ILLINOIS STATE POLICE REMINDS PUBLIC TO STAY VIGILANT DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reminding the public to stay vigilant during the holiday season as the Israel-Hamas war continues.  With rising tensions in the Middle East and the escalating Israel-Hamas war, there is the potential for violence to be carried out by terrorist groups and supporters pushing their agendas.  Historically, foreign terrorist media has called for violence during the winter holiday season, but this year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Federal Bureau of Investigations expect the call for violence to be heightened.  Terrorists may look to holiday events, particularly those of the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian faiths, as potential targets to instigate violence.

“We all must remain on guard against both terrorism and hate crimes during this holiday season,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.  “While the Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center reviews intelligence for potential threats around the clock, having reliable and timely information from the public is critical to keeping people safe.  If you see something that seems out of place or someone acting in a manner that doesn’t seem right, report it to your local law enforcement.”

In the United States, individuals acting independently may be inspired by foreign terrorist organizations and likely pose the most credible threat of violence.  These lone actors tend to use simple tactics with little or no warning of an attack, which is why it is so important to remain alert. 

The Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center (STIC) shares any and all relevant threat information with its partners for their full investigation.  STIC works with FBI Springfield and FBI Chicago Joint Terrorism Task Force to ensure the continuous flow of information for investigative follow-up.  However, it is also important for the public to report suspicious behavior to their local law enforcement agency or call 911 depending on the level of the threat.

ISP continues to reach out to faith communities in Illinois to communicate with and support faith leaders.  ISP is also communicating and sharing information with local and federal partners and all ISP assets are at a heightened state of readiness. 

During the holiday season, be aware of your surroundings and be prepared.  More information about personal and family planning can be found online at https://ready.illinois.gov/.

Clancy to Star in Acclaimed Play

Local playwright, theater director and actor John Clancy will star in a production of the stage version of Judgment at Nuremberg, the 1961 Academy-award winning film starring Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Richard Widmark and Marlene Dietrich this January at the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre in Kansas City, MO. 

Clancy is slated to play Judge Dan Haywood, the Spencer Tracy role in the film.

The Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre (MET) has created and maintained a reputation for presenting both ambitious and high-quality productions over the last twenty years including The Kentucky Cycle, The Iceman Cometh and the American premiere of The Shawshank Redemption. Judgment at Nuremberg continues this tradition and will be directed by MET's Producing Artistic Director Karen Paisley.

Clancy is an OBIE-award winning director and an internationally produced playwright and the President of Little Pharaoh Enterprises, a Mount Carmel based arts consultancy firm. He was last seen on the MET stage in the role of Larry Slade in January 2023's production of Eugene O'Neill's "The Iceman Cometh".

Judgment at Nuremberg plays January 11th-21st, 2024 at the Warwick Theater, 3927 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. For tickets go to www.warwickkc.org or call (816)569-3226.

West Named County Board Chairman

Scott West is the new chairman of the Wabash County Board of Commissioners. Monday was the county board’s first of the new fiscal year that started December 1st. West was unanimously approved to take over the chairman’s seat previously held by Tim Hocking. As chairman, West will be the county’s representative to the Area Economic Alliance and the county’s workforce harassment committee. All other commissioner appointments remained unchanged.  

County Commissioner Addresses Late Tax Bills

As real estate tax bills are hitting mailboxes this week, many Wabash County taxpayers are frustrated with the timing they were mailed. Most complaints center around the bills being delivered during the holiday season while most other counties are able to get their tax bills sent out much earlier in the year. At Monday’s county board meeting, commissioner Rob Dean addressed the frustration and the reason behind the delays….

ROB DEAN ON LATE TAX BILLS

Dean said the county may have to resort to legal action to get their data back from the software company which is charging a penalty to counties for leaving the contract early. The first installment of property taxes is due January 16th while the second is due February 16th. The delinquent tax sale is scheduled for April 5th in the Wabash County Courtroom.

Warnken To Challenge Hocking In County Commissioner Primary

Another local race is set for a local office in the March primary. Monday was the final day candidates could file nominating petitions to run in the 2024 election and longtime county commissioner Tim Hocking has a challenger in the Republican primary. And that’s John Charles, (better known as J. C.,( Warnken. Warnken filed his nominating petition on Monday. On the democratic side, Robert Moore has also filed to run for Hocking’s 6-year term on the county board. Moore faces no primary opposition.

The other Republican primary race pits Gregory Wilkinson against incumbent Shaun Keepes for coroner.

Running unopposed next year for new four year terms are state’s attorney Kelli Storckman and circuit clerk Angie Crum.

Also filing to run for precinct committeeperson are:

Democrat -

Barbara Bruce - Bellmont Precinct #14

Republican -

Marcia Hudson Woodcock - Mt. Carmel Precinct #2

William C. Hudson - Mt. Carmel Precinct #3

Rachel C. Wood - Mt. Carmel Precinct #7

Misty D. Johnson - Wabash Precinct #10

Mary Susan Wood - Friendsville Precinct #11

Robin D. Guller - Lancaster Precinct #12

Jessica Peter - Lick Prairie Precinct #13

Charles Reavill - Bellmont Precinct #14

Twilla Seifert - Compton Precinct #16

Mt. Vernon Man Arrested for OWI and Resisting Law Enforcement

Posey County – Tuesday evening, December 5, Indiana State Police and Mt. Vernon Police responded to Huck’s gas station on 4th Street in Mt. Vernon reference to a disturbance between two males in the parking lot near the gas pumps. Officers arrived moments later but the two people involved in the disturbance already left the scene driving a black Chevrolet Silverado and a blue Dodge Charger. Trooper Hadley left the parking lot to search for the two vehicles. While patrolling in the area, Trooper Hadley located the two vehicles and a large group of teens in the 300 block of West 7th Street. The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado was identified as Rayce Liggett-Kueber, 20, of Mt. Vernon. When officers looked inside his truck, they observed a bottle of brandy in the center console. Liggett-Kueber displayed signs of impairment and a driving while intoxicated investigation led to his arrest. During the arrest, Liggett-Kueber forcibly resisted and allegedly threatened officers. Trooper Hadley received a minor injury during the arrest. Kueber was transported to the Posey County Jail and is currently being held without bond. The toxicology results are pending.

Arrested and Charges:

Rayce Liggett-Kueber, 20, Mt. Vernon, IN

Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction, Level 6 Felony

Resisting Law Enforcement causing Injury, Level 6 Felony

Intimidation, Level 6 Felony

Disorderly Conduct, Class B Misdemeanor

Minor Consumption of Alcohol, Class C Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Trooper Hadley, Indiana State Police

Assisting Agency: Mt. Vernon Police

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

Wabash County Victim Identified In Weekend Crash

The Clinton County Coroner’s office has released the name of the 67-year-old Wabash County woman who died in the aftermath of a single-vehicle crash on Illinois Route 37 just south of the Route 161 intersection in rural Kell. Paula Tarpy of Allendale died while being transported through Clinton County from Salem Township Hospital by ground ambulance to a St. Louis hospital for treatment of very critical injuries.  Air Evac declined to fly to the accident scene due to weather conditions. The Marion County Sheriff’s Department reports the driver ran off the left side of Route 37 while traveling northbound at around 60 miles per hour.   Tarpy first hit the south end of a retaining wall of a bridge over a creek, went airborne over the creek, hit the north side of the creek bank, lost the driver’s side tire, skidded another 60 feet, before the pickup truck began to roll.  It turned over two times before hitting a telephone pole.  The pickup came to rest on its wheels.   Tarpy was thrown about five feet from the vehicle. An off-duty paramedic who was following the vehicle rendered care until emergency help. Tarpy was alone in the vehicle at the time of the crash around four Saturday afternoon.

Story credit: WJBD Radio, Salem.

Mt. Carmel Woman Arrested Twice In A Week For Violating OP

Mt. Carmel Police arrested Haley A. Denapoli, age 30, of Mt. Carmel on two separate violations of an Order of Protection last week.  The first arrest occurred on 11/29 when police responded to the T.P. Trailer Park on West 3rd Street where officers found evidence that Denapoli violated a valid Order of Protection by beating on the door of the protected party, who was also home at the time of the incident.  Denapoli was transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was charged and held pending a pre-trial detention determination.  The second arrest occurred on 12/01/23 when Denapoli again approached a protected party, outside of the residence, at which time she screamed at them while shining a flashlight in their face.  Denapoli was again placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where was charged and held pending a pre-trial detention determination by the court.

Princeton Man Arrested Following Mt. Carmel Traffic Stop

On 12/02/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Jason T. Hammock, age 29, of Princeton Indiana for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Improper Lane Usage and Operating Uninsured Vehicle following a traffic stop on a white Chevrolet at North Cherry Street & White Oak Lane.  The stop was a result of the Chevrolet committing multiple violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code.  In speaking to the driver, identified as Hammock, the officer detected an odor of a suspected alcoholic beverage.  Hammock submitted to a roadside sobriety check where the officer observed several clues to indicate impairment.  Hammock was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was processed for DUI.  Hammock was turned over to jail staff for further processing and later released on a Notice to Appear. 

Wabash County Woman Dead In Weekend Crash

A 67-year-old Wabash County woman is dead following a single vehicle accident Saturday afternoon in Marion County, Illinois. The name of the victim has not yet been released by authorities.  The crash happened on Illinois Route 37 just south of Route 161 in rural Kell. Deputies say the woman ran off the left side of Route 37 travelling northbound. She first hit the south end of a retaining wall of a bridge over a creek, went airborne over the creek, hit the north side of the creek bank, and skidded another 60 feet, before the pickup truck began to roll.  It turned over two times before hitting a telephone pole.  The pickup came to rest on its wheels.  The woman was thrown about five feet from the vehicle. An off-duty paramedic who was following the vehicle rendered care to the woman until other assistance arrived. With Air Evac unable to fly due to the weather, the woman was taken to Salem Township Hospital in very critical condition. She reportedly died in an ambulance while being transferred to a St. Louis hospital.  She then reportedly died while in an ambulance when being transported to a St. Louis Hospital

Courtesy of Newschannel 15