On October 7, 2023, at 6:37 p.m. Gibson County Sheriff’s Deputy Logan Lashbrook conducted a traffic stop on a Red 2019 Dodge Challenger for traveling 110 mph on Interstate 69. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Lashbrook observed the occupants of the vehicle attempting to switch seats. At that point Deputy Lashbrook conducted a high risk traffic stop with the assistance of Sgt. Loren Barchett and Special Deputy Diego Ortega. After securing each person out of the vehicle Deputy Lashbrook began a roadside investigation. During this investigation 24 year old Junior Destine was run through the Indiana Data And Communications System as well as the National Crime Information Center and it was determined that Mr. Destine had never been issued a valid operator’s license. Further it was revealed the Mr. Destine had an active warrant through Hamilton County for Operator Never Being Licensed. At that point Deputy Lashbrook placed Mr. Destine into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operator Never Licensed and Reckless Driving. He remains in custody on a hold through Hamilton County.
Mr. Destine was also issued citations for Operating with Expired Plates, Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Financial Responsibility and Failure to Use Safety Belt.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Traffic stop leads to arrest of Princeton man for DUI and Drug Possession
On October 7, 2023, at 8:50 p.m. Gibson County Sheriff’s Sergeant Loren Barchett conducted a traffic stop on US 41 near County Road 550 South after observing a 2008 Chevy Silverado traveling 82 mph in a 60 mph zone. Upon approaching the vehicle Sgt. Barchett identified the driver as 30 year old Clint Greer of Princeton. While speaking with Mr. Greer Sgt. Barchett detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the driver. At that point Sgt. Barchett began a roadside DUI investigation. At the conclusion of his investigation Sgt. Barchett placed Mr. Greer into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the Gibson County Jail Mr. Greer was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Possession of Methamphetamines. He has since posted a $750 bond.
Assisting Sgt. Barchett in his investigation was Fort Branch Officer Jeff Beck and Gibson County Deputy Logan Lashbrook.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Oakland City woman arrested on multiple charges
On October 9, 2023, at 4:56 p.m. Gibson County Sheriff’s Sgt. Loren Barchett conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 Chevy Silverado after observing 39 year old Amanda Pemberton driving the vehicle on I 69 at the 27 mile marker. At that point Sgt. Barchett conducted a traffic stop having prior knowledge that Ms. Pemberton’s operator’s license had been suspended by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicle on a prior driving while suspended conviction. Upon approaching the vehicle Sgt. Barchett asked Ms. Pemberton to step out of the vehicle and Ms. Pemberton physically resisted getting out of the vehicle and was placed into custody. Ms. Pemberton continued to physically resist Sgt. Barchett until she was placed in the back of his police vehicle. During an inventory of the vehicle Methamphetamines and Drug Paraphernalia were found. At the conclusion of the roadside investigation Ms. Pemberton was transported to the Gibson County Jail where she was charged with Driving While Suspended/Prior, Resisting Law Enforcement, Possession of Methamphetamines, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She has since posted a $750 bond.
Assisting Sgt. Barchett in his investigation was Deputies Logan Lashbrook and Quinten Might.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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.
MCFD Stressing Preparedness During Fire Prevention Week
This is fire prevention week and Mt. Carmel fire commissioner Susan Zimmerman reported at last week’s city council meeting that preparedness is always key when it comes to preventing fire tragedies…
Fire department personnel are busy this week with tours of the fire house and visiting local schools.
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.
Allendale September Students Of The Month
Allendale September Students Of The Month
September Students of the Month at Allendale Elementary School:
Front row - Benjamin Keepes (K), Madison Lofton (1st grade), Wade Barbre (2nd grade), Owen Phelps (3rd grade)
Back row - Henry Buchanan (4th grade), Ryland Houchin (Jr. High), Wyatt Buchanan (Jr. High)
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."
