City Council Unanimously Approves Sewer Rate Increase

Beginning next month, sewer rates in Mt. Carmel will be increasing for the first time in seven years. At yesterday’s City Council meeting, water and sewer commissioner Justin Dulgar ran down the increases that were approved unanimously by commissioners….

Dulgar said the city has borrowed $3.4 million from the EPA to pay for previous upgrades to the sewer plant. He said the increase in rates will not only be used to pay off the loan, but also to help cover other costly repairs the sewer department is tackling including the massive break at 3rd and Division. There, Dulgar said 1,200 feet of sewer line wlll need to be replaced…something he said would be “pretty expensive”. In fact, since the EPA has no provisions for loans for emergency projects such as this, the city is seeking local financing to pay for the work. Otherwise, the repairs would have to be halted during the lengthy EPA loan process.

Dulgar pointed out that the sewer and water departments operate as stand-alone entities within the city budget and money out of the city’s general fund can’t be used to pay for anything related to those two departments. They are totally dependent on user fees.

Crews were busy this morning working on the 3rd & Division Street sewer project.

Crews were busy this morning working on the 3rd & Division Street sewer project.

GREENUP MAN ARRESTED FOR FIRST DEGREE MURDER

GREENUP – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 8 announce the arrest of Lonnie L. Glidewell, a 57-year-old male from Greenup, IL, for First Degree Murder (Class M Felony).

 On August 20, 2022 at approximately 9:23 p.m., the ISP DCI – Zone 8 was requested by Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office to conduct a homicide investigation in Greenup, IL.  A male, later identified as Colten L. Oakley, a 36-year-old of Westfield, IL, was located deceased with gunshot wounds outside of a residence in the 2000 block of County Road 1300 North in Cumberland County.

 On August 22, 2022, the Cumberland County State's Attorney's Office charged Glidewell with First Degree Murder (Class M Felony).  Glidewell is currently detained at the Cumberland County Jail with a $1,000,000 bond, 10% to apply.   

 ISP DCI – Zone 8 was assisted by the Greenup Police Department, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Cumberland County Coroner’s Office and ISP Crime Scene Services.  No further information is available at this time.

One Of Two Victims In House Explosion Passes Away

One of the two victims in Friday evening’s house explosion in rural Wabash County has passed away. Sheriff Derek Morgan confirms that 66 year old Kevin Murphy died at a Louisville hospital after being airlifted there following the 5:39pm explosion. Murphy’s wife, Sue, was also airlifted to a Louisville hospital where she’s reported to be in ICU in stable condition. Morgan said a group of neighbors pulled one victim from the residence before the residence was completely engulfed in flames. Investigators with the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s office arrived on the scene last night and are continuing to investigate today.

Mt. Carmel City Council Agenda

AGENDA

CITY OF MOUNT CARMEL

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

Monday August 22, 2022 at 5:00 pm

·         Call to Order

o   Pledge of Allegiance

o   Roll Call

·         Approve Minutes

o   Minutes of meeting held 08/8/2022

·         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                            Brady Waldrop

o   Michael McWilliams               Francis Speth               Mike Gidcumb

New Business

o   Second reading of Ordinance No. 2076-Change in basic rates for water and sewer.

o   Consent Agenda

o   Removal of items from the Consent Agenda

o   Consideration of Consent Agenda

o   Consideration of items removed from the Consent Agenda

·         Executive Session  

 

·         Motion to Adjourn

 

 

Mayor Offers Updates On Road Projects

From Mayor Joe Judge:

Friday Project Update.

Wabash River Bridge project is getting closer to being done. IDOT told me today it looks like they will remove barriers on Tuesday.

Cherry Street project is still moving forward well and they are scheduled to start soil stabilization late next week and that will be weather dependent.

3rd Street Sewer is going to a longer project than thought. So we have asked for a extension of the closed road permit through all of next week.

Photo Credit: Joe Judge

Back-to-School Is Time to Review Emergency Preparedness Plans

SPRINGFIELD – As millions of children and college students go back to school this month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) recommends that all families review their own emergency preparedness plans and school safety plans. Whether your children are in school, on a bus, at music practice, or with their traveling sports league teams, planning and shared information is critical. “Severe weather and other emergencies can happen at any time,” said IEMA Deputy Director Scott Swinford. “Parents should especially discuss with their children where to go for shelter, who to communicate with, and how to communicate with them during an emergency.” Here are some tips to better prepare for the upcoming school year:

• Teach children with cell phones about “Text First, Talk Later.” The “IM OK” text message gets through phone congestion easier than phone calls do.

• Explain the basics of weather preparedness for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, fire evacuation, flash flooding, etc.

• Make a family communications plan.

• Update your emergency contact information on file at your child’s school.

• Consider adding a relative or trusted friend to the school’s information file as they may have to pick your kids up during an emergency.

• Fill out a backpack emergency card for your student’s backpack and your wallet.

• Learn more about school plans for disaster or emergency reunification.

• Encourage young students to take emergency drills seriously and ask questions to help them remember what to do.

• Encourage any college student to make a disaster preparedness kit.

• Speak to college students about ensuring that they are signed up for weather alerts and opt-in alert warning services at college.

• Download and discuss the free Safe2Help Illinois helpline and app. More tips can be on our website at Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA): www.Ready.Illinois.gov

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.