On 3/04/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Ashley A. Harms, age 23, of Mt. Carmel for Violation of an Order of Protection. Officers were called to the area of 6th & Vine Street regarding the alleged violation in that Harms knowingly came within 500 feet of the protected party. Officers found that the order was in effect and located Harms at a residence in the 600 block of Vine Street. Harms was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was charged and held pending a pre-trial detention determination by the court.
Pair Arrested Following Traffic Stop
On 2/27/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Ashley M. Bebout, age 33, of Carmi, for Driving While License Revoked along with her passenger, Jamie L. Vaughan, age 52, of Fairfield, for Possession of 69 grams of cannabis. The arrest stemmed from a traffic stop on a gray Toyota in the 300 block of W 6th Street following a violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code. The officer learned that the driver, Bebout, had a revoked driver’s license. As the officer awaited proof of vehicle insurance, he observed an open container of alcohol in the floorboard. A further search of the vehicle led to officer’s locating approximately 69 grams of cannabis. Bebout was issued a citation for the license infraction while Vaughan was transported to the Wabash County Jail. Vaughan was processed and later released on a Notice to Appear.
West Salem Man Killed In Friday Crash
From Wabash County Sheriff Derek Morgan:
On 03.01.2024 at 9:47 A.M. the Wabash County Sheriff's Office responded to a two-car crash on Wabash 17 Ave (Goodson Orchard road), one mile west of E 700 Rd.. This was reported as a head on collision. Wabash General Hospital Ambulance Service responded with 2 ambulances, along with the Illinois State Police and the Mt. Carmel and Bellmont fire departments.
Once on scene the deputy found two vehicles, one with major damage. It was found that driver of unit 1, 18-year-old Grace A. Williams of Olney, was adjusting her radio on her 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and crossed over the center dividing line while going west bound. Once unit 1 crossed the dividing line it struck an east bound 2010 Toyota Tacoma. The Tacoma came to rest on the south side of the road facing east, and the Malibu came to rest in the west bound lane on the north shoulder of the road.
Both drivers were entrapped in their vehicles and had to be extricated by emergency personnel. Driver of Unit 1 sustained significant injuries and was transported by ambulance form the scene. Life saving measures were performed on the driver of unit 2, 78-year-old Timothy B. Yates, of West Salem , but were unsuccessful due to injuries sustained in the crash. Wabash County Coroner, Shaun Keepes arrived on scene and pronounced Yates deceased. Both vehicles were towed from the scene by Glenn's Towing. AirEvac responded to the scene as well.
Driver of unit 1 was issued two citations for the crash: Improper lane usage and a citation for distracted driving.
City Council Approves TIF Money For New RV Storage Facility
The Mt. Carmel City Council has approved allocating a one time grant of $12,000 to help bring a new business to town. Matt Pyatt plans to convert a tract of farm ground on the city’s west side to an outdoor storage lot that would house large items such as recreational vehicles….
Mayor Joe Judge said the city’s TIF agent, Moran and Associates, was consulted and it was determined that project was eligible for a one time $12,000 grant to help pay for the project that could cost up to $300,000 according to Pyatt.
This tract of land on Mt. Carmel’s west side will be the site of an RV storage facility.
Wabash County Commissioner Agenda
REGULAR MEETING Monday, March 4, 2024
AGENDA
1) Call to order:
2) Approve minutes of previous meeting:
3) Commissioner’s reports:
4) Officer’s reports:
5) Old Business:
a. ARPA Ordinance.
b. County Highway Building.
6) New Business:
a. Engineering Agreement for 1000E Bridge over Crawfish Creek.
b. Engineering Agreement for 1100E Bridge over Crawfish Creek.
c. Application for Special Use Approval for the WVC Foundation Crystal
Ball to be held March 16, 2024.
d. Kevin Kern and Brent Williams from Snedeker Risk Management.
d. Discuss possible Wind Farm Ordinance.
e. Discuss lawn mower for Froman Park.
f. Proposed County Cannabis Retailer’s Occupation Tax Ordinance.
7) Executive Session:
8) Correspondence:
9) Approval of payment of claims presented:
10) Adjournment:
This agenda is subject to change prior to the time of the meeting if necessary.
The meeting will be held upstairs in the Courtroom
Road Commissioner Refusing To Resign Despite Criticisms & Threat Of Arrest
A Wabash County road district commissioner faces arrest if he doesn’t do his job in the next 10 days. A public hearing was held Thursday in a packed Wabash County courtroom delving into the deteriorating roads in road district #2 because of inaction by commissioner John Jones. The hearing was conducted by Wabash County highway engineer Dustin Bunting and included a long line of angry residents speaking to the nearly impassable roads in district two. Included in the speakers yesterday was state’s attorney Kelli Storckman…
Jones declined to sign the resignation letter saying he would not step down until he was reimbursed money he claims he is owed. Money that Bunting says would be released if Jones filed the required paperwork. Again, something Jones hasn’t done. Because of Jones’ inaction, Bunting said there’s just over half a million in the road district two accounts waiting to be used on the roads there. After more than 90 minutes, Bunting closed comments from those in attendance and ordered that Jones to begin work on roads within 10 days and continue the work until the roads are repaired. And if he doesn’t comply, Bunting said Jones would be subject to arrest on a petty offense.
Click the link to hear the full audio of the public hearing….
County Clerk: Trump Ruling Causing No Changes To Primary Ballots
From Wabash County Clerk Janet Will:
As many are aware, yesterday afternoon February 28th 2024, Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie Porter ruled to remove Republican Presidential Candidate, Donald Trump from the upcoming March 19th Illinois Primary Ballot. However, this ruling is on hold pending the outcome of a case before the United States Supreme Court.
As such, I want to reassure the public, that at this time, NO CHANGES are being made to the March 2024 Primary Ballots. Republican Primary Ballots will still have Donald Trump as a candidate. Anyone that has already participated in In-Person Early Voting or Vote-By-Mail DOES NOT need to take any action at this time.
The Wabash County Clerk & Recorder’s Office will follow any affirmed Judiciary ruling as it relates to the 2024 Presidential Election.
Janet L. Will
Wabash County Clerk & Recorder
Allendale February Students of the Month
Allendale School is proud to announce the Students of the Month for February:
front - Lukas Wise (Kindergarten), Kayden Wall (1st Grade), Mason Windle (2nd Grade), Kynzleigh Neely (3rd Grade)
back - Whitley Grimes (4th Grade), Hunter Nelson (Junior High), Jayce Weiss (Junior High)
Allendale at Science Fair
Allendale CCSD #17 students competed at the Regional Science held at SIU Carbondale on February 27, 2024.
Students earning special recognition or awards:
Conner McGinnis: monetary award from the school of Psychological and Behavioral Sciences for an Outstanding Psychological Science Project. He received a bid to compete at the State Science Fair on May 4, 2024 in Decatur, IL.
Stetson Potts: monetary award from the school of Education for an Outstanding Education Project. He received a bid to compete at the State Science Fair on May 4, 2024 in Decatur, IL.
Tripjot Singh: received a bid to compete at the State Science Fair on May 4, 2024 in Decatur, IL.
Congratulations to all the students that competed in the Regional Science Fair.
MCJHS Students Shine At Regional Science Fair Competition
Mt. Carmel Junior High School was represented at the Regional Science Fair in Carbondale, IL, held at SIU Carbondale on February 27, 2024.
Students secured the right to compete by earning the top scores at the local judging. Ellie Couch, Miranda Kennard, Journey Loudermilk, and Wyatt Rooney competed individually. Isaiah Glenn and Drake Stevenson, as well as Paul-Ray Garrett and Zane Wilcox, competed as partner groups. Students were judged on oral presentation skills, a visual display, a written report, and evidence of scientific process skills. Drake Stevenson and Isaiah Glenn were awarded a “Silver” ranking based on their score. Ellie Couch, Miranda Kennard, Journey Loudermilk, Wyatt Rooney, Paul-Ray Garrett, and Zane Wilcox were awarded the "Gold" ranking based on the scores received, Sarah Dougherty is their 8th-grade Science Teacher and Sponsor.
Students receiving special recognition or awards:
Wyatt Rooney: monetary award from the Office of the Provost and VC of Academic Affairs.
Ellie Couch: monetary award from the Office of Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Journey Loudermilk: monetary award from the School of Medicine.
These students also received a bid to compete at the State Science Fair on May 04, 2024 in Decatur, IL.
Additionally, Miranda Kennard received a bid to compete at the State Science Fair.
Congratulations on these extraordinary accomplishments!
L-R Wyatt Rooney, Ellie Couch, Journey Loudermilk. Sarah Dougherty Front: Miranda Kennard
L-R Wyatt Rooney, Drake Stevenson, Zane Wilcox, Paul-Ray Garrett, Isaiah Glenn, Ellie Couch, Journey Loudermilk, Miranda Kennard, Sarah Dougherty, Teacher and Sponsor