Report Of Subject With Handgun Causes Lock-downs At Schools & WGH

On 11/14/23, Mt. Carmel Police were contacted by the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office along with a 988 Crisis hotline agency, reporting an alleged suicidal male subject, approximately 17 years of age, in the Mt. Carmel area, according to a phone ping. It was reported the subject was possibly armed with a handgun and believed to be in the area 9th & Westwood Drive. A later ping advised the subject possibly in the 1200 block of North Mulberry. Officers responded to the areas and located the suspect’s vehicle at the bowling alley. An employee advised the subject had left on foot towards the northeast. Also, during this time, MCPD contacted area schools and the hospital to go into a soft lockdown as a precautionary measure. A Wabash County Deputy eventually located the subject near the stop sign at Poplar Street and Mt. Carmel Grade School. Officers approached while the school was advised to switch to a hard lockdown. The subject began to flee law enforcement as they approached but officers were quickly able to circle the individual and secure him, with no weapon being found. Wabash General Ambulance Service responded and transported him to the Wabash General Hospital for a mental health assessment. Ofc. Hopper and K-9 Eleven conducted an article search of the area along with other law enforcement; however, no firearm was located. The subject’s family arrived to Mt. Carmel and was able to confirm any available firearm accessible to the suspect was secured. Once the subject was transported to the hospital all lock downs were released. Again, while the subject was reportedly just suicidal, area entities followed lockdown protocols as a precautionary safety measure. Mt. Carmel Police would like to thank the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office, Gibson County Sheriff’s Office and Wabash General Ambulance Service for their assistance.

GREGG W. WILCOX HIRED AS VICE PRESIDENT OF CREDIT ADMINISTRATION & ANALYSIS

The First National Bank of Allendale is pleased to announce the hiring of Gregg W. Wilcox to the position of Vice President of Credit Administration and Analysis.  Gregg will provide additional expertise in the underwriting and analysis of the Bank’s commercial and agricultural relationships.  In addition, Gregg will provide monitoring and quality control of the Bank’s overall loan portfolio.

Gregg is a native of Wabash County with over 20 years of public and private accounting experience.  He is a graduate of the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in Business Administration – Management.  He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.  Gregg is married to Alexia and they have two children, Zane and Cade.  Gregg is a board member of Wabash Community Unit School District 348, treasurer of MCHS Boosters Club, Mt. Carmel Men’s Golf Club, and Jr. League Football, as well as a member of Parkview Christian Church.

Don Price, President & CEO of The First National Bank of Allendale, offered the following comments:  “We are very pleased to add someone with Gregg’s professional background to our team.  He fits perfectly into our strategic plan going forward.  His expertise will allow our loan production officers to continue to focus on outstanding customer service and quality loan growth.  As a lifelong resident of Wabash County, he understands the importance of locally owned community banks.”

The First National Bank of Allendale was chartered in 1905 and opened for business in 1906.  The bank has full-service banking offices in Allendale, Mt. Carmel, and West Salem, Illinois.  It operates a loan and deposit production office in Carmi, IL.  The bank’s total assets are approximately $365 million.  The bank offers a wide range of personal and commercial financial services.

Bidding Opens Today On Former Long John Silvers Location

Online bidding opens today on the former Long John Silvers property at 318 West 9th Street in Mt. Carmel. The property was built in 1977 and includes 1,742 square feet on a point 6 5 acre lot. Marcus & Millichap is offering the property through the absolute auction that ends at 1:10pm Wednesday afternoon. There is no reserve on the property with the opening bid at $1. On Friday’s Ask The Mayor segment, Joe Judge opined on what type of restaurant he’d like to see locate there…

JUDGE ON LJS…

And while bids start at $1, potential buyers need to be aware of a platform fee for this transaction is the greater of 5.00% or a minimum of $20,000.

 

WSJD File Photo

Grayville Woman Arrested On Domestic Battery Charge

On 11/12/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Evelyn J. Morris, age 44, of Grayville for Domestic Battery following a domestic dispute at a residence in the 700 block of W 6th Street.  A concerned party called 911 reporting that Morris had battered a juvenile member of the residence, of which Morris has been staying at the couple of months.  When officers arrived, they spoke to the resident who confirmed that Morris had grabbed the juvenile by the neck/throat area during the dispute.  Evidence corroborated this claim resulting in Morris being arrested.  Morris was taken to the Wabash County Jail where she was charged and held pending a pre-trial detention determination by the court.  Mt. Carmel Police were assisted by the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office. 

Mulberry Street Incident Results In Arrest Of Mt. Carmel Man

On 11/12/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Mark A. VanVleet, age 53, of Mt. Carmel for Violation of an Order of Protection, Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer and Intimidation of a Police Officer.  Prior to the arrest, an officer observed VanVleet violating a valid order of protection by being within 500 feet of the protected party in the 300 block of N Mulberry.  The officer made contact with VanVleet at a residence in the block.  VanVleet was advised he was under arrest for the violation at which time he refused to comply by pulling away from the officer to avoid arrest.  Ultimately, VanVleet was placed under arrest when he began making threats of physical harm to the arresting officer, upon his release.  VanVleet was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending a pre-trial detention determination by the court.

Fort Branch Man Arrested On DUI Following Traffic Stop

On 11/12/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Luke B. Simmons, age 33, of Fort Branch, Indiana for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol following a traffic stop at Oak Street & College Campus Road.  Prior to the stop, the arresting officer observed a black Honda commit multiple violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code.  In making contact with the driver, identified as the above defendant, the officer noted that Simmons exhibited signs of impairment and requested he submit to a roadside sobriety check.  During the subsequent testing, the officer observed several clues to indicate impairment.  Simmons was placed under arrest at this time and transported to the Wabash County Jail.  Simmons was processed for DUI and then turned over to jail staff for further processing.  Simmons was later released on a Notice to Appear.  Mt. Carmel Police were assisted by the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office. 

Complaint Of Reckless/Impaired Driver Results In Arrest Of Princeton Woman

On 11/10/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Susan E Monceaux, age 41, of Princeton Indiana for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Driving While License Suspended.  The arrest stemmed from a public complaint about a possible impaired or reckless driver coming into Mt. Carmel from Indiana.  The officer located the suspect vehicle, a yellow Chevrolet, traveling on Walnut Street.  The driver, later identified as Monceaux, committed a traffic violation and then pulled into the Mt. Carmel Super-Mart in the 300 block of N Walnut Street.  The officer conducted a stop and found Monceaux had a suspended driver’s license.  Additionally, the officer detected signs of impairment and requested Monceaux submit to a roadside sobriety check.  The driver agreed, and submitted to testing.  The officer observed several clues to indicate impairment during testing resulting in Monceaux’s arrest.  Monceaux was transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was processed for DUI and turned over to jail staff.  Monceaux was later released on a Notice to Appear. 

Palestine Woman Faces Several Charges Following Traffic Stop

On 11/09/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Kelsie M. Willson, age 29, of Palestine, Illinois for Driving Under the Influence-Combination of Alcohol & other Drugs or Intoxicating Compounds, Driving While License Suspended, No Valid Registration and Operating Uninsured Vehicle following a traffic stop at 9th & Cherry.  While on patrol, the arresting officer observed a silver Kia Spectra operating without registration.  In stopping the vehicle, the officer learned that Willson’s license was suspended and that she was also wanted on a Crawford County Illinois Possession of Methamphetamine Warrant, resulting in Willson’s arrest.  During this time, officers detected and odor of alcoholic beverage coming from her along with smoking devices in both her vehicle and purse that are used to ingest cannabis.  Upon arrival to the Wabash County Jail, field sobriety testing was conducted which offered several clues to indicate impairment.  Subsequently, Willson was also charged with the above DUI offense.  After being processed, Willson was turned over to jail staff while being held pending extradition back to Crawford County. 

St. Nick's New Digs Paid Off By Tourism Funds

The Christmas season in Mt. Carmel received a financial boost from Wabash County Commissioners on Monday. The board approved contributing $1,750 from the county’s hotel-motel tax to the Chamber of Commerce for the December 2nd Christmas parade. Chamber executive director Lesley Hipsher said the money will be used to help bring the Boom Squad back to town for the parade as well as other expenses. In addition, commissioners also approved donating $1,000 to the Retail Merchants Committee for the new Santa House. The RMC had raised money for the new house through this year’s Guns ‘n Hoses and Duck Race, but was still $1,000 short. But thanks to the county board, St. Nick will have new digs to greet youngsters this holiday season.