On 5/22/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Jacob S. Wilkinson, age 30, of Mt. Carmel, on an arrest warrant out of Indiana for Criminal Trespassing. Wilkinson was located at the Buy Low grocery store where he was taken into custody without incident. Wilkinson was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was issued the warrant and held pending extradition back to Indiana.
Owensville Woman Arrested On Battery Charge
On 5/23/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Janice L. Hudson, age 59, of Owensville, Indiana, for Battery following a physical dispute at a residence in the 800 block of N Cherry Street. Police were called to the scene following a confrontation between Hudson and a female resident of the home regarding stolen money. During the incident, it was alleged that Hudson made unwanted physical contact with the victim due to the manner in which she spoke to her. Hudson was processed at the Wabash County Jail and later released on a Notice to Appear.
Mt. Carmel Woman Arrested For Shoplifting From Dollar General
On 5/22/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Patricia L. Windle, age 42, of Mt. Carmel, for Retail Theft, following a complaint from Dollar General. Upon arrival to the store, the arresting officer received information that the above defendant had stolen over $20 with of various merchandise without providing payment. This information and Windle’s identity were confirmed utilizing store surveillance video footage. Windle was located at a residence in the 400 block of N Walnut Street where she was taken into custody, along with a portion of the stolen items. Windle was processed at the Wabash County Jail and later released on a Notice to Appear.
West Salem Teen Killed In Richland County Crash
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE
FATAL TRAFFIC CRASH
The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police Troop 9
WHAT: Two Vehicle Fatal Crash
WHERE: Chestnut Street at Jasper Street, Calhoun, IL, Richland County
WHEN: May 22, 2023 at approximately 11:30 a.m.
VEHICLES: Unit 1- 2023 Red Honda CRF250
Unit 2- 2014 Ford F150
DRIVERS: Unit 1- 15-year-old male from West Salem, IL – Deceased
Unit 2- 35-year-old female from Olney, IL – Uninjured
PASSENGERS: Unit 1- 13-year-old male from Olney, IL – Airlifted to a regional hospital with injuries.
Unit 2- 11-year-old female from Olney, IL – Uninjured
Unit 2 – 7-year-old male from Olney, IL – Uninjured
PRELIMINARY: The preliminary investigation indicates the following: Unit 1 was traveling westbound on E. Chestnut Street toward the intersection with S. Jasper Street. Unit 2 was traveling northbound on S. Jasper Street toward the intersection with E. Chestnut Street in which there were no stop signs and Unit 2 had the right of way. Unit 1 failed to stop at the stop sign and proceeded into the intersection striking Unit 2. The driver of Unit 1 was transported by ambulance to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The passenger of Unit 1 was airlifted to a regional hospital with injuries. The driver of Unit 2 as well as the passengers did not sustain any injuries and refused medical treatment. No further information is available.
Allendale School Board Notes
At the May 2023 Allendale School Board meeting held in the Library of Allendale School, the board:
Approved the 2022-2023 tentative amended budget which will be on display in the main office for the next 30 days.
Set the date of June 21, 2023 at 6:10 pm for the budget hearing on the amended 2022-2023 budget.
Approved the dates and time for the 2023-2024 School Board Meetings.
Approved to abate $15,000 from Capital Projects Fund to the Debt Service Fund.
Approved the FY24 Consolidated District Plan for grant funding.
Approved the hiring of Jonathan Bowser as Part-time Summer Custodian.
Patoka man arrested on DUI charge
On May 21, 2023, at 7:54 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a Red 2011 Chevy Colorado in a ditch on County Road 350 North near County Road 350 West. Deputies Michael Owen and Jennifer Robb were dispatched to the scene to investigate the accident. Upon arriving Deputies found 21-year-old Michael Shepherd of Patoka inside the vehicle. While speaking with Mr. Shepherd Deputies detected the odor of alcohol coming from the driver. At that point Deputy Owens began a roadside DUI investigation. At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Owens placed Mr. Shepherd into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. He remains in custody on a $650 bond.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Traffic accident leads to arrest of St. Francisville man on DUI charge
On May 20, 2023, at 7:01 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch was notified of a traffic accident on US 41 near County Road 1250 South. Off Duty Princeton Officer Matthew Perry observed the accident and stayed with the vehicle until Deputy Bart Wagner could arrive to investigate the accident. Upon arriving Deputy Wagner began investigating the accident. While investigating the accident Deputy Wagner had reasonable suspicion to believe that one of the drivers, 28-year-old Britt Mcquin of Saint Francisville, Illinois may be under the influence of an unknown intoxicant. At that point Deputy Wagner began a roadside DUI investigation. At the conclusion of his investigation he placed Mr. McQuin into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. He has since posted a $900 bond.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
$14,000 In TIF Money Approved For Local Business Expansion
The Mt. Carmel City Council has voted to allocate almost $14,000 to a local business that is expanding and attracting another business to town. Ally Bobe of Bobe’s Pizza was at last week’s City Council meeting and reported on the changes planned for the West 9th Street location that includes the opening of a Ginger Ale’s fast food restaurant that specializes in handcrafted drink options. Bobe said new store hours will be from 7am to either 8pm or 9pm when the renovations are finished in mid-July. Mayor Joe Judge said $94,500 of the project is TIF eligible and based on the funding formula, Bobe was eligible for $13,900 in TIF funding. The council approved the proposal unanimously.
City Council Approves Another Billboard At 9th & Market
Commissioner Susan Zimmerman was the lone Mt. Carmel city council member to vote against a new digital billboard being placed at 9th and Market Streets. The three-sided electronic sign will be erected by Robinson Outdoor of Perryville, Missouri. Zimmerman’s opposition stemmed from the fact the billboard would be another distraction for motorists at that intersection that already has four billboards and other electronic signage. She suggested the company look at other Mt. Carmel intersections. But, Robinson rep Wes Bell said he had worked too long on securing the 9th and Market Street location and refused to consider another spot. The other three commissioners acquiesced to Bell and approved the billboard on a 3 to 1 vote.
City Crews Busy With Grass Abatements
Plenty of rain and warmer temperatures have combined to make a perfect growing season for area lawns. Mt. Carmel Mayor Joe Judge says city crews have been spending more time recently abating tall grass in local yards…
Judge said the first-time city crews have to mow your yard, the cost isn’t too bad. But, the more times the city has to mow your tall grass, the more expensive it gets each time.