The Mt. Carmel Police Department would like to warn the public about individuals portraying themselves as water department employees investigating a water leak or similar issues. The suspects use this as a way to gain access to the residence in question. Presently, two separate incidents have occurred with a theft being reported by one of the victims. In one incident, the two suspects were white males wearing gray sweatshirts and face masks along with gloves. In the second incident, one white male, wearing a green vest, claimed to be with the water department. The public is urged to contact Mt. Carmel Police at 618-262-4114 or by dialing 911 with any suspicious individuals arriving at the home who make similar claims. Do not let unknown people into your homes until police verify their story.
Treasurer's Office Busy With Tax Collections
Since real estate tax bills started hitting local mailboxes last week, the Wabash County treasurers office has been a busy place. Treasurer Beverly McBride reported to county commissioners this week that most of the taxpayers are using the drop box in front of the courthouse or one of the other non-contact payment methods, which include drive-thru at local banks. She also thanked the courthouse security office who is letting people inside the building to pay their taxes and checking to make sure they’re wearing a mask.
Missouri Trucker Injured In I-70 Crash
ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT
The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police
District 12
WHAT: Single Unit Personal Injury Traffic Crash
WHERE: Interstate 70 eastbound, east of Milepost 151, Clark County
WHEN: Dec 12, 2020 at approximately 3:31 a.m.
VEHICLE: Unit 1- 2001 Maroon Freightliner Truck Tractor Trailer Combination
DRIVER: Unit 1- Richard Greer, 79-year-old male of St. Charles, MO (Transported to a local area hospital with injuries)
PRELIMINARY: A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling eastbound on Interstate 70, east of milepost 151 in the left lane. Unit 1 was passing another vehicle while it was raining. Unit 1 skidded off the roadway to the left, into the median and overturned.
CHARGES: Unit 1 driver was issued citations for Driving too Fast for Conditions and Failure to Wear a Seatbelt.
Patoka man arrested on DUI charge
On December 11, 2020, at 1:35 p.m. Gibson County Community Corrections advised central dispatch that they believed they had a client drive to the work release facility under the influence of an unknown intoxicant. Deputy U.B. Smith was dispatched to the scene and began an investigation into the claim. Upon arriving on scene Deputy Smith and Indiana State Trooper Jordan Lee conducted their investigation. At the conclusion of their investigation 47-year-old Bradley Turner of Patoka was taken into custody and transported to Deaconess Gibson for a certified blood test. Upon submitting to the blood test Mr. Turner was placed into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. He has since posted a $450 bond.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Kenosha, Wisconsin woman arrested for possession of stolen property
On December 11, 2020, at 3:04 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a stolen semi parked at 8302 West State Road 64 in Gibson County. The reporting party was able to provide the Vehicle Identification Number as well as a suspect name who was in possession of the vehicle. Deputy Naas arrived on scene and located the semi that was reportedly stolen out of Bridgeview, Illinois. Deputy Naas also located 47-year-old Sonya Johns of Kenosha Wisconsin. At that point Deputy Naas began an investigation into the incident. At the conclusion of his investigation Ms. Johns was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the Gibson County Jail Ms. Johns was charged with Possession of Stolen Property and Possession of a Controlled Substance. She remains in custody on a $1500 bond.
Assisting Deputy Naas in his investigation was Deputy Bryce Jutzi.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Evansville man arrested on DUI charge
On December 12th, 2020 at approximately 1:38 a.m. the Gibson County Sheriff`s Office was contacted about a White 2008 Chevy Silverado stuck in the Median of Interstate 69 near the 22 Mile Marker. Sgt. John Fischer arrived and spoke to the driver, who was identified as Derick T. Morgan, age 26 of Evansville. While speaking to Mr. Morgan, Sgt. Fischer observed clues of possible impairment and conducted a roadside investigation. Sgt. Fischer found probable cause to believe Mr. Morgan was impaired and transported him to Deaconess Gibson for a chemical test. Mr. Morgan failed the chemical test with a BAC of .10 and was transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He has since posted a $450 bond.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Louise Acree Honored For 35 Years On Chamber Board
On Thursday, Wabash County Chamber of Commerce executive director Lesley Hipsher recognized long-time Chamber board member Louise Acree for her retirement after 35 years of service. In addition to a lifetime membership plaque, Hipsher presented Louise with a donation to the John Acree Scholarship fund.
Louise Acree reacts to Lesley Hipsher presenting her with a donation to the John Acree Scholarship Fund.
District #348 School Board Agenda
WABASH COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
MT. CARMEL GRADE SCHOOL CAFETORIUM
Monday, December 14, 2020
Truth in Taxation Hearing 6:45 p.m.
Regular Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.
According to Phase 3 Restore Illinois Guidelines, only 10 people can be accommodated at this meeting.
AGENDA
TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING
1. Call to order/Roll call
2. Truth in Taxation Hearing
3. Adjournment
AGENDA REGULAR BOARD MEETING
1. Call to order / Roll call
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Consent Agenda
a. Board Minutes
i. November 9, 2020
b. Monthly Bills
c. Financial Reports
d. Correspondence
e. Administrative Reports
f. Press Plus Policy Updates
g. Destruction of Executive Session audio tapes older than 18 months per provision of Section 2.06 of the Open Meetings Act
4. Kemper CPA Group -School Audit 2019-2020
5. Executive Session pursuant to Section 2(c)(1) of the Open Meetings Act: “The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees”.
6. New Business
a. School Audit 2019-2020
b. Tax levy 2020 payable in 2021
c. Employment of Personnel
7. Adjournment
WVC Kicks Off 60th Anniversary Celebration
Wabash Valley College launched a year-long celebration this morning to mark its’ 60th anniversary. From its’ humble beginnings at Bluff Cottage, WVC President Dr. Matt Fowler says the college has come a long way…
Fowler says the pandemic has caused a shift in the way the college is celebrating the milestone anniversary…
The Wabash County Chamber of Commerce presented a plaque of recognition for the anniversary.
Last Day To Sign Up For Operation Share Toy Distribution Is Today
Today is the last day to sign up for the Christmas toy phase of Operation Share. Toy distribution is next Tuesday and Wednesday at First Christian Church and WADI’s Debbie Meyer says COVID has prompted changes to this year’s distribution…
Meyer said donations of new toys are still being accepted…
To register for Operation Share, call the WADI office at 262-4151. Last year, 350 Wabash County children received gifts through the Operation Share program.