Contested Race For Coroner Set For March Primary

There will be at least one contested local race in the March primary in Wabash County. During yesterday’s first day of filing, Republicans Gregory Wilkinson and incumbent Shaun Keepes filed petitions to run for coroner. Since both candidates were at the county clerk’s at 8am, there will be a lottery to determine which candidate is listed first on the ballot.

Also filing yesterday were incumbent state’s attorney Kelli Storckman, county commissioner Timothy Hocking, and circuit clerk Angie Crum. All are Republicans.

One precinct committee-person filed yesterday and that was Republican Stephen Sutton for Coffee Precinct #15.

The filing period continues until next Monday in the county clerk’s office. The primary election is March 19th and the general election is next November 5th.

Over 10 Lbs. of Methamphetamine Seized during Traffic Stop on I-64

Posey County – Monday afternoon, November 27, at approximately 3:10 p.m., Trooper Hadley was patrolling I-64 near the 9 mile-marker when he stopped the driver of a white Dodge Charger for traveling east at 88 mph.  When Trooper Hadley approached the vehicle, he detected an odor of cannabis coming from inside. The driver was identified as Demertria J. Gray, 33, and her passenger was identified as Shawnunique D. Phillips, 34, both from St. Louis, MO.

During a search of the vehicle, Trooper Hadley found over 20 grams of suspected marijuana and over 10 lbs. of suspected methamphetamine. Gray and Phillips were arrested and taken to the Posey County Jail where they are currently being held on bond.

Arrested and Charges:

• Demertria J. Gray, 33, St. Louis, MO

1. Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony

2. Possession of Marijuana, Class A Misdemeanor

3. Driving While Suspended, Class A Misdemeanor

• Shawnunique D. Phillips, 34, St. Louis, MO

1. Possession of Marijuana, Class A Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Trooper Hadley, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officer: Trooper Backes, Indiana State Police

Assisting Agency: Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Demetria Gray

Shawunique Phillips

Wabash District #348 School Board To Hold Special Session Wednesday

WABASH CUSD #348 BOARD OF EDUCATION

SPECIAL MEETING DISTRICT OFFICE

218 W. 13th Street Mt. Carmel, Il 62863

Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

AGENDA

1. Call to order / Roll call

2. Executive Session pursuant to Section 2(c)(1) of the Open Meetings Act: “The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees”.

3. Personnel Matters

4. Adjourn

Wabash County Jobless Rate Drop Half A Point In October

The unemployment rate dropped half a percentage point last month in Wabash County. The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports the local rate went from 3.9% in September to 3.5% in October. But while the rate dropped half a point in the latest report, it is a half point higher than the October 2022 figure. In the Olney-Mt. Carmel region,IDES says total non-farm employment increased by 350 jobs in October 2023 compared to October 2022. Payrolls increased in Government, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, Educational and Health Services, Leisure and Hospitality, and Professional and Business Services. Payrolls were unchanged in Financial Activities, Information, and Construction over the year. Payroll employment decreased in the Manufacturing and Natural Resources and Mining industries. 

CHRISTMAS COMES TO MOUNT CARMEL THIS WEEKEND

Relive your memories of Christmas past, create new memories for Christmas future, and all the while revel in the excitement of Christmas present during the 15th edition of Mt. Carmel’s “Christmas Uptown - It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas”, scheduled for Friday, December 1st from 4pm-9pm on the city’s Market Street.

Christmas Uptown 2023 covers nearly 4 full blocks, and festival goers can enjoy 3 Scenic Carriage Rides, 2 North Pole Express Trains, 2 Rustic Wagons as they travel Market Street throughout the evening. Several Ponies will be available for Rudolph Rides, and new this year, the City Lights Trolley Tour which will even travel outside the festival area. Of course, all of the rides are free to the public! Also part of this family event, you have a chance to “create your own treat” at the S’Mores Making Station, even make a “take home” craft. Who wouldn’t want to take a few minutes to relive everyone’s favorite narratives of Christmas at Storytime with Mrs. Claus, and even talk to Santa himself on the Harris Insurance Group Pavilion after winding through the Festival of Trees in Merchants Park (Don’t forget to drop off your Letter To Santa next to the Santa House).

Maybe you’d like to join the fun at the Festive Face Painting station, or have a specially created balloon for the children. Again, there is no charge for these activities. While you’re inside the Wabash County Museum visiting local authors, offering their newest books, you’ll absolutely want to vote for the best entries in the Gingerbread House competition. You’ll for sure want to take advantage of the multiple Character or Family Photo Ops, especially the giant 10’ x 10’ backgrounds (including live characters from “Frozen” and “Polar Express”), just across the street from Veterans Park and the City of Mt. Carmel Christmas Tree. Then step inside the Wabash Senior Center for their Chili Supper Fundraiser, and where the kiddos can decorate their own Christmas Cookie, for a $1 donation to the Center.

Just down the street you’ll find a real, live nativity scene at Ambassador Christian Academy. Parents, let the younger folks burn off some energy playing Kid Friendly (ages 2 thru 7) games at the Winter Wonderland Play Zone, while those a bit older (8 thru 13) join the Snowball Fights along with Sports Teams from Wabash Valley College just a block away.

Throughout the entire evening we’ll bring you both the old and the new Sounds of Christmas! Relax with the “Strings of the Season”, catch the Christmas Beat with the “MSHC and MCJHS Jazz Bands”, relive your childhood with music from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”,  gather round the “Strolling Victorian Carolers” (comprised of the MCHS Singing Seven), or just enjoy the background sounds of Christmas Uptown Radio.

Of course, you’ll no doubt be hungry. The vendors in Mistletoe Market, Santa’s Workshop and the Elves’ Cafe’ will be offering Sweets & Treats as well as fantastic festival food choices to satisfy almost every taste. Burgers, Soups, Sandwiches, Thai, BBQ, Pizza, Drinks and more are just a sampling of the menu, along with candy, cookies, Kettle Corn, caramel apples and Specialty Coffees - who knows what you might find! Vendors will also offer craft and other dry goods items. For even more fun, be sure to shop the Market Street Retailers, many offering snacks, refreshments and really fantastic Christmas sales on the items you need to complete your Christmas shopping list. These retailers, along with several food trucks, will host Santa’s Secret Shopping Event from 9am to 4pm prior to the festival.

 Still want more Christmas in your life? Return to Market Street on Saturday at 5:15pm for the 57th Annual Mt. Carmel Lighted Christmas Parade, themed “Vintage Christmas”.

  You can find more information on the Christmas Uptown Mobile App (download the mobile app at christmasuptown.com), our Facebook pages, “Christmas Uptown Mt. Carmel” & “Wabash County Chamber”, or by phone at 618-263-8405(Festival) and 618-262-5116(Parade).

And just one request we would make of you, please consider making a cash donation to Operation Share, helping to create a better Christmas for many children and families in Wabash County for nearly 40 years. Donations may be made on the mobile app, or online at christmasuptown.com!

Traffic Stop Results In DUI Arrest Of Palestine Woman

On 11/25/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Mariah J. Steadman, age 35, of Palestine, Illinois for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol following a traffic stop in the 800 block of North Mulberry Street.  The stop occurred after the arresting officer observed a blue GMC SUV commit multiple violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code.  In speaking to the driver, identified as Steadman, the officer became suspicious that she may be under the influence of alcohol due to several factors including the presence of open alcohol in the vehicle.  A roadside sobriety test was conducted at which time the officer observed several clues to indicate impairment.  Steadman was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail.  Upon arrival, the officer processed Steadman for DUI while issuing her additional citations for Illegal Transportation of Alcohol, Improper Lane Usage, and Operating Uninsured Vehicle.  Steadman was later released on a Notice to Appear.

Pre-Bid Meeting Set For Wednesday On New County Highway Headquarters

A pre bid meeting is scheduled for November 29th for the new Wabash County highway department headquarters. Highway engineer Dustin Bunting says ADG has been finalizing plans for the new building on Poor Farm Road. Following the pre-bid meeting, bids will be opened on December 6th. Contractors who would to see the plans to prepare a bid can contact ADG or Bunting. County board chairman Tim Hocking said up to 6 contractors have shown interest in bidding on the project which would hopefully lower the construction cost to the county. Officials say up to 6 contractors have shown interest in bidding on the project, something they say could get the county a more favorable price.

Pecan Street Incident Results In Mt. Carmel Man's Arrest

On 11/21/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Derek L. Cross, age 45, of Mt. Carmel for Domestic Battery and Violation of an Order of Protection following a domestic dispute at a residence in the 200 block of Pecan Ave.  Police were called to the scene due to allegations that Cross had committed physical harm to three different family members during the incident.  Cross also knowingly violated an order of protection by yelling vulgar statements towards a protected party, while on scene, in front of law enforcement.  Cross was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was issued the above charges and is being held pending a pre-trial detention hearing.  MCPD was assisted by the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office. 

Mt. Carmel Man Arrested On Sex Abuse Charge

On 11/21/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Steven R. Anderson, age 52, of Mt. Carmel on a Wabash County Warrant for Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse following an MCPD investigation into allegations that Anderson committed an unlawful act of sexual conduct against another.  Anderson was located at his residence in the 400 block of W 2nd Street and taken into custody.  Anderson was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was issued the warrant and is being held pending a pre-trial detention hearing. 

Allegedly Stealing a Dewalt Drill Lands Vincennes Man In Jail

On 11/19/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Robert W. Baker, age 38, of Vincennes, Indiana on a felony Gibson County Warrant along with a charge of Retail Theft.  Police came into contact with Baker at a residence in the 200 block of W 11th Street while investigating a Dewalt drill theft from the Buy Low/Ace Hardware store from back in November.  During the investigation, the arresting officer was able to recover the stolen drill and its accessories.  The officer also discovered the above-mentioned arrest warrant for Baker.  Baker was taken into custody and transported to the Wabash County Jail.  Baker was issued his warrant and charge and is being held pending extradition back to Gibson County Indiana.