied Science Radiography graduates can more easily be accepted into SIU-C’s Bachelor Degrees in Radiation Therapy Technology, Radiologic Sciences MRI/CT Specialization, and in Radiology Education Management. These agreements aid in the smooth transition between IECC colleges and the universities.
The following personnel were employed:
Taylor Newlin as Manager of Food Services at Lincoln Trail College, effective August 17, 2020; Krystle Riggle as Coordinator of Financial Aid at Lincoln Trail College, effective August 26, 2020; Danelle Davis as Office Assistant at Lincoln Trail College, effective September 3, 2020; Taylor Held as TRIO Upward Bound Counselor located at Olney Central College, effective September 1, 2020; and Barbara White as Technology Support Specialist at the District Office, effective August 20, 2020.
A resignation was accepted for Leonard Mitchell as Workforce Education Instructor, effective August 13, 2020.
Next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held at Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, on Tuesday, September 15, at 7 p.m.