Golf Cart/Side By Side Permits Non-Transferable

Mt. Carmel Police Chief Mike McWilliams wants you to know that if you buy a used golf cart or side by side and it already has a current city permit, it’s no longer valid and you have to buy a permit for your purchase only if there are a few months left in the year. McWilliams said the issue recently arose when police pulled a permit when it wasn’t re-registered after it sold because it didn’t have insurance and was completely out of compliance. Electric bicycles fall under the same requirements according to McWilliams.

Stadium Project Nearing Finish Line

A ribbon cutting and dedication is planned next week for Phase 2 of the Riverview Stadium renovation and construction project at Mt. Carmel High School. In September of 2021, the District #348 school board gave Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer the green light to look into upgrading the aging and deteriorating sports facility. Then on February 13th, 2022, the board approved spending $4 million to completely overhaul the stadium including installing a turf playing field, new lights, a new press box, a new 8-lane track, among other features. That work was completed last October. Phase 2 of the project began earlier this year with the construction of Riverview Stadium Plaza that includes a multi-purpose building housing a concession stand, locker rooms, restrooms, and more. The ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony is planned for next Wednesday that 18th at 12 noon. 

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE IDENTIFY VEHICLE AND INDIVIDUAL INVOLVED IN U.S. HIGHWAY 40 FATAL CRASH

TEUTOPOLIS – With information provided by the community, the Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation has been able to identify the vehicle and driver believed to be involved in the September 29, 2023 crash just outside of Teutopolis that resulted in five fatalities and multiple injuries. 

“Thank you to the communities of Montrose and Teutopolis, and everyone who provided information to ISP,” said  ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.  “The information we received from the community has been instrumental in identifying the vehicle and driver believed to be involved in this case.” 

On Friday, September 29, 2023, ISP, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, Teutopolis Fire Protection District, and other local law enforcement, fire, and emergency services responded to a crash that occurred at 8:42 p.m. on 19740 East U.S. Highway 40.  The crash involved a semi-truck tanker carrying 7,500 gallons of anhydrous ammonia, of which approximately 4,000 leaked due to the tank being punctured.  Due to the plume from the ammonia leak, roughly 500 residents were evacuated from northeastern parts of Teutopolis until around 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2023, and U.S. Highway 40 was closed between Effingham and Montrose.

ISP continues to investigate and is consulting with the Effingham County State’s Attorney.  No additional information is available at this time.  

  

MCPD Chief Addresses Recent Criticisms

Mt. Carmel Police Chief Mike McWilliams spent a portion of Monday’s City Council meeting addressing the plight of 63 year old Kevin Linson. Linson is the man who has been homeless the last several months and can mostly be found in the 700 block of Market Street. That’s where Linson was arrested last weekend for the third time in the last two weeks for criminal trespass to real property after he trespassed on property he had previously been banned from. McWilliams responded to social media messages blasting local police for not doing something to take Linson off the street. McWilliams explained that local officials have offered numerous options to Linson, all of which have been turned down…

 McWilliams said messages to the Crimestoppers page were profane and he wanted to set the record straight on what assistance has been offered, and turned down, to Linson.

FEMA testing nationwide emergency alert systems Wednesday afternoon

The nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) test is scheduled for this afternoon. 
 
Here is what to keep in mind during the nationwide WEA test:

  • Starting at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for about 30 minutes. During this period, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are powered on, within range of an active cell tower, and linked to a participating wireless provider should be capable of receiving the test message.

  • The message on consumers' phones will read: "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed."

    • For phones set to Spanish, it will display: "ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción."

  • WEA alerts come with a unique tone and vibration to ensure accessibility for everyone, including individuals with disabilities.

Key details regarding the EAS test:

  • The EAS segment of the test will last approximately one minute. It will involve radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers.

The test message will closely resemble the monthly EAS test messages you already know. It will state: "This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. The public requires no action."

Domestic Dispute Leads To Multiple Charges For Mt. Carmel Man

On 10/02/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Brayden M. Barber, age 19, of Mt. Carmel for Domestic Battery, Unlawful Restraint, and Interfering with Reporting of Domestic Violence following a domestic dispute at a residence in the 500 block of N Walnut Street.  Police were called to the residence by a family member after Barber became upset during a conversation about him leaving the home.  When Barber refused to leave, the family member threatened to call the police causing Barber to attack the alleged victim by wrestling them to the ground.  From there, Barber pinned them to the floor with his hands.  Once the victim was able to break free from Barber, they ran towards the door; however, Barber pulled them away and blocked them from leaving.   Eventually, the victim was able to call 911 causing Barber to leave the home.  Barber was later located and placed under arrest.  Barber is being held at the Wabash County Jail where he was given the above charges and held pending a pre-trial detention hearing. 

Tennessee Man Arrested On Forgery Charging Involving WVC Checks

On 9/29/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Kendall D. Hamilton, age 20, of Cordova Tennessee, for Forgery following an investigation into stolen checks from the Wabash Valley College Student Services Office.  During the investigation, police found evidence that Hamilton deposited checks stolen from the office and later deposited them into a bank, written out to him.  Hamilton was processed at the Wabash County Jail and later released on a Notice to Appear in court.  More arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues.