Impaired Semi Driver Causes Traffic Backup on Interstate 70

Putnam County - May 11, 2023, at approximately 11:25 a.m., troopers from the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post and other first responders were dispatched near the thirty-two mile marker westbound on Interstate 70, due to an accident involving two commercial motor vehicles.

The preliminary investigation by Master Trooper Bill Bradbury revealed that Benjamin Polk, age 32, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was driving a 2021 Freightliner westbound on Interstate 70 near the thirty-two-mile marker in the passing lane.  Polk was attempting to pass a 2015 Freightliner semi tractor-trailer that was driven by a Jean Cadet, age 37, of State College, Pennsylvania, when he ran into the rear of Cadet’s semi, sideswiping it.  Polk overcorrected causing his semi to tip over onto the driver's side.  Cadet immediately applied his brakes. Polk’s overturned semi continued sliding westbound, eventually coming to rest in front of Cadet’s stopped semi.  After coming to a stop, Polk immediately climbed out of the passenger side window and attempted to flee from the accident scene.  Correctional Officers from a transport vehicle observed Polk running and were able to apprehend him until troopers could arrive at the accident scene.

Upon Master Trooper Bradbury’s arrival to the scene, he spoke to Polk and immediately detected signs of intoxication.  Polk refused to submit to any field sobriety test and to a certified chemical test.  Polk was then transported to Putnam County Hospital due to a complaint of pain.  Once cleared medically, Polk was transported to the Putnam County Jail where he was incarcerated.  No other injuries were reported.

Master Trooper Bradbury was assisted at the crash scene by several troopers of the Putnamville Post, Cloverdale Volunteer Fire Department, Curtis Wrecker Service, and Putnam County EMS.

Interstate 70 westbound near the thirty-two-mile marker was reduced to one lane for cleanup for approximately three hours.

Arrested and Preliminary Charges:  Benjamin Polk, 32, Indianapolis, IN

• Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated, Class A Misdemeanor

• Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person, Class C Misdemeanor

Photos:  Accident Scene. 

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

WCHD Celebrates End Of Public Health Emergency Declaration

GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER IS DECLARING TODAY (THURSDAY) ILLINOIS PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE HERO DAY. THE DESIGNATION HONORS THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WHO WORKED LONG HOURS AND RISKED THEIR OWN HEALTH TO CARE FOR OTHERS DURING THE PANDEMIC SAYS THE GOVERNOR.

PRITZKER SAYS WE OWE HEALTH CARE WORKERS OUR EVERLASTING RESPECT AND GRATITUDE AND THAT SO MANY OF US OWE THEM OUR LIVES.

The Wabash County Health Department marked the occasion with a proclamation signing by Wabash County Board Chairman Tim Hocking and Mt. Carmel Mayor Joe Judge. Health Department administrator Judy Wissel talked with us about the mood of the health department now that the emergency orders are over…

Wissel explained what the end of the emergency orders means for the health department….

L-R: Mt. Carmel Mayor Joe Judge, WCHD Administrator Judy Wissel, & Wabash County Board Chairman Tim Hocking.

WCHD Staff.

Washington man arrested on drug charges

On May 10, 2023, at 1:04 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Jennifer Loesch conducted a traffic stop at the Sunrise Mini Mart located in Haubstadt, Indiana after running a Black 2009 Subaru Imprezza through the Indiana Data And Communications System and receiving a wanted hit on the registered owner.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Loesch placed the owner, 29-year-old Alex Murillo of Washington into custody.  During the roadside investigation Cocaine and Marijuana were found in Mr. Murillo’s possession.  Upon being transported to the Gibson County Jail Mr. Murillo was charged with Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Marijuana.   He remains in custody at this time.
 
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Mt. Carmel Man Sent To DOC On Theft & Criminal Damage Charges

Kelli Storckman, Wabash County State’s Attorney, reports that Draven J. Davis, a 24-year old Mt. Carmel, Illinois man, was sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections by the Honorable Circuit Judge William C. Hudson in Wabash County Circuit Court.

State’s Attorney Storckman advises that the Defendant was charged February 26, 2022 with Theft, a Class 2 Felony and Criminal Damage to Government Supported Property, a Class 4 Felony. On May 8, 2023, Mr. Davis was sentenced to 4 years in the Department of Corrections, to be followed by one year parole for Theft and 2 years in the Department of Corrections, to be followed by twelve months parole for Criminal Damage to Government Supported Property. Sentences are to run concurrent.

FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF OFFENSE:

COUNT 1: THEFT

That on the 26th day of February, 2022, in Wabash County, Illinois, the Defendant, DRAVEN J. DAVIS, committed the offense of THEFT, in that said Defendant knowingly exerted unauthorized control over property of (NAME REDACTED), being a gray 2021 Jeep Wrangler, having a total value in excess of $10,000.00 but not more than $100,000.00, intending to deprive (NAME REDACTED) permanently of the use of the property, in violation of 720 ILCS 5/16-1(a)(1)(A). A CLASS 2 FELONY

COUNT 2: CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO GOVERNMENT SUPPORTED PROPERTY

That on the 26th day of February, 2022, in Wabash County, Illinois, the Defendant, DRAVEN J. DAVIS, committed the offense of CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO GOVERNMENT SUPPORTED PROPERTY, in that said Defendant knowingly damaged a camera, without the consent of the State of Illinois, located at the Wabash County Jail, 110 East 4th Street, Mt. Carmel, IL 62863, which property is supported wholly, or in part, with State of Illinois funds, or funds of a unit of local government or Federal funds administered or granted through State agencies, said damage being less than $500.00, in violation of 720 ILCS 5/21-4(1)(a). A CLASS 4 FELONY

WCHD Celebrating Hero Day Today

As the Public Health Emergency Declaration expires, Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed today as “Public Health Hero Day”. At yesterday’s Wabash County Health Board meeting, health department administrator Judy Wissel said a celebration is planned for today at the health department….

The proclamation Judge and Hocking will sign today recognizes the hard work and dedication of public health during the pandemic.

Weather Forecast Forces MCHS Graduation Indoors

The venue for graduation on Saturday, May 13th at 10 AM has been changed from Riverview Stadium to Mount Carmel High School Gymnasium due to the weather forecast. Doors for family and friends will open at 8 AM as it will be open seating. Handicap parking and seating is available. To reserve handicap parking and seating please call Karin Kelsey (618) 262-5104 Ext. 163

WVC OFFERING FREE COOKING CLASSES

Wabash Valley College is excited to offer a free cooking class series to the local community. These classes will teach participants new cooking techniques, safe food handling, and creative tips for preparing food in new ways. The classes will also focus on the importance of incorporating nutritious, affordable, and kid-friendly meals into daily diets.

Classes will be held at the First Baptist Church, located at 130 West 6th Street in Mount Carmel, IL. Participants can register by May 17th by calling 618-262-8641 to enroll in the FREE course.

Classes will be held from 10:00 AM to noon. The following is a list of the class dates, and their corresponding subjects:

May 16: My Plate Parts

May 17: Quick snacks: Pro & Dairy

May 23: Grains Gone Whole

May 24: Entertaining w Food

May 31: Meal Plan

June 1: Healthy Eating on the Run

June 6: Nutrition Scavenger Hunt

June 7: Fruits & Veg Toss

Each class will include cooking, tasting, cooking techniques, recipes, team activities, and games. All recipes used in the classes will be WIC approved. Participants will learn new skills and recipes that are quick, easy, affordable, and nutritious, and utilize WIC foods.

As a community College, Wabash Valley College is thrilled to offer these free cooking classes to the community. The hope is for participants to gain the skills and knowledge they need to prepare healthy, delicious meals for themselves and their families.

For more information, please contact Wabash Valley College at 618-262-8641.

NEW SANTA HOUSE PROJECT AIDED BY MARKET STREET MTC

Mike Harris, Market Street MTC board member presented a $250 check to Rod Rodriguez (who may or may not own a red velvet suit) that will be used to help build a new Santa House for Christmas 2023. Santa resides on the corner of 4th and Market Streets in Mt. Carmel during the Christmas season in the same home for nearly 40 years, and he had requested a home makeover! While construction should begin soon by members of the Retail Merchants Committee (who bring to town Santa each year), additional donations of any size from individuals and businesses are being accepted. Simply contact the Chamber of Commerce office at 618-262-5116, or mail your donation to: Wabash County Chamber of Commerce, 601 N Market Street, Mt. Carmel, IL, 62863.

Market Street MTC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to make improvements within the city’s central business district. Projects have included the build out of Merchants Park/Harris Insurance Pavilion, benches, intersection planters, and beautification around the Veterans Memorial Monument at the Wabash County Courthouse. Additional projects will be announced in the near future. More information about MSMTC may be found on their Facebook page, or by calling 1-618-263-2093.

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE AFTER OFFICER SHOT

MT. VERNON – The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Internal Investigation (DII) continues to investigate an officer involved shooting that occurred on Interstate 64 near Mount Vernon, IL in which an ISP officer was shot.

 On Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Interstate 64 eastbound at mile post 72, an ISP Trooper stopped to assist a stranded motorist on the right shoulder.  Upon arrival, the Trooper encountered 23-year-old Brandon L. Griffin of Albuquerque, NM and a female passenger in the vehicle.  A second ISP Officer arrived for routine assistance a short time later.  While on scene, an altercation occurred during which gunfire was exchanged between Griffin and a responding officer. 

 A 16-year ISP officer suffered serious, although non-life threatening, injuries after being shot during the altercation and is being treated at a regional hospital.  Griffin was pronounced deceased on scene by Jefferson County Coroner’s Office personnel.  The other involved Trooper and female passenger were uninjured.  Initially, all lanes of Interstate 64 eastbound were closed, but were reopened at approximately 6:25 a.m.  Eastbound lanes were temporarily shut down again at 7:48 a.m. as part of the investigation, but reopened at 8:53 a.m.

 In accordance with the Police and Community Relations Improvement Act (50 ILCS 727) and the Illinois State Police Law (20 ILCS 2605), Special Agents of the Illinois State Police Division of Internal Investigation are investigating these events. 

 This investigation is open and ongoing.  ISP is currently processing evidence and conducting interviews.  Upon completion of the investigation, all evidence and facts will be submitted for review to the Jefferson County State’s Attorney's Office.  No additional information is available at this time.

911 call leads to arrest of Princeton woman

On May 5, 2023, at 7:08 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of an intoxicated person refusing to leave a residence in the 100 block of East Third Street in Hazleton.  Upon arriving on scene Deputy Zach Lienemann and Patoka Town Marshal Darryl Chamberlain observed 26-year-old Kayla Livermore of Princeton striking another person at the residence in the face.  Deputy Lienemann placed Ms. Livermore into custody and began an investigation into the incident.  At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Lienemann transported Ms. Livermore to the Gibson County Jail where she was charged with Battery and Disorderly Conduct.  She has since posted a $550 bond.
 
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.