On July 31, 2021, at 8:22 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Bryce Jutzi received a report of a suspicious person at Lafayette Park in Princeton, Indiana. Deputy Jutzi was advised that the unknown person was attempting to make entry into one of the locked park buildings. At that point Deputy Jutzi as well as Princeton Officers Matt Perry and Sergeant Steve McNeece went to the area and began an investigation into the complaint. While observing the area they observed 30-year-old Trevor Henson of Mount Carmel attempting to work on his over heated Buick sedan. While speaking with Mr. Henson Deputy Jutzi believed Mr. Henson may be under the influence of an unknown intoxicant and focused his investigation on Mr. Henson. During the investigation a hypodermic needle was found during a pat down for weapons. Mr. Henson was then taken into custody while the investigation was completed. At the conclusion of the investigation a stolen Springfield 9 mm and Methamphetamines were recovered from inside Mr. Henson’s vehicle. Mr. Henson was transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Theft of a Firearm, Possession of Methamphetamines, and Possession of a Hypodermic Needle. He remains in custody on a $2500 bond.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Process For New Water Plant Progresses
Bids were due to go out last week for the new water treatment plant in Mt. Carmel. Terry Boyer of Donahue and Associates told the city council recently that design plans were complete and the drawings and specs were being forwarded to the city for review. Boyer said the goal was to start advertising for bids this week and if the project remains on schedule, the notice to proceed could be given to the contractor sometime in January. Construction on the $10.4 million is expected to take 18 months and be ready for operation in mid-2023.
Child/Family Therapist Advises To Begin Getting Into School Routine
It’s not just books and backpacks to keep an eye on for the new school year, but psychological wellbeing. According to Jonathan Ponser, a licensed counselor and manager of child and family therapy for Memorial Behavioral Health in Springfield, not all kids will make the adjustment to in-person instruction in quite the same way.
“Those who have been more socially engaged,” he said, “may have an easier time. Those who—for the protection of their health or the health of others—have had had fewer social interactions may respond with more anxiety.”
Ponser said when kids ask questions about what to expect as daily, in-person instruction resumes, you should keep in mind that often they are not only seeking answers but also emotional support.
It’s not too soon, he said, to adjust your child’s sleep patterns and begin encouraging regular habits of structure and routine.
“In terms of electronics, that’s just one thing most households would want to have a set rule about—when it’s all right to have access to them and when not. We want to put those away a good hour or so before bedtimes.”
Ponser suggested a community charging station, in a common area of the home, where phones and devices can be put during offline hours.
Other things, like back-to-school shopping for supplies, clothes, etc. can bring a feeling of familiarity and normalcy to students who might otherwise be feeling anxious about returning to in-person classes after more than a year.
Norris City Man Killed In Early Morning Route 1 Crash
ISP FATAL TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT
The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police
District 19
WHAT: Two Unit Fatal Traffic Crash
WHERE: Illinois Route 1 at County Road 400 E, White County
WHEN: July 31, 2021 at approximately 12:03 a.m.
VEHICLE: Unit 1 – 2002 Red Dodge Pickup
Unit 2 – 2012 Blue Hyundai Sonata
DRIVERS: Unit 1 – Brian W. Dartt, 48-year-old male from Carmi, IL – Transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
Unit 2 –18-year-old male from Norris City, IL – Deceased
PASSENGERS: Unit 1 – Melissa R. Talley, 48-year-old female from Carmi, IL – Transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
PRELIMINARY: Preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling northbound on Illinois Route 1 near County Road 400 East in White County. Unit 2 was traveling southbound on Illinois Route 1 approaching Unit 1. For unknown reason, Unit 1 crossed into the southbound lane and struck Unit 2 head on. The driver of Unit 2 was pronounced deceased on scene by the White County Coroner. The driver and passenger of Unit 1 were air lifted to an area hospital with serious injuries.
CHARGES: Pending Investigation
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
District #348 School Board Calls Special Meeting
WABASH COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION
SPECIAL MEETING
District Office
218 W. 13th Street
Mt. Carmel, Il 62863
Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
1. Call to order / Roll call
2. Employment
3. Adjourn
Secretary of State Offices and Driver Services Facilities to Reinstitute Mask Policy Monday, Aug. 2
Due to a recent increase in COVID-19 cases, Secretary of State Jesse White announced that Driver Services facilities, Secretary of State offices and the Illinois State Capitol Building will require all employees and customers to wear a mask beginning Monday, Aug. 2.
White stressed that it is imperative for his facilities to remain open to serve the public to reduce the heavy customer volume caused by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last year. White said reinstating the mask policy for employees and customers will help achieve this goal.
White is reminding customers that his office extended expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards until Jan. 1, 2022. As a result, expired documents will remain valid until Jan. 1, 2022, so customers do not need to rush into a facility.
White continues to urge the public to consider using online services when possible instead of visiting a facility due to heavy customer volume. White has greatly expanded online services and encourages the public to visit his office’s website at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. Many transactions can be conducted online, including the purchase of license plate stickers, obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card, and renewing driver’s licenses and ID cards, including REAL IDs, for those who are eligible.
As a reminder, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023
Niemerg Honors Lawrence County 200th Anniversary
State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) on Saturday, presented House Resolution 338 to the Chairman of the Lawrence County Board and the Lawrence County Historical Society to express the esteem and respect of the Illinois House of Representatives on this milestone on 2021.
“Lawrence County has a rich history from being the place where Abraham Lincoln and his family crossed into Illinois when they migrated here, to being an economic force for our area in the agriculture and the energy sectors,” commented said Rep. Adam Niemerg. “And let’s not forget the great tradition of Lawrenceville Indians basketball!”
Lawrence County was formed on January 16, 1821 out of land from Crawford and Edwards Counties. It was named for Captain James Lawrence who was killed in action during the War of 1812 while commanding the frigate ship USS Chesapeake and who is especially remembered for giving his men the famous last order "Don't Give Up the Ship.”
The two hundred-year history of Lawrence County includes the George Rogers Clark march during the American Revolution across the land that would eventually become Lawrence County. Native American Shawnee Chief Tecumseh is recorded as having traveled through the forests of Lawrence County and future U.S. President Abraham Lincoln at age 21 and his family migrated to Illinois crossing over the Wabash River into Lawrence County.
Not only was Lawrence County settled by French, Scottish, and Irish immigrants, according to the resolution, but historical records indicate that shortly after 1800, John Morris, a free Black man, traveled to Lawrence County with the Samuel Allison family and became one of the inhabitants of Fort Allison, located at the present site of Russellville.
“The first volunteer recruits requested by President Abraham Lincoln for Civil War service came from Lawrence County,” added Rep. Adam Niemerg, a graduate of history at Eastern Illinois University. “I encourage everyone to take some time learn about the history of your community and your family and you’ll be surprised about the interesting facts of our great state.”
You may read the full text of House Resolution 338 at www.ilga.gov and learn more from the Lawrence County Historical Society at: www.lawrencelore.org.
Work Wrapping Up On Road Behind MCHS
Crews are putting the finishing touches on the resurfacing project on the street behind Mt. Carmel High School. At last week’s District #348 school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer said the extensive project has turned out to be something to be proud of…
Bleyer thanked the board for tackling the project saying the road was in such bad shape, he didn’t think it would last another year. Bleyer also reported that a large tree came down and smashed picnic tables on the vacant lots across from the high school.
Highway Department Benefitting From Route 1 Road Work
The Wabash County Highway Department is seeing some fringe benefits from the resurfacing of Route 1 from Mt. Carmel south to Cowling. Highway engineer Dustin Bunting told the county board that a subcontractor has been bringing materials to the county….
Bunting also reported that Mt. Carmel Stabilization Group started on the county’s chip and seal program last week with his department already hearing compliments on the work being done.
Rash Of Weekend Break-Ins Prompts Reminder From MCPD
The Mt. Carmel Police Department would like to remind residents to keep their vehicles locked when unoccupied. Over 50 vehicles were burglarized this weekend, each being left unsecured. This request is of particular importance when firearms are left inside the vehicle unattended. Failure to do so allows a subject committing a felony to have easy access to a firearm. The Mt. Carmel Police Department desires to keep its citizens safe, and this helps ensure that happens.