Illinois Conservation Police to enforce DUI laws during holiday season

SPRINGFIELD – With the holidays in full swing, Illinois Conservation Police officer are partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation to remind motorists about the dangers of impaired driving.

From Dec. 16 through Jan. 2, law enforcement across Illinois will step up enforcement efforts with a highvisibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High, Get a DUI” traffic safety campaign.

“We want everyone in our communities to enjoy the holidays without worrying about the dangers of impaired drivers,” said Illinois Conservation Police Lt. Curt Lewis. “During the campaign, you can expect to see extra safety patrols. We will show zero tolerance for alcohol- and drug-impaired driving to help ensure everyone makes it to and from their holiday festivities safely.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver in 2020. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2016 to 2020, with one person killed in an alcohol-related crash every 45 minutes in 2020.

Before the holiday fun begins, make a plan for a sober ride home and remember these tips.

• Designate a sober driver or make a plan to use public transportation or a ride-sharing service to get home safely.

• If available, use your community’s sober ride.

• If you see an impaired driver on the road, pull over and contact 911.

• Have a friend who is about to drive impaired? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get them home safely. They’ll thank you later.

• Always buckle up!

The holiday enforcement campaign is administered by IDOT with federal highway safety funds managed by NHTSA.

Avian influenza confirmed in Gibson County water birds

Avian influenza has been confirmed in snow geese and other water birds from western Gibson County. Diagnostic testing on carcasses collected there was done at the National Veterinary Services Lab.

More than 100,000 snow geese are currently present in western Gibson County. Approximately 700 geese, primarily snow geese, have recently been found dead. Indiana is one of multiple states in which the current strain of avian influenza has been confirmed this fall.

Indiana DNR, in partnership with federal and private partners, has increased surveillance of birds throughout the state to monitor for other potential outbreaks.

Birds infected with avian influenza may display unusual behaviors such as erratic swim patterns, tremors, a twisted neck, and/or a general lack of coordination. Sick birds may also have nasal discharge, a cough, sneezing, and/or diarrhea; however, some infected birds will not appear sick.

Individuals who see sick birds or find multiple birds dead in a single area should report them to the DNR at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife.

Meat that hunters harvest from wild birds in the state that is handled using standard safety procedures and cooked to an internal temperature of 165F does not present a food safety risk.

Additional information about avian influenza in wild birds, birdfeeder care, and more advice on how you can help prevent the spread of avian influenza and other bird diseases is at on.IN.gov/avian-flu.

For additional information about domestic poultry facilities and backyard poultry flocks, see the Indiana Board of Animal Health’s avian influenza website: boah.IN.gov/species-information/avianbirds/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza.

Tennessee Man Arrested By MCPD Officer On Meth Charge

On 12/15/22, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Aaron M. Evans, age 39, of Smyrna Tennessee, for Driving Under the Influence of a Drug and Possession of Methamphetamine following a traffic stop in the 700 block of N Walnut Street.  The stop was a result of Evans committing a violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code.  When the arresting officer spoke to Evans, his observations led him to believe Evans was impaired.  A roadside sobriety check was conducted with numerous clues to indicate impairment found.  Evans was placed under arrest and a search/inventory of the vehicle was conducted on Evans’ GMC truck where (2) clear bags of suspected methamphetamine were discovered.  Evans was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged accordingly and held pending a pre-trial detention determination by the court.

Mt. Carmel Woman Arrested On Sexual Assault Charge

On 12/10/22, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Jordan T. Smith, age 19, of Mt. Carmel, for Criminal Sexual Assault following an investigation into an alleged sexual relationship with a juvenile male from July 2022-October 2022.  Police received the initial complaint on 12/09/22, after the victim’s parents became aware of the allegation.  Following this investigation, police found probable cause and placed Smith under arrest.  Smith was taken to the Wabash County Jail where she was charged and held pending a pre-trial detention determination.  Bond was set at $5000 cash, which was later posted, and Smith released pending her next court date. 

Operation Share Fundraiser Set For Friday

Wabash County’s Operation Share is looking for a $2,000 boost tomorrow from a pork loin fundraiser. Local legend Mike Wilson will be smoking 100 4-pound pork loins tomorrow and they’ll be available on a first-come, first-served basis at Merchants Park in Mt. Carmel starting at 4pm Friday. Speaking of Operation Share, today is the deadline to call WADI at 262-4151 to sign up for the Christmas food distribution that will take place next Tuesday at First General Baptist Church. The Operation Share Christmas toy distribution was held on Tuesday at the First Christian Church.  

Mt. Carmel Man Jailed For Allegedly Violating Order Of Protection

On 12.10.22 at 1852 hrs., a Wabash County Sheriff's Deputy took a report of a violation of an order of protection. The deputy went to 113 S. Mulberry St. Apt. 2, Mt. Carmel and made contact with the suspect in the violation. 24-year-old Donovan Ross Alexander Langdon was taken into custody without incident and taken to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged with violation of an order of protection. 

Traffic Stop Leads To Arrest Of Mt. Carmel Man

On 12.08.22 at 12:33 p.m. a Wabash County Sheriff's Deputy stopped a Red Ford truck on N 2150 Blvd. The truck was first observed at Highway 11 and E 400 Rd., a registration check returned suspended on said vehicle. Upon making contact with the driver, Robert Bear, 57 of Mt. Carmel, it was found that his driving status was revoked, and he had an active warrant out of Edwards County. Bear was cited for driving while registration suspended and driving revoked, and then transported to Edwards County for hsi active warrant. 

Mt. Carmel Woman Arrested After Trying To Elude Deputy

On 12.09.22 at 11:49 a.m. White Co. authorities requested assistance with a retail theft case from the Carmi Wal-Mart. Mt. Carmel dispatch advised Wabash County authorities to attempt to locate a silver Ford Focus with red rims and a red spoiler bearing Indiana registration.  A Wabash County Deputy located the vehicle which was northbound on Highway 1 in the area of 12053 Highway 1, by the rest area. The deputy turned around in an attempt to stop the vehicle in question. The Ford Focus began to pass a semi and squeezed between two of them and pulled out to pass again, this time 3 other motorists. Once the vehicle passed the other motorist it turned quickly left onto Empire St. in Mt. Carmel. When the deputy made it to the intersection of Highway 1 and Empire St., he found the Ford focus in the southbound lane facing north bound, with the vehicle parked. When the deputy made contact with the driver, 43-year-old Crystal R. McGillem, of Mt. Carmel, she advised her brakes went out and that is why she couldn't stop. 

 The deputy began to place handcuffs on McGillem to detain her for further investigation and she experienced what was reported as a medical emergency. An ambulance was requested and she was transported from the scene to WGH for treatment. Once the deputy completed his roadside investigation, he went to Wabash General Hosptial where he issued McGillem a statement of charge for : Aggravating Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer, operating an uninsured vehicle and possession of stolen property. McGillem was given a notice to appear in court for 01.09.23 at 9A.M. 

 The value of the recovered stolen property exceeded $1,300. The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Mt. Carmel Police department as well as the Carmi Police department. The items of evidence were also transferred back to Carmi Police. 

IECC Board Of Trustees Meeting Summary

The Illinois Eastern Community College District No. 529 Board of Trustees held its monthly meeting on Tuesday night, December 13th at Frontier Community College, Fairfield, Illinois. All trustees were in attendance, including John Brooks (telephonically), Roger Browning, Gary Carter, Brenda Culver, Jan Ridgely, Barbara Shimer, Brady Waldrop, and Student Trustee Raechel Hnetkovsky. 

                Chancellor Gower reported that IECC’s Fall 2022 enrollment is up 1% over this same time last year.  While modest, this marks the third consecutive term with positive enrollment for IECC.  The Chancellor also reported about a recent trip to the Lift Center, a regional technology center available to high school juniors and seniors.  IECC is exploring how it can better partner with area high schools to create pipelines to technical or vocational careers.

                Dean Paul Bruinsma provided the Board with information about IECC’s move to becoming a Guided Pathways institution.  The change will clarify pathways to degree or certificate completion potentially reducing the time and financial resources necessary to earn a degree.  The committee led by Dean Bruinsma will submit its final recommendations by February 2023.

Affiliation agreements were approved with Jasper County Ambulance, Lawrence County Ambulance, United Life Care Ambulance, Edwards County Clerk & Recorder, Hamilton Memorial Hospital, and Good Samaritan Hospital of Vincennes, Indiana.        

                 The semi-annual review of closed meeting minutes was conducted as required by the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

Utilizing funding made available through the PATH Grant, the board awarded a bid to Electromek Diagnostic Systems for an Energized Digital Radiography Room at Olney Central College.

Updates were authorized for the current Board policy 300.12 concerning investments and Policy 300.17 concerning the use of District facilities and equipment.

The Board named Empower Retirement as the next IECC 403(b) Plan Record Keeper and accepted a proposal from Hurst-Rosche, Inc. as the architect of record for the scope of projects outlined in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) dated September 28, 2022.  Illinois Eastern Community Colleges is preparing several campus beautification and modernization projects for all four colleges.

                The Board approved the Certification of Compliance with the Truth in Taxation Law and approved the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Designation of Tax Levy Year.  The Governmental Accounting Standards Board is the organization that establishes accounting and financial reporting standards in the United States. 

The Board approved employment for Joseph Young, Industrial Maintenance at OCC, Danielle Trapp, Social Services/Early Childhood at WVC, Mari Yamato, temporary Art Instructor at OCC, and Erick Schmitt, Maintenance Worker at WVC, all effective January 3, 2023. The Board ratified the resignations of Courtney Meadows, Program Director of Cosmetology, and Sarah Holtz, Assistant Program Director of Cosmetology both effective December 16, 2022. Mark Smith, Building Manager at WRC, effective January 31, 2023. 

                                              Trustee Brady Waldrop was honored for his service to the board.  Mr. Waldrop began a new role as the States Attorney in Lawrence County, IL in early December and will resign his seat as a Trustee before the January 2023 meeting.  He thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve District #529. 

                                              The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 6:15 p.m. at Olney Central College, Olney.

Pictured From L-R: Trustees Barbara Shimer, Brady Waldrop, Roger Browning, Brenda Culver, Jan Ridgely, Student Trustee Raechel Hnetkovsky, and Chairman Gary Carter.