On April 16, 2024, at 3:45 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a single vehicle accident in the 2400 block of East State Road 64 near Princeton. The caller advised dispatch that the driver of the vehicle was last seen walking westbound on State Road 64 and gave a detailed clothing description.
Deputy Owens arrived on scene and began an accident investigation. During that investigation he determined that a Blue 2011 Ford F150 had left the roadway and struck a utility pole. Further during the investigation he was able to identify and locate the owners of the vehicle. While speaking to 47 year old Joshua Sokeland, a registered owner of the vehicle Deputy Owens found probable cause to take Mr. Sokeland into custody and transport him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with leaving the scene of an accident.
Assisting Deputy Owens in his investigation was Sgt. John Fischer and Deputy Eric Powell.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
IECC Board Of Trustees Recap
The Board of Trustees of the Illinois Eastern Community College District No. 529 met Tuesday night, April 16th at Olney Central College, Olney, Illinois.
The Student Affairs division provided a report on efforts and activities to provide support to students across the District. Holly O’Brien, Mental Health Specialist, informed the Board of the initiatives she has launched in her first months of employment.
The oath of office was administered to Jorri VanDyke, who was seated for a one-year term as student member of the Board of Trustees. A student at Olney Central College, she succeeds student trustee Guadalupe Amicone.
The Board approved the minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting held on March 19, 2024.
Affiliation agreements were approved with Rehab for Life and ProgressiveHealth Rehabilitation, Inc.
The Board waived the second reading and approved Policy 500.41 Student Attendance that formalizes IECC’s current practice related to student attendance. It establishes a clear framework for both students and faculty which will assist in preventing confusion or ambiguity about expectations regarding attendance and valid absences. The Board also waived the second reading and approved Policy 300.3 Auxiliary Enterprises Fund with modest changes.
A motion was passed by the Board to authorize administration to accept an offer on a parcel of land on Route 130 in Richland County. The Board had previously authorized administration to list the property for sale with a commercial broker.
Bid committee recommendations were approved for acceptance of the following bids:
• Walters Buildings for a total of $79,750 for the construction of the Frontier Community College Rotary Plaza Pavilion.
• Bahrns Toyota-Lift for a total of $32,800 for the purchase of a forklift for Frontier Community College.
• Eagleson Automotive Center for a total of $31,187 for the purchase of a 2023 or 2024 Chevrolet Bolt EV 2LT for Frontier Community College.
• Homes by Schuetz for a total of $148,500 for the construction of the Olney CentralCollege Theater Storage Building.
• Accu-Tech for a total of $86,073.28 for the Copper Wire Cable for Lincoln Trail College.
Personnel matters included the approval of the employment of Amy Drake as TRIO Upward Bound Counselor at Lincoln Trail College effective April 22, 2024; Jade Colclasure as TRIO Upward Bound Counselor at Wabash Valley College effective May 6, 2024; and Dan Brant as O&M Team Lead at Olney Central College effective April 22, 2024.
Change in employment status was approved for Kristie Markman from TRIO Student Support Specialist to TRIO Upward Bound Counselor at Olney Central College effective May 6, 2024. Changes in status for the following from Maintenance Worker to O&M Team Lead effective April 22, 2024 were also approved: Kent Staley at Frontier Community College, Christopher Ellington at Lincoln Trail College, Ernest Majors at Wabash Valley College, and Arron Brown at Terry L. Bruce/West Richland Center.
Approval of proposed non-college employment was approved for Amie Mayhall at McGraw Hill Higher Education.
The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 6:15 p.m. at Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL.
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF ‘OPERATION GREEN JACKET’ IN METRO EAST AREA
EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted Operation Green Jacket on April 9-11, 2024, in St. Clair and Madison counties, focusing its efforts on East St. Louis and neighboring Metro East communities. The operation utilized intelligence and technology to target known high crime areas, violent offenders, and structured criminal groups in the communities of the Metro East.
Operation Green Jacket Results
Arrests-16
Felony Charges-24
Criminal Charges-42
Firearm Related Charges-19
Firearms Seized-9
Controlled Substance Seized-474 grams
There were several notable events and arrests during the detail.
On April 9, 2024, troopers made a traffic stop in the area of Bond Avenue at 57th Street in Cahokia Heights where they found a loaded firearm and took the driver into custody.
On April 9, 2024, troopers made a traffic stop on a reported stolen vehicle. The vehicle stopped near 18th Street at Trendley Avenue in East St. Luous. The occupants fled on foot and troopers took three occupants into custody and recovered two firearms.
On April 10, 2024, troopers observed a vehicle crash in the area of Missouri Avenue and Collinsville Avenue in East St. Louis. The driver exited the vehicle and threw a firearm. The driver was taken into custody and the firearm was recovered.
On April 11, 2024, troopers made a traffic stop in the area of Douglas Avenue at 32nd Street in East St. Louis where they found a loaded firearm and took one occupant into custody.
More than 40 officers from around the state, including ISP Troops 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, ISP South Fatal Four Team, ISP Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6, ISP Public Safety Enforcement Group, and ISP Air Operations, joined forces with the ISP Special Operation Group Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement Unit for the multi-day operation. The ISP Firearms Investigations Unit provided additional support during the operational period.
ISP will continue to use all available resources, including air operations, technology, forensic services, investigators, increase patrols, and information sharing to combat violent crime.
"Fire Up Aces Fans" To Be Emblazoned On Roof Of Legends Fieldhouse
This month’s ribbon cutting and dedication of the new Legends Fieldhouse at Riverview Stadium was a big success, according to District #348 Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer. He told the school board Monday night that he has heard nothing but positive comments from those that visited the new facility including some from out of town residents. Bleyer said the adopt of a brick part of the project on Aces Plaza was a big success….
A couple of finishing touches remain on the building and that includes the installation of an ice machine in the concession portion and the placement of graphics on the roof that will read, “Fire Up Aces Fans”.
MCPD Chief Praises Community Generosity
Saturday night’s benefit for Katelynn Brown and her family was another big indication of how the community comes out and supports our neighbors in a time of need. At Monday’s city council meeting, police chief Mike McWilliams said the show of support was impressive…
Katelynn is a young mother of four and continues to battle invasive Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.
Wabash District #348 Personnel Matters
The District #348 school board acted on these personnel items at Monday night’s meeting.
Carmi PD Issues Stern Warning To Golf Cart/UTV Violators
The Carmi Police Department and Carmi City Hall continues to receive multiple complaints about the use of Golf Carts, Neighborhood Vehicles, and Recreational Off Highway Vehicles. These complaints range from crossing Main and Oak in the wrong places, driving down sidewalks, driving across private property, disobeying the rules of the road, underage drivers, no seatbelts used specifically for children, non registered or expired registrations. We have attempted to send letters to known violators that have been observed by the public via complaints, issue written and verbal warnings by Officers, and issue citations. Please find below the City Of Carmi Ordinance in it's entirety that Regulates the Usage of these Vehicles within the City of Carmi. Any questions about the Ordinance can be directed directly to Chief Carter or any Officer of the Carmi Police Department. You can call at 618-382-4633 or send an email with any questions to carmipolice@gmail.com.
6-6-1: DEFINITIONS:
A. Terms Defined:
CITY STREETS: Only those city streets designated on exhibit A attached to the ordinance codified herein and incorporated herein by reference, located within the boundaries of the city.
COUNTY ROADS: Include any roads outside the boundaries of the city limits.
GOLF CART: Defined in 625 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/1-123.9 and means a vehicle specifically designed and intended for the purposes of transporting one or more persons and their golf clubs or maintenance equipment while engaged in the playing of golf, supervising the play of golf, or maintaining the condition of the grounds on a public or private golf course. See also subsection B of this section.
NEIGHBORHOOD VEHICLE: A self-propelled, electric powered, four (4) wheeled motor vehicle (or a self-propelled, gasoline powered, 4 wheeled motor vehicle with an engine displacement under 1,200 cubic centimeters) that is capable of attaining in one mile a speed of more than twenty (20) miles per hour, but not more than twenty five (25) miles per hour, and which conforms to federal regulations under title 49 CFR part 571.500. See also subsection B of this section.
RECREATIONAL OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE: Shall be defined as provided in 625 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/1-168.8 and shall mean any motorized off highway device designed to travel primarily off highway, sixty four inches (64") or less in width, having a manufacturer's dry weight of two thousand (2,000) pounds or less, traveling on four (4) or more nonhighway tires, designed with a nonstraddle seat and a steering wheel for steering control, except equipment such as lawn mowers. See also subsection B of this section.
STATE ROADS: Include Illinois Route 1 and Illinois Route 14.
B. Exclusions: For purposes of this chapter, a "golf cart", a "recreational off highway vehicle" and a "neighborhood vehicle" specifically does not include all-terrain vehicles, off highway motorcycles and any other vehicle which is not described within the foregoing definitions of "golf carts", "neighborhood vehicles" or "recreational off highway vehicles". (Ord. 1461, 9-17-2012, eff. 9-27-2012)
6-6-2: REQUIREMENTS:
All persons operating a golf cart, neighborhood vehicle or recreational off highway vehicle on the designated streets of the city must comply with the following requirements:
A. Proof of ownership.
B. Proof of liability insurance.
C. Must display city registration on rear of vehicle.
D. Must be inspected by city police chief or his designated representative.
E. Must be equipped with seat belts, a windshield, horn, brakes, turn signals, a steering wheel apparatus, tires, a rearview mirror, red reflectorized warning devices in the rear, red reflectorized warning devices in front, a slow moving vehicle emblem on the rear of the vehicle , a headlight that emits a white light visible from a distance of five hundred feet (500') to the front, a taillamp that emits a red light visible from at least one hundred feet (100') from the rear, and brake lights. When operated on a roadway, a golf cart, neighborhood vehicle or a recreational off highway vehicle shall have its headlight and taillamps lighted.
F. Must obey all traffic laws of the state of Illinois and the city of Carmi.
G. Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
H. Can be driven on only those streets designated on exhibit A attached to the ordinance codified herein.
I. Must have a valid driver's license.
J. Must not exceed twenty five (25) miles per hour.
K. Crossing of state highways will only be allowed at Main and Main Cross Street, Main and Walnut Street, Main and Church Street, Main and Plum Street, and Oak and 7th Street.
L. Golf carts, neighborhood vehicles and recreational off highway vehicles shall not be operated in inclement weather nor when visibility is impaired by weather, smoke, fog, or other conditions, or at any time when there is insufficient light to clearly see persons and vehicles on the roadway at a distance of five hundred feet (500').
M. Each driver and passenger of a golf cart, neighborhood vehicle or recreational off highway vehicle shall wear a properly fastened and adjusted seat safety belt. Children must be secured in a child restraint system as required pursuant to the child passenger protection act.
N. A person who drives or is in actual physical control of a golf cart, neighborhood vehicle or recreational off highway vehicle on a roadway while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is subject to sections 11-500 through 11-502 of Illinois Compiled Statutes.
O. Golf carts, neighborhood vehicles and recreational off highway vehicles may not be operated on sidewalks or other public property not accessible to or authorized to vehicular traffic.
P. Golf carts, neighborhood vehicles or recreational off highway vehicles may not be operated on streets and highways and roads under the jurisdiction of the Illinois department of transportation (Illinois Routes 1 and 14) or the county highway department.
Q. Anyone in paid status as a camper at the city campground in Burrell's Woods may, at their own risk operate a golf cart in the camping area only. As persons camping may be from outside the Carmi area, and may have no desire to operate a golf cart outside the campground location, no registration would be required. Any roadway in the city property of Burrell's Woods would be restricted to registered vehicles, just as any other city street. (Ord. 1461, 9-17-2012, eff. 9-27-2012)
6-6-3: PERMITS:
A. No person shall operate a motorized golf cart, neighborhood vehicle or a recreational off highway vehicle without obtaining a permit from the city clerk as provided herein. Permits shall be granted for a period of one year, January to December, and may be renewed annually. The cost of a permit is thirty five dollars ($35.00). Insurance coverage is to be verified in effect by the city clerk when renewing the permits.
B. Every application for a permit shall be made on a form supplied by the city and shall contain the following information:
1. The name and address of applicant.
2. Name of liability insurance carrier.
3. The serial number, make, model and description of the golf cart, neighborhood vehicle or recreational off highway vehicle.
4. Proof of ownership.
5. Signed waiver of liability by applicant releasing the city from any and all future claims resulting from the operation of their golf cart, neighborhood vehicle or recreational off highway vehicle pursuant to this chapter or any other ordinance of the city of Carmi.
6. Photostatic copy of applicable liability insurance coverage card specifically for the golf cart, neighborhood vehicle or recreational off highway vehicle to be operated on city streets.
7. Such other information as the city may require.
C. No permit shall be granted unless the following conditions are met:
1. The golf cart, neighborhood vehicle or recreational off highway vehicle must be inspected by the chief of police (or designee) to ensure that the vehicle is safe to operate on city streets and is in compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
2. Any handicapped applicant must submit a certificate signed by a physician that he is a handicapped applicant and is able to safely operate a motorized golf cart, neighborhood vehicle or recreational off highway vehicle on the roadways designated.
3. The applicant must provide evidence of insurance in compliance with the provisions of Illinois statutes regarding minimum liability insurance for passenger motor vehicles to be operated on the roads of the state of Illinois.
D. A golf cart, neighborhood vehicle or recreational off highway vehicle will be allowed to be driven to the police department to have the vehicle inspected and permitted, if the requestor has called ahead and arranged with the chief of police (or designee) a specific meeting time. (Ord. 1461, 9-17-2012, eff. 9-27-2012)
6-6-4: ENFORCEMENT:
A. The city may suspend or revoke a permit granted hereunder upon a finding that the holder thereof has violated any of the provisions of this chapter or if there is evidence that the permit holder cannot safely operate the motorized golf cart, neighborhood vehicle or recreational off highway vehicle on the designated roadways.
B. Every person operating a golf cart, neighborhood vehicle or recreational off highway vehicle pursuant to permit hereunder on designated city streets has all the rights and duties applicable to a driver of any other vehicle pursuant to the state highway traffic laws and regulations except when those provisions cannot reasonably be applied to motorized golf carts, neighborhood vehicles or recreational off highway vehicles.
C. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall upon conviction be subject to a fine of not less than seventy five dollars ($75.00) nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) and the costs of prosecution. A second conviction shall result in suspension of permit, to be reinstated only by the city council.
D. Upon conviction of operating a golf cart, neighborhood vehicle or recreational off highway vehicle on a state highway, other than crossing at the designated locations, shall result in a fine no less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) plus court costs. A first conviction shall result in the suspension of permit for the remainder of the calendar year. (Ord. 1461, 9-17-2012, eff. 9-27-2012)
Complaint Leads To Another Delay On 9th Street Resurfacing Project
Motorists who have been waiting for years for 9th Street in Mt. Carmel to be repaved will have to wait even longer. The Illinois Department of Transportation had planned to let bids on the project in June with work slated to start this summer. But on Friday's "Ask The Mayor" segment on WSJD, a disappointed Mayor Joe Judge said there's been another delay centering on the traffic lights along 9th Street...
And when the new traffic lights are installed, motorists will see a big difference when making a left turn...
If there is a silver lining, Judge said the state has agreed to waive the city's 10% share of the traffic light project.
With all of the delays, Judge would not offer a guess as to when the 9th Street would go to bid...
Judge said the state admits that 9th Street in Mt. Carmel is the worst stretch of road within the DOT's Effingham district. At their meeting two weeks ago, the city council approved spending $112,500 which is the city's share of the $6.5 million project. Judge said back in 2017 when the project was first introduced, the city's share would have been only $88,200. Motor Fuel Tax funds are being used to pay for the city's share of the work. When work eventually begins, the state estimates it will take a full year to complete since extensive sidewalk work is also part of the project.
City Officials Recap Mt. Carmel's Eclipse Experience
Yesterday’s Mt. Carmel City Council meeting was the first one since last week’s eclipse and Mayor Joe Judge said the city’s handling of the big event went off without a hitch…
Airport manager Luis Garcia said 56 planes flew into the airport to witness the eclipse. He said an additional 45 cars drove in for the big event making the airport the hub of activity for the city. He said $3,100 in fuel sales were made during last Monday’s eclipse.
Keensburg Storm Siren Down
With severe weather a possibility the next couple of days, Wabash County EMA Director Mark Majors reports that the storm siren in Keensburg is down and inoperable. He said parts have been ordered and will be installed once they’re delivered. Wabash County is covered by a total of six storms with three of them in the city of Mt. Carmel and the other three are in the county. Residents in Keensburg should not rely on the storm sirens until further notice and have another way to receive severe weather warnings.