With an influx of visitors expected in southern Illinois this weekend and Monday for the Eclipse, you would assume the state was doing all it can to help local communities cope. But that’s far from the case. In fact, Mayor Joe Judge said the assistance from the state, or lack thereof, has been striking…
Merchants Park will be the focal point for the Eclipse in Mt. Carmel on Monday with a variety of events planned.
On 4/06/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Jeri L. Glick, age 63, of Mt. Carmel for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol following a traffic stop in the 400 block of West 12th Street. Prior to the stop, the arresting officer observed a red Chevrolet commit multiple traffic violations in the area of 11th & Chestnut Street. When the officer made contact with the driver, identified as Glick, he suspected impairment from alcohol consumption. Glick submitted to a roadside sobriety check which provided several clues to indicate impairment. Glick was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was processed for DUI and later released on a Notice to Appear in court.
On 4/01/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Steven B. Foote, age 47, of Mt. Carmel for Domestic Battery following a domestic dispute at a residence in the 1100 block of Landes Street. Officers arrived to the scene and found evidence to indicate that Foote had battered his girlfriend by striking her in the face and by grabbing her arm to keep her from leaving, which was witnessed by another party. Foote was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged, processed and later released on pre-trial conditions.
Carquest Auto Parts announced a partnership to increase vehicle safety for local motorists in collaboration with Mt. Carmel Police Department and Wabash County Sheriff’s Office. The announcement was made Wednesday during a customer appreciation event at the Mt. Carmel Carquest location on 510 W. 9th Street.
As part of the program, the Carquest store team presented Mt. Carmel Police Chief Michael McWilliams and Wabash County Sheriff Derek Morgan each with a Carquest gift card donation totaling $500. When a motorist is stopped with an equipment violation such as a faulty headlight, taillight or other issue, their officers and deputies may issue a $25 Carquest gift card. Motorists can then use the gift card to repair their vehicle without incurring the cost of a citation.
“We are proud to be joining forces with local law enforcement on this partnership,” said Bob Hoeszle, owner of Carquest’s 9th Street Parts location. “As a family-owned auto parts store, we welcome the opportunity to assist fellow residents by helping keep them safe while on the road. We are grateful for the services that Mt. Carmel Police Department and Wabash County Sheriff’s Office provide, and we look forward to witnessing the impact that results from our work together.”
“This generous donation from Carquest couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Wabash County Sheriff, Derek Morgan. “With the consistently rising costs of virtually everything, we can help people fix their vehicle violations without causing a financial burden. This program allows us all to give back to the community.”
“When Carquest reached out to the Mt. Carmel Police Department with this wonderful idea, it was a no brainer,” said Mt. Carmel Chief of Police, Michael McWilliams. “Not only does it offer a gesture of goodwill to the community, it eases the economic hardship citizens face in the wake of increased basic living essentials cost.”
Brothers Bob and Larry Hoeszle have owned and operated the 9th Street Parts Carquest location since 2014. They transitioned into the auto parts business after years of managing local businesses. Larry spent over 35 years as a diesel technology instructor in the community, working with cars, trucks, heavy duty and agricultural equipment. As local business owners, the Hoeszles are committed to providing quality parts and expert advice to meet the diverse needs of Mt. Carmel and surrounding areas.
There’s still no decision on whether another Mt. Carmel business will be allowed to sell liquor. Family Dollar has applied to sell liquor at their new location at 9th and Walnut Street and their application was again on the agenda at this week's city council meeting. But, Joe Judge, who serves as the city’s liquor control commissioner, said he was again delaying a decision on the application because Family Dollar officials still haven’t submitted the required payment with the liquor license application. Judge also said the city needs to see the store’s design of where the alcohol would be sold. Judge said, until those two issues are settled, the application remains on hold.
Wabash County Commissioners have voted to close the courthouse for Eclipse Day on Monday. The decision came at their meeting this week after circuit clerk Angie Crum said other area courthouses would also be closed. But, Crum said there was another issue for commissioners to consider…
Mt. Carmel City Hall will also be closed Monday as will local schools.
The Wabash County tax sale is tomorrow morning at the courthouse and, as of Monday, treasurer Angie Brewster reported there were still 238 real estate tax bills that were delinquent. But, if you are delinquent on your property taxes, you have one last day to pay and that is today. But keep in mind if you are paying your taxes today, personal checks are no longer accepted as only cash, money order, or cashier’s check are being accepted. Payments may be made in person in the treasurer’s office or you can use the drop box in front of the courthouse. You can contact the treasurer’s office for the correct amount due with penalties tacked on. The tax sale starts tomorrow at 10am in the courtroom.
Wabash Area Development, Inc. (WADI), in coordination with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, through the Community Services Block Grant Program, announces the availability of one scholarship per county in the amount of $1,150.00 to be made available to income eligible students in each county of Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Saline, Wabash, Wayne and White for use during the 2024 - 2025 school year. High School seniors and college students are encouraged to apply. Completed applications should be returned to any WADI office by 5:00 p.m. May 2, 2024.
Four felony charges have been filed against former Mt. Carmel High School boy’s basketball coach Tyler Buss of Keensburg. On Monday, Wabash County State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman filed three Class 3 felony theft charges and one Class 3 felony forgery charge against the 34-year-old Buss who also served as assistant principal at Mt. Carmel Grade School. He resigned both positions last July citing health concerns and a desire to spend more time with family as the reasons for stepping down. In September, Mt. Carmel Police said an investigation was underway into financial issues into the Golden Aces basketball program.
In the three theft counts, Storckman alleges Buss took unauthorized control of between $500 and $10,000 in monies belonging to District #348 on July 23rd, 2021, December 31st, 2021, and August 18th, 2022. The forgery charge alleges Buss delivered to First National Bank a document purported to be an outstanding invoice from HUDL for $950 that Buss knew was altered.
MCPD Detective Eddie Johnson signed and attested to the charges filed Monday by Storckman following a Mt. Carmel Police Department investigation regarding allegations of the fraudulent use of funds involving the Wabash School District #348 boys' basketball program.
Under the Pre-trial Fairness Act these charges are non-detainable therefore Mr. Buss was served by the Wabash County Sheriff's Office with a summons with an initial court date scheduled for May 13th at 9 a.m.
On April 1, 2024, at 10:13 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Quinten Might went to the 100 block of East Caniff Court to investigate a disturbance. Upon arriving Deputy Might began an investigation into the incident. During Deputy Might’s investigation he had the scene photographed and spoke with all parties involved. As the investigation progressed Sgt. John Fischer spoke with the parties and found probable cause to take 28 year old Tyshawn Williams of South Bend into custody. Once Deputy Might’s and Sgt. Fischer’s investigation was completed Mr. Williams was transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Domestic Battery with a Prior Unrelated Conviction and Interfering In the Reporting of a Crime.
Assisting Deputy Might and Sgt. Fischer in their investigation was Deputies Wyatt Hunt and Logan Lashbrook as well as Princeton Officer Zach Strickland.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
