The first day of school brings a variety of emotions to different people whether they're students, teachers, parents, or administrators. District 3-48 superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer reflected on what he's feeling this week as they 2022-23 begins....
The new school year began yesterday with a teacher's institute with another one being held today. Students head to class for the first day tomorrow.
The Mt. Carmel City Council has voted to appoint Cory Nolan to the library board of directors. Nolan replaces Teresa Berberich who resigned after several years on the board.
As the 2022 season at the Mt. Carmel City Pool enters its’ last few days, city officials continue to mull the future of the facility that first opened in 1937. On Monday, the city council voted to spend another $3,400 to move into step two of Phase one of a feasibility study that Mayor Joe Judge says will delve deeper into what the city of looking at in terms of repairing and/or expanding the pool….
Judge said a committee has been formed to examine the options set forth by the new feasibility study that may take 6 months to complete. The committee will consist of the parks advisory group, Judge, and Wabash General Hospital’s President/CEO Karissa Turner.
The effects of a 12 inch water main break on July 29th are still being felt around Mt. Carmel. Water Commissioner Justin Dulgar reported at Monday’s city council meeting, that the break on Poplar Street was a critical situation…
It’s hoped that Poplar Street where the break occurred near the grade school will be reopened to traffic in time for the first day of school on Friday.
Photo Credit: Joe Judge
The Second Judicial Circuit recently participated in a statewide initiative sponsored by the Illinois Judges Association and the Conference of Chief Judges to help local schools, students, and community organizations prepare for success in the 2022-23 school year by donating school supplies to students throughout the Circuit.
Second Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan and Circuit Judge Matthew Hartrich met with Ashlie Zwilling, Supervisor with SWAN on August 10, to deliver school supplies that will be donated to families serviced by the organization. SWAN, Stop Women Abuse Now, is a non-profit organization in Olney that provides homeless shelters in the Second Circuit counties of Richland, Crawford, Lawrence, Edwards, Wabash, and Wayne. SWAN also provides domestic violence services, legal advocacy, and parenting education for individuals at their centers, as well as, various support groups and parenting classes in communities throughout the region. Also on hand to assist with the donations were Children’s Caseworker, Corrine Pennington and Advocate, Jackie Reckling.
Chief Judge Morgan stated, “The Second Circuit Judges are proud to partner in this venture with SWAN. As a presiding judge in juvenile court, I see firsthand the struggles our children face when they are not prepared for school. My colleagues and I are honored to participate in this initiative to provide school supplies to local students and their families and we are happy to join forces with others who encourage and support our children in their educational pursuits.”
Judge Hartrich added, “A good education benefits the future prospects of all juveniles. The Judges of the Second Circuit are excited to do our small part to further the education of our youth.”
Standing left to right: Judge Matthew Hartrich, Judge Melissa Morgan, and Jackie Reckling. Kneeling left to right: Ashlie Zwilling and Corinne Pennington.
Enfield — The Wabash Area Development, Inc., as administrator of the Home Energy Assistance Program in Edwards, Hamilton, Gallatin, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, and White Counties is pleased to announce that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and electric bills and furnace assistance.
The program will begin September 1, 2022, for all income-eligible households. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through May 31, 2023. There will be no priority groups this program year. Households in need are encouraged to apply.
Households must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to receive a benefit from the LIHEAP Program. The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines, State Median Income and the number of persons living in the household. The income guidelines are as follows: 1-$2,265, 2-$3,052, 3-$3,838, 4-4,625. Go to https://www.wadiinc.com/energy.html to know income limits for households with 5 members and more.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time benefits to income eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service. Propane customers are encouraged to apply when the program opens in September to take greater advantage of lower propane prices. Propane prices typically increase during the winter months so by applying early propane customers will see their LIHEAP benefit go further.
Applications will be taken at the following county outreach offices: Edwards, Hamilton, Gallatin/Saline, Wabash, Wayne, and White.
To submit an application, you MUST submit ALL documentation required:
1. Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
2. Proof of Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. Individuals without an SSN or ITIN can still apply and Wabash Area Development, Inc. will advise accordingly.
3. A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
4. A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact.
5. Other documents may be needed based on your household situation.
If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.
Water and sewer cost assistance is available this year in the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). You can apply for water and sewer assistance on the same application as LIHEAP. Bring your water bill(s) with you to your LIHEAP appointment. Help with arrearages is available as well as rate reduction assistance of $100-$400, depending upon your income level. Prior year recipients are eligible to re-apply.
Please call Wabash Area Development, Inc. at 1-618-963-2387 for outreach locations and schedules, and for information on what documents are needed to apply and different ways to submit your application.
On 8/11/2022, Charles R. Leek, age 38, of Mt. Carmel, turned himself in to the Mt. Carmel Police Department in reference to a Methamphetamine Delivery Warrant out of Wabash County. This arrest stems from MCPD’s ongoing investigation into the delivery of methamphetamine within the City of Mt. Carmel. Leek posted $2,500 cash bond and was released.
On 8/10/2022, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Kimberly G. Gawthrop, age 59, of Mt. Carmel, on four outstanding warrants, three of which were from past felony level arrests, while investigating an unrelated complaint. MCPD officers discovered that Gawthrop had (1) Wabash County Warrant, (1) Edwards County Warrant, and (2) Peoria County Warrants at which time she was taken into custody and transported to the Wabash County Jail. Gawthorp is being held on a total of $2500 cash bond.
Carmi – Illinois State Police (ISP) District 19 Interim Commander, Lieutenant Kerry Sutton, announces the ISP will conduct Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) in Wabash, Edwards, and White Counties during late August and early September, as part of the Labor Day Holiday Enforcement period. OREPs allow the ISP to focus on safety belt and child safety seat laws. Illinois law requires all vehicle passengers (front and back) to be buckled up.
Safety belts are still one of the most effective safety devices in vehicles, estimated to save nearly 14,000 lives each year. Half of vehicle occupants killed in a traffic crash were not properly buckled up. The objective of this program is to increase occupant restraint compliance through education, child seat inspections, and enforcement.
Be aware of scammers. We've had reports of scammers spoofing the Sheriff's Office phone number and telling people there is an arrest warrant for them and to avoid jail, tells them to go buy gift cards (stores may vary) and provide the numbers over the phone.
This is just not true. If you have a warrant, we'll just come and take you to jail. Gift cards are not an option. Money orders or payments such as Moneygram and Western Union are not options.
Never provide payment or personal information over the phone if you're not absolutely sure who you're talking to.