4th Person Charged In Olney Murder Investigation

Olney, IL – On Saturday, October 10, 2020, the office of the Richland County State’s Attorney Charles Bradley Vaughn charged Dale E. Boatman Jr., a 32-year-old male of Olney, IL, with three counts of First-Degree Murder by Accountability and one count of Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder for his role in the September 6, 2020 murder of Kyle M. Johnson.

As it relates to the First-Degree Murder by Accountability charges; Boatman, or one for whom he was accountable, is alleged to have intentionally and without lawful justification and with the intent to kill or do great bodily harm to Kyle M. Johnson, discharged a firearm at Johnson thereby causing his death.

As it relates to the Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder charge; Boatman is alleged to, with intent that the first-degree murder of Kyle M. Johnson be committed, agreed with Tara Haws and Rick Meador to the commission of first-degree murder as alleged in the above three counts.  Bond on the above charges was set at $1,000,000.00 and Boatman remains in custody in the Richland County Jail.

The incident occurred on September 6, 2020 at the intersection of North Walnut and East Laurel Street in Olney, Illinois.  An adult male, later identified as Kyle M. Johnson, a 19-year-old from Olney, IL, was found with multiple gunshot wounds and transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.  Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 8 officials were requested by the Olney Police Department to assist with the homicide investigation.

Through information gathered during the investigation led by ISP DCI Zone 8, four arrests have resulted in connection with this homicide - Rick A. Meador, an 18-year-old male of Olney, IL for First-Degree Murder and Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder – currently held at the Richland County Jail, Tara N. Haws, a 33-year-old female of Olney, IL for First-Degree Murder by Accountability and Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder – currently held at the Richland County Jail, a 16-year-old female of Olney, IL for First-Degree Murder by Accountability and Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder – currently held at the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center, and Dale E. Boatman Jr., a 32-year-old male of Olney, IL for First-Degree Murder by Accountability and Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder – currently held at the Richland County Jail. 

ISP DCI Zone 8 was assisted by the Olney Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Mount Vernon Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, ISP District 12 Patrol, ISP District 13 Patrol, and the United States Marshals in this investigation.  No additional information will be released by the ISP.  Any further inquiries should be addressed to the Richland County State’s Attorney’s Office.

MCPD Chief Warns Of Halloween Pranks Gone Wrong

If your kids plan on T-P’ing this weekend, Mt. Carmel Police Chief Ryan Turner has issued a warning that toilet papering is one thing, damaging someone’s property is another. In addition, if your kids are using a golf cart for their stealth adventures, Turner said make sure the driver is at least 16 and has their license. Plus, he said the lights on the golf cart need to be on at all times instead of turned off as some people have been doing. He said parents could be held liable if their underage driver is involved in an accident.  

WCHD Gets State Funds To Cover COVID Costs

The Wabash County Health department is getting some help from the state to help cover its’ costs for overseeing Edwards County’s COVD contact tracing. Administrator Judy Wissel also says the state will also help with mass vaccination when the time comes. Wissel said they are looking for two people – a nurse and resource coordinator – to add to the staff. And they are already meeting weekly to develop a plan for Wabash and Edwards Counties. 

Don't Veer For Deer: IDOT Warns Of Deer Dangers

When a deer is in the lane ahead most people’s impulse is to swerve to avoid hitting the deer, but that’s likely to cause a serious crash, said Paul Wappel of the Illinois Department of Transportation. 

On a highway, if you suddenly swerve into another lane, another driver could hit you. Swerve off the road and you could propel yourself into a ditch. 

“It’s hard but do your best to try to glance the vehicle off the deer,” Wappel said. “To glance a vehicle” means to turn your wheel only slightly, even if you are still heading straight for the deer, Wappel says. He uses the catchphrase "Don't veer for deer" to remind people not to swerve themselves into an accident.

Forty percent of deer crashes in Illinois occur in the fall, during mating season. November is the month with the highest number of deer crashes. In 2018, 15,636 vehicles in Illinois were damaged in deer crashes. Six hundred and thirty people were injured. Eight people were killed. It’s a major problem.

Slow down and be vigilant – particularly in the early morning and in the early evening when you are more likely to encounter deer, Wappel says. Scan the roadsides for deer as you are driving. Look for “deer shine,” the reflection of headlights in the deer’s eyes. Expect the unexpected. Some deer head to the middle of a road and just stop. Others dash into a roadside thicket and then double back right into your car’s path, Wappel said. 

People are surprised to find out that Cook County reported more deer crashes than any other county, Wappel said. 

“Deer are everywhere in Illinois. No matter where you live, an urban area, a suburb or a rural area, deer are a hazard, particularly at this time of year,” he said.

If you do hit a deer, pull over when it is safe, put on your hazard lights and call 911. 

“Do not – DO NOT – get out of the vehicle and try to help or move an injured deer,” Wappel said. “That is a recipe for potential disaster.” 

Law enforcement officers are trained to handle traffic and assist with injured animals, he said.

WGH recognized as one of the Top 50 Best Places to Work in Healthcare

Wabash General Hospital has been selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the Top 50 Best Places to Work in Healthcare in 2020. The complete list of this year’s winners, in alphabetical order, is available at ModernHealthcare.com/bestplaceslist.

Karissa Turner, President & CEO of Wabash General Hospital states, “I am extremely proud of the Wabash General Hospital team and all of their accomplishments during the unprecedented trying time of COVID. The recognition we received as being in the Top 50 is very much deserved by the staff members of WGH. They tirelessly go above and beyond to provide the best quality and customer service to all the communities we serve. Over the past several years, we have continued to grow and we now have 432 employees and clinics in six different counties. The supportive culture and uplifting work environment is exciting to experience. I want to thank the Board of Directors, Medical Staff, leadership and all staff for making WGH the best place to work. Without your commitment and loyalty to each other and the communities we serve this would not be possible. It’s an honor to work alongside a great group of people.”

"It has been an especially trying year for the world, and healthcare in particular as COVID-19 ravages our communities and your workplaces," said Aurora Aguilar, Modern Healthcare's editor. "But the organizations recognized on this year's list rose to the top and continued to be a source of strength for their teammates. They have seen their colleagues fall ill to the virus and struggled with the economic impact of the pandemic. The loyalty and trust between employers and their workers is being put to the test now more than ever. We congratulate the Best Places to Work in Healthcare for continuing to serve their workforce and communities during such an unprecedented time."

“The Best Places to Work in Healthcare Award is the direct result of the dedication of our valued employees. Their commitment to serve our patients and our community is what has driven our success. The survey taken by our employees this year, included questions about culture, benefits and teamwork, and also a new section was added with questions about how the COVID pandemic has affected WGH’s workplace. Throughout this challenging time, our employees continue to live up to our motto “People you Know Helping People You Love.” I am proud to work with such an amazing group of people who truly are the best,” stated Bridget Shepard, Chief Human Resources Officer.

This award program identifies and recognizes outstanding employers in the healthcare industry nationwide. Modern Healthcare partners with the Best Companies Group on the assessment process, which includes an extensive employee survey.

Ask The Mayor With Joe Judge October 2020

Mayor Joe Judge joins us the second Friday of every month to answer your questions.

Accident in Francisco leads to arrest of Winslow man on OWI charge

On October 8, 2020, at 9:53 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a personal injury accident on State Road 64 near County Road 115 South in Francisco. The reporting party advised dispatch that there was a rollover and multiple vehicles had been involved in the accident. Upon Deputy U.B. Smith began an investigation into the accident. During the investigation it was determined that a Dark Blue 2012 Chrysler had rear ended a Grey 2018 Honda Civic while they were traveling Eastbound. After this initial impact both vehicles lost control. The Honda Civic was forced off the southside of the roadway, rolled, and came to a stop on in a nearby yard. The Dark Blue Chrysler overturned, became airborne and struck a Silver 2017 Ford F250 that was traveling the westbound. The Chrysler ultimately came to a stop resting on it’s side.

During the investigation Deputy Smith detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the driver 25-year-old Mason Roberson of Winslow. Also during his investigation Deputy Smith located an open container of alcohol in Mr. Roberson’s Dark Blue Chrysler. Two driver’s from the three vehicle accident were transported to Gibson General Hospital for treatment for nonlife threatening injuries. Deputy Smith conducted a DUI investigation on Mr. Roberson, and although he tested below the legal limit for alcohol he did test positive for illegal drugs. At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Smith placed Mr. Roberson into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the Jail Mr. Roberson was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated on a controlled substance (Felony). Mr. Roberson 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.

Allendale Students Of The Month

Allendale School is proud to announce the Students of the Month for September:  Quinn Keepes (Kindergarten), Luke Harms (1st Grade), Harper Prosise (2nd Grade), Grasyn Morgan (3rd Grade), Ryland Houchin (4th Grade), Rhett Andrews (Jr. High), Hallie Courter (Jr. High).

Quinn Keepes (Kindergarten)

Luke Harms (1st Grade)

Harper Prosise (2nd Grade)

Grasyn Morgan (3rd Grade)

Ryland Houchin (4th Grade)

Rhett Andrews (Jr. High)

Hallie Courter (Jr. High)

Vincennes Man Dead Following Motorcycle Crash In Lawrenceville

ISP INVESTIGATES FATAL TRAFFIC CRASH

The Following Preliminary Information is being released by Illinois State Police District 12

WHAT:                      Single Vehicle Fatal Traffic Crash

WHERE:                   Illinois Route 1 southbound, just south of US Route 50, Lawrenceville, Lawrence County.

WHEN:                      October 7, 2020 at 10:06 PM

VEHICLE:                Unit 1 – Blue 2016 Harley Davidson Motorcycle

DRIVER:                   Unit 1 – Robert L. Shoulders, a 64 year old male from Vincennes, IN – Transported by ambulance to a regional hospital with life threatening injuries. (Deceased)

PRELIMINARY:      Preliminary investigative details indicate the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling southbound on Illinois Route 1, just south US Route 50. For an unknown reason, unit 1 swerved, struck the raised center median and lost control.  The motorcycle slid on the roadway, struck a guardrail, and came to rest on its side in the southbound lane. The driver of unit 1 was transported to a regional hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. No further information will be disseminated at this time.

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

City Council Votes To Repair Girl Scout Cabin

The Mt. Carmel City Council is spending just over $7,000 for work on the Girl Scout Cabin at the top of the hill on South Walnut Street. Monday night, the council approved the bid from Linson Roofing to put a new roof, gutters, and soffiting on to the building that most recently housed a food pantry. Mayor Joe Judge said the building will used as an auxiliary City Hall for storage of contents from the former City Hall. 

WSJD File Photo