IGSMA SOLO & ENSEMBLE CONTEST RESULTS

70 entries from Mt. Carmel Grade School and Mt. Carmel Jr. High prepared for the Illinois Grade School Music Association (IGSMA) District 4 Solo & Ensemble on Saturday, March 9, hosted by Mt. Carmel Grade School. Those receiving honors were:

Superior ratings (perfect score on a class A, B, & C solo):

Dani Arano, class C clarinet solo
Luis Bohorquez-Atencio, class A vocal solo
Reece Macer, class B vocal solo
Kenzley Matchem, class C bari sax solo
Varsity Show Choir of Dani Arano, Lani-Kay Bailey, Eli Baker, Luis Bohorquez-Atencio, Madi Dawson, Annelise Garrison, Colbie Heinrich, Sarah Ireland, Reece Macer, Ty Marie McCleave, Violet Miller, Dane Perry, Justice Toothman, and Piper Wilson

Excellent ratings (Division I):

Dani Arano, class C vocal solo
Nicole Arano, class E trombone solo
Lani-Kay Bailey, class C vocal solo
Aryn Baker, class D alto sax solo
Dakota Banks, class D snare drum solo
Cade Belt, class E snare drum solo
June Bisby, class E trumpet solo
Aydan Boze, class C vocal solo
Aydan Boze, class C xylophone solo
Lexi Clendenin, class E clarinet solo
Alexis Clowers, class C vocal solo
Carly Dawson, class E flute solo
Madi Dawson, class B vocal solo
Madison Escobedo, class E clarinet solo
Annelise Garrison, class B clarinet solo
Annelise Garrison, class A vocal solo
Matalei Greer, class D clarinet solo
Jase Groves, class E clarinet solo
Karis Hadra, class C vocal solo
Karis Hadra, class E piano solo
Karis Hadra, class C trombone solo
Andrew Hagerty, class D alto sax solo
Andrew Hagerty, class E vocal solo
Anna Hall, class D clarinet solo
Anna Hall, class B vocal solo
Colbie Heinrich, class C snare drum solo
Riley Hocking, class E snare drum solo
Mackenzie Horton, class B vocal solo
Sarah Ireland, class C vocal solo
Chase Kleinschmidt, class E alto sax solo
Merced Lopez, class D vocal solo
Reece Macer, class C euphonium solo
Bryce Malone, class C tenor sax solo
Kinley Mandrell, class C clarinet solo
Kinley Mandrell, class B vocal solo
Abigail McBroom, class D alto sax solo
Abigail McBroom, class C vocal solo
Violet Miller, class B vocal solo
Brayden Mills, class E alto sax solo
Woodjinie Miracle, class E trombone solo
Chloe Moreno, class E clarinet solo
Tegan Oliver, class E alto sax solo
Brylee Patterson, class C vocal solo
Brynlynn Pierce, class E clarinet solo
Jaz Reavill, class D vocal solo
Greyson Roberts, class C trombone solo
Abigail Schwarzlose, class C alto sax solo
Nevaeh Schmitt, class D flute solo
Jayden Spencer, class E trombone solo
Alayna Swanson, class E clarinet solo
Justice Toothman, class B vocal solo
Cade Wilcox, class E alto sax solo
Piper Wilson, class A vocal solo
Piper Wilson, class C piano solo
Piper Wilson, class C xylophone solo

Good ratings (Division II):

Aydan Boze, class C snare drum, solo
Matalei Greer, class D vocal solo
Bryleigh Swatsley, class C trumpet solo

Convicted Felon Jailed Following Traffic Stop

On 3/06/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Alexander K. Sparks, age 32, of Princeton, Indiana for Unlawful Possession of Weapon by Felon following a traffic stop for a violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code in the 200 block of North Walnut Street.  During the stop, Officer Hopper and K-9 Eleven arrived on scene to conduct a free air narcotics sniff around the vehicle’s exterior.  Eleven alerted to the past or current odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle resulting in a search.  The search uncovered a knife with brass knuckles acting as the handle.  Sparks is a convicted felon and placed under arrest.  Sparks was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and later released on a Notice to Appear. 

Mt. Carmel Man Arrested After Trailer Park Incident

On 3/06/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Courtney D. Hicks, age 50, of Mt. Carmel, for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Violation of an Order of Protection following an incident at a trailer at the T.P. Trailer Park.  Officers were called to the scene to stand by while a female removed property from the trailer, which is occupied by Mr. Hicks.  Police learned that the female had obtained an order of protection earlier in the week against Hicks that had not been served.  A Wabash County Deputy arrived on scene and served Hicks the protective order.  While officers stood by for the property gathering, they observed a clear plastic bag of suspected methamphetamine along with a smoking device on Hicks’ nightstand.  The female had not been at the residence for several days and Hicks took ownership of the drug items, leading to his arrest.  Hicks was taken to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and released on a Notice to Appear.  After his release, Hicks returned to the same residence and violated the protective order.  Hicks was placed under arrest and taken back to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending a pre-trial detention determination by the court. 

Altercation With Ex-Boyfriend Leads To Arrest Of Mt. Carmel Woman

On 3/08/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Kylie A. Stone, age 21, of Mt. Carmel, for Domestic Battery following a physical dispute with her ex-boyfriend.  Police arrived at their residence in the 100 block of South Elm Street and found evidence to indicate that Stone had battered her ex during their argument.  Stone 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. 

Mt. Carmel Couple Arrested Following Incident At Eagles

On 3/09/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Stacy L. Stewart, age 52, of Mt. Carmel, for Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Battery to a Peace Officer as was her husband, Michael M. Stewart, age 53, of Mt. Carmel, for Possession of a Concealed Firearm While Under the Influence of Alcohol.  Prior to the arrest, officers responded to the Eagles to a report of an intoxicated Stacy Stewart battering another female patron by punching her in the right jaw area.  Upon arrival, officers made contact with the Stewarts in the parking lot.  Their investigation into the allegation was corroborated by additional witnesses.  A complaint was signed against Stacy resulting in her arrest.  Furthermore, officers discovered the Michael Stewart was carrying a concealed firearm while intoxicated on alcohol.  Michael was also placed under arrest at this time.  Both subjects were transported to the Wabash County Jail.  Upon arrival to the jail, Stacy kicked one of her boots at an officer, striking him in the leg.  Additionally, Stacy ripped off her necklace, throwing it into the officer’s face.  Michael was issued his charge and released on a Notice to Appear while Stacy was held pending a pre-trial detention determination by the court.  Mt. Carmel Police were assisted by the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office. 

Today Is Last Day To Pay Taxes & Keep Name Out Of Newspaper

Today is another important day when it comes to Wabash County property taxes. Today is the last day to pay your taxes and keep your name from being published in the newspaper as a delinquent taxpayer. Names will be published in next Friday’s paper. Also after next Friday, treasurer Angie Broster said her office will no longer accept personal checks to pay late taxes. She said Wednesday, March 20th is the last day to pay with a credit card to the website listed on the back of your tax bill. The tax sale will be Friday, April 5th in the court room. Broster said the third tax distribution to local taxing bodies will hopefully be sent out by May 1st. She said the second distribution of $2.7 million was sent on February 23rd.

Fire Officials Warn Against Outside Burning

As the weather warms up, you might be tempted to sit outside around a fire pit. But, Mt. Carmel Fire Commissioner says that might not be the best idea right now reporting the fire department had made 17 runs the last two weeks…

SUSAN ZIMMERMAN BE CAREFUL BURNING

 Zimmerman said there have been grass fires in the area that have spread to residential structures causing people to lose their homes.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered; Two Suspects Arrested

Vanderburgh County – Wednesday afternoon, March 6, at approximately 12:10 p.m., Master Trooper Michael Finney was patrolling the Lloyd Expressway on the east side when he received information a stolen red 2020 Hyundai Elantra with Tennessee plates was traveling east on the Lloyd Expressway from Weinbach Avenue. Finney spotted the vehicle in the Walmart parking lot located on the Lloyd Expressway at Burkhardt Road. A male and female were walking away from the vehicle. Master Trooper Finney instructed them to stop, but they continued to walk toward Walmart. The female was taken into custody without further incident while the male ran west toward Burkhardt Road. The female was identified as a 17-year-old from Owensboro, KY. The teen also had an arrest warrant out of Vanderburgh County. She was transported to the Vanderburgh County Youth Care Center for Receiving Stolen Property, a Level 6 Felony, and for her warrant.

Within a few minutes, Evansville Police located and arrested the male subject near Virginia Street and Kimber Lane. The male was identified as Gabriel Thomas, 22, of Montgomery, AL.  Thomas was transported to the Vanderburgh County Jail where he is currently being held on bond. Further investigation revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen from Nashville, TN, on March 4, 2024.

Arrested and Charges:

Gabriel Thomas, 22, Montgomery, AL

Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor

Theft, Receiving Stolen Property, Level 6 Felony

Arresting Officer: Master Trooper Michael Finney, Indiana State Police

Assisting Agency: Evansville Police

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

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE SQUAD CAR STRUCK BY DRIVER ON INTERSTATE 64

EAST SAINT LOUIS – On March 1, 2024, at approximately 11:53 p.m., Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a traffic crash involving an ISP trooper’s squad car that was hit by a motorist who failed to move over on Interstate 64 eastbound in the area of milepost 1.5, St. Clair County.

 On the above date and time, an ISP trooper was blocking the far-right lane of traffic on Interstate 64 eastbound near milepost 1.5 in St. Clair County due to a prior incident in that area.  The squad car was stationary with the emergency lights activated.  The trooper was inside the vehicle when it was struck on the driver’s side rear by a Buick Lacrosse.  The trooper was transported to an area hospital for the treatment of injuries and was released.  The driver of the Buick, 55-year-old Billie Snively of Belleville, IL., was uninjured and charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Improper Lane Usage, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident, and the Move Over Law – Failure to Yield to Stationary Emergency Vehicle.

 In 2022, ISP had 23 Move Over Law-related crashes where eight troopers sustained injuries. In 2023, ISP had 21 Move Over Law-related crashes; 2024, ISP has suffered 10 to date. ISP reminds the public that the Move Over Law requires all drivers to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with their emergency or hazard lights activated.   

 A person who violates the Move Over Law, commits a business offense and faces a fine of no less than $250 or more than $10,000 for a first offense.  If the violation results in injury to another person, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for a mandatory period of anywhere between six months and two years.  Additional information can be found at the following link: https://isp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/340d57cd956c453da2de25af804c268d  

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE LEADS ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING OPERATION

DANVILLE – The Illinois State Police (ISP) arrested five individuals during an anti-human trafficking operation in the Danville area. Beginning on February 28th, 2024, the ISP Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Trafficking Enforcement Bureau conducted a two-day operation focused on identifying individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts.   

As a result of the operation, each of the following individuals were arrested and charged with Indecent Solicitation/Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse of a Child (Class 3 Felony), Traveling to Meet a Child (Class 3 Felony), and Solicitation to Meet a Child (Class 4 Felony). In addition to those charges, Wagoner was also charged with Possession of Methamphetamine - Less Than 5 Grams (Class 3 Felony).

·       Salem K. Khan (37) – Cheektowaga, NY  

·       Brett A. Wright (42) – Danville, IL 

·       Eric H. Schmidt (46) – Lisle, 

·       Andrew M. Cravens (44) – Danville, IL 

·       Bradley J. Wagoner (46) – Westville, IL

This operation was part of a multifaceted approach by ISP aimed at stopping human trafficking in Illinois. Participating in the operation with ISP were the Vermillion County MEG, East Central Illinois Task Force, Task Force 6 personnel and Homeland Security Investigations. The Vermillion County State’s Attorney’s Office also provided support for the operation.   

If you suspect human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text *233733.  For more information visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org.  You can also email ISP.Crime.Tips@illinois.gov. 

Salem K. Khan (37) – Cheektowaga, NY  

     Brett A. Wright (42) – Danville, IL 

Eric H. Schmidt (46) – Lisle, IL

Andrew M. Cravens (44) – Danville, IL

Bradley J. Wagoner (46) – Westville, IL