Gibson County the Board of Commissioners for Gibson County have issued a burn ban effective 11/15/2023.
Specifically prohibited are these activities.
- Open burning of any kind using conventional fuel such as wood or briquettes or propane.
- The burning of debris, such as timber and vegetation, including such debris those resulting from building construction activities.
-Campfires and other recreational Fires.
Former Adminstrator/Coach Brings Concerns To District #348 School Board
Is the Wabash District #348 school board living up to its own policies? That’s what one former Golden Aces coach and administrator is trying to determine when it comes to the policy for community use of school facilities. Rick Johnston spoke at Monday’s school board meeting saying he and others have been denied access to the district’s gyms to practice a 4th and 5th grade basketball team that was organized last year. While there were no issues finding an available gym to practice last year, Johnston said that’s not the case this year as he has gotten the run around from administrators. The board’s own policy outlines how school facilities are available to community organizations during non-school hours when not interfering with any school function or the safety of students or employees and doesn’t affect the property of liability of the school district. Johnston said after many delays, he was told he would have no access to gyms, something he says sets a precedent for other coaches and sports….
Johnston also brought up another topic when it comes to student-athletes using school facilities….
Johnston asked the board to review its’ policy and eliminate areas of inconsistences and develop well defined protocols for the use of school facilities by the community. No comment was offered by administrators or school board members at the conclusion of Johnston’s remarks.
Here is the board policy:
8:20 Community Use of School Facilities
School facilities are available to community organizations during non-school hours when such use does not: (1) interfere with any school function or affect the safety of students or employees, or (2) affect the property or liability of the School District. The use of school facilities for school purposes has precedence over all other uses. The District reserves the right to cancel previously scheduled use of facilities by community organizations and other groups. The use of school facilities requires the prior approval of the Superintendent or designee and is subject to applicable procedures. Persons on school premises must abide by the District's conduct rules at all times.
Student groups, school-related organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations are granted the use of school facilities at no costs during regularly staffed hours. Fees and costs shall apply during non-regularly staffed hours and to other organizations granted use of facilities at any time. A fee schedule and other terms of use shall be prepared by the Superintendent and be subject to annual approval by the Board of Education.
Traffic stop leads to arrest of Evansville man on drug charges
On November, 14, 2023, at 7:06 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Logan Lashbrook conducted a traffic stop on a White 2019 Jeep for speeding on US 41 near County Road 550 South. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Lashbrook detected the odor of Marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. At that point Deputy Lashbrook began a roadside drug investigation. Once the investigation was complete the driver 38 year old Timothy Ray of Evansville was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the jail Mr. Ray was charged with Possession of a Schedule II drug, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of a Device to Interfere with a Drug Screen. He has since posted a $650 bond.
Assisting Deputy Lashbrook in his investigation was Sgt. Loren Barchett and ISP Trooper Gage Cummings.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Wabash District #348 Personnel Matters
Wabash District #348 Personnel Matters
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.