Indiana State Police End of Summer ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ Campaign

Drive sober or get pulled over. That is the warning coming from the Indiana State Police as it gears up to participate in an end-of-summer impaired driving enforcement campaign. Starting this weekend through Labor Day, officers will be increasing patrols designed to target those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The extra high-visibility enforcement is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).

Alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities have increased over the past few years, as have other dangerous driving behaviors, fueling a nationwide surge in roadway deaths. It’s an unfortunate trend that doesn’t appear to be slowing.

Newly released data from NHTSA shows that an estimated 9,560 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the first quarter of 2022. That’s up 7% from the previous year and the highest number of deaths in 20 years for that period.

In Indiana, traffic fatalities increased by more than 20% during that time compared to 2021. If the pace continues, 2022 could be the third straight year with more fatalities, following 897 in 2020 and 931 in 2021.

“People who drive drunk or high aren’t thinking about the repercussions,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “It’s not just their life they’re risking, but the life of the person in the car next to them and the pedestrian crossing the street. No one ‘accidentally’ drives impaired. It’s always a choice.”

Drunk driving continues to be a major factor making up roughly 25% of the state’s fatal collisions, but alcohol isn’t the only concern.

Research indicates drug prevalence has been on the rise among drivers during the pandemic. Last year, the number of blood samples submitted to the Indiana Department of Toxicology for drug analysis after a crash increased by 7%.

“Since the start of the pandemic, more drivers are testing positive for THC and poly-drug use, a combination of drugs,” said Robert Duckworth, ICJI Traffic Safety Director. “We’re working to address that by training more officers in advanced detection techniques and providing new tools to law enforcement, but the best and easiest solution is for people to not drive high in the first place.”

Driving under the influence, whether it’s drugs or alcohol, is illegal in Indiana. Those who choose to drive impaired are, not only risking their life and the lives of others, but also could face an arrest, jail time, and substantial fines and attorney fees. The average drunk driving arrest costs up to $10,000.

With officers showing zero tolerance throughout the campaign, the department recommends celebrating the end of summer responsibly by having a safety plan in place. Even if it’s only one drink, designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely. Never drive impaired or let friends get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.

It’s also important to wear a seat belt at all times. It’s the best form of protection against drunk drivers. Motorists are encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911 or contacting the department.

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE WELCOMES NEW TROOPERS WITH CADET CLASS 137 GRADUATION

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) commissioned 10 new Troopers today from Cadet Class 137 at a graduation ceremony at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield.  The total number of ISP troopers added since 2019 now stands at 305. The new Troopers will report to eight ISP patrol districts throughout the state on Monday, August 22, 2022.

Cadet Class 137 marks the eighth cadet class graduation under Governor JB Pritzker. The Governor’s proposed ISP budget for Fiscal Year 2023 is the largest in ISP history and allows for an additional 300 new Troopers.

“Congratulations to our new troopers on their graduation from the Illinois State Police Academy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “If we want to create safer streets, then I know we need to get more experienced Troopers on the expressways and in our communities — and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Since 2019, we’ve added more than 300 ISP Troopers who patrol eight different districts throughout the state. To Class 137: I know you underwent a rigorous training regime, and I couldn’t be prouder of your achievements.”

Cadet Class 137 was a Lateral Entry Training Program (LETP) class. To be eligible for LETP, applicants must be a certified police officer having graduated from an accredited law enforcement academy and have at least two years of experience while employed as a full-time sworn police officer. 

“Cadet Class 137 is the second class to graduate during ISP’s Centennial year and it’s graduation signifies a continued commitment to rebuilding ISP,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.  “Cadet Class 137 consists of Troopers who were previous law enforcement officers with other agencies.  Their previous experience combined with comprehensive training through the ISP Academy has allowed ISP to more quickly put experienced and highly trained Troopers back into the communities from which they came.”

LETP focuses on recruitment of current law enforcement officers to expedite the number of sworn Troopers, which will provide increased safety to the citizens of Illinois. 

The 10 newest Troopers have completed a demanding 11-week program of physical and classroom instruction, which included training in Cultural Diversity, Procedural Justice, Domestic Violence, Critical Incident Response, De-escalation Tactics, Firearms, First Responder Certification, Control and Arrest Tactics, Illinois Vehicle Code, Criminal Law, Motor Carrier Safety, Juvenile Law, and more.

In addition to the 11-week Academy training, Troopers are required to participate in one‑on‑one mentoring with Field Training Officers as part of a 14-week field training program, expanding their total training to 27 weeks. Troopers who successfully complete the field training program advance to solo-patrol status. 

LETP condenses in-person training at the Academy for prior law enforcement officers to five weeks with no more than three weeks in a row in person.  The Cadets report to the Academy for the first three weeks of the Basic Training Program for an introduction into ISP Cadet life.  The Cadets then complete training at regional locations across the state with the ability to return to their residence at the end of each workday. Cadets are required to return to the Academy for specific trainings such as the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course. Additionally, Cadets graduating through the lateral program are NOT required to relocate their residence upon graduation.

The new officers are assigned to the following areas of the state and will immediately begin their patrol duties, joining veteran Troopers in the effort to safeguard the public and Illinois roadways.

• District 1 Sterling, 1 Cadet

• District 5 Joliet, 1 Cadet

• District 6 Pontiac, 2 Cadets

• District 8 Metamora, 1 Cadet

• District 11 Collinsville, 1 Cadet

• District 14 Macomb, 1 Cadet

• District 19 Carmi, 1 Cadet

• District Chicago, 2 Cadets

The ISP Academy is one of the most respected and recognized training facilities in the country.  Dozens of law enforcement agencies use the ISP Academy curriculum to meet standards set forth by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. Earlier this year, the ISP Academy became the first Academy in the nation to adopt the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People “Ten Shared Principles.”

Anyone interested in joining the ranks of Illinois State Police is encouraged to visit the Illinois State Police Merit Board (ISPMB) website at www.illinoistrooper.com for application information. 

RMC Duck Race Raises $4,000 For Merchants Park

Last month’s Duck Race sponsored by the Wabash County Retail Merchants Committee is being deemed a big success. Just over $4,000 was raised with the proceeds going to continued improvements at Merchants Park.

And, the date has already been set for next year’s Duck Race. It’ll be held on July 25th with a Christmas theme. Proceeds from next year’s Duck Race will go toward a new Santa house.

WSJD File Photo

Wabash County's Jobless Rate 2nd Best In Southern Illinois

Wabash County continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in southern Illinois. The latest figures from the state’s department of employment security shows Wabash County with a 3.6% rate in June, down from 4.1% in May, and the 4.9% mark in June of last year.

In The Mt. Carmel-Olney area, employment gains were posted in Government, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, Leisure and Hospitality, Educational and Health Services, Other Services Natural Resources and Mining, and Professional and Business Services.

The lowest jobless rate last month in southern Illinois was in Hamilton County at 3.3% while Alexander County has the highest at 8.1%.

District #348 Not Implementing Public Act 1025022

Wabash District #348 is joining other districts around Illinois who have chosen not to implement Public Act 1020522-more commonly known as the National Sex Education Standards act. According to the act, if a district does offer comprehensive sexual education then that curriculum must align with the National Sex Education Standards and establishes criteria for classes that teach comprehensive personal health and safety and comprehensive sexual health education.

At Monday night’s school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer said he had fielded questions about the act and whether the district was implementing the standards… 

The act went into effect on June 14th in Illinois. 

The full law can be found here”

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=102-0522

Lions Ask For County's Help To Clean Up Froman Park

Wabash County Commissioners have pledged to work with the Mt. Carmel Lion’s Club to clean up Froman Park. The park, which also bears the Lion’s Club name, has fallen into a disarray with high weeds and grass making the entire facility nearly unusable. At Monday’s county board meeting, Melissa White of the Lion’s Club asked for guidance from the county in cleaning up the park…

White said the Lions recently paid someone to weed eat around one of the shelter houses, the dumpsters, and other areas. She said two of the trees planted this year by the Department of Transportation have already died because they were choked out by weeds. Commissioner Rob Dean said the county mows the property but that has been hampered by a mower that had mechanical issues. He said now that the mower is back in service, more regular mowing will now take place. Dean said he would meet with Lions members to develop a plan to get the park and lake cleaned up.

Riverview Stadium Track Surface To Be Applied Next Week

Wabash District #348 superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer told the school board Monday night that after a variety of delays in the Riverview Stadium renovation project, there’s finally some good news. Bleyer said the surface on the all-weather track will be put down starting on Monday. After the surface is in place, Bleyer said no one will be allowed on the track or turf field for three weeks while the new track cures. Originally, the track surface wasn’t scheduled to be put down until later this fall. Bleyer said after the opening football game was moved to Marshall, that puts the first game on track for Friday, September 16th…

But, Bleyer did offer a brief bit of caution…

Even with moving the first game of the season to Marshall, Mt. Carmel will stay have 5 home football games during the regular season this year.

This week crews have been installing new handrails at the Stadium.

This week crews have been installing new handrails at the Stadium.

Allendale School Board Notes

At the August 17, 2022 Allendale School Board meeting held in the Library of Allendale School, the board:

● Approved the tentative 2022-2023 Budget and will display it in the school office for the next 30 days.

● Set the 2022-2023 Budget Hearing for September 21, 2022 at 6:05 p.m.

● Voted to not release the closed session verbatim minutes of March 16, 2022; April 20, 2022; June 22, 2022; July 20, 2022.

● Approved the hiring of Luke Laws as Part-time Evening Custodian.

Worthington Man Arrested for Two Armed Robberies in Vincennes

Knox County – A criminal investigation conducted by the Indiana State Police and Vincennes City Police has resulted in the arrest of a Worthington man for Robbery and Intimidation.

Indiana State Police and Vincennes Police investigated two armed robberies that occurred at the Sunshine Spa located at 1876 Hart Street in Vincennes.  The first robbery occurred on July 3 and the second robbery occurred on August 13. During both armed robberies, a male entered the business, displayed a handgun, and left the business with an undisclosed amount of money. No one was injured during the robberies.

During the investigation, detectives were able to identify the suspect in both robberies as Davis R. Miller, 25, of Worthington, IN. Detectives with the Indiana State Police and Vincennes Police located Miller yesterday evening at his residence in Worthington and arrested him without incident for the two alleged armed robberies. Miller was transported to the Knox County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.

This is an on-going criminal investigation.

Arrested and Charges:

• Davis R. Miller, 25, Worthington, IN

1. Robbery with a Deadly Weapon, Level 3 Felony

2. Intimidation, Level 6 Felony

Investigating Officer: Detective Nick Hatfield, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officers: Detective Lowe and Detective Alexander, Vincennes Police

                All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Evansville Man Sentenced to 16 Months in Prison for Using his Accounting Position to Embezzle More than $87,000 from his Gibson County Employer

EVANSVILLE – Patrick Garrett, 33, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges of wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering.

According to court documents, Garrett was employed as a Sales Specialist for a business located in Gibson County, Indiana. Garrett was responsible for handling accounts payable and accounts receivable. From April 9, 2021, to July 16, 2021, Garrett devised and executed a direct bill and fake invoice scheme to steal $87,192.26 from his employer.

Garrett purchased approximately 62 items for himself from Amazon and other retailers by charging the purchases to his employer without authorization. Garrett’s fraudulent purchases included a car, five gas motorcycles, three electric scooters, an Apple iPad Pro, an Apple iMac Pro desktop computer, an Apple MacBook Pro laptop computer, and two drones. Garrett entered false or altered information about these purchases into his employer’s accounting system to conceal the fraud.

Garrett also submitted false invoices into his employer’s accounting system for services he claimed were provided by Garrett Ventures. Garrett created the company in 2018 and served as its Chief Financial Officer. No services were ever provided by Garrett Ventures to Garrett’s employer.

Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana; Jeffrey Adams, acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service; Rodney Hopkins, Inspector of Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Sheriff Timothy Bottoms of the Gibson County Sherriff’s Office made the announcement.

The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Gibson County Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. As part of the sentence, Judge Young ordered that Garrett pay restitution of $87,192.84, forfeit any illicitly purchased items, and be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for two years following his release from federal prison.

U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Miller who prosecuted this case.