Pritzker Threatens Loss Of Liquor Licenses To Businesses Not Obeying Mitigation

As several areas of Illinois prepare to undergo increased restrictions by Gov. J.B. Pritzker this week, bars and restaurants in the affected areas have been issued a warning.

Mitigation efforts go into to place in Region 5, which is southern Illinois, on Thursday. Restrictions for Region 7, Will and Kankakee counties, and Region 8, DuPage and Kane counties, go into effect Friday.

During his daily COVID-19 briefing Wednesday, the governor said Illinois State Police have been notified and will be making the rounds.

“They have the ability to issue citations and also with the information we get at the state level we can take away people’s liquor licenses,” Pritzker said. “It has a semi-permanent effect on a business to take away their liquor license, especially for having not followed the regulations that are set out for them, so it will hard for them to get that license back.”

The number of cases statewide has increased over the last two weeks. On Wednesday, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 4,342 new COVID-19 cases and 69 related deaths. While many more tests are now being conducted that early in the pandemic, the rate of positive cases has also been climbing.

Pritzker said bars and restaurants are a hot spot for the coronavirus.

“There are 12 studies that show that bars and restaurants are in fact a major spreading location,” he said.

The move targeting bars and restaurants comes a day after Chicago officials said those businesses were not behind a recent surge of cases in the city. Instead, health officials point to home gatherings for the spread of the virus.

Daily District #348 COVID-19 Report

Wabash District #348 schools have begun to post daily updates of Covid 19 statistics on the district's wabash348.com.

Today's report shows 6 students are in isolation due to positive tests. That includes 4 students at Mt. Carmel High School and 2 students at Mt. Carmel Grade School.

There are several students and faculty under quarantine due to being in close contact with a positive case. 65 students and 3 faculty are in quarantine at MCHS. 3 students and 2 faculty are in quarantine at the junior high. 2 students and 1 faculty member at the grade school are in quarantine. And one student at the elementary school is in quarantine.

That means district wide there are 6 positive cases in isolation and 77 people in quarantine due to close contacts.

Mt. Carmel High School

Students in quarantine - 65

Students in isolation - 4

Faculty in quarantine - 3

Faculty in isolation - 0

Mt. Carmel Junior High School

Students in quarantine - 3

Students in isolation - 0

Faculty in quarantine - 2

Faculty in isolation - 0

Mt. Carmel Grade School

Students in quarantine - 2

Students in isolation - 2

Faculty in quarantine - 1

Faculty in isolation - 0

Mt. Carmel Elementary School

Students in quarantine - 1

Students in isolation - 0

Faculty in quarantine - 0

Faculty in isolation - 0

Jedidiah Wirth Named 2020 RMC "Employee Of The Year"

Jedidiah Wirth was presented with the Wabash County Retail Merchants Committee’s 2020 Employee of the Year award.  Sharon Harris of WSJD, chairman of the Employee of the Year committee, presented the award to Jedidiah at his place of employment, Big Jon’s Lunchbox, Wednesday afternoon.   

Below is the anonymous letter that was received by the committee: 

 “I would like to nominate Jedidiah Wirth for the RMC Employee of the Year.   Jedidiah exemplifies what Mt. Carmel and Wabash County needs more of…a young, energetic person who is eager to work for the betterment of our community.   

When you visit Big Jon’s Lunchbox, you’ll always see Jedidiah hard at work with his family in the kitchen. It’s a job he’s held since he was very young and has become a friendly face for the community to see.   

This past year, Jedidiah took over operation of the Farmer’s Market in Mt. Carmel and has worked to make it one of the area’s best. He was always there long before the market opened with a smile on his face—ready to help all the vendors and customers with anything they needed.  The move to the uptown location was a great idea as it attracted more vendors and customers benefitting the community.   

Jedidiah is also a devoted family man and very active in his church.   

In closing, Jedidiah fulfills all of the attributes one would look for in an excellent employee and why he should be considered for the RMC Employee of the Year.”  

Congratulations Jedidiah! 

RMC Employee of the Year chairman Sharon Harris surprises Jedidiah Wirth with the award this afternoon.

Sharon Harris (L) presents the Employee of the Year plaque to Jedidiah Wirth.

Despite Mitigations, Governor Not Considering Another Statewide Lockdown

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has announced additional restrictions for two more Illinois regions because of rising COVID-19 positivity rates, but the governor said he was not considering another statewide lockdown.

Region 7, which includes Will and Kankakee counties, and Region 8, which includes Kane and DuPage counties, will be placed under stricter mitigation standards beginning Oct. 23. Bars and restaurants in the restricted regions are not allowed to offer indoor service. Bars and restaurants can continue outdoor service, but that option could be limited as the weather turns colder. Gatherings of more than 25 people are also prohibited.

“All the studies that have been done about bars and restaurants show that these are significant spreading locations, and we want to stop the spread and slow the spread as best as we can,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker said he was not considering another statewide lockdown.

In an update last month, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported that 9 percent of outbreaks were attributed to bars and restaurants.

Region 1, the northwest part of the state, is currently under added restrictions. Region 5, the southern part of Illinois, will get the same added restrictions on Thursday.

“The actions we take today to slow the spread of this virus will define what happens in the coming days, weeks and months,” said Dr. Justin Macariola-Coad, interim chief medical officer at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin.

State Rep. Mark Batinick, R-Plainfield, said the governor needs to call lawmakers back to Springfield to vote on issues such as additional restrictions.

"This new wave of infections was predicted, and now we must regroup and determine our best path forward. I am renewing my call for the Governor to reconvene the legislature so we can work together on an updated response," he said in a statement. "Going forward, we need to base decisions on a full set of facts, and not just a few data points. We need a full understanding of exactly where these outbreaks are occurring. I fear restaurants and bars will not survive with cold weather upon us and no ability to seat guests inside. When we gain a full understanding of where this virus is spreading and why, then we can optimize our response to provide appropriate health protections, while also acknowledging the fragility of the current economy. We have to find the balance between protecting Illinoisans and protecting our state’s economy."

State Rep. Steve Reick, R-Woodstock, echoed Batinick's call for a return to Springfield.

“It’s clear that Illinois’ COVID numbers are headed in the wrong direction, and it’s only a matter of time before the entire state is moved back to strict mitigations,” Reick said. “We’re clearly in the midst of the virus’ second wave, and this is the optimal time for the Governor to work with the Legislature on a new response to the virus.”

Ending Cash Bail Focus Of State Senate Committee

Eliminating cash bail in Illinois was once again front and center at a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday.

The Criminal Law and Special Committee on Public Safety heard testimony on the benefits and drawbacks of ending money bonds.

There are about 38,000 people being held in Illinois state prisons, according to Department of Corrections data. The Coalition to End Money Bonds said many thousands more people are being held in local jails while they await trial, some because they can’t afford to post their bail.

“Money bonds are often set at impossibly high amounts for the poor, and as a result, thousands of people stay locked up before their court date simply they can’t afford to pay the price of their bond,” spokesman Malik Alim said.

Illinois 23rd Judicial Circuit Court Judge Robbin Stuckert said money bonds serve two purposes.

“It is to maximize community safety and it is also to maximize court appearance, and further we want to make sure we want to maximize release for those persons who can be safely be released into the community,” she said.

In 2017, the Illinois General Assembly passed a statewide bail reform law that provided for a presumption that most people charged with nonviolent crimes could be released without posting cash bonds. It also provided that cash bonds can be required for more serious charges, but that a person could not be held solely for an inability to pay that bond.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin has testified that since that law went into effect, his county saw an overall increase of 53% in defendants failing to appear for their court dates. He said that victims of crimes have a right to be compensated and in many jurisdictions, bail money is used to help pay for restitution.

New York state eliminated cash bail for almost all offenses except violent felonies. There was an immediate backlash after the NYPD claimed the crime rate was going up, and district attorneys lobbied to roll back the bail reforms. In April, legislators took action so judges can hold more people on cash bail.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has released 7 guidelines for justice reform, including ending cash bail.

Indiana State Police Partner with DEA for Bi-Annual Drug Take Back Day

This weekend, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) offers citizens a chance to dispose of pills, cough syrup, and other unwanted medications that have been piling up around their homes. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2020.  This event is one of the few days of the year where citizens can drop off expired or unused prescription medications in a safe, convenient, and responsible manner.  Vaping pens WITHOUT batteries and vaping cartridges will also be taken, but please keep in mind that this program WILL NOT ACCEPT NEW OR USED NEEDLES. This service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.  

This program addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that linger in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.  Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.  

In addition, citizens are now advising that their usual methods for disposing of unused medications are flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash.  Both methods pose potential safety and health hazards.  

Citizens wishing to participate in this program may drop off their prescription drugs for disposal on Saturday, October 24, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., at any Indiana State Police Post throughout the state (except the Toll Road). This includes the Putnamville Post located at 1927 West US 40, Greencastle, IN 46135.

To locate the Indiana State Police post closest to your home or business, click this link: http://www.in.gov/isp/2382.htm  To find other locations participating in the Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, use this link to the DEA: https://takebackday.dea.gov

ISP TO CONDUCT NIGHTTIME ENFORCEMENT PATROLS

Illinois State Police (ISP) District 12 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt, announces the ISP will conduct Nighttime Enforcement (NITE) patrols in Richland and Jasper counties during November. NITE patrols allow the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to impaired driving and occupant restraint violations especially between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

The number of unrestrained drivers killed in traffic crashes is significantly higher at nighttime and combined with impaired driving means even more traffic deaths during these critical hours. Officers will strictly enforce violations including:

- Driving Under the Influence (DUI);

- Safety Belt and Child Restraint use;

- Speeding; - Distracted Driving; and,

- All Illinois Vehicle Code and Criminal Violations.

Alcohol and drug impairment is a factor in more than 30 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. Over half of all fatal crashes in Illinois occur at night. The NITE program allows officers to work even harder at removing dangerous impaired drivers from the road and making sure everyone is buckled up. This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

ISP TO CONDUCT OCCUPANT RESTRAINT ENFORCEMENT PATROLS

– Illinois State Police (ISP) District 12 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt, announces the ISP will conduct Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) in Crawford, Effingham, Fayette and Lawrence counties during November. OREPs allow the ISP to focus on safety belt and child safety seat laws. Illinois law requires all vehicle passengers (front and back) to be buckled up!

Safety belts are still one of the most effective safety devices in vehicles, estimated to save nearly 14,000 lives each year. Half of vehicle occupants killed in a traffic crash were not properly buckled up. The objective of this program is to increase occupant restraint compliance through education, child seat inspections, and enforcement.

Tip nets Two Arrests and Over 90 Grams of Synthetic Drugs In Gibson County

Gibson County – Yesterday evening, Troopers Hurley and Vennekotter initiated a criminal investigation after receiving a tip that illegal drugs were allegedly being sold from a residence located at 201 North Bittner Street in Owensville. Troopers arrived at the residence at approximately 6:00 p.m. and identified the tenants as Ryan Bennett, 23, and Kristina Randall, 27.

During a search of the residence, Troopers discovered a large plastic bag containing approximately 98 grams of plant like material that later tested positive for synthetic drugs. Troopers also located a plastic container that contained over 20 grams of an unknown powder like substance, drug paraphernalia, and a box of plastic baggies. Bennett and Randall were arrested and taken to the Gibson County Jail. Bennett is currently being held without bond. Randall is currently being held on a $750 cash bond.

Arrested and Charges:

• Ryan Bennett, 23, Owensville, IN

1. Dealing in a Schedule 1 Drug over 28 grams, Class 2 Felony

2. Possession of a Synthetic or Look-alike Drug with a Prior Conviction, Class 6 Felony 

• Kristina Randall, 27, Owensville, IN

1. Possession of a Synthetic or Look-alike Drug, Class A Misdemeanor

2. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Arresting Officers: Trooper Tanner Hurley and Trooper Alex Vennekotter, Indiana State Police

Ryan Bennett, 23, Owensville, IN

Dealing in a Schedule 1 Drug over 28 grams, Class 2 Felony

Possession of a Synthetic or Look-alike Drug with a Prior Conviction, Class 6 Felony

Kristina Randall, 27, Owensville, IN

Possession of a Synthetic or Look-alike Drug, Class A Misdemeanor

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Farmersburg Woman Charged for Theft and Forgery from a Car Dealership

Vigo County - In August of 2020, the Indiana State Police began an investigation into a woman, who once operated as the controller of finances for Burger Chrysler Jeep of Terre Haute, allegedly stealing over $50,000 worth of property and funds with the intent to deprive. Cecia Copeland, age 53, of Farmersburg, Indiana, was employed by Burger Chrysler Jeep from February of 2014 through December of 2019.  During her duties as the controller, she allegedly was writing checks and forging sale documents to benefit self-gain.  

After reviewing the investigation, the Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office issued a summons for Copeland to appear in Vigo County’s Division 3 Court on November 13, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., for an initial hearing.   

Investigating Officers:  Sergeant Troy Stanton and Master Trooper Detective Tony Guinn of the Indiana State Police Organized Crime Unit/Special Investigations. 

Charges: Cecia Copeland, 53, Farmersburg, IN

• Theft, Class 5 Felony

• Forgery, Class 6 Felony

• Fraud, Class 6 Felony

Under the law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.