The man who led area authorities on a high speed chase and manhunt back in June has been sentenced on more charges. 27-year-old Ashton T. Harper was sentenced in Wayne County Court yesterday. He pleaded guilty to a class 2 felony of possession of a stolen vehicle. He was sentenced to 5 years in prison plus two years of mandatory supervised release. A separate count and case were dismissed per his plea, Harper was also ordered to pay $6,344 in fines and court costs. Back in October, Harper was sentenced to 5 years in prison in Wabash County on an aggravated fleeing charge stemming from that pursuit in June. That case began in White County with the report of a stolen vehicle and aggravated battery with a firearm. Mt. Carmel Police found the suspected vehicle and were led on chase through rural Wabash County. - and ultimately Harper was captured following a manhunt into Lawrence County.
State Announces I-57 Widening in Southern Illinois
Press Release From Governor JB Pritzker’s Office:
BENTON - Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation today were joined by local officials and community leaders to announce the next phase of the Interstate 57 widening through Southern Illinois, another cornerstone project of the governor's historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The latest improvements are part of $268 million being advanced through Rebuild Illinois to fix and improve I-57 in the region, improving safety and mobility while creating thousands of construction and permanent jobs.
"Today I'm proud to announce the most significant investment in I-57 since its original development. This major upgrade comes after we've already completed a successful, six-lane expansion along the Johnson City stretch of I-57 in 2020 and launched the ongoing West Frankfort renovations," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Thanks to Rebuild Illinois, we're unlocking the federal funding necessary to take this from a four to a six-lane highway - enhancing safety, creating jobs, improving the reliability of the freight network, and supporting the economic development potential of the region."
In Southern Illinois, I-57 is part of the National Highway Freight Network, carrying more than 40,000 vehicles a day, 14,000 of which are trucks. The I-57 improvements made possible by Rebuild Illinois will add a third lane in each direction along one of the country's critical freight and travel corridors that no longer meets current traffic volumes and demands.
A $67.6 million project starting next month will expand nine miles of I-57 to six lanes from north of Illinois 149 to south of Illinois 154, installing median barrier, resurfacing the existing lanes, updating deficient guardrail, and adding rumble strips. The bridges over the Big Muddy River will be replaced. Two lanes will remain open during construction as much as possible, with overnight lane closures until the project wraps up in 2025.
Participating on the project will be graduates of the Highway Construction Careers Training Program, an IDOT initiative in partnership with John A. Logan College in Carterville to provide minority and female students the opportunity to get on-the-job experience toward full-time work and a career in the construction trades.
"The I-57 corridor is one of the most important in our system, but it's prone to backups and congestion that can spill over into neighboring communities," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. "Under Gov. Pritzker, we are transforming I-57 to accommodate 21st century transportation, as we are doing throughout Southern Illinois and the entire state."
A previous project, completed in 2020, expanded I-57 for 4.5 miles south of West Frankfort, with an ongoing widening due to end next year that continues north for 3.5 miles. In addition to the latest project, Rebuild Illinois is investing $164 million to complete the expansion of I-57 in future years to Mt. Vernon, as well as replacing bridges over Marcum Branch, Gun Creek, Dodds Creek and reconstructing the I-57/64 interchange with Illinois 15.
For local governments in IDOT's District 9 - which includes Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, White and Williamson counties - Rebuild Illinois has meant an added $28.4 million in motor fuel tax revenues to advance their projects. Also, $33.5 million as part of $1.5 billion earmarked for municipal, township, and county projects statewide in Rebuild Illinois has been awarded to local governments in District 9 for road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs.
"This collaboration and investment between the federal and state government is an example of great work being done to ensure drivers have smooth roads and the safest route on Illinois roadways," said State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg). "There is no doubt, portions of Interstate 57 remain congested creating serious challenges and posing dangerous risks. By investing in Illinois' infrastructure, we are investing in jobs and our local economy, which will continue to put southern Illinois on the map for years to come."
"I-57 is a lifeline in the body of Southern Illinois' economy. Investing in our future by widening I-57 means union workers will have jobs, our truck drivers and motorists will have the space they need to operate safely and shows the people of Southern Illinois that their representation in Springfield is looking out for their best interests," said State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton). "I am proud of the work that is being done to widen these roads and know that the future of our economy is brighter because of the investments we are making in our people and our infrastructure."
Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing $33.2 billion into the state's aging transportation system, creating jobs, and promoting economic growth. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history but also the first one that touches all modes of Illinois transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
Through Year Two of Rebuild Illinois, IDOT has made approximately $5.2 billion in improvements to more than 3,000 miles of highway and almost 300 bridges, as well as almost 450 additional safety improvements.
County Clerk Issues Reminder About Tax Levies
Wabash County Clerk Janet Will is reminding local taxing bodies of the upcoming deadline to file property tax levies. Will said the deadline is December 28th as the levies must be filed on or before that date in the county clerk’s office. In addition, Will said taxing districts are also required to file a copy of their budget and appropriation ordinance with her office prior to the extension of taxes.
Jury Hears From Nine Witnesses In Day 1 Of Isham Sexual Assault Trial
Testimony got underway this morning in the sexual assault trial of 31 year old Jeffrey Isham of Mt. Carmel. Isham was arrested in September of 2019 and charged with a Class X felony of predatory criminal sexual assault with the victim being under the age of 13.
During opening arguments today, state’s attorney Kelli Storckman laid out the details of the alleged crime on September 8th of 2019 in which Isham allegedly dragged a female family member by the hair into a bathroom and assaulted her. The alleged assault ended when Isham’s wife walked into the bathroom.
Defense attorney James Lane asked jurors to closely consider the testimony and evidence saying the state’s story has plenty of “potholes”.
Witnesses today included the alleged victim, her father, 911 dispatcher Dru Faulkner, sheriff’s deputy D. Ray Etzkorn, former deputy Keagan Bogard, and Ashleigh Turner, formerly of the Guardian Center who conducted an interview with the alleged victim the day after the alleged incident, a video which was shown to jurors.
Also testifying today were registered nurse Stephanie Sessions who conducted a sexual assault kit on the alleged victim at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital; police chief Mike McWilliams and sheriff Derek Morgan who testified as to the chain of custody of the samples taken from the young girl and Isham that were sent to the State Police Crime Lab for analysis.
Storckman indicated she had five more witnesses to call when the trial resumes on Wednesday.
The Class X felony carries a prison term of 6 to 30 years and is not a probationable offense.
Wissel Addresses Recent Increase In COVID Cases
Local health officials are crossing their fingers that a recent spike in COVID-19 cases won’t become a trend. At yesterday’s Wabash County Commissioners meeting, health department administrator Judy Wissel said there has been an increase in cases the last two weeks resulting in 34 individuals in isolation and 38 in quarantine. Wissel reported the county’s positivity rate now stands at 4.1% and there has been another COVID positive patient die recently in Wabash County.
The health department continues to test daily for COVID from 11 to 3. A mass vaccination clinic will be held December 16th in Albion from noon to 6. According to Wissel, the clinic will be for any first time vaccines for ages 5 and up as well as boosters. You can call the health department to schedule an appointment for that day.
Jury Seated In Sexual Assault Trial Of Mt. Carmel Man
Opening arguments are scheduled for Tuesday morning in the sexual assault trial of a Mt. Carmel man. 31 year old Jeffrey Isham was arrested in September of 2019 and charged with a Class X felony of predatory criminal sexual assault with the victim being under the age of 13. The charge resulted following an investigation by the Wabash County Sheriff’s Department. Isham was charged with three more similar Class X felonies in December of last year.
Isham was originally charged in 2019 by former state’s attorney Cassandra Goldman, but the case has dragged on and carried over to current state’s attorney Kelli Storckman who will be making her opening statement tomorrow at 9am. Isham is being represented by public defender James Lane. A 12 person jury was seated today in Wabash County Circuit Court.
In January of 2020, a plea agreement in the case was rejected by the judge. The Class X felony carries a prison terms of 6 to 30 years and is not a probationable offense.
WGH Board Considers By-Laws Change To Give Board Chairman Extra Year
The Wabash General Hospital Board of Directors has given tentative approval to a change in their by-laws to give their current board president an extra year in charge. Presently, by-laws allow for the board president to serve a two year term. But, the change would allow an extra year and vice-chair Toni Brines said the change is important so board president Rob Coleman can continue to oversee the hospital’s construction and renovation project…
The board is expected to formally adopt the by-laws change at the monthly meeting next week. Other board officers would also remain the same with Brines as vice-chair, Doug McPherson as secretary, and Janet Storey as treasurer.
2022 Wabash County 4-H And Jr. Fair Moved Up A Week
Typically, the Wabash County 4-H and Junior Fair is the last week of July. But next year, that will change according to fair board member Mike Wilson….
WILSON 2022 FAIR…
That means the 2022 fair will be July 16th though the 22nd. And next year’s fair will be a special one…
Wabash County 4-Her’s are reminded they must be re-enrolled in 4-H by January 1st in order to show at next year’s fair. New members have until March 1st to enroll.
Wabash County Board Of Commissioners Agenda
REGULAR MEETING Monday, December 6, 2021 4:30pm
AGENDA
1) Call to order:
2) Approve minutes of previous meeting:
3) Commissioner’s reports:
4) Officer’s reports:
5) Old Business:
6) New Business:
a. Karissa Turner representing Wabash General Hospital.
b. Re-organize the County Board and Elect the Chairman.
c. County Board appointments.
d. Semi-annual review of Executive Session minutes.
7) Executive Session:
8) Correspondence:
9) Approval for payment of claims presented:
10) Adjournment:
This agenda is subject to change prior to the time of the meeting if necessary.
Dated this 2nd day of December, 2021.
The meeting will be held upstairs in the Courtroom.
Wabash General Hospital honored for excellence in quality of care
The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) recently recognized Wabash General Hospital for its ongoing commitment to exceptional quality of care, during a ceremony held November 18th at the I-Hotel and Conference Center, Champaign, IL.
As part of the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Program (MBQIP), Wabash General Hospital and other critical access hospitals were asked to voluntarily participate in four defined domains of quality outcomes. These four domains include: Patient Safety/Inpatient; Patient Engagement; Care Transitions; and Outpatient Measures.
“Often, in rural hospitals, having a devoted staff member to abstract and submit this data can be both time-consuming and burdensome,” said Laura Fischer, ICAHN Flex Grant Project Manager. “This hospital realizes how important quality of care and an engaged staff is for its patients…From its top leadership on throughout the facility, each strives for continued quality on a daily basis, and that is what we are celebrating today.”
Wabash General Hospital was recognized for being in the top 10% of all critical access hospitals in the country for exceptional outpatient quality of care, exceptional care transitions for all emergency department transfer patients, and for being a high-achieving HCAHPS hospital.
The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) is a survey instrument developed to measure a hospital patient’s perception of their care. These HCAHPS ratings awards include hospitals that received top scores greater than 90% for the global questions as well as hospitals that received four- or five-star ratings.
“We are very proud of our team for achieving this level of excellence in health quality,” said Karissa Turner, CEO, Wabash General Hospital. “This is truly a team effort that recognizes our dedication to delivering a healthcare experience of which our patients and staff can be proud.”
The Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Program began in 2011 as a way for critical access hospitals to demonstrate the quality of care that they provide. This program has continued to evolve, adding new measures and removing outdated ones. In 2016, the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy deemed it necessary for CAHs to participate in at least one measure of one domain to receive Flex funding opportunities. Each year, FORHP has increased the level at which the hospital must participate to remain Flex fund eligible.
The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN), located in Princeton, IL, is a network of 57 small rural Illinois hospitals dedicated to strengthening the operations of its member hospitals through collaboration. The organization is composed of Illinois hospitals who have earned critical access hospital designation by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. ICAHN is recognized nationally for its work with rural healthcare and administers several state, federal, and private healthcare programs.