Heavy Rain Causes Three Vehicle Wreck On I-57

ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT

The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 12

WHAT:                      Multiple Vehicle Personal Injury Traffic Crash

WHERE:                   Interstate 57/70 northbound near milepost 157, Effingham County

WHEN:                      July 17, 2022 at approximately 10:03 a.m.

VEHICLES:              Unit 1- 2018 Black Nissan Murano

                                    Unit 2- 2022 Blue Chrysler Pacifica

                                    Unit 3- 2021 White Freightliner

DRIVERS:                 Unit 1- John Espino, 42-year-old male from Fort Worth, TX – Transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

                                    Unit 2- Travis Patchen, 42-year-old male from Whitehouse, OH

                                    Unit 3- Christopher Williams, 47-year-old male from Sunrise, FL

PASSENGERS:         Unit 1- Liliana Vargas, 41-year-old female from Fort Worth, TX - Transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

                                    Unit 1- 14-year-old female from Fort Worth, TX - Transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

                                    Unit 2- Sara Patchen, 42-year-old female from Whitehouse, OH

                                    Unit 2- Edwin Peters, 75-year-old male from Whitehouse, OH

Unit 2- 17-year-old female from Whitehouse, OH

Unit 3- Steven Polewach, 67-year-old male from Sandusky, MI

PRELIMINARY:      A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Units 1, 2 and 3 were all traveling north on Interstate 57/70 near mile post 157 in Effingham County. The driver of Unit 1 lost control in heavy rain and struck Unit 2. Unit 2 left the roadway to the right, slid down an embankment and onto a frontage road. Unit 1 slid out of control and was struck by Unit 3. All occupants of Unit 1 were transported by ambulance to an are hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. All other drivers and passengers reported no injuries on scene.

CHARGES:               The driver of Unit 1 was cited for Driving Too Fast for Conditions.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Increased Traffic Causes Concern On Mulberry Street

The Cherry Street Bridge project has caused an increase in detoured traffic onto Mulberry Street and that has drawn the concern of at least one homeowner in that area. John Cooley lives in the 1100 block of Mulberry Street and wants the city to consider placing a stop sign at 11th and Mulberry Streets. Cooley told the city council this week that the increased traffic is driving too fast for the residential area and a three way stop at 11th and Mulberry Streets would increase safety for motorists, pedestrians, and children in the area. Mayor Joe Judge instructed police chief Mike McWilliams to investigate the need for a new stop sign and report back to the council. McWilliams did say officers have increased patrols along that part of Mulberry to cut down on speeders. 

2022-23 Wabash District #348 Schedule of Fees

K-12 REGISTRATION FEE

$60.00

Breakfast Prices
MCHS, MCJHS, MCGS, MCES
Students $1.00 Adults $1.25

Lunch Prices
MCHS, MCJHS, MCGS, MCES
Students $2.85 Adults $3.00

MCHS Driver Education Fee - $75.00

SEASON TICKETS
MCHS Activities - $50.00 for Students
MCJHS Activities - $35.00 for Students

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY PASSES PURCHASED AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE
All Athletic Events - $100.00 for Non-Student Individuals
All Athletic Events - $150.00 for Non-Student Couples
All Athletic Events - $50.00 for Senior Citizen 55+

Wabash #348 Pay To Play Guidelines

$100 per sport
$200 cap per student
$500 cap per family

GUIDELINES

·         Payment is only made once the athlete makes the team

·         Pay to Play is basically Pay to Participate (just because you pay does not guarantee playing time)

·         Payment must be made prior to the first contest

·         No refunds will be given

·         A Free and Reduced Waiver can be used for those that qualify (waivers can be applied for at registration)

Approved by the Board of Education on July 16, 2018

Turf Installation Starts At Riverview Stadium

Work started today installing the new turf field at Riverview Stadium. Crews have been working this summer demolishing the press box and concession stand, peeling the grass turf off of the former surface, and prepping the surface. This week, work concentrated on asphalting the new 8-lane track. Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer said the new turf should be fully installed by the end of this month. After a week’s wait, the turf will be ready for use. This fall, the new turf will be used by football and soccer teams and the Marching Aces. 

Concerned Motorists Help Locate Wrong-Way Impaired Driver

Knox County – Wednesday night, July 13, at approximately 10:18 p.m., Knox County 911 Dispatch received several 911 calls reporting a wrong-way driver traveling north in the southbound lanes on US 41 near Elkhorn Road. Moments later, concerned motorists reported the vehicle was now traveling east in the westbound lanes on US 50. Trooper Buchanan and Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Bruner arrived in the area of US 50 and Monty Road and observed the wrong-way vehicle. The vehicle stopped but started to slowly back up. Trooper Buchanan exited his patrol car and approached the wrong-way vehicle. Buchanan was able to reach through the open window and put the vehicle in park. The driver was identified as Alexander Morales Rosa, 30, of Washington. Rosa displayed signs of impairment and failed field sobriety tests. Further investigation revealed Rosa had a blood alcohol content of .21% and he had never received a valid driver’s license. Rosa was arrested and taken to the Knox County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.

Arrested and Charges:

• Alexander Morales Rosa, 30, Washington, IN

1. Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated, Class A Misdemeanor

2. Operating a Vehicle without ever Obtaining a Valid Driver’s License, Class C Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Trooper Brock Buchanan, Indiana State Police

Assisting Agency: Knox County Sheriff’s Office

2022 Wabash County Fair Princess Contestant

Note: Elyse is the only contestant for this year’s fair princess.

Hello, my name is Elyse Swanson and I am 14 years old running for fair princess representing the Hi-Flyers 4-H club! This has been a dream of mine since I saw my cousin Sydney win as I have always looked up to the fair queen/princess. It’s such an honor just to be here!

I have been showing sheep and improving for 4 years going on 5! I have also picked up showing rabbits and floral arranging. I enjoy being an active young person in Wabash County.

I participate in a variety of activities such as volunteering at the local nursing home, competing in sports, attending church, helping at summer golf and cheer clinics, and bell ringing during Christmas time.

During junior high sports, I played on the State Qualifying softball team, qualified for State in the 100m dash, was awarded defensive player of the year on the volleyball team, finished in 11th place in State on the girls’ junior golf team, and was conference champion in the 100m dash on the track team. This fall I will be a member of the MCHS Cheer Squad and plan on playing Volleyball and Golf.

On the weekends when I do not have sports you might find me doing any of the following things; showing sheep, writing for school, going on nature walks with my dog in the woods, working with my dad, and running with my mom! All the things I mentioned above give you the idea of my many hobbies and activities.

I have many ideas of what I want to pursue for my future after high school. Although, I haven’t decided exactly what I will be doing after high school, I have a tentative plan and researched many opportunities that interest me. I plan on finishing high school with straight A’s and then going to college. I look forward to the possibility of attending a law school in Chicago to pursue my dream of being a Prosecuting Attorney. I also have interests in pursuing a career in the military, specifically the AirForce. To go into deeper context, I would like to fly an F-16 as a Fighter Pilot. What I would really love is getting a volleyball scholarship to Texas University.

I would like to thank Stan and Karin Kelsey for sponsoring me with Kelsey Farms and KBloms a Flower Shop. I would love to represent Wabash County 4-H as their Fair Princess this year.

COVID Numbers Up Again In Wabash County

COVID cases are rising again in Wabash County. At Tuesday’s board of health meeting, Wabash County health department administrator Judy Wissel reported there were 57 total COVID cases here in May. That increased to 129 in June and included one death. So far this month, there have already been 99 positive cases and Wissel says there’s been an increase in hospitalizations as well. The numbers do not reflect home tests that are not reported to the health department.

The health department is now offering the Moderna vaccine for kids 6 months old through 5 years of age. This now allows the health department of vaccinate all age groups.  

Mt. Carmel Man Makes First Court Appearance On Animal Cruelty Charge

19-year-old Tyler Roosevelt of Mt. Carmel made his initial court appearance Monday on an animal cruelty charge. Roosevelt was arrested June 25th by Mt. Carmel Police on the Class A misdemeanor animal cruelty charge following an investigation into an incident in the 400 block of West 5th Street. Police were called to the scene regarding a complaint about Roosevelt striking a black and tan bloodhound type dog in the head while pulling its back neck skin to escort it back to his apartment.  Once the officer reviewed the available video footage Roosevelt was located and placed under arrest.  During his first court appearance Monday, Roosevelt was advised of the charge and possible penalties. A public defender was appointed to represent him. Roosevelt, who is free on a $150 cash bond, is set to be arraigned August 8th on the charge.

Ag Days Set To Start August 3rd

The Mt. Carmel City Council has given its’ annual blessing to the Ag Days Festival along Market Street August 3rd-6th. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lesley Hipsher was at Monday’s city council meeting to get the council’s formal approval to close Market Street for setup beginning on Tuesday, August 2nd.

At Monday’s City Council meeting, Wabash County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lesley Hipsher presents the Ag Days schedule to Mayor Joe Judge.

Residents Protest River Camp Rules

Mt. Carmel leaders recent decision to enforce rules against occupants of river camps drew a big crowd to Monday night’s City Council meeting. After years of not paying rent on the city-owned property, the river campers behind the sea wall are now required to sign a lease, have liability insurance, and pay $50 a year. During last week’s Ask The Mayor segment on WSJD, Joe Judge responded to criticism of the new enforcement effort….

But, Richard Johnston complained at Monday’s meeting that he was unfairly treated and lost the rights to his river camp. Judge said the issue is simple…

Without mentioning Johnston by name, Judge outlined the reasons for the action taken against him by the city….

After Johnston complained he was being singled out, Judge assured him action would soon be taken against others who are committing violations.

The mayor’s full response to the question can be heard here:

Helen Gillihan questioned the council as to why only one camper at a time is now allowed at river camps owned by the city.

A shot of some of those turning out at Monday’s meeting.