On 12/09/2020, Mt. Carmel Police cited Matthew M. Berberich, age 37, of Mt. Carmel, for Criminal Trespass to Property. Berberich had received proper notice that he was barred from the T.P. Trailer Park property located in the 1100 block of West 3rd Street. Berberich was located on the property by law enforcement, resulting in Berberich being issued a Notice to Appear in Wabash Circuit Court on said offense.
Domestic Battery Charge Lands Mt. Carmel Man In Jail
On 12/16/2020, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Aaron R. Comegys, age 19, of Mt. Carmel, for Domestic Battery following a domestic dispute at a residence in the 300 block of Chestnut Street. During the investigation, officers found evidence to indicate Comegys had battered his girlfriend during an argument. Comegys was taken into custody and transported to the Wabash County Jail, where he was charged and held pending a bond setting by a judge.
Mt. Carmel Man Arrested On Possession Of Meth Charge
On 12/19/2020, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Daniel L. “Coy” Short, age 42, of Mt. Carmel, on a Wabash County Warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine. Short was observed walking in the 100 block of East 9th Street when he was taken into custody. Short was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending the posting of a $500 cash bond.
Princeton Man Arrested On DUI Charge
On 12/19/2020, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Christopher L. Griggs, age 33, of Princeton, Indiana, for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol following a traffic stop in the 400 block of West 9th Street. During the traffic stop, the arresting officer observed signs of impairment coming from Griggs, which led to a roadside field sobriety check. During this check, clues to indicate impairment was observed, which resulted in Griggs being placed under arrest. Griggs was transported to the Wabash County Jail, where he was processed for DUI, which included citations for DUI-Alcohol, Driving While License Suspended, and Operating an Uninsured Vehicle. Griggs was then released on a Notice to Appear in Wabash Circuit Court.
COVID's Effect On Illinois Animal Shelters
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an effect on just about every part of society, and animal shelters in Illinois are no exception.
Since March when people went into lockdown and stayed at home, pet adoptions have skyrocketed and haven’t slowed down.
Jane Kahman, manager of the Humane Society of Central Illinois in Normal, said people are stuck at home and want a furry companion.
“I think a lot of it is, people are just looking for somebody to love, especially the people that are home and live by themselves,” Kahman said.
Kahman said her shelter continues to be busier than last year, with dogs, cats and even other animals being adopted.
A not-for-profit animal welfare organization, HSCI does not receive federal, state or local tax dollars, and relies on donations and fundraising activities.
Karen Grube, director of the Effingham County Humane Society, said they too have been busy all year, but they always have cats available.
“There is just an overabundance of kittens out in the world, so when people can get a free kitten, they are going to jump at that rather than paying $90 for one that has had all of its vetting already done,” Grube said.
Requests to adopt animals are also up at PAWS Chicago. A spokesperson said adoptions increased by four times once the pandemic hit.
The dog adoption craze actually created a national shortage at some shelters around the country. At the same time, some animal rescue groups and adoption agencies say they have been hit with a drop in donations and face other financial issues brought on by the pandemic.
There is also concern that shelters will see an increase in people who can’t afford to care for pets in the wake of high unemployment brought on by the pandemic.
Allendale Teacher Earns Prestigious Designations
Allendale CCSD 17 is proud to announce Tonia Hawf has earned the title of National Board Certified teacher and Master Teacher designation on the Illinois Professional Educator License! Mrs. Hawf teaches fifth through eighth grade mathematics at Allendale, as well as sixth grade social studies. Congratulations Mrs. Hawf, from the Allendale CCSD 17 Board of Education, Administration, Faculty, Staff, and Students.
Wabash County Set To Receive 200 COVID-19 Vaccines This Week
The first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are expected to arrive in Wabash County this week. Wabash County Health Department administrator Judy Wissel told Wabash County Commissioners last night that 200 doses of the Moderna vaccine, that was authorized for emergency use on Saturday, will be arriving soon…
Wissel said there’s a priority list set by the IDPH/CDC on who receives the vaccine in which phase.
Fischer Not Seeking Another Term On IECC Board
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges will have three full-term Board of Trustees seats to be filled in the local election on April 6, 2021. Members of the Board who are elected to a full term will serve six years. Current Board Chairman G. Andrew Fischer has announced he will not seek re-election. Incumbents Barbara Shimer (Robinson) and Jan Ridgely (Olney) both have terms that expire in 2021. Both Shimer and Ridgley have filed petitions for reelection to the Board of Trustees of Illinois Eastern Community College District No. 529. Roger Browning (Mt. Carmel), Jeff Cutchin (Allendale) and Brady Waldrop (Sumner) also filed petitions for election.
Continuing trustees are: John Brooks, Hutsonville, Gary Carter, Fairfield, Brenda Culver, Noble and Al Henager, Mt. Carmel.
Madden And Zimmerman File For Single Spot On City Council
The filing period for the April 6th election closed at 4:30 this afternoon and there will be a race for a single seat on the Mt. Carmel City Council. The opening was caused by last year’s resignation of commissioner Rod Rodriguez. Chandler Madden was appointed by Mayor Joe Judge to fill the seat until next Spring’s election. In addition to Madden who was the first to file, Susan Zimmerman filed to run for the seat on the council. The winner of the race will complete the remainder of Rodriguez’s term in April of 2023 when all council seats and the mayoral position will be on the ballot.
There will also be school board positions on the April ballot. In Wabash District #348, incumbents Tim Schuler, Kyle Peach, and Theresa Hocking filed for re-election along with Susan Wood. In Allendale District #17, the three incumbents filing for re-election were Tia Morgan, Beth Etzkorn, and Richard Gochenour.
Evansville man arrested on DUI charge
On December 18, 2020, at 7:28 p.m. Deputy U.B. Smith conducted a traffic stop on a Maroon 2011 passenger car at Huck’s Convenience Store located at US 41 and State Road 168. Deputy Brian Naas arrived on scene and upon speaking with the driver 39-year-old Anthony Parker of Evansville officers on scene believed that Mr. Parker may be under the influence of alcohol. At that point Deputy Naas began a roadside DUI investigation. At the end of his investigation Deputy Naas placed Mr. Parker into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the jail Mr. Parker was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated- Endangerment. He was also issued a citation for speeding. Mr. Parker remains in custody on a $1300 bond.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
