Pritzker: Move To Phase 5 Not Happening Anytime Soon

The Illinois Department of Public Health moved a number of regions into less restrictive tiers of mitigations on Monday. Two regions, three and five—including Wabash County— are now back to Phase Four, meaning restaurants and bars are open, some youth sports can play games and gyms are operating again. But a full move into Phase Five means widespread distribution of a vaccine or a readily available treatment for COVID-19.

Governor JB Pritzker says the state isn’t moving to Phase Five anytime soon.

On average 22,000 people a day in Illinois are getting vaccinated and the state says there are 3.2 million people in the current Phase 1b of the vaccination rollout.

As of Monday, the state reports that just under a half a million people have been vaccinated.

Mt. Carmel Man Arrested On FTA Warrant

On 1/19/21, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Richard H. Perry III, age 44, on a Wabash County Failure to Appear Warrant for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. Perry was observed on foot in the area of the 300 block of West 9th Street. Perry attempted to flee but gave up when another unit arrived for backup. During the incident, Perry disposed of a hypodermic needle by throwing it on the ground; however, it was later recovered by law enforcement. Perry was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was served the warrant and issued a charge for Possession of a Hypodermic Needle. Perry was held pending the posting of bond.

Owensville woman arrested on OWI and drug charges

On January 19, 2021, at 8:54 p.m. Deputy Brian Naas stopped to check on a Blue 2011 Toyota Rav that was along the side of the road of State Road 168 near County Road 325 West. Upon approaching the vehicle he found 51-year-old Melissa Fithian behind the wheel of the vehicle. While speaking with Ms. Fithian Deputy Naas believed she may be under the influence of Alcohol. At that point he began a roadside DUI investigation. At the conclusion of the investigation Ms. Fithian was placed into custody. During a search of Ms. Fithian illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia were found. Ms. Fithian was transported to the Gibson County Jail where she was charged with Possession of Methamphetamines, Three counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. She has since posted a $750 bond.

Assisting Deputy Naas in his investigation was Deputy Zach Lienemann.

All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

IECC Board Of Trustees Meeting Recap

   The Illinois Eastern Community College District continues to prioritize safety as COVID 19 pandemic related policies and guidelines are reviewed.  This review process is conducted with student and employee protection as a priority.   The Board of Trustees approved Covid related modifications to policies and guidelines at the regular meeting of the Illinois Eastern Community College District No. 529 held Tuesday night, January 19th, at Frontier Community College, Fairfield, Illinois.

      In an effort to better accommodate students and to remain in compliance with updated requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Trustees approved revisions to the District’s Americans with Disability Act Procedure. 

      Trustees adopted a resolution that provides for the full abatement of all taxes due to be levied

The Taxable General Obligation Community College Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2020C were retired in the Fall of  2020, there is no longer a need for a levy to pay the principal and interest of this series of bonds. 

Agreements were approved with Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, to offer Motorcycle Rider Training courses at all four of the IECC colleges, Frontier Community College in Fairfield, Lincoln Trail College in Robinson, Olney Central College in Olney, and Wabash Valley College in Mt. Carmel. 

      Trustees approved a bid for solar from WindSolar USA, Inc. for the design and installation of a solar project for Wabash Valley College. 

      Purchase of a 15 passenger van from Eagleson Automotive, Inc. was approved.  The van will be for use at Frontier Community College.  

Student Fees and cost structure for Dual Credit courses were approved as well as an increase in student fees for Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Technician Lab Programs.  

      The Board approved employment of Marbie Downen as Health Sciences Specialist for the Title III Program at FCC, effective January 5, 2021; for  Kelly Mullins as Library Assistant at LTC, effective January 20, 2021; for David Kandalec as Maintenance/Custodian Staff at OCC, effective January 27, 2021.    A resignation was approved for Gerry Kinney as Electrical Distribution Systems Instructor at FCC, effective July 1, 2021.  A retirement was approved for Michael Thomas as Dean of Workforce Education, effective May 1, 2021.

      A Change in Status was approved for the following current employees.  Lori Noe, from Coordinator of Financial Aid at FCC, to Director of Instructional Support Services at FCC,  effective January 20, 2021; Erin Volk, from Coordinator of Advisement at LTC, to Director of Instructional Services at LTC,  effective April 26, 2021; Rena Gower, from Director of Academic Success Center at LTC, to Director of Instructional Support Services at LTC,  effective January 20, 2021.

      Next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at 7 p.m. at Lincoln Trail College, Robinson.

Evansville Man Sentenced To 8 Years In Prison

A 65 year old Evansville man has been sentenced to 8 years in prison on three different felony counts in Wabash County. Lawrence Bush was arrested by the Wabash County Sheriff’s Department after being stopped last November 3rd at Walnut and Chestnut Streets in Mt. Carmel for a traffic infraction. During the stop, it was found Bush had outstanding warrants from Vanderburgh County. A search of his vehicle uncovered two firearms, ammunition, meth, and drug paraphernalia. State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman reports that Bush was sentenced to 8 years, 5 years, and 2 years in prison on charges of use of property, possession of a weapon by a felon, and possession of meth respectively. The sentences will run concurrently. After his release from prison, Bush will be on two years of parole.

City Council Approves Board Appointments

The Mt. Carmel City Council has approved the appointments of five men to the Mt. Carmel Airport Board. Mayor Joe Judge said he had worked with airport manager Chad Hill in coming up the list that include former airport manager Ken Wood, George Beckerman, Jake Brian, Barry Buchanan, and Tom Robbins. Judge said some of the new appointees live in Lawrence County, but there are no provisions the board members live in Wabash County. The Mt. Carmel Airport is located in Lawrence County, just north of St. Francisville.

The City Council also approved a fifth appointment to the parks advisory board as recommended by the mayor… 

Previously, Judge appointed commissioner Tom Meeks, Rick Andrews, Doug McPherson, and M. C. Deming to the parks board. 

Traffic Stop Results In DUI Arrest For Mt. Carmel Man

On 1/17/21, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Branden D. Spruell, age 22, of Mt. Carmel, for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol following a traffic stop at 5th & Poplar Street. During the stop, the investigating officer detected signs of impairment on Spruell resulting in roadside sobriety testing. During the testing, Spruell exhibited several clues to indicate impairment. Spruell was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was processed for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. Spruell was later released on a Notice to Appear in court.

Mt. Carmel Man Picked Up On Warrant For Violating OP

On 1/17/21, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Jeffrey A. Wright, age 62, of Mt. Carmel, on a Wabash County Warrant for Violation of an Order of Protection. Wright was observed outside of his residence in the 900 block of West 4th Street where he was taken into custody. Wright was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was issued the warrant and held on a $150 cash bond.

Mt. Carmel Man Arrested On Warrant After Calling Police For Assistance

On 1/14/21, Mt. Carmel Police arrested John D. Vaught II, age 46, of Mt. Carmel, on an Indiana Department of Corrections Parole Violation Warrant. Vaught had originally called for police assistance for a possible suspicious person near his residence in the 200 block of Pecan Ave. While officers investigated this complaint it was learned that Vaught had the parole violation warrant. Vaught was taken into custody and transported to the Wabash County Jail pending extradition back to the Indiana Department of Corrections.

‘Armed protests’ never materialize as Illinois National Guard patrols state capitol

It’s unclear how long the Illinois National Guard will have patrols around a boarded up Illinois state capitol complex, but residents can expect to see soldiers deployed in counties across the state for a different mission.

Last week, the FBI said in a bulletin there could be armed protests in state capitals across the country. Gov. J.B. Pritkzer ordered the Illinois National Guard to Springfield.

Illinois National Guard Major General Richard Neely Saturday said hundreds of Illinois’ troops have returned home from overseas missions and are now heavily engaged in domestic operations.

“With 250 soldiers assisting law enforcement here in Springfield as they secure the capitol and some 300 additional soldiers and airmen to help secure the presidential inauguration in the nation’s capital,” Neely said.

Windows at the Illinois state capitol building were boarded up Friday. Signs were posted saying “Illinois law prohibits open carry of firearms” while soldiers could be seen carrying rifles.

Saturday and Sunday in Springfield, there were more soldiers than there were demonstrators. At one point Saturday, it was reported there were two people demonstrating.

Neely didn’t give specifics about any possible threats, and couldn’t give a timeline of when the posture would be relaxed.

"We will review that and look at that based on the criteria at the time and be a needs-based assessment on whether or not we stayed engaged in some of these different areas,” he said.

But, he did say by the first week of February, about 400 soldiers will be deployed around the state for another mission, assisting in distributing the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We expect to have more than 400 service members assisting communities across the state in distributing and administering this life-saving vaccination,” Neely said.

A lot of the guard’s vaccine mission will focus on Cook County, with assistance to other counties throughout the state as needed, he said.