On 8/15/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Carly A. Kirkman, age 33, of Mt. Carmel for Retail Theft following an alleged theft of merchandise from Family Dollar. The arresting officer located Kirkman as she attempted to walk behind a building at 3rd & Walnut Street. During the investigation, officers learned that as Kirkman walked out of the store when she set off the theft alarm. Kirkman then fled south on foot. The manager discovered a package of socks that had been torn open with a portion of the socks missing. Kirkman consented to a search of her person resulting in officers locating two pairs of white socks that was identical to those left in the store. Kirkman was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was charged and later released on a Notice to Appear.
Rollover Crash at Southgate Seriously Injures Evansville Man
On 8/16/23 at 2:52pm, Mt. Carmel Police responded to a single vehicle traffic crash in the area of Walnut Street at Southgate Drive. The vehicle, a 2007 Chevrolet truck, was north bound on Walnut Street, when for unknown reasons, crossed the center yellow line, crossed the south bound lane, and ran off the roadway. After leaving the roadway, the Chevrolet went airborne, landed, and came back onto the roadway. The Chevrolet then went down the east side embankment and rolled over multiple times. The driver, Edgrrin D Reed, age 19, of Evansville, Indiana received significant injuries and was airlifted from the scene by Air Evac and transported to an Evansville area hospital. Other assisting agencies included the Mt. Carmel Fire Department and Wabash General Ambulance Service.
Mother Arrested for OWI while Transporting Two Children
Gibson County – Wednesday night, August 16, at approximately 9:25 p.m., Indiana State Trooper Hurley was patrolling in the area of SR 165 and SR 65 in Owensville when he stopped the driver of a 2015 Chevrolet for having an improper taillight and no license plate light. The driver was identified as Tamera Reeves, 28, of Princeton. She also had her two-year-old son and four-week-old daughter in the backseat. Reeves displayed signs of impairment and failed field sobriety tests. Further investigation revealed Reeves had a BAC of .07% and tested positive for cannabis and amphetamines. She was arrested and taken to the Gibson County Jail where she is currently being held on bond. The two children were released to a family member.
Arrested and Charges:
Tamera Reeves, 28, of Princeton, IN
Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated with a Passenger less than 18 years of age, Level 6 Felony
Neglect of a Dependent, Level 6 Felony
Allendale School Board Notes
At the August 16, 2023 Allendale School Board meeting held in the Library of Allendale School, the board:
● Approved the tentative 2023-2024 Budget and will display it in the school office for the next 30 days.
● Set the 2023-2024 Budget Hearing for September 20, 2023 at 6:05 p.m.
● Voted to not release the closed session verbatim minutes of March 15, 2023 and April 19, 2023.
● Approved the update of the fan ejection policy at extracurricular events. It reflects the new SIJHSAA policy of a three game suspension for a first time offense.
● Approved Support Staff salaries for the 2023-2024 school year. Starting hourly rate for 2023-2024 will be $14.50.
● Approved the hiring of Sue Thompson as part-time Learning Loss Paraprofessional for the 2023-2024 school year.
● Approved the hiring of Brittany Weiss as Cross Country Coach for the 2023 season.
● Approved the hiring of Danielle Nelson as Special Education Individual Aide for the 2023-2024 school year.
IECC Board Of Trustees Meeting Notes
The Board of Trustees of the Illinois Eastern Community College District No. 529 met Tuesday night, August 15th at Lincoln Trail College, Robinson, Illinois.
The meeting began with a tour of the Crawford County Recreation Center that is under new construction.
The Board approved the acceptance of an updated IECC Violence Prevention Plan and Emergency Response Plans for each of the four campuses.
Board approval was given for minor clarifications and additions to Meetings and Minutes 100.3 policy.
The Board approved the 2023 Program Review Report.
The Board conducted a first reading of First-Year Housing Policy 500.40.
The Board appointed Trustee Roger Browning and Trustee Jan Ridgely to serve on the Audit Committee that is charged with oversight of the District’s annual audit.
The Board approved the removal of the $15 LTC Natatorium Fee and the addition of an $80/semester Recreation Center Fee for LTC students who enroll in 12 hours or more during the fall or spring semesters effective Spring 2024.
The Board approved a resolution authorizing and providing for an Installment Purchase Agreement for the purpose of paying the cost of improving District facilities, in and for the District, and for the issue of not to exceed $7,000,000 General Obligation Deb Certificates (Limited Tax) of the District evidencing the rights to payment under said Agreement, providing for the security for and means of payment under said Agreement of said Certificates, and authorizing the sale of said Certificates to the purchaser thereof.
A tentative budget for Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2023 was approved as presented. The Board accepted the recommendation to move forward with a single 250kW PV system on the campus of OCC and authorize administration to take the Solar Array Proposal project as presented to bid.
Bid committee recommendations were approved for rejection of bids received from Akra Builders, Teutopolis, IL; Grunloh Construction, Inc., Effingham, IL; Johannes Construction, Inc., Centralia, IL; Senco Construction, Inc., Robinson, IL for the Theater Shop Addition at OCC due to 2 bids coming in over budget.
Acceptance of the bid from Communications and Electrical Supplies for a total of $31,601 for 12 Fusion Splicer Kits for LTC.
Acceptance of the bid from Pal Electric, Inc. for a total of $8,800 for the Electrical Service Upgrades Project at LTC.
Acceptance of the bid from OneRoom, Inc. for a total of $317,702.76 for 6 Synchronous Learning Classrooms at FCC/LTC/OCC/WVC.
The following personnel were employed: Taylor Dahlberg, LTC Theater Director, Jessica Wells, OCC Academic Advisor, Cathy Ile, OCC Allied Health Program Facilitator, and Stephanie Doguet, Bookkeeper all effective August 21, 2023. Changes in employment status were approved for Roger Eddy from Interim OCC President to temporary part-time position as Director of Special Initiatives, Jordan Higgason from Success Coach to College & Career Center Specialist, Brady Martin from TRIO Upward Bound Coordinator to WVC Academic Advisor, and Alani Frederick from Associate Dean of Nursing/Allied Health to Dean of Health Professions all effective August 21, 2023.
Under Personnel actions the Board approved a 6.2% wage increase for Academic Advisors, change in FLSA status from Non-Exempt (hourly) to Exempt (salary), and change all titles to Academic Advisor to make title consistent through the District.
Approval of proposed non-college employment was approved for Rob Mason at SIUC School of Physics & Applied Physics in Carbondale, IL for 300 hours per academic year.
Approval of educational level change for Doug Robb from MA +12 to MA +24 with a $1,000 per academic year increase in salary.
Resignation ratifications were approved for Jonathan Leach as Coordinator of Public Information & Marketing, WVC effective July 31, 2023 and Megan Hildebrand as TRIO Upward Bound Counselor, OCC effective August 2, 2023.
The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, September 19, at 6:15 p.m. at Olney Central College, Olney
Oakland City man arrested on gun charge
On August 11, 2023, at 3:59 p.m. deputies with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Black 2003 Chevy Avalanche after determining that the driver 37 year old Kyle Glosson of Oakland City had multiple felony warrants out of Vanderburgh County, and was driving the vehicle on State Road 64 near County Road 180 East. Upon performing a felony traffic stop Mr. Glosson was taken into custody. During a roadside investigation a handgun was found in Mr. Glosson’s possession. At the conclusion of the roadside investigation Deputy Logan Lashbrook transported Mr. Glosson to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon. He remains in custody without bond, and a hold through Vanderburgh County.
Assisting Deputy Lashbrook in his investigation was Deputy Quinten Might, Oakland City Police Chief Tim Gaines, and Oakland City University Officer Michael McGregor.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
911 call leads to arrest of Haubstadt female on multiple charges
On August 14, 2023, at 1:58 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a disturbance in the 400 block of South West Street in Haubstadt. Deputies with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Fort Branch Police Chief were dispatched to the scene. Upon arriving the parties were separated and an investigation was conducted. At the end of their investigation Deputy Jennifer Loesch placed 18 year old Callie Matthews of Haubstadt into custody and transported her to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the jail Ms. Matthews was charged with Battery, Minor Consumption/Possession, Criminal Mischief, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. She remains in custody on a $650 bond.
Assisting Deputy Loesch in her investigation was Deputies Jennifer Robb and Bryan Small. Also assisting in the investigation was Fort Branch Police Chief Darrell Parker.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lane restrictions planned for I-69 in Gibson County
GIBSON COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces lane restrictions for I-69 in Gibson County.
Beginning on or around Monday, August 21, crews will begin to restrict north and southbound lanes of traffic on I-69 in Gibson County near Oakland City. These restrictions will allow for crews to perform multiple bridge deck overlay and repair projects along the roadway.
A 12-foot width restriction will be in place during work. Restrictions are expected to last through the beginning of September. All work is dependent on the weather.
Lane restrictions planned for State Road 168
GIBSON COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces lane restrictions for State Road 168 in Gibson County.
Beginning on or around Monday, August 21, crews will begin restricting traffic on State Road 168 in Gibson County. These restrictions will occur on the bridge that crosses I-69. During these restrictions, crews will perform a bridge overlay and make repairs to the roadway.
During this project a 12-foot width restriction will be in place. Traffic flow will be handled utilizing a temporary traffic signal. Work is expected to take two weeks to complete, depending on the weather.
ISP REMINDS MOTORISTS TO STAY ALERT AS CHILDREN HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL
SRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reminding the public about the importance of focusing on roadway safety as children across the state prepare to head back to school, especially laws specific to the safety of children in school zones and while boarding buses.
Back-to-School season means an increase in pedestrians and bicyclists in traffic during morning and afternoon commutes. Not only are children walking to school and bus stops, they are also riding bicycles and crossing the street. While crosswalks are designed for pedestrians to cross the road safely, children sometimes walk in-between cars in an unsafe manner, not understanding the potential consequences of their actions.
Motorists are reminded to be alert while driving through streets with parked cars that may conceal a child. Unless otherwise posted, pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks. Parents and caregivers should also educate their children on proper crosswalk procedures and the importance of not running in between parked cars. Knowledgeable pedestrians and motorists can prevent tragedies.
As parents and caregivers drop off their children before school and pick them up after school, there will also be an increase in vehicle traffic during the morning and evening commutes. Extra travel time should be planned to allow for the increase in traffic.
ISP reminds motorists to be extremely vigilant in school zones and obey posted speed limits. Posted school zones have a speed limit of 20 miles per hour and are in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on school days when children are present. Driving while talking or texting on a hand-held cellular device is strictly prohibited and fines are increased within a school zone.
Motorists approaching a stopped school bus with lights activated and sign extended must stop their vehicle before reaching the school bus. When a school bus stops on a two-lane roadway and uses its visual signals, vehicles in both directions must stop until the school bus begins motion again and the visual signals are disengaged. When the school bus stops and uses its visual signals on a one-way roadway, regardless of the number of lanes of traffic, all traffic must stop until the school bus begins motion again and the visual signals are disengaged. When the school bus stops on a four or more-lane roadway with at least two lanes of traffic traveling in the opposite direction, only those lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction as the school bus must stop.
A first-time violation for failing to stop for a school bus unloading/loading while their lights are activated and stop arm extended can result in a mandatory $300 fine and a three-month suspension of driving privileges. For additional information concerning the safe interaction with school buses in traffic, visit the ISP website Traffic Safety Brochures page, where you can find the School Bus Safety Brochure.
School Zone laws are meant to keep the public safe, but compliance with these laws is what really keeps children safe. Remember to slow down, be aware of pedestrians, and use caution when traveling in School Zones or near school buses. If we follow the rules and make good choices, everyone can arrive alive.