Mt. Carmel Man Arrested For Allegedly Battering Girlfriend

On 11/21/21, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Willie F. Burks, age 41, of Mt. Carmel, for Domestic Battery following an incident at a residence in the 1000 block of N Cherry St. Police were called to the Wabash General Hospital in reference to a female claiming she had been battered by her boyfriend, Willie Burks, while at her residence. Evidence to indicate a battery had occurred was observed resulting in the arrest of Burks. Burks was taken to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending a bond setting by a judge.

MCPD Arrests 8th Person In Ongoing Narcotics Investigation

On 11/22/21, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Tracy Curtis Wilson, age 32, of Mt. Carmel, on a Wabash County warrant for Delivery of Methamphetamine following a lengthy investigation into the sale of methamphetamine within the City of Mt. Carmel.  Wilson is being held at the Wabash County Jail on a $4000 cash bond.  Further arrests stemming from this narcotics investigation are forthcoming.

Mt. Carmel City Council Agenda

AGENDA

CITY OF MOUNT CARMEL

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, November 29, 2021 at 5:00 pm

· Call to Order

o Pledge of Allegiance

o Roll Call

· Approve Minutes

o Minutes of meeting held 11/15/2021

· Visitors (topic discussed by visitor(s) is limited to 5 minutes)

· Reports and Communications

o Mayor Judge

o Commissioner Meeks Streets, Cemeteries and Parks

o Commissioner Ikemire Finance and Senior Citizens

o Commissioner Dulgar Water and Sewer

o Commissioner Zimmerman Fire, Health & Safety, City Hall and Garbage

· Staff Reports

o Ryan Turner

o Brady Waldrop

o Michael McWilliams

o Francis Speth

o Mike Gidcumb

· New Business

o Consent Agenda

o Dave Dallas report on current road upgrades

o Removal of items from the Consent Agenda

o Consideration of Consent Agenda

§ 1st reading of City Ordinance 2061-Tax Levy

§ Pay all bills bearing proper signature

o Consideration of items removed from the Consent Agenda

· Executive Session

· Motion to Adjourn

MCPD Chief Issues Warning About Fentanyl

From MCPD Police Chief Mike McWilliams: The Mt. Carmel Police Department would like to warn the public of Fentanyl that was recovered on a drug arrest in Mt. Carmel. Fentanyl is frequently mixed with other drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is like morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. In its prescription form, it is prescribed for pain, however it is made illegally also. Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths. Everyone, including law enforcement and first responders must use extreme caution in handling Fentanyl laced drugs because something as simple as handling it with bare hands can lead to an overdose. The individual that had possession of the drug believed it to “only” be methamphetamine.

Indiana State Police Increasing Patrols to promote Safe Travels this Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving holiday period is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Indiana State Police want to remind every motorist planning to travel this holiday period to drive responsibly and ensure every passenger is buckled up properly.

Last year during the Thanksgiving holiday period, more than 2,300 crashes occurred on Indiana roadways, which resulted in 450 injuries and 8 fatalities. Extra patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. Troopers will be concentrating their efforts on impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. 

Troopers are encouraging all motorists to be responsible and to obey these simple tips:

  • Ensure you are well rested, especially if you have plans to travel a long distance. A fatigued driver is a dangerous driver and often mimics the driving behavior of an impaired driver.

  • Avoid driving distracted. It is illegal to hold your phone while driving.

  • Avoid “hanging out” in the left lane.

  • Always follow other vehicles at a safe distance.

  • Obey all speed limits and use your turn signals.

  • Ensure everyone is buckled up.

  • Don’t drink and drive.

  • If you have plans to consume alcohol, please ensure you have a plan to get you and your family home safely.

7th Person Arrested In Connection To Ongoing MCPD Narcotics Investigation

The following subject was arrested by the Mt. Carmel Police Department.  All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  

 On 11/21/21, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Joshua A. Medina, age 41, of Mt. Carmel, on a Wabash County Warrant for Delivery of Methamphetamine.  Medina is being held on a $3000 cash bond at the Wabash County Jail.  This arrest stems from an ongoing investigation by the Mt. Carmel Police Department into the distribution of methamphetamine within the City of Mt. Carmel.  More arrests are forthcoming.

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE INVESTIGATES DEATH IN EDWARDS COUNTY

Grayville, IL – On Nov. 21, 2021 the Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) - Zone 8 was requested to conduct a death investigation in Grayville, IL. 

On Nov. 21, 2021, at approximately 2:04 a.m., information was obtained by the ISP DCI -Zone 8 agents which led them to the 100 block of E. Sycamore Street in Grayville, IL where the body of a 34-year-old male was discovered.  The official cause and manner of death are undetermined at this time and will be released by the Edwards County Coroner’s Office once a final autopsy and toxicology report are completed.  ISP DCI - Zone 8 was assisted by the Grayville Police Department, Edward County Coroner’s Office, ISP District 19 and ISP Crime Scene Services.

This is an active and ongoing investigation, and no additional information will be released at this time. 

Two More Nabbed By MCPD In Ongoing Drug Investigation

 From MCPD:

On 11/19/21, two more individuals were arrested on Wabash County warrants stemming from the investigation into methamphetamine distribution in the City of Mt. Carmel. Those arrested were:

 Cory W. Tinsley, age 33, of Mt. Carmel – Unlawful Delivery of Meth - $3000 cash bond

 Amber  Smith, age 39, of Mt. Carmel – Unlawful Delivery of Meth - $3500 cash bond

Wabash County Homes & Businesses Asked To Decorate

If your Hustle & Bustle batteries are a bit weak this year, why not get a recharge for yourself, your family and your friends by entering your home or business in “The Sights & Sounds Of Christmas” decorating contest, presented by Christmas Uptown! It’s free to enter, and open to all Wabash county residents & businesses. Participation in 2020 was our highest ever, with nearly 50 entrants. Again for 2021, no specific theme has been named, encouraging entrants to decorate in whatever style brings out their best Christmas Spirit! In addition to the “Sights & Sounds Of Christmas Grand Champion”, judges will present a “North Pole Neighborhood” award for a block, street, urban or rural neighborhood (as determined by the judges) with the most impressive group of displays. Other awards will be presented for the “Merry & Bright Business Award”, “That’s My Favorite” People’s Choice as voted for on Facebook Wednesday & Thursday, December 7th & 8th, and two or more additional winners in categories as chosen by the judges. Think “Best Depiction of a Hollywood Christmas Movie”, “My Favorite Christmas Carol”, or even the “Clark Griswold Award” (you might guess what that could be for). Only our creative judges will know until the announcement Friday morning!. Winners receive a yard sign to display throughout the Christmas season, a $25 Retail Merchants Committee gift check, and a wall plaque to display permanently in their home or business. They also earn bragging rights until December of 2022! You may also enter and request not to be judged, just included on the map! Forms are available at the drive-thru facilities of First Bank, First Mid Bank & Trust, and First National Bank, as well as the Wabash County Chamber of Commerce @ 601 Market Street (lower level). They can also be downloaded from the forms page on the Wabash County Chamber website or completed directly online from the “Christmas Uptown Mt. Carmel” Facebook page. Deadline to enter is Monday, December 6th @ 4pm. Judges will travel the county on evenings of the 6th & 7th, and winners will be announced Friday, December 10th @ 8am on the WSJD 100.5 “Morning Show”. The contest is made possible by the Mt. Carmel Eagles, Retail Merchants Committee, Jeff Thompson & Sons Oil Production, Mt. Carmel Lions Club, Travis Thompson Oil Corp., and MotoRad. Please message the Facebook page with questions.

2020 Grand Champion

Allendale CCSD 17 Receives 2021 David Binotti Risk Management Award

On Friday, November 19th, Allendale CCSD 17 received the 2021 David Binotti Risk Management Award at the IASB/IASA/IASBO Joint Annual Conference in Chicago. This award is presented by the Worker’s Compensation Self-Insurance Trust (WCSIT) and the Illinois School District Agency (ISDA). The award is given annually to a school district that has worked to demonstrate a commitment to risk management and loss control. 

The award was presented at the First General Session by Managing Director James Woodard, WCSIT Representative Charles Spate, WCSIT Representative Greg Manuel, and Local Agent Bill Atwood. Allendale CCSD 17 appreciates the recognition from WCSIT and ISDA in the districts effort to keep our school community safe and secure. Representing Allendale CCSD 17 at the Joint Annual Conference were Bob Bowser, Superintendent/Principal, and Cindy Brogan, Assistant Principal.