Incident On Cherry Street Lands Mt. Carmel Man In Jail

On 10/06/22, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Freddie L. Swift, age 44, of Mt. Carmel, for Assault and Disorderly Conduct following an incident in the 1000 block of Pear Street.  Police were called to the scene when a visibly intoxicated Swift confronted a next-door resident who asked Swift and another male subject to quit repeatedly honking a car horn.  Afterward, Swift yelled profanities at the next-door resident and then threatened to batter the resident’s husband who had just arrived on scene.  During this threat, Swift also struck the driver’s side window of the vehicle belonging to the husband.  Swift was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged with the above offenses and held pending a pre-trial detention hearing.    

Violating Order Of Protection Results In Arrest Of Mt. Carmel Woman

On 10/07/22, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Natasha A. Lingo, age 32, of Mt. Carmel, for Violation of an Order of Protection.   Police received a complaint from a protected party alleging Lingo repeatedly sent harassing text messages to them for approximately 7 hours before they finally notified police.  Once police confirmed the messages, Lingo was charged for said offense and released on a Notice to Appear in court.   

Mt. Carmel Man Charged With Assault After Incident On Cherry Street

On 10/06/22, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Donald S. Baird, age 51, of Mt. Carmel, for Assault, following in incident at a residence in the 300 block of N Cherry St.  Police were called to the scene regarding an allegation that Baird threatened to batter another resident in the home during an argument.  This incident was witnessed by another occupant resulting in Baird being charged with Assault.  Baird was released on a Notice to Appear in court.  

Mt. Carmel Woman Arrested On DUI Charge

On 10/9/22, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Patricia J. Baldwin, age 58, of Mt. Carmel, for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol following a traffic stop in the 900 block of N Walnut Street.  Police stopped the vehicle due to Baldwin operating her silver Chevrolet without headlights on after dark.  When making contact, the officer suspected Baldwin was impaired on alcohol so roadside sobriety testing was conducted.  Baldwin showed several clues to indicate impairment during testing.  Baldwin was placed under arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol at this time.  After DUI processing, Baldwin was released on a Notice to Appear in court.   

Pair Arrested Following Domestic Dispute On East 7th Street

On 10/08/22, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Thomas A. Woodyard, age 47, and Brittany L. Swift, age 32, both of Mt. Carmel, on charges of Domestic Battery and Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer.  Police were called to a residence in the 400 block of E 7th Street regarding an alleged dispute between Woodyard and Swift, who are in a dating relationship.  Once on scene, police found evidence to indicate both parties had shoved each other, and that Woodyard had forcefully pulled Swift into their residence.  When police went to arrest Woodyard, he resisted while Swift attempted to pull one of the officers away from their active efforts of arresting Woodyard.  Woodyard was eventually taken into custody followed by Swift, who continued to resist.  Both were transported to the Wabash County Jail where they were charged and are being held pending a pre-trial hearing to determine their release.  Mt. Carmel Police were assisted by the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office. 

White County Electronics Recycling Set For October 29th

The City of Carmi will host an electronics recycling event for Carmi and White County residents only on Saturday, October 29, from 9am-noon at 520 North 3rd Street in Carmi.

CJD E-Cycling is requiring the following safety procedures:

Materials to be recycled must be in the hatchback area or trunk of the vehicle. Items placed in passenger seats or back seats will not be accepted. All small loose electronics, cables, cords, remotes, etc. must be bagged and tied closed.

Per CJD E-cycling, if you are under quarantine or isolation protocol are not allowed to attend the event. If you have had COVID-19 in your household, you must be symptom free for at least two weeks before delivering your electronics to a recycling drop-off or event. In addition, do not attend the event if you are experiencing the following symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, sore throat, headache, rigors, myalgia, loss of taste, loss of smell, or have been exposed to someone that has tested positive for COVID


Accepted items at the event include:

  • CRT, Projection, Plasma, Flat Screen, Console TVs, & Flat screen monitors

  • Computers (towers and laptops), printers, cables and peripherals (keyboards, mice, etc.)

  • Fax machines, scanners, digital converter boxes, cable receivers, satellite receivers

  • Networking equipment, server, telecommunications, phones, cell phones, etc.

  • Medical equipment and all types of diagnostic equipment (Please call to verify equipment can be accepted.)

  • Industrial machinery and equipment

  • Electrical, cabling, communication machinery, and equipment

  • VCR, stereos, and audio/video equipment (including cable/satellite)

  • Home electronics, blenders, toasters, irons, etc.

  • Video game consoles, digital video disc player/recorders, portable digital music players

  • Non-ferrous metals

  • Metal office furniture (Metal Desks/File cabinets, etc.)

  • Air conditioners, refrigerators, and dehumidifiers

  • Old motors other electrical equipment

  • CRT monitor or & flat screen monitors


If you have questions about items not listed, please contact CJD E-Cycling at 618-659-9006.

Those with questions for the City of Carmi, or seeking additional information, should contact Holly at 618-384-2001 or by e-mail at wedg@cityofcarmi.com. The City of Carmi would also like to remind local residents that dumping or leaving items at the site prior to or after recycling event will result in a fine from the City of Carmi.

Title IX Allegations & Investigation At WVC Result In Two Resignations

The administration at Wabash Valley College has publicly responded to allegations of wrong-doing in the WVC athletic department that has led to the departure of at least two coaches, one of which was also the athletic director.

The college did not issue a press release, but instead chose to post on Facebook. The post stated two Wabash Valley College students complained to the IECC district which launched a Title IX investigation.

The statement from the college does not go into any detail as to the nature of the complaint, who it was lodged against, or who made the complaint. But in a Facebook post of her own, former WVC athlete Sidney Foster says she filed a complaint against Mike Carpenter who was serving as mens’ basketball coach and athletic director. Carpenter resigned his positions late last month.

Foster stated on Facebook that WVC female athletes were the target of sexual or inappropriate remarks..something, she says, has gone on for years. Foster said she spoke out to help protect young women who didn’t have the courage to speak for themselves and for future Lady Warrior student-athletes.

The statement from WVC further stated that this past Friday evening, an employee of the college informed administration of a separate issue involving a different WVC employee. After a weekend investigation and talking with the individual, the employee submitted a letter of resignation Monday morning effective immediately.

While the Facebook post mentions no names of those accused, it is worth noting the WVC athletic website shows that Asa Deffendall is no longer listed as softball coach and Mike Carpenter’s name was removed was removed as mens’ basketball coach and athletic director. At one point in the last week, womens’ basketball coach Luke Scheidecker was listed as athletic director. Currently, there is no one listed as WVC athletic director on its’ website. All hirings and appointments to new positions would have to be made by the IECC Board of Trustees at their October 18th meeting.

Meanwhile, Isaas Wodajo is shown as associate head mens’ basketball coach and the only person listed on the coaching staff of the mens’ team.

 WVC administration responded to intense social media criticism of their handling of the allegations stating on Facebook that “administration has been aware and active in responding to and investigating the complaints we received. We are committed to ensuring that our students and employees have safe and healthy learning and working environments. I understand that a lack of public communication on matters like this can invite rumors and speculation, including those that suggest nothing is happening. In reality, it is about protecting the privacy and due process rights that we must afford to all parties”.

 

The WVC Facebook post in its’ entirety:

In March of 2022, IECC received two complaints from WVC students. Given the nature of the complaints, we directed them to our Title IX Coordinator, and IECC subsequently conducted an extensive investigation that spanned six months. In compliance with Title IX regulations, this investigation resulted in a comprehensive written report we shared with the involved parties. We scheduled a formal hearing for September 26, 2022. Before the hearing occurred, IECC received a resignation from the WVC employee cited in the student complaint.

 This past Friday evening, an employee informed the WVC administration of a separate issue involving a different WVC employee. Campus administration acted swiftly, gathering information and meeting directly with this employee on Saturday morning. This employee submitted a letter of resignation effective immediately on Monday morning. An investigation into this matter is still ongoing.

 While we can make no further comments on these matters, we felt it was important for members of the College community to know that the IECC administration has been aware and active in responding to and investigating the complaints we received. We are committed to ensuring that our students and employees have safe and healthy learning and working environments. I understand that a lack of public communication on matters like this can invite rumors and speculation, including those that suggest nothing is happening. In reality, it is about protecting the privacy and due process rights that we must afford to all parties. For more information about our Title IX policies and procedures, you are welcome to visit www.iecc.edu/titleIX

 

The Sidney Foster Facebook in its’ entirety:

As many of you may know, and to the ones who don’t; I am the one who reported AD at Wabash Valley College, Mike Carpenter. I did this because my time at Wabash Valley College, not only myself, but other female student athletes would get sexual or inappropriate remarks, comments, etc made about me and them. This is something that has gone on for years. The overall thought is that as a young female adult this is not the example that I wanted to be set for my future. The more I thought about it the more I realized that I fell into the 97% of women, and it wasn’t something that I was okay with just letting happen. You see cases like this all the time. One person is all it takes to speak up, and then others feel better about coming forward with their experiences. Some still are quiet, but I do this not only for me and the young women that talk to me about it but the young women that don’t have enough courage to do it for themselves. I will be an advocate for these young females for as long as I can because if not me, then who? There are only a few people who are brave enough to speak out in situations such as this one. Where someone who is in charge of not only female athletes but male athletes as well. This is an abuse of power, and I am not the type of person to sit back and watch. I will not be a bystander, especially. I will not belittle myself because this is someone who has gotten away with sexualizing young women for years, and no one else could speak up. I’ve graduated, and I won’t be going back there however I wouldn’t feel right leaving people just like me to experience these situation. As an athletic director, and mens college basketball coach you are supposed to be a mentor. Especially for the young men on the team, and what type of example is being set for them with the way that the he treats these women who are half his age?Junior College is a learning opportunity for the real world, and young naive girls fresh out of high school have been exposed to this type of behavior. It’s not something I was okay with continuing to let happen. SPEAK UP YOUR VOICE MATTERS!!!!

Mt. Carmel Man Jailed On Domestic Battery Charge

On 9/30/22, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Mashall R. Keneipp, age 44, of Mt. Carmel, for Domestic Battery following an incident in the 100 block of W 8th Street. Upon arrival to the scene, officers learned of an alleged domestic incident between Keneipp and an ex-girlfriend over relationship issues in the 300 block of N Market Street. The victim alleged that during the dispute, Keneipp busted glass in her immediate area causing lacerations to her arm. The victim was able to leave the building, but Keneipp followed her to her current location. Finding evidence to corroborate the victim’s story, Keneipp was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail. Keneipp is being held pending a pre-trial detention hearing.

High Speed Chase Results In Arrest...The Next Morning

On 10/05/22, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Willie F. Burks, age 42, of Mt. Carmel, for Aggravated Fleeing and Attempting to Elude a Police Officer and Driving While License Suspended. The night prior, and MCPD officer observed Burks operating a white Lincoln in the 1300 block of N Cherry and attempted to conduct a traffic stop due to the license suspension. Burks immediately fled in his vehicle, reaching speeds in excess of 75 mph while traveling through Mt. Carmel. Burks headed into Indiana, reaching speeds near 100 mph, at which time the pursuit was terminated due to knowing Burks’ identity, the nature of the offense, and the amount of traffic present, which placed the public at risk. This morning, just after 6:35 a.m., officers located Burks attempting to return home. Burks was taken into custody at this time, without incident. The vehicle was towed from the scene with MCPD seeking seizure proceedings of Burks’ Lincoln. Burks was taken to the Wabash County Jail where he is being held pending a pre-trial detention hearing.