On 11/02/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Timothy W. Morrison, age 46, of Mt. Carmel for Violation of an Order of Protection, Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer, Aggravated Intimidation, Aggravated Assault, and Criminal Damage to Government Supported Property following an incident in the 300 block of West 3rd Street. Prior to the arrest, a police officer on patrol observed a planter on fire in front of Dragon Nails. While officers and the Mt. Carmel Fire Department extinguished the fire, Morrison walked past them. One of the officers recalled an active order of protection against Morrison with the protected party being within 500 feet of this location. An officer stopped Morrison in the area of 3rd & Walnut Street where he was placed under arrest for the violation. During the interaction, Morrison attempted to pull away from officers and kicked an MCPD squad car. Morrison made threatening statements to the officers and refused to walk after kicking the squad. Morrison then had to be physically carried to a squad car where he continued to resist law enforcement orders. Morrison was taken to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending a pre-trial detention hearing.
Trespassing At Tower Heights Lands Mt. Carmel Woman In Jail
On 11/04/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Kenni Jo Klingel, age 53, of Mt. Carmel for Criminal Trespass to Government Supported Property. Police were called to the scene when an employee observed Klingel inside the Tower Heights apartment building. Klingel had previously been barred from the property by management, which is funded by the government. Police located Klingel on the 7th floor where she was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail. Klingel was charged, processed by jail staff and released on a Notice to Appear.
Time Change Good Time For Safety Check
Daylight savings time ends this weekend as move our clocks back one hour before going to bed tonight. While we might be thankful for the extra hour of sleep, Mt. Carmel Fire Commissioner Susan Zimmerman says it’s also a good time for a safety check….
Clancy Will Not Attempt To Buy Back Former Arts Center Building
After the Mt. Carmel City Council announced this the former Little Egypt Arts Center would be sold, former building owner John Clancy sent a statement to WSJD saying he will not attempt buy the building back from the city.
Here’s the story from Monday’s City Council meeting:
https://wsjd.fm/new-blog-1/2023/11/1/city-plans-to-sell-former-arts-center
Here’s Mr. Clancy’s statement:
I have been encouraged by many local and out-of-state supporters to place a bid on 500 North Market Street, the former Little Egypt Arts Center, which until recently was both my home and business.
I thank all of you.
At this time I will not offer a bid on the property.
The reason for this is that I have learned, over the last five years, that the City of Mount Carmel, the current administration, Clerk and Inspector, have a profoundly anti-arts venue policy and disposition.
Any attempt to re-establish an Arts Center in this city as it is currently governed would be building an edifice on sand as the tide rolls in.
I only hope (and pray) that the City does not decide to tear down this beautiful and historic building.
We don't need any more empty lots in this town.
Respectfully,
John Clancy
President
Little Pharaoh Enterprises
Three Arrested After Two Vehicles Reported Stolen
On 11.01.23 the Wabash County Sheriff's office and Mt. Carmel Police Department received a call that a stolen American Freight box truck had a tracking device on it and was southbound on Highway 1 from the St. Francisville area. Units from both agencies headed toward the area and located the stolen vehicle on the lot of Mt. Carmel Stabilization's Training center on the west side of highway 1. It appeared the vehicle was offloading furniture onto another .
WCSO & MCPD performed a felony stop in the parking lot and took 3 individuals into custody. John M. Planinsek Jr. 37 of Rockdale, IL, Melissa M. Ferguson, 34 of New Lenox, IL, and Stanley D. Cochran Jr., 54 of Braidwood, IL were all charged with Possession of a Converted vehicle amongst other charges. A second vehicle involved, a Ford F350 K&N Steel truck out of St.Louis, Mo. was also found to be stolen.
All three are lodged in the Wabash County Jail awaiting a detention hearing under the pre-trial fairness act.
John M. Planinsek Jr. 37 of Rockdale, IL
Melissa M. Ferguson, 34 of New Lenox, IL
Traffic Stop Results In Multiple Charges For Mt. Carmel Man
On 11/01/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Cole W. Stewart, age 26, of Mt. Carmel for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving While License Revoked and Illegal Operation of Off Highway Motorcycle following a traffic stop at 11th & Cherry Street. Prior to the stop, the arresting officer observed Stewart operating a camouflage-colored motorized dirt bike on Pear Street. The motorized bike, which was not street legal, disregarded the stop sign at 11th & Pear Street in front of the officer. The officer also knew Stewart had a revoked Illinois Driver’s License. A traffic stop was initiated at which time the officer detected an odor of alcoholic beverage coming from Stewart. Stewart refused to submit to a roadside sobriety check but was placed under arrest based on the officer’s observations. Stewart was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was processed for the above stated charges and turned over to jail staff for further processing. Stewart was later released on a Notice to Appear.
City Addresses Issues At Brush Harbor
A few have ruined it for all. At Monday’s City Council meeting, public works director Mike Gidcumb said a big change has recently been made at the city’s brush harbor on Golden Aces Way….
Gidcumb said dumping anything other than brush is a violation of Illinois EPA regulations. Another issue with the brush harbor is complaints from residents when the city burns the big brush pile, something they are legally allowed to do by the EPA. City Clerk Ryan Turner said the city is working to alleviate those complaints….
The city does try to avoid burning the brush pile at times during the football season as it can sometimes smolder for days causing an even bigger nuisance for fans and tailgaters in the Jr. Aces field area.
Council Considers Request To Offer Discount On Bike Permits
Should senior citizens get a discount on the $50 a year it costs to register a gas powered bicycle in Mt. Carmel? That’s what a resident asked the city council to offer at their regular meeting on Monday. The resident said the gas powered bikes are their only mode of transportation and the $50 is a hardship for many senior citizens who have limited resources. The city council took the request under advisement and will look into the issue further.
City Plans To Sell Former Arts Center
The city is selling the former Little Egypt Arts Center at 5th and Market Streets. After taking possession of the building from John Clancy, Mayor Joe Judge said the city would renovate the structure to attract a retail business. But that plan has been scrapped and the city will now place the building on the market. Finance Commissioner Eric Ikemire asked that parameters be placed on the buyer of the property. Judge and city clerk Ryan Turner will work on those parameters and present them to the city council in two weeks.
June 2022 File Photo
Ohio Man Nabbed By MCPD On DUI Charge
On 10/31/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Ryan D. Perry, age 42, of Ada Ohio for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol following a traffic stop in the 600 block of West 9th Street. Prior to the stop, the arresting officer observed a red Nissan Pioneer commit multiple violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code. In speaking to Perry, the officer developed suspicion that he was under the influence of alcohol. Perry submitted to a roadside sobriety check where the officer observed several clues indicating impairment. Perry was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was processed for DUI, issued a citation for improper turn, and turned over to jail staff for further processing. Perry was later released on a Notice to Appear.